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Glen Park Gospel Church >> Archive >> Editorial >> 1995
Each month the Glen Park Gospel Church produce a one page newsletter called the Green Leaf. It's available from the chapel each Sunday. Some months include a topical article or report. We thought you might appreciate reading those previously published.
Come Alive in '95
There lies before us a new year. There is little real difference between December 31st, and January 1st. Life goes on. However a new year is a time to take stock of our progress in life.
Stocktaking can be a real blessing for the Christian who genuinely reviews their spiritual condition. Do you hunger after God? Do you long for a deepening of your relationship with Him? Do you want to be more in tune?, more vital?, more alive? Do you feel like the psalmist who longed for more of God:
"Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, for your law is my delight."
He knew God and delighted in His law, yet his heart hungered after Him all the more. This verse is part of a prayer. God's response is found in Isaiah 55:
"Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live, I will make an everlasting covenant with you."
These verses, although distant in time and occasion are linked in the nature and compassion of God. They have two words in common; come and live. This kind of prayer always results in this kind of response. Those who seek, find; those who ask, receive; those who knock have the door opened to them.
As we grow older the drive in our life changes, our focus shifts, we adopt new interests and leave the older ones behind. This is natural as life is a progression along a pathway in which our environment is constantly renewed. The danger is that we can be so taken up with the latest challenge that we lose sight of our place in the kingdom of God. We can forget that we are not our own, that we are bought with a price, that Jesus is Lord and we are His disciple.
Life is a pathway and we are on our way to heaven where we will spend eternity with our maker. Life's journey is short. Life in the Spirit is not automatic. We need to keep up our watchfulness in prayer and devotion. No one can do this for another. In 1995 we invite you to seek for God with renewed zeal.
With all the business be sure that you do not miss out on the blessing of being a Christian. Martha was busy with the obligations and affairs of life. Mary was busy spending time with her Lord, and despite the pressure, Mary's part was not taken from her.
Come alive in '95.
To witness the dedication of children to the holy purposes of God is thrilling, especially in our day. However dedication is for adults too. We are all called to...
Dedicate Ourselves to God
"Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1.
The picture of sacrifice reminds us of an animal on an altar. The apostle Paul uses the image to urge us to offer our life to God. The living sacrifice is to live for God.
To some of us this idea might seem strange. In the words quoted from the Bible, Paul says that this is in response to God's mercies.
God's mercies is his goodness to us. However it is more than tit for tat. 'You did me a good turn, God, so I guess I have to do you one.' It is more than that.
There was a sacrifice of death! Jesus died on the cross as a real offering for the sins of men. Man's sin, our sin is offensive to God, as He is holy. But when Jesus died, he became the offering for the sin of the world. He met the penalty, the punishment for our sin, and thereby restored those who respond to a right relationship with God.
Because of the offering of Jesus for our sin we who accept Him may have all the blessings that God can bestow upon his people. The apostle calls us in return to live lives which are holy and pleasing to Him. We are to be holy, just as He is holy.
God wants us to individually accept the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. This is a personal response. He also wants us to live a life which is pleasing to Him. A life dedicated to God is His plan for each of His people.
Child Dedication
Dedication of children to God has its precedent in Scripture. In Bible days parents brought their children to God. Indeed, Jesus was dedicated to the Lord by His parents, Joseph and Mary.
Dedication is essentially a 'giving back' of a young life to God, knowing that all life comes from and returns to God. The gift of a child to a family is a sacred trust. Parents recognise the claim of God on that life, and His sovereignty over it.
Dedication also includes the parents who give themselves over to God in the task of rearing that child in the knowledge of God and teaching of Scripture, and by the example of a godly home life.
Dedication involves the Church which seeks to make it's services available to the family, and in setting examples and in the care of the family of God.
Dedication confers no special grace as such. We ask God to protect and keep the child. In time she will have to make life's choices for herself, and be responsible for them. Through dedication parents, and the Church set their hands to give her the greatest possible encouragement to choose correctly, and come to be a member of God's family in her own right.
If you would like to know more about God's plan fo your life, or for your family, we invite you to contact one of these people: Gordon Hutchinson, Chris Trinham, Joan Smith or Marg Swales after any of our Sunday services. Or send us an e-mail.
