This year I'm going to introduce a new monthly review - when I remember! So we're on the last day of January, one month down, 11 months to go in 2009. What has happened thus far?
This is now the 44th posting in January, the busiest January on the blog in 4 years. We had food reviews, music reviews, and news on the future of Zavvi stores as well as the Belfast protest for Gaza. This month's preaching was from Luke 1 (audio), 1 Corinthians 8 (audio), and John 1 (audio). Photos were shared from the Gaza protest, and my first Baptism.
A busy month, but a good one on the blog. Here's to February!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Listening to your Wife
Listening to your wife is a good thing. Talking and listening - really listening is an essential part of the developing marriage. It's how we grow closer together. And yet, the surprising thing is that twice in the early chapters of Genesis, we're presented with two times when listening to a wife was a manifestly bad thing.
Consider Adam. The world was recently created, and he was enjoying the first marriage, to his wife Eve. Everything was wonderful and new. They had a close relationship with God, but then something messed it up. Sin entered the world through the eating of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve recognised they were naked, and went to hide themselves before God arrived for his evening stroll in the garden.
God confronts Adam and Eve, and unfolds the curse on the virgin world in three parts to the serpent, to Eve, and finally to Adam. Note what God says to Adam:
Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it', cursed is the ground because of you; (Genesis 3:17)
Adam listening to his wife was part of the disobedience, precisely because Eve had said something that was contrary to God's will. The implication is that Adam listened to his wife rather than listening to God.
Again, we find a similar situation with Abraham, the father of faith. Abraham, you might remember, had been promised great things by God. Among them, "I will make of you a great nation" (Genesis 12:2). To be a nation required at the very least, a son. A child, an heir.
Yet time's a passing and still no child. Sarai is as barren as the Sahara desert, and Abraham is old himself. So Abraham asks the LORD what's going on. Once again, the promise comes: 'This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir' (Genesis 15:4). Promises are fine things, but still nothing, so Sarai comes up with a brainwave. As she seems to be the problem, perhaps surrogacy is the solution.
And Sarai said to Abram, "Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. (Genesis 16:2)
Abraham listens to the voice of his wife, again, against the advice, voice and promise of God, and Ishmael is born to Hagar, the servant-girl. Fourteen years after Ishmael is born, finally the son of promise, Isaac, is born. Yet things were problematic in the Abraham household. Why? Because Abraham listened to the voice of his wife.
Now please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying you should never listen to your wife. Listening to your wife is good and proper. But if it takes over from listening to God, if it leads you away from believing and trusting God, then it's not a good thing!
Consider Adam. The world was recently created, and he was enjoying the first marriage, to his wife Eve. Everything was wonderful and new. They had a close relationship with God, but then something messed it up. Sin entered the world through the eating of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve recognised they were naked, and went to hide themselves before God arrived for his evening stroll in the garden.
God confronts Adam and Eve, and unfolds the curse on the virgin world in three parts to the serpent, to Eve, and finally to Adam. Note what God says to Adam:
Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it', cursed is the ground because of you; (Genesis 3:17)
Adam listening to his wife was part of the disobedience, precisely because Eve had said something that was contrary to God's will. The implication is that Adam listened to his wife rather than listening to God.
Again, we find a similar situation with Abraham, the father of faith. Abraham, you might remember, had been promised great things by God. Among them, "I will make of you a great nation" (Genesis 12:2). To be a nation required at the very least, a son. A child, an heir.
Yet time's a passing and still no child. Sarai is as barren as the Sahara desert, and Abraham is old himself. So Abraham asks the LORD what's going on. Once again, the promise comes: 'This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir' (Genesis 15:4). Promises are fine things, but still nothing, so Sarai comes up with a brainwave. As she seems to be the problem, perhaps surrogacy is the solution.
And Sarai said to Abram, "Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. (Genesis 16:2)
Abraham listens to the voice of his wife, again, against the advice, voice and promise of God, and Ishmael is born to Hagar, the servant-girl. Fourteen years after Ishmael is born, finally the son of promise, Isaac, is born. Yet things were problematic in the Abraham household. Why? Because Abraham listened to the voice of his wife.
Now please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying you should never listen to your wife. Listening to your wife is good and proper. But if it takes over from listening to God, if it leads you away from believing and trusting God, then it's not a good thing!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Open House
During the month of February we're having Open House in Dundonald. Sunday nights will be a whole lot different, as we discuss life's big issues.
It all kicks off this Sunday night at 6.30pm in St Elizabeth's Halls on Church Green, as we look at: How can I believe that God made me?
You will be made most welcome.
It all kicks off this Sunday night at 6.30pm in St Elizabeth's Halls on Church Green, as we look at: How can I believe that God made me?
You will be made most welcome.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Why Did Jesus Die On The Cross?
