Last night I was co leading a Bible Study on Mark 8.27-38, and the thing that really struck me (most probably unsurprisingly) is how short I fall of letting God completely rule my life.
Verse 35 of the ESV says: For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel's will save it.
Somebody from my school CU once used the illustration of a 'life pie' to show how we should keep Jesus and his word at the centre of all things. I have blogged about this before, but I myself have been starkly reminded of it since last night.
Uni has given me many challenges already - planning work to be finished to a high standard before the deadline, finding a placement for next year, being a student rep and a small group leader as well as singing in the Choir and living an hour (minimum) from campus.
I'm guessing that the new freshers are probably in a similar situation in that they perhaps could be facing temptation from all that Uni has to offer, and therefore putting God on the back burner. Its very easy to do, no matter how old or wise you are, so keep yourself in check and ask God to guide you each morning through the day.
If you are a fresher reading this, search for my post on Churches and the things to look out for - make sure that you get along to one that's solid and try not to take too long to settle into one.
The passage mentioned above shows us just how much God loves His people, and so the least we can do is 'set our mind on him'. Peter was rebuked by Jesus because he failed to understand what God's plan was, he probably thought that Jesus was going to be some sort of military leader- the general perception of who the Messiah would be at the time. He had come to save them, yes, but not from the Romans. From something so much bigger - a life without God. To do that, he had to die in our place, and so take our sin upon himself, and then rise, leaving us acceptable to God.
Peter completely misunderstood - would you rebuke your friend if he suddenly said he was going to die? I have to say I think I would. More so if Jesus was the Messiah (chosen), who was going to free the Jewish nation.
It is so easy to go with the flow of the world at the moment when lectures are talking about how to make your CV impressive and how to find the best money making job in your sector. Please pray that I may take time out to breathe and let God show me what to do!
After all, he did create everything, including the job I may or may not get, so I'm sure he knows what he is doing :-) !
Questions and comments always welcome.
God bless,
Harry xx
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Hmmmm....
I really am intending to update this blog with lots of things. Thing is that I'm off to work at Cowes Media Centre tomorrow and have just come back from Iwerne Holidays.
Just thought I would ask people what they thought about calling people 'Sir' when greeting them, and when they do not have a title and are not in an institutional setting?
It is supposed to be a mark of respect to your elders, and I agree that it probably would be. However, is it the case that calling somebody 'Sir' in a social context would be discriminating against people of different classes, who may not be greeted with the title.
I know this is making a mountain out of a molehill, but it is bugging me and I would love to know what people's thoughts are from a Christian perspective.
Romans 12.5 "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (NIV)
God bless guys and enjoy the (English) Summer!
Harry x
Just thought I would ask people what they thought about calling people 'Sir' when greeting them, and when they do not have a title and are not in an institutional setting?
It is supposed to be a mark of respect to your elders, and I agree that it probably would be. However, is it the case that calling somebody 'Sir' in a social context would be discriminating against people of different classes, who may not be greeted with the title.
I know this is making a mountain out of a molehill, but it is bugging me and I would love to know what people's thoughts are from a Christian perspective.
Romans 12.5 "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (NIV)
God bless guys and enjoy the (English) Summer!
Harry x
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Its been far too long...
Hi guys,
I am aware that I haven't put stuff on here for AGES - I hope to have a big session doing it after exams, as all of the stuff it still in note form. I may post one or two things up here beforehand though. Hope that alls well, and do get in touch by leaving a comment if you wish.
God bless, Harry
I am aware that I haven't put stuff on here for AGES - I hope to have a big session doing it after exams, as all of the stuff it still in note form. I may post one or two things up here beforehand though. Hope that alls well, and do get in touch by leaving a comment if you wish.
God bless, Harry
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Trusting Gods Word - the Bible. 25.1.09 Grace Church
Today we had the guest service (which I stupidly forgot we were having... :-( )
Nathan talked on Why we should trust the Bible.
He started by pointing out that it was written over 1600 years, by loads of different people including kings, tentmakers, teachers and prophets. It was also written on different continents.
Isnt it a bit far fetched when Lk 24 says things like 'they were kept from seeing him' and 'he disappeared'?
