What would you grab if your house was at risk from fire or flood – what is most important to you? That question works for possessions, physical items, but what else do we hold onto with determined loyalty whatever the cost? Our family and friends? What about our job? In times past a job was the stable basis of most people’s lives, something that identified who you were and seldom changed. John the postman. Gill the baker. We knew who and what people were. Has anyone of you ever been known in this way? What about Dave/Anne the Christian? Is our faith one of the ways that we are identified? I have been retired now for seven years, if I had been still working how stressful would it have been, Covid-19 the Pandemic has altered and changed so many lives, so many jobs lost, so much concern for peoples mental health, the massive increase in the use of Food Banks, the list of worries goes on and on. But amid all the mayhem there have been many stories of hope and kindness to others across all communities and faith groups, this has been uplifting to see. Society had moved on: making new life choices is now common even advisable (in the current climate some of those choices were not what those people wanted to make). Being in the same role for 20 years is a reason to change, not to stay.” I think I touched on this a few weeks ago, I was a production director for a garment manufacturer, when I became aware that I was very likely going to be made redundant, I spoke to the director of the employment agency I used when I needed new staff, he was good at his job, but advised me that I had spread myself too thinly and that only having had one job was in fact a disadvantage. I wonder what those early followers of Jesus felt when he called them from their jobs – fishing and tax collecting – to send them out with the good news of the kingdom. And to people who might reject and persecute them! It doesn’t seem like a good career move. I think I may have mentioned this in another Blog, I remember as if it were yesterday the first sermon I took back in 2009, I was so far outside my comfort zone, but I had leant one very big lesson, when I left the clothing trade for a new job as a compliance auditor I doubted myself, but my friend who asked me to work for him knew a few things, I was honest & hardworking & most importantly could transfer my skills into this new job, it was not easy . But the fisherman & all went anyway, they trusted Jesus, just as we must trust him. In our risk-averse age we like our comfort and security, and we are told not to do certain things (e.g. run in the corridors, participate in very dangerous pursuits – does anyone have other examples?). If faced with difficulties, are we more likely to give up than to deal with them? But the disciples went. Why do you think they were able to do that? How might that apply to and help us, today? I am very proud to be a volunteer at my local Library, and at Upminster Windmill, these have their rewards, meeting & interacting with different people, reminding myself of my duty as a Christian not to hide away, to take on the task however hard it may be.” You have received without paying, so give without being paid”. Look back at the picture at the beginning of the Blog: Part 1
Prayers in difficult times A prayer reflection It's difficult to live with uncertainty. However bad a situation, knowing what you have to face means that you can start coming to terms with it, facing your fears, planning your strategy. When the 'big picture' is too big or too blurred and indistinct, it's easier to focus on small details, to try to control what you can. The world has changed, how does that affect our living in the meantime? How do I need to change? How do I want to change? Is it possible to live each day as a new opportunity, while knowing that it feels the same as yesterday? I need your help, God, to listen for you in the clamour of voices calling for my attention, to focus on you in the midst of competing priorities, to trust you in this time of uncertainty. Amen Extracts taken from Roots with permission. All prayers are © ROOTS for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020.
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A talk by Mr. P. L. Brown given at the Romford Congregational Church Meeting on October 31st, 1951 In my report of the Annual Assembly meetings I gave details of a resolution passed at the Assembly on the subject of Gambling. I think to begin with I had better read that again. Here it is:-
"That this Assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales affirms its strong conviction that gambling from whatever motive or for whatever end is in irreconcilable opposition to Christian principles. "It notes in particular that gambling destroys the integrity of Christian personality, weakens the sense of personal responsibility, prostitutes the use of money by directing it to wrong ends, involves both economic and moral loss to the community and gravely impairs the happiness and well-being of homes. "It therefore calls in the strongest terms upon all Congregational Church members, and on all associated in the work of our Congregational Churches, not only to abstain from any such practices and to eliminate from all efforts to raise money for church purposes anything which might be understood as gambling, but also to ensure that the question of gambling is discussed in church meeting, and that young people receive adequate training in the Christian objections to the practice." About fifteen or so years ago, when I was Captain of the 1st Romford Boys' Brigade Company, I gave a talk to the boys on this subject. I remember I gave it the title