Newsletter June 2021 Part 2

House to house

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:46-47)

     These two verses sum up the nature and impact of the Early Church.  Having been baptised in the Holy Spirit, the disciples boldly declared that Jesus had risen from the dead and that He was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world.  And Jesus was not only at the centre of their message, but of every aspect of their lives.  Everything they did was modelled on what they had seen in Him and inspired by His Spirit who now lived in them.

     The Early church did not have a church building.  Yes, being of Jewish background, they would meet in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, which was one of the most magnificent edifices of their day.  They would go there to observe the worship requirements of the Law of Moses and to proclaim Jesus as the fulfilment of that Law.  For them, however, the temple was not the equivalent to our church buildings today – a place where they could come together and worship with those who shared their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  On the contrary, it was a rather hostile place, as the religious leaders who oversaw the temple worship were, for the most part, opposed to their message and soon persecuted them as they had persecuted their Master.  When we think of the temple, we must rather think of a public place where all kinds of people gathered – a venue where one could preach the message of the risen Christ to those who had not yet heard it.  

     So where did the first century believers meet?  Where did they worship the Lord and fellowship with one another?  It was in their houses.  As more and more people responded to the message to follow Jesus, the disciples opened their homes to these new believers.  They did not regard what they had as their own, but as God’s, and therefore it was natural for them to welcome others who shared their faith to also share their food, their fellowship and their entire lives.  This is what they had experienced when they had been with Jesus while He was on earth, and this is what they continued, as He continued to walk with them in the Spirit.

     Our understanding of church today has been shaped largely by what we have seen around us rather than by the experience of Acts.  Most people associate church with a building where we gather once a week on a Sunday morning to take time out for God.  Our busy lives and varied responsibilities do not allow us to “get involved” any more than that.  When we face struggles, we either keep them to ourselves or maybe share them with those whose “job” it is to look after the flock.

     Not so the Early Church: they had all things in common.  No one was left alone with their need – be it material or spiritual.  Everyone knew that the others cared for them, because their God cared for them.  Therefore they were not afraid to share their needs with their brothers and sisters in Christ and not too busy with their own lives to support those who were struggling.  Their faith was not merely a religious exercise tagged on to the end of a busy week – it was a lifestyle.  It reflected who they were in Christ, and it helped them survive and grow ever stronger, even in the face of constant persecution.

     Now, this model of church was not limited to Jerusalem.  As the church grew and spread throughout the Roman Empire, fellowships sprang up everywhere, meeting mainly in homes and gathering only sometimes in larger groups, as they were able.  For the first three centuries, the church was built on caring relationships within small groups.  This fact is reflected in Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 27-8:   

     … 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.

     The New Testament model of church is built on small groups – now, as it was then.  It is in the caring environment of a small group that we can grow in the knowledge of God, discover the gifts He has given us, and bear one another’s burdens in true Christian love.  Let us share our faith and our lives with one another and discover the purpose and calling God has for us.  As we seek to restructure and relaunch our small groups after the lockdown, sign up to join a group!  Who knows, there may be other lockdowns and small groups (indoors, outdoors or online) may become the primary (if not the only) way to meet regularly.

  Pastor Konrad 

Newsletter June 2021 Part 1

God’s voice from the fire

 So it was, when you heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders.  And you said: ‘Surely the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives.  Now therefore, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the Lord our God anymore, then we shall die.  For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?  You go near and hear all that the Lord our God may say, and tell us all that the Lord our God says to you, and we will hear and do it.’  (Deut. 5:23-27)

     Moses spoke these words to the Israelites who were about to enter the land God had promised them.  He addresses them, but in fact it is the generation of their parents that had heard God’s voice and lived.  Nonetheless, that entire previous generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, were unable to enter Canaan, instead dying in the course of their 40-year sojourn in the desert.   It was because they had drawn back in fear rather than near to God in order to hear Him speak to them that their faith later failed.  It was because they preferred to receive God’s word indirectly through the mediation of Moses that they did not believe they would be able overcome their enemy. 

     So what would this next generation do – those to whom it was granted to take the land?  Would they truly know God and hear His voice?  Would they walk in obedience to Him?  As we know from the Book of Joshua, this new generation failed to obey.  Instead of destroying all the inhabitants of Canaan, they left some alive and soon ended up following after their gods and emulating their sinful ways.

