Surviving the Silly Season

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It's a time of gathering together with family, sharing around the giving and receiving of gifts and most importantly, celebrating God's great gift of Jesus.

However in the desire to make Christmas special it can become a time of year fraught with 'busyness' and overspending and stress. How as followers of Jesus can we ensure we don't get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and forget what we are really celebrating.

Here's some thoughts.

1. Jesus is the reason

This can begin to sound like a slogan but when we remember the real reason we are celebrating - then we can keep our focus on God.

John 3:16
God loved us so much that he gave his only Son that whoever believes may have eternal life.

As we go about all the things we think we need to do think about how it fits into what God has done for us.

2. Presents are not everything
It's wonderful to receive gifts and it's even more wonderful to give gifts. However a material gift may not be the way to go.

Here's a couple of my thoughts.

Being present is more important than a present.
A gift of time - choosing to spend time with people is an important way we can give of ourselves that others will remember, sometimes more than any material gift we can give.

Give the gift of memories.
As we get older we don't really remember the majority of the gifts we are given. We remember the experiences of the people we were with.

What other ways can we give?

3. Do something for someone else
It's a time of year where a lot of things are happening but when we focus on others, who are not as well off as us, we give them a gift and teach our children that Christmas is about giving and loving and caring.

This could be anything
- Visit a nursing home
- Donate toys to a charity
- Bake a cake for a neighbour
- Buy flowers for a friend
- Random acts of kindness

There are plenty of other ideas. If you need an idea find out what others are doing. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration.

4. Some Practical tips
Only spend what you have. Our children do not need lots of things - choose to give them memories.

Buy presents throughout the year or layby and pay it off. Going into debt for Christmas is not helpful for you or the family

Make home made gifts instead,  they are often more appreciated because of the personal touch.

Only eat till you are satisfied; you will feel better for it and stay healthier

Get enough sleep - if you can - go to bed earlier if you need to

Drink lots of water - too much sugar makes you sick  and too much alcohol dehydrates so try to avoid excess

Find time to exercise - it is good for the body but also good for the soul. Our mental health is related to how much we exercise and what we eat.

5. Spend time with God

This is the most important thing we can do. Take time to be with God and spend quality time with him each day.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

We are not meant to do life separated from God. When we are tired and things are busy, go to him, give him the things that worry and tire us out and wait on him. He will renew and enable.

Some other ideas that can help:
Choose to think about what is good and right and lovely. Make a last of the good things and think on them.

Start a gratitude journal or a gratitude jar.

Do something you love - make time for if

Have a wonderful Christmas season.

Worship

A few weeks ago at WOW we explored worship. We began by listening to a worship song,  just listening and reflecting on the words and allowing God's presence to settle around us, taking the time to be conscious of his presence.

We reflected on the following.
What do these words mean? What do they mean to me? What is God speaking about to me?

As we did this each person present received a word from God,  reassurance,  encouragement and empowerment.  So often we get too busy to really worship and reflect. This became a powerful moment and a powerful teacher about putting aside distraction and entering God's presence in true worship.

Worship

God desires us to worship him in Spirit and in truth. The following is part of the discussion Jesus had with the woman at the well. It highlights God's desire for people everywhere to worship God in spirit and it truth.

John 4:19-24 NLT
"Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet. [20] So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?" [21] Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. [22] You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. [23] But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. [24] For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."

Worship is acknowledging God and who God is. This means giving God first place in all that we do. God is looking for people who will worship him in Spirit and truth. This is worship that connects deeply with God in our hearts and spirit, connecting with God's Spirit and coming with an open heart and a real desire to have relationship with God.

Psalm 29:1-2 NLT
Honor the LORD, you heavenly beings; honor the LORD for his glory and strength. [2] Honor the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 29:10-11 NLT
The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever. [11] The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.

Isaiah speaks the word of God to the people about just going through the motions of worship and the attitudes of our heart in worship. God wants our hearts not our words.

Isaiah 29:13 NLT
And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.

Jesus repeated this when he challengesthe Pharisees about their behaviours and attitudes towards God.

Matthew 15:7-9 NLT
You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, [8] 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. [9] Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'"

This raises a question for each one of us. How can we ensure our worship does not become 'man-made rules' but comes from the heart?

1 Timothy 2:8 NLT
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

God is interested in our attitude and heart condition in worship.  It is not about the words no matter how grand or sincere they sound. Jesus also spoke about our attitudes when we come to worship and ensuring that our hearts are truly open to him.

What attitudes towards God and others colours our worship?

What does it mean to bring a sacrifice of praise to God when we come to worship him?

Romans 1:25 NLT
They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.

The trap, in fact it's almost a tendency in human nature,  is to transfer our worship, to move the priority of our lives away from worship and to trust other things instead. Idols seem obvious, but we can make idols of work, family etc. These things may be important but when they replace honouring and worshiping God as the most important thing,  they become idols.

Thought and challenge:
When the opinion of a person on social media is more important to you than who God says you are, you've set that person above God.

What vies for our attention?

We worship God in praise when we come to him and thank him for all he has done. Read the following and hear the heart of the psalmist as  he seeks God.

Psalm 40:1-8 NLT
I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. [3] He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.

4] Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. [5] O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

6] You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand - you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. [7] Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: [8] I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart."

This is all about Who God is and what he has done.

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he started with worship and honoring God.

Matthew 6:9-10 NLT
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. When Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:9 when teaching the disciples to pray he began with honoring God and seeking the honour of God in all that we do.

As an exercise of worship:
Read Psalm 91

Take time to read and to reflect on the psalm,  the words and the heart of the psalmist.

