Here is a song that we first sang on Easter Sunday, but I want to do it again this coming week - we didn't practice it on Tuesday so I need as many of you as possible to listen and remind yourselves of how it goes.
Thursday 30 July 2009
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Seven Pounds
The 2008 film Seven Pounds, with Will Smith as the lead character Ben Thomas, is a film that opens up many themes that will be familiar to disciples of Jesus. And I want to talk about some of them here - but can't think of a way to do it without spoiling the film for anyone who hasn't seen it! So if you've not seen the film, I recommend it [unless you are one of those medical people who is unable to switch off critical analysis when watching a film - because if that is you then there are so many holes for you to fall through that you won't enjoy this at all]. Anyway - if you've not seen it, watch the trailer below, then go and rent the film on DVD, and then come back - because the text following the trailer below contains SPOILERS - i.e. it will give everything away. You have been warned.
The story in this film is not told chronologically, and to be honest it took me most of the film to actually work out what was going on - but don't let that put you off, it doesn't spoil the film - you know something is going on, you just can't quite work out what!
[Further warning - what follows gives the plot away - stop reading and go and watch the film and come back later!]
The story revolves around the central character Ben Thomas. Ben was responsible for a traffic accident in which seven people, including his wife, were killed (he was reading an email while driving). Unable to forgive himself for what he has done Ben sees the only solution for redemption as giving new life to seven other people - total strangers.
To do this he steals his brother's identity as an agent working for the IRS and searches out seven people in need of something that will totally transform their lives. For one person this is his house - allowing her to escape an abusive relationship, for the others it is some kind of medical transplant - kidneys, bone marrow, eyes, heart ... As the film unfolds it becomes clear that these people are going to be helped, but only following Ben's death - which will occur at the hands or tentacles of Ben's pet box jellyfish - the medically minded among you may have picked up a few flaws in the plan over the last few sentences - but let them go and enjoy!
This film opens up a number of themes for us. I'll mention a few, and leave you to comment...
1) Forgiveness - the issue for Ben was that he was unable to forgive himself for what he had done, and unable to forgive himself it would be impossible to believe that God could forgive. Are there things in our lives that we see as being beyond the forgiveness of God?
2) Redemption - In order to put things right Ben believes he has to do something. The wonder of Jesus' teaching (and the stumbling block for so many of us) is that there is nothing that we can do - except rely totally on Jesus' death for us.
3) Grace - Each of the people in the film were left wondering 'why me?' They were previously unknown to Ben, yet he chose them. God's love is a gift to us. His forgiveness - gift. Peace - gift. It is all a gift, it is all undeserved. That's grace. And as Ben writes to one of the people he helped, 'If you're wondering 'why me?' - just stop'. That's a question we will never be able to answer - other than to wonder at the love of God.
There is a lot more I could write, but I need to go and get some lunch!
The story in this film is not told chronologically, and to be honest it took me most of the film to actually work out what was going on - but don't let that put you off, it doesn't spoil the film - you know something is going on, you just can't quite work out what!
[Further warning - what follows gives the plot away - stop reading and go and watch the film and come back later!]
The story revolves around the central character Ben Thomas. Ben was responsible for a traffic accident in which seven people, including his wife, were killed (he was reading an email while driving). Unable to forgive himself for what he has done Ben sees the only solution for redemption as giving new life to seven other people - total strangers.
To do this he steals his brother's identity as an agent working for the IRS and searches out seven people in need of something that will totally transform their lives. For one person this is his house - allowing her to escape an abusive relationship, for the others it is some kind of medical transplant - kidneys, bone marrow, eyes, heart ... As the film unfolds it becomes clear that these people are going to be helped, but only following Ben's death - which will occur at the hands or tentacles of Ben's pet box jellyfish - the medically minded among you may have picked up a few flaws in the plan over the last few sentences - but let them go and enjoy!
This film opens up a number of themes for us. I'll mention a few, and leave you to comment...