of "Are you a sportsman or a mug?" and I commenced by asking the boys to give me a definition of that word "mug." We thrashed it out together, and this is what we arrived at: "A person who is easily taken in, one who is an easy prey for someone smarter; the kind of person who can be persuaded in Romford Market to pay 10s. for a 'real solid gold watch' which is not worth more than a few pence. The fellow bookmaker and his touts call 'a real good sport' to his face, and 'an easy mug' behind his back. The lad who thinks it manly to drink, swear and gamble." Not a bad definition - I hope you agree. Some years before the war a well-known bookmaker retired and wrote a book on his life. Here is an extract from that book: "In one single day I made as much as £5,000 - out of mugs - and I am writing to show the so-called sportsman that the odds against him are so tremendous that in the long run it is impossible for him to win. I hope that these words of mine will induce men to give the game up, as I am sure this would be a means of bringing happiness to thousands who now waste their money in a wilful way ... The odds against them are so fearful that success is next to impossible." That is a frank confession from one inside. Talking about odds, do you know what the real odds are against getting ten results correct in a football pool? Each match can end in one of three ways (a win for either side or a draw). The odds are therefore three to the power of ten, and if you are mathematically inclined you can work it out for yourself. The answer comes to 59,049, so the odds are 59,048 to one. Yet week after week hundreds of thousands are spending their money on equally fantastic odds. At this stage I must comment on the argument which I daresay all of you have heard. It runs something like this: Oh yes, I know all about the odds, but I cannot see that betting, in itself, is a sin. I cannot see anything wrong putting 2s. 6d. on a horse or a football pool. If I lose my half-crown I can afford it, and it's my own look-out." But surely the answer is this. No act of yours or mine can stand by itself. It must be considered as part of the world in which we live. You cannot shut yourself up and isolated yourself and your actions. You are part of Society, and we are all bound together in this bundle we call life. If, therefore, you know that gambling is getting a stranglehold on the nation, ruining homes, breaking the hearts of loved ones, sending more folk to gaol or remand homes than any other crime; then you as a good citizen, as a Christian man or woman, should do all in your power to discourage, by your example, this practice which is the curse of this country. I often think that part of the trouble is that we have our moral standards all wrong. Two of the greatest organs of publicity, the press and the cinema, specially the latter, constantly hold up before the world that wealth and luxury are desirable ends in themselves. And are not Christians compromising today on these issues? Compromising with the world and the world's moral standards; is not that why we are failing? The standards of Christ must be accepted or rejected. There is no half-way house. You are either for or against them. You cannot serve God and Mammon. Do you know that round about one thousand million pounds is spent on gambling every year in this country? Just think of what we, as a nation, could so with that money. And if that does not shake you, what about the utter waste (in these days of man-power shortage) of the thousands of men and women employed by the gambling firms for utterly unproductive work. And if you are not concerned with the waste of money or labour, think of the degradation of national and individual character and loss of efficiency. Some firms have estimated the loss on gambling due to bad work, spoilt material, friction in shop, factory or office, as equivalent to ten per cent of their capital! The Rt. Hon. Phillip Snowden (later Viscount Snowden) when Chancellor of the Exchequer, said "Gambling is the distinctive vice of our age. It is a national canker which must be stamped out else this country will ultimately sink to a very low level." Do you know that the Football Association is very concerned about the growth of football pools, and would give a lot to be able to stamp it out? Why? Well here is what one member of the F.A. said about gambling. "In the forty years in which I have been associated with sport I have seen gambling corrupt every sport it touches, and I prophecy it will corrupt and ruin football if it continues." The following is an extract from The Congregational Quarterly of a few months ago: "The Epworth Press have just published a book entitled Gambling in English Life (6s.). It is an exhaustive survey of the practical aspects of this problem and gives an account of the efforts of Parliament to discourage and limit practices so socially pernicious. For we Christians, Christ's teaching about the stewardship of wealth is a sufficient condemnation of gambling gains as well as losses. What further guidance we need is found in the simple fact that a tree is judged by its fruit. A tree that bears much evil fruit is something less that good. Few fathers would learn with equanimity that their sons had developed a habit of gambling; and a man in any position of trust who was known to be a habitual gambler would on that account be regarded with justifiable suspicion." And now let me say what we can do to stop it. First of all, legislation won't stop it; it will only drive it underground. You have probably heard people say that gambling is the natural impulse of the human heart and never will be eradicated. That is where