When faced with this question, most people will immediately say that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, to pay the debt we couldn't pay, or to win us forgiveness. What springs to mind is sin, and rightly so. Yet the cross has been described as a diamond, which, as you look at it from various perspectives, you see its glory all the more.
On Sunday night, Edward Lobb was preaching in St Elizabeth's, from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. He highlighted something I had never noticed before in the text. Why is it that Jesus died, according to this passage?
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
Do you see the remarkable thing? It doesn't say 'live for him' - which is what we expect. No, it says 'we might live with him'. Jesus went to the cross so that we might live with him - he died desiring our company for eternity!
Of course, this is a both-and, not an either-or. To use the diamond analogy, both dying for our sins and dying so that we might live with him sit together - they're not mutually exclusive.
How wonderful, that the Lord of the universe died so that you and I might live with him. Will you live with him? Or will you turn your back on him?
On Sunday night, Edward Lobb was preaching in St Elizabeth's, from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. He highlighted something I had never noticed before in the text. Why is it that Jesus died, according to this passage?
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
Do you see the remarkable thing? It doesn't say 'live for him' - which is what we expect. No, it says 'we might live with him'. Jesus went to the cross so that we might live with him - he died desiring our company for eternity!
Of course, this is a both-and, not an either-or. To use the diamond analogy, both dying for our sins and dying so that we might live with him sit together - they're not mutually exclusive.
How wonderful, that the Lord of the universe died so that you and I might live with him. Will you live with him? Or will you turn your back on him?
Iron Sharpening Iron
I was down in Newcastle for a few days at the Northern Ireland Ministry Assembly's first Preaching Conference. The main speaker was Edward Lobb, Director of the Cornhill Training Course in Scotland, organised by Proclamation Trust. In the main sessions, Edward took us through Letting the Word do the Work; Placing the Text in its Context; The Heart of Romans; and Sermon Preparation. Each was brilliant, with lots to think about as we return home to our parishes and ministries. Sadly, there was no recording of these sessions.
However, the main reason we were gathered was for the small group workshops. In these, a group of 8 people (maybe more in others) tackled a book to preach on. The seminars running were 2 Timothy, Ruth and Revelation. Each person was allocated a passage in advance with some homework - to prepare to preach on the passage, and present the Theme of the passage, the Aim of the sermon, and then an Outline of the sermon. These groups were most helpful, with positive feedback and constructive criticism on the outlines presented, as well as the opportunity to hear the ideas and thoughts of others on the passage.
As we worked together, it was a case of iron sharpening iron for the task at hand. Hopefully another preaching conference will be organised next year to build up our preaching, and also provide encouragement to stick at the hard work of sermon preparation.
Edward also preached at St Elizabeth's on Sunday night. You can hear him on the St Elizabeth's sermon blog.
However, the main reason we were gathered was for the small group workshops. In these, a group of 8 people (maybe more in others) tackled a book to preach on. The seminars running were 2 Timothy, Ruth and Revelation. Each person was allocated a passage in advance with some homework - to prepare to preach on the passage, and present the Theme of the passage, the Aim of the sermon, and then an Outline of the sermon. These groups were most helpful, with positive feedback and constructive criticism on the outlines presented, as well as the opportunity to hear the ideas and thoughts of others on the passage.
As we worked together, it was a case of iron sharpening iron for the task at hand. Hopefully another preaching conference will be organised next year to build up our preaching, and also provide encouragement to stick at the hard work of sermon preparation.
Edward also preached at St Elizabeth's on Sunday night. You can hear him on the St Elizabeth's sermon blog.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church Youthwork Vacancy
St Elizabeth's Church,
Dundonald, Belfast
Full Time Youth Leader
Dundonald, Belfast
Full Time Youth Leader
Who We Are:
Closing Date: Friday 27 March 2009
- Anglican Evangelical Church 4.5m from Belfast
- Congregation of 160
- Aiming to make disciples of Christ
- Expository preaching, prayer and discipleship
- Regular training in mission and ministry
- A young but expanding Youth Work
- A growing, mature, servant-hearted Christian
- Trained in teaching the Bible
- Experienced in youth work
- Leader, team player, organised
Closing Date: Friday 27 March 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
First Baptism
First Baptism
Originally uploaded by Gary McMurray.
This morning I was privileged to conduct my first baptism. Baby Harrison was very good, although a little shocked by the water on his forehead! Thankfully I knew to put him upright after the wetting and he was fine for the introduction to the congregation and the wee walk up and down the aisle. And ... the thing everyone warned about - I didn't drop him!
Poor Harry - he comes along to church today and we throw water at him and call him names!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Plus One
With the death of analogue TV coming in the near future, everything is going digital. Freeview Digiboxes are all the rage, or even televisions with digital receivers built in. Even better, the television set can auto tune itself, go through the complete frequency range and provide the full list of channels available. Wonderful.
