A new advertisement for the ‘Jesus, All About Life’ campaign, will be shown tonight (Sunday, 27/9) on mainstream TV channels, which cover the greater, Sydney area.

It is a new ad, replacing earlier ones used by the campaign in other areas – the changes resulting from recent market research. You can view the ad on the ‘Jesus, All About Life’, wed site.

I’ve watched it a few times – and, I’m not sure what sort of impression it will make. It ends with ‘Jesus has answers’. I guess it encourages people to ask their Christian friends what the answer is to the main issue: why does a good God allow pain, suffering and fear; along with joy, happiness and peace. Well, I think, there is no satisfactory answer for those who don’t have a relationship with God. Maybe, I’m wrong?

If you have time, please have a look at the advertisement and tell me what you think?

***

On the same topic, the Weekend Australian newspaper (26 September 2009), contained an article written by Caroline Overington. Here are some of the interesting things, she wrote: ‘THEY argue about pretty much everything else but every Christian church in Australia accepts that Jesus is central to their faith. Without him, they’ve got nothing. …

The campaign is being billed as the largest and most expensive marketing exercise for Jesus in Australia and it features a television commercial …  The TV ad shows ordinary Australians asking the eternal questions — “How are we to live? Why should we have to die?” — and being encouraged to seek answers from Jesus. “

Campaign co-creator Daniel Willis said those with “negative feelings about the church” were being targeted. “We’re raising awareness of Jesus the man, … ”. ‘ 

I thought to myself, well, Caroline shows a more profound understanding than most when she writes, ‘Jesus is central to their faith. Without him, they’ve got nothing.’ Then Daniel Willis heads in another direction by being reported as saying, ‘We’re raising awareness of Jesus the man.’  That latter statement should not be left, to stand alone, it must always be supported by, ‘ … and, our Lord and our God’.

[John 20:24-29 (NLT): "Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"  But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."]

Posted on September 27th, 2009 by Shayne
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A week or so ago, the Australian media contained reports that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had resorted to swearing to strengthen his disapproval, of fellow parliamentary members complaining, about a cut to their annual printing allowance.

News Limited has reported: “Australia’s Kevin Rudd has refused to apologise for repeatedly swearing during a meeting with factional bosses earlier this month, saying the “robust conversation” was consistent with Labor Party traditions. A number of MPs copped some expletives when they visited the prime minister’s parliament house office to object to plans to cut politicians’ annual printing allowances by 25%. The prime minister said in the presence of three female MPs: “I don’t care what you f***ers think“.

Today, I was listening to a couple of commentators on a local Christian radio station talk about this case. One comment stood out – that probably his habit of swearing in this, and similar cases, was due to his uncontrolled anger. Anger resulting from having his authority or views questioned by others within his sphere of influence.

The second point raised was that it’s not uncommon to hear swearing in the workplace, yet at the same time there was an increasing awareness of workplace bullying and the need to address this issue by providing a safe and non-threatening work environment. Consequently, the Prime Minister should lead by example, control his language – and not go with the mob, in regard to traditions (which should be left back in the past where they belong).

The last point is this, Kevin Rudd is recognised by the community as a Christian politician – and there are many news clips of him attending a Sunday church service, especially when he is travelling overseas.  One thing, I’ve noticed over the years, is that most Christians don’t normally swear. It may take some time, and a lot of help from the Holy Spirit, but people who follow on the heels of Jesus – don’t seem to swear that much. Even if, they hit a finger with a hammer, and an expletive escapes their lips – they are quick with an apology.

As it is with most of these habits, it’s the reason for the swearing, that highlights if there is anything ‘wrong’. If it’s the result of anger, or impatience, or a type of power-play to intimidate others-  it’s really an expression of their pride. Their opinion, time or position is more important than that of others; and, perfectly summed up in the phrase, ‘I don’t care what you think’. Pride is one of the worst of sins. In summary, a humble heart does not swear in anger or impatience, their love for people erases the desire to intimidate or threaten others.

What do you think?

Posted on September 27th, 2009 by Shayne
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I’ve just had a quick scan of the various mainstream media outlets.  My main interest was to see if there was much reporting on the start of the ’Jesus, All About Life’ campaign.

I didn’t find much at all, which given the first flush of signs I would have thought may have captured some-one’s attention in the media world.

Yet, I think that the more I looked, the more I realised that there was little reporting in the media, of anything to do with Jesus. Is it my imagination, or have others noticed the same thing?

Posted on September 14th, 2009 by Shayne
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In my area (the general Sydney and surrounding areas, New South Wales, Australia), a campaign has started, called; ‘Jesus, All About Life’.

The major Christian denominations are involved, including Catholics - and that’s a first in many regards. Last Friday, many churches put up ‘Jesus, All About Life’ signs, all of a similar design – to show the unity of the Christian message.

In addition, a lot of supporting material has been distributed, and most of it , is very good. I like the main theme: ‘Jesus said, “I have come to give life in all its (spiritual) abundance’ [John 10:10].