Life Under the Sun
or, Looking for the Good Life
We in Australia live in an affluent world. Compared to other peoples, we can have almost anything we want within reason. Yet this wealth has not brought us contentment. Two thousand, five hundred years ago a nation also enjoyed the 'blessings of wealth'. They faced exactly the same conditions, the same satisfaction and frustration as Australians today.
There was a philosopher then who reviewed the society in which he lived. He left for our benefit a written record of his investigation. He called the view of life which he saw to be common then, 'life under the sun'. Australians too, live under the sun.
His meaning was a little deeper. He meant a view of life confined to experience under the sun, or that which is in this world, that which is in the control of man. Life without God. In one word, humanism. It is the secular humanist's view that man is alone in this world. This is all there is. It is up to us.
The 'Humanist Manifesto II' says, "We find insufficient evidence for belief in the existence of a supernatural; it is either meaningless or irrelevant to the question of the survival and fulfilment of the human race. As non-theists we begin with humans not God, nature not deity." Our ancient philosopher considers all this and finds a higher view.
He examines all the issues and compares the ways of life. He observes their final result. His considered premise is; "He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Over the next few months, God willing, in some of our Sunday morning services we will follow footsteps down the laneways of life, the dead ends as well as the super highways. Woe and wisdom, hopelessness and happiness, loneliness and love. He considers the way to get rich and asks, 'What then?' He looks at work, want, worry, worship, wilfulness, wealth and whatever. Our future meditations will be taken from these themes.
Mothers' Day 1995
Mothers in Bible Times
The Bible gives a much higher place to women, especially mothers, than most eastern religions. Miriam and Deborah held important positions. Both father and mother were honoured alike (Ex 21:15-17). Proverbs 31 gives honour to a faithful and virtuous mother, "Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also and he praises her."
It appears practice that two mid wives assisted the birth (Ex 1:15), one to assist the delivery and the other to support the mothers back on the birthing stool. However in isolated villages this was done with family members and mortality was on occasion high, as with Rachel giving birth to Benjamin.
Children grew quickly in rural Israel and were, at a young age, required to pay their keep by working in the fields, guarding herds or as apprentices to village craftsmen. Samuel was sent for training as a priest upon weaning at the age of three or four.
The New Testament gives the same high standards. Paul recognised the contribution to Timothy's faith by his mother and grandmother's devoted ministry.
Although Jesus refused to give Mary a higher place than other believers, (Matt 12:46), He did remember her need when suffering on the cross and transferred his responsibility to John, "and from that hour that disciple took her into his own home." Although trade and religious training of sons was the responsibility of a father, mothers obviously were quite active in these tasks.
Sometimes, the word 'mother' is used to denote persons of more distant relationships. The word mother may be used for stepmother (Gen 37:10), grandmother (1 Kings 15:10), a female ancestress (Gen 3:20) and a benefactress (Judges 5:7). This can be confusing to the english reader as we like to use words precisely. In Bible literature it is not always so and the reader should beware of trying to extract english meanings from hebrew or greek words, thereby giving a wrong interpretation.
What Goes On At Derby
"How can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" Romans 10:14,15
Derby is a long way from here. About 5,000 kilometres. Or 80 hours continuous driving. We took our time though, and covered the distance in 99 hours, just over four days. Our host, Philip Brewster, immediately gave us a tour of what was to be done and asked when we would start. So, we had a shower and some lunch, and did just that. After six and a half days work, we drove straight home again. It could be said that this was no holiday. But such a word couldn't be further from the truth.
The time and effort was a pleasure. I was pleased to begin the trip, pleased to begin the work, and, i must say, pleased to be coming home. The time and effort was also a gift. A gift to the church and its mission, a gift to the Lord, and a gift even to ourselves.
Getting there was the most eventful. There were eight of us on board the bus. Four of the grandfather category, another fellow my age, and two eleven year olds. Two more fellows would join us in their own vehicle at Alice Springs. The first thing we learned was that the coaster bus can only reach over 90kmh when assisted by a tail wind while going down a hill. There wasn't a lot of coasting. The road from Port Augusta to Glendambo (some 300km) saw two kangaroos hit; causing damage to one headlight and the opposite driving light. This would not happen again throughout the rest of the round trip. Before reaching Coober Pedy, the full moon sank over the western horizon just quarter of an hour before the sun appeared in a clear sky. This was the first of many beautiful days. In fact rain never hindered our travel.