Except there's one missing from our set. A channel I would like to receive as it has some good programmes - Top Gear, Whose Line Is It Anyway (UK version which is much better than the American version with all their hollering), Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and the Jeremy Clarkson specials. Dave is missing. A sad loss. One of the reasons I know it's missing is because we are receiving Dave + 1. Strange that we can get the hour later showing, but not the 'live' showing!
Well, it's better than nothing.
Except there's one missing from our set. A channel I would like to receive as it has some good programmes - Top Gear, Whose Line Is It Anyway (UK version which is much better than the American version with all their hollering), Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and the Jeremy Clarkson specials. Dave is missing. A sad loss. One of the reasons I know it's missing is because we are receiving Dave + 1. Strange that we can get the hour later showing, but not the 'live' showing!
Well, it's better than nothing.
Happenstance
I just happened to bump into so-and-so. Just by chance I called into the butchers. Coincidences, random happenings, chance encounters. What is it you think of when these things happen to you? You might imagine it's the randomness of a random universe. Nothing special or amazing.
We find such an event in Ruth chapter 2. Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi are both widows with no means of support. So Ruth decides to go and glean, to pick up the leavings of the harvest, to survive. Of all the fields around Bethlehem, we read:
'She happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.' (Ruth 2:3 ESV)
Or as other versions say it: 'As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz' (NIV); 'she chanced to light on an allotment of Boaz' (Darby); 'and her chance happeneth' (Young's Literal); 'It just so happened' (New Century Version); and my favourite: 'and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz' (The Authorised Version / King James Version).
To quote a famous line from the movie Casablanca: 'Of all the bars in all the world, she had to walk into mine.' Or perhaps as Boaz would have said, 'Of all the fields around Bethlehem, she had to glean in mine.'
The purpose of these words is clear. This was not just a random chance. Rather, God was in sovereign control to order these events so that Ruth finds herself in her worthy relative's field. The stage is now set for the romance of redemption, which eventually provides Israel with the Davidic line of kings, and ultimately results in the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus.
When we see coincidences, do we take them at face value as pure random chance, or do we look behind them to see the Lord ordering our steps?
'The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.' (Proverbs 16:9)
We find such an event in Ruth chapter 2. Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi are both widows with no means of support. So Ruth decides to go and glean, to pick up the leavings of the harvest, to survive. Of all the fields around Bethlehem, we read:
'She happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.' (Ruth 2:3 ESV)
Or as other versions say it: 'As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz' (NIV); 'she chanced to light on an allotment of Boaz' (Darby); 'and her chance happeneth' (Young's Literal); 'It just so happened' (New Century Version); and my favourite: 'and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz' (The Authorised Version / King James Version).
To quote a famous line from the movie Casablanca: 'Of all the bars in all the world, she had to walk into mine.' Or perhaps as Boaz would have said, 'Of all the fields around Bethlehem, she had to glean in mine.'
The purpose of these words is clear. This was not just a random chance. Rather, God was in sovereign control to order these events so that Ruth finds herself in her worthy relative's field. The stage is now set for the romance of redemption, which eventually provides Israel with the Davidic line of kings, and ultimately results in the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus.
When we see coincidences, do we take them at face value as pure random chance, or do we look behind them to see the Lord ordering our steps?
'The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.' (Proverbs 16:9)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Amazing Grace
Last night we were continuing our Fellowship Group in the Book of Ruth. After the devastation of chapter 1, in which Naomi loses virtually everything - home, husband, sons, food, land - yet vitally gains a faithful daughter-in-law, Ruth, and clings to her flickering faith, chapter 2 provides some relief, in the over-abundance of favour shown by their worthy relative, Boaz.
That word favour is the same as 'grace' - the unmerited, undeserved blessing and pleasure of God. In 2:2, Ruth goes out to glean 'after him in whose sight I find favour.' She finds this favour in the eyes of Boaz, who provides for her, protects her, ensures she prospers, and cares for her. Twice, she remarks on the amazingness of this favour: 'Why have I found such favour in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?' (2:10); 'I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.' (2:13)
The favour or grace that Ruth finds from Boaz is a small picture of the abundant, amazing grace that God showers on those He loves. You see, often we have this false picture of God which states that the God of the Old Testament is wrathful and angry and loves to smite people, but that Jesus in the New Testament is a much more likeable character, full of love and mercy and grace.
The Bible simply will not allow us to hold this false picture. On the one hand, Jesus speaks more about hell and eternal punishment than anyone else. And, as we see when we survey the Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament, that Yahweh, Jehovah, the capital letters LORD is gracious and merciful.
But Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:8)
Behold, your servant has found favour in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. - Lot (Genesis 19:19)
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:21)
And the LORD said to Moses, "This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favour in my sight, and I know you by name." (Exodus 33:17)
And (Gideon) said to him, "If now I have found favour in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me." (Judges 6:17)
Now the young man Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the LORD and also with man. (1 Samuel 2:26)
Then Jehoahaz sought the favour of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. (2 Kings 13:4)
Truly, amazing grace!
