Newsletter August 2024

Beloved Son and Suffering Servant

 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and

went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.  While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

(Luke 9:28-36)

     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 regarding their commitment.  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 had just 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 would prove too much; once pressure came, such people would turn away.  Yes, some of the disciples would live to see His kingdom come with power, but not without sharing in His suffering.

     Alone on the mountain top with Peter, James and John, Jesus allowed these three disciples to catch a glimpse of who He really was.  As the Father drew back the veil of humanity that concealed His divinity, they were able to see Him in all His glory.  Peter 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 this 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 them that He would rise again to overcome the power of death – once for all.

     Fortunately, the story does not end there.  After His resurrection Jesus showed Himself to many and they believed (1 Cor. 15:5-8).  These witnesses then proclaimed the message of His resurrection everywhere and many more came to faith in the risen 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, now 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 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).  

Bishop Konrad

Newsletter July 2024 Part 2

Faithful

 After the death of Moses, Joshua was to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.  In Deuteronomy 34:9 we read that he was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.  Although Joshua’s role, on the surface, appears to be one of military conquest, in actual fact he follows Moses as a spiritual leader who is to remind the people of their calling to be God’s people.  The rest which the Israelites are to receive in the land God has given them in fulfilment of His promise to Abraham depends not on their own strength and ability but on their faith in and their faithfulness to God.  God’s promise is for His people – those who answer His call and commit themselves to His purpose that He may be glorified among the nations.  His Law (Hebrew: Torah – instruction) must therefore be at the centre of their lives. 

     God tells Joshua as the leader of His people that this Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8).  He commands Joshua to be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

     As humans, we tend to associate strength and courage/boldness with our ability to stand up for ourselves and our interests.  Even as Christians, we insist on our rights and make demands, believing that somehow we can achieve justice that way, forgetting that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.  (Isaiah 55:9)  Everything comes from Him, the eternal Creator and sovereign Ruler of the universe.  Vengeance is His and true justice comes from Him.  He is able to prosper those who walk in His ways and commit their cause to Him.  He rewards those who seek His kingdom and make His righteousness their priority.  God’s blessing is always tied to obedience to His will revealed in His word.  He will send His rain on those who put their confidence in Him and follow His instruction.

     When the Israelites reach the river Jordan and are about to cross over into the Land of Canaan, Joshua admonishes them to sanctify themselves, for the LORD will do wonders among them.  (Joshua 3:5) They are to turn their eyes on God and to follow the Ark of His presence as it is carried ahead by the priests.  They are to keep a space between the Ark and themselves to ensure that they see where God is leading them so they do not end up running ahead of Him and thus into destruction.  He alone knows the way and He will guide them and fight for them.  All they need to do is to follow.

     We may not be at the boundary of a physical land waiting to enter in, but like the Israelites we are going a way that we have not gone before.  (Joshua 3:4)  Like them, we need to keep our eyes firmly on God.  His word needs to be at the centre of our lives.  It is only by following His leading at His pace – not running ahead according to our own understanding – that we will be able to remain faithful to Him, fulfil His purpose, and ultimately enter into His rest.

     Like everything in the Old Testament, the story of Joshua points to Jesus.  Everything is fulfilled in Him.  Joshua led the people into the land of Canaan, but they never entered into His rest.  (Hebrews 4:8-10)  Their story is one of falling away from God and being scattered, but also of God’s redemption and restoration as they return to Him with their whole heart. 

     God is faithful; He never forgets His promises.  Therefore He sent His Son, the One by whom He created the universe, the brightness of His glory and expressed image of His person (Hebrews 1:2-3) clothed in human flesh to live in the midst of a rebellious humanity in complete obedience to His Father’s purpose – even to the point of death on the cross.  Through His faithfulness, He purged our sin.  What we could not do in our own strength He accomplished by taking on humanity Himself, and by His Spirit in us He now calls us to take up our cross and follow Him.  Whatever the future may bring, God knows the way.  He will lead those who commit themselves to Him and remain faithful as Jesus was faithful.  Nothing will separate them from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39) 

     Is your mind made up?  Have you put your trust entirely in Jesus?  Will you remain faithful to Him no matter what may come?  Will you keep your eyes on Him and follow His leading until you enter into His rest? Are you one of those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes? (Revelation 14:4)

Bishop Konrad

Newsletter July 2024

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 experience both economic hardship and a fundamental change in values, many of the comforts we have known seem to be evaporating.  In the face of such trouble and uncertainty, it is easy to become discouraged and complain.  We might even feel that God has forgotten us.  Yet it is precisely in our apparent ‘captivity’ in an increasingly hostile world that God wants to reveal Himself to His people in a deeper way.  While the Covid lockdown was a time of adjusting and learning new ways of doing church services, we are now facing new challenges which require new adjustments.  We therefore need to be still and seek God in order to hear what He is saying to us by His Spirit. 

     In this word to the prophet, God promises to give the captives of Judah a heart to know Him and to make them truly into His people.  This transformation is God’s doing, His initiative.  Yet there is, as always, a condition to His promise: they must return to Him, not half-heartedly, but with their whole heart.  As it was then with Judah, it is now with us.  God’s purpose is that we draw near to Him, give ourselves completely over to His Spirit, so that He can restore His image in us. 

     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.  Let us therefore not be discouraged when we experience hardship.  Rather let us like Paul glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, 

because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)  Let us seek God’s face in every situation, remembering that He promised to be with those who love Him and put their trust in Him, working all things together for good.  His divine purpose is to shape us into the image of His Son Jesus. (Romans 8:28-29) 

Bishop Konrad

Newsletter June 2024

God’s kingdom come

 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by [the apostles] during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3)

     Luke begins his Acts of the Apostles by reiterating that Jesus who had been crucified rose from the dead and that those whom He had chosen were eyewitnesses to His resurrection, not just once but over a period of 40 days.  During this time He instructed them from the prophetic scriptures concerning the arrival of God’s kingdom on earth and sent them to proclaim this good news not only among their own people but to all nations.  Yet despite all that Jesus had explained to them, their focus was still on times and seasons.  They wanted to know when God would restore the kingdom to Israel, but Jesus pointed them to the immediate task He had for them:  you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

     Yes, Jesus had come into the world as the promised Messiah, the King of Israel, but for now He would return to His heavenly home.  Nonetheless, God’s reign would be manifested through the presence of the Holy Spirit who would work in them to transform first them and then through them the whole world.  Their witness would not merely be an account of what they had seen and heard, but a demonstration of their daily experience of God’s life-transforming presence.  This is why they had to wait for the Holy Spirit.

