Happy New Year

http://www.wordcalendar.org/happy-new-year-2013-wallpaper-around-the-world.html

By the time you read this we may be in the year 2013. 2012 with all its spectacular events will have passed. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, and the Paralympics will be fading into history as we start the New Year. Are you looking forward to 2013? Are you optimistic of what this year may bring? Some may be starting a new job, with prospects of a whole new career. Some may be looking forward to their wedding, planning, and preparing for the “big day”. Others may still be looking for a job, any job, while others are starting afresh after the failure of their relationship. However, one thing affects us all and that is summarized in a well-worn phrase, “time flies”. Sorry for mentioning it but there are just 360 days to Christmas 2013!

Once the holiday period is over and we start back to work the daily/weekly routine carries us ever onward and we don’t notice the passage of time. The things that we planned to do, and to which we set a deadline for completion, are suddenly upon us – incomplete and pressing! The promises we made we realize we haven’t kept. Where has the time gone?

This is a difficulty that relates not just to our home life and our work life, but also to our spiritual life. Have we thought about what lies beyond time? As we pass through death into eternity, have we made any preparation or plan for “what next”? It is one thing to add such things to our resolutions for the year, but are we really serious about getting right with God and preparing to meet Him. The Bible bids us all to “prepare to meet thy God”. Sadly, many people get so caught up in the routines of life that they give it no thought at all. Perhaps they hope that they will have time later. At the end of life, perhaps, they’ll have time then to sort things out. Yet in the Christmas message there is news that God loves us all, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die as a sacrifice for sin, and that the Lord Jesus Christ can be our Saviour today.

Why put off a decision about eternity? Get right with God through a confession of your sin and faith in His Son. Enjoy His peace in your heart, whatever 2013 may bring!

“This was never meant to happen”



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20657114

‘It was a prank . . . we couldn’t foresee what would happen’. These are the words of the Australian DJs interviewed after their call to a London Hospital resulted in the suicide of a nurse. Shortly after the announcement of the fact that the Duchess of Cambridge was expecting a child, she was taken into hospital in London suffering from acute sickness brought on by the pregnancy. Whilst the Duchess was in the care of the hospital the two DJs were involved in making a telephone call to that hospital, posing as members of the Royal family. For whatever reason, the call was not identified as ‘a prank’ and was directed through to the suite where the Duchess was staying. The nurse who then answered and provided information to the callers did not realize that the call was a hoax. Later, she was so upset by the discovery of the hoax that she committed suicide.

Something that was conceived and carried out as ‘a laugh’ went horribly wrong. Something that should never have got as far as it did would seem to have contributed to the death of an experienced and dedicated nurse. Like our readers, we would offer sympathy to those who have been badly affected by this tragic turn of events.

I suppose we can all look back to events in our lives when ‘if only’ we had known how things would turn out we would never had set out on the pathway that we did. ‘If only’ can be the most tragic words it is possible to utter. We didn’t realize. We hadn’t anticipated. We didn’t think.

However, the Bible has left important facts on record. We might not have read those facts. We might be ignorant of what it states, but the warning is there. God says, ‘the soul that sinneth it shall die’. We cannot say ‘if only I had known’. God has told us of the consequences of our mistakes, our sins. If we continue on that chosen pathway of life we will be separated from God forever – spiritual death! But the remarkable thing about God is that He is willing to forgive, and to deal with the problem of our sin. ‘God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’. Through faith in Christ and His death on the cross we can be forgiven and brought into peace with God. What about you? Don’t be one who will forever regret, ‘if only . . .’

Floods



(c) Owen Humphries, Guardian website

 ‘Forecasters have warned there may be worse to come and after residents in the south west suffered from the floods over the weekend, people in the Midlands are now braced for the worst as bad weather moves northwards’, Channel 4 News, quoted from Google News. After one of the wettest summers for some years, many people are facing further rain and the very real danger of flooding in their homes. It is one thing to have a burst pipe and water in parts of the house. What must it be like to see water flooding into the downstairs level of your property and rising to two or three feet deep? It may be you can retreat to higher levels within a house, but ultimately the clean up time will arrive. Then, there is the process of insurance claims to try and provide funds to renovate and rebuild.