That word favour is the same as 'grace' - the unmerited, undeserved blessing and pleasure of God. In 2:2, Ruth goes out to glean 'after him in whose sight I find favour.' She finds this favour in the eyes of Boaz, who provides for her, protects her, ensures she prospers, and cares for her. Twice, she remarks on the amazingness of this favour: 'Why have I found such favour in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?' (2:10); 'I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.' (2:13)
The favour or grace that Ruth finds from Boaz is a small picture of the abundant, amazing grace that God showers on those He loves. You see, often we have this false picture of God which states that the God of the Old Testament is wrathful and angry and loves to smite people, but that Jesus in the New Testament is a much more likeable character, full of love and mercy and grace.
The Bible simply will not allow us to hold this false picture. On the one hand, Jesus speaks more about hell and eternal punishment than anyone else. And, as we see when we survey the Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament, that Yahweh, Jehovah, the capital letters LORD is gracious and merciful.
But Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:8)
Behold, your servant has found favour in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. - Lot (Genesis 19:19)
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:21)
And the LORD said to Moses, "This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favour in my sight, and I know you by name." (Exodus 33:17)
And (Gideon) said to him, "If now I have found favour in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me." (Judges 6:17)
Now the young man Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the LORD and also with man. (1 Samuel 2:26)
Then Jehoahaz sought the favour of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. (2 Kings 13:4)
Truly, amazing grace!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sermon Audio: John 1: 35-42
On Sunday I preached on John 1: 35-42, the call of the first disciples at the Church Family Service. The theme of the service was 'A Fresh Start' so the talk is entitled 'A Fresh Start: Following Jesus.'
We look at how we can follow Jesus today, learning from the disciples: Knowing Jesus as Saviour, spending time with Jesus, and telling others about Jesus. Along the way, we see how it is similar to following or supporting a football team.
We look at how we can follow Jesus today, learning from the disciples: Knowing Jesus as Saviour, spending time with Jesus, and telling others about Jesus. Along the way, we see how it is similar to following or supporting a football team.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Nominated!
A big thank you to whoever it was nominated me for the Irish Blog Awards 2009. I've been included in the first list of nominations for the Best Personal Blog, released today. Me and another 78 blogs, so I'm not expecting to make it to the long list, let alone the short list.
It's good to see some friends' blogs among the nominations in the same category - Marramgrass; and Alan in Belfast. Slugger O'Toole has also been nominated in a couple of categories. And I managed to get Daniel Owen nominated for Best Photo Blog.
Check out the full list of nominations if you're looking for links or some new blogs to read (as well as continuing to read mine too!).
Anti-Social Networking
Recently, some bloggers have questioned the value and worth of social networking sites like Bebo and more especially Facebook. That is, Abraham Piper, Brian Heasley, Josh Harris, and Phil Whittall. While they can help us keep in touch with friends, they can also be addictive, distracting, and turn into a 'the person with the most friends wins' kind of school playground activity.
This morning on Radio Ulster, (no link available) there was a report claiming that gangs of youths in Dungannon, County Tyrone, were using Bebo and Facebook to organise sectarian confrontations in the town centre. It all started one weekend, when a gang of about 10 'jumped' two Protestant guys. The following weekend, two gangs began a fight, with around 20 young men in each gang. On the third weekend, it had been stepped up again, with tension being raised on Bebo and Facebook, with the sectarian gangs organising themselves on the social networking sites. Thankfully the PSNI intelligence was on the case, and sufficient numbers of police were in the town centre to prevent any further escalation of trouble.
Not so much social networking, as anti-social networking.
This morning on Radio Ulster, (no link available) there was a report claiming that gangs of youths in Dungannon, County Tyrone, were using Bebo and Facebook to organise sectarian confrontations in the town centre. It all started one weekend, when a gang of about 10 'jumped' two Protestant guys. The following weekend, two gangs began a fight, with around 20 young men in each gang. On the third weekend, it had been stepped up again, with tension being raised on Bebo and Facebook, with the sectarian gangs organising themselves on the social networking sites. Thankfully the PSNI intelligence was on the case, and sufficient numbers of police were in the town centre to prevent any further escalation of trouble.
Not so much social networking, as anti-social networking.
Obama - nation
Today, Barak Obama makes history, inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America. His rallying cry during the presidential election campaign was for Change. Can he do it? We'll see over the next four years, or maybe even eight if he wins a second term.
Change is indeed an easy catchphrase. Who or what does not need to change in some way? Particularly so when talking about the governance and politics of the (self-appointed) world's policeman and leading nation of the free world. But can he achieve it? Can he make a real difference to the United States? Again, we'll see over the next four years.
Change is indeed an easy catchphrase. Who or what does not need to change in some way? Particularly so when talking about the governance and politics of the (self-appointed) world's policeman and leading nation of the free world. But can he achieve it? Can he make a real difference to the United States? Again, we'll see over the next four years.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Down Cathedral
Down Cathedral by night
Originally uploaded by Gary McMurray.
The Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Downpatrick looks quite impressive all lit up at night. This year the Cathedral (as well as the other cathedral in the united Diocese of Down and Dromore, the Cathedral Church of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore) will celebrate the 400th anniversary of its Letters Patent from King James I. These bestowed Cathedral status on the building.
For more information, visit the Cathedral website.
Blue Monday
How are you doing today?
Psychologists reckon that today is the most depressing day of the year. And so soon into the year as well! Seemingly it is a combination of the weather, the amount of post-Christmas debt (and the time delay until pay day at the end of the month), the time since Christmas celebrations, the time that New Year Resolutions generally fail, having low motivational levels, and the feeling of a need to take action. The day has been dubbed 'Blue Monday' by some.
Thankfully, the only thing blue in my life is my car! Yet for many, this may be an especially difficult time, as December credit card bills arrive taking into account the Christmas spending, especially on Santa's presents. The temptation may be to only pay the minimum amount, but in the end, Christmas will be much more expensive, and the debt will be around for longer. Experts recommend paying off credit card bills in full each month, to avoid high charges and the development of interest.
Yet for the Christian, no day is more depressing than another - in fact, no day need be depressing at all. Rather, each day is a new day to rediscover the love of God in fresh ways. Amazingly (and perhaps slightly ironically), we discover this in the book called Lamentations:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-24)
Psychologists reckon that today is the most depressing day of the year. And so soon into the year as well! Seemingly it is a combination of the weather, the amount of post-Christmas debt (and the time delay until pay day at the end of the month), the time since Christmas celebrations, the time that New Year Resolutions generally fail, having low motivational levels, and the feeling of a need to take action. The day has been dubbed 'Blue Monday' by some.
Thankfully, the only thing blue in my life is my car! Yet for many, this may be an especially difficult time, as December credit card bills arrive taking into account the Christmas spending, especially on Santa's presents. The temptation may be to only pay the minimum amount, but in the end, Christmas will be much more expensive, and the debt will be around for longer. Experts recommend paying off credit card bills in full each month, to avoid high charges and the development of interest.
Yet for the Christian, no day is more depressing than another - in fact, no day need be depressing at all. Rather, each day is a new day to rediscover the love of God in fresh ways. Amazingly (and perhaps slightly ironically), we discover this in the book called Lamentations:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-24)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sermon: John 1: 35-42 A Fresh Start Following Jesus
In our reading this morning, we heard about how some people had a fresh start. At the start, these men were disciples of John the Baptist, but they then have a fresh start, and everything is changed for them. What is it that changes? Well, they begin to follow Jesus.
At the start, they are standing with John the Baptist, but when Jesus walks past, then they leave John and go and follow Jesus. But you might be thinking, well, that was easy for them – Jesus was on the earth at the time, you could actually follow him around. But what about us? How do we follow Jesus today, when we can’t see him? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
We’re going to see three things from the passage that helps us to know what a follower of Jesus is. First of all, knowing Jesus; then spending time with Jesus; and thirdly, telling others about Jesus.
I want to suggest that it’s a bit like following a football team. Now, you might not know this, but I support the Northern Ireland team. I always have my ticket, and get along to the Northern Ireland games at Windsor Park. Do any of you support a football team?
When you support a team, you try to know about them. So you know who’s on the team, and who the manager is, and what they’re like. In a similar way, when the disciples start to follow Jesus, they come to know about him, and also know him. When Jesus walked past, John the Baptist points to Jesus and says ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’ (1:35)
Behold is used to draw attention – just like someone saying ‘look’ or ‘would you look at that’. Jesus is the Lamb of God. Lambs were used in the sacrifices in the temple, and this title of Jesus points forward to the time when Jesus died on the cross, for our sins. As John had said that day before (1:29) ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’
The first step in following Jesus is to know him as our Saviour. Jesus died on the cross so that we can be friends with God. So on this first point, it’s so much more than just knowing about a football team. It’s not just knowing about Jesus, but actually knowing him as our Saviour, as the one who has changed things for us, through his death and his resurrection.
So the first question is this – do you know Jesus? Is Jesus your Saviour?
The second thing we see about following is that we will want to spend time with Jesus. Earlier I was saying about supporting Northern Ireland. Because I support the team, I’ll want to spend time with them – watching their games, cheering them on at Windsor Park.
It’s just the same with Jesus. Look at the passage. The two disciples start to follow Jesus, and Jesus turns round to ask what they want. And what is it they ask Jesus? ‘where are you staying?’ So when Jesus says ‘Come and you will see’, they went to see, and ‘stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour’ (that is, about 4pm).
As they followed Jesus, they spent time with him – talking to him and listening to him. But how do we spend time with Jesus now? We can spend time with Jesus as we take the time to read his word, and time to pray. So as you follow Jesus, do you take time with him, reading your Bible and praying?
