A New Chapter?

Here in the UK we're coming to the end of the 'summer' holidays. This is the time when many children and young people begin to think about the return to school, college or university. And for many of them they'll be going to somewhere new: some may be starting for the first time ... others making the transitition from a relatively small primary school to a much larger secondary school ... And it can be an anxious time. I know when I was moving to secondary school rumours abounded as to what we could expect - and most of them were unpleasant!

The first morning of any new experience can be an anxious and nervous experience, even though it is often exciting and we're looking forward to it at the same time. Whether it be a new school, a new university, a new job, a new house ... there is an element of the unknown, and somehow we often fill the unknowns with worst case scenarios.

In Numbers 13 we read of how the people of Israel were on the borders of the Promised Land, the land that God had promised that He would give them. They sent in 12 spies to see what the land was like. And the land was indeed fruitful and good BUT the people are stonger than us, their cities are fortified, we'll never defeat them... And all but Joshua and Caleb forgot that God was with them. They said, "The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." (14:9).

When we go into a new situation we need to remember that we do not go in alone. But God is with us to help us. He can take away our anxiety and give us His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

Does God change traffic lights?

Here's a question that I was asked the other day. 'Does God change traffic lights?'

I think my response would be 'no - but He could if He wanted to'.

What is behind the question? I think there are some people who believe that if they are five minutes late for an important appointment God will make all the traffic lights green and then delay their train leaving the station by six minutes so they can still make it. But what about all the other people on the train who are now frustrated and six minutes late for whatever important things they have to do?

What does this say about our view of ourselves and our view of God. Who is the centre of our universe? Does the world revolve around me?

Then a second question. 'Assuming that God does change traffic lights and if you're approaching a junction and the lights change - are they more likely to go 'red' or 'green'. Speaking personally I think that they are more likely to go red, simply because I am always in a rush to get somewhere or do something, and it wouldn't hurt to sit quietly for a couple of minutes - an ideal opportunity to practice patience!

[I guess the proper answer to the second question is 'it depends - if the lights are amber then they'll go red, if red and amber then they'll go green'].

One final question for you. ''Assuming that God does change traffic lights and if you're approaching a junction and the lights are about to change to red why do you speed up rather than press the brake?

"It's a splendid day in the neighbourhood," cried Owl

The early Christians were committed to God and to each other. They were devoted to, among other things, fellowship (Acts 2:42). This is not a way that I would always choose to describe church in the 21st century. There was a time - and I had good reasons(!) - when I would turn up to church just at the beginning and leave right at the end, and that was it as far as my committment to fellowship.

Others hang around a lot longer after the service, and even have a cup of tea, but this too is a poor reflection of the fellowship that we read of in Acts 2.

Of course our understanding of community is very different today. We don't all live within walking distance of church. We may not know our neighbours. We might work unhelpful shift patterns. We may have more than one job. Your community might be those you work with, or those at the gym. You may even be part of an online community.

We were created to be a part of a community, and to grow in our faith we need to be a part of community. We learn from spending time with others and watching them. The best way to receive discipline is within the context of community and relationship. Our questions are answered by others who know us. Our interpretation and application of the Bible is kept in check by a community of believers. And this sort of meaningful community can't be formed in a few hours on a Sunday morning when we may not even speak to those who sit alongside us.

I'm increasingly convinced that for church to work everyone needs to be a part of a small group. It is within that context that we can eat together, get to know each other properly, pray together, care for each other, invite our friends, grow, multiply....

That's not to say that all those groups are 'house groups' in the traditional sense. But each person needs to belong to a group of no more than 12 people. On Sunday I'm going to ask three questions for group discussion and feedback (not everyone can answer all the questions):

1. I'm part of a small group because...
2. I'm not part of a small group because...
3. I would go to a small group, (or I'd enjoy my group more) if ...

Homework this week is to have a meal, or at least a coffee, with someone from your church that you don't know well.

Maybe you have good/bad experience of small groups, thoughts, comments...Grab a coffee and join the conversation.

A Great Weekend

Just in case you're wondering where I've been - we've just got back from a great week's holiday in glorious Devon, which also included my little sister's wedding. It was a really good day, even if I had to work for part of it!

The address was based loosely on Fast Food outlets and not so loosely on Ephesians 4:20-32. So here are a few fast food alternatives for a healthy marriage.

1. Feelings and Choices rather than Fish and Chips. (Eph. 4:23 and 2 Cor. 5:17)

So many people base their life decisions on little more than feelings. And this can have serious consequences on any relationship. For the Christian we are having our mind renewed by God and therefore should think differently. Love is a choice - not just a feeling.

2. Bedtime Kiss rather than Burger King. (Eph. 4:26)

It is important that within a marriage a couple do not allow themselves to go to bed angry with each other. There are times when neither will want to take the first step towards an apology and reconciliation but it is vital that someone does. As head of the home I believe it is the husband's responsibility to make that first more.

When we were not interested in God he made the first move sending Jesus to die for us - so when we make the first move towards peace we are in good company.

3. Practical Help rather than Pizza Hut. (Eph. 4:28)

We all need to be doing something useful with our hands and it is important that both husband and wife play an equal (not necessarily the same) role in the relationship. If something needs doing - then do it.

4. Kindness, Forgiveness and Compassion rather than KFC. (Eph. 4:32)

We need to be kind in all that we do, and especially in what we say. We need to be aware of the needs of those around us and act accordingly - Jesus often saw and had compassion. And forgiveness is vital for any relationship to be a success as we all make mistakes and get things wrong. Once again Jesus is our example - having forgiven us so much he asks us to forgive each other.

Following the service other suggestions were given to me. Keep Following Christ for KFC for example. Maybe you have others you want to add.