The agony of anyone in this situation must be finding that the insurance policy is not there. For whatever reason, there is no backup. What a real tragedy to find that everything is ruined and we have no insurance to cover the loss. For some, such an act of negligence would be unforgiveable. Surely, some would say, after this last summer you could have made some preparation for the possibility?

Many people are of the false opinion that “it can never happen to me”. They see the sorry plight of others and think that they could not be caught out like that. They confidently state, “I’m covered”. Perhaps I could ask you, “are you covered?” I’m not seeking insurance business. I’m simply asking, what preparation have you made for when you meet God? We all will. Rest assured. We all have to face God, either to accept His Son as our Saviour, or to face Him as our Judge. The Bible tells us of one man’s message, which was “Prepare to meet thy God”. Are we listening?

The preparation we need to make for this occasion is equally simple. As we are all sinners in God’s sight – we have all done things that are wrong – we need God’s forgiveness. We can only find it through believing in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because some 2000 years ago Jesus died upon a Roman cross! I know, as a fact, and can state “Jesus died for me – He bore my sin and paid my debt”. Take Him as your Saviour. Believe in the sacrifice that He made and you can be prepared to meet Him as your Saviour and Lord, and not as your Judge.

UK government threatens firms over hidden customer data

Image taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalty_program

‘The UK government has repeated its threat to legislate if businesses do not voluntarily release data gathered on customers who ask to see it’. This opening sentence on an item of news, 17/11/12, caught my eye. It reminded me of a training event I attended some years ago when the extent of information gathering by major retail companies was revealed and how that information shapes the plans of those companies.

What most of us don’t realize is that as we swipe our “loyalty” or points card we are automatically giving information to the store that supplied us with that card. They get to know our spending habits, what we buy and how often, where we shop and the distances we are prepared to travel to obtain the goods we require. Just how much information is gathered, stored, and used is difficult to determine. After all, we don’t really know and we don’t have access to our information normally.

I was reminded of a verse in the Bible. ‘All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do’. The writer is reminding us that there is a God to whom we must answer one day. That God does not merely record our shopping habits but stores every detail of our thoughts, words, and deeds. If we stop to think about it we must realize that the Biblical conclusion based upon the evidence gathered is accurate: ‘all the world . . . guilty before God’. Can we really question that fact when every detail of our life is scrutinised by God?

However, the good news is that God has supplied a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We can have our sins forgiven. We can know our guilt removed. Through the death of Jesus Christ upon a cross outside of Jerusalem some 2000 years ago, we can find salvation. Through faith in Christ – a confession of our sin to Him and a willingness to trust and follow Him in our lives – we can be saved from sins guilt and penalty. Those who have come to faith in Christ can speak of the burden that has been lifted from their life. They can speak of the joy of forgiveness and peace with God. Can you? The Christian life is not easy but a relationship with God in Jesus Christ is the best in life!

Behind closed doors



Picture taken from the MediaWales web site



‘The number of possible sexual abuse victims of Jimmy Savile has risen to 300, Scotland Yard has confirmed. It is thought the TV presenter and DJ, who died last year aged 84, may have abused scores of young girls and some boys over a 40-year period’. This is news from the BBC website on the unfolding scandal of a very prominent celebrity who died last year.

For those of us who saw so many of Mr Savile’s exploits on TV, it is difficult to imagine what was happening behind closed doors. How could something so dreadful remain hidden for so long? Equally, how could someone who appeared so good turn out to be so bad? Here was a man whose work for charity was tremendous. Here was a man who seemed to do so much for so many. Who could have imagined what he seems to have been like in private? We will have to wait the full revelation of his crimes and what evidence there is to condemn him.