they are wrong. One thing and one thing only will stop it, and when I tell you what it is you will probably laugh because it is so unexciting, so slow in operation. The "one thing" is an educated public opinion. And now I will try to prove it to you. One hundred or more years ago open and unabashed drunkenness was the rule in all walks of life. Young men were not considered to have grown up until they had managed to get dead drunk - it was the manly thing to do. Today you seldom if ever see a drunken man. What has made the change? An educated public opinion. What stopped the evils of Child Labour in factories and mines? What stopped duelling in this country and the continent? What stopped cock-fighting? An educated public opinion. What killed slavery? The force of public opinion created by Wilberforce. And gambling can go too, Public opinion can win that victory, and in that victory every man and woman here tonight can play a part. Please remember that whenever you show to others that you consider gambling is both a mug's game, a sin, and a source of crime, you are helping a little to create that public opinion. In his Presidential address to the Congregational Union of England and Wales last May, the Rev. Howard Stanley, M.A., had this to say about gambling, and with his worlds I should like to close - "Let the Assemblies of our people be the places where Christian comment and judgement are delivered on those social and moral issues about which the men and women of our day are making up their minds and so shaping the character of this nation. If, for example, we take a different view about gambling than do the majority of the Church Assembly, if by observation and experience we are sure that it is the greatest single social evil of our time, a cancer gnawing at the heart of the nation, an irrational and anti-social habit, a negation of the Christian principle of stewardship, let us say so, and be reported as saying so, not only in the pages of the Christian World, but in the provincial and local press, let us say so, not only in this Assembly, but nearer the homes of our people, nearer our lads' clubs and Boys' Brigades and Boy Scouts." Gospel Matthew 9.35–10.8, (9-23)
“Matthew has previously introduced a block of teaching with a summary of the mighty acts Jesus performed (4.23-25, which is followed by the Sermon on the Mount). Here (9.35-38), Matthew follows the same pattern but uses the focus on Jesus’ compassion as an explanation of his subsequent summons and instructions to the disciples. They are given Jesus’ authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal, and they are sent out. (10.2 is the only place where Matthew refers to any of the disciples as ‘apostles’, that is ‘sent-out ones’.)” Jesus regards the people of Israel as ‘sheep’ (9.36; 10.6). This is common biblical picture language for the people of God, along with the image of God as their shepherd (e.g. Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34; Psalm 100.3). Similarly, the idea of them needing, or being without, a shepherd to care for and guide them is found in various Old Testament texts (Numbers 27.17; 2 Chronicles 18.16; Ezekiel 34.6). Here and elsewhere, Matthew’s Gospel pictures Jesus as a shepherd (25.31. 26.31) who has compassion for his sheep. Similarly, ‘harvest’ (9.37) is being used as picture language to refer to God judging and dealing with the world’s sin (cf. Jeremiah 51.33; Hosea 6.11; Revelation 14.14-20; Matthew 13). Harvest is portrayed as a time when sin will be separated from what belongs in God’s kingdom (see 13.26-30, 36-43). Elsewhere, Matthew clearly anticipates the gospel being preached to non-Jews (28.19-20), but here Jesus sends the apostles only to the Israelites, to tell them that ‘the kingdom has come near’ (10.6-7). This claim will be supported by their doing the same wondrous deeds as Jesus. They are not to charge for their work but are to be as dependent as possible on the support of those to whom they go. Some of the instructions seem extreme – who would go on a journey without sandals or staff? Since the parallel account in Mark (6.8-9) allows both, it seems likely that the sense is for them not to take spares. In a culture where hospitality was hugely important, their situation of dependence would then provoke responses, good or bad, from those to whom they went. The extended reading (vv.9-23) indicates that some will respond negatively towards the disciples and will face consequences for this on the day of judgement (Sodom and Gomorrah were used as classic examples of generally sinful behaviour as outlined in Ezekiel 16.49-50). The teaching goes on to indicate that there will be persecution of those who spread the gospel, and family divisions will result; but the ‘sent ones’ are to know that the Spirit of their Father will speak through them. Extracts taken from Roots with permission. All prayers are © ROOTS for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020. This article was found in the September 1951 copy of Progress, the monthly magazine of the Romford Congregational Church. It was written by R. A. Newman Many Congregational Churches throughout the Country, will be celebrating, in some form or other, the two hundredth Anniversary of the death of the Rev. Dr. Phillip Doddridge, on or about October 26th [1951]. It may be by special sermons, lectures, or the singing of his hymns. He was not only a great and noted 18th century Congregational preacher, but a poet in the realm of Hymnody, of no mean order. He was the author of no less that 375 Hymns, but only eleven appear in our Hymnary to-day, although in previous editions (e.g. dated 1859) forty-six were included.
