Newsletter December 2020 Part 1

Complete in Jesus Christ 

 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.   Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:6-10)

     In his letter to the Colossians, Paul admonishes them not to move away from the faith they have received.  It is through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross that they have been saved and they must not lose sight of this simple truth.  Like we today, these believers were bombarded by a variety of belief systems that were distracting some of them from what they had originally been taught.  They lived in a world of idolatry and values that were incompatible with their faith, but, again like today, it was relatively easy to draw the line between the world out there and their faith.  The confusing messages that were making their way into their own circles were much harder to identify and resist.

     The Christian faith has always been plagued by false teaching both on the nature of Jesus Christ and on Christian values and conduct.  Over the past century, however, the focus has moved increasingly away from God’s sovereignty and justice to the human-centredness that defines our world.  We have put our own human needs and desires before His purpose to reveal Himself to a world that has turned away from Him.  In doing so, we have in fact repeated the sin of Eden to be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5) rather than depending on God and finding out what matters to Him.  We have built our own towers towards heaven and sought to make a name for ourselves. (Genesis 11:4) 

     Much of our Christianity has been about what God can do for us and how we can gain the respect of others rather than about His purpose.  In order to get God to do what we want, we have developed principles of faith and strategies for success by which we can manipulate God into doing what we want Him to do.  Even our prayers often sound more like magic spells than like the call of a trusting child to a faithful Father in dependence on His grace and submission to His will.  In effect we have created a new form of ‘works’ religion, not realising that we are cheating ourselves of the true life-transforming power of God.   

     Paul observed the church of his time making this fundamental mistake by reverting to legalism and observance of particular days and seasons.  Rather than embracing the simple truth of the gospel, they were taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen ... and not holding fast to the Head of the body, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:18-19) 

     As we approach the end of another year, admittedly a rather unusual one, and prepare to celebrate another Christmas let us make the most of the difficult situation we find ourselves in.  In many ways, this Christmas will be very different: we won’t be able to meet with many of those we would normally meet.  We may have to cut back on our spending due to the increasing economic pressures; we may have the money but simply not the time to do the usual Christmas shopping; some may have to work more than ever as colleagues are ill or self-isolating. 

     This could be a Christmas, even a whole year that we simply want to forget, to put behind us as we hopefully return to some kind of normality.  Yet this could also be a time to remember: at this point of crisis and uncertainty we could meet with the One Christmas is all about in a new and powerful way.  After all, God chose a time of crisis and uncertainty to come into this world.  Jesus was born into a world of oppression and injustice, of depravation and fear. 

   Just like today, people at the time of Jesus’ birth were speculating why they were suffering, why God didn’t seem to answer their prayers and deliver them.  Some tried to fight their oppressors to achieve freedom, others believed that they could move God to act through their works of righteousness, lamenting the fact that the rest of the nation were not godly like them.  While all these people were preoccupied with themselves and trying to find their own answers and solutions, the Son of God came virtually unnoticed. 

     Due to the inconvenient and seemingly irrational rules imposed by the government at the time, Jesus ended up being born in a distant stable rather than in the relative comfort of the family home in Galilee.  God’s purpose was fulfilled and the Saviour was born in Bethlehem, just as the prophets had foretold.  As the world continued with its busyness, an angel appeared to a group of shepherds out in the field, announcing to them, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 

     Where will you be this Christmas?  What will you be doing?  What questions will you be asking?  What worries will be occupying your mind?  Open your ears; let the angel of God point you to the One in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. In Him you are complete.  (Colossians 2:9-10)  In Him alone you find peace in the midst of the storm, rivers in the desert, and life in the face of death. 

     There is nothing we can add to His grace, for He has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:14)  Rather than worry about what isn’t, let us, like those shepherds, come to Jesus in simple faith with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7) and worship Him.                 

Newsletter November 2020 Part 4

 

Worship in a foreign land

 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.  We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it.  For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”  How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:1-4)

     The words of this Psalm describe the feeling of the people of Judah who had been carried away into captivity in Babylon.  They had seemingly lost everything, and their hearts longed for the city from where they had been taken.  They felt that they could not worship God in their present situation even though their captors wanted to hear their songs of Zion.  

     In our present situation, it is easy for us to feel as they did.  This month we have once more had to close our church buildings, and even when we will again be able to meet face to face for worship it will not be quite like before as we will still have to follow tight restrictions.  In addition, the world around us seems to be turning increasingly against Christians as it rejects traditional values.

     Psalms which begin with a lament usually end on a positive note; the Psalmist turns his focus back on God and the hope of His salvation.  This Psalm, however, ends with the rather gruesome appeal to God for vengeance.  The final verses read, O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed, happy the one who repays you as you have served us!   Happy the one who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock!   

     When God’s people take their focus off God and instead look to their adverse circumstances, worship of the Almighty is replaced by hatred towards the world.  It is then easy to forget that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17).  Judgment belongs to God; the world is already condemned, but those who will receive the message of God’s salvation will escape His wrath, just as we who have put our trust in Jesus have been saved because of His mercy alone. 

     Rather than resign, feel sorry for ourselves and wish disaster on the unbelieving world, we should at this challenging time focus more than ever on God’s purpose.  We should recognise His infinite grace that saved us, and we should seize every opportunity to share the message of His salvation with others.

     While the false prophets still announced that Zedekiah would lead those left in Jerusalem in a successful rebellion against the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 28:10-11), Jeremiah wrote a letter to the captives, instructing them to settle and prepare for a lengthy captivity, but – while they remained in Babylon – to seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace (Jeremiah 29:7). 

     God had a future and a hope for Judah (29:11), but right now they needed to endure their situation and refocus on God and His mercy.  If the LORD’s people would search for Him with all their heart, He promised that He would hear their cry and would restore them to the place from which He had allowed them to be carried away. 

     God’s plan for His people in every generation is to bless them, but we (His people today) must search for Him and pray for our world.  One day God will judge the world for rejecting Him, but meanwhile His desire is that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  We are the ones to point them to Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:11).

 Pastor Konrad

Newsletter November 2020 Part 3

Look up!

 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.  But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”  Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony” (Luke 21:7-13)

     When Jesus told His disciples of the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, the centre of Jewish worship, they were keen to know when this would occur.  Jesus gave them a list of events that would signal the end, and when we read this list, we are reminded of things we see on the news and experience ourselves.  Just as he urged his disciples in their day, we too should look up, for our redemption is drawing near.  Jesus will return one day to establish his kingdom in all its fullness.  In that day, the world will be judged but those who have become part of His kingdom through faith in Him and forgiveness of sin will be received into their eternal home. 

