May 2025 Ascribe Glory to the Lord
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
It is special and spiritually significant when God’s people gather to worship him. The ancient Israelites couldn’t miss this because to approach God in worship at the temple they had to come with a sacrifice. It was noisy and smelly with animals being slaughtered and blood being sprinkled on the altar. Coming to church on Sunday is not that dramatic for us. The sacrifice that allows us to approach God was made 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and his blood flowed for us.
Does that mean we can just saunter into church and casually approach the presence of God? How do we prepare ourselves to show honour and respect towards God?
The preparation begins, not five minutes before we arrive at church on Sunday but on Monday and all through the week as we walk with the Lord in our daily lives, reading his word, talking with him in prayer, living for him and serving him. It might include attending a growth group, joining a prayer meeting, helping to support a ministry. It certainly includes being his representative/ambassador in our homes, workplace, school or club as we seek to live a Christ-like life.
It is hard to truly worship God on a Sunday if we have lived our week, to all outward appearances, disowning him. As the old question goes, if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? In our daily lives there should be mounting evidence of our allegiance and dedication to God. As Jesus pointed out, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (John 13:35) Our allegiance to Jesus is not to be hidden but evident, so everyone knows we are his disciples.
Especially on Sundays, we should give thought to how we approach God. This begins the moment we wake up by turning our thoughts to God in thanks for the day ahead, acknowledging him and inviting him into our day.
Aim to arrive a little early to give yourself time to step aside from the normal rush of daily life and step into the presence of God. When you arrive take time to greet both your friends and new acquaintances. This is important because we are not approaching God as individuals, but as a church family. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! … For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalm 133:1–3)
Aim to be seated a few minutes before the service begins to enable you to focus your thoughts on God. You may find it helpful to bow your head in quiet prayer, to still your heart and invite God to meet with you. It is good to allow a moment to take our thoughts captive and focus on the Lord. Please be aware and respectful of those who are doing this. If you are arriving a little late lower your voice so as to not distract those who are praying.
The service will often begin with a call to worship such as, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:8–9) This is the invitation to begin worshipping God together.
Because of our love for the children, and knowing Jesus invited children to him, we usually begin with a children’s talk, a simple bible story or an object lesson to teach a bible truth, followed by an action song to engage us all.
During the service our music team will help lead us in worship with songs and hymns of praise and thanksgiving, extolling the nature and attributes of God, expressing our love and commitment to him. These songs are perhaps best thought of a sung prayers allowing us to proclaim great truths or express heartfelt praise. As we sing people may lift up their hands. Lifting up hands in worship is a humble posture of praise that has been used from ancient times. We are encouraged, “Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven …” (Lamentations 3:41) At times the praise of our hearts is reflected in our posture lifting our hands or kneeling in humility before God.
Because of God’s freely given grace and mercy, what we get from a Sunday service never simply equates to what we put into it; we always receive more than we give. Nevertheless, freely receiving God’s grace should inspire us to lovingly bring our best to him. We make this offering through our praise in song and prayer; and also, in what we bring from our finances. We seek to balance the biblical guideline of tithing a tenth of our income with Paul’s command “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) As someone has said, Bring to God what is right, not what is left! We should not be reluctant to give nor be compelled to give. Our offering is a response to God’s love for us not an attempt to buy what is already ours, his grace and favour.
The reading and proclamation of God’s word provides us with an opportunity to hear God’s voice speaking to us, enlightening our minds and warming our hearts. God speaks through his word to comfort some and challenge others, to correct us or inspire us. This is our spiritual nourishment, milk for the young, meat for the mature. As the Psalmist reminds us, God’s word refreshes the soul, brings wisdom, joy to the heart and light to the eyes, it is more precious than gold, sweeter than honey and bringing a great reward.(Ps 19.7-11)
We end the service speaking a blessing over each other and then linger together in fellowship/friendship enjoying morning tea.
Having met with God and with his people, we are spiritually nourished, encouraged and sent into the world to live in the strength God provides, to serve with gladness and to look forward to the next time we gather to worship God.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, …, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, .. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, … encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:19–25)
God bless you
John Malcolm
It is special and spiritually significant when God’s people gather to worship him. The ancient Israelites couldn’t miss this because to approach God in worship at the temple they had to come with a sacrifice. It was noisy and smelly with animals being slaughtered and blood being sprinkled on the altar. Coming to church on Sunday is not that dramatic for us. The sacrifice that allows us to approach God was made 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and his blood flowed for us.
Does that mean we can just saunter into church and casually approach the presence of God? How do we prepare ourselves to show honour and respect towards God?
The preparation begins, not five minutes before we arrive at church on Sunday but on Monday and all through the week as we walk with the Lord in our daily lives, reading his word, talking with him in prayer, living for him and serving him. It might include attending a growth group, joining a prayer meeting, helping to support a ministry. It certainly includes being his representative/ambassador in our homes, workplace, school or club as we seek to live a Christ-like life.
It is hard to truly worship God on a Sunday if we have lived our week, to all outward appearances, disowning him. As the old question goes, if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? In our daily lives there should be mounting evidence of our allegiance and dedication to God. As Jesus pointed out, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (John 13:35) Our allegiance to Jesus is not to be hidden but evident, so everyone knows we are his disciples.
Especially on Sundays, we should give thought to how we approach God. This begins the moment we wake up by turning our thoughts to God in thanks for the day ahead, acknowledging him and inviting him into our day.