     The Jewish feast of Pentecost commemorates the Sinai Covenant and the giving of the Law – that momentous encounter with God which Moses was referring to in the passage above.  By appearing to him in the burning bush, God had already shown Moses that He desires to dwell with His creation without it being consumed by His presence.  His desire was a people who would respond to His call and give themselves entirely to Him, so that He could be their God and they could be His people.  Yet instead of coming near, they drew back in fear.

     It is no coincidence that God chose Pentecost, that time when Jewish worshippers from every country and language were gathered together in Jerusalem to commemorate the giving of the Law, as the time to pour out His Spirit on the disciples in the form of divided tongues of fire.  God once again was speaking from the fire, but this time His presence remained on each of the disciples, communicating to and through each of them, so that all those present could hear them declare the wonderful works of God in their own languages.  And they were able to receive His Spirit without being consumed.

     God’s intention has always been to dwell in the people He calls to Himself.  He wants to speak to each of His own individually, so that they can hear Him and walk in obedience to His voice.  However, God’s presence cannot dwell with sin.  Where sin prevails, His fire consumes.  Therefore He first had to deal with sin by providing the ultimate sacrifice Himself – Jesus.

     When John the Baptist saw Jesus of Nazareth, he exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  (John 1:29)  He then went on to testify, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.  I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:32-33)

     After Peter had explained on that Pentecost what was happening, those listening to him asked, “What shall we do?”  The apostle replied, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39) 

     God wants to dwell in His people by His Spirit – in all who will turn to Him and call on the name of His Son Jesus for the forgiveness of sin through His sacrifice on the cross.              

     Pastor Konrad

Newsletter May 2021 Part 2

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 eyewitness 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 restored 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.  Be it conflicts, injustices, disasters or a pandemic – we focus on what we can do to fix the problem.  This is also true, all too often, of the church.  We who know of God and His purpose to restore His fallen creation back to Himself in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10) so 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.  They cast lots to determine God’s will, and Matthias was chosen.  Interestingly we never hear of Matthias again.  This does not imply that He lost his faith and abandoned the group of disciples, but as we read on, we hear of others suddenly appearing on the scene as God raises them up and empowers them by His Spirit to proclaim His message and perform miracles in His name. 

     Today, as the lockdown restrictions are gradually lifting, we too find ourselves at the point of new beginnings.  Much has changed as a result of the long lockdown and the different challenges we have faced.  We have reflected, have had to adapt to new situations and, as a result, we have changed.  While some may have struggled with their faith during this crisis, others have found themselves drawing nearer to God and growing in confidence as never before.  Let us therefore all determine to seek God.  Let us allow Him to (re)build His house after this shaking. 

What is God saying to you? Is He perhaps calling you to something new? Are you ready to step up 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 answer His call?

Newsletter May 2021 Part 1

Sent

 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. Now God dwells 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, so He can manifest Himself to the whole world through us.

Newsletter April 2021 Part 2

Led by God’s Spirit

 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”  And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)

     After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples as they were assembled with the doors shut for fear.  Despite the empty tomb and Mary’s testimony of her encounter with the risen Lord, they were still afraid of those who had killed Jesus.  Suddenly He stood in their midst, blessed them and commissioned them to continue the task He had begun – to reconcile a sinful world to God through the forgiveness of sins.  It was now for them to proclaim this truth, so that all who believe in Him could receive eternal life.  However, Jesus did not send them in their own strength and ability; He breathed His Spirit on them.  Because they believed in Him and received the forgiveness that His sacrifice on the cross brought they were now able to receive the Holy Spirit. (John 7:38-39)    

     Before going to the cross, Jesus had spoken to His disciples in private about the coming of the Helper.  The word Parakletos used in the original Greek text of John’s gospel and translated in a variety of ways in the English versions, means ‘one who comes alongside’.  Jesus had told the disciples that it was necessary for Him to go away, to ascend to the Father, so that the Spirit could come, not just to dwell with them but in them. (John 14:17)      

     Although Jesus is not with us in body as He was with those first disciples, He is present by the Spirit.  Through the Spirit He comes alongside us and communicates with us concerning every aspect of our lives.  He knows the future and therefore He is able to guide us through the uncertainties we face.  In a time when all we have trusted in seems to have failed, we can have the confidence that the presence of the almighty and all-knowing God is with us.  The Spirit of truth in us keeps us from deception by bringing to our remembrance all that Jesus taught and by telling us things to come. (John 16:13).  Whatever the future may bring, whatever our fears may be, we find peace in the knowledge that the One who has overcome the world remains with us. (John 16:33).