Isnt that the sort of thing that appears in legends?
The NT (New Testament) is far too early to be a legend, and the reason for this is that it was written within 30 years of Jesus walking on the Earth. No one came forward and said it was a sham until about 200 years after the Gospels. By this time, any eye witnesses would have died. This time was also the time that the other 'gospels' were written that contradict the Bible etc, and say differing things about who Jesus is.
Legends would paint the hero in, well, a heroic light - like the hero dying in battle. Rather, Jesus died on the Cross, the most painful death reserved for nasty criminals.
The reason the Bible has these details in is that they are vital to the Lords message.
The detail of the stories in the Bible are too detailed, like the 153 fish that were caught, Jesus sleeping on a cushion, and Jesus doodling in the sand. However, these are in because they really happened. Therefore the Bible is historically accurate.
Unfortunately, our culture tells us to treat the Bible with a pinch of salt. Rather, we should reverse that and take our cultures' teaching with a pinch of salt instead.
The Bible is culturally reliable
- Taking the example of slavery, slaves back then could not really be distinguished from other people. Paul's letter to the Ephesians tells slaves to obey their masters (not parents Nathan! Ha Ha). Doing this would present a good witness to their masters.
This is not because the Bible condones slavery as we know it, but rather because slaves back then were more like employees today. They could buy their freedom, and were not wholly owned (just their skills were owned). They could have sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts etc, and were often professionals.
This is in contrast with the slavery in Victorian times (whole person owned, and treated how the master wishes) - which IS condemned by Gods Word. (Exodus 21.16).
It is easy to misunderstand the Bible on subjects, and looking at the culture of the time can help to explain the Bible's teaching - especially with regards slavery. The word of God would not condone 'Victorian slavery' if God is all loving would it! For that reason, it makes it clear that mistreating a person is wrong.
Chronological Snobbery- I have fallen into this trap before, and Im glad that Nathan pointed it out. This is where our (western) culture says that we are the most technologically advanced culture and therefore we know better than people before us.
I do not disagree that we are more technologically advanced, I am doing a course in IT Management!! I do disagree when it is said that our worldview is correct, and therefore the Bible is outdated. Obviously I disagree, otherwise this blog would not exist.
The Bible's teachings can be categorized into primary and lesser teachings, and knowing which is which can help us see why God has a particular perspective on things. Here, I was going to use sex as the example, because it was the example that Nathan gave. Problem is, I didnt take any notes, and my memory is not great...
If someone was to jump into a swimming pool at the shallow end, they would be worse off than someone who jumped in at the deep end. Obviously - it hurts, cos Ive done it once.
Getting caught up on the lesser teachings of the Bible, like sex, can mean that the main message of salvation is clouded. Get the primary ones clear and then concentrate on understanding the lesser ones! That way the shallow end wont hurt.
The Bible is personally reliable
- Much more than a rule book
- its a story book, and rules are not central to it.
- It speaks of an eternal God who made us the high point of his creation (Genesis 1,2,3).
It also speaks of His plan for us to be his people, where the tension between the created and creator has been rectified (the Cross) for followers.
Through this plan, God can work through the Bible to change our lives - he is with us here.
Its worth noting that in these posts I put on my blog, I do not necessarily reflect/show the speaker's viewpoint on particular issues etc. Message me if you need clarification on something.
God bless, and Im off to LaserQuest!
Harry xx
Nathan talked on Why we should trust the Bible.
He started by pointing out that it was written over 1600 years, by loads of different people including kings, tentmakers, teachers and prophets. It was also written on different continents.
Isnt it a bit far fetched when Lk 24 says things like 'they were kept from seeing him' and 'he disappeared'?
Isnt that the sort of thing that appears in legends?
The NT (New Testament) is far too early to be a legend, and the reason for this is that it was written within 30 years of Jesus walking on the Earth. No one came forward and said it was a sham until about 200 years after the Gospels. By this time, any eye witnesses would have died. This time was also the time that the other 'gospels' were written that contradict the Bible etc, and say differing things about who Jesus is.
