"Embracing the Adventure" (Philippians 1:12-14 & Acts 28:16-31)

Prelude

We can often have a negative reaction to sharing our faith in Jesus. What will they think? Will I be rejected? Will I be embarrassed? How will I respond to their questions? Does my life stack up?

And we can react defensively when sharing faith seems to be against the tide, or seems to sit strangely within the environment we are in … perhaps being under the perceived pressure of possible personal attack. We would rather it be easier to share our faith – and sometimes we want others, including governing authorities, to make it easier for us.

To answer the first point … about any nervousness – we should be seeking to grow in such a way that we don’t have to think about sharing Jesus or witnessing to Jesus – because it just happens naturally, as a matter of course. We are so enthralled by, and committed to, Jesus, it just happens. If our testimony is accepted – fantastic! If our faith is rejected, and we have done our best in presenting Jesus in the most favourable of lights – so be it! We are NOT accountable for the results – only for sowing the seeds.

To answer the second point … about any defensiveness – the Gospel has always made greater gains in times of discomfort rather than ease, in times of persecution rather than cultural acceptance. The Gospel has tended to lose its edge when it comes into the mainstream. It easily becomes sanitised, and the radical need for repentance and being born again gets lost. The early church was successful in sharing the Gospel against the tide, as Paul points out in his letter to the Philippians.

Introduction

The possibilities of nervousness and defensiveness are addressed as we listen to Paul. Paul had complete victory over any fear or defeatism. Paul, following a radical conversion … from enemy of the Gospel to its chief proponent, became so transformed that his very life spoke about Jesus. And, as Paul attracts opposition (from those who would resist the Gospel message), he continues undeterred in effectively sharing the name of Jesus. In so doing, and in so BEING, Paul gains a whole lot of interest for the Gospel.

Paul embraces the adventure of sharing the good news about Jesus, to both Jew and Gentile, through whatever circumstances he finds himself in. Paul sees that each situation he is in, no matter how difficult, as a God-given opportunity to make some ground for the Kingdom of God. Paul’s level of faith-sharing never wavered under severe testing – it actually brought an even greater contrast to the broken ways of the world. The darker it got, the brighter Paul shone. This is why Paul NEVER lamented his circumstances.

Paul actually saw his imprisonment in Rome as a positive – Phil 1:12 – “… what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel”. We see this happen in sometimes very unexpected ways. We shall see shortly (from Acts 28 e.g. v 22), that when the Gospel was being spoken against in some quarters, this gave Paul all the more opportunity to speak for it! Circumstances should NOT be relevant – we should NOT let them define us or divert us – we just live for Jesus, come what may. And lest we think this too idealistic – this is how Paul went about it, as have many great Christian saints and martyrs over the centuries.

It’s NOT that you want persecution, or feel superior by persecution, it’s just that what comes … is what comes! We should NEVER allow nervousness or fear or defensiveness or defeatism in the door! We have the Holy Spirit!! Victory will be ours in Christ!!! The means by which we share Jesus … alter as different situations arise; and methods change (as God reveals them to us) – while the Gospel remains the most powerful message of hope in the world!

Paul’s Circumstances (Acts 28:16-31)

We should also read through the incident likely lying behind these words in Philippians (that’s in Acts 28).

Due to various agenda-ridden concerns over the direction of Paul’s message, and trumped-up charges pending against him, Paul was placed under house-arrest, and was closely guarded (lest he step out of line), likely chained by the wrist (Acts 28:16,20). Paul had NO freedom of movement. You could easily see the down-side of this. Yet there was never a sense that Paul was worried about this perceived lack of freedom. Let’s look at this another way! Paul, being restricted to home, was able to regularly receive visitors, and have people coming and going … interested as to why this man had caused such a stir. Why was this man’s message such a threat (especially to the religious and civil ruling authorities)?!

There would likely be curiosity and strong interest in Rome … why this well-reasoned man was attracting such opposition to his ideas. The fact that Paul (and his unique message) had attracted opposition, actually opened a door of opportunity! And plenty came (28:23) – just imagine the great discussions to-and-fro there would have been. And many responded to the good sense and truth in Paul’s words – there were people who were “convinced by what he had said” (28:24a). At the very least, this means some wanted to know more, and at the very best, some became ‘converts’. Some were certainly now on a good path towards faith. Yes, some didn’t believe – but that is always the case. The exciting thing is that … there were new believers.

And Paul didn’t bother defending himself, nor the “sect” as it was known, but rather just talked about Jesus and His Kingdom. No … Paul was NOT worried about his lack of freedom – for he sensed that he was where God wanted him to be. Paul’s central concern was being faithful to the Gospel – he was in chains in the service of Christ Jesus. Paul was always looking for new adventures of faith. Paul was so far out of any comfort zone – no comfort zone even existed anymore. Paul was out on a limb, and simply on fire for Jesus. Paul had been saved from his past religious slavery … simply into a love affair with Jesus! Paul would stand with Jesus, no matter what! And the faithful way in which he dealt with his unjust punishment … was very impressive indeed!

Paul’s positive attitude to his situation … spoke heaps about his relationship with Jesus!! This is a lesson to us … that the sharing of the Gospel should NOT be restricted to only when things are going well. In fact, finding authentic ways to share the Gospel message under suffering, is actually far more powerful than when life is easy. Yes, times can be tough, but we are seeing how God is entering our suffering, and how God is gently nurturing our way forward in being effective people in His service. Old time commentator G Campbell Morgan talked about how adverse conditions can be the allies of our soul (and ministers of victory) in the hands of God.