     So how do we hear His voice?  How can we know what God is saying to us?  By seeking Him in prayer.  It is when we take time alone with God, when we shut out the noises of the world around us, that we learn to hear His voice.  As a child recognises the familiar voice of a parent, those who spend time in the arms of the heavenly Father learn to discern the voice and prompting of His Spirit. 

     While He was on earth, Jesus Himself taught us by His example the importance of prayer.  Despite His busy ministry with people following Him, asking Him questions about the kingdom of God, and wanting Him to attend to their physical and spiritual needs, Jesus made time to be alone with His Father.  It was in those times, often at night when others were sleeping, that He received instruction.

     When the religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy, of making Himself equal with God by calling God His Father, Jesus told them, (John 5:19) “... the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does the Son also does in like manner.”  When He was about to leave earth and return from His human existence to His heavenly home, He said to His disciples, (John 16:23), “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ... (16:26-27) In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.  Through the death and resurrection of His Son, God has made the way for His Spirit to live in us; therefore now, as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the Sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

Newsletter April 2021 Part 1

From death to life

 “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.  Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.  He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour.” (John 12:24-26)

     Jesus spoke these words in response to a request.  Some Hellenist Jews who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover had evidently heard about Him and wanted to meet Him in person.  So they asked the disciple Philip for an audience with his teacher.  Philip told Andrew and together they brought the request of these pilgrims to Jesus.

     What exactly the men expected we do not know.  Perhaps they wanted Him to lay His hands on them for a personal blessing.  Perhaps they had specific questions they wanted to ask Him personally.  Whatever their hopes might have been, we can assume that neither they nor the disciples who brought the request to Jesus would have expected the reply they got.  Jesus spoke of His death; and not just of His.  Anyone who desires to follow Him must be willing to die with Him.  Just like a grain of wheat needs to be given up to the soil in order to germinate we must give our lives up to receive true life in Jesus. 

     A farmer is willing to commit a portion of seed from his previous harvest to the soil, because he knows that this is the only way he will receive his next harvest.  He is confident that his sacrifice will bring much grain.  So it is with our lives.  For us to grow into the fullness of God’s purpose, to become what He has destined for us to be, we must be willing to die.  We need to surrender our will, our plans and our desires to him.  Only then can we experience true life. 

     Philip and Andrew wanted to introduce those pilgrims to Jesus, but Jesus’ focus was already on the next stage in God’s plan of salvation.  No longer would He be among His disciples in bodily form.  Through His death on the cross, He would make the way for God’s presence to dwell in them by the Holy Spirit.  No longer would people have to seek a face-to-face audience with Him – they would see Him through His disciples.  For wherever people call on His name and follow His call, He promised to be present.

     Jesus had told His disciples, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5) but now He was about to leave the world.  He was going to lay down His life as God’s perfect sacrifice for sin and then to rise again and ascend into the Father’s glory from where He had come.  His followers would now be His body on earth, the new temple, the dwelling place of God by the Spirit.  It is through their lives that people would from now on see God, as they would shine as lights in the world in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. (Phil. 2:15)

     Do you hate your life as it is?  Are you fed up of being just another grain in the barn?  Have you laid down your life for God?  Are you allowing His Spirit to live in you, to direct your path, so others can see Jesus in you? 

     Only a seed that dies can bring forth much grain; and God promises that it will!  He will honour those who are willing to follow His Son to the cross so that His light can be revealed in them.  His presence will be with them and guide them in a world of turmoil and hostility so they can be true witnesses of His power and love.                                

Newsletter March 2021 Part 2

First place

      Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”  So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honour your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 

(Mark 10:17-20)

     As Jesus travels along, He is approached by this man, commonly known as the “rich young ruler” (cf. Matthew 19:20 & Luke 18:18).  The man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.  He appears to be quite sincere: he addresses Jesus respectfully as “Good Teacher” and nothing is mentioned that would suggest ulterior motives.  This man clearly knows the requirements of the Law and seeks to fulfil these to the best of his ability, yet something is lacking in his life.  He senses that there must be more to serving God than he has experienced so far.

     Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21)

     Jesus knows this young man; and He loves him.  He knows that his trust is in his possessions, and therefore He challenges him to let go of them.  For the young man, however, this is asking too much.  He would probably have been willing to give away something of what he had.  But everything?  Surely God would not require such a great sacrifice of him.  Had God not blessed him with his wealth in the first place?  Is God not a rewarder of those who serve Him?   

     Yes, God rewards of those who seek His face.  He blesses those who serve and worship Him.  But God wants us to trust in Him alone.  He knows our hearts; He knows where our affections are.  And He will challenge us on the things that are dearest to us.  Are we willing to forsake all for Him?  Will we set our minds on things above or on things on the earth?  (Colossians 3:2)  Do we find confidence and security in what we have and can do?  Or do we rely entirely on the Eternal One, the Creator, who holds the universe in the palm of His hand?  

     God has blessed us in many ways.  Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. (James 1:17)  Yet we are not to focus our lives on the blessings we have received - our careers, our wealth, our reputations, our ministries, or even our families. God wants to know that our sufficiency is in Him alone.  He will test us with the things dearest to us.  He will challenge us to see where our affections really are.

     So what if we do put God before everything else?  What if we really give up all to follow Him?  What if we have truly made Him the centre of our lives and live to fulfil His will rather than our own?  Jesus assures us that there is no one who has left [all] for His sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time …and in the age to come, eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30) 

     We can only experience the fullness of God’s presence if we truly make Him the centre of our lives.  Therefore let us live our lives for God.  Let us invest in His kingdom.  Let us not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18). 

     In what area is Jesus challenging you?  Are you like the disciples, who let go of everything to follow Him?  Or are you like the rich young ruler who held on to what he deemed his and walked away sorrowfully.  Jesus loved him but He could do nothing for him.  One day we will all have to give account and many who are first will be last, and the last first. (Mark 10:31)                  

Pastor Konrad   

Newsletter March 2021 Part 1

Hope of eternal life

 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

     The apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Thessalonica who had recently turned from pagan idol worship to the living and true God by putting their faith in His Son Jesus Christ, whom He raised from the dead.  (1 Thess. 1:9-10)  Their faith and commitment had become known in the entire region, causing others to turn to Christ.  At the same time however, they were experiencing trials through persecution and some had evidently lost their lives. 

     When Paul speaks of those who are asleep in Jesus he means those who have died after coming to Him as their Lord and Saviour.  While he understands their sorry at the loss they have suffered, Paul seeks to comfort the bereaved by reminding them of the fact that Jesus Himself overcame death and all those who have put their faith in Him will share in His life – eternal life. 

     One day the Lord will return and those who are asleep, merely resting, will be raised.  Of this hope every believer is assured.  Thus, in a sense, those who have already passed on from this life are in an even better position than those who remain alive, serving God in this world of tribulation.  They will rise first. 

     So what about those who remain?  Should they desire death so as to enjoy the hope of eternal life?  Paul answers this question by explaining what is commonly described as ‘the rapture’ – the catching up (or gathering) of the believers at the time of Jesus Christ’s return.

     There are many different opinions regarding the timing of this ‘rapture’.  Will there be an interval between the raising of the dead and the transformation and catching up of the living? (1 Cor. 15:51-52)  Or will this all happen at the same time?  If so, where are those who are asleep now?  Are they conscious in God’s presence?  Whatever our understanding may be, one thing is sure: whether we live or die, we are with Christ. For the moment we come to know Him we receive eternal life.  His Spirit comes to live in us and imparts His life to us.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now works in us. (Eph. 1:20) 

     This is why Paul was able to face the prospect of death at the hands of the opponents of Christ with confidence.  His sole concern was that Christ [would] be magnified in [his] body, whether by life or by death.  He was able to proclaim, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  (Phil. 1:21)  He was looking forward to eternal life in God’s presence, but he was also willing to endure a little longer for the sake of the believers if they still needed his ministry to them.

     Although the date and place of writing are not certain, Paul’s words suggest that he still had a work to do and that he probably was indeed released on this occasion.  Nonetheless, the time came when he knew that he would leave this life, and he could say with full assurance, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.        

     Ultimately, our lives are in God’s hands, and we cannot be sure when our time will come, but we have the assurance of eternal life in Jesus Christ.  And we know that those who have gone before us are resting in God’s presence.  Let this knowledge always be our comfort – be it in grief or in the face of death! 