Aim to arrive a little early to give yourself time to step aside from the normal rush of daily life and step into the presence of God. When you arrive take time to greet both your friends and new acquaintances. This is important because we are not approaching God as individuals, but as a church family. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! … For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalm 133:1–3)
Aim to be seated a few minutes before the service begins to enable you to focus your thoughts on God. You may find it helpful to bow your head in quiet prayer, to still your heart and invite God to meet with you. It is good to allow a moment to take our thoughts captive and focus on the Lord. Please be aware and respectful of those who are doing this. If you are arriving a little late lower your voice so as to not distract those who are praying.
The service will often begin with a call to worship such as, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:8–9) This is the invitation to begin worshipping God together.
Because of our love for the children, and knowing Jesus invited children to him, we usually begin with a children’s talk, a simple bible story or an object lesson to teach a bible truth, followed by an action song to engage us all.
During the service our music team will help lead us in worship with songs and hymns of praise and thanksgiving, extolling the nature and attributes of God, expressing our love and commitment to him. These songs are perhaps best thought of a sung prayers allowing us to proclaim great truths or express heartfelt praise. As we sing people may lift up their hands. Lifting up hands in worship is a humble posture of praise that has been used from ancient times. We are encouraged, “Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven …” (Lamentations 3:41) At times the praise of our hearts is reflected in our posture lifting our hands or kneeling in humility before God.
Because of God’s freely given grace and mercy, what we get from a Sunday service never simply equates to what we put into it; we always receive more than we give. Nevertheless, freely receiving God’s grace should inspire us to lovingly bring our best to him. We make this offering through our praise in song and prayer; and also, in what we bring from our finances. We seek to balance the biblical guideline of tithing a tenth of our income with Paul’s command “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) As someone has said, Bring to God what is right, not what is left! We should not be reluctant to give nor be compelled to give. Our offering is a response to God’s love for us not an attempt to buy what is already ours, his grace and favour.
The reading and proclamation of God’s word provides us with an opportunity to hear God’s voice speaking to us, enlightening our minds and warming our hearts. God speaks through his word to comfort some and challenge others, to correct us or inspire us. This is our spiritual nourishment, milk for the young, meat for the mature. As the Psalmist reminds us, God’s word refreshes the soul, brings wisdom, joy to the heart and light to the eyes, it is more precious than gold, sweeter than honey and bringing a great reward.(Ps 19.7-11)
We end the service speaking a blessing over each other and then linger together in fellowship/friendship enjoying morning tea.
Having met with God and with his people, we are spiritually nourished, encouraged and sent into the world to live in the strength God provides, to serve with gladness and to look forward to the next time we gather to worship God.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, …, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, .. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, … encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:19–25)
God bless you
John Malcolm
APRIL 2025 TEND TO YOUR SOUL
f we had a machine which took x-rays of the soul, what would it reveal? Would it show a healthy soul or some wizened Gollum? I wonder how many people live with inner poverty, perhaps with thoughts and feelings which stunt the spirit and diminish life.
I once knew an elderly man who had a two-car garage filled with all sorts of “useful junk” which he kept just in case it was needed. He had been born just after the great depression and had grown up in a time of poverty. When I met him, he could have bought all he wanted at the local hardware store just down the street, yet he kept adding to his junk. Although he was not poor, he couldn’t shake off the fear that the economy would collapse and if it did then all his junk would become useful.
I saw on the news recently there has been a spike in the use of methamphetamine. The government has formed a “sprint” committee of ministers to deal with the issue. But surely, if there were no customers there would be no problem. What is missing in life that people are increasingly trying to fill the void with drugs, risking addiction and health problems?
I read about people in their fifties who in the changing job market find their skills are “all but obsolete” and who are navigating “unforeseen obsolescence”. Life has not turned out as they hoped, and their future is uncertain. The career they had built their life around is gone.
It seems to me that many people have spent a lifetime building on what they thought was a firm foundation only to discover they were building on shifting sand. What they thought would lead to fulfilment, turned out to be like searching for water in arid lands, seeking a path through a maze of dead ends, or being lost in pursuit of pleasure that cruelly promised more than it delivered while costing more than they could afford. All the while their souls suffer.
I think it is gradually becoming clear that modern educational, philosophical and political trends have not provided what is needed for human flourishing. As Oz Guinness recently said, “despite all our modern world and philosophies have promised, people struggle to find meaning, belonging and purpose”. Perhaps only now we are seeing them as failed ideologies that have left many in the world spiritually bankrupt. People may have attended to the outward self, the career, the bank account, the family, and to those looking on they may seem successful and content, but they have failed to care for their souls. The result being that humanity is hollowed out, a shadow of what we were made to be, and many souls are adrift.
In a world where the fabric of soul is unravelling rather quickly it is helpful to reflect on the words of Jesus, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Christians are called to tend to their souls; to nourish their spirit and foster their relationship with God. This gives us a spiritual resilience and inner strength which enriches us and empowers us. We have meaning because we know God created us, we have purpose because we know what God calls us to, and we have belonging because God unites us as members of his family. We don’t suffer from inner poverty, unforeseen obsolescence or need to fill the void with drugs. We have the riches of faith, from God who promised us an eternal future, and any inner void we might have had is now filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I encourage you to tend to your soul today.