Somewhere between Marla and the N.T. border, the fan belts snapped. As sensible precaution warrants, we were carrying spares. The run from there to Alice Springs was all up hill. It was already dark when we got into town and met up with the other two of our team. Their 4WD was another sensible precaution for when we headed out along the Tanami road. Leading up to this trip, it seemed we would only have one vehicle, which worried me. However, the Lord had our safety in hand, and my peace of mind at heart.
After a free shower, which was more therapeutic than cleansing, we headed a little way onto the Tanami road and made camp. A meal and some relaxing chatter around the fire soon saw us ready for bed. Gordon and i rolled out our sleeping bags under the annex (in case of a morning dew) and counted stars in the warm night. I never slept better.
The next morning was Sunday. After breakfast, and a quick reading and prayer, we hit the trail again. The Lords work beckoned. The next event was at Yuendumu; pronounced Yen-dum-moo.
We never saw a more telling picture of despair than at this place. It literally looked like a war zone. Only one building which had just been completed was still intact. Every other was without doors, windows, or rooves, or was barred up like a prison cell. Every vertical surface was vandalised, every horizontal one was littered. As many lived in humpies and dumped cars as in the destroyed buildings. Yuendumu began as a mission, but has since been taken over by the Government; hence the new building. This place is an example of how throwing money is not achieving anything. The condition of the town is a result of the deeper needs of its residents. Simply providing more housing, or confirming a right to the land, does not address this. They need basic education, a sense of self-worth, and a genuine place in society. We left quietly.
The road deteriorated from this point. We stopped twice for battery trouble and once to fix the box trailer's suspension. Not according to plan we had to spend another night camping on the W.A. side of the border. It was simply more difficult than expected driving through the Tanami in this old bus. Then real trouble hit. The earlier suspension problem was just a precursor to a major break down. Several hours were spent, finally in the dark, to make one good axle out of the two. This involved a bit of engineering and some welding. We then relieved some of the weight by loading up the bus. And then crawled over the last 100km of corrugations. Even the corrugations had corrugations along this stretch.
By the end of the Tanami road we learned that the 4WD had also suffered along this last section of track. It was midnight when we reached Halls Creek, and 3am on the Tuesday when coming into Fitzroy Crossing. We then waited until 7am at a fuel pump for the service station to open.
It was here that we confronted another face of the Aboriginal travesty. A boy of about sixteen years was wandering around the service area clapping his hands and smiling continuously. He was curious about everything. He would rummage through our belongings and touch us, never speaking a word despite our efforts. He was obviously retarded. We later learned that he came to be this way by sniffing petrol.
It was then just a few more hours till we arrived at our destination. So what is it that had drawn us to Derby? An Aboriginal mission, sponsored by a local Church (most of which is also Aboriginal) had bought the old Derby hospital for $4,000. It was transported to the Mission site, and our job was to turn it into a school. This being to facilitate the teaching of Aboriginals to be Pastors to there own people.
Many Australians would not see this as a worthwhile pursuit. But, to be blunt, most do not see what is happening. The situation is tragic, and was displayed to us at most stops along our way to Derby. Particularly at Yuendumu.
At the physical level we all need shelter and food. These people are destroying what is given them because there are deeper needs. This has not necessarily been recognised or understood. At a human level we all need self-esteem and a relationship with others. Things that can help here include education and work, and the respect of others. Most of the rest of us have these things. But there are still deeper needs which inhibit them from being shared, and it is not the direct fault of any one group. This also has not been recognised or understood. At the spiritual level we all need purpose and a relationship with God. While most have not chosen all that this entails, it is available to us, and in fact influences most people's attitudes and choices regardless of any personal commitment.
The Aboriginal people, being cut off from the rest of society, have reached the end of their tether and are grasping for whatever will hide them from their predicament. The solution must largely come from themselves, although they do not understand this. We can all play a part, however. Not so much by donating money, as this in isolation can as easily contribute to the problem (as it already has), but by becoming educated and by getting involved. Do not listen to those who shout the loudest, but to those who are on the scene quietly working for the common good. Be certain that the things you do will have the greatest advantage for everyone. Next to this, our little expedition to provide a week's labour, pails into insignificance. As individuals we can only do a little at a time, but if we all do a little, the task will soon be done. And all of us will have the opportunity to make spiritual choices.