1) Forgiveness - the issue for Ben was that he was unable to forgive himself for what he had done, and unable to forgive himself it would be impossible to believe that God could forgive. Are there things in our lives that we see as being beyond the forgiveness of God?
2) Redemption - In order to put things right Ben believes he has to do something. The wonder of Jesus' teaching (and the stumbling block for so many of us) is that there is nothing that we can do - except rely totally on Jesus' death for us.
3) Grace - Each of the people in the film were left wondering 'why me?' They were previously unknown to Ben, yet he chose them. God's love is a gift to us. His forgiveness - gift. Peace - gift. It is all a gift, it is all undeserved. That's grace. And as Ben writes to one of the people he helped, 'If you're wondering 'why me?' - just stop'. That's a question we will never be able to answer - other than to wonder at the love of God.
There is a lot more I could write, but I need to go and get some lunch!
Thursday 23 July 2009
Goliath
Have you ever wondered what Goliath looked like? Well here he is at our Holiday Bible Club, made by all the children on Tuesday.
I'm wondering how much the children will learn about the Bible during the course of the week. So far we've had Daniel mauled by lions, and Goliath is a ten foot giant who can be found in front of the organ at church.
I'm wondering how much the children will learn about the Bible during the course of the week. So far we've had Daniel mauled by lions, and Goliath is a ten foot giant who can be found in front of the organ at church.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
More Lion Kill
Today at our Showstoppers Holiday Bible Club we looked at the story of Daniel in the lions den, with some of the children acting out the story as I read it through. Unfortunately for Daniel our lions were quite fierce and enthusiastic, and apparently didn't know the story, for Daniel was severely mauled on entry into the lions den, and was only saved by the late intervention of an angel, who was quickly inserted into the story at the last moment by the narrator.
Lion Kill
If you are a wildebeest on the African plains there are a few things to bear in mind if you want to survive. Staying with the herd is important, especially if you are slightly weaker, because there is safely in numbers. If you are a young wildebeest or an old wildebeest or sick or injured, you really want to make sure you stay with the herd, because if you get caught, out on your own, you could be in for some serious trouble.
You also need to remember to pay attention, especially if you are walking through tall yellow grass. Tall yellow grass is an ideal hunting ground for lions, and if you, as a wildebeest simply stick your head down and eat grass it won't be long before you yourself become a meal for someone else.
Our reading, this coming Sunday is from 1 Peter 5: 8-14, and it draws out a similar lesson for us as Christians in verse 8,
A Christian who is isolated is a more likely target than the Christian who is part of a church, or house group, Bible study... This is because we are then able to get encouragement and support and prayer from each other. Unfortunately there are many Christians for whom, when things get hard, they feel the church is the last place they will want to be, because of judgemental attitudes, failed expectations... but by isolating themselves from other Christians they make themselves a more likely subject for attack.
A wildebeest who makes a habit of keeping its head down, feeding, is unlikely to grow to a good old age. Likewise, the Christian, who does not keep alert, who does not see what is going on with spiritual eyes, is likely to discover an attack - but only when it is too late to do anything about it.
As we mature as Christians we are able to discern points of attack, sometimes even before they happen, and so we are not caught off guard.
You also need to remember to pay attention, especially if you are walking through tall yellow grass. Tall yellow grass is an ideal hunting ground for lions, and if you, as a wildebeest simply stick your head down and eat grass it won't be long before you yourself become a meal for someone else.
Our reading, this coming Sunday is from 1 Peter 5: 8-14, and it draws out a similar lesson for us as Christians in verse 8,
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.An experienced Wildebeest will know that the lion is going to be out there somewhere and therefore it will do all it can to stay safe. We know, as Christians, that our enemy, the devil, is out there, looking for a way to bring us down and make us more ineffective as disciples of Jesus.
A Christian who is isolated is a more likely target than the Christian who is part of a church, or house group, Bible study... This is because we are then able to get encouragement and support and prayer from each other. Unfortunately there are many Christians for whom, when things get hard, they feel the church is the last place they will want to be, because of judgemental attitudes, failed expectations... but by isolating themselves from other Christians they make themselves a more likely subject for attack.
