Harvest Time? Ants and Grasshoppers Luke 12

But what if it really said....

If you are nor dancing,

If you are not singing God's praises;

You are not really living at all.

So don't be fooled by the "wise"

• Your purpose is not "to survive".
• Your purpose is not "to be self sufficient"
• Your purpose is not "to leave a legacy".
• Your purpose is "to seek His Kingdom" Luke 12:21

How will you "seek His Kingdom"?

Some have rejected the received wisdom of the time in which they lived and determined to make things better.

This celebration of those who fought fascism in Spain reads "Better to die on your feet than to live forever on your knees." 

Robert Owen set up a new community at New Lanark to allow mill workers to escape the "dark satanic mills" that seemed essential for wealth creation. 

People can make things better if they seek the Kingdom of God - by which I mean - wherever God has his way and everything comes right.

Amen and Alleluia!

Look around you wherever you are and see what you can say "Amen!" to. Amen as in "I agree, I recognize that as being in harmony with God's kingdom, Lets have more or that!"

Look around and notice, really notice, anything that you cannot say "Amen " to, Its not in harmony with God's kingdom. Then ask what you can do to change it - and do something.

And when you see the Kingdom of God coming, as Jesus taught us always to pray, then say, shout, sing out "Alleluia!" as a witness to God's glory in that place.

For

If you are nor dancing,

If you are not singing God's praises;

You are not really living at all.

And when Jesus says "Seek his kingdom and these things will be given you as well", He means it.

Look out for the Amen and Alleluia this week.

Angry?

Mark 11:11-17 What's it all about? 

Mark 11:11-17New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Jesus curses a fig-tree and clears the temple courts

12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig-tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree,‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it.

15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it “a den of robbers”

We are looking at 3 target areas to make our church more healthy.

Real Hospitality - New Housing Areas - Relevant Worship all to improve our Need Oriented Evangelism. We call them Heart, Home & Heaven. This is about the life of Heaven – Relevant Worship.

Figs and fiddlers.

Jesus being unfair? Jesus being angry? What's going on?

How relevant are these two stories if you don't like figs or do gardening or if you don't pay to get into the cathedral anyway?

But what if we ask about what you do with your anger?

Who are you angry with and why? 

What makes you angry?- really. Think about your last outburst- 

Losing things when in a rush. Kids being awkward or defiant. Being cut up or tailgated.

Someone not texting or turning up. Plastic wrapping that you can't undo. The boss. The taxman. Waiting for the NHS. These are not Jesus' issues.

Figs

No fruit. No sign of fruit. This is about using resources with no result. This is not the life of heaven. Not how the creator designed it. Jesus kills it. This is not punishment or retribution it is action to remedy a wrong.

Fiddlers

Corruption. Exploitation. Dishonesty. Power in the hands of the mercenary. Worship controlled by those who are not worshiping. Jesus drives them out of the temple. This is not punishment or retribution it is action to remedy a wrong.

The things that should make us angry are the things that made Jesus angry.

People and structures that use up resources with no positive results. Waste, whether it is leaking water mains or an endless cycle of military or economic repression. Regulation ostensibly to protect people's health which leads to food being destroyed at the end of the day rather than being given to those who are starving. Where can we cut out this waste as Jesus cut out the fruitless fig tree.

Worship is relevant when it allows us to bring as much as we know of ourselves to as much as we know of God.

Can anger be part of worship? If we look at something and think “No! That's not right!” then we are shining the light of heaven onto it. When we say “This has to change!” we are pronouncing heavens judgement. And when we say “This is how we will change it” then we are bringing in the kingdom of God. That is relevant worship.

We need to bring our anger to God and ask: does this make you angry too Lord? How do I respond in my righteous anger? Well Jesus didn't hang about- he acted.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger” Act not for punishment or retribution but act to remedy a wrong. Then anger can be worship too.

How To Be A Father. How To Be A Child. Hosea 11

Hosea 11:1-4, Jn 3:1-17

11 ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him,
    and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 But the more they were called,
    the more they went away from me.
They sacrificed to the Baals
    and they burned incense to images.
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
    taking them by the arms;
but they did not realise
    it was I who healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
    with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
    a little child to the cheek,
    and I bent down to feed them

This week's question: Do You Believe in God the Father?

What do Father's do?