The third thing we see in the passage is that the disciples tell others about Jesus. Going back to the football, what is it like if your team wins? It’s good news, and you want to share it! I was at the Northern Ireland game the night they beat England 1-0, and the day or two afterwards, I wanted to tell everyone! It was such a great feeling to have won, and I was chatting to other people who had been at the game as well as those who had watched it on TV.
But more important than winning a football game, in our reading we see the joy and delight that Andrew has when he goes to tell his brother Simon. Do you see what he says? ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). The Messiah was the person promised by God from Old Testament times; he would be God’s great king who would free his people from oppression and hurt and sadness. He would also bring in God’s kingdom.
Every parent wanted their baby boy to be the Messiah; just the way some dads especially hope that their son will grow up to be a world class footballer. So when Andrew finds the Messiah, God’s King, he goes off and finds his brother and tells him. If you read on in the chapter, Jesus calls Philip to follow him, and Philip goes off and tells Nathanael as well.
When we find Jesus, when we know Jesus, when we’re saved by Jesus, when we follow Jesus, when we spend time with Jesus, then we naturally want to tell other people about Jesus too! When Jesus is our friend, we want other people to know him too, so we talk about him.
In the passage we see Andrew telling his brother, Simon, and bringing him to Jesus. Do we share Jesus with our family and close friends? Sometimes it can be harder to close family than to strangers. Yet we want those we love to also know Jesus. So be encouraged today, to stick at it, and find ways to talk about Jesus in the home.
At the end of the day, we don’t really need to follow a football team. It can be a bit of fun, and adds some excitement. But following Jesus is the best thing we can do. Maybe you’ve not started yet – please do think about it – you won’t regret it.
Following Jesus is a fresh start – as we know Jesus, as we spend time with Jesus, and as we tell others.
This sermon was preached at the Family Service in St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald on Sunday 18th January 2009.
At the start, they are standing with John the Baptist, but when Jesus walks past, then they leave John and go and follow Jesus. But you might be thinking, well, that was easy for them – Jesus was on the earth at the time, you could actually follow him around. But what about us? How do we follow Jesus today, when we can’t see him? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
We’re going to see three things from the passage that helps us to know what a follower of Jesus is. First of all, knowing Jesus; then spending time with Jesus; and thirdly, telling others about Jesus.
I want to suggest that it’s a bit like following a football team. Now, you might not know this, but I support the Northern Ireland team. I always have my ticket, and get along to the Northern Ireland games at Windsor Park. Do any of you support a football team?
When you support a team, you try to know about them. So you know who’s on the team, and who the manager is, and what they’re like. In a similar way, when the disciples start to follow Jesus, they come to know about him, and also know him. When Jesus walked past, John the Baptist points to Jesus and says ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’ (1:35)
Behold is used to draw attention – just like someone saying ‘look’ or ‘would you look at that’. Jesus is the Lamb of God. Lambs were used in the sacrifices in the temple, and this title of Jesus points forward to the time when Jesus died on the cross, for our sins. As John had said that day before (1:29) ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’
The first step in following Jesus is to know him as our Saviour. Jesus died on the cross so that we can be friends with God. So on this first point, it’s so much more than just knowing about a football team. It’s not just knowing about Jesus, but actually knowing him as our Saviour, as the one who has changed things for us, through his death and his resurrection.
So the first question is this – do you know Jesus? Is Jesus your Saviour?
The second thing we see about following is that we will want to spend time with Jesus. Earlier I was saying about supporting Northern Ireland. Because I support the team, I’ll want to spend time with them – watching their games, cheering them on at Windsor Park.
It’s just the same with Jesus. Look at the passage. The two disciples start to follow Jesus, and Jesus turns round to ask what they want. And what is it they ask Jesus? ‘where are you staying?’ So when Jesus says ‘Come and you will see’, they went to see, and ‘stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour’ (that is, about 4pm).
As they followed Jesus, they spent time with him – talking to him and listening to him. But how do we spend time with Jesus now? We can spend time with Jesus as we take the time to read his word, and time to pray. So as you follow Jesus, do you take time with him, reading your Bible and praying?
The third thing we see in the passage is that the disciples tell others about Jesus. Going back to the football, what is it like if your team wins? It’s good news, and you want to share it! I was at the Northern Ireland game the night they beat England 1-0, and the day or two afterwards, I wanted to tell everyone! It was such a great feeling to have won, and I was chatting to other people who had been at the game as well as those who had watched it on TV.
But more important than winning a football game, in our reading we see the joy and delight that Andrew has when he goes to tell his brother Simon. Do you see what he says? ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). The Messiah was the person promised by God from Old Testament times; he would be God’s great king who would free his people from oppression and hurt and sadness. He would also bring in God’s kingdom.
