Welcome to 2021!

While it has not been the start we were hoping for, as far as community restrictions are concerned, once again we are thankful that we can still have services with limited numbers and rely on the ever essential livestream. It is incumbent upon us as a Church that we do our best to adhere to what our government is requiring of us to minimise transmission, including now having to wear face masks while in Church. I appreciate that none of these measures are for the most part welcomed, yet we endure, not only because we want to be good citizens and obey the laws of the land but, more importantly, we know that they are not forever. They are merely temporary with a goal and limited time frame in mind.

So for now, let us persevere.

Besides, we have seen in the last 10 months that God continues to move in His Church and beyond, to extend His Kingdom with people being saved and discipled, while others coming back after a long stint away. We are also thankful for the amazing start to the new year with 4 receiving the Holy Spirit and 2 baptisms at our NYE service.

Ultimately what is happening in our world is beyond our control, but in the midst of that, we have to focus on what we can control - our personal devotion and relationship with God. Unfortunately for many, they have drifted in their personal consecrations. This has corresponded with their inability to be in Church.

From the outset of 2021, don’t let what you have no say, or control, over deter you from your purpose but focus on what we can do. We can continue to pray, mediate on God’s Word, give, reach out to someone, teach a Bible study…. all of the First Works of the Church. Remember that the First Works are a natural outflow of our First Love. So whatever we must endure, let us remember, return, repent and Rebound to our First Love - our Lord Jesus Christ! (Rev 2:4-5)

Have Faith In God

The end of the calendar year could not be more welcomed to many of us after such a life-altering, world changing and tumultuous 2020. It’s like the football team who’s first half has just been so disastrous that the half time break is a welcome reprieve in an effort to regain some composure and start again. My sentiments are not too dissimilar with the hope that the close of this year and the start of a new one would represent a regaining of some normalcy and improvement.

At the risk of sounding somewhat bleak and pessimistic, the fact of the matter is, there is no guarantee that next year will be much better or that it couldn’t be worse, if not for society at large, perhaps in our individual lives. There is one thing that we can count on however, and put our whole trust in… God’s goodness and promise to be with us and for us. And if God is with us, then regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, it will always… always be alright!

Faith is so simple, yet immensely and profoundly powerful that without faith it would be impossible to please God. Even though Abraham wasn’t perfect, yet he was considered righteous because he believed God, taking Him at His word. The ultimate demonstration of the trust that he had in God was when he called him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Filled with such confidence that when speaking to his companions, Abraham declared that he and his son would return together from the sacrifice. No longer reluctant to take God at His word, Abraham proceeded to kill his son in obedience to God just before God’s command stayed his hand. You talk about trust. It was the lack of trust that ultimately kept Moses and Aaron from entering the Promised Land (Num 20:10). It was the lack of faith that kept David from realising his desire to build the temple of God. Not to say that these men were failures but they were human and missed certain experiences due to their failure to trust God.

In all that we’ve gone through, one thing we must hold steadfast; “That no matter what, I will trust you with my life”. Trust God!

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22

A New Decade

Welcome to a new month, a new year and a new decade. What an exciting prospect that we are now entering into a new decade. This is significant because history is often defined in decades. The decade exactly a hundred years ago was known as the roaring twenties, then the turbulent thirties, flying forties, fabulous fifties, swinging sixties, etc.

The last ten years has seen many social upheavals, with terrorism dominating the headlines but also some major challenges to the very fabric of society. There has been a redefinition, by society and government, as to what constitutes a marriage, the removal of personal responsibility for offences and emotional triggers as well as the false notion that personal preference, and not biology, determines sex and gender. All of this is underpinned by the prevailing world view that truth is not objective but relative. 

What may we be expecting in the next decade? I have a feeling it will be more of the same but potentially worsening. Whilst this may intimidate some, the Church of the living God must not retreat in fear or shame but rather it is an opportunity for us to stand in the power of God’s Word and be emboldened by the Spirit of God to declare the truth of God’s Word and the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am reminded of the request Elisha made to Elijah in 2 Kings 2:9, prior to the latter’s departure from his apprentice, that he would receive a double portion of his master’s spirit. Whilst Elijah was a powerful prophet that served God’s call in Israel, what Elisha would face as a prophet in his own right would need twice of Elijah’s spirit to meet the challenge of his day. It is of profound interest to note that Elisha did not ask for a double portion of power, miracles or revelation but rather the spirit of Elijah.

Whatever challenges we face in the new decade, let’s not necessarily pursue a double portion of power or ability but let’s get more of the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us. Let 2020 be a double portion year and decade of getting so close to God and being so filled with his burden, love and compassion for the lost, that courage and power will be sure to follow.