God bless you
John Malcolm
I once knew an elderly man who had a two-car garage filled with all sorts of “useful junk” which he kept just in case it was needed. He had been born just after the great depression and had grown up in a time of poverty. When I met him, he could have bought all he wanted at the local hardware store just down the street, yet he kept adding to his junk. Although he was not poor, he couldn’t shake off the fear that the economy would collapse and if it did then all his junk would become useful.
I saw on the news recently there has been a spike in the use of methamphetamine. The government has formed a “sprint” committee of ministers to deal with the issue. But surely, if there were no customers there would be no problem. What is missing in life that people are increasingly trying to fill the void with drugs, risking addiction and health problems?
I read about people in their fifties who in the changing job market find their skills are “all but obsolete” and who are navigating “unforeseen obsolescence”. Life has not turned out as they hoped, and their future is uncertain. The career they had built their life around is gone.
It seems to me that many people have spent a lifetime building on what they thought was a firm foundation only to discover they were building on shifting sand. What they thought would lead to fulfilment, turned out to be like searching for water in arid lands, seeking a path through a maze of dead ends, or being lost in pursuit of pleasure that cruelly promised more than it delivered while costing more than they could afford. All the while their souls suffer.
I think it is gradually becoming clear that modern educational, philosophical and political trends have not provided what is needed for human flourishing. As Oz Guinness recently said, “despite all our modern world and philosophies have promised, people struggle to find meaning, belonging and purpose”. Perhaps only now we are seeing them as failed ideologies that have left many in the world spiritually bankrupt. People may have attended to the outward self, the career, the bank account, the family, and to those looking on they may seem successful and content, but they have failed to care for their souls. The result being that humanity is hollowed out, a shadow of what we were made to be, and many souls are adrift.
In a world where the fabric of soul is unravelling rather quickly it is helpful to reflect on the words of Jesus, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Christians are called to tend to their souls; to nourish their spirit and foster their relationship with God. This gives us a spiritual resilience and inner strength which enriches us and empowers us. We have meaning because we know God created us, we have purpose because we know what God calls us to, and we have belonging because God unites us as members of his family. We don’t suffer from inner poverty, unforeseen obsolescence or need to fill the void with drugs. We have the riches of faith, from God who promised us an eternal future, and any inner void we might have had is now filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I encourage you to tend to your soul today.
God bless you
John Malcolm
march 2025 understanding the times
One of the most heroic figures of the bible is Esther. She faced great peril, risking her life as she appeared uninvited in the presence of the king. She faced an evil and wily enemy. The second most powerful man in the kingdom planned to have all her people annihilated. I invite you to read her story and the courage she displayed to save her people. She knew the danger, and was hesitant until her uncle sent this message to her: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’” (Esther 4:14) Her story echoes through history as she acted in a timely way to save her people.
The line that reverberates for me is … for such a time as this. We don’t live in Esther’s time, our lives aren’t threatened, even so the issues of our own age challenge us. And who knows but that God is calling us to arise in such a time as this.
Often overlooked among the names and numbers of people who joined King David’s army we read of those, “from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do;” (1 Chronicles 12:32). These men model two things well. Firstly, understanding the times. That is, to know what is going on in the world and in the community. It is an awareness of political trends, of social needs, of the spiritual temperature and seeing these in a godly manner. Then secondly, knowing what to do. They weren’t simply analysts, gathering information and writing reports. They used the information to plan a course of action. They did not just have knowledge, they had wisdom, an understanding of what to do with their knowledge.
It is important to consider aspects of time and timeliness as we come to our Re‑Visioning weekend (14-15 March). We should keep in mind Esthers’ such at time as this, a pivotal moment in time; and also, like the men of Issachar, to understand the times and to know what to do. I believe at this critical moment in history, when it seems we are on the brink of a “new world order” therefore, we must plan the direction of the church with an understanding of the times and knowing what to do.
Recently, the Parish Council decided to combine our church services at Mt Eden (meeting at 10am from Sunday 27 April) and last Sunday our congregational meeting decided to proceed with the strengthening of the Mt Eden church building. These significant decisions are foundational to the new direction and new season in the life of our church. The re-visioning weekend will help us express a vision of how we see the future life and mission of the church. Perhaps the cumulative effect of our recent decisions and those to be made in the next few weeks will be the most significant of the next decade of church life.
Therefore, I invite you to be part of this, to engage in the discussions and influence the decisions as we form our mission goals, And who knows but that you are part of the Greyfriars family for such a time as this!
God bless you
John Malcolm
The line that reverberates for me is … for such a time as this. We don’t live in Esther’s time, our lives aren’t threatened, even so the issues of our own age challenge us. And who knows but that God is calling us to arise in such a time as this.
Often overlooked among the names and numbers of people who joined King David’s army we read of those, “from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do;” (1 Chronicles 12:32). These men model two things well. Firstly, understanding the times. That is, to know what is going on in the world and in the community. It is an awareness of political trends, of social needs, of the spiritual temperature and seeing these in a godly manner. Then secondly, knowing what to do. They weren’t simply analysts, gathering information and writing reports. They used the information to plan a course of action. They did not just have knowledge, they had wisdom, an understanding of what to do with their knowledge.
It is important to consider aspects of time and timeliness as we come to our Re‑Visioning weekend (14-15 March). We should keep in mind Esthers’ such at time as this, a pivotal moment in time; and also, like the men of Issachar, to understand the times and to know what to do. I believe at this critical moment in history, when it seems we are on the brink of a “new world order” therefore, we must plan the direction of the church with an understanding of the times and knowing what to do.