     Throughout the past 2,000 years, people have time and again looked at such signs and expected Jesus’ imminent return.  Some even tried to figure out specific dates for the Second Coming of Christ, yet they were disappointed.  In the light of this knowledge, we can easily become cynical and question: Is His return really as close as we might think?  Or could it be another 2,000 years?  Or even, will He ever come?  Could Jesus just have spoken symbolically?  Was this message only for His hearers in the first half of the first century?  After all, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in A.D. 70 so all that remains today is the “Wailing Wall”. 

     While these questions are legitimate, there are current developments in the environment, in society and in politics that point to the ultimate fulfilment of prophecy.  We do not know the date; Jesus warned us not to speculate.  However, He did admonish us to take heed of the signs and look up and, as we do so, His words appear timelier than ever.

     As in those days, people’s hearts are failing them.  Scientists are considering where we could go when the earth becomes either too overcrowded or even uninhabitable.  People are feeling hopeless or looking for hope in populist leaders and/or new religious ideas.  Paul explains this to the Thessalonian church (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10): And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 

     Let us be alert.  Let us be true to God even in the face of opposition.  Let us not fear with those who have no hope because they do not believe.  And let us be ready to tell others about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) so they may share that hope in Christ with us.     

 Pastor Konrad

Newsletter November 2020 Part 2

A heart to know God

 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying,  “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans.  For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up.  Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:4-7)

     At the time when God spoke these words through His prophet Jeremiah, Judah had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and many had been carried away into captivity while others were allowed to remain in Judah under Zedekiah, the new vassal king appointed by Nebuchadnezzar.  It would seem at this point that those who were in captivity were in a worse place than those who had been allowed to remain.  However, in this vision of the good and bad figs, God says that He has carried them away for their own good.  It is precisely in their captivity that God would set His eyes on them for good.

     As we enter into another lockdown and have to close our churches for public services and resort to online platforms only, let us not be discouraged and complain.  Let us not think that God has forgotten us.  It is precisely in our apparent ‘captivity’ of government restrictions that God wants to reveal Himself to us in a deeper way.  While the first lockdown was a time of adjusting and learning new ways of doing things, let us now, in this second lockdown, be still and hear what God is saying to us.  As God promised to give to the captives of Judah a heart to know Him and make them truly His people, so He wants to do with us.  This is God’s doing, His initiative.  Yet there is, as always, a condition to His promise: we must return to Him, not half-heartedly, but with our whole heart.

     While God was working among the captives, raising up a new generation who would be faithful to His calling even in the face of death, the people left in Jerusalem continued to drift away from God’s presence.  Instead of submitting to the Babylonians as Jeremiah urged them to do by the word of the LORD, they followed the advice of false prophets, took matters into their own hands and rebelled.  As a result of their rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, and ultimately against the purpose of God, they lost everything: their homes, their city and even their temple where they had worshipped God.

     God is not limited by our circumstances.  He does not dwell in buildings made with men’s hands.  What house can we build Him anyway?  What is there that He has not made and given to us for use?  After all, heaven is His throne, and the earth His footstool.  What He looks for is a people dedicated to Him, a people who will seek His face with all their heart.  He will look on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at [His] word. (Isaiah 66:1-2)

     Let us not be discouraged.  Let us seek God’s face, believe His promise and wait patiently for His deliverance.  The God who makes rivers in the desert will do a new thing; He is forming a people for Himself who will declare His praise.  (Isaiah 43:18-21) Let us seek Him and trust in His grace alone.  He will surely look on us and deliver us. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad. (Psalm 14:7) 

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter November 2020 Part 1

God’s justice

“Your words have been harsh against Me,” says the Lord, “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’  14 You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of hosts?  15 So now we call the proud blessed, for those who do wickedness are raised up; they even tempt God and go free. (Malachi 3:13-15)

     Throughout the ages, God’s people have always complained.  So much of what we see and experience just doesn’t seem fair.  Good people suffer while those who practise evil seem to get away with it and even benefit from their wrongdoing.  So we ask the question, ‘Why does God allow such injustice?’

     Speaking through the prophet Malachi, God rebukes His people for their harsh words against [Him].  By suggesting that there was no benefit in serving God (v. 14), they were questioning the very integrity of their Maker and Lord.  By claiming that the wicked and proud were being blessed, they were implying that God was unjust.  By assuming the role of judges, they were in fact elevating themselves above God, who alone is just!

     How many times have we questioned God, when things have not gone our way?  How many times have we begrudged the seemingly undeserving for their apparent success?  Have we not, like God’s people in the days of Malachi, spoken harshly against God?  Who are we to decide who should be blessed and who should be punished?  Do we see as God sees?  Where were we when He laid the foundations of the earth?  (Job 38:4)  Are we more qualified to run the universe than the One who created it? 

     We are mere humans; our view is limited and we see only what is happening in the here and now.  Meanwhile God is watching and taking note of all we do and say (Malachi 3:16).  He is just, and His judgment will come – in His time.  He is in no hurry to bring justice to the world, but when it does come, what will be written about us in His book of remembrance? 

     Malachi states (3:16) that those who feared the LORD spoke one to another.  What would they have spoken about, as they meditated on His name?  Rather than complain and question God’s justice, they would have declared His glory and majesty.  Rather than focusing on the sins of others, they would have marvelled at God’s boundless mercy that had caused Him to forgive their sins.  That’s why God calls them His jewels! (v.17)  When judgment comes to the world, He will spare them.  Then all will be able to discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who truly serves God and one who does not. (v.18)  Until then, we must trust that God is just and that He knows what He is doing – without our presumptuous instruction.

     As humans, we want to see justice done immediately.  We want God to deal with those who deserve punishment in our eyes.  God will one day judge the earth.  But He will do so according to His perfect justice – not ours.  And He will do so in His time.  To God a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day.  He is still calling others, as He has called us, so they too can receive His grace and turn from their wicked ways to serve Him (2 Peter 3:8-9).  It is not His will that anyone should be eternally lost. 

     One day Jesus will return and then He will judge the world in righteousness.  On that day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Meanwhile let us do all things without complaining and disputing, that [we] may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom [we] shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14-15) 

Newsletter October 2020 Part 2

Walking in victory

“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.  Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.  From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory.  No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  (Joshua 1:2-6)

     God spoke these words to Joshua when his time had come to lead the people of Israel into the Land He had promised them.  The land before them was theirs and all they had to do is enter it in the knowledge that God was with them and would give them the victory over anyone who would stand in their way.  However, for Joshua, who was used to being an assistant to Moses the prospect of himself the leader to whom everyone would look must have been daunting.  Therefore God reassures him that He will be with him and that he should be strong and of good courage.