     As humans, we often struggle to wait for God’s timing and instruction.  We see that something needs to be done and we look for solutions.  This is true both in our own personal affairs and in our wider society.  Whatever the problem may be, we focus on what we can do to fix it.  Sadly, this is also true of the church.  We, who know God and have His Spirit in us, all too often revert to our own ideas and come up with our own solutions rather than wait patiently on God for His direction.

     Even during the short period of 10 days following His ascension, these followers of Jesus identified a need and came up with a solution of their own.  Jesus had appointed twelve apostles and now, following Judas’ betrayal and death, there were only eleven.  They determined what to do and decided to select two from among those others who had also been with Jesus from the beginning and had witnessed His resurrection, and then to allow God to choose between the two proposed candidates to fill the vacancy. (Acts 1:23) They cast lots to determine God’s will, and Matthias was chosen.  Interestingly we never hear of Matthias again.  While this does not imply that he lost his faith and abandoned the group of disciples, we hear in the course of the narrative about other individuals who suddenly appear on the scene as God raises them up and empowers them by His Spirit to proclaim His message and perform miracles in His name.  The most prominent and at the same time unlikely of these individuals chosen by God is Paul.  His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus where he was heading to persecute the believers (Acts 9:3-4) resulted in him becoming an apostle to the Gentiles and the author of much of what we know today as the New Testament scriptures.

     God is always looking for those who are available to be used by Him, often not the ones we have on our radar.  He will enlist those who recognise that they are nothing but empty vessels without Him and fill them with His Spirit.  Are you such a person?  Is He perhaps calling you to something new?  Are you ready to receive His anointing and serve in His kingdom, not in your own strength and ability but by the power of His Spirit?  Will you seek His face and wait patiently for His instruction? 

Newsletter May 2024

God’s dwelling place

Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.  When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.  For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.  (2 Chronicles 7:12-16)

     Solomon had just completed the building of the temple in Jerusalem and had dedicated it to God as a place for His presence to dwell.  The temple of Solomon was modelled on the tabernacle of meeting, which God had instructed Moses to build – a mobile tent structure, which could be transported from place to place.  Like the tabernacle, the temple too had an outer court, where the people would offer their sacrifices and make their petitions to God.  Inside this court was the actual temple building which contained the Holy Place and, separated from it by a veil (or curtain), the Most Holy, where the high priest would meet with God and offer the annual sacrifice for the sins of the nation.  

     Yet Solomon’s temple was far more elaborate than the tabernacle of Moses’ time; it was a mighty, permanent structure, which towered high above the city for everyone to see.  Surely this building was worthy of the Almighty God!  And it was dedicated to God in a spectacular celebration with countless animal sacrifices.  God showed his approval of this new place of worship by filling it with His glory so that not even the priests were able to enter in.  However, it was after this remarkable event, when Solomon was by himself, that God appeared to him and promised that His presence would be in that place and that He would hear and answer the prayers of His people offered up there.

     Today, all that remains where the temple once stood in Jerusalem is a solitary wall where Jewish people gather to pray, as they remember the great days in their nation’s history.  Whatever happened to God’s dwelling place?  How does He manifest His presence?  God still desires to dwell with His people – with those who love and follow Him.  He is not, and never was, limited to buildings made with hands (Acts 7:48-50).  He inhabits eternity and His desire is to dwell with those who will humble themselves before His glorious presence (Isaiah 57:15). 

     God appeared to Solomon, confirming that He had accepted the place built for Him as a place of worship, and that His presence would be there.  Therefore, He would hear and answer the prayers of His people offered up in that place.  Before Jesus went to the cross and returned to heaven, He assured His disciples that they would not be left alone; the Holy Spirit would come to dwell in them (John 14:16-17).  Their bodies would be God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and in that day they would ask the Father in His name and the Father would hear and answer their prayers (John 16:26-27). 

     God is still seeking a people in whom He can dwell – and where God’s presence is manifest, where prayers are answered, where miracles take place!  Are we such a people?  Are we that spiritual temple that Paul describes in Ephesians 2:20-22, built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit with Christ as the cornerstone, who holds everything together?  Can the Almighty approve of what we present to Him as a dwelling place for His presence?                                                                 

Pastor Konrad  

Newsletter April 2024

God’s way of salvation

 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”  (Mark 15:39)

     Jesus had been brought to the governor Pilate with the accusation that he claimed to be a king, thus challenging the authority of the Roman emperor.  The Roman authorities cared little about religious disputes, but any challenge of their rule was punished with the utmost cruelty to humiliate anyone deemed to be a rebel.  For the Roman officer in charge of Jesus’ crucifixion this was most probably not the first time he had overseen this form of execution and heard the desperate cries of pain, but this time something was different.  Rather than receiving pity, this supposed king of the Jews was being mocked even in his suffering by his countrymen, who challenged Him to demonstrate His claim to be Israel’s Saviour by saving Himself.  Yet He remained silent, except when, just before His final breath, He cried out with a loud voice, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

     Who was this Man who seemed so surrendered to His fate and, unlike others, showed no resentment towards those who were causing Him such suffering?  Why was His focus solely on His God, as if He knew that, through His death, He was fulfilling a greater purpose?  Truly this Man was the Son of God!” (v.34)

     The cross of Jesus is a mystery.  Why would the One who had come to save the world and had performed many miracles, even raising the dead, end His life in such a way.  Why did He not simply end all injustice and establish His rule of peace and justice on earth as the scriptures foretold? (Isaiah 2:1-4 & 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 7:13-14)  Had it all just been a dream?  Was all hope of justice and peace yet again being disappointed?  Would this world never change for good, the powerful continue exploiting the weak, the evil prospering while the righteous suffer?  No wonder the cross is foolishness to the wise of this world who maintain that change for good can only be effected through strength and force.