As mentioned, it is likely that Paul was chained (perhaps loosely) to a single guard … who would be on a four-hour shift. Think about this another way! This guard would be chained to Paul for a four-hour period!!! And then another guard would take over. There would be a revolving and repeating roster of guards … who would have no choice but to listen to Paul. Paul could be chained, but the Gospel COULD NOT! It was actually Paul who had the captive audience!! Paul may have looked forward to the return of particular guards who had shown some particular interest or had responded in certain ways. Paul may have also looked forward to the possibility of a new guard being assigned to him. And we are told … that this went on for at least two years (28:30).

Paul’s Results (Philippians 1:12-14)

Paul reflects on the results of this back in Philippians chapter 1 at verse 12 onwards –  “… what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, SO THAT IT HAS BECOME KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE IMPERIAL GUARD and to everyone else …”. It seems certain that, as some of the guards … Paul actually refers to “the whole imperial guard” … accepted the Gospel message, it also spread, through them, to their wider circle, and then further throughout Rome (Phil 4:22, Acts 28:28).

Such was the power of all this – so many came to understand, in the face of his persecution, that this was far from pointless, for Paul was imprisoned in the service of the Jesus of whom he spoke. And there was a further outcome, at least equally significant – in verse 14. Paul’s positive attitude and life-orientation had served to embolden all the other Christians. Whereas other believers may naturally have become discouraged by Paul’s arrest and ongoing imprisonment – the opposite had actually happened!

Just in the way the beginning of verse 12 is phrased – “I want you to know …”, suggests that Paul was wanting to clear up a possible misunderstanding. The church in Philippi may have had very negative feelings about the implication of Paul’s imprisonment for them – they could have seen this as a major setback. Yet, that is ONLY how it looked – not how it was! Paul was very keen to say that his imprisonment was NOT a reason to retreat – quite the contrary!!

There was purpose to be found behind this situation. This imprisonment had NOT been detrimental, but rather advantageous to the Gospel – NOT a disaster, but a plus! The believers in Rome were on fire for Jesus! They too (v 14), following Paul’s example, were confidently spreading the Word. Now, the believers in Philippi could do the same!

We can look at the signs … and fear and defeatism can build. Or, we can be that sort of community where we embolden each other (through encouragement and example) … in our positive life journey of living and sharing Jesus!

Conclusion

We need to allow God’s Spirit to build Jesus so strongly into us … that all fear (of other people’s contrary views) … disappears, and any defeatism (about how the world is going) … is silenced. This DOESN’T mean we become, in any way, insensitive to the great variety of stories out there, through which there is a great struggle around issues of faith. Certainly we listen first, and pray next – but we surely also keep the lines of sharing open. This simply means we fully own who we are in our own Jesus-following life … and live that out in the public gaze.

Sometimes this means coping with, and excelling through, the opposing barbs of people who are quite close to us (very close to us). This can be quite painful. Sometimes we have to keep following Jesus … when others think we are mad. In this we are in good company; for many in Jesus’ own family circle, and in his own hometown of Nazareth … thought, during the early stages of his ministry, that he was mad (Mark 3:19b-35)!

Postscript

The Book of Acts dramatically closes with this emphatic statement of the ongoing witness to Jesus. Paul spoke with “boldness”. How might we understand “boldness”? Confidently, courageously, clear, open, unobscured, thoroughly in the truth; publicly, without fear of consequences. And in this there was NO hindrance!! NO effective obstacle! This was a winning message!! The Holy Spirit was at work, such that no circumstances could repel the Gospel as it was shared with “boldness”. And, in a way, at the end of Acts, the ball has been passed to future generations of missionaries.

Where there are let-downs, failed experiments, false hopes, broken promises, and unmet expectations … everywhere – people will still respond to a positive, grace-filled, truth-filled, clear expression of good news. People are searching, and will be prepared to travel on a path paved with hope, sincerity and friendship … towards the greatest of discoveries. The Holy Spirit is working, opening doors, providing opportunities, blessing “bold” expressions of faith. Let’s fully embrace the adventure! We are all part of Acts chapter 29. And the Gospel will NOT be thwarted. Amen!

"Our Daily Bread" (Matthew 6:11)

Prelude

Last week I commenced by suggesting that we should leave our frustrations and disappointments with last year in last year. This is because there is so much to embrace this year … that will contribute to the work of art that God is seeking to paint – both in our lives individually, and in our lives together in the church. If we only look back, we don’t clearly see our way forward. As Nancy Guthrie writes, “Do you want to settle for staying where you are, or do you long for more faith adventures with God”?

Introduction

Here is my verse for the new year – hear my prayer for this new year – “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). This is part of Jesus’ model prayer, part of the answer Jesus gave when he was asked by his disciples to teach them how to pray. As such, this is NOT so much a request for actual “bread”, but more so a statement of trust that God will provide for our needs. In praying these words, we feel secure in God’s level of care for us.

Yet we don’t take this for granted – making the request, knowing that God will supply our needs, opens the path toward further expressions of gratitude. In this, as this is a daily attitude, we see each new day as an opportunity for some fresh experience of God’s goodness to us. "Give us this day our daily bread": this is the prayer of someone who wants to live simply, one day at a time, and depend upon God in the same way as Jesus depended upon God.

For those of us who have the resources to begin to think they are self-sufficient – here is a challenge. This is a prayer to help re-ground and re-focus us … in an understanding of the real source of all life’s resources; and, as we shall see, our responsibility to share them. We shall also see that the ultimate “bread” is NOT the bread we eat, but rather, actually, the words that come from the mouth of God.

Text

This verse could be translated, “Give us today our bread for tomorrow”. This reflects the Palestinian practice of baking tomorrow’s bread today, but NOT being concerned beyond that (because God will have that covered). As God has surely provided our “bread” each day, our simple request is for that to be repeated on a daily basis – no more than that! This also represents the real life precarious situation of many people in Jesus’ day, who would need to gain work … if they were going to put tomorrow’s bread on the table.

