Worth looking at

Excellent blog entry by Mostyn Roberts on the Gay Marriage.

looking for redemption

This Sunday was a trip to London. I preached in the morning, rather unseasonably from Luke 2 about Anna speaking of him (Jesus) to all that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem (v38).
We considered the character of Anna – devoted to God, before thinking of the nature of redemption, which is the act of buying back something that has been lost through the paying of a ransom.

We considered this redemption from the historical point of view in the passover lamb, and were reminded that Jesus gave his life a ransom for many.

It was important to stress the need to be looking for this redemption , and seeking we will find– else we will be eternal lost.

Anna spoke of him – and when it comes to redemption Jesus is the only redeemer. Hence she pointed those looking and expecting to Jesus.

There was no other good enough

to pay the price of sin

He only could unlock the gate

Of heaven and let us in

What to blog and when to blog

I haven't blogged for a while. It is not that my life has become quiet, in fact the opposite. However many of the recent events have in my opinion not been suitable material to expose to a wider audience. It has been a difficult few weeks.
I am surprised a the openness and frankness of some who inhabit this world. They open themselves like a book, exposing many thoughts and feelings. Perhaps I am too private an individual.
Then I wondered how much am I willing to expose to God. Of course I am aware that I can not hide anything from him. But how many of my sins am I willing to confess? How many of my cares and burdens am I willing to bring to the great caring burden barer. Peter tells us that he cares for you..oh but are we willing to trust him. He promises that we will find His strength in our weakness.
Maybe one day I will tell the story of recent days in future years. One thing I know is that his grace is sufficient for me.

Your Fathers good pleasure

On Sunday Morning I preached from Luke 12 v 32. Fear Not little Flock-it is the fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
This verse comes in an exhortation not to be anxious about the supply of our earthly needs. - your father knoweth you have need of these things (v30). Rather we are encouraged to get our priority right and seek the kingdom of God. It is to encourage in our seeking further that Jesus reassures us that God will give us the kingdom.More than this it is our heavenly fathers pleasure to do so.There is no grudging no necessity just his holy pleasure - a good pleasure. As an aged preacher commented recently God wants you in heaven infinitely more than you want to be there And if he gives us this ultimate gift so willingly and lovingly so he will do with lesser gifts. What a wounderful God we have.

Psalm  115:3  But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased

Election 2010 Observation 6

The result of the election and the subsequent fall out have been described as historic, new politics and progressive. There was the time of uncertainty before the government was formed, and there is a nervous anticipation of the future.

My final election observation is we should seek the peace of the land.

Jeremiah wrote to the captives in Babylon as follows.

  And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. Jeremiah 29v7

Election 2010 - Observation 5

Across the UK millions of people have been voting in schools halls and other venues. The system is not perfect, and is open to abuses. Many of those who win will be atheists, antichrists, immoral, and proud of it, and will use their position to oppose christianity.

My fifth observation is that is a privilege to be able to vote which has been fought for and defended with blood, and is of the grace of God.

Let us remember those who risk their lives for such freedoms. Let us remember those who have no say in the selection of their governments. There may come a time when we lose this freedom.

Election 2010 - Observation 4

Nobody can doubt the energy and resolve that most candidates have put into this election campaign, even when they have very little chance of winning. They do very little else, devote all their time, and devote huge resources to persuade us to chose them

Peter tells us to "give diligence make our calling and election sure".

What effort and priority do we give to our eternal destiny?