Who is God? How does he reveal himself in these psalms?

Have you experienced God in this way?

What is God saying to you about who he is?

What are different ways we can worship God in our lives?

Take some time to think about why God is worthy of worship and what it means to worship him in spirit and truth.

Community on Mission

Community

What is community and how do we define it?

When we speak about community and doing life together as community, what are we actually conceptualising?

Community
  Common unity
  Common purpose/cause
  Common ownership

For us it also means
  Caring for one another
  Spending time with one another
  Sharing spaces

Most importantly though we are a "community of Christ followers" on mission with God. Followers of Jesus

God mission is clear - we are to be disciple makers - to help others become followers of Jesus
Matt 28:16-20

That is,  we are to be about the business of loving others and helping them to discover the grace of God and become people on mission with us as follows of Christ

How are we as community doing this or going to do this?

(Many of these thoughts come from the work of Jeff Vanderstelt from SOMA churches and his thoughts on missionary communities )

1. Show God's character to the world.
Meeting felt needs
Speaking a message of hope
Listening to and understanding the stories of our neighbours-we are to live our neighbour

What group or 'pocket' of people has God placed our community in?

What do they look like?

What do they do?

2. We are like a family
We are a family learning to follow Jesus in every aspect of our lives

Experiencing life as a family

Acts 1:8 Spirit led.  Spirit filled

Acts 1:8 NLT
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

3. Re-orient our lives for mission
A place - our community
A people

This is where we encounter a mind shift.

It means that our
Schedules
Resources
Decisions
Are collectively built around reaching people.

This means that individually and collectively as community we make a shift away from our Western mindset that our schedules, resources and decisions are made around what suits us and our own  needs best.

It is a mindshift because we are used to individualism.

It means that decisions we make a individuals should be in reference to how we interact with the community of Christ followers and the mission of the community to reach other people.

In many ways there is much more flexibility in missional community but it does require a higher level of relationship commitment.

John 20:21 - As the Father sent me,  I am sending you

John 20:21 NLT
Again he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you."

In the same way that God sent Jesus to reconcile us to him, we are sent with the message of reconciliation.

Acts 2:42 - they devoted themselves to.....

Acts 2:42-47 NLT
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. [43] A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. [44] And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. [45] They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. [46] They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- [47] all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

This includes the Word and meeting as community - in small groups such as life groups and in larger 'extended family groups'.

Colossians 4:5,6 making the most of every opportunity God
gives us.

Colossians 4:5-6 NLT
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Live wisely, be sensible and understand the power of gracious conversation.

God created the world good

The world is broken - because of sin we are separated from God

Jesus cane to restore is to relationship with God

Some questions.

Are we prepared to make the shift necessary?

What decisions around our schedules and finances would we make differently as part of a community?

What will we collectively do differently as a community of Christ followers?

Citylife Women

Last week at WOW we had a discussion on what dreams we have for our lives and for our WOW community.

Dreams - natural dreams - can be weird and wonderful but God also gives us dreams. Dreams and vision for his purpose for us.

What does it mean to have a dream?

What do you see?

What is needed to build a dream into reality?

God also gives us a vision for our life. It can be really helpful to write it down.

In Habakkuk 2:1 God's vision was to be written down and carried to those who needed to hear it. His vision was all about what God was going to do in the earth.

Our vision is still concerned with what God is doing in the earth and in our lives. It will also relate to how we carry the gospel, the good news of Jesus to others wherever God places us. It is all related to helping others to know the grace of God and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

How are we doing this?

How does WOW help people know the grace of God and draw them into a community of women who are growing in the grace and knowledge of God?

What is my part in this and how can I do more of my part?

Some thoughts on how we can be a part of what God is doing.

1. Commitment
To the cause.  Placing a priority on building community together.

Choosing to build community even on the days we don't feel like it and when it seems hard to keep going.

Serving the vision, and working with God to being it about.

Living as a follower of Jesus. God helps us with this. In Phil 2:13 we see that God is at work in us helping us to do his will. He is the one who gives us the desire and the ability to live for him.

Having stickability.

2. Passion
A belief that what we are doing is what God has called us to do.

A passion for the work of God in the world and a passion to see people come to know the grace of God.

God's grace is freely available to all, but it takes people of passion to go into the world and help others to know and discover God's grace for themselves.

Passion to build a community of women that welcomes others into the community as they walk out the journey of faith in their life.

3. Confidence
In God
We place or confidence in God who enables us.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

We are not alone. God enables us.

Eph 3:20 tells us that God is able to accomplish so much more than we could ask our think. More than we could imagine.

This is why dreams are so important. We need to have the dream and the vision - seeing what could be and believing that it will be. Eph 3:20

Then we apply commitment, passion and confidence in God to see it come to pass.

Concluding Thoughts

The vision has always been and continues to be for women to know God and grow in relationship with him in a caring community.

It is what we do together in community that will show people God's love. Jesus said that people will know we are his by our love for one another. John 13:34-35

To see the vision come to pass it is going to take people seeing and understanding the vision, loving each other and welcoming others into community.

It is going to take:
Commitment
Passion and
Placing our total Confidence in God

Fruit Bearers

Jesus says that we are created to be fruit for the kingdom. What kind of fruit? Fruit is about replication. Plants do not produce fruit for our benefit.  A plant produces fruit to replicate itself, to produce more plants.

As humans we have learnt how to help a plant produce more fruit and Jesus uses the example of the grapevine, something that the disciples would relate to, to explain how they can be fruit bearers; people who replicate themselves for the kingdom.