This again shows that all blessings including employment (and, in our time, social welfare) have their origin in God’s bounty. For those with 'plenty' … for those without such material concerns, with ample supplies in their pantry - Jesus criticised (on another occasion) stock-piling of goods as faithless, preferring that any excess resources were given away. [It is in this giving away of excess, that the outcome of everyone receiving their daily bread can be achieved.] This all is intended towards us building our surety in God on a day-to-day basis, rather than only calling on God when certain needs happen to occur.

God wants us to be free from worry on the one hand, and free from alternative points of reliance on the other. God wants us to be free from all complications that would block us from trusting Him, growing in relationships with others, being involved in community-building activities, and serving the needs around us. We need to develop a good and healthy balance between wise planning and trusting God (in the unknown future).

Nancy Guthrie writes, “God wants to change what we want; [God] wants to free us from the tyranny of wanting what will never completely satisfy us”. 

So, with all this in mind, how can we fairly define or understand what is meant by “bread” here?

“Bread” itself, being a staple food, represents basic everyday needs or necessities, rather than luxuries or simple desires. So we might extend the word “bread” here to also represent: shelter, basic clothing, and access to health-care, and then adequate employment, and the level of education that makes gaining work possible. Where work isn’t possible, for a variety of reasons – to other means of financial support. This definition of “bread” could extend to some access to transport – but NOT too much further.

Yet, if we think about life ‘staples’ … we could also fairly add: companionship, encouragement and friendship – being necessities to a life with well-being. Dr Allan Meyer teaches, in Careforce Lifekeys programs, that the most important things human beings need are: acceptance, value and belonging. I will soon go on myself … to include the things of the Spirit … as the most important understanding of the “bread” we need every day.

The Shared Loaf

That the prayer here is about “our” bread, again reminds us that we don’t live as disconnected individuals, but rather as families, churches and communities, where resources, especially the necessities, are (or should be) shared. God is often blamed for the starving masses, where we actually know that, in this world, there is NOT a supply problem, but rather a distribution problem. The request for “our” bread, means that we are equally concerned for everyone else’s need for particular forms of “bread”.

Spiritual Bread

What I have been leading up to, is … I think we can fairly extend “bread” here … to ‘spiritual bread’. The things of the Spirit are just as, if not more important than, physical sustenance. After all, when famished in the desert, Jesus was offered physical bread by the devil – Jesus said, “Man shall NOT live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). And when Jesus is teaching about who he is (in John’s Gospel), we hear him say, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35).

So actually, God himself is the destination of our search for “bread”. It’s NOT so much that God gives bread – but that God IS the “bread”, and offers us Jesus. Jesus is WHO we need most! So now we read and pray these words a bit differently – “Give us this day our daily BREAD”!! "Give us this day our daily JESUS!! We need to be open for what God has for us today. What can we learn? How can we grow? Where can we be healed? John 6:35 … “I am the Bread of Life – whoever comes to me will never be hungry”. Lovers of good bread … may appreciate this analogy. 

“Jesus is the answer to all our needs – our calling is to know him, explore him, enjoy him, experience him, and then share him” (Frank Viola via Bob Dudley). This is all about engaging with Jesus, and engaging with everything that happens in a day … as if there is something to learn. Each day affords an experience or two that we can grow through and take forward. God is wanting to show us something.

A False Reliance

Just like we might improperly rely on that over-full pantry, we too often might rely on the things we have learnt in the past, as if there is nothing more to learn – thereby missing a whole lot of new insights. We should be on that daily routine of seeking today’s bread for tomorrow’s use! Are we only relying on old (sometimes outdated) information? This is like the food that is stored for too long, or under the wrong conditions, and it just goes off! That’s why we only want the food for the next 24 hours!

Are we only applying failed old solutions to our old and ongoing problems?! We need new solutions! Are we relying on certain old rituals or routines or retreats … that are actually powerless to work well for us today? Do we fail to interact with the new and exciting, because we are stuck in the old and worn. As Jesus says, new wine … requires new wineskins. Is the reason why we find life so challenging … is because we are seeking the answers in the wrong places?! In so doing, we would likely miss what God is saying to us today – to nourish us in light of today’s problems.

We “daily” need the truth that comes from “the mouth of God”. This might be exactly the ‘word’ we need to sustain us. Someone, especially a good trustworthy truth-teller, may have something we need to hear – maybe helping us with a ‘blind-spot’. Or, if our eyes are sufficiently open, we will likely see something that turns a particular difficult situation right around! “Give us this day our daily bread” – that which interacts with today’s problem … for tomorrow’s benefit!

The Mouth of God

God speaks most assuredly and most often through the Bible – that why is we call it God’s Word. There are so many resources for today’s living in the Bible – and God continues to speak freshly through it each day. There is much more light and truth to emerge from God’s Word … as we give ourselves to it, and spend time in it. And we don’t want to be blocked by how we have always understood a particular passage – there may just be something new to be seen and applied.

We need to dig deeply below the surface. Yet, sometimes our bible study is fairly minimalist – maybe just a dutiful surface reading – maybe only for reassurance, thereby missing the challenge or the full impact. But the answers are there to the biggest problems, counteracting some of the lies we may have previously accepted. You can actually break down the teaching of Jesus into very practical ways of going about life – giving us the basic forms and patterns for living … in the most satisfying and productive of ways.