However, there is a lesson for us all. So often we think that what is done in private doesn’t count. What no one sees and what doesn’t hurt anyone we feel to be of no significance. What people wouldn’t judge us for is OK. But is it? The Bible says, ‘The word of God . . . is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are . . . opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do’. God is watching and is aware of our actions, even our thoughts! Jimmy Savile might have escaped prosecution, should the  case against him be proven, but he has not escaped the eye of God. There is a judgement that will fall upon the unrepentant sinner, and that cannot be escaped, even by death. We may not be guilty of the crimes that characterise others. We may not have committed some of the awful atrocities that were played out in previous centuries, but we are still guilty before God. We may have to answer for our sins and failures. However, God has provided a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ who can provide us with a way of escape from the guilt and penalty of our sin. His death at Calvary could provide you, as it has provided me, with forgiveness. Now is the time to come to God, acknowledge your need, and trust Christ.

"Sherwood Forest board should quit over cancer errors – MP"

This is the headline for an article on the BBC website on the 9^th October.

It is difficult to maintain an open mind upon matters that could affect any one of us, and with potentially fatal consequences. Mistakes do happen, and we can all make them, but when they could mean that a misdiagnosis has been made and a serious illness has gone undetected, we are not as likely to forgive and forget. We all know that although cancer is still responsible for many deaths if it caught early enough many can be saved from its consequences. What is our view of the mistakes that have been discovered at Kings Mill Hospital?

This story reminds me of an equally serious business. There are many people today who have been victims of misdiagnosis. I am not talking about a medical condition but a spiritual one. The Bible tells us all that we are sinners in the sight of a holy God – we have fallen short of His standards and expectations. That situation makes us guilty before God. The Bible diagnosis is simple: ‘The wages of sin is death’. To put it another way, ‘the soul that sinneth it shall die’. We are all suffering from a terminal illness that can rob us of fellowship with God, or a relationship with God in heaven.

The misdiagnosis comes from people around us. Atheists assure us that there is no need to worry as there’s probably no God. Good living people seek to reassure us that ‘it will be all right in the end’ because we live a good life, or, on balance, we are good people. Some religions tell us that God is love and would never punish sin and sinners. Some religions offer systems and styles of life to overcome the consequences of sin. There are plenty of options, or so it would seem.

In a serious case of illness most of us would want to consult the experts. We would want the best possible medical treatment that was available. Some, who can afford it, seek private medical advice. That is why we recommend that in the case of our spiritual condition we seek the expert guidance that the Bible offers. It is not a matter of what I think, or what anyone else might think. What does the Bible say? Romans chapter 6 verse 23 says, ‘the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord’. If we want to avoid the consequence of our spiritual condition we need to accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour.

Invasion of privacy



Picture taken from http://www.walesonline.co.uk/



The decision of a French magazine to publish photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge whilst on holiday in France has generated quite a bit of comment and anger. The overall feeling seems to be that this is a significant invasion of their privacy – aren’t we all allowed a little privacy? In human terms the answer would have to be ‘yes’. Sadly, if we are a person in the public eye it seems that privacy is very difficult to achieve. There always seems to be someone snooping and prying, waiting to grab a photo and make some money.

However, in another context a recent enquiry has been tasked with providing some sort of guidance on the subject of “what is in the public interest”. Aren’t there some things done in private that should be made public? Those who break the law, even if it is in private, must not be allowed to escape punishment.

My thoughts turned to the Bible verse that tells us that men and women love privacy because so often their deeds are evil – they are breaking the law, behaving immorally, or dealing falsely. They don’t want the spotlight to fall upon them, and expose their behaviour. They prefer secrecy. They wish their “privacy” to be maintained, so that they cannot be found out.

The Bible challenge is that God does not need a long lens to provide a blurred photograph. He does not need to turn the light on to see what’s done in the darkness. There is not one person “that is not manifest in his sight”. All our secrets are known to God – even those things that we haven’t shared with our closest friends. That’s frightening – especially when we think that God will hold us to account for every one! How important it is to know our sins forgiven. This can only be achieved through the work of the Lord Jesus and through faith in Him. Have you confessed your need to God?