Every parent wanted their baby boy to be the Messiah; just the way some dads especially hope that their son will grow up to be a world class footballer. So when Andrew finds the Messiah, God’s King, he goes off and finds his brother and tells him. If you read on in the chapter, Jesus calls Philip to follow him, and Philip goes off and tells Nathanael as well.
When we find Jesus, when we know Jesus, when we’re saved by Jesus, when we follow Jesus, when we spend time with Jesus, then we naturally want to tell other people about Jesus too! When Jesus is our friend, we want other people to know him too, so we talk about him.
In the passage we see Andrew telling his brother, Simon, and bringing him to Jesus. Do we share Jesus with our family and close friends? Sometimes it can be harder to close family than to strangers. Yet we want those we love to also know Jesus. So be encouraged today, to stick at it, and find ways to talk about Jesus in the home.
At the end of the day, we don’t really need to follow a football team. It can be a bit of fun, and adds some excitement. But following Jesus is the best thing we can do. Maybe you’ve not started yet – please do think about it – you won’t regret it.
Following Jesus is a fresh start – as we know Jesus, as we spend time with Jesus, and as we tell others.
This sermon was preached at the Family Service in St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald on Sunday 18th January 2009.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Clericalism
The clerical collar. To wear, or not to wear; that is the question.
Since being ordained last June, the clerical collar has been part of my wardrobe. Yet out of my class of Curates, I probably wear mine the least. I was changing out of 'normal' clothes into my collar earlier to go to the hospital, and it got me thinking about why it is worn.
For some, it's seen as uniform. If a police officer wears a uniform, and a traffic warden, or a shop assistant, then you know who they are, and what they do. Instantly recognisable. So if you're in a shop, you know who to ask where the soy sauce or the loo rolls are. By wearing the collar, people know you're a minister / pastor, and may well approach to ask a question. Furthermore, when you go into hospital to do visits, it's easier to wear a collar, as it provides better access and less questions.
Indeed, some would argue that it's a positive witness. By wearing the collar out and about, people see that you're a minister, and therefore, they may see what being a Christian is like as they see you going about your business. But there's a negative side to this as well. Some friends confess to driving better when wearing a collar - no road rage - than if they're in jeans and t-shirt. Again, it's a witness thing, but from the negative side.
Surely this is a bad thing, though. Surely we should be driving well whether we're in a collar or not. Surely we should behave well whether we're in a collar or not. Because at the end of the day, we're still a Christian. Should there be higher standards for clergy than for 'ordinary' Christians?
While there are some advantages, as we've seen, I think there may well be some disadvantages too. Sometimes, people react to the collar, rather than to the person. So rather than the usual mugs with a chip in them, the 'good china' comes out, or biscuits are set out on a plate or tray rather than out of the pack like normal.
However, perhaps the biggest danger of the collar is at a hidden level, within the heart of the minister. A useful question to ask is this: Why am I wearing this collar today? Is it to create openings, or to be seen and respected? Is the collar a way of boosting my ego and puffing up my public persona?
How does Jesus view such religious trappings? Let's see what he said of the Pharisees, who loved their dressing up and their public profile.
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you - but not what they do. For they preach, but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market-places and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven... The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:2-12)
Do we try to humble or exalt ourselves when wearing the collar? I have no doubt that it is useful and good and right, but surely not all the time?
Since being ordained last June, the clerical collar has been part of my wardrobe. Yet out of my class of Curates, I probably wear mine the least. I was changing out of 'normal' clothes into my collar earlier to go to the hospital, and it got me thinking about why it is worn.
For some, it's seen as uniform. If a police officer wears a uniform, and a traffic warden, or a shop assistant, then you know who they are, and what they do. Instantly recognisable. So if you're in a shop, you know who to ask where the soy sauce or the loo rolls are. By wearing the collar, people know you're a minister / pastor, and may well approach to ask a question. Furthermore, when you go into hospital to do visits, it's easier to wear a collar, as it provides better access and less questions.
Indeed, some would argue that it's a positive witness. By wearing the collar out and about, people see that you're a minister, and therefore, they may see what being a Christian is like as they see you going about your business. But there's a negative side to this as well. Some friends confess to driving better when wearing a collar - no road rage - than if they're in jeans and t-shirt. Again, it's a witness thing, but from the negative side.
Surely this is a bad thing, though. Surely we should be driving well whether we're in a collar or not. Surely we should behave well whether we're in a collar or not. Because at the end of the day, we're still a Christian. Should there be higher standards for clergy than for 'ordinary' Christians?
While there are some advantages, as we've seen, I think there may well be some disadvantages too. Sometimes, people react to the collar, rather than to the person. So rather than the usual mugs with a chip in them, the 'good china' comes out, or biscuits are set out on a plate or tray rather than out of the pack like normal.
However, perhaps the biggest danger of the collar is at a hidden level, within the heart of the minister. A useful question to ask is this: Why am I wearing this collar today? Is it to create openings, or to be seen and respected? Is the collar a way of boosting my ego and puffing up my public persona?