Recently, the Parish Council decided to combine our church services at Mt Eden (meeting at 10am from Sunday 27 April) and last Sunday our congregational meeting decided to proceed with the strengthening of the Mt Eden church building. These significant decisions are foundational to the new direction and new season in the life of our church. The re-visioning weekend will help us express a vision of how we see the future life and mission of the church. Perhaps the cumulative effect of our recent decisions and those to be made in the next few weeks will be the most significant of the next decade of church life.
Therefore, I invite you to be part of this, to engage in the discussions and influence the decisions as we form our mission goals, And who knows but that you are part of the Greyfriars family for such a time as this!
God bless you
John Malcolm
february 2025 are you serious?
“Faith is taking God seriously.” I read this statement recently in my morning devotions and it made me ponder.
What did you think as you read it? Did it grab your attention as it did mine? Did it give you pause for thought? Did you ask as I did, “how seriously do I take God?” Am I serious about my relationship with God, serious about worshipping Him? Am I serious about what God has said in His word, serious about all he revealed through Jesus?
One definition of serious is “demanding or characterised by careful consideration or application”. If faith is taking God seriously, it means both careful consideration of who God is and applying what God has taught us in our lives. Many years ago, I heard faith defined as belief in action. Surely anyone who takes God seriously will not only consider matters of faith but will also apply them. Inner faith will become outwardly evident in how we chose to live. I wonder what our church would be like if we and others in our neighbourhoods took God more seriously.
I think one of humanities problems is that we don’t take God seriously enough. For some God is a peripheral thought, fleetingly crossing their minds, perhaps at Easter or Christmas. Others may be “cultural Christians” seeing some good in Christian values, perhaps enjoying the serenity of a sanctuary but not really desiring an ongoing relationship with the living God. For many in our world, faith may be a faint flicker or even non‑existent but it is certainly not serious. It doesn’t change or shape their lives.
Will you take God seriously today? What might it mean for you to do so? Try completing the sentence, If I took God seriously I would ….
Let us be serious about God, people of living and active faith. Take a few moments to consider the verses below and ask God to use them to inspire your faith.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8–9)
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. … 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.” (Hebrews 11:1&6)
God bless you
John Malcolm
What did you think as you read it? Did it grab your attention as it did mine? Did it give you pause for thought? Did you ask as I did, “how seriously do I take God?” Am I serious about my relationship with God, serious about worshipping Him? Am I serious about what God has said in His word, serious about all he revealed through Jesus?
One definition of serious is “demanding or characterised by careful consideration or application”. If faith is taking God seriously, it means both careful consideration of who God is and applying what God has taught us in our lives. Many years ago, I heard faith defined as belief in action. Surely anyone who takes God seriously will not only consider matters of faith but will also apply them. Inner faith will become outwardly evident in how we chose to live. I wonder what our church would be like if we and others in our neighbourhoods took God more seriously.
I think one of humanities problems is that we don’t take God seriously enough. For some God is a peripheral thought, fleetingly crossing their minds, perhaps at Easter or Christmas. Others may be “cultural Christians” seeing some good in Christian values, perhaps enjoying the serenity of a sanctuary but not really desiring an ongoing relationship with the living God. For many in our world, faith may be a faint flicker or even non‑existent but it is certainly not serious. It doesn’t change or shape their lives.
Will you take God seriously today? What might it mean for you to do so? Try completing the sentence, If I took God seriously I would ….
Let us be serious about God, people of living and active faith. Take a few moments to consider the verses below and ask God to use them to inspire your faith.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8–9)
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. … 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.” (Hebrews 11:1&6)
God bless you
John Malcolm
december 2024 innocents lost
I enjoy this time of year when we begin singing the songs of Advent and Christmas. They are mostly songs of hope, joy and celebration. However, the medieval Coventry Carol, Lully Lullay is quite different. It is a lament sung for the loss of children at the Massacre of the Innocents. This was instigated by Herod the Great who ordered that male children under the age of two be killed. He did this because he had heard from the wise men that the King of the Jews had been born and he would not allow any rival claim to the throne (Matthew 2:16-18). Would someone actually give such a cruel order? Sadly, such brutality was in his nature, even ordering the execution of three of his own sons. He was ruthless, stopping at nothing to keep a firm grasp on the throne.
Although this lullaby is not in the top ten Christmas Carols, I suggest you listen to it at least once this year and allow the haunting lyrics to move you as the women mourn their children.
Although this lullaby is not in the top ten Christmas Carols, I suggest you listen to it at least once this year and allow the haunting lyrics to move you as the women mourn their children.
|
Lully, lullah,
thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay. O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we do sing, “Bye bye, lully, lullay?” |
Herod the king, in his raging,
Chargèd he hath this day His men of might in his own sight All young children to slay. That woe is me, poor child, for thee And ever mourn and may For thy parting neither say nor sing, "Bye bye, lully, lullay." |
Because of Herod’s misuse of power, the innocent paid a heavy price. He had no sympathy for the vulnerable. This reminds us, the nativity was not Christmas card perfect. Even the holy family had to flee and live as refugees until the danger had passed. While the baby Jesus escaped the anger of Herod, this was a temporary reprieve. Later, humanity would nail Jesus to a cross, the innocent dying for us. His mother wept as his broken body was laid in a tomb. Like the mothers in Herod’s day, she too wept for the loss of her son.