Newsletter February 2021 Part 2

Conform or transform?

 Soon it will have been a full year since we first went into lockdown.  Who would have thought in February 2020 that the pictures from the other side of the globe would soon become a present reality for us too.  And even then, how many of us realised that we would still find ourselves in this situation in 2021?  All the plans we had for 2020 suddenly evaporated and even now there are so many uncertainties that we dare not plan ahead.  We don’t know how long it will be before we return to any form of ‘normality’ and we cannot fully envisage the long-term economic and social impact of this pandemic. 

     When Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, conquered Jerusalem in 586 B.C. the people of Judah must have felt like everything familiar was taken from them. The Babylonians not only looted the temple of the true and living God and took its precious articles to their country to be used in the worship of their idols (Dan. 1:1ff); they also took some of the most gifted young nobles of Judah as captives to be transformed into Babylonians so they could incorporate them into their elite and thus make use of their abilities.  They were given Babylonian names and presented with the best food from the king’s table with the expectation that, after a three-year period of training, they would be ready to serve their new masters.  However, these young men from Judah were determined to keep their identity as God’s people and refused to eat meat that was unclean according to God’s Law. 

     As the king’s chief officer Ashpenaz feared that the young men would grow weak and that he would be held accountable for this, he urged them to eat.  However, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah requested that they be allowed to abstain from the forbidden meat for a trial period of ten days, fully convinced that God would keep them strong and healthy.  (Dan. 1:11-14)  And so Ashpenaz agreed and,   at the end of the trial, their appearance was healthier than that of any of their fellow trainees who had eaten the king’s food.  And God blessed them for their faithfulness and gave them great knowledge and skill, and to Daniel He gave an understanding of visions and dreams far beyond that of any of the Babylonian learned men.

     Like these young men of Judah, we have suddenly found ourselves in a type of captivity.  Much of what we were used to has been taken from us – both in respect our personal freedoms and our worship.  We have had to adapt to restrictions to the point that we have come to accept them as a ‘new normal’.  We are compliant because we recognise that it is both in our own interest and in the interest of our society as a whole that we stop the spread of Covid, and we hope that one day we will see the benefits of our compliance.   Meanwhile, however, political and societal changes are taking place which will impact our lives well beyond this pandemic. 

    As God’s people, we have always lived in a world that constantly seeks to shape us into its image; but now, it appears, the pressures to conform are increasing at an alarming rate.  The pandemic and the resulting lockdown is creating new facts and, before we know it, we may find ourselves conforming to the ways of this world and adopting its value systems more than we would ever have imagined. 

    Paul’s words to the believers living in the capital city of the pagan Roman Empire should therefore challenge us today: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:1-2)

    In these times, we must withstand the pressures to conform to the ways of this world and instead be transformed by the power of God’s Spirit.  Despite all the challenges we may face in our personal lives, we need to focus our minds on God’s purpose more than ever.  Instead of worrying about the future, we need to trust in His leading and His provision.  Our God is faithful, and He will make a  way where there seems to be no way!

     As Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah received spiritual understanding of God’s purpose when they stayed faithful to Him, He opened up doors for them to proclaim His name to their captors.  Like these young men from Judah, we live in a world that is not our real home.  We are citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom and, as such, His ambassadors.  As Daniel and his companions impacted Babylon, we too can impact our world if only we allow Him to transform us.  If we renew our minds through God’s word and prayer, we will be able to see the world through His eyes and understand His purpose for us and for the world in which we live as foreigners.  His purposes are ours and therefore we must be determined, like Daniel and his friends, not to adapt to the ways of this world.

     Daniel always remembered who he was and put God first in everything.  Therefore, when Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that no one else in Babylon could interpret, it was Daniel who interpreted it.  (Dan. 2:1ff)  Giving glory to God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe and the source of all wisdom, Daniel explained the dream’s meaning to the king.  Consequently Nebuchadnezzar too gave glory to the true God and appointed Daniel chief administrator over all his advisors. (Dan. 2:46-49)

     If we follow Daniel’s example and seek God and His kingdom first, He will open doors for us and add to us all that we need to progress in this life.  (Matt. 6:33)  We may be distracted by our difficult circumstances and tempted to trust in our own ability as we strive to make it in this life, but we will always find that we come to a place where we recognise our limitations.  If we did not know this before, Covid and the resulting lockdown has certainly revealed it to us. 