     God’s ways, however, are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9)  His power is manifest in our weakness.  Those who follow the example of His Son who came to earth to show us the way and put their trust entirely in God will be vindicated by Him.  On the cross, Jesus seemed utterly forsaken, but He knew that He would rise again and ascend to the Father, to be seated at His right hand in the place of ultimate authority.  From there He would send His Spirit to live in those who put their trust in God alone, those who take up their cross and follow after Him.  Those who are willing to deny self and lay down their lives will receive true life – eternal life in the world to come. (Mark 8:34-38)

     As we live our lives on earth trusting in Him and depending on the power of His Spirit alone, God gives us a foretaste of His blessings.  We are able to experience miracles as He worked them while He was on earth in the flesh, but, at the same time, we share in His rejection by a world that does not understand His ways nor submit to His rule. 

     What about you and me?  Have we fully surrendered to God?  Is our hope in Him alone?  Do we love as He loves and forgive as He forgives?  Or do we continue to live in rebellion while professing His lordship over our lives?  In the Roman Empire, rebels were crucified, exposed to shame so that others would submit.  In God’s purpose, the only One who ever lived in complete obedience, the Son of God, laid down His life for our forgiveness.  Therefore … let us 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. (Hebrews 12:1-3)    

Newsletter March 2024

The Way of God

 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk.  And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.  Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

     When Jesus had arrived at Jerusalem, He was welcomed by an expectant crowd as their Saviour (Matt. 21:8-9).  Yet immediately we read of a series of verbal exchanges with the unconvinced religious leaders.  These teachers of Israel made every possible effort to prove that this man could not be the expected Messiah by trying to catch Him out with their questions.  In this particular case, they sought to create a dilemma for Jesus.  If He answered ‘yes’ He would be perceived by the people as being complicit with their Gentile oppressors rather than being their deliverer from foreign rule.  If, however, He answered ‘no’ the Herodians would report Him to the Roman authorities as an instigator of rebellion, a crime punishable by death.  Jesus’ response was to take a coin and pose a question to his challengers: “Whose image and inscription is this?” Caesar’s? “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

     What did Jesus mean by ‘the things that are God’s’?  Clearly He was speaking of all we have received from our Creator – life itself.  Jesus was on this final journey to Jerusalem in order to give His life as a sacrifice for sin.  The only righteous One (Isaiah 59:16; Jeremiah 23:5-6), the faithful Son, was about to lay down His perfect life for a people that had strayed from their God and gone their own way.  And He called, and still calls, His followers to lay down their lives so they can find true life in Him.  Only those who will deny themselves and take up their cross will experience the new life that comes through His death and resurrection.

     As we read this passage, it is interesting to note how the Pharisees address Jesus: “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth”  The way is a theme that runs through scripture from Enoch, who walked with God (Genesis 5:22), to the messenger of God who would prepare the way for God’s Anointed by calling the people to turn their hearts back to God (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3).  In the New Testament Jesus declares “I am the Way” (John 14:6) and His followers are referred to as the Way (Acts 9:2; 19:9; 22:4).  Jesus has gone ahead by giving Himself as a perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 12:2-3), something only the Son of God could do.  But He calls us to follow Him by walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).  God’s salvation does not stop at receiving forgiveness; it continues as a daily walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8), guided by God’s Spirit (Romans 8:4) and His word (Psalm 119:105).  This is the way of God that Jesus not only taught as a true teacher of Israel, but that He came into this world to exemplify through His life and death, ultimately overcoming the curse of sin and death for us through His resurrection.

     Like the scribes and Pharisees at the time Jesus’ life on earth, the leaders of Judah at the time of Jeremiah had knowledge of the scriptures.  Yet God had to remind them through His prophet and warn them of the coming judgment if they failed to follow His way.  The words of Jeremiah still stand as a call to us and as a warning: Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’  (Jeremiah 6:16-17)

     How will we respond to this admonition?  Will we truly give to God the things that are God’s?  Will we lay down our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and allow ourselves to be transformed by His Spirit into His image?  (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)  Or will we follow our own way and thus be conformed to a world (Romans 12:2) that is drifting further and further from God’s light?    

Newsletter February 2024

God’s rest for His people

 “Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.” (Deut. 11:8-12)

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites when they were about to enter the land promised to them by God.  The LORD their God had led them out of Egyptian bondage to Mount Sinai, where He revealed Himself to them and made a covenant with them, and eventually to the border of Canaan.  The journey had not been a smooth one and, due to rebellion and unbelief, a whole generation had missed out on God’s promise of a land of their own.  Moses reminded them that some of their fathers had been destroyed by God for making themselves an idol to worship or for rebelling against him, God’s chosen leader.  Therefore he admonished the next generation to remember God’s commands, to obey them and to teach them to their children.  God’s promise was sure, and the land he was giving them was a land of plenty, but they would only be able to possess it if they depended on Him and followed His ways rather than their own.  Their allegiance had to be to Him alone; they were to worship no other gods, but to love the LORD with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their strength (Deut. 6:5).

     Moses compares Canaan, the Promised Land, with Egypt.  However, surprisingly, he does not refer to the hardship their parents and the generations before them had suffered there; instead, he describes Egypt as a garden.  There was a time, after the days of Joseph, when Israel had lived in peace in Egypt.  They had benefitted from the abundant water provided all year round by the great River Nile.  They, like the Egyptians, had dug irrigation canals to direct the Nile’s water far beyond its banks, thus turning dry wasteland into highly productive fields.  Even when there was little or no rain the Nile continued to supply water for agriculture, thus providing the basis for a great civilisation, an achievement of human endeavour.  