‘One word in one sentence on one day’



Capitol Building, Washington - Taken from www.senate.gov



These are the words of Todd Akin. He is a man running for office in the American Senate. During a day of campaigning, he made a significant mistake when asked about his views on the topic of abortion. What he said has brought condemnation from across the divide of American politics, from President Obama’s party to his fellow Republicans, including the presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney. Mr Akin made a serious error. Politics is such that errors of this nature are soon picked up and exploited by opponents.

I thought it strange that mistakes in politics can become so important, either to the candidate or their opponents. In other circumstances, would there be such a public furore. Probably not! It seems the public nature of the office that Mr Akin seeks means that anything he does, or says, will be brought into the spotlight. What of our life? Mr Akin’s one ‘simple’ mistake may well cost him his place in the Senate. Do we attach the same importance to the mistakes we make? The Bible calls our mistakes ‘sin’ – we miss the mark; we fail to reach the required standard! Just one mistake, or sin, will keep us out of God’s heaven. Sin is that important – it is crucial that we get a right view of sin!

Mr Akin has publicly apologised for his mistake. He is seeking forgiveness. Whether that will restore his political fortunes remains to be seen. Whether some people will forgive his mistake is also difficult to judge. One thing that we can be sure of is that we have a merciful, and gracious, God who is willing to forgive and to remove the stain and guilt of our mistakes (sins). How? Because the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died upon the cross of Calvary outside of Jerusalem some 2000 years ago! God punished His Son for my sin. He bore the penalty that should have been mine. If I admit my sin, and believe on the Lord Jesus, accepting Him as my Saviour, I can know forgiveness. I can be brought back into relationship with God. This doesn’t get me a place in American politics. It gets me a place in heaven – that’s far better!

What will be the legacy of the 2012 Olympics?

The question has already been asked, perhaps a number of times! What lasting impact will these Olympics have upon this country? It is estimated that £9billion has been spent. What will we have to show for that investment in five or ten year’s time? After the games have finished some of the stadia will be knocked down. Other Olympic cities have seen their facilities lie empty, and, eventually, become derelict. Will that happen here?

Some are optimistic, particularly about the impact the games will have upon junior sport’s people. Others will speak of their memories of the games and some particular sporting moment that they witnessed. It is also worth considering what our handling of such a sporting spectacular has done for our standing in the world sporting community.

We have commented in this blog before about one person who has left His indelible mark on history in a way that no Olympian has ever done. He never won a gold medal at any athletics event. He never rose to fame in any sporting sense. He was never responsible for organizing a major world event involving so many nations and competitors. He was not a politician. He was not really a public figure, although thousands sought to see and hear Him. His name was Jesus Christ!

Since nearly 2000 years have passed since His death, why should He be remembered and worshipped by millions? The answer would fill more space that this simple blog allows! But let us mention just a few points for you think about: (1) He was brutally treated and yet never fought back or abused His detractors; (2) He asked God for the forgiveness of His persecutors; (3) Just prior to His death the sun was darkened for three hours; (4) He died for crimes He did not commit; (5) After three days He rose again from the dead, and is now in heaven.

The real significance of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ was that He gave His life in order to pay the penalty for our guilt and burden of sin against God – the things that we have done wrong in the sight of God. Here is a person, the Son of God, who can make a lasting impression upon your life. Here is someone who has left a legacy that will outlive any sporting triumph or event. What is your response to Christ?

Olympic overload?



 Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net



It was interesting that when our speaker at the Family Tea on Sunday said that he wasn’t going to speak about the Olympics there was a deep sigh of thankfulness from certain people that were there. It would seem that some people have already had enough of the non-stop coverage of the Olympics 2012. I suppose that if you’re not a fan of sport then all the different events will be overwhelming. Similarly, some of the things that people might prefer to watch on their televisions or listen to on their radio gets pushed out to make way for this sporting extravaganza.