Legends would paint the hero in, well, a heroic light - like the hero dying in battle. Rather, Jesus died on the Cross, the most painful death reserved for nasty criminals.
The reason the Bible has these details in is that they are vital to the Lords message.
The detail of the stories in the Bible are too detailed, like the 153 fish that were caught, Jesus sleeping on a cushion, and Jesus doodling in the sand. However, these are in because they really happened. Therefore the Bible is historically accurate.
Unfortunately, our culture tells us to treat the Bible with a pinch of salt. Rather, we should reverse that and take our cultures' teaching with a pinch of salt instead.
The Bible is culturally reliable
- Taking the example of slavery, slaves back then could not really be distinguished from other people. Paul's letter to the Ephesians tells slaves to obey their masters (not parents Nathan! Ha Ha). Doing this would present a good witness to their masters.
This is not because the Bible condones slavery as we know it, but rather because slaves back then were more like employees today. They could buy their freedom, and were not wholly owned (just their skills were owned). They could have sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts etc, and were often professionals.
This is in contrast with the slavery in Victorian times (whole person owned, and treated how the master wishes) - which IS condemned by Gods Word. (Exodus 21.16).
It is easy to misunderstand the Bible on subjects, and looking at the culture of the time can help to explain the Bible's teaching - especially with regards slavery. The word of God would not condone 'Victorian slavery' if God is all loving would it! For that reason, it makes it clear that mistreating a person is wrong.
Chronological Snobbery- I have fallen into this trap before, and Im glad that Nathan pointed it out. This is where our (western) culture says that we are the most technologically advanced culture and therefore we know better than people before us.
I do not disagree that we are more technologically advanced, I am doing a course in IT Management!! I do disagree when it is said that our worldview is correct, and therefore the Bible is outdated. Obviously I disagree, otherwise this blog would not exist.
The Bible's teachings can be categorized into primary and lesser teachings, and knowing which is which can help us see why God has a particular perspective on things. Here, I was going to use sex as the example, because it was the example that Nathan gave. Problem is, I didnt take any notes, and my memory is not great...
If someone was to jump into a swimming pool at the shallow end, they would be worse off than someone who jumped in at the deep end. Obviously - it hurts, cos Ive done it once.
Getting caught up on the lesser teachings of the Bible, like sex, can mean that the main message of salvation is clouded. Get the primary ones clear and then concentrate on understanding the lesser ones! That way the shallow end wont hurt.
The Bible is personally reliable
- Much more than a rule book
- its a story book, and rules are not central to it.
- It speaks of an eternal God who made us the high point of his creation (Genesis 1,2,3).
It also speaks of His plan for us to be his people, where the tension between the created and creator has been rectified (the Cross) for followers.
Through this plan, God can work through the Bible to change our lives - he is with us here.
Its worth noting that in these posts I put on my blog, I do not necessarily reflect/show the speaker's viewpoint on particular issues etc. Message me if you need clarification on something.
God bless, and Im off to LaserQuest!
Harry xx
Cultivating Firm Foundations - 18th Jan 09
Peter Bowley gave a talk at Grace Church on Firm Foundations - Faith, the second of two talks.
The main passage was Hebrews 11-ff.
v6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)
Here are my notes from it:
Faith is required for salvation through justification (Jesus on the Cross), trusting in God for everything is what is required!
God is all loving, all powerful, all wise. This means that we have assurance of salvation if we trust in him. that is: admit our sin, believe in him, commit to following Him.
So if we believe, where in our lives do we show signs of unbelief, and a lack of trust in the Lord?
- focusing on the areas of our life that we show unbelief and offering them to God will strengthen our relationship with him.
Paul writes: "Therefore brothers, in view of God's mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship" Romans 12.1
This of course is a constant challenge for us all, but praying for the Lord for strength through His Spirit will aid us.
I have been a Christian for 4 years now (still a baby, bigtime!) but this does not mean I fully trust God - simply because I am Christian...
Longing for miracles to happen will not increase our trust in God necessarily, as it could create dissatisfaction and therefore a lack of trust in Him.
Pete showed that unbelief comes in many forms:
It can be revealed in your prayer life
- do we believe when we pray that the Lord is all powerful?