He ranked with Watts, the Wesleys, Montgomery, Cowper and Newton as an Hymnologist. His hymns that we are all familiar with are: -
Dr. Charles Stanford tells us that the Doddridges are supposed to be descendants of one named "Dodo", who lived in the time of King Edward the Confessor, and is recorded in "Domesday Book" as owning certain manors in Devonshire. In a land of dells and declivities it was natural that Dodo should build his house on a ridge and become known as "Dodoridge". By the time of Queen Elizabeth [the first] the family name seems to have become "Doddridge". Geoffrey Nuttall records Phillip as born in London on 26th June, 1702, three months after Queen Anne came to the throne, and was the twentieth child of his parents, only two of which survived childhood. His father was an oilman, but his two grandfathers were ministers, with the courage of their convictions, by throwing their lot with the Nonconformists as a result of the Act of Uniformity in 1662. Phillip was orphaned at the age of 13, and his guardian placed him in a school at St. Albans, the principal being a Nonconformist Minister. At 16 he became a Church member, and vert early definitely decided for the Ministry. His uncle was steward to the Bedford estates, and the Duchess became interested in the boy, offering him a university education, attaching the conditions that he conformed to the C. of E. It was a very tempting offer, especially as the Universities were not open to dissenters. It was not until 1871 that it was possible for Nonconformists to receive degrees at Oxford or Cambridge. If such were desired the pupil had to go to Scotland or Holland. Doddridge declined the offer, remaining true to his dissenting interests, which later he said "I take to be the interests of Jesus Christ". He was, however, helped in his training for the Ministry by friends, gaining him (1719) admittance to the Academy of the Rev. John Jennings at Kibworth, Leicestershire, who was the Independent Minister at Kibworth. At the decease of Jennings, Phillip was senior student, and was called to the pastorate at the age of 21, salary £35 per annum. He said provisions were cheap and that he might manage on £10. The morning congregation numbered 40 and the evening never exceeded 150, each one slowly stumbled in, sleeking down his hair, tempting the young minister to write: "My congregation is the most impolite I ever knew, consisting of shepherds, farmers, graziers, and their subalterns." He soon became in great demand as a preacher over a very wide area, and received calls from Coventry, Nottingham, Pershore, Bradfield, Brockfield and Lincoln's Inn Fields, all of which would have been at an enhanced income, but he widely spent his time consolidating his position by wide and critical reading, and as to marriage he was of opinion that it was not to be thought of in a hurry. In 1729 a call came from Castle Hill Church, Northampton, where he settled in December of that year, stating he never expected to be called to a ministry in a country so delicate and polite. The flourishing state of the Dissenting interest in the County was called: "The glory of our cause in England". Here he ministered for the rest of his life, i.e. 21 years, being barely 50 when he died. In addition to his Ministerial duties he started an Academy for students at Kibworth and continued at Northampton where his salary was but £70 per annum. Professor Victor Murray says his students varied in number, e.g. in 1730 they numbered 40, in 1743 the total was 63, but in 1747 only 29. On entrance the student paid a guinea for his room, a guinea for the library, a guinea for wear and tear of scientific apparatus. Tuition was £4 a year, and board £16. The course was 5 years for theological students, and 3 years for laymen. Doddridge was supposed to make a profile of £4 per annum on each student, but seldom realised for he kept a very liberal table. He married in 1730 and the housekeeping books of his first year of married life were preserved, which gives the following interesting reading: One quarter's rent, £2. 10s. 0d Two bedsteads 14/-, easy chair 6/- Servants' wages, £6. 10s. 6d. Mrs. Doddridge pin money for the year, 6s. 1d. Price of mutton, 2 1/2d. per ib. Later, 3 months' schooling for child, 3s. 6d. Of their 9 children, 5 died in infancy. His wife Mercy is referred to as "the dearest of all dears". Doddridge was the friend and disciple of Isaac Watts, also the friend and collaborator on religious matters of John and Charles Wesley, that great evangelist George Whitefield, the Countess of Huntingdon, and other religious leaders of his day, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, and several Bishops. In 1736 the Aberdeen University presented him with the diploma of D. D. in recognition of his great services as a teacher. Doddridge in addition to his work as pastor, principle of Academy, was the author, already stated of 375 published hymns, 53 books, and 37 pamphlets. His standard work referred to by many writers was the volume on the "Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul" said to have been translated into many languages. At 49 years of age he was worn out, and with his wife took a sea trip to Lisbon for health, but soon after arrival he passed to his eternal rest, October 26th 1751, and was buried in the English Cemetery. George Whitefield on hearing of his decease, said: "Doddridge is gone, Lord Jesus prepare me to follow after". One of his own hymns I suggest sums up the life of a great, courageous, Soldier of the Cross My gracious Lord, I own Thy right To every service I can pay, And call it my supreme delight To hear Thy dictates and obey. His wife lived on to the age of 82, departing this life in 1790. You will need to read part 3 to find out why this image has been included.