This is also a possibility in relation to the message of God’s good news for needy humanity – you and me! It’s a message that’s been around for 2000 years. It’s ‘old’ news! In the pursuit for the new and novel such ‘old’ messages get sidelined – whether that be in our minds and priorities, or in the minds and priorities of the news media. But it is still a message of vital importance. It provides a way of escape from the penalty of our sin and guilt before God. It provides news of forgiveness from, and peace with, God.

What makes the Olympics such a major event? Apart from the fact that it only happens once in every four years, this is the first time it has been held in this country since 1948. It is likely to be the only time the Olympics will be in Britain in some people’s lifetime. It’s historic!

There’s a once in a lifetime decision that you have to make as you read this blog. Will you get right with God, by turning your back upon your old life of sin and trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? It will be a life-changing, historic event if you do. It will bring you forgiveness and cleansing, a relationship with God which is not limited by time, and a home in heaven. The Olympics will soon slip away for another four years. How sad to let an opportunity of salvation slip away!

A moment in history

In case you have somehow missed the news, the English cyclist Bradley Wiggins has won the Tour de France for the first time. He is also the first Englishman to win the race in its history. As the BBC Sports website puts it, ‘In three demanding weeks, he toiled over the Alps and the Pyrenees to complete the mammoth 20-stage, 2,173-mile race which was in its 99th edition’. Wiggins has made history. Some suggest that this tremendous achievement ranks him alongside some of the other great British sportsmen and women, possibly in the top ten of recent years. Congratulations to him for his remarkable victory.

However, one feature that is true of all greats within the sporting world, and in most other walks of life, is that it is only a matter of time before they are forgotten. Their achievements only remembered by the few, or, worse still, only by the enthusiastic quiz buff! We speak of our “fifteen seconds of fame” before we disappear from view and our greatest achievements are lost in the mists of time.

This is what made me think of one person whose impact upon life is still as remarkable today as it was 2000 years ago when He lived. That person is Jesus Christ! For many people within the world He reset the calendar, some years classified as BC (before Christ), and some AD (Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord). That is just one way in which He changed people’s life forever. Yes, there are many revered leaders across the world of religion but no one else rose from among the dead and is alive today in heaven itself. His birth is celebrated at Christmas. His death is remembered at Easter time. The place where He lived remains in the spotlight of world news today, just as much as it was then. Ethnic cleansing, pogroms, purges, and other forms of cruelty and persecution over the centuries have failed to erase His name and His followers from history. Isn’t that remarkable? We believe it is! Jesus Christ changed history, but, more importantly, Jesus Christ can change your life forever. He can free you from the grip of sin and give you real hope of heaven. Will you accept Him as your Saviour and Lord?

Less than a second . . .

With modern technology it is now not only possible to have a picture of runners as they cross the finish line but timings for runners, although less than a second may separate them. It may be less than a tenth of a second that is the difference between runners in the 100 metres or in lap times at a major grand prix. This can be the difference between winning and losing.

These thoughts are particularly relevant as we approach the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Millions of pounds have been spent in construction, in organization, and publicity to makes these games memorable. For many this may well be the only time they will see such a world-renowned tournament in this country.

I find this a challenging thought. For GB athletes this is their only chance to win a medal at the Games in their own country. The preparations and training will have been intense and yet less than a second may decide whether they win or lose. How sad to think that some who have come so far will, unfortunately, leave with nothing!

Christians believe the Bible when it says that the opportunity of God’s salvation is limited by time. It is available now, but it will not be available forever. As we are all sinners (we have failed to live up to God’s required standards), we need His forgiveness and cleansing. In the person and work of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, God has provided a way of salvation. If we are prepared to confess our sin and to believe in Christ for salvation, we can be sure of heaven. Sadly, there will be those who know what they need to do and why they need to do it but less than a second may separate them from God’s salvation.

It's raining . . .