- do we pray for big things to happen as well as small 'safe' prayers, in trust?
Not wanting to ask God for too much can be a sign because he is our creator, and so knows our needs. Im guilty of this!
Drinking from the fountain of life is most important - we can honour God in our actions.
Pete said that we expect and ask for a little, which means that we become satisfied with too little. What he is not getting at here is the desire for material things, just to clear that up, but rather the desire for God to work in our lives, and change us. Asking for big things from Him will help mould us into better servants of His.
Being dissatisfied with our design is unbelief because we are not accepting how God made us - he had a unique plan for each one of us.
Accepting the Lord's wisdom can indeed be difficult with the media and what it portrays, but which has the truth?
Poor me... syndrome can come from this because again society and the media can portray pop star lives as being the norm, and what people should have. The scriptures say we should believe in God's love for us - John 3.16. Through faith in Him we will be sustained in our varied and different lives.
Anxiety, fear, depression, sulking, questioning, doubting, worrying and having a lack of joy are all things that I can relate to, and Im sure loads of other people can too.
These stem from unbelief when they do not come from God. Rather than letting these things upset you, be encouraged that all can be found in the Lord, and through these trials unbelief will be combated. Have a read of 1 Pet 1.6-7.
What does this particular trial I am going through reveal about my faith in God? All adversity is profitable, as I am learning at the moment.
Ephesians 2.8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Positioning ourselves in situations that will allow the Lord to nurture us more, and help us grow will ensure that we keep Faith, and do not stay in the place we were when we were saved. If we do this, then the Lord will help the last part of the above to become a reality.
Pete gave a very useful illustration of a moth in a cocoon struggling. If the cocoon is snipped to help the moth out, it actually damages the moth's ability to fly. This is because the struggle required to get out of the cocoon allows the muscles in the wings to strengthen. Be overflowing with joy when suffering, as Paul was.
In order for us to grow, the Word of God is VITAL. This is because the word is of God, written by writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Quiet times for me are not going too well at the mo, and so this has hit me.
What we read should not be for our benefit in increasing knowledge, as arrogance will arise. Rather, the Lord's word will affect the way that we live, our heart, and our relationship with God and other people. Concentrate on the vertical and the horizontal will follow. Mt 6.33.
Concentrating on the indicatives of the word will through love for him allow the imperatives of the Bible to follow. Notice the order here - the Bible is not a rule book.
What about helping others who are showing signs of unbelief? Show them scripture (guys, please tell me if I am on my blog! :-) )
- 1 Thess 5.11, encourage and build up one another by quoting scripture.
- rebuke if necessary, but lovingly and kindly.
Sympathy is not the way forward. Ask the person in question: What is going on in your heart?
The fruits of Faith are manifested in Christian life as Peace (Is 26.3), Joy and Blessing (Prov 2.20) and Fellowship with the Lord (Heb 11.6).
Please God by trusting Him this week - let that be your prayer for this week (sorry its a week late!!) Its been mine.
Trust God in all situations.
C'est tout.
I have a feeling that I have not explained Pete's talk as well as I could have, so please msg me if you have any suggestions etc. Perhaps it is me showing a sign of unbelief?!!
God bless,
Harry xx
The main passage was Hebrews 11-ff.
v6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)
Here are my notes from it:
Faith is required for salvation through justification (Jesus on the Cross), trusting in God for everything is what is required!
God is all loving, all powerful, all wise. This means that we have assurance of salvation if we trust in him. that is: admit our sin, believe in him, commit to following Him.
So if we believe, where in our lives do we show signs of unbelief, and a lack of trust in the Lord?
- focusing on the areas of our life that we show unbelief and offering them to God will strengthen our relationship with him.
Paul writes: "Therefore brothers, in view of God's mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship" Romans 12.1
This of course is a constant challenge for us all, but praying for the Lord for strength through His Spirit will aid us.
I have been a Christian for 4 years now (still a baby, bigtime!) but this does not mean I fully trust God - simply because I am Christian...
Longing for miracles to happen will not increase our trust in God necessarily, as it could create dissatisfaction and therefore a lack of trust in Him.