John 15:1, 4-5, 9, 11, 16-17 MSG
"I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn't bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. [4] "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me. [5] "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is---when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. [9] "I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done---kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love. [11] "I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father. [16] "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

Some thoughts on being a fruit bearer.

1. Stay connected to the vine.
To bear fruit a branch must be connected. It must have a life force and a life flow. There must be an exchange of some sort. If we want to bear fruit we need to stay connected to Jesus.

Plants have xylem and phloem cells that take food and water in. The plant uses the food and water to grow and water is transpired out of the plant. Fruit is the result of a healthy exchange. When the exchange is interrupted the plant suffers. My lemon tree and orange tree in the pots are prone examples of plants suffering because there is not a healthy exchange.

What does it take to stay connected to the vine? This is an individual thing and a corporate thing. There must be both individual care and attention to your own spiritual life and support and encouragement from the body. We live in an individual culture but church is about the whole community, not an individual. It is life, lived in community. A branch is part of the whole and as it stays connected to the vine, connected to the whole, it flourishes.

What practical actions are you taking (or would you like to take) to stay connected?

Here are some simple ideas
-Read something from the Word every day
-This can be short excerpts
-It's more important to build the discipline rather than be haphazard
-If you miss a day - begin again the next day
-Pray every day

Prayers don't need to be long and involved. A short sentence from the heart is better than babbling on forever.

Matt 6:7,8
“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. [8] Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

-Be connected to a small group
-We don't do this alone. The Christian life is meant to be loved in community

Who are you doing life with?

2. The Aim is Kingdom fruit

Fruit - what kind of fruit are we bearing in our lives? Is it good strong fruit or restricted, weak and sickly fruit bearly hanging in there? Kingdom fruit is healthy and growing,  it is fruit that is useful and whole. Fruit that comes from connected branches does not succumb to the attacks.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
"But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. [8] They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

When a tree is not connected in good soil, doesn't receive enough water and food, then not only is it more vulnerable to attack, but it's more likely to succumb to attack. It does not produce any fruit because its to busy trying to save itself.

Again, my fruit trees in pots are prime examples. They are prone to attack because they are not planned deeply and connected to the life force. Our mandarin tree on the other hand is brilliant, planted in good soil and able to stay connected to what it needs, producing much fruit. The type of fruit we produce Downs on the quality of the connection.

Matthew 7:15-20 NLT
"Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. [16] You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. [18] A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. [19] So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. [20] Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

When they don't get enough connection plants droop and they succumb. Interestingly it is mostly the branches that haven't grown strong through connection that succumb to attack. And those that lose connection die. They can't produce fruit in that state or if they do it's not very good fruit and is rather puny.

Jesus says that these types of branches are thrown into the fire. I believe that none of us want to be those branches. Let's become women so connected to the vine that even when attack comes, we don't succumb and instead, continue to produce fruit, good fruit, connected to the vine.

Are we stuck in survival mode, focusing on self and our needs or are we fruit focused?

What are we doing to ensure we focus on fruit for the kingdom?

3. Pruning isn't easy.
Jesus says that branches that don't produce will be cut off but he also says that branches that do produce will also be cut back, pruned hard, to produce more fruit.

When fruit is produced we feel like we are flourishing. When pruning happens it can feel like we are no longer flourishing but pruning is essential to the continuation of good fruit and increased fruit. Think Roses, grape vines etc.

Pruned vines look hard and nobbily, but at the right time they bud, flourish and grow. Sometimes it easy to think that pruning is not of God. But Jesus says he will prune us, and at the right time, we will produce more fruit. I'm sure Gideon felt like God was pruning him when he told him he had too many people in his army. Gideon had called the people of Israel to fight the enemy and God wants to ensure that Gideon understood that though he s fighting the victory was from God.

Judges 7:1-8 NLT
So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. [2] The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. [3] Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. [4] But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not." [5] When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." [6] Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. [7] The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home." [8] So Gideon collected the provisions and rams' horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.

Gideon could easily have felt pruned. But in obedience to God, he moves forward with a smaller army and God won a great victory through them. It's actually his doing, and pruning is a sign that not only has good fruit been produced, but that God desires to see more fruit for the kingdom. Pruning always leads to a healthier crop and a better crop. Pruning brings victory.

What areas of your life has God pruned?

Let God do his work and see great victory in your life.

Convictions of Hope

Over the last few weeks we've looked at Love, Grace and Mercy.

As we understand God's love, we develop a conviction of his love, mercy and grace no matter the circumstance. The conviction in our heart is that God is good, he loves us, pours out his grace and mercy on us and desires our best. This means we can live a life of hope.

Hope

What does it mean to have hope? When the Bible says that hope is "an anchor for our soul", what does it really mean?   What is the hope that we have?

If we look at the preceding verses the hope we have is related to who God is and what he has done for us in Christ. The hope we have is the hope that is placed in the promise of God and the work of Christ.

The words translated as hope is expectation of something. It is, in this sense "a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation".

Hebrews 6:16-20 NLT
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. [17] God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. [18] So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. [19] This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. [20] Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus has made a way. He has gone before us. This is the anchor we have. The anchor is a stay or safeguard for our Soul, (our psyche, the vital force that animates the body and specifically the feelings, desires and affections according to the Blue letter Bible.)

In other words the promises are there to give us a future hope and they are there to guide and safeguard our desires, our feelings and emotions, and the affections. The anchor is form and steady, it is certain and true, it is trusty and trustworthy. In other words they are faithful and steady.

We can be sure that God's promises in Christ will hold fast. So what does this mean for us?