     It is easy to miss God’s calling and fail to do what He calls us to do because we have no confidence in our ability.  Yet that is precisely the point – fulfilling our purpose does not depend on who we are, but on who God is in us.  We cannot do nothing of ourselves but through His power working in us we are able to do far more than we can even ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).  God reiterates that admonition to be strong by repeating it twice – but He links it to obedience.  God’s presence and the fulfilment of His promise is conditional on obedience to His will.  Disobedience, as we see later in the story, will result in defeat (Joshua 7).  However, it is our fear and lack of confidence that prevents us from experiencing victory in our lives and our ministry to others. 

     In the following chapters we read how Joshua and the people of Israel prepared themselves for the conquest of Canaan and cross over Jordan.  As they are about to attack the heavily fortified city of Jericho, Joshua encounters a man of war with his sword drawn.  (Joshua 5: 12)  Joshua asks him to identify himself. “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” But the man’s reply is quite unexpected. He says, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”  Joshua recognises this Man (spelt in the NKJV throughout with a capital letter) as the Angel of the LORD.  He falls on his face and worships, and he asks “What does my Lord say to His servant?” (v.14). 

     Joshua needed to have this encounter with God’s presence (Theophany) before the impending victory with the conquest of Jericho to remind him who was in charge.  He was to be bold, have confidence, but his confidence was not to be in himself but in God.  It was not about getting God on His side, but about himself getting on God’s side.

     Our view of God is easily distorted; we want Him on our terms to do our will.  He promises to be with us, to give us the victory – but on His terms and for His purpose.  He is in charge, and we follow His command.  He is the Lord and we are His servants.  He will go before us and give us the victory if we remain faithful to Him.  Boldness and confidence in our ability depends on His power in us and consequently, on our obedience to Him.  As we pray according to His will and purpose, we have all that we ask. (1 John 5:14)

     Jesus is our Lord and Saviour; but He is also our example of perfect submission and obedience to the Fathers will.  He went the way of the cross, despising its shame, because He knew that His death would lead to resurrection and exaltation.  In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are admonished to lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

     Therefore let us not become weary and discouraged in your souls (v.3) but let us take up our cross and follow Him.  For it is only the way of the cross that leads to victory; God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness! (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter October 2020 Part 1

Our eyes are on You

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.  So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.  (2 Chronicles 20:3-4)

     In the days of King Jehoshaphat Judah faced a great crisis: all the surrounding nations had gathered together against God’s people to attack and destroy them.  Understandably, the King was afraid.  Yet his fear did not make him despair but rather turn to God.  He called a fast for the entire nation; and the entire nation actually showed up!  How was this possible?  Why was Jehoshaphat so sure that God was able to help?  Why did he not panic?  Why did he not focus on his military resources or seek allies to support him?  Why was it so natural for him and his nation to turn to God?  The answer is found in the previous chapters.             When Jehoshaphat ascended the throne of Judah, he made God the focus of his life and reign.  We read (2 Chr. 17:4ff) that he sought the LORD and walked in His commandments and, consequently, the LORD established his kingdom.  The people realised that God was with their king and honoured him with gifts and their allegiance.      

     Moreover, Jehoshaphat removed the idols that had been set up in Judah over the years and had caused the people to turn away from God.  He then sent his faithful leaders throughout his kingdom to teach the Law of God to the people.  As a result, the people of Judah honoured God and the fear of the LORD came upon the surrounding nations so that they were afraid to attack Judah and even paid tribute to them.  Jehoshaphat grew ever wealthier and ever stronger.  Yet in all this, Jehoshaphat never grew proud.  He remembered that God was the source of his blessings; so when he faced his greatest trial he knew where to turn: he did not rely on his own strength but on the God who had established him in the first place.     

     When they heard that their enemies had unified against them, the people of Judah gathered together in Jerusalem to seek God.  Jehoshaphat himself led the prayer, focusing on the greatness and the faithfulness of God and ending with a plea for help:  “O our God, will You not judge them?  For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”  (2 Chr. 20:12)       

     As they stood waiting on the Almighty, Jahaziel, a prophet of God began to prophesy, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.  … You will not need to fight in this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you.”         

The people embraced the word of the LORD and went out the next day, not heavily armed and ready to fight, but praising their God for the deliverance they believed was theirs, as He had spoken.  And indeed, as they praised God, their enemies suddenly turned on one another and destroyed one another!      

     That day Judah celebrated a great victory; but the foundation for that victory had been laid long before.  It was during the good times that Jehoshaphat had prepared the nation for this crisis by his own example and by teaching the people all over the country to follow the commandments of God.  Therefore it was natural for them to turn to God in this desperate situation.  When a fast was called, they came, knowing that God was the answer to their problem.      

      God has seen us through an unexpected crisis.  Yes, we have suffered but we have retained our faith in God’s care and provision.  What, however, if things really turn out as many are predicting?  What if this pandemic does continue for a long period, if there is a ‘second wave’ with a surge in hospital admissions and even death and further social restrictions?  What if the economic impact begins to affect our own livelihoods as it is already affecting many?  What if violence, crime and community divisions increase as a result of this?  What if we cannot meet face to face in church and privately?  Are we prepared? 

     Have we invested sufficiently in our relationship with God?  Do we know who is the source of our blessings when all other sources seem to dry up?  When trouble comes, will it be natural for us to turn to God as the people did under the leadership of Jehoshaphat – as individuals and as a body of believers?  Will we despair, or will we look to the One who is able to do exceedingly more than we can ever imagine?   Let us seek God during this trying time.  .  Let us draw near to him, come together in prayer.  Let us make the most of our online provisions as long as we have them.  Most of all, let us keep our eyes continuously on God.                        

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter September Part 2

See His glory

“Please, show me Your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)

Moses prayed this prayer at a time of crisis.  He was a great prophet of God, the greatest the world had ever seen.  He had experienced God’s power in the miracles that God had wrought through him: the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and miraculous provision in the midst of the desert. Yet he reached a point where he could go no further – not without a fresh and deeper revelation of God’s glory.

     In the previous chapter, we read how Moses had gone up to Mount Sinai to meet with God and to receive instructions directly from Him.  As he delayed coming back down from the mountain, the people’s faith began to wane.  So they gathered together and persuaded Aaron, who was left in charge during Moses’ absence, to make them a god: one whom they could see and touch, one who fitted within their limited human minds.  And Aaron granted them their request.  He collected gold from the people and made them an image after their imagination, built an altar before it, and announced to them, “Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD (in Hebrew YHWH).” (Exodus 32:1-5)  So when Moses descended from the Mountain of God, carrying with him God’s Law written by God’s own hand on tables of stone, he saw the people dancing around a golden calf.