It’s amazing how you can read a passage, even one you have read many times before, and discover a new way that it speaks, seemingly uniquely, into your life right now. Yet this opportunity is too often sadly ignored. When Jesus looked down at Jerusalem from a distance, he wept over this city, because they had ignored and missed their opportunity of feeding from the ‘Bread of Life’ (Luke 19:41-44). We can carry on endlessly talking about our problems and get nowhere, or, we can delve into the Word of God for significant life-changing answers.

Nancy Guthrie again: “Most of us come to the Word of God looking for advice to help us fix ourselves up a little, only to discover that God wants to do something far more dramatic and intense. [God] wants to penetrate the dark corners of our inner lives, and deal with the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts – to transform us into a people who radiate his beauty and grace”. {The One Year Book of Hope}.

The Bible is a living guidebook … that travels our journey with us!!! Again, because we are concerned with “our” bread, we are equally concerned for the spiritual needs and growth of those who we are in community with in the church. That is why the most important dynamic in the church is … ? … encouragement, which when combined with forgiveness, can make for a pretty special community (full of light and transformation).

Conclusion

“Give us this day our daily bread” – this means dwelling in the day with God, recognising God’s presence in certain happenings, seeing each day as a gift, and, looking to see how this day brings good fuel for the next day. Let us never get stuck!! Every day we need something new … to keep us moving forward toward healing, and maturing into the image of Jesus. God is waiting to give you what you need to enter your best future! Amen!!

"Masterpieces in Progress" (Ephesians 2:4-10)

Introduction

We can carry a whole lot of frustrations and disappointments from an old year into a new year (with others and ourselves), but it's probably a good idea if we don't. When I read the following quote, and reflect on Ephesians 2:4-10, I'm persuaded to leave my frustrations and disappointments behind, and look for the positivity, hope and possibility of the new year. 

Here’s a quote from Rob Wegner:

"Every disciple is a unique, handcrafted-by-God vessel for expressing the fullness of Jesus. Every follower of Jesus is made to be the unique masterpiece God designed them to be within the context of a healthy, biblical community of faith."

Can we think of ourselves as masterpieces in progress? What is our next step toward being so??

We can think of a sportsperson or an artist, and we see their early performances or work, and we can just see how great they are going to become. Australian cricketer Pat Cummins is surely an example of this - early potential and success followed by a long period of injury, prior to his recent meritorious success. God says that our lives have the potential of being masterpieces as we grow into our potential – the potential God put there in the first place. This happens, in reality, as we more and more express the fullness of Jesus – which means living in the ways of Jesus. This, in turn, happens as we more and more abide in Jesus (within the community of faith).

I grew up in the sort of theological environment that often talked about how I was a miserable sinner. But this was only part of the story – and this was very redeemable. The New Testament certainly has another story to tell. Once we are touched by God’s grace, and we start to follow Jesus as our master and teacher … we are on the way to becoming unique works of art! Being a ‘sinner’ is actually the launching pad from which beauty can come out of the ashes.

As we look at this quote, and recall our passage from Ephesians 2 (especially verse 10), there are various points to make.

1. We Were Created With Great Intent

God brought us into being to have a relationship with Him. God, in the creation of the world, was broadening the community that already existed (Father, Son & Spirit) … for the purposes of investing His love in other beings, and having this returned. There was also a strong intention that this level of relational love … would be paid forward across communities in human relationships. As Leonard Wolcott put it, “God made us to carry out His goodness”. From the dawn of creation, as God appointed us ‘stewards’ of everything He made, God points to the world around us, that we might love as He has loved.

2. God Has Done All The Initial Groundwork

Though humanity has failed, and reaped the consequences of rebellion, God has NOT changed plans NOR lost hope. God continues the search for disciples, and made an ultimate sacrifice in the quest for masterpieces who could reach their potential. As we read our text from Ephesians (2:4-10), we see that the beginnings of each masterpiece happen … when we are met by grace. Our brokenness and rebellion from God … is met by an offer of mercy and forgiveness by God. As we, in faith, accept this free gift, everything changes.

We accept what Jesus has done for us, we begin on a new path. Where we previously did our own thing, we now to defer to the ways of Jesus. Where we previously had NO accountability to anyone, we now voluntarily become accountable to brothers and sisters in the church. Where we were previously limited to our human abilities (and confined by certain limitations), we now have access to the Holy Spirit … through whom we gain new gifts, new effectiveness, new capacity to be part of a team. We are a masterpiece in progress!

3. We Have Become A New Creation with Purpose

Verse 10 shows where we are now heading. We start to re-claim the perfection in which we were created (in the image of God); we clearly recognise that where we have fallen short has been remedied at the cross and at the open tomb of the resurrected Jesus; we understand that we are being re-created in that image of Jesus through God’s Spirit; and, we acknowledge that we are being returned to the purposes for which we were created in the first place. And that purpose is here given as … “good works” – which can be categorised as ‘acts of love’.

Clearly our mindset should NOT be ‘eternal heavenly bliss’ nor ‘luxurious inward experience’, but rather “good works”. We are saved by grace, a gift which has been accepted through faith – which will now be activated and proved in “good works”. As Luther wrote: “Faith is a living restless thing: it cannot be inoperative; we are not saved by works, but if there are no works, there must be something amiss with [our] faith”. Good works prove faith. Good work, sometimes costly service, demonstrates faith.

4. We Are Being Mobilised For Good Works

The “good works” that God planned beforehand for us – are to be our way of life. Having moved from death to life, through God’s grace, we have been renewed and equipped to fulfil our purpose. And as we embrace this … we are masterpieces in progress. The NLT of verse 10 reads: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”. So heads up, you’re a masterpiece in progress!!

And so the motivation toward doing good works … now comes from the right place. Our motivation comes from the heart of God, i.e. God’s love for us, our love for God, and the fullness of Jesus now, increasingly so, operating within us. It is NO longer a matter of guilt … that we should do good works; for any guilt we have for doing the wrong thing, or failing to do the right thing, has been lifted off us … so that we become free to act out of uncomplicated love.