     In this passage, Moses contrasts this with Canaan, a land of hills with complete dependence on the annual rainfall – the former rain in the spring, and the latter rain in autumn.  This bi-annual supply of water from heaven secured the fertility of the land; when the rain ceased, so did the crops.  Therefore the worship of the Canaanites was centred on fertility cults, involving all kinds of abominable practices from ritual prostitution to child sacrifice.  God’s command to Israel was to possess the land and destroy these people and their religious practices.  Instead, they should depend entirely on the God of heaven who would send rain from above to water the land that it could bring forth abundant fruit.  The bi-annual Feasts Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) were to remind the Israelites that the almighty God had given them the land and that it was He who continued to provide for them. 

     Due to their rebellious disposition, the Israelites were not able to enter into God’s rest under the leadership of Joshua (Psalm 95:10-11; Hebrews 4:3).  Despite their unfaithfulness, however, the God of the Sinai covenant remained faithful to His promise by revealing Himself in the person of His Son Jesus (Heb. 1:1-4).  In Him we who believe have been made part of God’s people and thus recipients of His promised rest, not by our human effort but by His abundant grace.  The new birth effected by the Spirit in us through faith in Jesus allows us to enter the kingdom of God, the spiritual land He has prepared for us.  However, like Israel, we need to put God at the centre of our lives.  He will not share His glory with any other gods; nothing else must take pre-eminence in our lives. 

     Like the Israelites in the days of Moses and Joshua, we are to love the LORD with all their heart, and all their soul and all their strength– not from a mere sense of duty, but because we realise that He first loved us (1 John 4:19) and delivered us from the bondage of sin.  The human desire for independence and self-reliance is rebellion against God and thus the root of all sin (Gen. 3:5).  God’s answer to our sin is His provision of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His call to a life of dependence on Him, guided and empowered by His Spirit. As we have received life by the Spirit, let as therefore walk in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25)

Newsletter December 2023 Part 2

The King of Kings

 Wise men came to Jerusalem, the great city, carrying precious gifts.  They were looking for the newborn King whose star they had seen in the sky.  Where else were they to look, but in the palace?  Are kings not born in palaces?

     They passed through many gates, guarded by countless sentries ...  Until they saw him, elevated on a throne.  Clothed in riches, yet so poor.  Surrounded by hosts of servants and advisors.  People who continually reassured him of his greatness, a greatness – he knew deep inside – he did not possess.

    “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”  (Mat. 2:2)  Herod was troubled.  Had the true King come?  Would this child take his place, expose him as a mere man, an imposter?  The books predicted God’s Anointed One to be born in Bethlehem. 

    Immediately, an evil plan was conceived: ... when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.  “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning.  Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”  (Mat. 2:18)  There can be no king beside me! 

    Led by the star, the wise men arrive in Bethlehem, at a stable.  There they find Him, lying in a manger, sharing His room with animals, surrounded by worshipping shepherds.  The King of Kings became poor so we might become rich (II Cor. 8:9).  He needed no guards, because His Father’s heavenly hosts protected Him; until one day, He would lay down His life for our forgiveness.  He needed no advisors, because in Him were hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3).  He needed no servants, because He himself had come to serve. (Mar. 10:45)

    In his letter to the Philippians, Paul describes the coming of Jesus Christ into this world as follows:

 …who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

     Pastor Konrad

Newsletter January 2024

Standing together in 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 approached Mount Horeb, they suddenly encountered opposition.  Without warning and with no apparent reason, the Amalekites attacked them just before they reached the place where they are to meet with God.  Moses immediately responded to this attack by appointing Joshua, a young man who had not been mentioned in the Exodus story thus far, to lead an army of people who had neither been trained in warfare nor had ever fought a battle before.  Meanwhile, Moses himself went to the top of a hill overlooking the battlefield and raised his rod.  He knew that this battle could not be won in the natural, but he also knew that every time he raised his rod, God’s power was released to bring victory to His people.

     It’s no different with us.  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.  Our spiritual enemy does everything in his power to stop us from reaching that place.  All of a sudden, everything appears to go wrong, problems take over at work or in our family lives, or we are struck with sudden illness.  As a result, we lose focus and regress in our spiritual journey.  We may become discouraged and begin to doubt whether we will ever experience the fullness of His presence, which we so long for.  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.  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.

     As we read on in Exodus (17:12), however, we find that Moses’ arms became weary and he struggled to hold up the rod on his own.   Aaron and Hur had to come to his assistance.  They sat him down on a stone and held up his arms, one on each side.  Like Moses, we cannot 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.  And that is why we begin each year with 21 days of prayer with a particular focus on our church leaders who are at the forefront of the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:18-19; Romans 15:30), as well as the needs of all believers.  The victory is ours – but it comes only through prayer! Let us be ready for the enemy’s onslaught in 2024.  Let us pray each in our own time, but also let us stand together by attending the prayer meetings scheduled for this new season as much as possible.                                         

Bishop Konrad

Newsletter December 2023 Part 1

The King has come

      We have arrived at the end of another year and will be celebrating Christmas to remember the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into the world.  The prophet Isaiah foretold this event more than half a millennium before it occurred (Isaiah 9:2; 6-7):

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined….

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

     Isaiah describes the condition of man before the coming of Christ as walking in darkness.  God had revealed Himself to the nation of Israel and had given them His Law and spoken to them through various prophets.  Nonetheless, they were still living in darkness, unable to discern the things of God.  Since Adam and Eve had turned from God, the intimate relationship they had previously enjoyed with their Creator had been severed.  As a result of their disobedience they lost their place in the perfect world of God’s garden and, instead of enjoying His loving presence, they now lived in the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan, the prince of darkness.  This is the state that Isaiah was describing – until the coming of God’s Anointed. 