     Reading these verses, it appears that Aaron somehow tried to reconcile the making of this idol with worshipping YAHWEH, the invisible I AM who had delivered them from the Egyptian bondage by His powerful hand.  What a fallacy!  How can an image made by man represent the Almighty God?  “To whom then will you liken God?  Or what likeness will you compare to Him?” (Isaiah 40:18),

     It is easy for us to condemn Aaron or to pity him for his ignorance.  Yet could it be that we too have an image of God in our minds that falls far short of His Glory?  We may not actually make a physical idol, as the Israelites did, but so often our conception of God limits Him to nothing more than a human construct.  Instead of answering the call to serve the King of Kings, we all too often create for ourselves a god whose purpose it is to serve us – on our terms. 

     Moses had led the people of God up to this point.  He had been faithful in everything that God had called him to do.  Consequently, the Israelites had witnessed God’s power and experienced His loving care.  Yet they had failed to honour Him as God.  Moses recognised that in order to convey to them the awesomeness of the Almighty, he needed a fresh and deeper revelation of who God really was.  So he prayed, “Please, show me Your glory.”    

     Like Moses, we need a deeper revelation of who God is.  Only He can reveal Himself to us – by His Spirit (1 Cor. 2:11-12).  As we put aside the flawed images we have created of Him and seek His face, as we read His Word with an open heart, God will reveal Himself to us as He really is.  As we stand in awe of His Majesty, we recognise how far we fall short of His glory and, at the same time, we experience the infinite love of the Father welcoming us into His presence.  It is there, in His holy presence, that we become conscious of our sin and experience the joy and the freedom of complete justification through the cross (Rom. 3:23-24). 

    Our God is an awesome God.  Therefore let us plead like Moses, “Lord, show us your glory!”     

Pastor Konrad   

Newsletter September Part 1

Spiritual victory

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.  And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.”   So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.  And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.  So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (Exodus 17:8-13)

     As the Israelites approach Mount Horeb, they suddenly encounter opposition.  Without warning and with no apparent reason, the Amalekites attack them just before they reach the place where they are to meet with God.  Moses immediately responds to this attack by appointing Joshua, a young man who has not been mentioned thus far, to lead an army of people who have not been trained in warfare and have never fought a battle before.  Meanwhile, Moses himself goes to the top of a hill overlooking the battlefield and raises his rod.  He knows that this battle cannot be won in the natural, but he also knows that every time he raises his rod, God’s power is released to bring victory to His people.

     We too have an enemy who attacks us when we least expect it.  How often do we progress in our spiritual journey and, just as we are about to enter into God’s presence, something happens that sets us back to where we were before.  We become discouraged and begin to doubt whether we will ever experience the fullness of His presence, which we so long for.  Our spiritual enemy will do everything in his power to stop us from reaching that place.  There seems to be nothing we can do in the natural realm, but, like Moses, we have a weapon that will release the power of the Almighty God – prayer. 

     As long as Moses holds up his rod, Joshua is victorious; as soon as Moses lowers his rod, the enemy gains the upper hand.  The real battle is not fought on the battlefield below but on the top of the hill, where Moses is.  And it’s no different with us.  When everything suddenly appears to go wrong, when problems take over at work or in our family lives, when we are struck with sudden illness – all these things can cause us to lose focus and to regress in our spiritual journey.  Rather than respond to such setbacks through natural means, we need to recognise our spiritual enemy (Ephesians 6:12).  We need to be vigilant and resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9).  We need to be aware of his devices, so he cannot take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11).  And as Moses lifted up his rod, we need to lift up our voices in prayer.

     Eventually, however, Moses’ arms become weary and he struggles to hold up the rod on his own.   Aaron and Hur have to come to his assistance.  They sit him down on a stone and hold up his arms, one on each side.  None of us can manage on our own; we all need each other.  Just as Aaron and Hur bore up the arms of Moses, so that he could continue to hold up the rod, we too need to bare one another up in prayer.  That is why we are encouraged to pray together (Matthew 18:19-20).  That is why we have corporate prayer meetings, where we pray for one another’s needs.  That is why we are exhorted to pray continually for our spiritual leaders (Ephesians 6:18-19; Romans 15:30).  The victory is ours – but it comes only through prayer!                                            

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter August 2020 Part 2

Into His image

So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness.  And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.  He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. (Exodus 12:20-22)

     When the Israelites left Egypt, where they had been in bondage for almost 400 years, God led them on their way.  In Moses, He had given them a leader to follow, but He wanted all of them to know that He Himself was showing the way.  That is why He gave them a visible sign of His presence to follow: a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 

     As children of God today, we too have God’s presence in our lives.  We may not follow a visible cloud that goes before us, but we have God’s Spirit to guide us.  Just like God had a route planned for the Israelites to travel, He has a plan and purpose for us.  He does not leave us to wander about blindly, hoping that somehow we will get where we should be.  God directs our every step by His Spirit – but will we follow?

     The Israelites had their doubts about God’s leading, when they reached the shore of the Red Sea.  Having followed God’s cloud, they suddenly found themselves closed in with the Egyptians hard on their heels.  What would have gone on in their minds?  Why had God brought them to this place?  Was His plan really to destroy them? 

     We too may be led by the Holy Spirit to a place in our lives where there seems to be no going further.  We may begin to question: was it really God who led me here?  Did I get it wrong?  Or, even worse: does God not care about me?  Has he led me to this place in my life to abandon me?

     The Israelites asked these questions.  They complained to Moses, saying it would have been better for them to stay in bondage rather than die in the wilderness (Exodus 14:11).  Yet God knew what He was doing.  Not long after, they watched from a place of safety, as God caused the water of the Red Sea to come crashing down on their pursuers, killing every one of them.  God had led them to this place, not to destroy them, but their enemies.  He always fights for His own, even if it may not seem so at the moment.

     As Christians we can become discouraged when we turn our focus from God’s greater purpose to our immediate circumstances.  However, as God was with the Israelites when He led them through the Red Sea and the wilderness, so He is also with us in every circumstance.  As He brought them to Mount Horeb to make them into His special people, so He also wants to bring us into His presence.  He is able to make all things work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  He has predestined those whom He foreknew to be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:28-29)   

     God has our eternal destiny in mind, and therefore the shaping of our character is of greater significance than our immediate comfort.  It is precisely through the trials we experience that we are refined.  As we are tested in the fire of life’s adversities, the genuineness of our faith is revealed. (1 Peter 1:7) 

     Are you questioning God?  Are you asking why He has brought you to the place you find yourself in?  Do you doubt His love and His purpose for your life because things presently seem difficult?  Well, think again.  As long as we follow God’s leading, He will protect us and He will fight our battles.  As long as we remain in His will and follow the leading of His Spirit, we will overcome by His power. 