Today the choices of angry men, using violence against civilians, means innocent children continue to die, are wounded or left as orphans as wars rage around them. Our Advent themes of hope, joy, peace and love may seem to cruelly mock those who carry their wounded children to hospitals or who sit mourning beside their broken bodies. Yet because Jesus did not remain in the tomb, because he overcame death, these themes take on meaning beyond our present circumstances.
Perhaps you could take a moment to pray and reflect on the plight of innocent children who are suffering today.
Perhaps as a Christmas gift you could make a donation to World Vision, Tearfund, or Christian World Service who seek to minister to children and families living in difficult situations.
“‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:18)
God bless you this Christmas
John Malcolm
Today the choices of angry men, using violence against civilians, means innocent children continue to die, are wounded or left as orphans as wars rage around them. Our Advent themes of hope, joy, peace and love may seem to cruelly mock those who carry their wounded children to hospitals or who sit mourning beside their broken bodies. Yet because Jesus did not remain in the tomb, because he overcame death, these themes take on meaning beyond our present circumstances.
Perhaps you could take a moment to pray and reflect on the plight of innocent children who are suffering today.
Perhaps as a Christmas gift you could make a donation to World Vision, Tearfund, or Christian World Service who seek to minister to children and families living in difficult situations.
“‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:18)
God bless you this Christmas
John Malcolm
november 2024 abide in christ
I recently attended the Abide conference which lifted my spirit and inspired my faith.
Pete Greig taught on prayer saying, Miracles are easy for God. The greatest miracle is not when God answers a prayer, but when a person prays. He asked, Is prayer our last resort or our first priority? Then he suggested the church has a “prayer problem”. Do you agree? Is this too harsh? When was the last time you attended a prayer meeting with others, a meeting specifically to pray? We have an annual prayer morning, a monthly missions prayer lunch and a weekly prayer time on Tuesday afternoons. If we arranged a prayer meeting at a more convenient time, would you come?
Laura Barringer taught on the goodness of God and creating Cultures of Goodness. She focused on creation, where we read seven times in Genesis that the creation is good. Moses wrote that God abounds in goodness. God’s goodness in his being and his gifts to us are celebrated in the Psalms, including the well-known 23rd Psalm, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, …” (Psalm 23:6) In the gospels Jesus is revealed to us as the Good Shepherd. Further, goodness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit which should grow in our lives. The goodness of God is foundational to his character and so we in the church should strive to be good and to do good.
Mark and Trudi Sayers suggested our world is moving from an age of anxiety to an age of anger. They pointed to “cultural exhaustion” from all the big issues of the world being amplified through social media and news outlets. Despite former hopefulness in progress born from scientism after World War two, secularism has failed and is in a moment of crisis. Richard Dawkins, one of the loudest prophets of scientism, while still not believing in God, now considers himself to be a “cultural Christian” as he begins to see the value of Christian influence and virtues in society. The speakers noted from their own experience, that people caught up in the flux of our current age are now more open to considering, even discussing spirituality. In light of this the speakers suggested we focus on discipleship, outreach and prayer.
The overarching theme of the conference was to Abide in Christ. We were encouraged to foster the presence of God through prayer, to gain strength from the goodness of God and to consider how we might reach those struggling with the burdens of modern life.
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:9-11, NRSV)
Perhaps these are ideas we should keep in mind as we look towards our Re-Visioning weekend and consider the future direction of our church.
God bless you
John Malcolm
Pete Greig taught on prayer saying, Miracles are easy for God. The greatest miracle is not when God answers a prayer, but when a person prays. He asked, Is prayer our last resort or our first priority? Then he suggested the church has a “prayer problem”. Do you agree? Is this too harsh? When was the last time you attended a prayer meeting with others, a meeting specifically to pray? We have an annual prayer morning, a monthly missions prayer lunch and a weekly prayer time on Tuesday afternoons. If we arranged a prayer meeting at a more convenient time, would you come?
Laura Barringer taught on the goodness of God and creating Cultures of Goodness. She focused on creation, where we read seven times in Genesis that the creation is good. Moses wrote that God abounds in goodness. God’s goodness in his being and his gifts to us are celebrated in the Psalms, including the well-known 23rd Psalm, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, …” (Psalm 23:6) In the gospels Jesus is revealed to us as the Good Shepherd. Further, goodness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit which should grow in our lives. The goodness of God is foundational to his character and so we in the church should strive to be good and to do good.
Mark and Trudi Sayers suggested our world is moving from an age of anxiety to an age of anger. They pointed to “cultural exhaustion” from all the big issues of the world being amplified through social media and news outlets. Despite former hopefulness in progress born from scientism after World War two, secularism has failed and is in a moment of crisis. Richard Dawkins, one of the loudest prophets of scientism, while still not believing in God, now considers himself to be a “cultural Christian” as he begins to see the value of Christian influence and virtues in society. The speakers noted from their own experience, that people caught up in the flux of our current age are now more open to considering, even discussing spirituality. In light of this the speakers suggested we focus on discipleship, outreach and prayer.
The overarching theme of the conference was to Abide in Christ. We were encouraged to foster the presence of God through prayer, to gain strength from the goodness of God and to consider how we might reach those struggling with the burdens of modern life.
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:9-11, NRSV)
Perhaps these are ideas we should keep in mind as we look towards our Re-Visioning weekend and consider the future direction of our church.