     The birth of Christ would usher in a completely new era, as those who would answer His call to follow Him would be born anew by the power of His Spirit and restored to the relationship God had always intended for them.  In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul expresses this transformation as follows:

     He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (1:13-14)  He then goes on to explain to his readers that this man Jesus is in fact the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

     The miracle of Christmas is that God, who created the universe, came to us, his creation, became one of us.  He came in the flesh, fully man and fully God.  He lived among His people, but they did not recognise Him.  Yet those who received Him, those who believed in Him, received power to become children of God.  They were delivered from spiritual death and restored to true life through the miracle of the new birth.  (John 1:10-13) 

     What about you?  Do you recognise who He is?  Do you receive Him as your Saviour?  Do you believe that He came to die for you and to restore you to God?  As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on the miracle of Bethlehem, let us worship Jesus and thank Him for coming to give us new life.  And let us live the new life we have received in communion with our heavenly Father.           

Bishop Konrad

Newsletter November 2023 Part 2

Celebration time

 As Jesus sat at table with his followers, talking to them about the principles of His kingdom, one of those listening said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” (Luke 14:15) As so often, Jesus replied by telling a story: A man gives a dinner party and sends his servant out to his friends to tell them that everything is prepared for them.  However, instead of being glad to be invited, they all decline, saying they are busy with their own affairs and therefore cannot come.  

     Understandably, the host is angry.  He has put a lot of effort into preparing and evidently what he has to offer means little to his so-called friends.  But then he has an idea: he remembers the beggars he sees every day as he walks through the town.  They may not have the appropriate clothes for a dinner party and they may not know anything about table manners, but surely they’ll appreciate being invited.  So he sends his servant out once more to bring in anyone he can find. 

     We can only imagine the eyes of those hungry beggars, as they enter the dining room and see the table spread with all kinds of delicacies, many of which they may never even have had an opportunity to taste.  Seeing the joy in their eyes as they celebrate together, the host would not have given those unappreciative friends a second thought.  However the servant comes to him saying, “Master, these here are all I could find in town, yet there are still seats left.”  So his master instructs him to go out once more, this time beyond the town’s boundaries, to the places where the outcasts of society live.  He tells the servant to bring them in as well, so that none of those who were initially invited would taste of his food.  So the servant goes out once more, searching everywhere until all the seats at his master’s table are taken. 

     Now, taking care of many guests means a lot of work for a servant.  After all, someone has to serve the food, and someone has to clear up after the meal.  Most servants would therefore be quite happy for a few empty seats and for a few clean plates that don’t need to be washed.  And more leftovers could mean more food to take home for the family.  This particular servant, however, doesn’t think that way.  He knows his master’s heart.  It is he who notices that there is still room, and it is he who makes his master aware of this fact, knowing full well that he is the one who will have to do the extra work.

     What kind of servants are we?  Are we quite comfortable with things just as they are?  Or do we, like the servant in the parable, see room at our Master’s table?  Do we think of those who are lost in spiritual depravation.  As we see God’s rich spread, do we notice the empty seats?  Do we envisage a house filled with celebrating guests, no matter who they are and where the come from?  Do we come to our Master saying, “Lord, shall I go out once more to see if I can find anyone else to share in what you have provided?” 

     The hungry are somewhere out there, but are we willing to find them and call them in?  And are we ready to receive them and look after them, spiritually and, if need be, materially?  Will we go that extra mile to bring hope to the lost and joy to our heavenly Master. 

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter November 2023 Part 1

The Word of life, peace and joy

 The Jewish feast of Simchat Torah (Joy of the Torah) is a day of celebration of God’s word given to Moses on Mount Sinai.  This year that feast fell on the 7th of October according to our solar calendar and, sadly, what was supposed to be a time of rejoicing in Israel turned into a day of shock and mourning due to the horrific terrorist attack.  The very place that God had chosen for a people who would bear His name to bring His peace and joy to all the world has once again become the epicentre of violence and destruction.  Instead of God’s law going forth from Zion and His word from Jerusalem to bring peace and justice (Isaiah 2), words of hate and deception are spreading all over the world.  Why is it that we humans, whom God created in His image in order to share fellowship with Him and one another, fail to walk in His way of righteousness?

     When Moses returned from Mount Sinai with the tables of stone containing the words of God for His people, he would have expected a welcome with rejoicing (simchah).  Instead, however, he and Joshua heard what sounded like a noise of war in the camp.  (Exod. 32:17)  Yes, the people were celebrating, but not the return of Moses from the presence of the true and living God; instead they were carousing around an idol of gold.  Moses’ apparent delay in returning from the Mountain of God had caused them to take matters into their own hands, creating for themselves a god they could see with their physical eyes.  The very place that God had chosen to reveal Himself to them, to give them His instruction and to adopt them as His people became a place of death and destruction for many of them. (Exod. 32:26-28).  Nonetheless, when Moses interceded on behalf of the people, God ended His judgment and showed mercy by replacing the tablets Moses had broken in anger (Exod. 34:1) and allowing Moses to mediate between Him and the remaining people.  Moses himself spoke to God face to face so that the skin of his face shone from the glory of God presence; but when he came to deliver God’s words to the people, He put a veil over His face.  (Exod. 34:34-35)

     God gave His word to the people He had chosen, but they failed to see His glory.  The lack of faith during their wait for Moses’ return and their decision to make their own image even though God had explicitly forbidden this, prevented them from seeing God through His word.  Therefore God, through the prophet Jeremiah, promised to make a new covenant with His people, putting His law in their minds, and writing it on their hearts, so all could know Him and be in fellowship with Him.  This promise was fulfilled in Jesus, the Word become flesh (John 1:14) so that all could see the glory of God in Him.  And this is what Jesus was referring to when He said to the religious leaders who rejected Him, You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39)     

     Later, after Jesus had been crucified, had risen and had ascended to the Father, one such religious leader had an encounter that would change his life forever.  As he was travelling to Damascus to arrest the followers of Jesus, this man, Saul of Tarsus, was blinded by a bright light and heard a voice addressing him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4)  While his physical eyes were blinded by the light for a season and he had to be led by the hand, the veil that had covered his eyes in the reading of the scriptures was taken away and his spiritual eyes were opened to recognise Jesus.