They love you. v1 - When a new father is presented with the baby in the delivery room the response should not be “It's a bit red”, “They all look alike to me” or “Ugh!” but “Wow!” (free advice for new fathers..)

They call you out. v1 – A bit old fashioned perhaps - and I am aware that mothers can do "fathering" and fathers "mothering" too but Mothering = gather in, reassure, Fathering = encourage, draw out, challenge.

They get rejected. v2 – parenting is painful. You wanted independence? You got it!

They teach you to walk. v3 – develop coordination, strength, security, independence. Hold two hands (Oh the backache) then one hand, then stand off like a slip fielder....

They heal you. v3 – inevitable  bumps and scrapes, forgiveness, saving and guarding

They lead you with Love  v4 – not coercion or fear of punishment but approval, example, celebration

They hold you close. v4 – accepting your mess and valuing you. Roger a young missionary in an African shamba where the amimals were brought in for the night and the resulting dung was prized for building material and fuel so stored in a  midden, saw his toddler -with the family  all dressed ready for church - fall  full length into the stinking morrass. What did the father do? Heedless of his sunday best suit he runs and picks up the besmirched child and holds him in his arms to comfort him. That's much more important to the father than his own dignity.

They feed you as a priority. v4 – going hungry, eating healthily

Look - This is your God. He is that sort of Father.

Do you believe in your Father? That's the question.

Some people have earthly fathers who exist – but are not present or not trustworthy physically, emotionally or spiritually. Our view of God may be skewed by our experience. Do we believe in a heavenly Father?

Is God Present To You?

Hosea says that the people have stopped knowing that He is with them. They didn't respond when he called. They didn't think that healing came from him. Many of us go through times when we think and act as if we are on our own. Do you?

Is God Trustworthy?

Hosea says that God is faithful but the people are faithless. Like Hosea's wife. Hosea was told to marry a harlot – Gomer. She was consistently unfaithful. But Hosea had to stay loyal and welcome her back as a picture of how God loves his wayward children. That's how he loves you and me. He is utterly dependable. Utterly trustworthy. Utterly present. Nothing you have done can stop his loving you.

Is He Father To You?

Will you hear his voice and respond? Will you dare to walk – risk falling? Will you acknowledge that He has healed you and will continue to do so? Will you be led by His love – or insist on chains or separation?

Are you Child to Him?

Do you know yourself to be “born from above”? Held cheek to cheek? Sustained?

Is your Spirit alive and kicking?

In John 3 Nicodemus came in the dark – literally and spiritually. A rumour brought him. A question. And he found his way in the dark to Jesus. Jesus gently leads him into the light of understanding. He says “really you understand these things already. Think about it. Its what you have been teaching”. Most of us pilgrimage into faith. Its not a flash in the pan. Jesus wants Nicodemus to see that he is a child, born of God, God is a Father to him.

This is the God who loves you – who loves everyone – so much that he gave his only begotten son so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

If God Made Everything Good How Come Its All Pants? Rom 8:18-25

Rom 8:18-25

If “All things were made by him and for him” – why is it all such a mess?

3 options – like when you order something from Amazon and it arrives in bits.....

1. It was rubbish in the first place
2. It was OK but someone spoilt it.
3. This is a kit! You have to make it yourself after all.

But these are wrong! God saw “It was good!” not “Watch some swine spoil it” OR “OOPS!” or “OK, so far so good – I wonder what happens next?”

So option d) It is all part of a bigger plan.

Simple Answer b)

God made it Good.

The Devil comes and spoils it (with our help)

Jesus comes to put everything right again.

“To every complex and difficult question there is a simple and straightforward answer – and it’s wrong!” . There are too many unanswered questions in this picture. If all things were made by him – where did the devil, or the rebelliousness in the spiritual being, come from? If Jesus merely returns things to their original state – a sort of heavenly “Restore” disc - is everything that happens since merely wiped out?

Beware the simple answer!

Complex answer d)

God made it good “Fit for Purpose” – What purpose?

Fit for the unveiling of “The Sons of God” – creatures who would bear the image of the invisible God in their hearts and minds and bodies.

Creative, Just, Loving, Open, Joyful, Merciful, Redeeming.

Paul’s view of creation is like the Dragonfly – a pure start – a rapacious development – a season of frustration – and a glorious liberation.