It is also NO longer a matter of obligation … acts of love simply become a free-moving-part of who we are becoming. We should NOT be motivating people toward service through obligation or guilt (as if they owe something), but rather, be encouraging people to service … because they know Jesus, and want to naturally respond to the brokenness around them. In other words, rather than being under undue external pressure, good works should derive from a natural and progressive outflow from a relationship with Jesus.

Having said that – if we find ourselves resistant to what would normally be considered a fairly normal area of service, we may have to look deeply into why, and whether this is saying something about the seriousness of our response to Jesus. As the letter of James would clearly remind us … faith without works can be seriously questioned.

But remember – it’s NOT about guilt; service and ministry to others … is all about love!! We see a person, or a family, or relationships within a community, or this nation, or the world as a whole … in a downward spiral – and because we know Jesus, and the fullness of his love, we are prompted to respond … in some positive way.

5. These Good Works Were Prepared Beforehand

I think verse 10 is really talking about “good works” being, generally speaking, the way we do life – our general attitude. As we journey through life we just do good. This was God’s creative plan for us, that, although interrupted for a period of time, has been re-established through our reception of God’s grace – both in the sense of forgiveness, and also in the sense of Holy Spirit giftedness. The road on which good works can travel has already been built. Now, we serve, as a natural regular course of action!

However, I think there is room to move in translation here – where we could consider that there are particular “good works” God had in mind for us (a long time ago) … to be completed today. So, it might be good for us to think what these “good works”, in very particular terms, could be!? A person, a cause, an issue, some level of conflict or disruption that needs healing, a word of encouragement, a practical expression of love – what is it – what could it be?! We could have been carefully fashioned for particular moments of care.

Whereas we all have the great and general commission to be witnesses and make disciples, building the church and loving our neighbour – within this there would be very unique and particular roles for us to play. NOT that we would take these on alone, but rather see this as part of our corporate adventure together. I do this, you do that – we pray for each other!

We should refer again to our Wegner quote -"Every disciple is a unique, handcrafted-by-God vessel for expressing the fullness of Jesus. Every follower of Jesus is made to be the unique masterpiece God designed them to be within the context of a healthy, biblical community of faith."

God has known forever, who our neighbours would be today … and what their needs would be. God has known for a long time, where the gaps of service are in our community. God knew even before we started our current job, who our colleagues would be. And as we talked about recently, God is always preparing the way, and equipping His people.

Conclusion

We are God’s workmanship through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are God’s handiwork – becoming more like Jesus every day. God’s hands are at the potter’s wheel … shaping us. We are masterpieces in progress.

The painting that is our life, is starting to show a promising form. Sometimes the brushwork gets stalled, because we get bogged down in the past. We need to throw off any shame that still inhibits us, and that we can be tricked into dwelling in. The forgiveness of God is flowing our way … along the highway of mercy, and we should be claiming our victory in Jesus.

We are masterpieces in progress!

Christmas Day Message

For me the greatest news around Christmas time, is that, no matter what, God is with us. And surely, given all the complexity, difficulty, loss and trauma (close to hand and across the world) that we have endured in 2018, it is indeed good news to know that – God is with us. This should surely change the lens through which we view everything … and also how we react to everything! And we know, here, from our recent look into Hebrews, that God is with us especially in any times of suffering. The God who is with us, is truly with us, because this God enters into our pain. Through all of this, there is a way in which our more challenging times are likely to produce more faith and growth than our comfortable times.

The fact that “God is with us” indicates that God is personal and relational. Whereas the world may think that it cannot see God, the world has had God living within it. In a way, many in the world still search for God, when God has already found us – if we were just to recognise this! Jesus, the Son of God, member of God’s divine community of three, left heaven behind to enter the world. Christmas reminds us that, because we and all creation are so highly loved and valued, God came as a human in the person of Jesus. And while Jesus didn’t come in our time, but rather 20 centuries ago, we have records of Jesus’ life – how he lived and the impact he made.

From beginning to end, the Gospels tell of how “God is with us”. And the story goes on from there – as many millions have encountered Jesus and followed him, based on the change he has brought … through his sacrificial service on the cross, and the death-defying open tomb. This was NOT just an everyday common life – Jesus brought light into darkness, hope into despair, and life where there was only death. The Gospel of Matthew begins with an assurance to Joseph (and to us) … that God has entered our neighbourhood, and ends with a promise that this act of personal human identification can continue – as Jesus says to his disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (28:20b).

Each Gospel writer is keen to show that every positive thought, intention and promise delivered in Old Testament times, and seen in the Hebrew Scriptures, has culminated (and been fulfilled) in the coming of Jesus to earth. This is God’s BIG and only response to our need for compassion, forgiveness and salvation. Jesus was and IS God’s rescue plan to reclaim humanity, inaugurate God’s Kingdom, and see the barriers between heaven and earth diminish. We might pause to admit, that we have a long way to go. We might debate whether we are in better or worse shape than we have been before!? But, in any case, we don’t lack for a solution.

When we see in Matthew, how Isaiah (7:14) has been quoted, we note that this indicates … that no matter how deep and punishing are the problems a community faces, God is available to us. God is firstly faithful, and then, because of this, merciful. God deeply desires to know people who have an open and humble heart that will return to Him. And God was willing to pay a heavy price for this level of love. For Jesus to “save his people from their sins”, meant taking upon himself a huge weight.