     Yet with God there are no such limitations!  Therefore let us always put Him first, live in obedience to Him and allow Him to transform us into the perfect image of Christ.  Let us give ourselves as sacrifices to Him as He gave Himself a sacrifice for us.  If we remain faithful to Him His presence will be with us – even in the fiery furnace of a hostile world.  (Daniel 3:24-25)  God is able to do far more than we can imagine when His power works in us and through us – to His glory.  (Eph. 3:20-21)    

Pastor Konrad

Newsletter February 2021 Part 1

Conscience, liberty and love

 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.  For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.  However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.  But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.  (1 Corinthians 8:4-8)

     By the time Paul wrote these words to the Corinthian church that had been established as a result of his missionary work, the church was faced with many issues both from within and without that threatened its unity and witness.  One by one, Paul addresses these issues, always coming back to the one solution – unity is found in Christ alone.  It is the cross of Jesus that brings people from all walks of life together, as all recognise their sin and their need for forgiveness.  The execution of God’s Son on a Roman cross might be an offense to Jews and foolishness to Greeks but to those who believe, irrespective of their background, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24)  

     One of the questions that caused division was whether or not Christian believers should eat meat sacrificed to idols.  This might seem a petty matter to us today but, in a society where sacrificing animals to a multitude of different divinities was common and much of the meat available for purchase would (or at least may) have been used in religious rituals, to eat or not to eat was a fundamental matter of faith.  Moreover, business transactions with the mainly pagan population generally involved religious ritual and were consequently often concluded in pagan places of worship with a meal. 

     Whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols was therefore a daily decision to make and could affect relationships as well as business.  How would one be viewed by one’s fellow believers if one did partake?  And what would be the implications for relationships in a predominately pagan society if one did not? It could mean not only missing out on business opportunities but even rupturing friendships and family relations.

     Paul outlines some principles for navigating one’s way through this dilemma:

In actual fact, there is only one true God and everything comes from Him.  Idols are ‘nothing’ and therefore cannot contaminate food.  However, if believers have any scruples because they have turned from idol worship and feel they should now keep away from anything associated with their previous religion, they should not act against their conscience.  On the other hand, those who felt at liberty to eat should not boast about their ‘knowledge’ but consider the weak whose faith may suffer as a result.  Particularly as a leader, Paul was keen to bear with the weak and forego what he could have for the benefit of those he was called to serve.  For him, love and unity of the body of Christ took precedence over his own liberty.

     We may not have to make decisions regarding food in our day and our society, but we do face issues that have potential to divide God’s people.  Since the start of this current pandemic, there has been much discussion regarding its origins.  Is it God’s judgment on a society that has rejected Him?  Or is it a manmade ‘plandemic’ to justify the erosion of human rights and usher in a totalitarian one-world government?  Some even go as far as denying the existence of the virus, claiming that facts and figures are in fact manipulated.  And then, of course, there are the many who simply see Covid-19 as a deadly disease which has spread so widely that the world (including politicians, scientists and the general public) has to come together to defeat it by means of stringent control measures and ultimately a vaccine.  

     Whichever explanation we favour, we all have to make a decision: will I take ‘the’ (or rather ‘a’) vaccine or will I not.  Some will regard vaccination as every citizen’s duty to help overcome the pandemic and its economic and social consequences and therefore see those who refuse it as irresponsible.  Others may struggle with the idea of having something injected into their bodies that they are not sure about.  Still others may regard compliance as facilitating an anti-Christian agenda.   While being vaccinated may, for many, be a matter of choice with few consequences, some (particularly health and social care workers) may be required to take it for the safety of their patients or clients.  In such cases, refusal could even result in risking one’s employment and consequently one’s livelihood.

     This pandemic may well go away before we (all) have to make a decision but other issues will come and other decisions will have to be made, and many of these decisions will depend on our personal Christian conscience.  It is therefore good to consider Paul’s guiding principles:

     There is one true God who reigns supremely and has come to us in His Son Jesus Christ to bring us to Himself.  All powers of this world, whether they be human or spiritual, are ‘nothing’ in comparison to God and therefore we should not worry unnecessarily.  When we realise God’s sovereignty and love for us, we are able to rest in His peace.  If we do have scruples about something and believe that we are offending God by partaking in it we should not go against our conscience, for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23) 

     Finally, if we have the ‘knowledge’ that nothing is greater than God and we are convinced that we what we are doing does not offend Him we are at liberty.  However, we must not insist on our liberty to the detriment of our fellow believer.  We will have to make decisions in life and we will not always agree on what the right decision is, but we must not condemn our brother or sister in Christ for their decision. 