A little bit of love
A little girl was being tucked up in bed, and quite surprisingly she said to her mother, "Mummy, I do love you." The mother hoped that that was true, but she was not always reminded of it; so she asked, "Tell me, what is it that makes you say so?" The little girl replied, "Mummy, I do like your lovely face, and your silvery grey hair, and your bright shining eyes. But there is one thing I don't like." "Oh," said Mummy, "whatever's wrong? What is it you don't like?" "Mummy, I don't like your hands." Well, it was true that they were not as a lady likes her hands to be. Though there was a reason for this, she said nothing, and kissed the little girl, who soon went off to sleep.
The following night she thought she would tell the child a little story. Before putting her to bed she told how a tiny baby was lying on the rug in front of the fire. A spark flew out, and set the long baby-clothes alight. How the mother, dashing into the room, picked up the baby in her arms, and crushed her to herself, crushing out the flames. But in beating out the flames her own hands were burnt. After the story, it was bed time and good night.
On the third evening, as the child was going to bed, Mummy heard her say, "Mummy, I do love you." "Oh, what now?" "Mummy, your lovely face, your silvery grey hair, your shining eyes. But Mummy, there is something I like best of all. I do like your hands, I do love your hands."
When I look at my Saviour's on the Cross, I look on His hands, and His feet, and His thorn-torn brow, and I remember He laid down His life for me.
And I ought to lay down my life. But am I ready to do it? With the people in mind: we ought. The pattern in view: He did.
Finding God in Prayer
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
Have you ever come before God and wondered if all your prayer is a waste of time? Do not feel guilty in answering this question honestly. We would not be 'normal' if we had not experienced a sense of unreality in prayer.
This text is the answer to the warning given by God to His people, Israel in 1 Samuel 8:18 when the people demanded that the prophet appoint a king to rule them instead of the rule of God through His priests.
Samuel took the request as a personal rejection, but God told Samuel that "they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them." (v8). They found it more convenient to have a human leader whom they could see, and approach, and manipulate, and control. They put man in the place of God. Our nation has done the same thing. There is no longer a standard of truth, or right, or justice, because we as a nation no longer fear God or trust in His word. Today any immoral thing is OK. Homosexuality, gambling, broken marriage vows, dirty language, indiscriminate sex and a host of other evil spirits are not only tolerated in our society, but actually sought and glorified in the popular media and the minds of the people.
The Christian is not immune from this, the spirit of the age. Not only are these trends invading the house of God but, we ourselves are also guilty of using human agencies in the place of God. We are too busy to take time for God. Dealing with God takes time. The pressure of our lives is such that unless we meet the deadlines we have set for ourselves, the fabric of life is in danger of unravelling. We need God's answers now. How long is it since you took a day off to pray through a problem?
In Jeremiah God was telling his people that they were to be dealt with for their lack of basic spirituality. After the chastisement was finished and the lessons had been learned, then when they sought Him with all their hearts, He would be found by them.
Christian, heed God's word. Carefully read again the text for this devotion. Make room for God, make Him King, make Him Lord.
Children and the Kingdom of God
Christian Education in Schools
Jesus said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:14 GNB
Joan Smith reports on the ministry of members of the Church to children in our schools.
Our Church is now ministering to over 100 children in primary schools in Eltham through the Christian Religious Education in Schools program. We have four accredited teachers and three of them are teaching two R.E. classes every week.
The lessons are professionally prepared by fully qualified C.R.E Headquarters staff; they are very comprehensive with suggestions for suitable songs, practical work, stories, etc. to reinforce the Bible lesson. Every child receives a full colour work sheet with information, pictures to colour and questions to answer about the Bible story. These are free to take home afterwards.
All teachers are supportive and are helpful to R.E. teachers in disciplining the class where necessary, and cooperating in placing the children. One teacher spent all of a rainy play time supervising the children finishing their R.E. work-sheets as it was too wet to go outside .The children show genuine interest in the lessons and some ask wonderingly, "Did that really happen?", "Why did Jesus have to die?", and, "Why did they put Him between two robbers.