Here’s an extract from the campaign’s eight page booklet: ‘So what is this life all about? There are three basics: 1. Being secure. This doesn’t mean personal security so that nothing will ever go wrong, but the security of knowing that God loves you and cares for you. It means you don’t need to be afraid of being alone or of what’s going to happen at the end of your life. God promises to look after us now and in the future. 2. Having a point. Living can feel pointless. You get up, go to work, find something to fill in the day, then go to bed, day after day. In the end you ask – “what’s the point?” Jesus said that life is firstly about following Him and then about helping others. 3. Joyful living. Much of what we do can actually stop us from experiencing joy. When people get older, it’s so easy to look back after 30 or 40 years of work and ask, “Is this it?”

Surely there’s more to life? Jesus tells us that when we live our lives in line with what He said, we will be able to look back and see that our life has meaning and purpose.’ Only one comment , instead of the heading ‘Being Secure’, I would have preferred, ‘Life, in God’s love’.

Today, I drove around my local area – with some hope that I would see lots of signs – I didn’t – but, I did see a few.

Here’s an excerpt from the campaign’s web site: “…  a prime-time media campaign that presents the words of Jesus to the community, will run from September 15th for six weeks … “. The media campaign is about getting people motivated to ask Christians – ‘what is this all about?’  The outcome is for Christians to share their faith with other members of their community.

In summary, I though that the words of Rev Graham Fairbairn, about this campaign, in his weekly bulletin, captures well, the vision of this campaign: “The Jesus. All About Life campaign, while not directly challenging the stereotypes people have about us as Christians, is designed to present Jesus as a person who is worth listening to (because He is God, my addition) and whose claims are worth considering. When we are seeking to engage with outsiders about the Christian faith we need to listen carefully to what they think and say about Christians and the Church – are we too judgmental or hypocritical or moralistic? At times we need to agree with them about the failures of the Church to live up to the standards and values of Jesus.

But we also need to present the real Jesus to them as we meet him in the Gospels. Their attitude to Jesus is far more important than their attitude to us. He is the one who challenges all of us to leave the comfort and security of our own habits and preconceived ideas, to consider his call to live in a way that is radically different, and to submit to his Lordship, knowing that when we do so, his grace and mercy will fill our loves and overflow from us to others.”

Posted on September 13th, 2009 by Shayne
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Now and then, you read something – often simple, but which has a profound effect.

I received a comment, a few days ago, which read: “Please help me to understand the Bible.”

The truth is: I can’t help anyone to understand God’s written word. God Himself helps those who seek to understand His ways, as recorded in His ‘love letters’ to His faithful remnant. The Spirit of God works within the heart of each one of us – to provide such understanding that enables us to continue our journey, and grow in Christ-like maturity.

It’s through prayer – the way we talk to God; the type of prayer where we put our concerns, our desire to learn more about HIm, at the foot of HIs throne. He loves us so much that He will always respond - He will enable us – to understand as much as we need to know, at that point in time.

Love Jesus, with all your heart, mind and spirit – and He will help you to understand the Bible. In this area – I am only His servant – I can only point to the way; the one, and only true way.

Posted on August 2nd, 2009 by Shayne
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I’ve just returned from a holiday and just catching up on the news. One article I read was about the Episcopalians (Anglican Church in the USA), who recently overturned a moratorium on the consecration of practising lesbian or homosexual bishops.

As an aside, I think the debate on homosexuality is out of balance, because the debate does not put equal weight on all the other sins. As an example, the sin of anger or the sin of looking lustfully at another person, who is not our husband or wife (in any type of media – pictures [papers, magazines], movies, videos); are all in the same category – they all separate us from God.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes (5:16-26, NIV): “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

No one can deny that there is discord, dissension and factions within the Anglican ‘communion’ – something is wrong; and Scripture is very prescriptive about the process to be employed.  In an odd way, I think, the spotlight is not on the Episcopal Church in America but on those who claim to follow the true gospel. The reason is this: they claim that their views are biblical based – therefore their response also has to be biblical based – and that response does not (cannot) included continued communion with a group who believe in a different gospel.

I’ll leave the conclusion to Paul, Galatians1:6-9 (NIV): “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!”

Posted on July 29th, 2009 by Shayne
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The reading for today, in a local church, was Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians 3:1-18, as follows (New Living Translation): “Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you.

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul. I do this in all my letters to prove they are from me. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

The call to spread the Lord’s message is an on-going requirement, and we should commit as much time (or resources) as possible to this calling – not only should we give just our time but we should also aim to do the best we can – to aim for excellence, even in those times when we feel tired and exhausted.

In addition, where we have the skills and ability and not limited by illness or other disabilities, we should undertake work to support ourselves and not to be idle – especially, when there are things that need doing. Idleness, in a real sense undervalues the limited life-time we have – it’s the only life we will have to freely serve God – it’s too valuable to waste. God paid for us with His blood – that’s how much He values us – should we not love and live in accordance with His values?

Posted on July 12th, 2009 by Shayne
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In the Macquarie Dictionary, there is a fairly straight forward definition of – heresy:1. doctrine contrary to the orthodox or accepted doctrine of a church or religious system. 2. the maintaining of such an opinion or doctrine. 3. any opinion or belief contrary to established theory.