     Later, in his second letter to the church in Corinth, he wrote, now as Paul the apostle of Jesus Christ, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken way. ... But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:15, 18)  It was this knowledge of God, revealed in Jesus, that enabled Paul to share the message of God’s salvation despite constant opposition.  In the same letter, he wrote (2 Cor. 4:6-8) For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

    Has the veil been removed for you?  Do you see Jesus, the Word of life (1 John 1:1) in whom alone are found that inexpressible joy full of glory (1 Pet. 1:8) and that peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7), irrespective of circumstances?  Is His Spirit transforming you into His image from glory to glory?

Newsletter October 2023 Part 2

God’s dwelling place in this world

 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

     Writing to the mainly Gentile believers in Ephesus, Paul states that they are no longer strangers to the covenant of God and excluded from the blessings.  Through their faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Saviour of His people Israel, they are now included in His purpose.  God is building a new temple for His presence, not made of stone but of people.  What holds them together is not their background but their faith in Jesus.   And this faith is based on the fulfilment of the prophetic scriptures as taught by the apostles – those sent by Him. 

     After His resurrection, Jesus had appeared to His followers.  He invited them to touch him and ate with them, so they could see that He was truly risen from the dead and they were not just seeing a spirit.  Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”  And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.  (Luke 24:44-45)  He showed them from what we now know as the Old Testament that, through His death and resurrection, He had paid the price for humanity’s sin.  He then sent them as witnesses of His resurrection to proclaim repentance and remission of sins in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (v.49)  That way they would fulfil their part in God’s purpose.

     The Anointed One of Israel had come not, as many had expected, to be their king only, but as the Saviour of the world.  He came to fulfil God’s purpose that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (Ephesians 1:10)  Through the apostles’ proclamation of the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel, all who believe, Jews and Gentiles alike, are now able to enjoy God’s salvation.  And having believed, [they are] sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (vv.13-14)

     Today God calls us who have put our trust in His grace revealed through Jesus Christ to proclaim this good news to all, irrespective of their background.  It is through faith in Him and the remission of sin by His blood that we have become His people and received His Holy Spirit.  It is now for us to share the testimony and teaching of the apostles with others. 

     Jesus Christ has ascended; He has returned to the Father, seated at His right hand in the place of authority from where He will one day return to earth.  Meanwhile He remains with us by His Spirit, God’s presence now dwelling in His people, both individually and as a community of believers from every background.  Let us look to Jesus, depend on His grace, and allow Him to build us together into His temple, the dwelling place of God in the Spirit. so He can manifest Himself to the whole world through us, His people.    

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

Matthew 5:14-15

Newsletter October 2023 Part 1

Extending the house

And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us.  Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.”  So he answered, “Go.”  Then one said, “Please consent to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.”  So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.  But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”   So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.  Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.  (2 Kings 6:1-7)

Elisha was a great man of God.  He had served under Elijah, the great prophet who had challenged the priests of Baal and thus turned the hearts of the people of Israel back to God (1 Kings 18).  Then the day came when Elijah was taken up into heaven and Elisha had to take his place as prophet to God's people.  From now on he had to lead others and teach them the things of God.  As Elisha ministered under the anointing of God, his following grew.  More and more young men joined the group, until there was no longer enough room to house them.  So the sons of the prophets, as they were known, approached their leader with a plan.  They recognised the need, they had a vision to meet that need, and they devised a strategy to accomplish the task.  

     At this point many leaders would have got worried.  They would have interpreted this enthusiasm and initiative as a challenge of their leadership.  Not so Elijah.  His answer was brief, and maybe somewhat unexpected: "Go."  He understood that leading people is about developing people, and what better way is there to help a person to develop the gifts God has given them than by allowing them to do what God has laid on their heart?

     So here they were: they had a plan and had just received the okay to carry it out.  What more was there to discuss?  Why wait any longer?  They were free to go.  Yet these trainee prophets ask Elisha to go with them.  They don't want to go without their leader.  They have a plan and they have the means to carry it out, but they want to remain accountable.  And Elisha consents.  Together they go to the river bank to chop trees.

     As they are working, an accident happens.  One of the axes broke and the axe head fell into the water and sank.  Moreover, this axe did not even belong to the one who was using it; he had borrowed it for the job, and now that it was lost he would have to replace it!  What would he do?

     The men were working as a team.  Surely Elijah could have called them together to go into the water and search the riverbed until they found the missing axe head.  Surely together they could have solved the problem and, besides, it would have been an excellent teambuilding exercise.  But Elisha has a different solution: he throws a stick into the water and, miraculously the axe head rises to the surface and floats.  All they need to do is reach out to pick it up.  Thus Elisha taught them with one miracle that the God they served was far greater than their combined effort could ever be.

     We too need to remember that God is bigger than anything we can do.  God wants unity in His church.  He wants us to work together, to help one another, and to be accountable to one another.  But God wants more than that: He wants the unity that comes from His Spirit.  He is above all, and through all, and in us all (Ephesians 4:3-6). 

     God is looking for people who will answer His call and take up the challenge to become the next generation of leaders.  He is looking for people who recognise the needs within His body, people who have a vision to meet those needs and will work together to meet those needs, people who will be accountable to their leaders, and, ultimately, who will not depend just on their own ability, but on His incomparable power.

Are you such a person?                                                                                     

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter September 2023 Part 2

Called to serve God’s people

 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1-4)

     As the community of believers in Jerusalem grew a dispute arose.  One of the key features of this community, the decision to have all things in common so no one would suffer lack, became a problem as some felt neglected in the distribution of that which had been donated.  This dispute was along ethnic lines, which suggests that there had been a demographic shift in the congregation.  The church was still made up entirely of Jewish believers in Jesus as the Messiah, but now a division emerged between those of Hebrew and those of Greek background, which posed a serious threat to its unity.  Something needed to be done, particularly as this dispute would distract the apostles from the focus of their calling – prayer and the ministry of God’s word.