There used to be an old rhyme that went something like this: 'it's raining, it's pouring . . .' How appropriate for our experiences in June 2012. It has been the wettest June since records began. Hosepipe bans have been lifted but we're all wondering when we're going to get a summer!

On June 23rd we hold what we call an evangelism day in Kirkby. With the weather as it has been In the UK, wet on the Thursday and Friday, you might be wondering why we would want to do that. Why set out in the rain to deliver leaflets around the doors of Kirkby? Either you must be getting well paid or you must be mad. The answer is neither! We're not getting paid. Anyone who helped us did do freely and willingly. Are we mad? No, but we are serious about the message that we seek to carry to you.

The message of the gospel is God's good news to you - that's what gospel means, 'good news'. However, as is often the case in our experience, it is a 'limited offer'. Time is short. Salvation from sin will not be available forever. That's why we are serious about getting this message to you. We don't want you to miss the opportunity that God is giving you NOW.

If you want to do something about your sin - that which separates you from God and eternal life - you need to do it now. God gave His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die upon the cross (Roman crucifixion) for your sin and mine. The Lord Jesus Christ was punished for our sin that we might go freely to heaven, saved and cleansed by His death. Have you recognized that you are a sinner before God and need the Lord Jesus? Do it now and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to save you!

Falklands - 30 years on

I suppose, for some, the Falkland Islands would be largely unknown. That they are a British territory thousands of miles away in the South Atlantic may be surprising to some but many British soldiers lost their lives on those tiny islands 30 years ago. Perhaps the more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have overshadowed any memories of that overthrow of Argentinean invaders. However, one thing is shared between that Falkland Island war and that being waged in Afghanistan and Iraq. People asked then, as they ask now, ‘why should British soldiers die to protect something so far away and so detached from life in the UK?’

This anniversary reminded me of One who left heaven to come to earth to give His life. The Lord Jesus Christ came to this sin-stained planet, was scorned, ridiculed, and ill-treated, before dying a criminal’s death upon a Roman cross. He had done nothing wrong. He was falsely accused. He was wrongly tried, abusing every decent court process. He was brutally killed. What for? What relevance has that got for life in 2012?

Britain went to war against Argentina in order to rescue those who had been taken over by invading forces. British soldiers fought, and, in some cases, gave their lives to bring freedom to the Falkland Islanders. In a similar way, God’s Son came to earth to lay down His life. He laid down that life, gave it, to deliver us from the “invading force” of sin. We were captives to sin—in its grip and unable to release ourselves from its hold. Christ’s death upon that Roman cross was the price necessary to deliver us from sin’s power and from sin’s penalty. By faith in Christ and His finished work at Calvary’s cross we can be forgiven and made fit for heaven. That is a sacrifice that we should never forget. Do we believe it, have we accepted Christ?

60 Years

After 60 years of service to this country, this weekend has been set aside to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Whether supporter or opponent, most would agree that sixty years is a long period of service and, at 86, most people would be well into their retirement. Not so the Queen! She remains committed to the service of her people and the prosperity of this country. We would add our best wishes to Her Majesty on this occasion and pray that she might be given strength to continue.

It was the psalmist who wrote in the Bible, 'The days of our years are threescore years and ten (70); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore (80) years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away', Psalm 90 verse 10. We all have to acknowledge that, even though some people live longer, death is inevitable. We are grateful to God for the Queen's continued reign, but we admit that it will come to an end at some point. I'm sure that politicians and civil servants will have thought about this possibility, and made plans for the eventuality.

What plans have you made for the end of your life? This is not a question of being morbid. Neither it is about a funeral plan and a will. Have you made plans for eternity? After death, what? The Bible tells us that 'it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this . . .' There is something after death. We live on in either one of two places, heaven or hell. Only with Jesus Christ as your Saviour can you be sure that you will be in heaven. Have you confessed your sin to God and accepted His Son in faith?

