Four years ago. . .

It was four years ago today that I became a Christian; that I came to the realisation that God was real, at work, interested in me, that Jesus was His Son whom He gave as a sacrifice for my sins and that the very best thing I could do with my life was to follow Him. It was the Thursday of Landlubbers Holiday Club 2005 where I was a youth helper. That was the day everything changed.

My story isn’t spectacular. There are no pyrotechnics, no visions or voices, no tales of breaking addictions or turning from horendous wrong doing. I was just a normal 14 year old kid who grew up in church but had been questioning and deliberating about it all for quite some time (10 months to be precise). I reckon I believed before that but had spent those months ignoring God as best I could. However, that week I saw Him at work and I decided to stop running away and start running towards.

It’s been quite an adventure ever since. It’s not always been easy but it has always been with God at my side. I’ve done crazy things like leading groups of 30 kids, starting a discipleship group in school, leading services, street pastoring, applying to study Divinity and in 32 days(!!) I’ll do the craziest one yet and move to Edinburgh . I’ve also done completely mental stuff like praying everyday for people I know to be healed, I’ve read my Bible day after day after day, I’ve spoken to friends about Jesus and even invited some folk to church. I’ve done insane stuff like choosing not to get drunk or swear or find my self-worth in the opinions of others.

See what I mean? My story isn’t spectacular. It’s neither crazy nor mental nor insane. It’s not particularly exciting even. But it is my story. The story God has given me. The story He continues to write and I will continue to tell. God as the Author, my author, has given me life in all its fullness and I’m looking forward to the next page, never mind chapter.

Praise God!! Lots!!

Costly Grace

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which has to be asked for, the door at which one has to knock.

It is costly, because it calls to discipleship; it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly, because it costs people their lives; it is grace because it thereby makes them live. It is costly, because it condemns sin; it is grace, because it justifies the sinner. Above all, grace is costly, because it was costly to God, because it costs God the life of God’s Son – “you were bought with a price”- and because nothing can be cheap to us which is costly to God. Above all, it is grace because the life of God’s Son was not too costly for God to give in order to make us live. God did, indeed, give him up for us. Costly grace is the incarnation of God

- Dietrich Boenhoffer, Discipleship, First Fortress Press, 2003, p.45

Jesus wants the Rose

This video’s been floating in the blogosphere for almost a month but I finally got round to watching it whilst clearing through my google reader. 

Watch it.

Death and Resurrection

With Easter only two weeks away, all I’ve taught for the past few weeks is the Easter story – Garden of Gethsemane, Trial, Crucifxion, Resurrection. I know them backwards.

Sometimes, we can talk about these things so much, and I gues I’m really talking about the cross and the resurrection, that we become immune to them. They become so ordinary to us that we forget to see their immensity.

A few weeks ago, I had been reading a lot about Jesus’ ordinariness, or rather his humanity. He was no longer a far off, mystical divine Being but was a man, an ordinary bloke. God, yes, but also very much the son of a carpenter. At the time I was reading Mark’s Gospel and when it came to the crucifixion, even though I’d read the story hundreds, if not thousands of times, taught it, watched it, heard it, it got to me like I was reading it for the first time. It broke my heart to read all that Jesus had suffered because of me. 

I remember the first (and only) time I watched the Passion of the Christ. I was an absolute wreck (you’re not surprised are you?) Seing it portrayed so vividly, knowing that the Jesus who you know and love went through that, because of you – it’s horrible.

As I’ve been explaining this to kids and young people the past couple of weeks, every group has been horrified by what Christ had to experience. Where has our horror gone? Why do our hearts not break every time we think of the cross? 

I think it’s the same story with the resurrection – it’s too normal for us. But this is Jesus conquering death and sin for all time, for all people!! 

I’m challenged that this easter, when I consider these things a million more times, will the Jesus I see be a distant, unknown God, or my friend, sacrificing himself for me. Will it be a disconnected Jesus or the one who walks with me day by day?

Your name is spoken

Last night Louis preached really powerfully from Hebrews 8 about Christ as our High Priest.

The bit that struck me most and has been going through my mind ever since, is that Christ speaks our names to the Father.

The NIV Bible says that Christ serves in the sanctuary, and the NLT says he ministers in the Tabernacle. Both say that he is sitting next to God, mediating for us. As the Israelite High Priests were the ones who offered prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the people, so Christ offered the ultimate sacrifice for us – himself – and brings our prayers and petitions before God now. It says in the previous chapter, verse twenty-four, that Christ “lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf”. That means, on our behalf.

And in doing so, He is speaking our names to God. Our names and the names of those we pray for.

As Louis said, it’s easy for us to accept and become used to the idea that our name is in a book in Heaven, written somewhere amongst many millions of others, and we accept that one day we’ll stand before Christ and our names will be read out, but to know that right now, as I pray, Christ is saying my name – my stupid little human marker of identification – to the God of the universe, is incredible.