“the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it”. Creation was not allowed to develop without the children of God”

Somehow the process of rebellion, repentance, forgiveness and restoration are part of God’s plan, not just for us, but for all of creation. We are not colossae striding a stage, we are intricately connected to the rest of creation. When we care for it, we are caring for ourselves. When we destroy it, we are destroying ourselves. When we turn back to God in repentance and receive salvation, we are bringing salvation to God’s creation too. “The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth” . Creation is the womb of the children of God and we, as part of it, share in that birthing experience as we await the redemption of our very bodies.

Do not be downhearted or dismayed – “trust in God. Trust also in me”. Jn 14.

Sin and the dirty jumper. Eph 4:17-end

Amos 2:6‘For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent.

They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.
Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name.
8 They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge.
In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines

Eph 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. 26 ‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

What's So Bad About Sin?

An arrow missing the target is a “sin”. Missing the target. At least they tried?

What do we get so het up about? As last week it is about At-one-ment – being at one with God and with all his children.

Sins?

What are they? In Hosea sin= treating the poor as a sub-human resource to be exploited for personal advantage. When those who are troublesome to us become “them”. When we generalise unscrupulously - “They're all the same”. In Ephesus that greed shows up in immorality – it is treating other people as being there for our personal gratification. Churchyard bag snatch.This week a 90 year old lady had her bag snatched by a youth in our churchyard. How could anyone live with themself who did such a thing? 

In these cases Sin is not offending against some arbitrary deontological law. It is not a rebellion against God and His authority. It is the effect on those around us that matters, says the prophet.

Sins?

What's the effect? I don't mean the effect on those whom we sin against. I mean the effect on us who sin. Sin will harden hearts and darken understanding – Eph 4:18. We develop a loss of spiritual sensitivity. We become dominated by our appetite. Even Christians who have been set free from the law of sin and death are enslaving themselves again to sin when they succumb to its blandishments. There is a foolish moment when we, knowing that what we about to do is wrong, go ahead because we know deep down that we can be forgiven. Yes we can. But that sin has an effect upon us and our ability to maintain a close relationship with God. If you sleep awkwardly your arm will be uncomfortable and you will wake up. If not it will go dead – and then not hurt at all. When you wake it gradually come to life with pins and needles – painful. Maybe you wish it were numb again? Sin is like that. Painful to wake up to. Tempting to go back to. Deadening. Deadly.

Sinlessness: Christ is our norm. Eph 4:25-32 We are to know At-one-ness with Him.

You may not snatch anyone's bag. But what weakness or foible or character trait do we excuse in ourselves? Where have we given up the fight?

John B had a dirty jumpers. The curate's direct action. Here's a new jumper. Put it one and give me the old one. Its going in the bin! Have you got used to an old familiar dirty jumper.

Take off old ways - like a soiled jumper. You need an intention. You need to struggle. You need a new jumper! A renewed way of thinking.

A rule of thumb:

Old way                                     New way

appetite                                      God?

False                                          True.

Anger                                         Forgiveness.

Steal                                           Work.

Badmouth                                  Blessing.

Weigh every action and decision. Sin gives a hold to Satan – and he is tenacious.

Put on a new jumper!

At-one-ment. Hebrews 2

At-one-ment.
Identification? Heb 2

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
12 He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.’
13 And again, ‘I will put my trust in him.’
And again he says, ‘Here am I, and the children God has given me.’
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death– that is, the devil 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.



125 if that is the answer – what is the question? (vox pop) (5*25), (no of times a man has to be asked to put the bins out), pairs of shoe under the average lady's bed....

ANS: Number of under 18's involved in All Saints Church!
“Look what God is doing and do it with Him”- the Jesus model of discipleship. If this is what God is doing – how are you doing it with Him? Prayer? Finance? Refreshments? Promotion? Participation? Leadership..... Gift Oriented Ministry. Good News M&M am – Muriel, Frank & Edwina. Who is God calling to be the church leader in the morning instead of me?
Do you identify with this? 

Identification?
Hello Mr Jones. Nice to see you as always. Regular as clockwork you are – every Thursday. How is Mrs Jones? Her lumbago? Will you be at the Whist Drive on Saturday? Good. How are the grandchildren...and Sophie? Gosh is she really 16 already. I remember her on her scooter! Right. Pension is it? I don't have to ask do I? Now – do you have 3 forms of identification....! It's more than knowing, or even proving, who you are.