How does Jesus view such religious trappings? Let's see what he said of the Pharisees, who loved their dressing up and their public profile.
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you - but not what they do. For they preach, but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market-places and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven... The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:2-12)
Do we try to humble or exalt ourselves when wearing the collar? I have no doubt that it is useful and good and right, but surely not all the time?
Laughing At God
Poor Sarah. Not only did she have to put up with Abraham's wanderings, and the troublesome Hagar and her son Ishmael, but she laughed at God, then denied it out of fear.
Reading through Genesis, Abram is called by God to leave his country and go to a new place, where God will make him a great nation and bless him. Yet in order to become a great nation requires at least one descendant, which, in Genesis 12 is sadly lacking. So Sarai (as she was in chapter 16), gives her servant to Abram to produce a son. Abram and Sarai try to solve the problem their own way, in their own time, rather than waiting for God. Behold, Ishmael comes along, but the problems increase. Sarai is jealous of Hagar's fertility, and Sarai is well past childbearing. Or as Genesis 18 puts it, 'Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.' (Gen 18:11).
Up to their tent comes the Lord, flanked by two angels. After a meal, the Lord declares that 'I will surely return to you about this time next year and Sarah your wife shall have a son.' Sarah was probably about 89 at this time. Her reaction? 'So Sarah laughed to herself saying, "After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?"' (Gen 18:12).
Laughter, disbelief, amusement, shock.
Immediately, the LORD says to Abraham: 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the LORD?'
I love that line. Is anything too hard for the LORD? Of all the rhetorical questions in the Bible, this is the most emphatic - no, nothing is too hard for the LORD! Or as the angel Gabriel says to the Virgin Mary, "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)
So what about you? Is the sovereignty, the power, the omnipotence of God something that you mentally assent to, but don't really believe? Maybe God can do some things, but he can't sort out this ... or that ... Without realising it, we chuckle at God. The Scriptures constantly remind us that nothing is too hard for the LORD:
Creating the universe by the power of his word
Saving Noah and his family along with the animals when the flood destroyed the ancient world
Calling Abraham to be the father of a great nation
Protecting Moses when the Israelite infants were being slaughtered in Egypt
Delivering his people from their slavery in Egypt
Leading his people into the promised land
Enabling David to defeat Goliath
Calling his people to repent through the prophets
Protecting the remnant of his people in exile in Babylon
Becoming man in Jesus
Dying on the cross to save us
Raising Jesus from the dead so that he will not die again
Saving souls and bringing people from darkness to light
Being patient that people might come to repentance and faith
Preserving his elect until the full number is gathered in
Preparing the biggest party in the universe, the wedding supper of the Lamb
'Is anything too hard for the LORD?'
Reading through Genesis, Abram is called by God to leave his country and go to a new place, where God will make him a great nation and bless him. Yet in order to become a great nation requires at least one descendant, which, in Genesis 12 is sadly lacking. So Sarai (as she was in chapter 16), gives her servant to Abram to produce a son. Abram and Sarai try to solve the problem their own way, in their own time, rather than waiting for God. Behold, Ishmael comes along, but the problems increase. Sarai is jealous of Hagar's fertility, and Sarai is well past childbearing. Or as Genesis 18 puts it, 'Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.' (Gen 18:11).
Up to their tent comes the Lord, flanked by two angels. After a meal, the Lord declares that 'I will surely return to you about this time next year and Sarah your wife shall have a son.' Sarah was probably about 89 at this time. Her reaction? 'So Sarah laughed to herself saying, "After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?"' (Gen 18:12).
Laughter, disbelief, amusement, shock.
Immediately, the LORD says to Abraham: 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the LORD?'
I love that line. Is anything too hard for the LORD? Of all the rhetorical questions in the Bible, this is the most emphatic - no, nothing is too hard for the LORD! Or as the angel Gabriel says to the Virgin Mary, "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)
So what about you? Is the sovereignty, the power, the omnipotence of God something that you mentally assent to, but don't really believe? Maybe God can do some things, but he can't sort out this ... or that ... Without realising it, we chuckle at God. The Scriptures constantly remind us that nothing is too hard for the LORD:
Creating the universe by the power of his word
Saving Noah and his family along with the animals when the flood destroyed the ancient world
Calling Abraham to be the father of a great nation
Protecting Moses when the Israelite infants were being slaughtered in Egypt
Delivering his people from their slavery in Egypt
Leading his people into the promised land
Enabling David to defeat Goliath
Calling his people to repent through the prophets
Protecting the remnant of his people in exile in Babylon
Becoming man in Jesus
Dying on the cross to save us
Raising Jesus from the dead so that he will not die again
Saving souls and bringing people from darkness to light
Being patient that people might come to repentance and faith
Preserving his elect until the full number is gathered in
Preparing the biggest party in the universe, the wedding supper of the Lamb
'Is anything too hard for the LORD?'
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