Our teachers would be grateful of your prayer both on their behalf as they teach and also for the children as they listen to the message of God's love for them.
Blessings From Honiara
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33.
Superficially, Gordon's and my trip to the Solomon Islands was a holiday. At least that is how my employer will have booked it up. Of course, we all know that the efforts of our team were single mindedly to the glory of our Lord. A mission by intention and a statement of love in action. However, for some of us, it was a first experience of the culture of this godly people. In this respect our experience was also an adventure.
The difference of culture was pronounced loud and clear shortly after our plane crossed the southern shores of Guadalcanal heading for the far side of the island. Although we enjoyed the security of a 737 jet liner equipped with all the latest in navigational aids, the pilot seemed to be swerving between the clouds as we headed inland. My first thought was that he was providing the maximum opportunity for all passengers to view the terrain below. His need for visual guidance became obvious when suddenly we heard the growl of full throttle followed by a pressure against our seats as we rapidly gained altitude. After passing somewhere between Mount Popomanaseu and Mount Kaichui i was told that the normal route follows the western coast.
A New Culture
Each new experience was added to the adventure and also to the cultural picture. Stepping off the plane at Henderson Airfield we were greeted by a lovely summers day; except that here it was the coolest part of the year. And the driest. A factor which was to prove adverse to our health. Passing through the customs process was lengthy to my mind, but not much more than that required coming back into Australia, given the number of officials available. The baggage check was cursory thanks to a relationship built up between one of the officials and Mobile Mission Maintenance (MMM) regulars. Having reached the other side of the Airport building we were greeted by wreathes of fresh flowers provided by the youth group of the Kukum Church.
Our hosts at Kukum belong to the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC). This is the third largest religious group after the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches. This is a Christian country with some 90% professing to be such. The true number of 'born again' Christians is thought to be much lower at about 50%. This leaves much evangelism still to be done, but their record is something of which we can only be envious. The penetration of Christ into this community is such that even those who do not acknowledge Him are at least spiritually aware, and most follow a Christian code of ethics and morality.
The ride into town was by an old Nissan Patrol 4WD. If Honiara is the capital city of the Solomons, then Kukum is a suburb of that city. Knowing that there are some 300,000 people who make up this nation, mostly in rural areas, will give some idea as to the relative distances involved. Gordon and i once walked into town from the transit house where we were staying. The edge of suburbia was just across the next valley.
A transit house is really just a big house with rooms that are rented out to visitors. Due to the purpose of our visit, the owner, a leader in the Church, provided our accommodation without charge. Something he will do, in fact, for any Christian.
Getting to Know You
After settling in, we were able to relax. The only item scheduled for this day was a welcome dinner provided by the church leaders. While we ate outside that night, there were no bugs flying about to spoil the occasion. In particular, mosquitoes were scarce. One might expect the food to be most memorable at such a gathering. But my thoughts turn first to what happened after. Speeches. Several committee spokesmen welcomed us, and we were expected to return the gesture. This night provided my first real opportunity to read the local people. My definition of a Solomon Islander, therefore, begins with two words; Committees and Speeches. The evening was closed in prayer.
The first night's sleep was like all of the others; warm. There was no need to cover up with blankets. In fact only a cotton sheet was provided for the purpose. Most of the night we slept with a fan running. Some time between 3:00 and 4:00am we would turn this off and then usually pull the sheet over.
Most mornings would begin at 5:30 with breakfast shortly there-after. Breakfast consisted of Porridge or cereal, toast, tea or coffee, and a malaria tablet. The meal ended with a reading and prayer which was taken in turns. We would leave for work at 7:30am. Often we would have the Pastor's old Patrol already to hand, otherwise someone would pick us up. The second day was Sunday however, and a leisurely start, as the service begins at 9:30.