Pete showed that unbelief comes in many forms:
It can be revealed in your prayer life
- do we believe when we pray that the Lord is all powerful?
- do we pray for big things to happen as well as small 'safe' prayers, in trust?
Not wanting to ask God for too much can be a sign because he is our creator, and so knows our needs. Im guilty of this!
Drinking from the fountain of life is most important - we can honour God in our actions.
Pete said that we expect and ask for a little, which means that we become satisfied with too little. What he is not getting at here is the desire for material things, just to clear that up, but rather the desire for God to work in our lives, and change us. Asking for big things from Him will help mould us into better servants of His.
Being dissatisfied with our design is unbelief because we are not accepting how God made us - he had a unique plan for each one of us.
Accepting the Lord's wisdom can indeed be difficult with the media and what it portrays, but which has the truth?
Poor me... syndrome can come from this because again society and the media can portray pop star lives as being the norm, and what people should have. The scriptures say we should believe in God's love for us - John 3.16. Through faith in Him we will be sustained in our varied and different lives.
Anxiety, fear, depression, sulking, questioning, doubting, worrying and having a lack of joy are all things that I can relate to, and Im sure loads of other people can too.
These stem from unbelief when they do not come from God. Rather than letting these things upset you, be encouraged that all can be found in the Lord, and through these trials unbelief will be combated. Have a read of 1 Pet 1.6-7.
What does this particular trial I am going through reveal about my faith in God? All adversity is profitable, as I am learning at the moment.
Ephesians 2.8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Positioning ourselves in situations that will allow the Lord to nurture us more, and help us grow will ensure that we keep Faith, and do not stay in the place we were when we were saved. If we do this, then the Lord will help the last part of the above to become a reality.
Pete gave a very useful illustration of a moth in a cocoon struggling. If the cocoon is snipped to help the moth out, it actually damages the moth's ability to fly. This is because the struggle required to get out of the cocoon allows the muscles in the wings to strengthen. Be overflowing with joy when suffering, as Paul was.
In order for us to grow, the Word of God is VITAL. This is because the word is of God, written by writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Quiet times for me are not going too well at the mo, and so this has hit me.
What we read should not be for our benefit in increasing knowledge, as arrogance will arise. Rather, the Lord's word will affect the way that we live, our heart, and our relationship with God and other people. Concentrate on the vertical and the horizontal will follow. Mt 6.33.
Concentrating on the indicatives of the word will through love for him allow the imperatives of the Bible to follow. Notice the order here - the Bible is not a rule book.
What about helping others who are showing signs of unbelief? Show them scripture (guys, please tell me if I am on my blog! :-) )
- 1 Thess 5.11, encourage and build up one another by quoting scripture.
- rebuke if necessary, but lovingly and kindly.
Sympathy is not the way forward. Ask the person in question: What is going on in your heart?
The fruits of Faith are manifested in Christian life as Peace (Is 26.3), Joy and Blessing (Prov 2.20) and Fellowship with the Lord (Heb 11.6).
Please God by trusting Him this week - let that be your prayer for this week (sorry its a week late!!) Its been mine.
Trust God in all situations.
C'est tout.
I have a feeling that I have not explained Pete's talk as well as I could have, so please msg me if you have any suggestions etc. Perhaps it is me showing a sign of unbelief?!!
God bless,
Harry xx
I would like to invite and pursue correction and council.
Hi everyone,
just heard that phrase which I think Adrian Warnock borrowed from CJ Mahaney (who heads up Sovereign Grace Ministries). "Invite and pursue correction and council."
It is very important on this blog that I do not mislead people and so correction and council is important.
So again, can I urge people who read my blog to leave comments, so that I can learn from them, and not mislead ppl!
God bless,
Harry xx
just heard that phrase which I think Adrian Warnock borrowed from CJ Mahaney (who heads up Sovereign Grace Ministries). "Invite and pursue correction and council."
It is very important on this blog that I do not mislead people and so correction and council is important.
So again, can I urge people who read my blog to leave comments, so that I can learn from them, and not mislead ppl!
God bless,
Harry xx
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