Jesus Identifies With Us
What does it mean when you identify with someone? The Football Shirt. The Cross. The Nikab. The Turban. Not only that you want to advertise your beliefs and your belonging; but also that you accept whatever comes as a consequence of that – good and bad. Colours to the mast.
So on the Candlemas we remember that Jesus does this. He identifies with us. Heb 2:10 reminds us that God's plan is to bring “many sons and daughters to glory” “Many” here does not mean “quite a few” or even “a large number” it means the majority - everyone who will. Hoi polloi (Ancient Greek:οἱ πολλοί, hoi polloi, "the many"), is an expression from Greek that means the many or, in the strictest sense, the majority. In English, it means the working class, commoners, the masses or common people in a derogatory sense. Synonyms for hoi polloi which also express the same or similar contempt for such people include "the great unwashed", "theplebeians" or "plebs", "the rabble", "riffraff", "the herd", "the proles" and "peons" . He identifies with us “perfectly” by suffering the deepest separation for us so that we can know that God our heavenly Father is “in Christ reconciling the world to himself” 2 Cor 5:19. We are the same family (v11).

Jesus Shares All Our Humanity.
Here we have “sons and daughters” explicit – not just assumed. Here we have “children” not just adults explicit. He shares “flesh and blood” , the awareness of death and the debilitating power of it. Hebrews says He had to be made like us in every way so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Without this experiential knowledge he might not be merciful – losing patience with the weak. He might not be faithful – bailing out when the going gets tough or the fruit is uncertain.
Lets talk about children. Its not easy bringing them up. They are not all the same. We are not all perfect parents. We teach bad habits and are too lax or too severe (sometimes both at the same time!). Our children fill us with joy and pride – but also with despair and disgust (sometimes at the same time!). We should all understand. We've all been children even if we haven't been parents. But we are not always merciful – sometimes judgemental. Take care! And we are not always faithful – we can opt out. Take care! When we welcome children we are welcoming people who have just as much right to be here as adults – and just as much responsibility to act appropriately – not to the building, but to their own age and development. But we, as their family, are here to help them and their parents to know that they are loved and accepted - and protected and corrected by that family. We are all to “take care”. This is the common humanity that Jesus shares and elevates to heaven.

Jesus frees those who are powerless.
World views change. Its not that they are better, just different. Today in the affluent west we are desperate to hold onto the world view that says that we are in control – and its corollary, that we are responsible. Every action has a reaction. From homelessness following drugs and gambling to global warming following poor insulation – its all out own fault. Well, if not mine then yours. The old idea of sacrifice to pay for your sins is not so useful for us. The idea of some external spiritual enemy who is active for our harm is not so palatable. So how in this world view does someone make atonement for sin? At-one-ment. An action at great cost to one person that enables relationship between two others to be made whole again perhaps the “peace-maker” model. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
When children and young people come into a church they bring a challenge. Perhaps not intentionally, but effectively. There are issues of content, of behaviour, of noise, of sensitivity. Can we look at them as human beings with whom Jesus identifies. Can we look at their parents and carers in that way? Can we ask what God is doing in their lives and seek to do that with Him? Then, as we try to help and support, to value and encourage, to teach and to celebrate then we will find by some alchemy of God's grace that we know that He is helping and supporting, valuing and encouraging, teaching and celebrating us too.


How do I do what God is doing here?
We have been given at-one-ment with God through Jesus. So we must try to help others to experience at-one-ment with us, in the community, with Jesus themselves. The more we give this away – the more we will have; in our church, our community, our hearts and minds.
Welcome. Befriend. Help. Enjoy. Encourage, Walk with. Guide. Share. Love.
Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’