It’s humbling but also uplifting.

In addition to that though, as I pray for those I love, whether they know and follow Christ or not, their names are spoken in Heaven. Whether or not the love God, whether or not they trust him, whether or not they know it is happening or want it to happen, Jesus is speaking their names in Heaven.

And as he speaks God listen. And when He hears God acts. Everytime. Without fail.

I needed to hear that last night, to be reminded and reassured of it. It’s no doubt something I will continue to gain strength from in the weeks and months, even years, to come.

Your name is spoken, in Heaven, by Christ, to God. Awesome, huh?

Jesus’ Commands

I have some verses from Luke I want you to read:

“Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. ¹³ Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” – v. 12-14

“you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” – v.33

Now, I would like to know why we aren’t doing this?

I know you’re probably bored with me ranting about the poor and the importance of “loving the unlovable” but it’s really clear here and from Jesus very own lips. Why does the Church get bogged down in little matters about doctrine and church law when it’s not even obeying Christ’s simple and obvious commands? Why are Christians arguing about complicated matters of theology when we clearly can’t cope with simple instructions?

When was the last time we went out into our comunities and invited “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” to a lunch we were having?

And verse 33 makes me wonder if it’s possible to be a Christian in the middle/upper classes. There are loads of instances where Jesus says things like this:

• Mark 6:7-9 “And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.”
• Mark 10: 21 “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Also Matthew 19:21 and Luke 18:22)
• Mark 12:43-44 “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
• Luke 9:58 “the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head”
• Luke 12:33-34 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (also Matthew 6:19-21)
• Luke 18:24 “When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

And there are more, I just don’t have time to find them all at the minute.

Does no one else feel guilty reading those??

I’m not saying we should all go and live on the streets. I don’t think that would really help or solve anything (would be quite a statement of faith though and people would notice if we all did it . . . hmm. . . ). I’m not sure exactly how God wants it to work but I do think He gives us a pretty good idea (yes, I am about to quote that part of Acts again ):

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44-47).

I’m aware that I haven’t followed Christ’s commands either. I’m speaking to myself here more than anyone really. Food for thought.

Everybody wants to go to Heaven

. . . but no one wants to have to do anything to get there.

Or so it would appear.

Over the past couple of days, three people have asked me about getting into Heaven. And whilst they are certain they want to be there and definitely not “the other place” they seem reluctant to do anything about it. It has made me even more certain about that need for love, and that longing for God, which I was getting at a couple of days ago. They all say that they want to believe in something - they just don’t know what. I was once told that there’s a God shaped hole in each of our hearts, a desire that only He can fulfill, because we were never supposed to be separated from Him as we are and, even if we’re not always consciously aware, we’re always looking for a way to re-connect.

Trying to answer their questions has brought with it some thoughts for myself. 

My reaction when someone asks me “How do you get into Heaven?” is simple: believe. But what is belief?? I know it says in John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”. But belief is different from knowledge – i.e. facts about Jesus and His life, death and resurrection – or agreeing with those facts; it’s about dependence on Jesus to save us. Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology tells me that John 3:16 could also be translated “everyone who believes into him”. The suggestions of trust, confidence and reliance are unmistakable. 

However, there’s another word that needs mentioning too: repentance. For it says in Acts 20:21 “I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus” and, furthermore, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 says “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Grudem defines repentence like this:

“Repentance is a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it and walk in obedience to Christ”.

And this is where people start to have difficulties. 

Jesus message is not an easy one to accept. Belief? Sure! Action? Sacrifice? Selfless-ness? Give me a minute . . . or, you know . . . a lifetime!

It would appear that most are unwilling to make any significant changes and even more resistant to taking a chance or risk and trust in a God who they can’t see. They want to but it’s just too big an ask. So many want concrete proof before they take the “leap”. But in science you have to trust the experiment first – if you don’t trust the apparatus you won’t trust the result. Have a little faith and God will reward it. Knock on the door and He will answer.

I’m not saying it’s easy – I certainly didn’t find it so! Infact, everyday I have to make that decision again to trust God with my life and whilst it’s scary it’s the best decision I could ever make, every time. My rollercoaster ride with God these past three years has been immense and it’s all because I took that first miniscule step of faith.

So where does all this leave us?

Well, as Louis challenged us on Sunday we have to talk. We have to speak about God, about Jesus, about their love for us, at every opportunity. This can involve us taking risks too – maybe it’s about time we got over those fears of what people think about us and trust in God’s love for us. Because if we don’t tell them . . . “how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Rom 10:14). And we don’t just have to talk we have to show: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” (Luke 10:27). That’s a love of action – people can’t see God Himself but they can see Him in us. And, if it’s His will, God will reveal Himself to them in time.

Mark Driscoll has just posted a great piece on the Resurgence Blog: Evangelism

The Abbreviated Jesus

You should go and read this really challenging post about the Jesus we’ve created, in contrast with the real person. Written by a guy called Mike Spencer (who’s blog you can find here) it really hits the nail on the head. Here’s a little excert but please do go and read the whole thing.