God bless you
John Malcolm
october 2024 pray for peace
It was sobering on Wednesday morning to see videos of the missile attack on Israel. It almost looked like a fireworks display but in reality, was a life-threatening attack.
The history of the region is a complex web of disputes between ancient and modern civilisations, and religious groups in which Christianity bears some responsibility. Jerusalem is an ancient city which has seen periods of turmoil and destruction. In ancient times the fertile crescent, including Israel, formed a land bridge from the powerful kingdoms in the north, Assyria, Babylon and Persia, to the riches of Egypt in the south. Throughout history armies have marched back and forth on missions of conquest, often with Israel as a pawn in their plans. Israel has also chosen sides in these disputes, at times the wrong side, being conquered and taken into exile.
Even in the days of the Psalmist there were times of war, siege, and devastation. King David wrote, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:6–9). Sadly, in our day, thousands of years later we still have reason to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
It seems obvious there can be no peace in Jerusalem unless there is also peace in the surrounding nations and peoples. But this peace remains elusive while new aggression opens old wounds, giving the next generations reason to retaliate and seek revenge for years to come.
True, deep and lasting peace can only come from Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus gave a counter intuitive and challenging command saying, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44–45) Only love and prayer such as this can break the cycle of retaliation and revenge. This love comes as a fruit of the Spirit and requires us to exercise self-control.
I invite you to join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem, the Middle East and the world. Pray that those in power may exercise self-control, focusing on establishing peace and caring for the well-being of all peoples in the region.
God bless you
John Malcolm
The history of the region is a complex web of disputes between ancient and modern civilisations, and religious groups in which Christianity bears some responsibility. Jerusalem is an ancient city which has seen periods of turmoil and destruction. In ancient times the fertile crescent, including Israel, formed a land bridge from the powerful kingdoms in the north, Assyria, Babylon and Persia, to the riches of Egypt in the south. Throughout history armies have marched back and forth on missions of conquest, often with Israel as a pawn in their plans. Israel has also chosen sides in these disputes, at times the wrong side, being conquered and taken into exile.
Even in the days of the Psalmist there were times of war, siege, and devastation. King David wrote, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:6–9). Sadly, in our day, thousands of years later we still have reason to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
It seems obvious there can be no peace in Jerusalem unless there is also peace in the surrounding nations and peoples. But this peace remains elusive while new aggression opens old wounds, giving the next generations reason to retaliate and seek revenge for years to come.
True, deep and lasting peace can only come from Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus gave a counter intuitive and challenging command saying, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44–45) Only love and prayer such as this can break the cycle of retaliation and revenge. This love comes as a fruit of the Spirit and requires us to exercise self-control.
I invite you to join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem, the Middle East and the world. Pray that those in power may exercise self-control, focusing on establishing peace and caring for the well-being of all peoples in the region.
God bless you
John Malcolm
SEPTEMBER 2024 THE PROBLEM OF EVIL
The first time I really came across the problem of evil was in a high school social studies class when the teacher asked all the Christians in the room to raise their hands. About five hands were raised. The teacher then told the class of a personal situation where a baby of one of his friends had died. He then pointedly asked, If God is a god of love why did he allow this baby to die. I didn’t understand at the time, but he was clearly in distress, suffering loss and lashing out, not so much at the Christian students but at God. I wish at the time I had a good answer to give, but we were all silent.
Several of us attended the recent Thinking Matters seminar at which Greg Koukl spoke about the problem of evil. I found this helpful because this is a question we all wrestle with. It is a problem which is often very personal, and which pops up in conversation from time to time. If there was a definitive answer, we would all know it and the problem would be solved.
Greg Koukl stated, Evil came into the world when we broke something good God had made. The story of creation reiterates time and again that the creation was good, even very good. God’s command not to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil was not given to deny Adam and Eve something good, the garden was already very good, but given to protect them from harm. Evil was not a substance God created, as if God put it there, rather evil came into being in the brokenness caused by Adam and Eve. Evil is the deliberate breaking of something good. It was found in the destructive twisting, tearing, snapping of the good relationship they had with God. They sowed the seeds of evil in the soil of their disobedience, lies, and evasiveness.
In a sense, evil is not just the absence of good but more so the absence of God. Adam and Eve’s choice did not enrich them, it diminished them. Rather than eating from the tree of the knowledge of life, they embraced loss. They lost their innocence with each other, lost their relationship with God, and lost their place in the garden of Eden. Soon after we read they lost one son, Abel to murder and the other son Cain to exile, wandering the earth in restlessness. So very quickly the idyllic life of goodness in the garden was lost to the brokenness of a world of good and evil.
In our present world we have the knowledge of good and evil. There is sufficient good to allow us a sense of what life should be like, a knowledge of goodness that makes the presence of evil all the more acute and painful when it touches our lives. We all experience the brokenness of the world and of relationships which continue to wring out goodness, twist kind intents and cause all manner of pain.
It took the goodness of the unbroken life of Jesus, broken for us upon the cross to bring wholeness. Through the cross God did something about the problem of evil. We may not have all the answers, but we do know God’s solution and His promise through Jesus to make all things new.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” (Revelation 21:3–4)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Several of us attended the recent Thinking Matters seminar at which Greg Koukl spoke about the problem of evil. I found this helpful because this is a question we all wrestle with. It is a problem which is often very personal, and which pops up in conversation from time to time. If there was a definitive answer, we would all know it and the problem would be solved.
