It’s been said that Christians are short term pessimists, and long term optimists – God is on the throne of the world; and He is good – as we’ve heard from Andrew Sach over last w/end. Do listen to the talks, they are life transforming:
With the lockdown being lifted gradually we’re at a significant point to take stock. UCL’s survey says that one third of us have enjoyed it; generally those living with others on higher incomes: birds singing, roads clearer, life more relaxed, more time for people in the household.
For others there’ve been more down sides: health concerns, family concerns, job concerns, educational concerns, and future concerns.
Whatever our circumstances, hopefully there are good things to give thanks for, from the last 12 weeks – time to reflect; to get more fit; to try new things; to listen to music; to read or catch up with a few films.
With all of this, as we look ahead to the summer holidays, it is comforting to know that God is at work for the good of those who love Him.
In Romans Paul says to followers of Jesus Christ:
“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with Him graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:31
However uncertain the immediate future, the long term future is wonderful for God’s people.
The other series to look out for this summer is Christopher Ash on: “Hope in Jesus from the Psalms.” These are premiered between 27- 31 July at the Keswick Convention – see here for further details:
Three months after lockdown, life is starting to look more familiar again, thankfully. But whatever our situation it’ll never be perfect. There’s always something to fret about.
The apostle Paul had plenty to fret about: he was in prison; under threat of execution, when he wrote:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Amazing isn’t it? Is he for real? Yes – because he was sure God heard his prayers; and
– That God is in control of all that was happening;
– That God is calling all the shots in this life;
– That God is using everything in this life for His good purposes.
Could God really be orchestrating everything? The good and the bad? And using it all for His good purposes?
Controversially, Rev’d Dr Andrew Sach argues that the God of the Bible is ‘calling all the shots.’ To engage further this Saturday 27/06 at 9:30 am
The brutal death of George Floyd, Covid-19, the third anniversary of Grenfell Tower, secondary schools not back till September, health workers, teachers, parents and employees feeling the pressure … there’s plenty of gloomy news around.
There is surprising comfort in the great Bible truth of the “sovereignty of God.” That is the revelation that the God who created everything rules and shapes everything for his good purposes. The Bible tells us that:
God is in control of it all, using it for his good purposes. Even the agonizing death of His only Son was part of His plan, and through it He opened the door to his perfect kingdom where, one day, all these problems will be banished forever –
2 Peter 3:13 “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
For more on the “sovereignty of God,” try the links below and join us for our home/away day on the Saturday 27 June (see details below).
Jason Ward asks the hard question: Why did God allow Coronavirus?
Our children will find this song encouraging:
And, on 27 June, 9.30 am – 12:00 noon Rev’d Dr. Andrew Sach argues, controversially, that God is “calling all the shots” in this world. Further details can be found here.
You’ll be glad you were there if you can make it for our home/away day. Understanding this great Truth is truly life-transforming!
The brutal way in which George Floyd died on the 25th of May shocked the world. Which of us was not horrified?
It has been a profoundly sad fortnight. Demonstrations have spread globally, indicating that this is not just an American problem.
Sometimes the demonstrations have descended into riots threatening the safety of the police, the public, and endangering social order.
Media discussions indicate that racial discrimination is a common experience. There are clear indications that black males in particular have a harder journey than many other groups.
The education statistics illustrate this – boys who are black and white boys from less established households tend to achieve less well academically.
Our community has good race relations thankfully. But isn’t there something in us that finds people who are different challenging? A bit of racism in us all?
Perhaps in this area it might be an idea to go back to the maker’s instructions and remind ourselves that at the beginning
“God created man in his own image, In the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
George Floyd was made in the image of God; he should’ve been treated with dignity and respect; we should treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of colour, class or any other superficial difference.
May God help us to do this, especially in the Church family. He has chosen us to be united in our diversity, the firstfruits of the gathering of peoples from all the nations of the world in heaven, and to be salt and light in his world now.
The VE day celebrations were muted but encouraging in the 8th week of lockdown, that one day hopefully soon, we’ll win the battle with Covid-19.
We as Christians are the ultimate optimists because we can look forward to being part of a world free of viruses and war.
We’re part of the Royal family that lasts!
In our recent Sunday talks from Luke 12 I’ve been very struck by Luke 12v32:
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”
Luke 12:32 (NIV)
We’re the ‘little flock’ in Lk 12:32 – we’re weak and full of failures and foolishness, vulnerable in a hostile world of deadly viruses, yet, amazingly we’ve been given a place in the eternal kingdom of God.
Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem and death and resurrection. He is no longer going to be with his disciples in person. But they are going to continue the work of building His Kingdom. And He promises to be with them as they go.
What does that look like?
Having a verse or two in mind to talk about when we talk to another disciple and praying with them at the end of the conversation.