     We may not always understand what God is doing, but if we trust in Him we will experience His loving presence and enter into His purpose, no matter what our circumstances seem to suggest.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)  Let us allow the Creator to shape us into the perfect image which He always intended for us – that image which was revealed in His Son Jesus Christ our Saviour when He took on human form. (Phil. 2:7)

Newsletter August 2020 Part 1

A God so near

And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.  Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.  And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’  These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”  (Exodus 19:3-6)

    When the Almighty God delivered Israel from slavery to lead them into the land He had promised their Father Abraham for His descendants He first brought them to Mount Horeb.  For Israel to enter God’s promise they first had to meet the God of the promise.  YHWH, the eternal I AM, had revealed Himself to Moses on this mountain in a burning bush and had sent him back to Egypt to lead the Israelites here.  God had said to Moses that He would certainly be with him, and that the sign of Moses’ calling would be the people’s encounter with Him: “When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12)

     Now here they were and God spoke to them through His servant Moses, reminding them of their deliverance and declaring to them His purpose for them.  He was calling them into a loving relationship with Him – that relationship which had been lost when humanity desired independence from their Creator over God’s presence and blessing.  He had displayed His power over their oppressors and had set them free.  Now it was for them to learn what freedom means.

     Freedom is often (mis)understood as the absence of any restrictions.  Freedom, for many today, means that I can do whatever I want, whatever feels good.  So why does God give restrictions?  Why did He give Israel the Law?  It is precisely so that they could remain free.  Freedom always means responsibility, and God’s laws were designed to enable His people to live responsibly – to fulfil their God-given purpose and potential through a loving relationship with Him and with one another.

     God wants those who have answered His call to be His special treasure.  God wants to form a people of priests, worshippers, who will reflect His glory and show His love and mercy to a world bound by sin.  God’s election of Israel was never for Israel alone; neither is our Salvation for us alone.  God wants His people to be a light to all the world.  From the beginning, when He called their father Abraham out of idolatry and promised him, against all the odds, that he would make from him a great nation.  He would bless Abraham’s descendants and make them a blessing to all other nations.

   This is why God gave a law – restrictions that would regulate relationships and thus ensure justice in a world of hatred and injustice.  As the Israelites prepared to enter into the land of God’s promise Moses reminded them to be careful to observe [these statutes]; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’  “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? (Deut. 4:7-8)  Thus the nations around them would see God’s goodness and mercy and would come to know Him through them.

     In His last speech to His disciples before going to the cross, Jesus admonished them to love one another.  It was by their love for one another that the world would see Him and His purpose for all humanity.  The world today is desperately seeking unity and justice, but true unity and true justice can only come through God.   He is the Creator who made all things good.  Therefore He is the only One who can restore what humanity’s rebellion has destroyed.  As Israel were reminded of their deliverance and resulting responsibility through the Scriptures and feasts, let us be reminded, by looking to the cross, of God’s salvation and His call to love Him and one another, and to be His light in this world of darkness.

Newsletter July 2020 Part 2

Restoration

When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,

We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.

Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.

Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

When the people of Judah returned from captivity it was a time of celebration and hope.  They had suffered in Babylon and had yearned for 70 years for this return to their home country.  For them it felt like a dream can finally come true and they were ready to praise God for His deliverance.  Their tears had finally turned into laughter, their sorrow into joy.  Surely everything would be different now; surely they would experience the blessing and increase they had been praying for. 

     We too have been sowing in tears as we have not been able to see each other during the lockdown, and many have been affected by the pandemic through illness and loss of loved ones.  We now look to the future with hope as we are about to return to our church building for public worship.  However, things will not be the same.  As in the days of rebuilding Jerusalem, the enemy is still present.  We have to be on our guard as the threat of a new spike in Covid-19 infections persists and there is even talk of a second wave and the possibility of another lockdown.  Like Ezra, Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, we must always remain alert while we celebrate and rebuild.  We must follow strict guidelines while worshipping together. 

     And like Judah in those days, we will face further trials and afflictions.  For them the intertestamental period between the return from captivity and the coming of Jesus was a time of foreign oppression and desecration of their Temple and prohibition of their worship under the Seleucid king Antiochus Epiphanes.  While we may not (yet) face such trials, we can expect that the aftermath of this pandemic will be one of economic hardship and resulting societal issues.  We may well see a rise in crime and social conflict, and the world is increasingly rejecting many of the values we as Christians stand for.  We don’t know the future, but we recognise that the Saviour has come and that He is with us, no matter what may come.

     As we celebrate our return to public worship and rebuild what the enemy has destroyed, let us stay focused on God.  Let us thank Him for seeing us through this time of lockdown.  Let us stand together to confront any forces that try defeat God’s people.  Let us trust that God is able to keep us, no matter what we may come against us.  Jesus promised never to leave nor forsake those who trust in Him.  Through Him we are more than conquerors.  Nothing can separate us from His love!  And let us be ready to receive those who will come to us inquiring about the hope, faith and peace they see reflected in our lives.            

Newsletter July 2020 Part 1

God’s table

After years of persecution and war, David was finally recognised as king over all Israel. (2 Samuel 5:1-3)  In all that he had gone through, he had committed his life into God’s hand.  Even when given the opportunity to kill Saul (1 Samuel 24:4 & 26:8-10), he refused to take matters into his own hand.  Rather than stretching out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, he left Saul’s judgment to God.  Now at last his time had come and he was able to enjoy the reward for all he had patiently endured.  Now he had time to sit and reflect on God’s faithfulness in His troubles and on the faithfulness of those who had helped him in his time of need.  And he remembered his promise to Jonathan to show kindness not only to him during his lifetime but also to his family after his death.   

     So David enquired: “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  And truly, there was one – Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, who was just five years old when his father Jonathan died in battle with his entire family (1 Samuel 31:6 & 2 Samuel 4:4).  When she had heard the news of Israel’s defeat at the hand of the Philistines, Mephibosheth’s nurse had quickly fled and, in the rush, she had dropped the child, injuring both his feet so that he became lame.  The poor child grew up alone and forgotten in a place called Lo Debar, which means “no pasture”.  There seemed to be no hope that anything would ever change for him – until one day David remembered his covenant promise to Jonathan.  As soon as David heard of Mephibosheth he had him brought to the palace. (2 Samuel 9:1-5)  

     We too were once lost, having no hope and without God in this world (Ephesians 2:12).  We had no part in the blessings of God, but through the New Covenant in his blood, Christ Jesus brought us who were once far off into his presence.  Just as David invited Mephibosheth to sit at his table and to eat of the king’s food for Jonathan’s sake (2 Samuel 9:9-11), God has invited us to partake of His blessings for the sake of His Son Jesus, who died for us so we could be cleansed from sin and brought into His holy kingdom. 