A wildebeest who makes a habit of keeping its head down, feeding, is unlikely to grow to a good old age. Likewise, the Christian, who does not keep alert, who does not see what is going on with spiritual eyes, is likely to discover an attack - but only when it is too late to do anything about it.
As we mature as Christians we are able to discern points of attack, sometimes even before they happen, and so we are not caught off guard.
Friday 17 July 2009
Please feed the fish and say 'hi'
If you're passing through please scroll down a little and feed the fish - they do have quite an appetite. Also feel free to leave a comment and say 'hi'.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Me, me, me, me,me
When you have young children you get used to hearing 'it's mine' quite often. But many people, as they get older, still imagine that the world revolves around them - it's all about me. Pride is the cause of so much tension in church. This Sunday we are looking at 1 Peter 5:1-7, which reminds us of the importance of humility and of God's opposition to the proud.
Peter's words are directed to those who he describes as shepherds of the flock, and then to the flock. And this Sunday I am not preaching. So looking forward to receiving from these verses.
Peter's words are directed to those who he describes as shepherds of the flock, and then to the flock. And this Sunday I am not preaching. So looking forward to receiving from these verses.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Alpha and Omega
Been to music practice earlier where we were introduced to a new song, Alpha and Omega by Israel Houghton.
Monday 13 July 2009
First Fruits
Here it is - the first fruit from my garden this year - one raspberry - and it tasted pretty good too. A few other raspberries may be ready soon, a couple of tomatoes are forming, the lettuce is almost ready to start picking - but the sweet corn is only knee high - what's going on there?
Saturday 11 July 2009
Codex Sinaiticus
Have you ever wondered what one of the oldest Christian Bibles looks like. Codex Sinaiticus was handwritten well over 1600 years ago, and the manuscript contains the Christian Bible in Greek, including the oldest complete copy of the New Testament. And now it is available online at http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/
You may be interested to take a look even if you don't understand a word of Greek.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
A Bucket full of Love
Given the option of knowing exactly when you were going to die would you want to, or not? According to Morgan Freeman in The Bucket List, 96% of people would say 'no'.
But often when we are confronted with our own mortality things come into a sharper focus than before. Suddenly there are things that we want to do with the time we have left.
In 1 Peter 4:7-11 Peter passes on some instructions to his readers about what their priorities should be given that the end is near. None of us can be sure when the end will be. We may think we have another 20, 30, 40 years or more, but we don't know what is just around the corner. The Bible also tells us that time will come to an end - but it doesn't tell us when that will be.
But Peter wants us to live as if it could be today. And the most important thing, he says, above all else, no matter what else you think you need to do, is to love each other deeply. And this is only possible when we have already accepted the love that God has for us. We have been forgiven so much - and therefore we love each other, and allow that love to cover a multitude of sins.
See the best in people this week, rather than suspect the worst. Put the needs of others before your own needs. Be generous and big hearted. Do something kind and unexpected for someone.
But often when we are confronted with our own mortality things come into a sharper focus than before. Suddenly there are things that we want to do with the time we have left.
In 1 Peter 4:7-11 Peter passes on some instructions to his readers about what their priorities should be given that the end is near. None of us can be sure when the end will be. We may think we have another 20, 30, 40 years or more, but we don't know what is just around the corner. The Bible also tells us that time will come to an end - but it doesn't tell us when that will be.
But Peter wants us to live as if it could be today. And the most important thing, he says, above all else, no matter what else you think you need to do, is to love each other deeply. And this is only possible when we have already accepted the love that God has for us. We have been forgiven so much - and therefore we love each other, and allow that love to cover a multitude of sins.
See the best in people this week, rather than suspect the worst. Put the needs of others before your own needs. Be generous and big hearted. Do something kind and unexpected for someone.
Monday 6 July 2009
Well fed
Yesterday we had our International Sunday and after the service we really enjoyed a lunch together with food from many parts of the world. It was good to try some new things, and listen to people enthusing about dishes from their own country and encouraging others to try a bit. I was certainly well fed by the end.