So it is interesting when Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, in her opening address to the Church’s 76th General Convention (USA), presented on 7 July. Included this statement in her address: “  … The overarching connection in all of these crises has to do with the great Western heresy – that we can be saved as individuals, that any of use alone can be in right relationship with God. (sic)It’s caricatured in some quarters by insisting that salvation depends on reciting a specific verbal formula about Jesus. That individualist focus is a form of idolatry, for it puts me and my words in the place that only God can occupy, at the center of existence, as the ground of all being.”

Perhaps, I have an idea of what she was trying to say: a bit like James, a faith without an outpouring of love as seen in a relationship with others is not a faith at all.  But, my interpretation of what she may have wanted to say – could be wrong.

What ever the Presiding Bishop meant to say – or meant to add, to qualify her statements – is now lost from the public record; quite a few blogs have picked up on these words.

In summary: her statement, as it stands, which implies that we can’t be saved as individuals is actually heretical – most of the New Testament and large bits of the Old Testament, highlight the fact that God seeks individuals who are lost, so that they may be saved to become members of His holy nation. 

In 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV), we read: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Yes, we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation, made up of individuals – called (one by one) out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Posted on July 10th, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: General | 1 Comment »

Michael Nazir-Ali, the Church of England’s Bishop of Rochester, is under increasing pressure from homosexual activists, after he expressed a view the Church should “welcome homosexuals” but “we want them to repent and be changed”.

His critics have said that homophobes, like Bishop Nazie-Ali,  ‘have turned their back on the love and compassion that is central to the Christian Gospel … and, are not representative of Christians generally.’

It’s my view that those people who believe that they have a legitimate view of what’s written in Scripture, should be allowed to do so; applying labels like ‘homophobes’ is a type of dialogue that has run out of sound arguments to present. 

Yet, I also think a lot of problems have occurred because many Christian teachers have failed to address the general nature of sin. Fornication (sex outside of marriage is wrong); adultery (and lust) is wrong; taking what is not yours, another person’s life, property or money (e.g., with-holding taxes from a legitimate government) is wrong; slander and false attacks on another character are wrong, not having a right relationship with your parents is wrong; lacking respect for God (& His name) is wrong; and, most important of all, putting anything or anyone before God is wrong. In all that, there is a principle- that says – sex, outside of God’s ‘natural order’ – is wrong (and genetics or environment have no bearing on the morality of such actions -yet, they may have a huge bearing on culpability).

Now, that’s my belief – I honestly think it’s supported by Scripture. Why can’t the other camp – accept that’s my honest view, a view that has struggled to the surface after a lot of prayer. A view – stripped of all fears – that seeks only God’s love. A view, which understands that Jesus’ love can be seen in the death of two people who lied about the amount of money they give to their church (Acts 5:1-10).

Jesus represents both love and judgment – the critics of Bishop Nazir-Ali, don’t seem to understand that Jesus – is the Judge of all judges, and critics.

What’s your view?

Posted on July 9th, 2009 by Shayne
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My land – is the land, I stand on!

On reading the Israeli news media (e.g. http://www.haaretz.com/), you will see a number of articles on USA (and UN) requests to freeze settlement growth – in two main areas: the Palestinian West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

Let’s look at the scale of this issue in the West Bank – about 120 settlements, comprising about 270,000 settlers (close to 4% of Israel’s total population). These settlements are scattered through out the West Bank – there are no neat, concentration of settlements in discrete areas. The average growth rate is about 5% a year but this growth is not reflected in the majority of settlements – it’s more, sudden spurts of growth (building activity) in a minority of settlements – at any one time.

President Obama has called for a freeze on the growth of all settlements, including what’s termed ‘natural growth’ – mainly, the children of settlers wanting their own accommodation – as the existing settlers would claim. The emotional side is: why can’t my children live with me, in my community with their friends, with whom they have grown up with – nice, warm, and fuzzy goals-  but as a parent – I can say, it’s a wish!

Obama’s style of diplomacy regarding Israel, is doomed to failure – it’s immaterial if the growth rate of 5% of West Bank settlements is reduced to zero - right now! The ‘facts on the ground’ are 270,000 people, who are there - and, who won’t move from their beliefs – unless their compensation (national or monetary) for their ‘loss’, is much more than adequate!

In a real sense, they (West Bank settlers) are the front-line troops regarding the settlements in East Jerusalem – the land development around East Jerusalem is not without a lot of innate brilliance; the emotions that will rise to enormous nationalistic levels after the straw houses in the West Bank are blown away by American diplomatic ignorance (driven by an uninformed desire to reduce pressures in the womb of Arab terrorism) – will, I think, surprise the Western world. Jerusalem, the city of peace, its status - is not negotiable – in any sense of the word.

As someone who watches the events within Israel, as they influence God’s world, I can only watch in awe at how; such a small country, with such a small population – can grab hold of a white elephant by its tail, with the expectation they can swing it around and out of their lives. Maybe, they really do think that they have God on their side?

What are your views?

Posted on July 9th, 2009 by Shayne
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