     As Christians we often struggle to understand that God has accepted us – just as we are.  Like Mephibosheth, we see ourselves as unworthy of His blessings.  We come to God in prayer expecting nothing from Him.  Why, after all, should the Almighty look upon such a dead dog as I?” (2 Samuel 9:8).  Yet we are accepted – not because of anything we have done, but because of God’s love by which He accepted us in His beloved Son Jesus. And because we are accepted by Him we are made worthy to receive from His table, which He has prepared for us. (Psalm 23:5)

     Jesus tells us that we should not worry about anything in this life.  The Father’s storehouse is full.  He knows what we have need of, and He is more than able to look after His children.  All He requires of us is that we believe in His promise and respond to His invitation.  All that He expects is that we make His kingdom the priority of our lives, and He will take care of everything else. (Matthew 6:32-33)  If God did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32) 

Christ died so that we can live. Who [then] shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  (Romans 8:35)  Whatever we may face in these perilous times, whatever may lie ahead, let us remember that God is with us, that He is well able to preserve us, and that He has reserved a place for us at His table.

Newsletter June 2020 Part 1

Life from lock down  

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her.
I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; she shall sing there,
as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:14-15)

     When God calls Hosea he tells him to marry.  However, this is not a love marriage to a woman of his choice.  Hosea has to take a harlot as his wife so he can experience that pain God feels at the harlotry His people are committing by serving other gods.  Hosea’s wife gives birth to three children: a son whom Hosea is to call Jezreel (God shall sow), a daughter Lo-Ruhamah (no mercy) and another son Lo-Ammi (not my people).  These names represent three aspects of the message that God would give to His prophet.      

     God’s mercy seems to be exhausted; those who were once His chosen people will no longer be His people.  Yet the divine Husband’s love for His adulterous wife is too potent; He cannot put her away forever.  Mercy triumph’s over judgment.  God still loves His people; He will restore them. 

     God does everything to keep His wife from her lovers.  He locks her in, prevents her from going out to chase after her lovers (v.6).  He takes everything from her – all the gifts she received from her true Husband but wrongly attributes to her lovers.  God will punish His people for worshiping idols while forgetting Him who brought them out of bondage into a land of blessing to reflect the light of His glory.

     When all is going well, when we are blessed and successful, we easily take things for granted.  We believe that it is through our efforts and our abilities that we have achieved what we have.  Instead of thanking the One who made us what we are and gave us what we have, we begin to worship the idol of self.  We create platforms to present ourselves.  We despise those who are not like us instead of reaching out to them with the same compassion that God showed us when we ourselves were nothing. 

     As Christians it is easy to become self-indulgent, critical and judgmental of those around us.  We feel that we are on a moral high ground and thank God that we are not like those other people (Luke 18:11).  We boast about our possessions, our achievements (Rev. 3:17) and our standards of morality.  We are only too happy to watch God judge the world in righteousness.  We think judgment will pass us by because we are God’s righteous ones, forgetting that we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23).   

    Whatever the origin of this present crisis – let those who wish to speculate do so – we have learnt one important lesson: when disaster strikes it can affect everyone.  We are as helpless as those whom we have ignored for so long.  The harvest has been waiting in the fields for the labourers but the labourers have enjoyed the comfort of their homes and relished the performances at their events.      

     Like Israel we have not understood our purpose as a light to the world.  We have used the gifts and resources God has given us on ourselves – on our buildings and events – and we have limited our prayers to our own needs and desires.  We forget that God has blessed us so we can bring blessing to the less fortunate by sharing with them.      

     No wonder we find ourselves locked in, stopped in our tracks, unable to continue as ‘normal’.  No wonder we have been stripped of all we boasted in.  Like the adulterous wife of Hosea, we have been allured into the wilderness where we can hear God speaking comfort to us (lit.: speaking to our hearts).

     As we continue in lock down, let us not focus on past achievements or future plans.  Instead let us open our spiritual ears and be attentive to what God is saying.  Let us allow His word to cleanse and transform our hearts so that we love Him and others as He has loved us and show compassion as He has shown compassion to us. 

     If we will listen to Him in the desert place He will give us vineyards from there (v.15).  God is able to do a new thing right where it seems impossible.  He sows seed and gives rain in the desert; He will bring about a great revival, not by our effort and ability but by His mercy and grace.       

Newsletter June 2020 Part 2

Fellowship

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4)

     In this opening statement of his letter, the apostle John describes the intimate fellowship he had with Jesus during His time on earth.  The Word of Life, Jesus, came from the heavenly Father and was manifested to John and his fellow disciples.  They were able to see Him, hear Him, and even touch Him.  As reliable witnesses, they were therefore able to declare Him to those who had not had this experience.  However, John goes on to say that his reason for writing is that they might share that same fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ – now.  And as a result of this fellowship, they would experience complete joy.

     Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit with Jesus, to look in His eyes, and to hear His voice opening up to you the mysteries of the kingdom of God?  Have you ever imagined what it would be like to share with Him from the depth of your heart, knowing that one touch from Him could meet every need?  Wouldn’t it all be so much easier if He were present with us?  Well, when John wrote these words Jesus had died, risen, and ascended to the Father, and yet John declares in the present tense that his fellowship is with God the Father and with Jesus.

     John understood that Jesus had not gone away.  On the contrary – He was now more present than ever before.  Before going to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world, Jesus had assured them that He would send His Spirit.  That way, He would not merely be with them but in them (John 14:17).  There would not be a moment in their lives that Jesus would be absent (v.18-20).  This is what John meant when he declared, “and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”  He was keenly aware of Jesus’ presence constantly being with him and in him.  Therefore he was always able to call on Jesus for guidance, for strength (both physical and spiritual) and for power to do the works of God (John 14:12-13).

     So is this an experience reserved only for John and the other apostles?  Or is it something only a few chosen men or women of God can enjoy today?  Not at all.  John writes this letter because he wants every one of us to come to the realisation that this kind of intimate fellowship is available to all who believe – including you and me!  He wants us all to know the complete joy that can only come through fellowship with Jesus.  He is with us wherever we may be – if only we believe.

     This realisation is particularly important at a time when we are unable to meet in the usual way in our church building.  While we all look forward to the time when we can return to worship as we have known it, the present lockdown can actually serve to bring us closer to God.  Rather than living from Sunday to Sunday waiting for the next spiritual ‘top up’ we can learn to depend on God and enjoy His presence every moment of every day. 

     As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:23-24) the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” God is not limited to a building; He is with us by His Spirit wherever we call on Him.        

Newsletter May 2020 Part 2

End of lockdown

For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:10-11)

     These verses form part of Jeremiah’s letter to the captives in Babylon.  The second one (29:11) has, over recent years, become one of the most quoted and printed verses of the entire Bible.  It tells us that God cares for us and His desire is that we know His peace and hope for the future – rare commodities in this present crisis.  What better time to turn to such an encouraging passage than now?  Where else can we find such comfort?