A Different Countryside
The ride down the hill to the Church hall each day was quite scenic. Due to the steep hilly terrain, most roads tend to follow ridges and valleys. Any outcropping is a good place for a house. Other houses being built on tall piers, even after a little even-ing out of the slope. There is a shortage of housing in Honiara. So many who come to the city to find work, build their own homes out of poles and banana leaves, just as they would in the villages. Such houses are considered temporary, and so are only permitted in places where standard housing is not yet planned. There is, then, a contrast of housing from one valley to the next; and hence from one side of the road to the other. Many hillsides were also devoted to growing crops. Not just to the south over unsettled country, but also between homes along our path. As we headed down the hill each day we could see the mountains to the south east, much of the coast to the north east and other islands to the north.
The roads themselves also contained plenty of examples of three things. First, and as i should have expected, there was always people walking here and there, no matter what the time of day. Second, cars and vans. I was surprised by the number of vehicles on the road. At most times of the day, the central streets of Honiara are packed with slow moving traffic. There is even a traffic jam during peak hour. Many cars are taxis, and most vans are mini buses. It is more surprising how many cars are later models and essentially all are from Japan and Korea. I saw only half a dozen which came from western countries. The third thing which the roads had plenty of is pot-holes. In the Solomons there is no real mentality for maintenance. Things are made, and then expected to work forever.
Church - Solomon Islands Style
While the Church building was not yet finished, it had been in use for some months. The type of service each Sunday was something of which a few of us had not known what to expect. First we didn't go in. Without noticing why, all stood around to chat outside while the congregation gathered. The bell was rung. Many Church bells here are made out of old empty cannon shells about five foot long. It is an unfortunate fact that even today WWII ammunition is regularly discovered, dug up, and disposed of by explosion. Everyone gathered by the front door where the Pastor waited to call us all to attention. It was already a warm and sunny day, as always, and i noticed that the males were on the left, generally, and the females on the right, many lining up along the front wall, apparently in the shade, with the children nearest the door.
The Pastor sought out any visitors that day. One fellow from another island was pointed out and made welcome with an applause. As this was the Church's first meeting with our team, we were each introduced and asked to come forward to be seen by the people and likewise applauded. The Pastor then wanted to be sure that all present were right with the Lord before entering His house. He discussed at length about this and called all to pray. So all prayed; aloud and together. For our benefit, this preliminary time only lasted about fifteen minutes. A tradition recently instigated was to remove our shoes before going in. With this done we entered, suitably attuned to our purpose of worship.
Children generally sat at the front with adults behind, all on wooden pews. Single males sat on the left, single females on the right, and couples in the middle. Our team were always honoured with a place near the front. The main service began as we are accustomed to at home, with choruses. These are usually sung repetitively. There did not seem to be song books in use and the song leader would direct the flow of each chorus seemingly at random. He would also praise the Lord while the congregation sang. It was difficult for me to hear over the P.A. system, but the locals seemed to follow along without difficulty. Some people raised their hands during the singing. Accompaniment consisted of two electronic keyboards, two electric guitars, and drums.
The singing was punctuated two or three times by prayer. I had worked out by now that when the leader said 'Let's pray together' then all would pray aloud, otherwise only the leader would pray. The Sunday morning service is strictly for worship and praise. So there was no prayer for intercession or personal need, only for praise and thanksgiving. I do not remember how long this first service lasted, but after the offering the Pastor forewent the message in consideration for our not being used to 'normal' services.
After a simple lunch, there was nothing to do until the evening service. It seemed to me that we had received their welcome, their fellowship, their food, and their thanks; and yet we were yet to begin any work. In review i was able to extend my definition of a Solomon Islander with a few more words; Joyful, Friendly, and Faithful. Of course i was not to meet many who were not Christian.
The Evening Service
The evening service was much like that of the morning, except some Bible teaching was added by the Pastor. Some of the prayer was conducted while kneeling, which was an opportunity to change posture. All of the singing was done while sitting, which was difficult to maintain after the first couple of hours. At the end, some committee chairmen came forward to organise their respective committees for one thing or another, including one concerning the supply of our meals and regular transport from the transit house to the job. The congregation dutifully sat and listened all the while.
As there was more talking at this meeting, by various people, it was obvious that only a few would use English from the pulpit. The Pastor almost always used English, slipping only on the odd word. Others, particularly during the business time, spoke Pidjin, which in this country is much closer to English than that used in Papua New Guinea.
