Pastorals
Rev 1:1-20
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- Written by: Chris Appleby
7 Stars and 7 Lampstands audio (4MB)
Today we begin a series on the book of Revelation. You may be aware that this is not an easy book to follow so let me give you a short introduction. The first thing to understand is that this is not a work of history, though it is firmly rooted in the history of the Church since Jesus Christ. It’s not wisdom literature like the psalms or proverbs. It is a letter, but not like any of the other letters you may be familiar with. It’s what’s called Apocalyptic. If you’d lived in the first century when John was writing this you’d understand exactly what that meant, but since you don’t, let me try to explain. Apocalyptic writing uses strange, often fantastic, imagery to describe what might happen in the future. The closest thing we have to it today would be science fiction/fantasy literature. But even that doesn’t really explain it because what we find here isn’t a linear story. It uses picture language, but the picture is moving. Someone has described it as mobile metaphor. Sometimes it’s like we’re looking at the same scene from multiple vantage points - the same characters and events pop up but the picture is different each time.
But let’s look at how the letter begins. He writes: “This is the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” This is a message from God via Jesus Christ who sends an angel to John so he can pass the message on to us. And it’s a revelation. That is, it’s the unveiling of something that was previously hidden.
Christmas Eve (Training for Godliness)
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- Written by: Heather Cetrangelo
I’ll never forget, something my high school principal once said to me:
“Success in life is 5% ability and 95% blood, sweat and tears.”
I guess I’ve always believed that with hard work and dedication we can achieve almost anything we put our minds to. My motto in life has always been, ‘forget what’s reasonable or practical … with blood, sweat and tears, we’ll make it happen’ …
It strikes me that that 5% ‘ability’ that is needed to succeed, might only be 5%, but it matters a lot. Without ability, all the hard work in the world won’t be enough.
Take, for example, my performance in mathematics. I don’t know if you know what it’s like to work really really hard at school, just to achieve a pass grade … well, that was me in maths. In maths, all the hard work in the world, was never going to get me a high distinction … because I just didn’t have the ability … it’s like that part of the brain that grasps mathematical concepts, just isn’t in me. I could work really hard at it, but I will never be successful at it because I don’t have that 5% factor: ability.
But you know … that 5% ability factor that my school principal was talking about … it doesn’t just apply to study does it? It applies to life.
Suffering for the Gospel
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- Written by: Rachael Lie
1 Peter 2:11-25 audio (3MB)
By Rachael Lie
Today is St. Thomas' day, so let's think about Thomas the apostle. Thomas boldly proclaimed Jesus as his Lord and his God (Jn 20:28), and tradition tells us that he then became a passionate evangelist of the gospel who was willing to travel far to Asia to tell about Jesus Christ.
We're not all called to be full time missionaries like the Jacksons in Japan, but we are all called to be full time gospel bearers to demonstrate the good news of Jesus who suffered, died and was raised after three days. Do you realize that we all should be full time gospel bearers? When I say full time gospel bearer, I am not talking about those ministers who are hired full time and therefore they are the ones who should be preaching and sharing the gospel 24/7. I am talking about you, everyone of you, including Chris, including myself, who are full time gospel bearers. As we look at today's passage, this concept will get clearer.
Peter is writing to people who are suffering from persecution by the government and suffering from discrimination of the society that results in maltreatment in everyday life. However, Peter says to them, yes, it's a tough life, but,
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. And then, conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge V.11-12.
God's Gift of Mercy
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- Written by: Chris Appleby
Titus 3:4-8
There’s a certain irony in the timing of the failed Copenhagen climate conference isn’t there? Just a week or so before Christmas but there was little in the way of Christmas spirit in evidence with the leaders of the nations involved in the conference wheeling and dealing to get their own country the best possible deal even if it was at the cost of weaker countries who are most endangered by the effects of climate change.
It seems almost surreal to turn from the news of Copenhagen to the Christmas story, to a message of peace, goodwill among men and women.
Or is it? Do we actually notice the contrast? It’s such a familiar story that it would be easy to overlook the amazing, surprising truth contained in those few words: “11to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Or these words: “And on earth peace among those whom he favors!” A Saviour; a Lord, who brings peace.
1 Peter 5:1-14
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- Written by: Bill Stewart
Humility And Hope audio (4MB)
1 Peter 5:1-11
I hope all of us can think of times when someone has done something to encourage and support us when we were doing it tough. Perhaps it was a phone call? or an invite out for coffee and a chat? or perhaps it was a letter? or an email? or even just a text message? I don't think I’d be wrong in saying that sometimes it was a more mature Christian who took the time to support and encourage us. What comes to mind for you as you think about this? Who was it? What was it that they did to encourage you? (Take a few moments silence to think about a time when this happened to you).