I’m getting the feeling that we’re talking about a kind of “mini-Jesus.” A diluted, declawed, demoted savior who is a symbolic representation for a kind of anemic, watered-down, unBiblical, culturally acceptable Jesus . . . 

I’m announcing that I’m afraid of the abbreviated Jesus and his followers. I’m afraid of his “church,” his books and his kind of “discipleship.”

I’m uninviting him from my life and my interactions with other Christians . . . 

I want to know Jesus. The untamed, old school, offensive, mysterious, demanding, awe-inspiring, transformational, life altering, crucified, risen, ascended, revolutionary Jesus.

All Saints

Today is All Saints Day.

What’s that? You might ask. Well . . . having spent the past week, along with Sue, Tom and folk from other BOD churches teaching every single child in the Bridge of Don (that’s seven primary schools, 1700 children and 71 renditions of the “Heroes” song!) all about it, I  might be able to explain. You’ll have to forgive the fact it’s not at all that academic or anything, but it’s what I know. So . . . All Saints Day is the day when Christian remember their heroes (“What’s a Christian Sue?!” “A Christian is someone who loves Jesus and spends their lives trying to follow Him, like you, me and the rest of the team here!” “Oh!”). But they’re not our heroes because they have super powers. They’re our heroes because they listened to Jesus, they followed Jesus and they never gave up following Jesus!! And they’re not all dead either!! Heroes still exist today because even here in the Don are people listening to, following and not giving up following Jesus.

“And who, Rachael, are your heroes?” I hear you ask. To be honest there are so many . . . but I’ll give you a few.

Let’s start with Mother T. I have spent the past six weeks researching and preparing work on this amazing woman, so can tell you almost anything you might want to know (do ask quickly though, I’m not famed for my ability to retain information!). Born in Albania in 1910 as Gonxha Agnes, she grew up knowing Jesus. At the age of just eighteen she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and became Sister Teresa when she made her first vows in Calcutta, India in 1931. For fifteen years she taught (and became principal of) a school the nuns ran but in 1946 was reading the Scriptures when Jesus spoke to her. She read Matthew 25, where Jesus says “I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home”. She was convicted of the need for her to “establish a religious community dedicated to the care of the poorest of the poor”. She had to work for two years, almost fight really, before she received permission but eventually she was able to go out, in her white Sari, and serve “the unwanted, the unloved, the uncared for”. When she died in 1997 “Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity had over 4,000 sisters, an associated brotherhood of 300 members, and over 100,000 lay volunteers, operating 610 missions in 123 countries. These included hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children’s and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools”. She listened to Jesus, she followed Jesus and she never gave up following Jesus. That’s why she’s my hero. I share her conviction upon reading that scripture and believe that one day God will lead me to serve as she did.

Hero number 2 is . . . . a dude called Shane Claiborne. Kind of the Mother T of his day. He is one of the founding members of the Simple Way, a faith community on Philadelphia who seek “To love God. To love people. To follow Jesus”. This is a group of people who intentionally live amongst the poor so that they can serve them and show them the love of Christ. Shane heard Jesus’ call when he was at college and a group of homeless people were going to be kicked out of an abandoned cathedral they were squatting in. Along with a bunch of friends he went down there and did all he could to ensure they had what they needed and were supported in their plea to be allowed to stay there. This desire to love the marginalised grew and, I guess, became The Simple Way. You should read his book. He’s ended up in prison and all sorts, as he stands alongside those everyone else abandons but he’s listened to Jesus, followed Jesus and never gave up. That’s why he’s my hero.

There are a lot of other heroes – some are folk I admire from a distance, most are those who’s feet I get to sit at day by day (I won’t embarass them by giving their names). God blesses us with people to inspire us, challenge us, help us. God gives us heroes.

Of course, the ultimate hero is Jesus. I never fail to be amazed him. Every time I read the gospels He teaches me something new. He was the Son of God, who could have demanded a throne and a robe and to live like the King that he is. But what I love most is that He not only was but chose to be homeless, to live amongst the sinners, those no one else considered to have any worth, those the rest of society had condemned as dirty and broken. He walked with the tax collectors, the prostitutes, the lame, the marginalised and ridiculed. He didn’t worry for His reputation He simply loved. He loved those people. Truly, truly loved them. And he calls us to do the same. Creator of the universe, eating with the lost. Prince of Peace, living amongst the broken. Light of world, going into the darkness. That’s Jesus. And that’s why He’s my hero. (The whole died for my sins thing is pretty good too!!)

And I’ve been thinking this week, that I should be living like my heroes, too. I’ve listened and heard so it’s time to follow. It’s also time to persevere. Even when no one seems to share the dream or understand what I’m on about. Even when they shoot me down. I won’t give up. 

Praise God!! For He is good, faithful and blesses us with heroes to follow.