We had 21 nationalities represented, and in rough west to east order they were:
USA, Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tobago, Grenada, St. Helena, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, England, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Heaven is going to be filled with people from every nation (Revelation 7:9), and one of the images used in the New Testament is of a great feast (e.g. Luke 14:15-24) - so it is good to get some practice in now!
We had 21 nationalities represented, and in rough west to east order they were:
USA, Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tobago, Grenada, St. Helena, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, England, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Heaven is going to be filled with people from every nation (Revelation 7:9), and one of the images used in the New Testament is of a great feast (e.g. Luke 14:15-24) - so it is good to get some practice in now!
Saturday 4 July 2009
International Sunday
This Sunday is our International Sunday - one day in the year when we make a special effort to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity that comes with a multi-cultural congregation. So what sort of things do we have planned for tomorrow? Hopefully there will be some who come in their national dress. We will sing some songs in languages other than English. We will acknowledge every country represented by name, and encourage the children to colour the relevant flags. And to round everything off we are having lunch together, and everyone has been encouraged to bring a national dish, which will have a flag in it, so (if we know our flags) we can know where it has come from.
So why do we have an International Sunday? Well, I think that multi-cultural church is biblical - where a church exists in a multi-cultural environment, that church should be multi-cultural. And to build a multi-cultural church you have to be intentional. And this Sunday is just one part of that jigsaw.
I don't believe that it is good enough to say, 'I'm colour blind - I don't see colour - I don't think of you as black, white ...' For whilst I am not defined by the colour of my skin, I can't deny who I am - and that is moulded by where I have come from, where I have grown up etc. And therefore it is wrong to think of everyone else as being just like me (and I believe that is often what is under-lying comments like, 'I don't see you as black...'
On International Sunday we acknowledge that we are all different (and this is as true with gender, age, class etc. as well as race) and yet we are all created in the image of God, we are all loved by God, and we are all a vital piece in the bigger picture. God wants to use me and God wants to use you. Wherever we are from we have something to bring to the table that will enrich life for us all.
So why do we have an International Sunday? Well, I think that multi-cultural church is biblical - where a church exists in a multi-cultural environment, that church should be multi-cultural. And to build a multi-cultural church you have to be intentional. And this Sunday is just one part of that jigsaw.
I don't believe that it is good enough to say, 'I'm colour blind - I don't see colour - I don't think of you as black, white ...' For whilst I am not defined by the colour of my skin, I can't deny who I am - and that is moulded by where I have come from, where I have grown up etc. And therefore it is wrong to think of everyone else as being just like me (and I believe that is often what is under-lying comments like, 'I don't see you as black...'
On International Sunday we acknowledge that we are all different (and this is as true with gender, age, class etc. as well as race) and yet we are all created in the image of God, we are all loved by God, and we are all a vital piece in the bigger picture. God wants to use me and God wants to use you. Wherever we are from we have something to bring to the table that will enrich life for us all.
Friday 3 July 2009
How's your Zulu?
This Sunday is our International Sunday, when we make a point of acknowledging and celebrating the diversity within our congregation that comes with our multi-cultural make-up. But more of that later...
One of the songs we're going to be singing is well known - 'We are marching in the light of God'. But there is a verse in this song written in Zulu:
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos'
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos'. (Repeat)
Siyahamba, hamba, Siyahamba, ooh,
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos'. (Repeat)
To help you get your tongue around the words before Sunday listen to the experts in the following video.
One of the songs we're going to be singing is well known - 'We are marching in the light of God'. But there is a verse in this song written in Zulu:
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos'
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos'. (Repeat)
Siyahamba, hamba, Siyahamba, ooh,
Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos'. (Repeat)
To help you get your tongue around the words before Sunday listen to the experts in the following video.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Mr. Potato Head - Part Two
Although we can't know for certain the events surrounding Paul's writing of 1 Corinthians, it may have happened something like this... (the photos are from Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head's recent holiday - making the most of the heat wave).