1. What promises?

The promise of eternal life and home in heaven. Jesus said in John 14:2 that he goes to prepare a place for us because he is the way the truth and the light John 14:6

John 14:1-3, 5-6 NLT
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [5] "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" [6] Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

(there might be a series in that at some stage)

The promise is one of being made right with God and being in relationship with him.

Romans 5:3-5 NLT
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. [5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Jesus says "I call you friends" in John 15 when he talks about the vine and the branches. We not servants but friends. This is all about relationship, and relationship with God through Christ. Not rules and regulations, but relationship.

John 15:14-17 NLT
You are my friends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. [16] You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. [17] This is my command: Love each other.

We have a relationship with Christ. Paul writes in Rom 8 that we are heirs of the Father and joint heirs with the Son.

Romans 8:16-17 NLT
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. [17] And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

All that is Jesus' to inherit is available to us as well. We are part of God's family. We have God's promise that we are hours children.

Ephesians 1:16-18 NLT
I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, [17] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. [18] I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Romans 8:23-25 NLT
And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. [24] We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. [25] But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

We have a future and a hope.

Ephesians 4:3-6 NLT
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. [4] For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. [5] There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

We have a future.  When we're tempted to think there is no hope or we have no future, the word of God tells us that we have a future and a hope.

There are also promises God has personally spoken over our lives. God speaks to us.

What promises has God given you in his word and given you personally for your life? (always backed by his word and not contrary to it)

If you don't know I encourage you to look further and discover God's promises for you. He has a good future for you.

2. Place our hope in God

How do we place our hope in God? When we know the promises we can place or hope in God. We do this when we make a decision that we will trust and believe. A bit like the  guy who said "I believe, help my unbelief"

Mark 9:17-25 NLT
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, "Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. [18] And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it." [19] Jesus said to them, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." [20] So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. [21] "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, "Since he was a little boy. [22] The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can." [23] "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." [24] The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" [25] When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. "Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak," he said. "I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!"

He had a son who was afflicted by a demonic spirit and Jesus' disciples didn't know how to deal with it but Jesus did. Jesus also challenged him about his belief. I love the honesty of this man's reply. He says "I believe but I'm struggling with unbelief "

If we're honest we also feel the same way. There are some things, some promises we know God has given and we believe them, but unbelief creeps in. Jesus wasn't worried by this type of unbelief, because it came from a trusting heart and a desire to believe.

Abraham is my hero of hope. Even when there was no reason for hope Abraham kept hoping, believing be would become the Father of many nations.

Romans 4:16-21 NLT
So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. [17] That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations." This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. [18] Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping-believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" [19] And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead-and so was Sarah's womb. [20] Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. [21] He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

Even when all seemed at an end Abraham chose hope. He is called the Father of faith, but he is also a great example of how to live in hope even when the external seems hopeless.

How could he do this? Hebrews 11 tells us that they looked to a future Jerusalem, they looked to something heavenly and eternal rather than earthly and temporal.

Hebrews 11:10 NLT
Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.

Colossians 3 says "Set your mind on things above" .

Colossians 3:1-4 NLT
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. [2] Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. [3] For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

When we set our minds on the heavenly, we get a different perspective
This enables us to view our life in a different way.  Think of the Grand Canyon or the  Aussie outback. When you see it from the ground you only see part. When you see it from the air you get a much larger view and a different perspective.

How's your perspective?

What promises are you holding on to, or maybe let slip, hoping even when it seems hopeless?

If you've let it slip, have the courage to take it up again and hope, even though at the present time circumstances don't seem conducive to fulfilment. It can all change very quickly. For Abraham, it came about in the last expected way.

God's promises are always yes and amen. In other words he will bring it to pass. Habakkuk was told that even though the promise tarried it would happen at the right time.

Conclusion
God has given us a hope that is in Christ, not based on human hope but a heavenly hope of eternal life, relationship with God and a home in heaven.

Hold fast to the hope we have in Christ.

Convictions of Mercy

Over the last two weeks we have looked at God's amazing and unconditional love for us,  and his grace that saves us, enables us to live, and to extend love and grace to others.

1 John 4, Eph 2:8-10
We love because he first loved us. We have salvation through the grace of God, not by anything we have done, but through what God has already done and planned to do long ago.

Today we will look at God's mercy
I think of a the song from a few years ago, "Everyone needs a Saviour,  a love that's never failing,  let mercy fall on me."

We all need mercy. God's mercy is always available. As we live, we know that we will make mistakes, when we meet God, it is his mercy,  extended through Christ, that brings us into relationship, and forgives all our sins as far as the east is from the west.

There are a couple of different words that are translated as mercy. They are translated in a similar way but are quite different words. However they do have interchangeable meaning and can be translated as either compassion or mercy.

Generally the word for mercy means - mercy, kindness, loving kindness. This is God's mercy.  It is kind,  comes from the heart of a  loving God and is expressed in kindness and compassion.

1. God's mercy is always available
Jeremiah understood about God's great mercy even in the midst of disaster and calamity. He had been a prophet to Judah and was now in great distress. When he began as prophet Judah had a good king but terrible kings followed and Judah was taken, Jerusalem was destroyed and people taken into captivity.

Lamentations records his lament for his people and his beloved city.  In chapter 3 however we read the following and possibly somewhat familiar verses:

Lamentations 3:19-27 NLT
The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. [20] I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. [21] Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: [22] The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. [23] Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. [24] I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" [25] The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. [26] So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. [27] And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline:

Jeremiah was in a state of bitter suffering but was able to draw on his remembrance of who God is, even in the midst of total disaster. He was deliberate in remembering the mercy of God and God's steadfast love and mercy regardless of the situation. His mercy is new each and every day. It is always available. The psalmist and the prophet Micah spoke of God's mercy, available when needed.