     During their time in captivity, the people of Judah needed encouragement, just as we do today.  They were becoming discouraged by their ongoing affliction and their focus was turning towards a time when all would be back to normal, when they could return to Jerusalem and rebuild their lives, their homes and their place of worship.  Naturally they would embrace any prophetic word that promised them that this time would soon come.  Yet God sent Jeremiah with quite a different message – one of delay and endurance in the midst of sorrow and restriction.

     Currently much is being said about lifting the lockdown, as many people worry about their future – their jobs, their careers, their personal plans and travel arrangements.  If only we could quickly get back to normal!  On the other hand, however, we are being warned about the consequences of a premature lifting of restrictions; moving too quickly and extensively could lead to another spike in infections and consequently another, even longer lockdown.

     In his letter to the captives, Jeremiah instructs his readers by the Word of the LORD (29:5-6) to build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished.  And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 

     Jeremiah’s highly unpopular message captives is to get used to the situation and make the most of it.  God would take care of them as they accepted their present limitations and would bless and multiply them even in their captivity.  Instead of complaining they were to seek the peace of the city of their captors.  They were not to believe the promises of the many prophets and diviners who prophesied falsely in the LORD’s name, promising a quick end to the captivity.  God had determined 70 years and His sovereign will could not be changed.  The promise of a return to Jerusalem was for a time that they themselves would not live to see. 

     We pray and trust that this pandemic and the resulting lockdown will come to an end soon.  However, God still says, Seek the peace of the city and pray for the world.  In due course, when His time is fulfilled, we will return – not to normality, but to a new and better reality.  God’s plan is always to bless His people, but we must seek Him and His purpose.  It is when we search for Him with all our hearts (29:13) that God can do a new thing.  He will allow us to rebuild His house, but it will not be as we knew it, for ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:9)  God is currently shaking the world which He created (v. 7).  Things we have trusted in and depended on are crumbling before us. 

Let us therefore look to the unchanging God who rules the universe, and let us welcome those who are drawn to His spiritual temple – the Desire of the Nations.  He does not dwell in manmade structures but in the hearts of those whom He has redeemed and delivered.      

Newsletter May 2020 Part 1

From sorrow to joy

When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.     (Ps. 126:1-3)

     As we enter the next phase of lock down questions are being asked: How long will this be?  When will we able to return to normal?  Which restrictions will be lifted first?  Some are already warning that life may never be the way we knew it.

     Psalm 126 describes the people of Judah celebrating God’s deliverance from their captivity in Babylon.  After seventy years of oppression far from their homeland coming back to Jerusalem seemed unreal, like a dream.  Their God who seemed to have abandoned them had, in His sovereignty, raised up a pagan king to defeat their oppressors and to allow them to return to their holy city that had laid waste for so long.  One can only imagine the singing and laughter as people looked around in amazement at God’s mercy and His sovereign power, rearing to rebuild the city and its temple.  The LORD had truly done great things for them and they were glad and thankful to Him.

     One day, maybe sooner than we can imagine right now, we will look at each other in disbelief as we venture back into our streets and shops and eventually even meet again in our church buildings.  God will surely remember us and bring an end to this crisis.  As hopeless as things may seem now, we will rejoice and rebuild.  However, the question remains, will we have changed?   

     Judah’s captivity had been foretold.  When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and took hostages to Babylon, including the young king Jehoiachin, he appointed Jehoiachin’s uncle Mattaniah as his vassal, changing his name to Zedekiah (1 Ki. 24:17).  However, under Zedekiah (a name ironically meaning Righteousness of GOD) Judah continued to do evil.  Instead of responding to God’s chastisement by turning back to Him, Zedekiah led the people in rebellion against their oppressors.  Rather than seeking God’s face in repentance, they sought military assistance from Egypt, only to be defeated once more.

     It is sad today to hear so much about potential human solutions to this pandemic without a mention of God.  It is heart-breaking to hear of plans to resume entertainment and sports events as quickly as possible while not addressing the deeper issues in our society and the world at large.  It would be tragic if we, God’s people, were concerned with resuming ‘normal’ church services as soon as possible without first taking time to re-examine our values and priorities and to re-assess the focus of our worship programmes.

     God never gives up on His people; He loves us and He has a plan for us, to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11).  As He allowed Judah to ‘return to this place’ after seventy years of captivity (v. 10) He will allow us to return in His own time.  Meanwhile, however, He is looking for us to seek His face with all our heart (v.13).  He will restore us and, as a result, many will acknowledge that He has done great things for us.  So let us make use of the opportunities this lock down presents to reach out to them in new ways.

     This is the time to turn to God, to confess our sin of self-sufficiency and our dependence on things that have no eternal value.  This is the time to look beyond our own selfish desires and open our eyes to the needs around us.  This is the time to sow in tears so that we can (in God’s own time!) reap in joy and bring in a great harvest (Ps. 126:5-6).  Let us come to God in sincerity, acknowledging our sin for godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Cor. 7:10)  May the glory of the latter temple be greater than the former so that there [God] will give peace (Haggai 2:9).   

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter April 2020 Part 2

The sovereign Lord

 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

     Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.  His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.  And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.  Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. (Mark 9:1-10)

     When Jesus went about teaching about the kingdom of God and doing miracles large crowds gathered to hear Him and to be healed of illnesses and delivered from demonic oppression.  They came because they had needs and Jesus met their needs.  However, He also challenged them, explaining what it would mean to follow Him.  He knew that He posed a threat to the religious and political establishment and that they would conspire to kill Him; and He knew that this was the purpose for which He had left His place in glory and taken on human form (Phil. 2:6-8).  He knew that many who were celebrating His miracles now would soon be discouraged and lose faith as they could not see beyond His humanity. 

     Jesus therefore warned that following Him would mean giving up all; that to receive the true life He was offering they would have to give up the life they knew.  For many, He knew, the cost of discipleship was too much; once pressure came, such people would turn away.  Yes some would live to see His kingdom come with power.

     Today we know that none of the disciples lived to see Jesus return to this earth, when every eye would see, when every knee would bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Phil. 2:9-11).  We too do not know if we will live to see that day, and we don’t know what challenges we may have to pass through before that day comes.  We can therefore be discouraged as many were in those days and give up when the pressure gets too much for us.  Or we can look up through the eyes of faith and see Jesus exalted; by faith we can recognised that He is in control, no matter what may be going on around us.

     Jesus took three of His disciples to a mountain top alone with Him, and there He allowed them to catch a glimpse of who He really was.  There the Father drew back the veil of humanity that concealed His divinity and they were able to see Him in all His glory.  One of these three recalls this encounter when He writes (2 Peter 1:18) we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.  What a privilege to be present at that moment of revelation!  What an experience!  Surely having seen Him transfigured and having heard the voice from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” they would never doubt again.  And yet these three, like the rest of the disciples, were overcome by fear and unbelief when they saw Jesus arrested and taken away to be crucified.  It was as if He had never told Him that He would rise again, to overcome the power of death – once for all.