A gathering prayer Loving Lord, your grace draws us to your presence Loving Lord, your grace draws us to your presence; your peace unites us in your love; your hope inspires us to praise your glory. May our worship be worthy of you. Amen. As I write this blog, we are all aware of the changing world we are living in, its Monday June 1st, I need to explain why I mention the date, I normally set aside every Wednesday for the writing of said Blog, but this week is going to be different for me & I assume many others out there, I have attempted over the last ten weeks to follow the rules, we, that is my wife & I have not had any face to face contact with our daughter, that may change this week, respecting all the social distancing measures. I had built up a weekly routine, it was quite easy to manage, but now as we slowly come out of lockdown we are presented with new problems, I for one have two online formal meetings this week, as well as other tasks which will I know test me over the next few weeks, one of those meetings is on Wednesday I need a clear head so hence me writing my blog today. Some of my friends say I natter too much, but I thought it was worth giving you a sense of where I am at this moment. “We are all drawn to your presence Lord” or are we? I have been going for a walk each morning and use that time to pray as I walk, this is something I have done all my life, in my car on a train, I think the quietness of the recent weeks has for me made praying easier, notice I said easier, not easy, I have so much to be grateful for, but also am very aware at this time of how many people & places we have to pray for. “May our worship be worthy of you” BBC Points of View yesterday reflected on the services that have been provided during this time, the novel ways of presenting Songs of Praise, we as a Church have been very grateful that we have been able to read or in my case listen (via Sound Cloud) to fantastic services each Sunday, distributed with family news by John. “Your peace does unite is in love”! Power of God Eye of God look upon me See me in your grace Hand of God grasp me Keep me in my place Heart of God love me Help me to survive Powers of God surround me As with life I strive. Tides & Seasons by David Adam Extracts taken from Roots with permission. All prayers are © ROOTS for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020. The sun was created first
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis 1:3-5) Before the 16th century, people believed in "Geocentrism", i.e. everything revolved around the Earth. Since then, we know everything centres around the sun (Heliocentricism), therefore, the sun must have been made first. There was originally only one continent And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. (Genesis 1:9) Scientists have proved there was originally one super-continent, which they call Pangaea. Gradually, this land mass began to rift and break-up, separating into the continents and islands we know today. Stars have a life expectancy In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. (Psalm 102:25-26) Our sun, which is also a star, is expected to last 5 billion years. Other stars in the sky have different time spans. When they "perish", the larger stars explode, causing a supernova. The smaller stars cause an emission nebula. Our sun is one of the smaller stars. Its emission nebula will engulf the earth and other planets. The Universe is constantly expanding ... you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth... (Isaiah 51:13) The size of the Universe is indeterminable and the centre of Earth unreachable “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:37) As Jeremiah says, the heavens or the universe cannot be measured. At the moment, scientists have observed a diameter of 93 billion light years but also know there is more they have not discovered. The centre of the Earth, according to Inge Lehmann (1936) is made of molten iron and nickel, however, it can never be "searched out" because it is surrounded by liquid mantle. The Earth is round He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth... (Isaiah 40:22) The Earth was originally believed to be flat until proven otherwise. There are four major winds on Earth I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam’s exiles do not go. (Jeremiah 49:36) The four major wind systems are the Polar and Tropical Easterlies, the Prevailing Westerlies and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Source: BIBLE: Faith Verses - Win Verses LLC Notes from an address preached by the Rev. Ronald M. Ward, B.D. Originally published in the January 1951 issue of Progress, the monthly magazine for Romford Congregational Church. "What I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I." - Romans 7:15 Looking out on this world of ours it is difficult to escape the feeling that we are living in a mad house. Are the forces which appear to govern the international situation rational forces? Surely not. And if they are irrational the future is unpredictable and ominously dangerous. If we could put the question to the whole world, governments and peoples alike, and receive an honest answer, the vast majority would say that they do not want a war. The statement needs qualification, perhaps, because for some oppressed peoples a third war must seem the only possible hope of breaking open their prison. But speaking generally, and including almost certainly the Government of the U.S.S.R., we can say that nobody wants a war. And if the affairs of men were really controlled by reason, as some people naively think, all the energies of mankind would be devoted to avoiding war. But no - to our alarm and astonishment - we find the reverse is the case. Every day something is said or done which brings war nearer. It seems impossible to cease preparing ourselves for suicide. Atomic bombs fill us with horror and disgust. Yet we have to go on making them as fast as we can. What perverse spirit is it which hurries the world along paths not of our own choosing? We remember St. Paul's words: "What I hate, that do I." Of course the simple orthodox answer to this question is to blame the Russians for everything. Their obstinacy and cunning is responsible for it all. But while there is, of course, a large element