The name of Jesus means “God is salvation”. The name “Emmanuel” more indicates a role or personal description, just like other names Jesus was known by: ‘Christ’, ‘Messiah’, ‘Anointed One’. In Isaiah, the promise of “Immanuel” reflected a hope that God would make Himself present with his people – to rescue them from their feelings of defeat. So it was, that salvation wouldn’t just come impersonally from a distance, but rather close-up and intimately. As D A Carson puts it, “No greater blessing can be conceived than for God to dwell with his people”.

Again, this doesn’t mean that we will live pain-free in this world, Joseph and Mary had many complications – but it DOES mean we will have a sense of guidance through whatever comes across our path. “God is with us” is the good news of Christmas! Yet, good news is only really good news, if it is activated (rather than just celebrated). There are at least three levels of activation of the good news – which are, of course, all closely connected.

The first is where we look inside, and see whether we need to receive the grace and mercy … which is on offer … and is also very close-by. If any sin, or sense of guilt or shame, or any feeling of brokenness, is separating us from God’s best for us, then we need to find our release through the Christ-child – the God of salvation. In this we will have a measure of freedom from fear, and can give our total allegiance and trust to Jesus (and Jesus alone) … never to be easily diverted again. Joseph heard well the voice of the angel, and did as he had been commanded (v.24).

The second recommended activation is getting to know Jesus and following in his ways (as recorded in the Gospels). In this you will find ultimate peace and joy, with the life and ways of Jesus likely ‘rubbing off on you’; or, as we often say, becoming closer and closer to the image of Christ. At the same time you would likely recognise the presence of Jesus in those times where this would be most appreciated, e.g. at the doctors’, in the hospital, with the children, at the job interview, at all times of crisis – relational and otherwise. Sometimes Jesus walks beside us, sometimes he leads from out front, sometimes he gently pushes us forward from behind; other times … Jesus carries us!

The third necessary (and recommended) activation, is where we look outward, to all the dislocation, disharmony and dysfunction in the world, and consider our role in being peacemakers and change-agents. As our load has been lightened through forgiveness, and as our faith strengthens, we become such light-filled and hopeful people, that we can seriously make a difference for others … on an ever-increasing scale. We find again the purpose for which we were created, and our particular calling in partnering with God. Even small gestures of love, of tenderness, of care, make people feel that the Lord is with us. This is how the highway of mercy begins.

Jesus actively ministered to the outcasts, oppressed and sick. Followers of Jesus over the centuries have participated in successful efforts to include the needs of children and women, release people from slavery, and improve access to education and medical care.  Before quoting from that great early Christological hymn in Philippians chapter 2, Paul writes that we should have the same mind-set that Jesus did (2:5). This was the serving mind-set, that takes us beyond our own interest to the interests of others, and the needs of the world (2:4).

Before we cower at the complexity of this, we should quickly remember that, yes, “God is with us”! Mountains can be moved by the faithful followers of Jesus!! And this all starts in a simple place – in a humble place – in a stable, bowing before a manger, recognising that the child within … is the Christ Child, the King of kings, the Redeemer of the world – “God is with us”. Will you believe in him? Will you trust him? Will you follow him?

Christmas Message for Bright Carols in the Park

I am a person who enjoys putting up lights around the front of our house each Christmas. This simply lifts my spirits. I also enjoy the fruit of other people’s labour – like we see here in Bright each year down Delany Ave and other places. I think this, for me, recaptures some of my boyhood wide-eyed love of Christmas – certainly a special time of the year. We need this brightness and joy and excitement in our lives. I have recently read about a scientific study – that has shown that Christmas decorators are doing themselves, and their neighbours … a lot of good.

I do hesitate though … before putting up the lights. There is often so much sadness around – which you don’t want to ignore, or be seeming to ignore, or to take too lightly. For some, Christmas can be a difficult time because of the loss of loved ones or loneliness. Most of us know people who are unwell in hospital, or are living with mental-health challenges. There is stress within many relationships. So many people are suffering in war-torn countries or refugee camps or in homelessness. We have to be realistic that all is NOT as it should be in the world, even in our own neighbourhood.

But then, I stop hesitating, and put up my lights; because any of that sadness or unfairness around us, actually means that we need Christmas all the more! We need hope, peace, and a way forward; and Christmas has great potential to give us these gifts. For Christmas represents a time where love has been shared across humanity. Christmas is the time when Jesus came into to world (as a child) to bless our lives. A new born king is here. So putting up some lights, or enjoying other people’s decorations, are part of a celebration of God’s love … that brings so much potential for better outcomes.

Lights that brighten the neighbourhood, and Christmas trees, the sending of greetings, the giving and receiving of presents, and the singing of carols, all serve to remind each other that there is hope of a better world, where people come closer together, where people look beyond the person in the mirror … to the needs of others, where fear gives way to compassion and hospitality. We can take this opportunity to share words of encouragement in our family and toward our neighbours – in the hope that these expressions of goodwill spread abroad, and break down some of the existing barriers between people.

Christmas lights speak to me about so many things. Christmas can come around quickly – but it is oh so important! Christmas is a time, where, as the much loved carol says, “… the weary world rejoices – for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn”. This is indeed a thrill of hope. The King of kings … laying in a lowly manger – has been born to be our friend. God's gift to humanity - Jesus. So, joy to the world; peace be with you! Happy Christmas. Let’s continue to celebrate.

"Do This in Remembrance of Me" (communion talk)

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me”. Originally, in the early church, communion was attached to the normal household meal. As worship developed in other places of meeting, the sacrament of communion was included as an important way of focussing on the source and means of our salvation. “Do this in remembrance of me”, Jesus said.