     Wherever people live and work together, there will be problems as we each tend to look at the situation from our own perspective, not taking into account how others are affected.  However, what originally poses a problem can also be turned into an opportunity.  In this particular case, the issue and the positive response of the leadership resulted in more people being released into ministry.  As we read on, we soon see that those identified for the task of managing the distribution of material goods on the basis of their good reputation, spiritual anointing and wisdom themselves became proclaimers of the good news of the kingdom of God. 

     And it was through another problem – persecution, climaxing in the stoning of Stephen – that Philip ended up preaching first in Samaria and then to a Jewish Ethiopian official who was travelling back from Jerusalem to his home country.  Thus Jesus’ commission to proclaim the gospel message not only in Jerusalem and Judea but also in Samaria and the entire world began to be fulfilled.

     There is, however, another positive outcome of the dispute between the Greek and Hebrew Jewish believers; it prepared the church for a much greater challenge that lay ahead.  Soon they would have to incorporate converts into their midst who had no Jewish background at all.  The sudden influx of Gentile believers necessitated a complete shift in the thinking of the apostles, and the resolution of the earlier dispute had served to prepare them for this new challenge.  If they had, at the time, focused on administrative matters rather than on prayer and proclamation, they would probably have missed God’s prompting to reach out into completely new missionary fields.  And they probably wouldn’t have had the spiritual insight to understand what God was doing, even though Jesus had told them before ascending to the Father. 

     As we progress on our spiritual journey and spread God’s word to a lost world, we will surely face difficult situations that require a shared leadership which ensures all areas of ministry are adequately covered and people within the kingdom community – the church – can rise to the place where they are able to answer God’s call for their lives.

     It is interesting to note the primary criteria for choosing those who would serve as administrative leaders: their credentials mentioned are a good reputation (being known for faithful service within the church), the anointing of the Holy Spirit and godly wisdom, which suggests that they were already engaging in prayer and study of the scriptures.  They would need to have the spiritual understanding to participate in what God was about to do.

     Given the fact that the church operated in small groups that met in homes, we may assume it was there that they had found opportunities to prove their faithfulness and develop their ministry.  If we are to follow the biblical example, we conclude that it is still in everyday engagement in small groups, Bible study and prayer meetings that leaders are identified and developed before being selected to the leadership roles God has for them within His church.  And we also recognise that God can, at any time, release such leaders into new roles as He chooses, even if it means moving them into new territories for the benefit of His kingdom.  This in turn, creates opportunities for others to step up and fulfil their calling. 

Newsletter September 2023 Part 1

Something new

 The Jewish New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah, will begin this year on the eve of 15th September according to our Western calendar.  Although, for us, September is the ninth month of the year, in many ways it is a month of new beginnings.  After the quieter holiday period, the pace of life once again picks up – be it at our workplaces or in church.  Especially for those in education, both teachers and students, September marks a new beginning.  For some among us, this September will mean moving from primary to secondary school, or from school to sixth form, or even from sixth form to university.  For some it will be the first time they leave their friends, their family, and their church.  Some will even be going to a different country for further study or work.  Leaving one’s familiar environment is exciting but also frightening.  We must therefore pray persistently for those who are embarking on a new journey into the unknown, and also for the families they leave behind.

     In the Bible, we see many examples of people stepping out into the unknown, not because of education or a career move, but in response to God’s call.  One such example is found in 1 Kings 19:19, where we see Elisha ploughing his family’s field as he would have done many times before.  Yet this time something extraordinary happens.  A man approaches the field and comes straight up to Elisha, and that encounter changes Elisha’s life forever.  The man is Elijah, the greatest prophet of that time.  He throws his cloak, a symbol of God’s anointing, around Elisha and calls him to follow.  Elisha recognises the call of God, leaves his oxen and plough, and runs after Elijah.  However, he makes a final request; he asks the man of God for permission to kiss his family good-bye.  For a moment, Elijah must have questioned whether God had sent him to the right person.  Was Elisha really ready to give up all in order to answer God’s call, for no-one who puts his hand to [God’s] plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).  Hence his reply, “Go back.  What have I done to you?” (v.20) 

     Little did Elijah know that Elisha’s reason for going back was to burn his bridges: he went to kill the oxen with which he had been ploughing and cooked them over a fire made with his ploughing equipment.  He had heard God’s call and was willing to leave everything behind in order to answer that call.  And he was willing to follow on God’s terms.  He faithfully served under Elijah until the day when his master was taken up to heaven and the cloak of God’s anointing finally passed on to him.

     God is never anxious about His purpose.  He will always find someone who is willing to leave what they are doing to answer His call and to be faithful to His purpose – on His terms.  Education and career moves are good.  God gives us the means to achieve what we can in this life.  Nonetheless, He has a greater purpose for us.  His desire is for us to be His agents of change in a world that is heading for destruction.  He calls us to be willing instruments in His hands, through whom His word can be spread in love and in power.  All He needs is our willingness to follow.

     Scripture does not distinguish between a secular and a Christian aspect of our lives.  In whatever we do, we are called to be witnesses of His eternal kingdom.  Wherever our work or our studies may take us, we serve the Almighty.  Elisha had to leave his family and his familiar environment in order to answer his call as a full-time servant of God, and God may require that of some of us.  However, answering God’s call will not necessarily mean giving up a career.  What God does require of us is that we burn the bridges in our hearts that tempt us to return to the familiar at the expense of stepping out in faith into His calling.  As every year at this time, some will be leaving us for their next stage in their careers.  Some may return one day, but others will not, starting a new life elsewhere.  Whatever the case may be, let us pray for them that they will continue to serve God wherever they are and find a place where they can be nurtured and use their gifts as they have in our local church.  And let us all keep seeking God so that He can show us His purpose for our lives.  It is never too late to answer God’s call and to step out into something new.  Jesus promises to be with us always as we answer His call to serve in His kingdom, wherever that may be. (Matt. 28:20)

Newsletter August 2023 Part 2

Word and life

 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.  But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.  For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.  But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.  For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.  Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.  But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.  So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

     The apostle Paul had been called by the Spirit of God to preach the gospel in Macedonia. (Acts 16:9-10)  He had won people of different walks of life to Jesus Christ and established fledgling churches in Philippi and Thessalonica, but due to the persecution that immediately arose, he was not able to stay with these believers for long.  During his time with them, however, he poured into their lives, teaching them in word and by his example.  To him, these new believers were like children who needed nurturing to grow spiritually.  What would he do to ensure they did not succumb to the pressures of life and opposition from those hostile to Jesus? 