Psalm 41:4 NLT
"O LORD," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you."

Micah 7:18 NIV
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

God has: Forgiven, born our sins, taken away our sins and instead brings mercy and grace.

Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are---yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

We can come to God, come with confidence because Jesus has made a way, and approach him because he and we can receive mercy from God in our time of need.

Have you sought God's mercy for your life?

Do you come boldly into his presence knowing that mercy is available to you regardless of you history or present situation?

How can we become like Jeremiah and be deliberate in trusting in God's goodness and mercy?

2. We are to show mercy to others
Matt 5:7
Blessed are the merciful....

(Main use of the word translated as mercy is to have mercy on, or to receive mercy from).

Jesus says that we will receive mercy when we are merciful. God blesses those who are merciful in their attitude. Mercy does not mean soppy. Merciful means having compassion and showing kindness to others even when they don't deserve it. We didn't deserve mercy but because of God's grace we have received mercy.

The story of the unforgiving servant is an example of Mercy given by the master, but not fully understood by the servant, so having received mercy,  he was unable to pass it on. The words used are compassion and mercy.  The master says "I showed compassion,  why didn't you show mercy?"

Matthew 18:23-33 NIV
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. [24] As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. [25] Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. [26] “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' [27] The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. [28] “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. [29] “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.' [30] “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. [31] When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. [32] “Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. [33] Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'

God expects us to show mercy to others in the same way that he has shown mercy to us.

James 3:17-18 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Full of Mercy and good fruit.

Jude 1:20-23 NIV
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. [22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear---hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

God's mercy to us requires us to extend mercy to others but it is mercy that recognises sin and deals with it in an appropriate manner.

How can you extend and show mercy to others?

Who is God asking you to extend mercy to?

Conclusion
God's mercy is available each and every day regardless of the situation. Sometimes we have to be deliberate in reminding ourselves that God's mercy is available and new each day and we can boldly come to him to receive mercy. Having received mercy from God we are to extend it to others

A thought for today

Micah 6:8 NLT
No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

God has shown us what is good and right. What he requires,what he wants from us, what he asks us to do, is to love mercy and to live with a posture of mercy towards others.

This means to be a person who seeks God, and his mercy, and then extends mercy to others. To be able to do this requires us to have an attitude of humility and an understanding that everything we have comes from God. This attitude comes from walking closely with God and listening to the prompting of His Spirit within.

Nothing can substitute for a close relationship with our heavenly Father through Christ. God wants relationship with us and has made a way for us to have relationship with him.

By accepting Christ and following him we begin that relationship and by walking humbly and closely with God, we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. In turn we better understand his will, we hear his voice more clearly and we are able to follow more closely. In this process we also, having freely received God's love, his grace and his mercy, can freely extend love, grace and mercy to others.

Convictions of Grace

Last week we looked at Paul's understanding of God's love and his complete conviction that nothing could separate him from that love. Today we will look at grace. The writers of the New Testament were convinced of the grace of God that flowed towards us, because of his great love.

The palmist understood that Good extends have towards us.

Psalm 84:10-12 NLT
A single day in your courts   
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God     
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.     
  He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing     
from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,     
what joy for those who trust in you.

The Hebrew for Grace is 'chen' and means grace, favour and acceptance.

Paul writes to us in Ephesians in what for many is a very familiar passage. We are saved by God's grace alone and not by what we do.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

In the Greek, the word is charis and means
- grace, favour, good will.
- A grace that keeps, strengthens and increases faith that leads to an increase of the exercise of Christian virues
- A spiritual condition – one governed by divine grace.
Grace.

It is said that we live in the dispensation of Grace. We are filled by Grace, not by law. Jesus has ushered in a new way. We are no longer under law, but under grace.

Romans 11:5-6 NLT
5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel[c] have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Paul says in Ephesians that it is by grace that we are saved. It is by grace that we are saved; it is by Grace that we live and it is by Grace that we have being have being. There is nothing we can do to earn grace because it is a gift bestowed on us by God.

In a world where striving to become better seems to be the norm, it can be difficult for us to grasp hold of the truth that we don’t need to strive to be right with God. We are right with God because he has made us right with him. It is through faith that we take hold of this truth.
John 1 tells us that the law was given through Moses but that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:16-17 NLT
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.[f] 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.

Gracious blessing is written in the original text as grace, for grace; that is that there is more and more grace. God’s unfailing love and faithfulness in the above passage is better translated as grace and truth. The law pointed to the grace that was to come, but we live under the grace that has already come.

Paul wrote to the Galatians because he was concerned that they had fallen into the trap of legalistic behaviour and were trying to gain salvation through the law. This is something for us to be aware of too. Legalism and law are not helpful in drawing others to the grace of God or for us to live by grace either.

If others are truly to know God’s grace we need to extend it to them by living in a way that shows love and grace. We struggle to live according to God’s standards; we cannot expect others without God to do so.

Galatians 2:21 NLT
21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

Galatians 5:1-6 NLT
Freedom in Christ
1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. 4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.

5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. 6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Note how grace, mercy and love are all connected. Paul says that if we are trying to obey the law and make ourselves right with God by the law, we are not living in grace and have fallen from grace. I’m not suggesting that people who are legalistic have lost salvation, but we need to be aware that living by what we do and trying to be right by what we do is of no benefit.

It is who we are because of what God has done through Christ that is important. When we live in grace, we allow the Holy Spirit to flow in us and he will guide and direct us into all truth;  he will help us to live according to God’s ways because that is the fruit of living in freedom and living in the Spirit. This allows grace to rule in our lives.