of truth in this, as a complete explanation it is far from adequate. Russians don't enjoy wars any more than we do. And remember that not so long ago we attributed all the world's ill to the Germans; and the Italians; and the Japanese: With General Franco thrown in to make weight. It is smug to look across the world from our island home and condemn the deliberate malice of "foreigners" for the sorrows of this terrible century. Nowadays we even tend to include the Americans in the general censure, blaming them for hasty diplomacy, blaming General MacArthur for taking too many decisions on his own account, and so on, All our criticisms may be justified as far as they go, but is everyone on earth out of step except us? Surely the human dilemma, expressed by St. Paul in our text must lie deeper than that. As we read St. Paul's letters we find that from time to time he breaks out into paradoxical statements as though struggling for words with which to express an insolvable contradiction. (The sixth chapter of II Corinthians, for example, speaks of the Christian ministry in terms of violent contradiction: "As deceivers, yet true; as unknown, yet well known; as dying, and behold we live.") I think this is because he clearly recognises the tension of opposing forces rooted in human nature itself. Life is not made up of a simple pattern of things good and bad, true and false. Experience is more complex than that. Things can be good and bad, true and false, at the same time. We may at once want and not want a thing. We may be both attracted and repelled but it is a single response. And that is why reason alone is often powerless to grapple with reality. We fondly suppose that any problem of relationships should yield to common sense. But that is not so. The contradiction n the affairs of men is due to a contradiction in the heart of Man. How strange, we say, are the German people. They produce beautiful art and lofty philosophy, and also concentration camps. How odd that a sentimental people, a kindly and hospital people, even, are at the same time capable of such brutality. How does it come about that the land of the Moonlight Sonata is also the land of the Twilight of the Gods? But contradictions of one sort or another are not unique to the German people. Every nation, just like every person, presents us with a puzzling paradox when we come to know it. Nicholas Berdayev in his book, "The Russian Idea," points out that there are two opposing states of consciousness within the Russian people. There is an elemental pagan wildness and enthusiasms that we can clearly discern in Russian songs and dances which seem to surge out of the earth itself. But at the same time there is a strong tendency towards the very opposite for this - esceticism, sacrifice, patient suffering, almost a monastic ideal of self denial. And it is indeed a mysterious paradox that the Russian people. one of the most profoundly religious and even mystical in the world, should at the moment be engaged in a crusade for Marxist materialism and atheism. Examine some of the goals towards which human beings strive, and also some of the dangers and disasters from which they shrink, and you will find that it is sometimes only in thought as opposed to experience, that pleasant and unpleasant things can be rigidly divided. In life they often overlap. Freedom, for example, is a greatly desired thing but it is also greatly dreaded. Men will make tremendous sacrifices to achieve it, but they will fly in horror from the loveliness of personal responsibility which freedom means. The most primitive dread is that of death. But psychology has classified a strange truth - always known to men of insight - that life itself may be a thing from which we flee, and death has a power to attract as well as repel us. This does not apply only in a limited sense to abnormal persons with a suicidal tendency. It applies to everybody. There is a death wish as well as life wish within us; and thus we are pulled at the same time towards annihilation and nothingness. and towards creation and joy in existence. Similarly, it would seem absurd to say that suffering can be attractive. Yet there is a condition of mind in which people enjoy submitting to suffering. And, conversely, it is possible to enjoy inflicting pain, not only on an enemy but on someone you love. It is extraordinary, but true, that cruelty can conceal love. And kindness can be a mask for terrible cruelty. An everyday example of the contradiction in human nature is provided by those people who, after quarrelling with one another consistently for a long time, suddenly amaze us by going off and getting married. On the other hand, bosom friends may abruptly reveal themselves as deadly enemies. Nothing is more expressive of the paradox of life than the relationship between the sexes. This is not the place to examine the question in detail, but it is surely obvious that the sexual impulse is one of the most powerful of all attractive forces, and at the same time something which repels and horrifies. Both these feelings are present deep down in all of us. And so it is that the relationship of marriage, when it is wholly natural and unredeemed, is one of conflict as well as comradeship. Some wives love their husbands and nag them unmercifully! We have all met husbands and wives who seem to find it impossible to avoid quarrelling with one another. They even seem to enjoy it! By so doing they illustrate the strange truth that the sexes are at war with one another as well as in alliance. Do you know these verses by Stephen Phillips? "My dead love came to me and said, God gives me one hour's rest, To spend upon the earth with thee, How shall we spend it best? Why as of old, I said, and so We quarrelled, as of old. But when I turned to make my peace That one short hour was told." There is, therefore, in the deep places of human nature, a tension set up by the conflict of opposing principles. Reason alone cannot resolve this conflict. If you have ever tried to settle a quarrel with somebody by means of an argument you will know well what I mean. Our emotions remain divided even when the mind is persuaded that they are irrational. The intellect alone cannot unify personality. The tragedy of human life is that man is at war with himself.