Narrator: It is the year 55 AD. We arrive, somewhere in
Paul [kneeling, praying]: ... How could they be so stupid? How many times do I have to tell them? God you know how hard I’ve tried with these Christians in
(Mr. Potato Head enjoying a diet coke on the beach)
[Paul gets up and paces the room, clearly agitated and looks at his watch.]
Just look at the time! Where is Sosthenes? You just can’t get the staff these days. We must get that letter in the post by the end of the week, and there is still so much to say. Now where was I…?
[Takes a scroll off the table, and unrolls it and begins to read…]
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good … wisdom … knowledge … faith … healing … miracles … prophecy … discernment … tongues … interpretation … All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Excellent – that seems pretty straight forward and clear – not much that can be misunderstood there. Now, what’s next?
Where is Sosthenes? I’d hoped we could brain storm – I need to find an illustration that emphasises that everyone in the church is important, and that every single one of us has a vital, but different role to play.
[Suddenly there is a commotion at the door, as Sosthenes bursts in, out of breath.]
Sosthenes: Sorry, sorry, sorry – I know I said I’d be here at 7 Paul, but you should have seen the traffic on the ring road. Overturned chariot apparently.
But I did leave a little later than normal, because my nephew is staying and he was showing me a great new toy…
P [cutting in - firmly]: Can we get down to work Sosthenes – I pay you to write, and we need to get this letter done by the end of the week. I talk – you write. Right?
S: But what will they come up with next! I mean Mr. Potato Head. It’s just brilliant.
P: [Getting slightly more irate]. Sosthenes! Will you shut up, get the flip chart out, sit down and get ready to brain storm – please.
[Sosthenes gets the flip chart out, sits down, unrolls a scroll and gets out a pen]
[Paul positions himself by the flip chart]
P: Right that’s better: [pause – deep breath] now I need some kind of illustration to show how within the church everyone is important and has a vital but different role to play.
S: Before we start hadn’t we’d better…[cut off by Paul who completes the sentence…]
P: Pray – I’ve already done that – whilst waiting for you…
S: No, I was going to suggest: hadn’t we better take a look at Mr. Potato Head – I brought him along, but I had to promise my nephew I’d bring him back before tea time. If you don’t see him now, you may not get another chance.
[As talking Sosthenes takes out a bag and reveals Mr. Potato Head].
[Paul sits opposite Sosthenes and leans across the table]
P: Sosthenes – read my lips – I’M … NOT … INTERESTED … IN … MR. … POTATO … HEAD.
S: But look – you can fix his arms here, or here, and if you get more than one set you can fix more than 2 arms, and then eyes where you like – it’s just brilliant. My nephew plays with this for hours.
P [with head in hands]: Sosthenes – do I look the slightest bit interested in Mr. Potato Head. What a stupid idea. What’s the point of having 4 arms – where are the legs going to go, and without legs how’s he going to stand up…And if he’s all eyes how’s he going to hear – he needs his arms in the right place, his legs in the right place, his eyes in the right place, his ears in the right place…
[Suddenly Paul jumps to his feet]
P: Sosthenes – you’re a genius – give him to me and get writing…
[Paul takes Mr. Potato Head and paces the room and starts to dictate…]
(Mrs. Potato Head enjoying the sun - safely)
P: You know that Mr. Potato Head is made up of many parts: arms, legs, eyes, ears, nose, moustache…and yet he is still one body. Now imagine what would happen if an eye decided it wanted to be an ear – how would Mr. Potato Head see where he was going? Or if Mr. Potato Head was covered in eyes how would he hear anything or smell anything? Mr. Potato Head needs every part to be in the right place doing what it does best – eyes seeing, ears hearing, nose smelling…
Right Sosthenes – read that back to me – let’s see how it flows…
Narrator: And so with some further editing Paul and Sosthenes finished their letter to the Corinthians. Unfortunately Mr. Potato Head lost out in the redacting process.
You are my World
On Sunday we're going to be introducing a new song at church - so get ahead of the game by watching this video from Hillsongs.
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