     Fortunately the story does not end there.  After His resurrection He showed Himself to many and they believed (1 Cor. 15:5-8).  They then proclaimed the message of His resurrection everywhere and many more came to faith in the risen Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4).  And as they proclaimed His kingdom His power was manifested and many miracles were done in His name.  Jesus is still on the throne; He still rules supremely and His power is still at work.  Yes, those early disciples suffered persecution and some even died, but their eyes remained firmly fixed on the risen Lord, seated in glory (Acts 7:55-56). 

     Therefore let us, like them, not be discouraged because of what we see happening around us.  Let us continue to trust in God.  Let us believe that He is still able to do the impossible – to stretch forth His hand to heal and protect.  And let us remember that we have an eternal hope beyond this life.  Let us find comfort in the assurance that those who have died in Christ have merely gone before us and are now forever in His glorious presence (1 Thess. 4:13-18).  Let us look to the day of Christ when there will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain (Rev. 21:4) as all things are gathered together in Christ (Eph. 1:10).

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter April 2020

Living as Christians in difficult times

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3-8)

     Paul wrote these words to the believers in Philippi while he was in prison.  In this difficult situation his concern was not so much his own comfort and well-being but the fact that he was unable to be with them and to communicate with them.  He had planted this church on his second missionary journey following God’s call to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10) and was clearly concerned that they would continue to grow in their faith and love towards God.  This letter, which had to be carried by a fellow-worker (probably Epaphroditus – Phil. 2:25), over a long distance, was a rare, (maybe even unique) opportunity to convey his love and concern to them.   

     In the present crisis we have had to suspend public church services and are, to a large extent, unable even to meet individually face to face.  Will our relationships with one another as the community of God’s people stand the test?  Will we be able to continue encouraging one another as we are stuck in our homes, some of us completely alone?  Fortunately, unlike Paul in his day, we have various forms of communication at our disposal. 

     Today modern technology enables us to communicate constantly and over immense distances.  The social media we have been using to send messages and pictures to family and friends from one end of the globe to the other (in some cases one end of the sofa to the other!) are now a lifeline that keeps us informed and encouraged.  We can update through text, WhatsApp, and email, we can post messages, updates and videos on Facebook and Instagram, and hold prayer sessions, Bible studies and leaders’ meetings on Zoom. 

In a sense, this crisis is bringing us together more than ever – that is some of us.  What about those who are not as tech savvy and unable to communicate through such modern channels?  What about those who have no one to help them access a livestream or receive an important update, a testimony or a word of encouragement sent out ‘to all’?  Of course we still have the traditional way of communication.  Let us remember that for some a phone call will be the only contact they will have with fellow believers; a printed copy of an encouraging word through the Royal (snail) Mail will make all the difference to their day.  As we think of new ways of communicating, let us remember the old and proven ones as well. 

     Paul used what he had available: a hand-written letter written on parchment and carried over land and sea by a committed fellow-worker as a one-off opportunity to convey his affection and to encourage the believers in the face of trials – both their own difficult situation and what they had heard about him.  His letter reveals a concern for their well-being and spiritual growth.  Yet most of all, it is a call to focus on what really matters to him – the glory of God and the message of salvation.  To Paul, every situation provided an opportunity to proclaim God’s purpose in Jesus Christ. 

     As we face this unprecedented situation uncertainty can easily turn to fear and discouragement.  Now more than ever, we need to communicate.  And as we do so, no one must be allowed to ‘fall through the net’ of God’s loving community.  Paul took the opportunity to send this letter to the Philippian church, but he prayed for them constantly.                                                                                       

     Prayer is the oldest but most effective form of communication.  It enables those whom we bring before God to experience the power of his love right where they are.  Prayer brings comfort to the bereaved and reassurance to the fearful and discouraged.  And as we pray we may, like Paul hear God’s call in a way we have never hear it before.  As we zoom in to listen, he may whisper in our spiritual ears to reveal who needs a phone call, a personal message on WhatsApp, a healing touch from God or some practical help (food, an urgent errand, etc.).  In Acts 16, we read how Paul was called to Macedonia; who is God calling you to?  Who needs you at this time?

     Paul answered the call to Macedonia and his obedience led to new relationship: both the Philippians’ new-found relationship with God through Jesus Christ and a relationship between him and them strong enough to stand the test of time, distance and circumstance.  Let us not be discouraged in difficult times.  Instead, let us use every opportunity to strengthen relationships – with one another and with God.  And let us seize every opportunity to tell others about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) so they may share in that three-way relationship.     

     As the world fears death, we know that our hope is not only in this life but beyond.  This is why we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday on 12th April.  Let us join Paul in declaring that in Christ “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Cor. 15:54)  Be assured that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6). 

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter March 2020

Look up!

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”  10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony” (Luke 21:7-13)

     When Jesus told His disciples of the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, the centre of Jewish worship, they were keen to know when this would occur.  Jesus gave them a list of events that would signal the end, and when we read this list, we are reminded of things we see on the news and experience ourselves.  Just as he urged his disciples in their day, we too should look up, for our redemption is drawing near.  Jesus will return one day to establish his kingdom in all its fullness.  In that day, the world will be judged but those who have become part of His kingdom through faith in Him and forgiveness of sin will be received into their eternal home. 

     Throughout the past 2,000 years, people have time and again looked at such signs and expected Jesus’ imminent return.  Some even tried to figure out specific dates for the Second Coming of Christ, yet they were disappointed.  In the light of this knowledge, we can easily become cynical and question: Is His return really as close as we might think?  Or could it be another 2,000 years?  Or even, will He ever come?  Could Jesus just have spoken symbolically?  Was this message only for His hearers in the first half of the first century?  After all, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in A.D. 70 so all that remains today is the “Wailing Wall”. 

     While these questions are legitimate, there are current developments in the environment, in society and in politics that point to the ultimate fulfilment of prophecy.  We do not know the date; Jesus warned us not to speculate.  However, He did admonish us to take heed of the signs and look up and, as we do so, His words appear timelier than ever.

     As in those days, people’s hearts are failing them.  Scientists are considering where we could go when the earth becomes either too overcrowded or even uninhabitable.  People are feeling hopeless or looking for hope in populist leaders and/or new religious ideas.  Paul explains this to the Thessalonian church (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10): And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 

     Let us be alert.  Let us be true to God even in the face of opposition.  Let us not fear with those who have no hope because they do not believe.  And let us be ready to tell others about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) so they may share that hope in Christ with us.     

Pastor Konrad