     It is this concern that prompted Paul to write the letter to the Thessalonians, reminding them of the message of salvation, commending them for their openness to receive it and their example in sharing it with others, and pointing to his own conduct as an example for Christian living and ministry.  And it was this concern that caused him to send Timothy back to Thessalonica to find out how they were doing.

     Ministry is about sharing the truth of God’s word, but it is also about sharing our lives with others.  Church is not just a place where we go on Sunday mornings to receive an infusion that will hopefully see us through another difficult week.  It is not just an opportunity to listen to a few worship songs and a sermon – something that can easily be done online.  True church is community, a space where we can share the hope we have found in Jesus and our lives, with all the joys and struggles we experience as we follow Jesus.

     Paul recognised this and therefore he wrote, we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.  So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.  Yet he also realised his own limitations; he could not be with them all the time and they would have to learn to receive that same support from his fellow workers to who he entrusted their care and, ultimately, from each other.  New leadership would have to arise from among them, modelled on what they had seen in him. 

     It was on that same journey, just before receiving the call to go to Macedonia, that Paul met Timothy. (Acts 16:1-3)  He and Barnabas had decided to go separate ways, and Paul’s small missionary team of ministers needed new recruits whom he could train up for the great task that lay ahead; and God provided, as He always does.  Paul took Timothy under his wings like a son, and soon this young man became Paul’s most trusted fellow worker.  Writing later from prison to the Philippian church, the first he had established together with Silas and Timothy in Macedonia, Paul could say confidently, I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.  For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. (19-20) and “you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. (v.22)        

     Today God is still looking for Timothys – those who are willing to answer His call to serve by sharing His word and their own lives, those who will pour into others what God has given them.  Can you hear Him calling you?           

Newsletter August 2023 Part 1

true worship

 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”  So Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 10:1-3)

     When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He first led them to Mount Horeb, where He would reveal Himself to them and they would receive His laws.  There God instructed Moses to build a Tabernacle as a dwelling place for His presence among them.  He also appointed Aaron, Moses’ brother, and His family to serve as priests before Him.  It would be their job to offer sacrifices for sin and sacrifices of worship to Him.     

     God’s instructions for building the tabernacle were very specific (design, measurements, materials, etc.) as were His instructions for worship.  All this was to teach the people that their God, who had delivered them and called to serve and worship Him, was holy.  He could not be approached on their terms, but only on His.  Everything had to be done according to His specifications.  Every sacrifice had its particular purpose and timing, and the incense that the priests would burn continually as an act of worship had to be made to a precise recipe and it was to be used for worship alone. (Exodus 30:1-9 & 34-38)

     So Aaron and his sons did what God had appointed them to do, until one day two of them, Nadab and Abihu offered what God saw as profane.  We are not told exactly what it was that God disapproved of, but evidently the offering that was presented to Him did not please Him, and consequently fire of judgment went out from God and they died. 

     God is still the same: He is holy and He can only be approached on His terms.  As sinful people, we cannot come into His holy presence of ourselves.  That is why He sent Jesus as our sacrifice, that through His death our guilt could be taken away and we could enter into His presence, not by our own righteousness, but by the righteousness of the Son of God. (Philippians 3:9 & 2 Corinthians 5:21)  For this reason we can approach our God to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  (John 4:23-24) 

     Before this tragic event, Nadab and Abihu had entered God’s tabernacle to offer incense many times.  Until that day, it appears, God had been pleased with their offering.  So what had gone wrong this time?  Had they perhaps become too familiar with their task?  Had it become a routine rather than sincere worship to their God – the almighty Creator?   Had they taken a short cut when mixing the spices and fragrances instead of adhering to God’s instructions?  Or did they simply come with a casual, irreverent attitude?  Whatever the reason, God was displeased with their offering – so displeased that they were consumed by the fire of His glory. 

     Like the Israelites in the days of Moses, we too can grow familiar with what we do in worship.  What once came from a sincere heart of gratefulness towards God can turn into a routine – be it on a Sunday morning or in our private time of worship.  We can lose focus by succumbing to distractions or cut our worship short in order to attend to things we regard as important.  Whatever our reasons, God will not accept anything less than true worship from a grateful and reverent heart. 

     So let us worship God in spirit and in truth – whether in our private time with Him or when we gather together as a church congregation.  Let us come to service on time with our hearts prepared to meet the almighty God, our Saviour.  Let us make it our priority to draw near to our Maker and defer all those conversations that seem so urgent until after our audience with the King of the universe.  Let us make sure that Jesus’ words, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” are not true of us. (Matthew 15:8, quoted from Isaiah 29:13) 

     We may not be consumed by fire like Nadab and Abihu, but neither will we enjoy the true life only God can give if our hearts are divided.  God expects us to approach Him single-heartedly with reverence and awe.  He is holy, so let us give Him the worship He is due – in spirit and in truth.

Newsletter July 2023 Part 2

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 time, we may easily feel as they did.  The general pressures of life seem to be getting greater with the cost of living rising and many people genuinely struggling to make ends meets.  Our society seems in turmoil as trust in and respect for authority is diminishing and many family relationships are at breaking point.  In addition, the world around us seems to be turning increasingly against Christians as it rejects traditional values.

     The Book of Psalms contains many laments, cries to God in times of distress.  Usually such psalms end on a positive note, as the psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness and consequently turns his focus back on God and on the hope of His deliverance.  This particular 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).