     Love must always take priority over liberty so that Christ’s body can be unified and God’s people can be the light to the world that we are called to be.  Therefore Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.  (1 Corinthians 8:13)  What sacrifices might you and I have to make for the sake of God’s kingdom and the love and unity of God’s people?            Pastor Konrad

Newsletter January 2021 Part 3

Living Water

 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13)

     Through the prophet Jeremiah, God calls His people to return to Him.  He expresses His indignation at the fact that they have turned from Him, the source of life, and instead have put their trust in powerless idols.  He compares these false gods with broken cisterns: man-made structures designed to hold water, which have been cracked and therefore cannot serve the very purpose for which they were made.       

     The nation of Judah had submitted themselves under the rule of Assyria and had consequently exchanged the worship of the LORD for that of the idols of Assyria.  Rather than trust in the true God who had delivered their fathers from the Assyrians in the days of Hezekiah, this generation had accommodated themselves with their oppressors and adopted their ways.  Rather than worship the Creator of the universe who had delivered their ancestors from Egyptian bondage and revealed Himself to them at Mount Sinai, they were, just like the ignorant nations around them, making themselves gods of wood, stone and metal that possess neither life nor power. (Jer. 10:1-5)

     What about us?  We too live in a world that does not know God.  Don’t we too so often follow the example of those around us, those who place their trust in their own resources and abilities, not recognising that everything comes from God?  Do we really, as we profess, depend on the Almighty, the source of all life, to meet our needs?  Do we look to Him to sustain us, or to things that can never satisfy?  Do we build our lives, our careers and even our churches on God’s unshakeable promise or on unstable foundations that we ourselves have laid?  Where does our sense of security and self-worth come from?  Is it from the fact that God loves us and has accepted us as His children?  Or do we depend on the recognition we may or may not receive from other people?             

     God loves us and cares for us.  Everything we need is found in Him.  Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)  When we put our trust in God and His Spirit rules our hearts, we will be secure in every circumstance.  He will take care of us, and His life will emanate from us to others.

     Our world is currently being shaken in ways that we could never have imagined.  Things we have depended on are no longer there.  Circumstances are changing at a rate and pace that make it impossible to plan ahead.  Yet we do not have to fear, for we know the One who holds the future.  Nothing comes as a surprise to the Eternal One.  Those who trust in the sovereign Lord find that He orders their steps.  He delights in the way of those who are led by His Spirit.  Though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds them with His hand. (Psalm 37:23-24).

     Let us look to God and depend entirely on Him.  Let us drink from the fountain of living water.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25) As we do so, others will see His presence in our lives and will turn to Him.           

 Pastor Konrad

Newsletter January 2021 Part 2

What’s the time?

 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.   But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  (Luke 12:29-31)

     Most of us tend to spend a considerable portion of our time worrying, probably even more during this present crisis.  As restrictions are temporarily eased only to be reintroduced and even further toughened within just a matter of weeks, we find ourselves constantly having to adapt and unable to make plans.  As we see our economy collapsing, many are losing their livelihoods and fearing for their future.  Meanwhile others are working longer hours than ever and wonder how they will manage.  How we spend the time we have is therefore more critical than ever. 

     If we added up all the time we spend wondering what to do next, the result would probably come as a shock to us – and hopefully as a wakeup call.  Countless hours are wasted through worry; hours that could have been utilised in a more productive way.  But how do we overcome worry?  What do we do when the future seems bleak and we don’t know what tomorrow will bring?

     Jesus challenges us regarding our worries.  As His followers, we are to be different to the ‘pagan world’, to those who do not know God.  We have a loving Father who cares for us.  He knows our needs and He is well able to supply them – even in a crisis like the one we are experiencing.  All we have to do is ask – and trust that He will take care of us.  If we would only trust our Heavenly Father instead of being overwhelmed by cares, we could spend our time seeking God for guidance, thanking Him for keeping us safe and for providing for us, and encouraging others. 