Talking about something from the Sunday service with neighbours & family (eg Lisa Oakley’s testimony about what it means for a Christian to fear God.)
We live in a time of opportunity; opportunity to serve others and point to our Lord Jesus Christ, and His everlasting Kingdom. Let’s take the opportunity
Alongside our anxiety and grief, many of us have been amazed, and humbled, that something as small as the coronavirus can cause so much harm. This article expresses that very well:
“Viruses are among the smallest life forms on our planet. Somewhere between 20–400 nanometres, 100 times smaller than bacteria, and too small to see even with a normal microscope. You’ll need an electron microscope to spot a coronavirus or Covid-19, as we must now call it, like somebody out of Star Wars. But what an impact that infinitesimally small organism has made!
In the space of a few weeks – and with our help of course – it has circled the globe, shut down whole cities and humbled whole countries. Economies are stalling, stocks falling, businesses struggling, travel disrupted, sports events cancelled, many lives lost, and many more put on hold, holidays ending in virtual imprisonment… the list goes on. It really is staggering that something so tiny can have such devastatingly vast consequences.”
Psalm 8 helps us to put things into perspective. In Ps. 8 David is aware of the majesty of God: He begins and ends the Psalm with the words ‘O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth (v1 & v9).
We can imagine David as a young man, looking after the flock. After eating something at the end of the day, he leans against a rock and looks up into the cloudless Palestinian sky above. Have you ever done that? I’m sure you have, and on a clear night, even in London, the stars are magnificent. All the more out in the countryside. David could have seen 2-3,000 stars that night. He must have been awestruck. From Genesis 1:16 he knew that it was God who had made those stars, and that inspired him to think how great the Lord must be who made that sky.
As he looked up at the stars and thought about the greatness of the Lord, his heart was filled with the desire to praise the God who made that sky, even in the face of his enemies. He’d have heard from his brothers about the war going on with the Philistines at the time. But he knew that God’s weak people, the ‘children and infants,’ the ‘little ones’ of v2, would silence their much stronger enemies, there in v2, as they turned their gaze away from their enemies, towards the Lord in praise. Because their God was the majestic maker of that night sky, David knew that the Lord was greater than their enemies. Perhaps David would soon be up against Goliath? He must have felt like a helpless infant up against ‘that hairy chested brute as he flexed his muscles and showed off his tattoos’ (Dale Ralph Davis). But knowing the one who made the stars put even this enemy into perspective.
And for us fixing our eyes on the Lord, rather than on the dangers and problems that surround us in this pandemic, gives us the perspective we need. Yes, we lament the devastation of life that this virus causes. Our household, along with many others around the world is grieving. Yet through our sadness and fears we know the Lord, our Lord, is the majestic maker of the stars above. As we continue to praise Him by trusting Him, even this invisible enemy is muted.
So in the week ahead, step back and take a look up into the night sky, and remember the Lord who made it. And for every fearful glance at what is happening, look twice to the majestic Lord who made the stars above, and trust Him.
The government is saying that we need to be distanced from one another for at least the next three weeks, and what happens after that is uncertain. So we are to be ready for more of the same.
Many of us have loved ones and members of our extended families who are ill and even some who have died. This is a time of deep sadness and grief for most of us, but we have this encouragement:
‘Weeping may stay for the night, But rejoicing comes in the morning.’ (Psalm 30:5)
David wrote these words when things seemed dark and uncertain. He was facing a serious illness (Ps 30:2-3) which the Lord has allowed because things were going his way and he was successful and secure (Ps 30:6), and had become self-reliant and complacent. As F.D. Kidner puts it: ‘easy circumstances and a careless outlook are seldom far apart.’ The Lord was using his illness to bring him back to the humble trust of his youth.
Looking back on that time David’s testimony is that the night does not last forever. The sun will always rise; and through the darkness, can come the blessing of a renewed reliance on the Lord. Life may not be perfect, comfortable or free of pain and struggle. But in all our pain, uncertainty and fear, God is always with us and working for us.
The Lord brought David through his trial with his faith refocused. So, may the Lord bring us through this trial spiritually stronger too, remembering that, whatever happens…
‘…We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.’ (Romans 5:1-5)
Practically speaking, here are five ‘Rs’ that a submarine commander commends to his crew who have to spend 3 months at a time in close confinement, to help us through our time of confinement:
Routine – keep to a routine that makes use of the time we’ve got. Routine breaks up the day. Planning a routine for the day with time for exercise, meals, work, projects, bed times and rising times is a good way to make each day distinct and fruitful.