There is, however, a power in the world which is strong enough to produce harmony between our most violently conflicting impulses. And that is the power of Love. If, for example, communist and capitalist powers were truly inspired by a love for humanity, many of the difference between them could become opportunities for a fruitful alliance, to the benefit of everybody. The fact that such a possibility belongs to the realm of idle fancy shows the measure of our spiritual poverty. There is no lack of intelligence in the world. Enlightened self interest would have brought in the Golden Age long ago had it been able. But without love, and the sanity which it brings, irrational passions make wreck of all out careful plans. It is extremely unrealistic to ignore this fact. To appeal to the power of love is to be laughed out of court. For love seems a weak thing compared with firm, manly, common sense. Nevertheless, human nature is so divided against itself that unless we can find love in it it is powerless to do anything but pursue its own ruin. The Christian Church knows that the source of divine love is outside the human mind, in God. It knows also that this Love has entered the world in Christ, and is available for everyone through faith. Faith, therefore, is love's firm foundation, By means of it the human heart finds peace which the world cannot give. Opposing forces within us, and within our relationships, can transcend themselves in a new harmony. This is indeed the only way of Salvation. Therefore the task of evangelising Christ is of supreme importance. But unless His love moves in our own hearts we labour in vain to open His Kingdom. It is His Spirit, not His Name, which saves. And without His Spirit this universe of ours becomes totally irrational. “That God is omnipotent is easily said, but it nonetheless requires amazing power to create a whole world or universe from a ‘formless void’. Was this process a myriad of loud bangs, crashing sounds and flashing lights – something like an unimaginable thunderstorm? Imagine being present as this was taking place. Do you think you would have the vocabulary to describe what you were seeing? Would you be scared? While the disciples worshipped Jesus when on the mountain, Matthew’s Gospel says that even at this late stage some doubted – they could not quite believe what they were seeing. Yet, Jesus still commissioned them to make disciples of all nations. Is it comforting to know that Jesus can work with the ‘unfinished article’? That we are all spiritual ‘works in progress’ – and perfection can only be achieved when we are promoted to glory? That, like the disciples, we do not have to be perfect for God to use us? How might that help us in the ongoing work – now passed on to us – of witness and making disciples?” We definitely don’t need to be perfect, in fact none of us are we are all the “unfinished article” we can witness in so many ways, there have over the last ten weeks been a myriad of examples of kindness, different novel ways of sharing a message through voice and music, by video link, Zoom, WhatsApp – the simple phone call – how lucky are we to have our phones whether they be land line or mobile – we can share Gods love in so many ways! ”In the Gospels, Jesus is often referred to as one who ‘taught with authority’. When the 11 disciples gathered on the unnamed mountain, Jesus openly declared that authority: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’ This authority, or power, is closely related to that which created the world he came to save. Jesus – the Word made flesh, the Word that was with God at the very beginning, the Word through whom everything came into being – was asking his followers to continue the work of transforming the world he created. As followers of Jesus, how are we to take up his command and carry out this redemptive work today?” The above question is even more relevant today, the new normal for our Church has not been written yet, but we are all still active Christians, so even without a building to worship in, we do have the authority given to us to spread the word. “There is little doubt that some Christians feel uncomfortable with the idea of sharing their faith, arguing, perhaps, that it is the preserve of those who are specifically called to this work. However, could it be that when Jesus said he would always be with us, this was a specific nod to times when we are – or should be – sharing our faith with others? It is certainly at such times that we need the Lord’s presence.” The above says it all for me, we have a duty to share our faith with others. I am now going to quote an extract from Justin Welby’s article in the Sunday Times (24thMay 2020) “ It is my prayer that these tough circumstances might draw us together and help us write a new social contract with one another that says every person is vital, that every life has meaning, value & beauty.” “Then we can rebuild a society founded on kindness, on truly loving our neighbour, on relationship & community.” I say amen to that, don’t let it be like my friend from Jaeger – spread the word! “Worship & Witness” May the grace of the Father be with you; may the love of the Son enfold you; and may the peace of the Spirit comfort you, today & always. Amen Extracts from Roots taken with permission.