Greg Koukl stated, Evil came into the world when we broke something good God had made. The story of creation reiterates time and again that the creation was good, even very good. God’s command not to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil was not given to deny Adam and Eve something good, the garden was already very good, but given to protect them from harm. Evil was not a substance God created, as if God put it there, rather evil came into being in the brokenness caused by Adam and Eve. Evil is the deliberate breaking of something good. It was found in the destructive twisting, tearing, snapping of the good relationship they had with God. They sowed the seeds of evil in the soil of their disobedience, lies, and evasiveness.
In a sense, evil is not just the absence of good but more so the absence of God. Adam and Eve’s choice did not enrich them, it diminished them. Rather than eating from the tree of the knowledge of life, they embraced loss. They lost their innocence with each other, lost their relationship with God, and lost their place in the garden of Eden. Soon after we read they lost one son, Abel to murder and the other son Cain to exile, wandering the earth in restlessness. So very quickly the idyllic life of goodness in the garden was lost to the brokenness of a world of good and evil.
In our present world we have the knowledge of good and evil. There is sufficient good to allow us a sense of what life should be like, a knowledge of goodness that makes the presence of evil all the more acute and painful when it touches our lives. We all experience the brokenness of the world and of relationships which continue to wring out goodness, twist kind intents and cause all manner of pain.
It took the goodness of the unbroken life of Jesus, broken for us upon the cross to bring wholeness. Through the cross God did something about the problem of evil. We may not have all the answers, but we do know God’s solution and His promise through Jesus to make all things new.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” (Revelation 21:3–4)
God bless you
John Malcolm
august 2024 Be the person god wants you to be
You need to be who God wants you to be, in order to do what God wants you to do!
There are times when we are not sure what God wants us to do, but we can always be certain about the person he wants us to be. He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8). Another bible translates this, You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to. (NIRV)
As humans we sometimes overthink this. We complicate it, surely it can’t really be that simple. But it is that simple! We don’t need to study the bible for years as if what God wants from us is hidden cryptically in its pages. We don’t need to earn a degree in theology to solve the mystery. God has shown us what is good and what he requires from us – be just, merciful and humble.
Being the person God wants us to be will guide us to do the things God wants us to do. When our inner values are good and wholesome, they work their way out into our actions and deeds. These values can temper and restrain our more natural actions. We all know, love moves us to act differently from anger and a desire to be just inspires fairer outcomes.
I have often said, God loves you as you are, but he won’t leave you that way. God is deeply interested in who we are in our inner being. God sees within us, to the values, motives, ambitions or insecurities that drive us to behave in one way or another. And God, by the Holy Spirit works to instill better, more godly values within us, so these grow and bear fruit.
The New Testament builds on Micah’s list pointing to the fruit God desires to see in our lives, “… love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” (Galatians 5:22). These attributes make us better people. If we teach these to our children, should we not also look to see them in our own lives? Even if we struggle with these virtues, I think we would all agree they are worth striving for. When we do act fairly and lovingly our families and communities benefit from the best of human qualities.
The person who most completely demonstrated these is Jesus. As we follow Jesus more closely, these attributes develop in us more fully. As we pray, read the bible, worship God, and serve others the “family traits” of Jesus begin to reshape us so we can become the best person we can be. As we open our lives to the influence of the Holy Spirit, these virtues grow as fruit within us.
Be the person God wants you to be and you will find yourself doing the things God wants you to do.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. … And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12 &17)
God bless you
John Malcolm
There are times when we are not sure what God wants us to do, but we can always be certain about the person he wants us to be. He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8). Another bible translates this, You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to. (NIRV)
As humans we sometimes overthink this. We complicate it, surely it can’t really be that simple. But it is that simple! We don’t need to study the bible for years as if what God wants from us is hidden cryptically in its pages. We don’t need to earn a degree in theology to solve the mystery. God has shown us what is good and what he requires from us – be just, merciful and humble.
Being the person God wants us to be will guide us to do the things God wants us to do. When our inner values are good and wholesome, they work their way out into our actions and deeds. These values can temper and restrain our more natural actions. We all know, love moves us to act differently from anger and a desire to be just inspires fairer outcomes.
I have often said, God loves you as you are, but he won’t leave you that way. God is deeply interested in who we are in our inner being. God sees within us, to the values, motives, ambitions or insecurities that drive us to behave in one way or another. And God, by the Holy Spirit works to instill better, more godly values within us, so these grow and bear fruit.
The New Testament builds on Micah’s list pointing to the fruit God desires to see in our lives, “… love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” (Galatians 5:22). These attributes make us better people. If we teach these to our children, should we not also look to see them in our own lives? Even if we struggle with these virtues, I think we would all agree they are worth striving for. When we do act fairly and lovingly our families and communities benefit from the best of human qualities.
The person who most completely demonstrated these is Jesus. As we follow Jesus more closely, these attributes develop in us more fully. As we pray, read the bible, worship God, and serve others the “family traits” of Jesus begin to reshape us so we can become the best person we can be. As we open our lives to the influence of the Holy Spirit, these virtues grow as fruit within us.
Be the person God wants you to be and you will find yourself doing the things God wants you to do.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. … And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12 &17)
God bless you
John Malcolm
JULY 2024 what's in a name?
It is unclear why the people of Mt Eden Presbyterian Church voted in 1958 to change the name of the church to Greyfriars, but when they did they connected us into a wonderful spiritual heritage.