For we would NEVER want to forget, yet humans so easily forget. The joy, for me, in celebrating communion every Sunday, having come from a slightly different tradition in the Baptist Church, where you usually only have communion at certain services – is that, in our worship together here, we can never drift from the centrality of Jesus. Jesus – in his sacrificial service on the cross; and Jesus – in his resurrection … leading to our new life. “Do this in remembrance of me”!

But what is, “this”? Yes … taking the bread, and sharing the cup. But surely this “remembrance” is also, or even mainly, about what these symbols represent – sacrificial service and new life. Doing “this” … today”, also means doing the meaning of “this” … tomorrow. We would live as those who have received forgiveness by offering forgiveness. We would live like those who have received sacrificial service by serving others. We would live like those who have received ‘new life’ by offering the reality of joy, hope, peace and faith to others.

And this is how, we can, with integrity, pray those words, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done – on earth as it is in heaven”. We can pray these words, because we are also committed to be part of the outcome. We want to see the lines between heaven and earth fade away. So we live out our lives in forgiveness, service and peace. “Do this in remembrance of me”!

We also come … each time … to that place of mercy at the communion table, because, sometimes, “this” is NOT that easy! But here, every time we come, we find Jesus to be faithful to us in his commitment to our well-being … and to our spiritual growth. We can, not only, say, “Joy to the World, the Lord has come – but also “Great is Your faithfulness”.

We are being enlivened, enabled and equipped for life. Through the Holy Spirit, moving around us and within us, we can indeed … “Do this is in remembrance of Jesus”! So this “remembrance” is NOT just about things past, but also the great hope that lies in the present and future … because of what this bread and cup symbolise. We want to say, “I will never forget – I never will forget!!

"Preparing the Way" (Isaiah 40:1-5)

Prelude

We have arrived again at the Christmas season.

What are we going to make of it this year?

Will the world be better prepared for Jesus this year?

What is our role in this?

Do we find ways to point toward Jesus??

Or, do we let other things predominate our thinking??

Introduction

The ancient prophets of Israel in the Old Testament were constantly reminding people to focus on the big ticket items in life. Like being humble, kind and just – looking after vulnerable orphans and widows – loving our neighbour. The ability to live and serve in this way, always depended upon the strength of the people’s relationship with God. And … when God was forgotten, and this was revealed in the people’s lifestyle and behaviours – life for the people of Israel and Judah usually went pear-shaped. On two famous occasions the kingdoms of Israel were militarily defeated, and large numbers were taken off to the north into exile under the control of Assyria or Babylon.

Despite this, prophets like Isaiah … would also want to remind such people, that, even though they had rebelled, God had NOT forgotten them, and desired to bring them back into full relationship with Him. [This all plays out in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son.] Even though they had been attracted to other gods of various descriptions, and, even though they had often ignored the injustice in their midst – God still loved them, in the hope that the great potential created within them could still be brought out (to the good of all). And, as we recently talked about, God just cannot forget the world He created, and all its inhabitants (Psalm 24:1). As Alec Motyer wrote, “They have abandoned [God] but He has not abandoned them; like tiny children they have stumbled in the uncertain paths of the world and will be bruised by their fall – but they have a God rushing to pick them up in His arms”.

Our Lord is a missionary God – who is constantly leading us back to His ways and will – so that others, too, may find the right road. So, the TRUE prophets like Isaiah, would, along the way, provide clear insight as to how God would respond and act, bringing direct challenges for God’s people of all generations … of how to get on board! Part of this is the repeating call for a change of heart (also picked up in the New Testament). The forgiveness, that comes out of God’s great heart of love, is NOT offered begrudgingly, rather, offered in the hope that it will result in the ongoing transformation of lives toward God’s great purposes.

Isaiah chapter 40

An example of all this is Isaiah chapter 40 (with similar words found also in Malachi chapter 3). In verses 1 & 2, Isaiah reflects God’s loving heart. God looks upon what His people’s lives have become, and can only respond with emotional tenderness (v 2a). This is because, despite their rebellion, and … their own responsibility for this situation, the results have certainly brought great suffering, and perpetuated a sense of spiritual desolation. Enough is surely enough, and you would think that they would want to return to the God of their forefathers, and to live again in their promised land.

The Babylonian exile has certainly been a punishing experience. It’s surely time that they have learnt their lesson. And God is always planning a new season, which will always be better than the previous or present one. In very well-known past history, God had planned for a blessed time for the Israelites following their time of slavery in Egypt; and now God was planning a new season following more recent defeat and exile. God will surely take the initiative! The relationships people have with God need to be renewed – and can be renewed!! AND, “A VOICE CRIES OUT” (v 3a)!!!

“A voice cries out”. This could be the voice of God. This could be the voice of the prophet … Isaiah. This could be the voice of one who has heard the call to return to God, and (desperately) wants to find their way back. This could be the voice of one who is on the way back … and wants others to come too. In any case, this, I reckon, is a voice of FUTURE HOPE! This is the voice that communicates … with an ultimate level of cooperation with God. This is a rally call! Some will join rapidly, others will take some time, others will need some convincing, others will sadly decline. But, we need to hear this voice, and we also need to be this voice!!

Whatever our situation, and in the everyday earthly chaos that sometimes resembles a “wilderness” or ‘desert’, we need to hear what God is on about, grab hold of this, and partner up with it. God is on the move – it’s time to get the roads ready – “prepare the way for the Lord” (v 3b)! [We see in any new housing development, how they have to build good roads to provide easy and proper access.] The ‘exiles’ have suffered enough – their rebellion, sin and trauma has bound them for too long already!! Their spiritual desolation must be addressed. Rather than just despair at the state of the world (like we might just throwing our hands up in the air in pointless judgment), God is preparing the world for a new season!