‘When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.’ (Acts 2) The Day of Pentecost may have dawned like any other day, but from that day the disciples were never quite the same again. However God does it, whether quietly or spectacularly, He never leaves us as we were before. In true Pentecost spirit He may appear to be blowing us into new avenues of service. Perhaps our mantra should be, ‘Fired up for mission after unmistakable sign.’ Have the demands of the control of this Coronavirus breathed new spiritual life into us, and blown us into our world, our country and our immediate neighbourhood with a new sense of Christian witness?
My personal experience has been one which has given me an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Grateful for the many kindnesses that I have received; phone calls, doorstep visits - albeit observing the two metre distance rule, letters and cards, but above all I have felt a deep awareness of being in the thoughts and prayers of many. And looking forward, I have a longing for the time when we have the opportunity to worship together again ‘in the same place’. And especially in that place, to give thanks for, and celebrate, the lives of those, who during this time of ‘self isolation’ have been called to be with their God. May they rest in peace. Once again, I would like to thank the Elders and Group Leaders for their magnificent efforts in meeting the needs of those who are confined to their homes. Paul said in his Letter to the Ephesians, ‘I pray that, according to the riches of His glory, He may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through His Spirit’ (3:16). Whoever we are, however weak and powerless we may feel, God through His Holy Spirit, is able to take and use us in ways beyond any we can ever imagine. That is the promise Pentecost reminds us of year by year; God’s gift of power for living! I wish you all every blessing in the days ahead. Yours in Christ, Ann (Some thoughts were gathered from ‘Getting it across’ by Nick Fawcett & ‘Bible Application’ by J.I.Parker) The Bible reading I will be looking at today is taken from Mathew 28: 16-20
(The other lectionary readings are as follows: Genesis 1: 1-2,4a – Psalm 8 – 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13) Gospel: Matthew 28.16-20 “Jesus has summoned the disciples to this farewell meeting on a mountain in Galilee. The phrase ‘they worshipped him; but some doubted’ is a little misleading, as it suggests that some did one thing (worship), while others did another (doubt). The Greek words are both participles – that is, ‘worshipping’ and ‘doubting’ – so it could be that the same disciples are doing both actions. The words of Jesus that all authority has been given to him echo the kind of cosmic picture in passages such as Daniel 7.13-14, yet the idea of authority itself has been comprehensively unpacked throughout Matthew’s Gospel, whereby the power of Jesus to effect change is often contrasted unfavourably with the institutional authority of the Jewish leaders (Matthew 7.29; 9.5-6; 21.23; 23.3). The authority of Jesus is the real deal, conferred by God, who created the heavens and the earth and who can therefore grant this authority. It forms the firm foundation from which it is possible to go to all the nations. Matthew is often described as a Gospel with a narrowly Jewish focus, but here we see his wider concerns. It is Matthew who tells us about the Magi at the opening of his Gospel, and it is Matthew who gives us this command about ‘all nations’ at the end. Every ethnicity and culture is included. The strong verb in this command is not ‘go’ but ‘make’ – that is, ‘in going and baptizing, make disciples’. The Trinitarian formula – ‘of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’ – has become a very familiar part of our ritual, but in this context is surely saying something both universal and inclusive: the whole of God for the whole of the world. Equally, Jesus commands his disciples to pass on everything that he has taught them. The mission passes into their hands, and into ours.” How do we pass on everything we have learnt, or do we sometimes keep what we have learnt to ourselves feeling somehow that it is our alone, it reminds me of a true story from my days in Clothing manufacture, a good friend worked as a pattern cutter for Jaeger tailoring he was very good at what he did, but decided he wanted a change – dramatically he decided to move with his young family and became a farm hand, this was pre the mobile access we have today, about a year later we got a phone call at home, it was my friend he was back at Yeager tailoring, he had loved the first few months but soon realised the older farm hands were not willing to share their knowledge, he stayed in this job for many years, but I have often wondered what would have happened if they had shared their knowledge, I think, no I know that that is what our task is, as Christians the mission is in our hands, it’s are task to make sure that message reaches as many people as possible. The format may change but our duty does not. |