The Bible Keeps it Real

Perhaps you’re facing a trial in your life like you’ve never faced before!

 In the midst of such a trial myself, what I especially notice is how some of the Bible’s Psalms really speak words of wisdom, comfort and encouragement. I’ve also noticed how biblical words of encouragement and songs on Christian radio are so much more meaningful and helpful than ever.

 This reminds me as a pastor to always remember to preach sermons addressing the tough everyday life issues we all face. Recently, I think I’ve done this more. Over the last year our website contains messages on self-control, mental health. overcoming addiction, loving our enemies, forgiveness, courage, inner peace through the Gospel of Peace, and much more.

 A wonderful thing about the Bible is it’s full of stories of real people who faced real trials. Some failed. Some struggled through, but overcame, and some triumphed victoriously through God’s strength.

 The Christian life can be tough too, but the Bible doesn’t hide this reality. The apostle Peter wrote:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy … But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer … (1 Peter 4:12-15).

 The Bible keeps it real and has real comfort and answers for you too!

Prepared For Judgment Day?

In our legal system, you can’t date the person who’s to judge your case. Nor can they be your golfing buddy.

 If you’re being prosecuted for your dog mauling someone and the judge is your neighbour who knows you have no dog – fantastic, you may think! But alas, they can’t be your judge.

 Concerning juries, one rationale for them is that being made up of ordinary people - our peers, they are more suited to judge us than esteemed members of the judiciary who some perceive as out of touch or sitting in ivory towers.

 The Bible, and interestingly the Koran, both proclaim Jesus as our Judge. The Bible presents him as super-qualified to judge us because He’s our peer being truly man (having walked in our shoes) and God, He’s appointed by God as judge, He knows all about us and He’s merciful.

 The wonderful news for us is that, unlike in our legal system, we can be in close relationship with our Judge. Jesus actually desires this relationship before Judgment Day.

 Jesus said, I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by my own (John 10:14).

 Knowing Jesus before Judgment Day is given so much importance Jesus even says, And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ ... (John 17:3).

 A good way to start this vital eternal life-giving relationship is simply to open a Bible and learn of Him. How’s your relationship with Christ?

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

Day 23 – Try to keep it together and keep doing what you do

Angella is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (our Sunday), so I have decided to fast forward this blog to real time (remember it was on delay due to me not wanting to ruin her surprise visit to Jamaica). One more sleep to go!

I write law publications for a living, and that’s what I have been doing from home since 1995. Whilst I am very grateful it pays my bills, producing legal resources for lawyers is not my writing passion.

My writing passion is Christian books, articles and sermons. A great opportunity I’ve had here in New Zealand is writing short articles for the Christian section of the free weekend paper SunLive. Here’s one I had published. I hope it encourages you if you are prone to making excuses for not going to church:

Excuses, Excuses

Who hasn’t made excuses before about not going to church? There are some real doozies.

Sidney Laing, who’d heard a few whilst ministering in Ireland, wrote a fun and interesting satirical piece entitled ‘Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash’ in response to various excuses. The 10 he wrote were:

I was made to wash as a child … People who wash are hypocrites … Those who wash think they are cleaner than other people … There are so many different kinds of soap, I could never decide which one was right … I used to wash, but it got boring, so I stopped … I still wash on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter … None of my friends wash … I’m still young, when I’m older and a bit dirtier I might start washing … People who make soap are only after your money.

Some further ones might include, I’m too busy to wash. I feel out of place washing. I’m too dirty to wash. I can’t agree with everything that people who make soap believe.

As far as washing goes, these are laughable excuses, but some may think they are perfectly legitimate reasons for not attending church.

Today’s sermon was REST FOR YOUR SOULS. It was about how Christ said we could ALL have rest for our souls. Is that what you need?

https://youtu.be/7dOzMfwFNrI

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

Day 17 – Stay connected with the church and the community

A very important part of being a Christian is reaching out to others with the love of Christ in the hope they also will come to believe in Christ and experience His love and the reality of eternal life through Him.

The people I have enjoyed church with here in Tauranga have been amazing in that they have always been highly motivated about working together in community outreach. We have done over 25 sausage sizzles outside supermarkets and I have never had to do the cooking once. The community have also been very appreciative too.

Many people in New Zealand from different faith and non-faith backgrounds love to volunteer their time to help others.

I confess though, this would be something I would do much, much less if it were not for the impact Christ has had in my life and the faith I have in Him.

If you are curious why I and many others. indeed people from all sections of society, including world leaders and scientists, devote themselves wholeheartedly to Christ, perhaps you would take a look at my Faith-Lift book found under the Books/Articles heading of my church website at www.churchofgodslove.com. I could also email it to you if you prefer.