We should want to be one of those voices that cry out (in one form or another), “make straight a highway for our God” (v 3c)! But, more to the point, and much more relevant to our contemporary situation, we need to live lives of integrity … that say on our behalf … “make straight a highway for our God”? We need to demonstrate that God’s new season is working for us (in real and practical ways). Never forget that the fruit of our lives must always be consistent with the words we wish to speak.

If we can pull this off in any sort of credible and noticeable way, joining voices in harmony with God – there will be evident changes right across our community, right across our nation, and right around God’s world (refer to verse 4). The depths of the valleys, and the enormity of the mountains, and the pitfalls of uneven ground, and the roughness of our environment … will all be levelled, so that life can be lived again in peace! This is how much a difference God can make to each and every life He enters.

And … we will all again hear the call – to be good stewards of the earth, love our neighbour, and be advocates for the redemption of people’s lives to their Creator! As we continue to remark on the significance of verse 4 – the low-points, the huge challenges, the relational tripping-points, the daily grind … can all be levelled out, at least to the point of gaining new perspective; and more than likely … a whole lot more, for we know the power of mercy and forgiveness, love and grace, coming into our lives.

This is where we are captured by God’s heart of emotional tenderness, and pay that forward … heart to heart. Ultimately, as more and more people experience the Lord in a transformative way – more and more the “glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all the people will see it together” (v 5a). This is why we gather in worship, this is why we get involved in ministry and mission – that “the glory of the Lord will be revealed … “. Surely all the peoples of the world, need to know about the creative might and wisdom of this glorious God – majestic beyond compare!

John the Baptist

We have heard these words (from Isaiah 40: 3-5) in the New Testament too! Who spoke these words??? John the Baptist spoke these words (e.g. Mark 1:1-11), in preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. Despite a rough exterior, here was a man motivated by the heart of God for His people. We see John the Baptist’s fearless prophetic ministry culminate in identifying Jesus as the Messiah. This also culminated in Jesus being baptised by John in the Jordan river, showing that Jesus (the Son of God) was fully identifying with humanity, and would be our ‘great high priest’ (Heb 4:14-16). Then this stunning and breath-taking ministry of Jesus … was all confirmed by the Holy Spirit falling upon Jesus with God’s commendation.

John the Baptist, in everything he said and did, pointed to the One who would bring the “glory of the Lord” to the earth. John the Baptist sought to “make straight a path for Jesus”. John the Baptist did this by alerting people to the need to “repent” – meaning to change their ways, to turn around, in some cases to totally change direction, to look in a different place for their allegiance. John the Baptist came out from where he was living in the desert, having very meagre resources (and an ordinary diet); but a complete clarity of mind – pointing out that forgiveness was possible! John the Baptist was truly a voice of FUTURE HOPE. Here was the rally call! Some joined rapidly, others took some time, others needed some longer-term convincing, others sadly declined.

And despite some concerted opposition to the ‘new Jesus season’, we read in the Gospels and Acts how thousands came to believe and follow Jesus over the next decade and beyond. Now, lest we idolise or elevate John the Baptist too much, and then think that we couldn’t do what he did – John is quick to put himself in perspective. Compared to Jesus, John the Baptist was not worthy enough to even stoop down and undo Jesus’ sandals (Mark 1:7). Yet, John was chosen, called and empowered – and we are still talking about his role (in preparing the way) today! The point is: the humble servant … can be used mightily – which can be any of us, and hopefully … will be … all of us.

Our Christmas Message

We live in that space between Jesus’ ascension and his second coming. Can we “make a straight path for Jesus”? To be “straight” here means: unmistakable, level, smooth, and pictures a journey made without difficulty … with certainty of arrival. So, this is a path that is NOT confused with hypocrisies or unessentials or disunity. For, this is the ‘mercy’ highway! Not just any road! In a largely broken, fragmented and polarised world – it is words of ‘mercy’ that will touch base. “Comfort [encourage] MY people”, says the Lord (Is 40:1)!!! Speak with emotional tenderness. Speak from our own lives; that like John the Baptist, have already been encountered by the saving forgiveness of God. Speak as one blessed by the Holy Spirit. Be fruitful!

Sadly, there is much about Christmas, even the fun bits, that tend to mask the Christ Child who came to save the world!! Don’t expect the Christmas sermons or the Christmas music to create the “highway” to Jesus alone. The Christmas message of Jesus has to be lived out with honesty, creativity and integrity. As we again recall Psalm 24, a pure heart and clean hands are what we need. To be adequately and effectively preparing, we need to give God our complete loyalty, and defer to Him alone. The Christmas message of Jesus will NEVER make sense when there is a lack of mercy and grace evident in our relationships or opinions. The world watches to see … who the God we worship … is!

Conclusion

Let us prepare the way for Jesus this Christmas, so that people might see beyond the gloss – and experience the Christ child … who can actually change everything for the better! [We prepare the way … for the One … who is 'the Way'!] Let’s echo the voice of FUTURE HOPE that says, “The Glory of the Lord shall be revealed”, and be expectant that people will indeed experience the fulness of God’s personal presence – that all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken”. There is so much spiritual poverty around us – can we present another alternative … so that this state of being is fully recognised, and the better alternative can be fully embraced?!

I was reflecting on the scene of the two friends of a particular blind girl, trying to describe to her … the wonderful toy displayed in the shop window. Yet, it is so difficult to describe something to a person who has never been able to see. So, the antidote to spiritual blindness has to be demonstrated. We prepare the way for others to meet Jesus – as our faith, peace, light and joy point to him. Joy to the World – the Lord has come! Jesus is OUR reason for this season – let’s make the most of it! As we get ourselves ready for another Christmas, is there something fresh we can do with our lives or with our homes … that can publicly display God’s message of welcome, mercy and hospitality? Amen.