1. God’s free gift means we are made right with God

Romans 5:15-17 NLT
15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

This is a great section of Scripture where Paul clearly lays out the grace that is brought to us through Christ and it means that we are made right with God in Christ. No striving, no living a certain way, but just coming to Jesus.

The old Hymn – Just as I am without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me…. This writer of this hymn, written over 100 years ago, had a heap of grace and the need to come just as we are. There is nothing we can do or offer that earns grace. We come as we are and receive grace as God's wonderful and free gift to us.

Just as I Am, Without One Plea
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 357 Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871  Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868  Tune: WOODWORTH, Meter: LM

1. Just as I am, without one plea, 
but that thy blood was shed for me, 
and that thou bidst me come to thee, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

2. Just as I am, and waiting not 
to rid my soul of one dark blot, 
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

3. Just as I am, though tossed about 
with many a conflict, many a doubt, 
fightings and fears within, without, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 
sight, riches, healing of the mind, 
yea, all I need in thee to find, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, 
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; 
because thy promise I believe, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

6. Just as I am, thy love unknown 
hath broken every barrier down; 
now, to be thine, yea thine alone, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

We have relationship with God, through Christ and can call God Father, because we have been given right standing with God. Just as we are!!

What ways do we strive to be accepted by God?

Let God's grace at you free.

2. God’s grace brings freedom
Forgiven and free, Paul encourages us in Galatians to use our freedom to live God’s way, but he also tells us that it is God’s grace that enables us to do so, through his spirit. We have freedom to live according to the power of the spirit. Sin has no hold on us when God's Spirit dwells in us.

Romans 6:1-4 NLT
Sin’s Power Is Broken
6 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

We are set free from the law of sin through Christ. Therefore we are to use our freedom, given by God's grace, poured out in abundance, to live for Jesus.

How are you using your freedom?

The difficult thing here is to live in grace and freedom without becoming stuck in a striving that we have already mentioned. Let God’s Spirit speak to you about what you need to do differently and ask him to help you make the changes. The Spirit is given as our guide, our counsellor and our friend to help us, to remind us of the word and to enable us to build good fruit in our lives.

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

It’s the fruit of the spirit that comes through grace, not the fruit of striving. Let God's Spirit grow good fruit in your life.

3. God’s grace brings forgiveness
Grace brings forgiveness for our sin and as we extend grace, forgiveness for others.

As far as the east is from the west, so are our sins forgiven. Ps 103:12

Jesus said, judge not, lest you be judged. When we extend judgement we will be judged. When we extend grace, because of what God has done for us, then God will be glorified. When we allow grace to produce a generous forgiving heart, we will live in true freedom.

As we become more aware of the work of grace we will be less likely to criticise or judge others. God's Grace brings forgiveness of sin and Jesus says we are to forgive in the same way we have been forgiven.

In what ways do we tend towards judgement instead of grace?

If we have a tendency towards judgement, we can ask God to give us a revelation of his grace and love extended toward us. Then we will be able to extend grace and forgiveness to others.

For I am Convinced

Convictions
Over the next few weeks we will look at convictions. What is a conviction and what convictions do we, or should we, hold. In doing this we will look at the convictions held by some of the people in the bible. Why did they hold these convictions, and where did they come from? The first is the conviction of love.

The conviction of Love

Romans 8 is a wonderful chapter in the book of Romans and here we find one of the most well-known and perhaps one of the most amazing verses in the Bible.

Romans 8:31-39New Living Translation (NLT)
Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honour at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Where did Paul get this conviction from? He knew the scriptures and he knew Jesus. Knowing Jesus was important. He was not alone in his conviction of love. The apostle John had the same conviction of love that comes through relationship with God and holding his word in their heart.

Psalm 118:1-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!     
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Let all Israel repeat:    
 “His faithful love endures forever.”
3 Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat:    
 “His faithful love endures forever.”
4 Let all who fear the Lord repeat:     
“His faithful love endures forever.”
5 In my distress I prayed to the Lord,     
  and the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.     
What can mere people do to me?

Why do we need to have a conviction about love?

1. God loved us first
Jesus is the embodied expression of God’s love.

John 3:16 – for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.

1 John 4:9-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved (verb) us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Both John and Paul had the understanding that love is the very nature of God. God is love. We love because God loved us first. (Differences between verb and noun) Let us love (verb) one another, because love (noun) in from God. 1 John 4:7

These men had the conviction in their hearts that God loved them and gave himself up for them. John had walked with Jesus and seen first had the love Jesus had for people. Despite everything that Paul endured, he never wavered on the conviction of God’s love for him.

It is easy to think when things go wrong that God does not love us or loves us less than others. The truth is that in all things, God’s love is shown and he is love. He cannot be unloving.

So what stops us from taking hold of God’s love for us? Let's remember that no matter the circumstance God is still there, he is still love and he loves us and wants the best for us.

Ephesians 3:14-19New Living Translation (NLT)
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

How wide
How long
How high
How deep

God’s love is not as incomprehensible to us as we may think, if we will only open our hearts to God, and “put down roots” into his love. A plant when it comes from a seed puts down roots into the ground first to get a strong hold, then, it is able to put up leaves and flourish.

A transplanted tree or flowering shrub, or any plant for that matter, must also put down roots, it must become stable if it is to grow and flourish. Sometimes we are trying to flourish without putting down the roots that will stabilise us and help us to enlarge our understanding of who God is.

How far are you putting your roots down into God’s love?

Paul and John both had roots deep into God’s love and they knew his love and were convinced that nothing, no matter what it was, would ever change that situation.