We also attended the SSEC Central Church a few times during our stay. Services were a little more conservative, but the same joy in the Lord was obvious. At this Church singing was often accompanied by dancing. Only one man and one woman would typically perform between the dais and the front row of seats. But on occasions others would join them, particularly children.
Another unexpected thing almost happened while we were there. The Pastor was calling for a member of the congregation to come forward. This man was to be publicly welcomed back to the fellowship after being disciplined. The man did not come forward, but it showed that this Church is willing to admonish those who offend the Lord. We did not ask about this situation, however it is a demonstration of how we can take our faith more seriously and fulfil the responsibilities as charged by the Apostles. Something to think about.
And So to Work
On the job we were assisted by some young men from a Christian vocational school called Kaitave. All were training in building skills. Few spoke much English. It took most of the three weeks working together for them to feel comfortable with us. They always deferred to our wishes, holding back from taking any initiative until towards the end of the project.
This apparent lack of confidence was later understood to be because of three things; humility, language conflict, and a lesser degree of education and experience. The humility is a positive attribute and showed up our tendency to assume authority. The language barrier was not really understood by us until the end. We tended to assume that they understood what we were saying simply because they said yes. We would then assume disinterest when they were easily distracted. This in turn encouraged us to jump in and take over. The lack of education is endemic to this country. Most children do not progress beyond the sixth grade. And the lack of experience is related to the country's economic position. Having left school, there is no work available for most young people. These young men were at least fortunate enough to be able to pick up a trade.
Another word, then, is added to my picture of a Solomon Islander; Humble.
If we had simply come to the Solomons for a holiday we might have come home feeling sad for these people. Having spent time getting to know some of them, we gain a better picture. Knowing that 100 years ago these people were cannibals, they have actually come a long way. Knowing that this nation largely has a heart for God gives them much to hope for.
If we consider only material wealth, then our own country is far ahead. But this affluence has meant that our attitude has become complacent and our morals are crumbling even in the Christian Church. By comparison, this people is respectful of both God and man; their basic attitude is humility and their morals are set high.
During our time together we were able to teach them about building practice, while they taught us about holiness. So who received the greater gift?
Living on the Promises of God
Living on the promises of God. That's faith. That's what faith is.
We are so used to living on our own resources, our skills, our knowledge, our contacts, our wealth, our strength, our experience, our ability, our cunning, our personality. When we become christians we find a new resource, Jesus Christ.
We have to learn to live on this new resource. Some of us have so much that it takes us some time to surrender what we have to Christ, and begin living on what Jesus Christ is in us.
Sometimes we are so used to being competent human beings, able to solve all our own problems, that it takes a jolt in life to teach us that our resources, like all resource in this world, are limited. It is then that we find a whole new power of spiritual life hitherto untapped.
The question comes, 'What can God do in and through and for me?' The answer is simple. He will do all that He promised.
The Israelites of old found this to be true and recorded it for posterity, and God's saints today echo their amen.
"Praise the Lord who has given rest to His people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses."
God doesn't always do what we want Him to do, but He always keeps his promises. He is in charge, not we. We all have to learn to search that one out.
Life then becomes a desire to find out more of His word, more of his promises. How else can we enjoy seeing God at work in our lives? How else can we live by faith?
Doing God's Work
Peanuts cartoons often pack a punch. In one of them Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels and then threatened him with her fist if he didn't obey.
"What makes you think you can walk right in here and and take over," asked Linus.
"These five fingers", replied Lucy, "Individually they're nothing, but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold!"
"What channel do you want," asked Linus, and turning away he looked at his own fingers, "Why can't you guys get organised like that?"
There is a verse that is tucked away in Scripture which we often read but also often fail to appreciate. It is claimed in the Bible to be the words of the Lord. At Babel, God came down to see the city and the tower which men at that time were building, "and the Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them'."
Here in this verse is God's estimation of united action. Note the thoughts contained in this text.
They were one people. They were united in common heritage, one in intent and purpose. They held the same values and held an objective in common.
They had one language. Words had a common meaning. They communicated with each other freely. Good communication helps us to pull together.
They had a plan to achieve their goal. Their plan took them step by step to where they wanted to be. The tower was part of that plan.
As a small group of God's people we often feel overwhealmed by the forces aligned against us and doubt our ability to achieve. However the principles are the same, whether the group is large or small.
