A New Normal

As we enter into the sixth month of this pandemic and all the restrictions associated with it, there’s a sense of becoming adapted and accustomed to the conditions. The new normal of social distancing, hyper vigilance with hygiene and limited numbers in church is becoming part of the rhythm of daily life. That is no surprise since we as human beings are built for routine and habits and have the incredible ability to adapt to virtually all circumstances.

Man has learned to live for months in a steel tube under water in confined spaces with no sunlight, in a capsule hurtling in outer space with zero gravity. Humans have adapted to living in subzero temperatures in the tundra of the polar regions living on seal meat. Others have learned to exist in the arid environments of desserts in the outback of Australia. The saying could well go; ‘have water, will live’.

As much as this is a testament to human ingenuity and determination to survive, it is also an indictment to the saddest conditions by which man has learned to live in; sin and separation from God.

People may be getting used to the new normal of masks, and elbow bumps but as the Church we are compelled to share the message, that they do not have to remain in their sin and thereby be doomed to eternal destruction. A life of sin does not have to be the norm but Jesus Christ has paid the price for all humanity to be able to live a new normal of victorious living for Christ. We don’t have to accept that we are hopelessly bound to destructive vices or addictions, or to the dysfunctional patterns of our family of origin, or negative mindsets reinforced by our environments.

No, we can live above the beggarly elements of our world to a life that transcends even our material dispositions, as we sit in heavenly places. It’s easy to get disorientated in these confusing and challenging times, but when that starts to happen, go back to the basics of your faith; looking and meditating upon God’s Word, pray everyday, fast every week, give, serve and let the “peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phi 4:7)

And remember “that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:5-6 NLT)

All Nations

As we celebrate the various nationalities in our local assembly, we are reminded of God’s great love for all mankind regardless of race, language or skin colour and how he has brought into His Church people from every corner of the globe. We are particularly blessed here at the POS that, from our last count, we have over 50 different nationalities represented.

With such varying backgrounds and cultures, there is always the possibility of misunderstanding and even outright offence from the differences of styles, approaches, nuances and idiosyncrasies unique to certain cultures. While we should not be removing these differences but rather celebrating them, yet there is a culture that supersedes all others and that is; the Culture of Christ.

When we become born again and come into the Family of God, we take on a new identity that permeates who we are as individuals. We become new creatures in Christ Jesus, although our unique qualities are not removed. We have a new spiritual family, we talk and walk differently, we take on different priorities in life, we celebrate things that matter to God, we embrace a whole new worldview.

This is why we rejoice, it’s because God has redeemed us from wherever we came from and has put us in His Body to serve Him and one another. So let us appreciate our differences, knowing that we are united by the one blood of Jesus Christ and we worship the one God and Father of all.

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. | Acts 17:26

New Year, New Habits

After an outstanding General Conference in Melbourne, many of us are primed and ready for the new year. At the outset of 2017, we have the opportunity to chart a new course knowing that we are older and hopefully wiser than in the previous year.

Let us make the most of our mistakes from the past by not repeating them but applying God’s wisdom and revelation to our lives. Last week, I mentioned the importance of keystone habits that can have a flow on effect on other habits for the better. So from here on, focus on some major habits and be diligent on ensuring that you follow through with them.

For the Christian of course, the keystone habits are the ones that Jesus exemplified and that is prayer and knowledge of God’s Word. Make it your keystone habit to pray and read God’s Word daily. If this can be part of your daily routine everyday for the next six to eight weeks, it will become a habit that will influence your character and ultimately bring you to your destiny.

Church attendance, giving, fasting and witnessing are some of the other habits that are sure to follow and will cause you to become a ‘Contagious’ and ‘Effective’ Christian for God’s glory.

Hebrews 10:25 - Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.