2. Others will know that we are disciples of Christ because we love others

Jesus said that the single most defining thing that would set Christians apart as Christ followers was their love for one another. This is the reason that the enemy tries to get in and to destroy relationships. Its also the reason why Grace (next week) and forgiveness are so important.

We show the world who Jesus is by the way we respond to each other. This does not mean we are to be always all lovey dovy. That is not what Jesus meant. He meant that our motivation for what we do must be love – agape love – the love of God in us that truly desires the best for others.

So we speak the truth in love – not just saying it, but actually doing it. The context of speaking the truth is that we speak the truth about who Jesus is because we are strong in God and his word, able to live as mature Christians, who love each other and share the truth of Jesus,  growing together in his love.

Ephesians 4:11-15New Living Translation (NLT)
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

We work out our differences in a manner that shows love and forgiveness not bitterness and hatred. Notice that speaking the truth in love comes as a result of relationship with Jesus, and with others. We have a right to speak truth when we truly love others, otherwise we speak in judgment not love.

We forgive. Love forgives and keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13New Living Translation (NLT)
Love Is the Greatest

13 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

I think if we took hold of the truth here, we would see that this is the way God loves and because he loved us we can love this way too.

How are you going in the loving others stakes?

What aspect of love do you find most difficult to practice?

Can I encourage you to allow God to love you and to love others through you?

In our own strength we cannot possibly achieve it all – we would try and fail, but God’s love at work in us and through us never fails.

3. It sums up the whole law
Jesus said that loving God and loving others was the sum total of the law. Everything is based on Loving God and loving others.

Matthew 22:34-40New Living Translation (NLT)
The Most Important Commandment

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’[b] 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.

What does he mean by this?

I believe it means that if we have God’s love in us and through us; if we understand God’s great love for us and respond in love towards God; then we will love others in a way that God does. I believe it means that our actions would always place the best interests of others above our own interest and treat people in a way that honours them and respects them, giving dignity, not because it is deserved, but because it is what God does.

Note that it starts with loving God wholeheartedly with everything we have because he is God. His love at work in us then enables us to love others the same way he loves us. And this changes everything. Having a conviction about love means like Paul, we are convinced that no matter what, nothing can separate us from his love and that loving God and loving others is the motivation for everything we do.

Salt and Light part 2

Jesus calls us to be salt and Light in our world. This week looks at how we can be salt and Light by letting his light shine more brightly through us. Then others will see Jesus more clearly.

Matt 5:8...
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. [14] "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Luke 8:16-18 NLT
"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. [17] For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. [18] "So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."

Pay attention to how you hear.

What are we paying attention to?

There are many things that vye for our attention. What are we listening to and what are we feeding ourselves with and allowing through the east and eye gate.? These verses clearly state that when we take note of something, when we take hold of how Jesus asks us to live we will be given greater understanding and insight.

There is a physical and spiritual aspect to this. What you study, what you learn about and think about naturally leads to a better understanding. There is also the spiritual aspect. God gives us greater understanding when we take note of his teaching and his word. If we are to be salt and light,  then listening and paying attention are crucial. We are the light of the world.

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT
You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. [6] For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

As we live for God and let his light shine,  he shines in our lives even though we are not perfect vessels. But we trust that as we become more like Christ,  we are able to shine more brightly, not hiding away but living for him in a way that honours him. .

Ephesians 5:3-17 NLT
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. [4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. [5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. [6] Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. [7] Don't participate in the things these people do. [8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. [10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. [13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, [14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." [15] So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. [17] Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Live as people of light. The light produces what is good, right and true. This scripture is a great list of those things that dim the light and those things that help the light shine more brightly. So here are some thoughts.

We have light that comes from God.  His light shines into the dark and brings hope and salvation. There are practical things we can do. We looked at a couple of them last week. This passage speaks to us about the kind of things we should not be participating in and what we can do instead.

Live wisely
-Make the most of every opportunity
-Think before you act
-Know what Good wants you to do.

Think before you act - we are not robots programmed to act in certain ways by others. However - for all sorts of reasons we 'act' like we are.
This is where renewing the mind is important if we are to live as salt and light. Our responses to the things around us are to be different to others .

We are to think and respond not just react in every situation. We are to be wise. What do you think it means to act wisely? Living wisely means in this context not getting involved in the things of darkness and excusing them when we find them in ourselves. There are plenty of people who will tell you what you want to hear. This passage clearly says - don't excuse them - remove them - have nothing to do with them. It doesn't say have nothing to do with people just nothing to do with what they do. In other words - be different.

Make the most of every opportunity. God gives us opportunity to live for him and to shine his light, his love into every part of our lives. Shining our light by being ready to share his love to others.

Luke 11:33-36 NLT
"No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. [34] "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. [35] Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. [36] If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light."

I like this translation because it talks about "dark corners" the things in our lives that we pretend aren't there or we push away and hide away because we don't want others to see them but we know are there. God wants us to shine a light, his light, into those dark corners and expose what is there so that we are free and his light shines more brightly through us.

Think about the things in these passages. What things are the ones that are  a challenge for you.

What are you excusing in your life?

What ones are you willing to work on?

What is God asking you to do?

How can we make the most of every opportunity?

Just to finish.
Romans 5:6-11 NLT
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. [9] And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. [10] For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. [11] So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

As we look at these things let's remember that in all our struggle God loves us and is on our side working in us and with us. Jesus died for us and brought us back into relationship with him. We deal with this stuff from that relationship and not outside of it.

Romans 8:1, 9, 12 NLT
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. [9] But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) [12] Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.

God is at work and he does his work in us.

Philippians 2:12-13 NLT
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [13] For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

And no matter what; God's love is always there and his mercies are fresh and new every day.