If we prayerfully determine what it is that we want to achieve under God, work out a realistic plan to get there, and pull together keeping our plan on track, trusting in the Lord each step of the way, then nothing we plan to do will be impossible for us.
The people at Babel only had their own thoughts and resources and plans. (Their plans were even against the will of God). We know God's will and plan to do it, but we have so much more. We have the word of God to guide us. We have the Spirit of God within us to empower us and we have God's promises to encourage us.
Led by the Spirit
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (children) of God." Romans 8:14
The real Christian life is not a system. It is not a religion. It is not a philosophy. It is not a life style.
It may have elements of all these in any of the many expressions of Christian faith. Essentially the Christian life is a relationship between an human person and a divine, God.
God is infinite, we are time limited. God is spirit, we are flesh. God is holy, we are fault prone. God is altogether powerful, we are comparatively weak. God is eternal, we live in time. God knows all, we are in the learning process.
When we confess our need of God and align ourselves with Him through Jesus Christ in His redemptive death upon the cross, God adopts us into His family.
As His child, I now have a relationship with God, and He with me.
As a part of that relationship I only have to be myself, despite my limitations, and God is Himself, in all His attributes. As we commune together, God, as it were, spills over into my life and I begin to assume and manifest some of those attributes too.
As God begins to be Himself with me, He does this in the person of His divine Spirit. His spirit leads me in the way I should go.
This leading is first of all in my character. His influence is like a fragrance which changes the way I live. It affects the moral choices I make. My life starts to get better from the inside. I find I want different things.
This leading also changes my career. Because my needs are new, I begin to choose new options, new paths, new goals. The Spirit of God leads me into His way, a new dimension of life I didn't imagine before.
Being a real Christian
Tying the Knot
A number of years ago while engaged in a campus ministry I was teaching a class of young Christians about the basics of the Christian life. A student named Karen stayed behind after class to pursue a point I had made. She had recently made a decision for Christ but she wasn't sure whether to follow through with baptism and church membership.
I can still remember the look on Karen's face as I used an analogy I have used many times since.
"What is marriage, Karen," I asked her.
She smiled because she was already taking serious steps in that direction.. "Well, it's love I guess."
"So is being a Christian," I said. "It is a personal relationship between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. But is marriage anything else?"
"Sure she responded, it is a wedding ceremony." And her eyes glistened, revealing warm thoughts of her own wedding.
"Of course," I responded, "What is real love without the vows that protect love and make it permanent in the sight of God and men? So it is with being a Christian. It has a personal side, but it also has a ceremonial side. Baptism is that ceremony followed by church membership. It can't create love but it can make it responsible and public."*
This story illustrates a valid point about the identification of the Christian with the Lord and His people on earth. The average Christian is long on spiritual blessing, but tends to be short on commitment.
Commitment is a short commodity today, in any sphere, and in particular in business. Businesses are rediscovering the concept of loyalty as a business asset. Every year 14% of businesses switch banks. Telephone companies are vying with each other for a percentage of the telephone call business that clients generate and substantial savings can be made by continually switching from one carrier to another. All this engenders an environment of uncertainty and disadvantage. The world is in a mood of non-commitment. This is why Coles-Myer have introduced their air flights card and their shareholder discount card, to build a habit of buying from their stores.
Look at the statistics for marriage today. One can not be sure whether the commitments and promises may have any real lasting value. This is a terrible environment into which to bring children.
The Christian church is, or should be different. Salvation is eternal. Forgiveness is permanent. God's grace never fails. "Jesus Christ (is) the same, yesterday, today, forever." Our commitment to God is to be as lasting as His commitment to us, and our identification with and participation in His Church is but a part of that steadfast relationship.
The church is not a building, it is a body of people with whom you and I will have an eternal relationship. We will share Heaven together with Christ for ever. This is radically different to the world's concept that we observe today. But then we are of Christ and not of the world.
This relationship needs to be celebrated. That ceremony is believers baptism, and the commitment is Church membership. Give serious thought to your commitment today.
| God's Christmas Gift | ||
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born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). |
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babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). The trimmings: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men'" (Luke 2:13,14). |
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the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adopt- ion of sons" (Gal. 4:4,5). |
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