You can’t have missed the fact that the Poms have been out in the dismal London rain (I believe they call it “summer”) celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. And if there’s one thing the Poms know how to do – it’s pomp and ceremony.
But all that celebrating got me to thinking. What would our world look like if those of us who are subjects of the King of Kings, celebrated Him, the way the British are celebrating their Queen?
Okay – so have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptised? A perfect Jesus who has never sinned, who then submits to John the Baptist’s baptism of repentance.
At first, it doesn’t make sense … that is until we realise that God is saying something really, really important to us through this one, powerful act of submission by the Son of God.
As Pentecost Sunday comes and goes again for another year, I wonder if this isn’t a good time to ask you a question, about the Holy Spirit and you. So – here it is:
Have you received the promised Holy Spirit yet?
It’s a question straight out of Scripture. And the answer is going to make a world of difference in your life. Here’s why:
Have you ever had a crazy ridiculous dream? So way out? So weird? On the one hand in your heart of hearts you believe it’s from God. On the other, it’s so … out there … that you’re afraid to tell anyone, in case they think you’re smoking dope.
Well – here’s mine. I’d love to hear yours …
Friends, Romans, countrymen … lend me your ears.
That was Mark Anthony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar – calling the people to listen to him after the assassination of big Juli.
Hmm. I wonder how he’d get on today. Because listening these days, is something of a lost art. We’re all so busy. There are so many voices shouting at us. So mostly, we just tune out.
And yet listening is at the very least, one half of the equation in engaging in genuine communication. So if no one’s listening, well …we have something of a problem. Do ya think?!
It’s tragically sad but true, that most Christians are hell bent (!) on squandering the new life that Jesus died and rose again to bring them.
Statistically – based on the research I reported on in a recent blog – the one thing, the only thing that strongly correlates with radically reduced sin and radically transformed lives, is engaging with God’s Word four times a week or more.
And most Christians don’t. Why?
Mostly it’s because we don’t know how to engage with the Bible in a life-changing way.
But that’s all about to change!
On the 14th of May, 2012, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, was awarded the Templeton Prize, one of the world’s richest individual prizes valued at around $USD 1.8 million.
The award was given for: his work in encouraging scientific research and harmony among religions. It was presented inside St Paul’s cathedral in London, after Buddhist monks spent time chanting and worshipping in God’s house.
So … how could the church get it so wrong? Well, here’s how:
Last week I attended a presentation by Arnie Cole, CEO of Back to the Bible and the Center for Bible Engagement, on a major piece of research conducted across Australia (and the USA). The research set out to discover what, if anything, of all the things we do as an expression of our Christian faith (going to church, worshipping, praying, listening to sermons, attending home groups … apparently they came up with a list of 150 things!) has a positive impact on our spiritual growth.
Not a bad question. Would it surprise you to know that of all those things we do, only one made a measurable and dramatic difference? That’s right, just one!
Of course she’s gonna love the flowers.
But there’s something else she’d much rather have this Mother’s Day.
More than a quick phone call or an email. More than a special lunch, a box of chocolates or bunch of flowers. More even, than a surprise visit.
Much more …
Well, this blog post comes from the Christian Media Australia annual conference on the Gold Coast Queensland. It’s a time when many of those who serve the Lord in the media come together to learn, to “network” and to grow.
That’s great. But the thing that’s really struck me afresh this year, is that the greatest thing for me at these conferences is catching up with old friends. People I’ve worked with “in the trenches” over the years.
Doesn’t sound very “missional” does it? Until you realise that the Bible has a lot to say about … friends.
All my life (until recently) I’ve struggled with my weight. It seems that all I have to do to gain a kilogram is to inhale deeply whilst walking past a fish ‘n chips shop. (That is until about 8 weeks ago).
A few weeks back now the 60 Minutes program in Australia ran a segment which heralded the discovery of the fat gene. Their conclusion? There’s nothing you can do about it – just enjoy being fat.
So – I need your help. Can I ask you to watch the video of their segment linked in this post and tell me, does it represent …
(a) bad journalism,
(b) bad science,
(c) all of the above, or
(d) none of the above?
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