Romans 8:26-35, 37-39 NLT
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
[29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. [31] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?
[33] Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one-for God himself has given us right standing with himself. [34] Who then will condemn us? No one-for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. [35] Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? [37] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
[38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God's love and grace is always available to help us. Let his life and love flow through you,  not striving but living in his love and grace.

Salt and Light

Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. [14] "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

We are called to be salt and Light, to stand out, to make a difference. To do this its necessary to deal with the things in our lives that do not reflect God's light. Recently we heard from the WOW girls on what they do to be salt and light. Each of them said that it starts with relationship with God. Everything flows from there.

If we understand what grace has been given us and we choose relationship, then we will want to deal with the stuff that dims our light and destroys our 'flavour'. But what are the key challenges? What does the Bible say to help us live as salt and light?

For each of us they will be different,  but I will touch on a few.

1. Kindness and forgiveness v Anger
Matthew 5:21-22 NLT
"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' [22] But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

Jesus tells us that anger is not helpful. In fact Jesus is tough with this stuff. He declares that we are subject to judgement when we hold on to anger. This sounds harsh but it is because anger is destructive. James tells us to be quick to listen,  slow to speak and slow  to get angry.

James 1:19-21 NLT
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. [20] Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. [21] So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

When we are angry we forget to listen, we speak out of turn and it certainly does not help us live God's way. In Ephesians Paul tells us that we are to get rid of anger.

Ephesians 4:17-32 NLT
With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. [18] Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. [19] They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. [20] But that isn't what you learned about Christ. [21] Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, [22] throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. [23] Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. [24] Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy. [25] So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. [26] And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] for anger gives a foothold to the devil. [28] If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. [29] Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [30] And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Get rid of.... v 31

In other words remove it completely from your life.  Don't package it away and store it in a room. For example, I have a spare room that basically acts as a storeroom. Things I'm not using get stored away. Sometimes we hold on to anger like this and we store it away for a later date. The bible tells us to get rid of anger. 

This is not the emotion of anger referred to earlier in this passage that we are to deal with, keeping short accounts. It is actually referring to a person who is characterised by anger. This is the person who has deep seated anger. We are told to get rid of it and to remove from our lives the trappings that go with it.

Be deliberate in getting rid of those things that get in the way; remove them and then replace them with positive steps. We are not to keep a void. This passage doesn't leave us hanging in limbo. Instead, it provides an alternative. For each issue it deals with, it gives another option, a God option. Instead of anger and bitterness, rage etc. we are to live with kindness, and forgiveness.

Kindness and forgiveness bring better outcomes in every area of life. Our relationships are stronger when we are kind to one another, and when we offer forgiveness to each other.

Some practical steps:

• Acknowledge the anger and it's cause,  then look at what within you has reacted?
• Is it something that requires action. We can feel angry about injustice etc. But what has been triggered in us. I
• s it a boundary issue, has someone or something hurt us?
• Don't blame another person. Accept that dealing with the anger is our responsibility.

Next step - determine to forgive, and to forgive the person and the loss or the debt.
Remember, forgiveness means letting go of the offence and  never holding it against the person or using it against them.

Matthew 5:43-47 NLT

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. [44] But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! [45] In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. [46] If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. [47] If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.

Do it differently.  Set an example.

What causes anger to rise up?

What steps do I need to take to deal with anger or one of its trappings?

Who do I need to forgive?

Where can I show kindness?

2. Generosity v Materialism

The reason this is here is because in our culture and our society, materialism is pervasive and can become invasive in our psyche. We like to think we are free from it, but every day we are bombarded by it and it creeps into our lives so easily.

We go to Vietnam and we see how others live and realise just how materialistic we are. We come home saying how challenged we are, desiring to be different and then before we know it, we are caught in the loop again of our Western mindset.

Sometimes we think we must have things and we simply don't need them. How many of us have bought something and never used it. Sometimes we justify it and it becomes a habit that we don't even realise we have.
Jesus hits it head on. 

Matthew 6:19-27 NLT

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. [21] Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. [22] "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. [23] But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! [24] "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. [25] "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? [27] Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

What treasures do we store up on earth? What is the best use of our money? Maybe it's just me,  but I'm sure we've all thought "I wish I had...",  Or "I could really use...". Its the trap of materialism. Jesus gives us the alternative. God cares about the things we need. He cares about whether or not we have enough to eat,  drink,  roof over our head. The question for us is, do we really believe that God cares about those things?

1 Timothy 6:6-8, 17-19 NLT
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. [7] After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. [8] So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

[17] Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. [18] Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. [19] By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

Paul writes to Timothy giving him Instructions  on how to live and what to teach others. 

• Learn contentment
• Trust God
• Be generous
• Do good works. 

This is how we store up treasure that won't rust or be destroyed but has eternal worth. This is contrary to almost everything the world says to do. The world says spend it, compete with others, have the best of everything you don't need. Jesus says give, be generous, make a difference. This is what sets you up for the future. 

This does not mean we can't make money. Jesus told the parable of the talents.  Those who invested and made money were commended. We are to be good stewards of the masters money. But it is the masters money, not ours. We give account for what we do with it. 

Love God, use money, not the other way around. 

Some practical steps.

• Know your weakness with money
• Take responsibility for it, and develop an intentional plan of action to deal with it
• Take small faith steps - learning to trust in God's word
• Exercise faith and be deliberately generous

What areas of my life am I not trusting God for?

How well am I stewarding God's resources? What can I change to be a better steward of those resources?

Where or to whom can I show generosity?

How can I store up treasure in heaven?

Am I living as salt and Light in this area of my life?