Foolishness or Power? 1 Cor 1:10-18

1 Cor 1:10=19 The power of God.

v18 says “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Paul is dealing with Corinthians self congratulation. They do Power and Spectacular. Their services have Tongues, Prophecy, Hundreds of People, A Party! But its all getting a bit Competitive. Who’s being most
right. Pick your teacher. Its probably not just personalities but selective priorities or teachings. Is Paul more happy clappy? Is Apollos more intellectual? Is Peter more Catholic? Is Christ more Gnostic? Come! Join the
biggest and best. Its spiritual Consumerism. Ring any bells with our churches?
How much is church about what I get out of it?
We are brought up with choices. We educate our children to make wise choices. Decide what you want.
List your priorities and goals. Do the research. Look for the right product at the right price. Consider delivery charges, credit options, aftercare provision. Look at the reviews for product and company. Check on ebay. (Buy it from Amazon in the end of course!). It’s sensible. But it is a tyranny. It depends on being rich enough to have those choices. When people are excluded from this they are sometimes driven into the hands of the pay day loan companies, into debt, into despair because society says that being human means making these choices..
How much are we dictated to by what society says is wise?
Another way: Pilgrimage. Pilgrimage breaks with the tyranny of choices. Seize the blessing of the day. God has provided can I accept it? To this is to make yourself intentionally weak. To let go of control. To reject multiple choices. To trust in God. To be foolish. You could come to a sticky end. If I were brave enough I would have undertaken my Pilgrimage without booking anything maybe God will provide a safe place to camp in the middle of Glasgow? But I’m not. So I’ll miss the excitement. That’s my loss. Am I wise or foolish? Jesus walked where the Father told him to go and look what happened to him. it was foolish perhaps? Yet he was not foolhardy. He hid. He bound people to silence. He waited until the times were right in the Father’s plan.
Are we being wise or foolish in our planning?
Offensive gospel. “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” but only because they do not know that they are perishing. It seems foolish to leave the deck of the unsinkable Titanic for a half  swamped, overcrowded, tossing, miniscule lifeboat. Unless you’ve seen how the film ends. What is the “message of the cross?”
a) Grace, Jesus died for me in a cosmic act that defeated death itself for us all. Corinth got this.
b) Self-sacrifice, Jesus left us an instruction and an example. “Love one another as I have loved you” How much? “This much” says the cross. As for as I can reach. Now we have to love like that. Corinth didn’t get this.
Do we “get” this message of self-sacrifice?
Who are you sacrificing yourself for?
Is it Wisdom or Foolishness?
A new way of thinking is required and enabled by the cross.
A response and change is required and enabled by the cross.
Metanoia (Repentance)  is not just about turning away from the old ways its going forward, empowered, in the new. Self sacrifice not self preservation is the way of love, the way of power.
Are you wanting to walk in power? Then embrace God’s wisdom however foolish it seems.

How do broken people get to encounter Jesus ?

John 1:43-en.  Epiphany 2 2014

How do broken people get to encounter Jesus ?

Other Gospels show the disciples dropping their nets and following Jesus instantly. John describes a more gradual process. When two of John the Baptist's disciples grew curious, Jesus invited them to come and spend a day with him. Soon, they were ready to tell others what they had seen and heard. John the Baptist sees Jesus and says “Behold!” – but he was his cousin wasn't he and he’s been at the baptism. He’s had time to think about it.

So Andrew and John followed. Jesus sees them following …he says, “Come and See”

Andrew gets his brother and so Peter joins in too. Jesus goes to Andrew & Peter’s town where Jesus found Philip. Philip finds Nathaniel and Nathaniel meets Jesus.

There are connections – human relationships – a chain of them.

That is still the most common way that people get to encounter Jesus.

That web of relationships is what is designed to hold the world, society, and the kingdom together. And it can be what holds it together when things get broken.

This world can be a place of brokenness.

Broken bodies, relationships, minds, ethics, hopes and dreams. It's painful. But not inescapable. Not hopeless.

The Bible says that God is one who “forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases” Psalm 103v3.

We believe that Jesus came and lived life here both to demonstrate and to achieve that.

We believe that Jesus is risen and alive today. And He still brings healing through this web of relationships – our relationships - His church. Because we have this web both within the fellowship of the church – but also our families, friends, neighbours, workmates, acquaintances and those we meet almost at random. When we meet with those in need then God is providing them with – a touching place. They may not be able yet to perceive God – but they can meet you.

People often get a bit broken. We're a bit broken ourselves. We'd love to pray with them for our broken world – Body, Mind, Spirit or Society. To provide A TOUCHING PLACE. “God makes with His friends a touching place....”  (see below) Our Healing Team have been asking “What common issues of brokenness affect our community and Church that we can offer prayer for healing for?” A specifically targeted opportunity for people to respond confidentially in prayer.

We must pray for the Spirit to guide us we can identify particular issues for which we can offer prayer and support. Then we can offer an evening for people to come, hear some teaching about God's love, his support and His power to heal in these very situations.