Reoffending rates reach record high

 

The prison population is rising. The need to find alternative punishments to prison is seen as a priority. Now, recent statistics suggest that reoffending is rising – figures of 44% are quoted for 2011, that is, people convicted who have 15 or more previous offences on their record. Is this solely down to social factors of deprivation, poor parenting, drugs, and alcohol? Is the economic downturn to blame for people turning to crime? We have had government initiative after government initiative to attempt to break the trend. Whether there has been some success in a reduction in the number of offenders being processed by the criminal justice system remains to be seen.

This is a very serious issue for society as a whole and for us in particular. What is it that leads all of us to commit crime? It might be that speeding ticket. It might be that parking ticket. I may be that bit of bullying in the classroom or the workplace. We make excuses. We seek to explain our behaviour by criticising the speed limits, getting angry with the parking officers, or saying that we were “under pressure”. After all, or so the saying goes, these are minor things. They are not as serious as rape or murder.

However, the Bible is clear. It calls all these things “sin”. Not a modern word, but definitely a very up-to-date problem! In the same way, the Bible tells us that we have all sinned. We have all failed to reach God’s standards, never mind failing to reach society’s standards. We all stand guilty before the bar in God’s courtroom. We are condemned. The concern is that perhaps we don’t appreciate how serious that is. If we speed, we get a fine and three points on our licence. If we commit a parking offence we get a £25 fine, or perhaps more. Even more serious offences do not seem to be heavily punished, according to some newspapers. God’s punishment for our sins is far more serious. It can bar us from God’s presence for eternity. It can mean our place under God’s punishment for ever. That is no short-term matter. What are we going to do about our sin and its consequences?

God has provided an answer. In the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, He has provided a way of escape. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is God’s mediator. He “gave himself a ransom for all”. Through His death and resurrection we can be forgiven. We can escape the penalty of our sin. Will you accept Him as your Saviour?

Financial Crisis

You may have listened to, or watched, the news about the debt crisis in Greece. After negotiating a deal to provide bail out funding from the EU, the Greek electorate has voted in politicians who disagree with these proposed measures. A major economic crisis across Europe is looming again.

What is the problem? To put the situation into terms that many will understand, it would be the same as if I borrowed more money than I was capable of paying back. We all receive information about credit cards, bank loans, overdraft opportunities, and “interest free credit” options. How easy it is to borrow money and get into serious debt. The problem is that there comes a “day of reckoning” when the debt has to be faced, and the creditors satisfied.

Sadly, many people get themselves into serious financial difficulties. Managing their money is really difficult and to finance a holiday, or the Christmas family presents, they get into debt.

I wonder if we’ve ever added up the debt we owe to God. As we live our life to please ourselves and exclude God from day to day, what debt are we generating? Sin, as the Bible tells us, is putting “me” first. Shutting God out of my life and failing to do as He desires. Such behaviour is racking up a massive debt with God.

In reality we cannot pay back what we owe. Whatever effort we make to “change our ways”, “turn over a new leaf”, or do better cannot wipe out the debt. It is too great. Either we will have to face the consequences of that debt ourselves or look to another to help us. The choice is stark but simple. If we face the debt ourselves, we will suffer God’s judgement for our sin and guilt. However, in grace, God has provided another to bear the debt, the burden, of our sin and guilt – the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross nearly 2000 years ago, our debt can be cancelled and our guilt removed.

What are you going to do about your debt crisis?

Breaches of the highest degree of trust

Photo taken from www.free-city-guides.com

The Independent newspaper used these words, attributed to the judge in the case, about a former union leader who had been sentenced to four years in jail for his part in a complex fraud. A man who had risen to prominence by the support of his working colleagues had been given a position of responsibility and trust. That trust he had betrayed for personal gain and was now to face the consequences of his actions. It is sad to see any man fall. It is even sadder to think of those whose trust has now been lost and whose loyalty seems to have been misplaced. What of the monies that should have gone to deserving members or their relatives?