Ritual – make sure that the important things are in place: Time with the Lord to read the Bible and pray; meeting with the rest of the Church family for the online service at 10:45 on Sunday mornings; and at 8pm on Wednesday evenings for the midweek gathering to meditate on a Psalm together and pray for the world, the nation and one another. These are important rituals to prioritise.
Renewal – keep your body healthy with regular home cooked meals eaten together with others in the household as often as possible. Take regular exercise and aim to be more fit by the end of this than at the start.
Retreat– on a submarine the crew are encouraged to draw the curtains on their bunk beds to indicate they are having a bit of time on their own, and the rest of the crew are not to disturb this. It is important for mothers especially to be given a bit of down time while partners look after the children, for example.
Respect – there are bound to be times when we get on one another’s nerves. Times when we say and do things that annoy others in the household. At these times it is important to pay each other the respect of remembering that the other person(s) loves and cares for you and that they don’t intend to harm you, they’re just getting fed up with things and letting off steam.
Finally, please keep praying for our world. I’ve been in touch with David Kariuki who was a Cornhiller with us several years ago and is now head of the Kisima Pastoralist’s School in Kenya which the Lord used David to start. In his email David gives us a snapshot of the situation in Kenya:
“I hope you are all coping well with what sadly looks like the new normal in the world for the foreseeable future. We remain steadfast in praying for God’s intervention in this situation to heal the sick and comfort the bereaved and above all point many to the amazing hope that we have in Jesus. It is sad to see all the suffering people are going through and the resultant hopelessness in the world today. On Easter Monday I was very saddened to see a middle-aged man who had hanged himself near my sister’s home early in the morning instead of remembering the risen Christ. Many people here depend on a daily wage to feed themselves and their families, but because of the restrictions put in place by the government to combat COVID-19, many people are not able to find work. However, we remain hopeful that soon the Lord will provide the right solution to the problem of this virus.”
David Kariuki, Head of Kisima Pastoralist’s School, Kenya
Watch this video to learn more about the Kisima School
It’s a reminder that we must keep praying for the world and its leaders as much as for ourselves and our leaders in the UK.
Churches all over the country are taking to youtube and meeting online. I hope you’ve been able to join with us for the Easter celebration last week. The Lord is risen, and what great news it is in this pandemic.
Joy is one of the characteristics of God’s people. Even in adverse circumstances. Because Christian joy doesn’t depend on the circumstances we’re in. It depends on what the Lord has done.
What He has done is enormous. Beyond our ability to comprehend: In the words of Philippians 2:6-11 He humbled himself and became a man; and ‘he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place … that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.’
Thomas, the sceptic, realised that Jesus is Lord when Jesus appeared to Him after the resurrection. He fell down at Jesus’ feet declaring Him ‘my Lord and my God.’
Thomas, and all who by God’s grace see that Jesus is ‘my Lord and my God’ have the joy of knowing that they have peace with God and life with Him forever. That is why we’re joyful!
May you know this joy and peace at this time despite all the anxieties that are swirling around us, looking beyond the fears to Him who loves us and has us in His hand now and evermore.
Easter is going to be different this year. We’re all going to miss the joy of sharing the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection face to face. But persecuted Christians have been in this situation before, and many are still unable to meet in many parts of the world.
Thankfully, God’s Church doesn’t rely on a face to face Easter celebration event in a building. The big event that matters happened 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem when it was discovered that there wasn’t a body in Jesus’ tomb.
There are always good things to learn, even in bad situations: In this one, while we can’t ‘go to Church’ we are realising more clearly than ever, that we are the Church. Church isn’t just a meeting you go to, but a people you belong to, and in our part of the world we can still ‘meet’ online and hear God’s word together that way.
So, do join us for our daily Easter meditations, including Good Friday, and our Easter service – you’ll find them on our YouTube channel, and we’ll be posting daily links on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts (links at the bottom of this email)
The ‘upside’ of ‘online Church’ is that it is more accessible to more people. Most of the country won’t go to Church, even at Easter. But many are anxious, and will go online to see what Church is like that way. Please pray that some may join us online this Easter Day.
And for this Easter Sunday evening, I can recommend the Easter 5 pm service from St. Andrew the Great, Cambridge, with Glen Scrivener preaching. It will be live-streamed at 5 pm here. (Once on the page, click the ‘5.00 pm Service’ box.)
May I take this opportunity to wish you the JOY of the Lord this Easter! Because despite the circumstances, The Lord is risen!
This year Holy Week is very different to what we are used to due to the current COVID-19 outbreak and resultant social isolation.
In instead of our daily 12 pm prayer time we thought it would be helpful to have a series of daily meditations, from John’s Gospel, as we follow the Easter story from Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey, through to Jesus’ death and glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Here is a YouTube playlist of all the videos in the series – why not subscribe to us, and click the notification bell to be informed when each daily video is released.