Philip couldn't answer Nathaniel's questions. Peter didn't know that Philip would be at home. Andrew didn't know that his brother would be interested. John was intending to follow John the Baptist that day. The Baptist knew that his job was to make the path straight for Jesus.

They made the network.

Jesus said “Come and see”. Not only “find out” but “have your eyes opened” and be made whole. God calls us to be a touching place. Let us pray....

John L. Bell & Graham Maule.

Copyright © 1989 WGRG, Iona Community.

CHRIST’S IS THE WORLD in which we move,

Christ’s are the folk we’re summoned to love,

Christ’s is the voice which calls us to care,

And Christ is the One who calls us here.

To the lost Christ shows His face;

To the unloved He gives His embrace:

To those who cry in pain or disgrace,

Christ makes with His friends

A touching place.

Feel for the people we most avoid,

Strange or bereaved or never employed;

Feel for the women, and feel for the men

Who fear that their living is all in vain.

Feel for the parents who’ve lost their child,

Feel for the women whom men have defiled,

Feel for the baby for whom there’s no breast,

And feel for the weary who find no rest.

Feel for the lives by life confused,

Riddled with doubt, in loving abused;

Feel for the lonely heart, conscious of sin,

Which longs to be pure but fears to begin.

(From “Love from Below” Wild Goose Publications 1989)

Your Holiness is Within You.

Your Holiness is within you.  1 Corinthians 1:1-9 19/1/14

Natural Church Development: It is natural for living things to grow and to reproduce.

There are “seasons” when things seem to rest, to regather strength even to die back – but new growth springs forth if life and health remain. What phase are we in in Allesley?

Corinth was blossoming. Paul wants to affirm them and celebrate them but also to equip them for the future. They are not to see the hard times that will contrast so much with their present first flush of revival as a defeat such that they will be wiped out. They are to understand about Sanctification and Faithfulness.

1. Sanctified & Called to be Holy v2

At first glance this is difficult.

Some children like to be dressed (boys?) - some like to do it “by my own self” however long ot takes.

Are we “sanctified” that is “made holy” by Jesus? That's what the gospel of grace says. “By his wounds we are healed” . We are made holy by Jesus. This is not just God turning a blind eye, saying that it does not matter, understanding that we are “only human” and that we have “done our best”. We are not “considered holy” despite appearances. As Christians we believe that God has acted in sacrificial love to make us Holy. e.g. Being cleansed, irradiated, disinfected, purged. This is not our outward state - it is a change in our nature, in our status. So why are we charged then to “be Holy”?

Is Paul's constant message in his letters to the saints that we should live as what we are. There is no excuse for Paul. We are not weak, corrupt, lost, sinners bravely making a doomed attempt to live like Jesus secure in the knowledge that our heavenly Father will swoop down when we fall to stand us up again and comfort us in our inevitable failure. He reminds us that we are called to “be Holy”., to live out the truth that is within us. We no longer need to sin. We simply choose to do so because its easier or more gratifying. We give up this fight too easily. Nothing will compensate for a lack of holiness – not success, not growth, not power, not comfort - in fact none of these things will last if we do not pursue holiness. Holiness is within you.

Churches that are alive are Holy. Without holiness churches die.

2. He will keep you firm to the end....God is faithful v8.

Does this sound like tough stuff? Look around and see who is not living a Holy life. Don't look out – look in. You know. I know. We all know. The Church in Corinth was riding the wave of spiritual excitement. They had tongues and interpretation, miracles and prophecy, growing numbers and people to fall out with. They thought a lot of themselves. If something is growing it must be healthy – yes? But look at those old trees which produce a bumper crop just before they fall in the winter storms, as if they knew what was coming. Paul does not want them to fail. He knows that hardship and persecution is coming, they need to be strengthened. They need to be prepared. In their halcyon days of spiritual summer they need to learn that God is with them also when things get tough. When it all seems to be going wrong “God will keep you firm to the end”. Do not be afraid of seasons of retrenchment. It does not all depend on our stamina. It is God who will sustain us until our end is achieved.

We are faithless all too often. We have out Holy days – but we have our relapses too. We have out times of faith – but we lose faith and confidence sometimes, don't we? But God does not. He is faithful. He does not give up on us. He will bring us – dragged kicking and screaming if necessary – into His holy presence. For we are “made Holy” and we are called to “be Holy”. And where God calls he also enables. He won't let go of you.

Your holiness is within you.