Perhaps we should take a note of the words of the Bible. The psalmist wrote, 'It is better to trust in the Lord [God] than to put confidence in man', Psalm 118 verse 8. The wise man, King Solomon, wrote, 'whoso putteth his trust in the Lord [God] shall be safe', Proverbs 29 verse 25. I wonder what you are putting your trust in. As to the matter of where we came from, our origins and beginnings, do we put our trust in men of science or do we put our trust in God, the creator of all things? As to where we shall go when we die, do we trust the new atheism of men that says we've only got one life let's live it? Or, do we put our trust in God and what His word, the Bible, says?

We all have a decision to make. Who can we trust? Are men reliable? The saying goes, 'Even the best of men are only men at best'! The Bible makes this comment, 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding', Proverbs 3 verse 5. We can have confidence in God as He never fails. He has provided a Saviour to pay the penalty for our sin. We can trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and forgiveness. Will you?

Divided City

Football divides a city. It might be Manchester, after the big derby game, or Liverpool, or Glasgow. It could be so many other major cities or geographical areas. Which team you support is a big issue! Travel in wrong colours and tempers can become frayed and attitudes polarized. It is something so simple – just 22 men kicking a football around – and yet something that generates so much passion. In such a charged atmosphere, how can you remain impartial? Which side will you support?

There was a scene outside another city 2000 years ago. It was not a confrontation upon a football field. In that scene outside of Jerusalem passions were running very high. The crowd had not been cheering on a team but baying for the death of one man. That man was Jesus Christ. He was now impaled upon a Roman cross in the centre of two other criminals who were being crucified with Him. These two criminals, one on either side, typify divided opinion. One joined with the crowd, mocking and taunting Jesus Christ upon the centre cross. The other man was different. At first, he had followed the crowd. Now, he had changed his mind. He had seen the crowd. He had witnessed the brutality of that scene. But, equally, he had heard the words of this man upon the centre cross. He had watched His attitude and behaviour.

Jesus Christ was different! Who else would say, ‘Father forgive them’, in prayer to God for a crowd that had put Him to death? Who else would think about others when it seemed His own life was ebbing away? One criminal came to a decision that rather than follow the crowd he was to seek the favour and blessing of this man who hung upon the centre cross. It might only be ‘Remember me’, but that would enough.

Mankind can be divided upon many things. Some are really trivial. Some seem of major importance. Which criminal would you have followed upon that day? Would you have joined with the crowd and mocked and ridiculed Jesus Christ? Many do today! Or, will you appreciate who He is, what He has done in dying upon Calvary’s cross, and what He can do for you today?

Democracy

Democracy is supposed to be about the choice of the people – the government of the people by those chosen by the people. The latest presidential elections in France remind us of this system, although the French method seems somewhat different to ours. Western governments seem to hold elections in high regard and seek to encourage countries across the world to adopt methods to allow the people to choose their government.

I am reminded of a choice that was presented to a crowd of people some 2000 years ago. On that day, the Roman Governor invited the people to choose between two people. One of the two men was called Barabbas. He was a notorious criminal, one found guilty of violent robbery and murder, held up by some as a revolutionary. The other was Jesus Christ. This second man had been responsible for the miraculous healing of many, including some who were seen to be incurable, the feeding of many who were starving, and the raising from the dead of at least three people. Which would they choose? It might seem what is termed ‘a no brainer’, but it didn’t turn out as you might think. In fact the crowd ‘voted’ for Barabbas and shouted for the death by crucifixion of Jesus. Why?

The fact that Jesus Christ had lived a perfect and sinless life had exposed the corruption of so many in the world around him. He had spoken against the hypocrisy seen in the lives of many so-called religious leaders. If we were to compare our lives with His we would see our sinfulness and failure.

But, above all, Jesus Christ came to die at Calvary. Not only because mankind rejected Him, but because God had purposed it. The Lord Jesus Christ came to give His life as a sacrifice for sin that you and I might have forgiveness and peace with God. The crowd made the wrong choice that day. Who will you choose today?