     Trust has little to do with knowing the future and figuring out how our needs will be met; it is all about the One in whom we put our confidence.  To trust, we do not need to know what lies ahead or even comprehend our present situation.  All we need to know is that the One whom we trust is trustworthy. 

     Jesus addresses this issue of focus – seek the kingdom of God, set your minds on His purpose.  And as you do so, your loving Father will take care of everything else.  God’s plans for us are plans to prosper [us] and not to harm [us], plans to give [us] hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

     So then we each need to ask ourselves the question: What is it that dominates my thoughts?  Where do I invest my time and effort?  Is it in His kingdom, or am I so preoccupied with my apparent needs that I have lost sight of His purpose for my life?  Am I missing out on His peace while I focus all my attention on what is happening around me and how it may affect me?

     One day this life will be over and we will have to give account for the way we have used the resources God has given us: our gifts and talents, our material resources, our physical strength, and our time.  Then there will be no opportunity to go back and do things differently.  Every day, every minute, every second that has gone by has passed forever; we will never get it back.  Whatever we have done with our time will remain our legacy - eternally.  That is why Paul warns us (Ephesians 5:15): Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

     Time can be our greatest enemy, as it quietly ticks away; but it can also be our greatest gift – an opportunity to live a life of purpose, to make a difference.  God has given us this life so we can honour Him: through our actions and through our worship.  Let us resolve to live every day, every minute for His kingdom and His purpose.  Whether we currently have more time or less, God will reward those who trust in Him and utilise the time they have for His glory.

Newsletter January 2021 Part 1

By the Spirit of the Lord  

 This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,”
Says the Lord of hosts.  “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “‘Grace, grace to it!’” (Zechariah 4:6-7)

     In a vision, God shows the prophet Zechariah two olive trees from which oil flows into a bowel, which in turn feeds a golden lampstand.  Through seven pipes, the oil flows to the seven lamps of the lampstand.  God then explains the vision to the prophet: the oil represents the anointing of God’s Holy Spirit.  It is in His power that God’s people need to trust, rather than in their own strength and ability.

     Zechariah prophesied to the people of Judah who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel in the late 6th century B.C.  After 70 years of captivity, they were finally back in their homeland, only to find the city in ruins and the temple of God reduced to rubble.  Rebuilding the city and the House of God would prove an almost impossible task.  It is in this desperate situation that God speaks to the people and their leader through the mouth of the prophet to encourage them.  If they will only depend on His power rather than their own, they will be able to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.  God will make the mountain that stands in the way as a plain, and they will be able to complete the building of His House by His grace.

     Like the people of Judah at the time, we have experienced a difficult time and, as we try to rebuild in 2021 there will be mountains in our way that seem to stop us from moving forward.  We do not know how long we will face restrictions nor how this pandemic will affect our lives in the longer term.  Many areas of our society have been impacted: our economy, our politics, our health service and our personal lives.  Many people’s faith has been shaken by loss, uncertainty and the confusing messages that are making the rounds in the news and social media.    

     As we enter the new year, we must realise that we cannot rebuild what has been devastated and overcome the obstacles that will face us by our own strength and ability.  If, however, we depend on the power of God’s Spirit, every mountain will have to move out of our way and every purpose that God has called us to will be accomplished.  Like Zerubbabel, we will raise the capstone to complete the task that God has set before us.  It is not by might nor by power, but by God’s Spirit that we will prosper.  Therefore we must place ourselves in the position where we can receive the flow of God’s anointing.   

     The 1st Century church understood this truth.  That is why they waited patiently for that first outpouring of God’s Spirit on the day of Pentecost.  Once they had been baptised in the Holy Spirit, they continued to depend on His power as they went and did what God had called them to do: to go and make disciples of all the nations, to baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to observe all things that Jesus had commanded them.  And as they did so, Jesus kept His promise to be with them “always, even to the end of the age.”

     Like every new year, we will begin 2021 with a 21-day period of focused prayer.  Even though we may not be able to assemble as usual, we can join together online to seek God’s anointing in order overcome.  By His power alone every mountain will be turned into a plain and the purpose of God will be fulfilled - in our personal lives, our families, our church, and our community.

  Pastor Konrad

Newsletter December 2020 Part 3 Christmas

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 December 2020 Part 2

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.           

Pastor Konrad

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)