During our recent discussions with Rod Morris several people asked why the name was changed. We know that the majority (257 people) voted for it, but we don’t have any record of what was on their minds. In my opinion, in those days with a strong link to Scottish Presbyterianism, people were likely thinking of Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh and links to “home”.
But the name goes further back in history. The name is linked to the Catholic order of Franciscan monks who built a friary in Edinburgh in the fifteenth century. These monks wore grey robes and were known as the Grey Friars. They lived according to the rule of St Francis of Assisi, taking vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. We often overlook the importance of monastic orders, but they played a key role in alleviating poverty, providing health care and education to local people. Often, they would provide sanctuary for people in need. Their gardens would not only feed the monks but provide food for the most vulnerable in society.
The friary was destroyed in 1558-59 as the Protestant reformation swept Scotland. It was a time of both religious and political turmoil. The friary was demolished and all that was left was the old Greyfriars graveyard. With the growth of the Protestant church a new church building was needed and so construction began on the former site of the Grey Friars friary.
A significant spiritual event took place at Greyfriars Church which was in many respects foundational to the growth of the Presbyterian Church. It began when King Charles I approved a new service book to be used in the Church. In 1633 the new service book was used in Greyfriars which caused a revolt among the parishioners. This runs deeper than the service book itself and was a reaction to the Church in Scotland being told what to do by the King in England. Adding to the conflict, William Laud, the Archbishop of Canterbury tried to enforce the use of the new service book. The Scottish were not willing to allow this Bishop to “Laud” it over them and wanted greater freedom in their worship. In response Scottish nobles and gentry assembled in Greyfriars church to hear the “Covenant” read and to sign it. The Covenant signed at Greyfriars, aligned the Church of Scotland with the Presbyterian form of Church governance, meaning the people of Scotland would have greater freedom in their forms of worship.
The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word presbyteros meaning elder. When we read of elders in the New Testament the word used is presbyteros. The influence of Calvinism inspired those in the Church of Scotland to reject the Episcopalian rule of Bishops. Rather than a Bishop appointing a minister in the Church of Scotland, each parish insisted their own elders had the right to call a minister. A Church ruled by elders rather than by a bishop is at the heart of Presbyterianism.
Therefore, the name Greyfriars connects us not simply to a church in Edinburgh, but to a spiritual heritage of freedom in worship, governed by local elders and to the heart of Christian service seen in Francis of Assisi and the mission of the Grey Friars who sought to serve God by settling in Edinburgh. In light of this let us worship with the freedom God has given us and dedicate ourselves to serve Him.
God bless you
John Malcolm
During our recent discussions with Rod Morris several people asked why the name was changed. We know that the majority (257 people) voted for it, but we don’t have any record of what was on their minds. In my opinion, in those days with a strong link to Scottish Presbyterianism, people were likely thinking of Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh and links to “home”.
But the name goes further back in history. The name is linked to the Catholic order of Franciscan monks who built a friary in Edinburgh in the fifteenth century. These monks wore grey robes and were known as the Grey Friars. They lived according to the rule of St Francis of Assisi, taking vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. We often overlook the importance of monastic orders, but they played a key role in alleviating poverty, providing health care and education to local people. Often, they would provide sanctuary for people in need. Their gardens would not only feed the monks but provide food for the most vulnerable in society.
The friary was destroyed in 1558-59 as the Protestant reformation swept Scotland. It was a time of both religious and political turmoil. The friary was demolished and all that was left was the old Greyfriars graveyard. With the growth of the Protestant church a new church building was needed and so construction began on the former site of the Grey Friars friary.
A significant spiritual event took place at Greyfriars Church which was in many respects foundational to the growth of the Presbyterian Church. It began when King Charles I approved a new service book to be used in the Church. In 1633 the new service book was used in Greyfriars which caused a revolt among the parishioners. This runs deeper than the service book itself and was a reaction to the Church in Scotland being told what to do by the King in England. Adding to the conflict, William Laud, the Archbishop of Canterbury tried to enforce the use of the new service book. The Scottish were not willing to allow this Bishop to “Laud” it over them and wanted greater freedom in their worship. In response Scottish nobles and gentry assembled in Greyfriars church to hear the “Covenant” read and to sign it. The Covenant signed at Greyfriars, aligned the Church of Scotland with the Presbyterian form of Church governance, meaning the people of Scotland would have greater freedom in their forms of worship.
The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word presbyteros meaning elder. When we read of elders in the New Testament the word used is presbyteros. The influence of Calvinism inspired those in the Church of Scotland to reject the Episcopalian rule of Bishops. Rather than a Bishop appointing a minister in the Church of Scotland, each parish insisted their own elders had the right to call a minister. A Church ruled by elders rather than by a bishop is at the heart of Presbyterianism.
Therefore, the name Greyfriars connects us not simply to a church in Edinburgh, but to a spiritual heritage of freedom in worship, governed by local elders and to the heart of Christian service seen in Francis of Assisi and the mission of the Grey Friars who sought to serve God by settling in Edinburgh. In light of this let us worship with the freedom God has given us and dedicate ourselves to serve Him.
God bless you
John Malcolm
JUNE 2024 HOW CAN WE DEVELOP OUR CAPACITY FOR WORSHIP?
My bible reading today revealed two attitudes towards worship. In the Old Testament story when the ark (a symbol of God’s presence and promise) was brought into Jerusalem, King David danced in joyful worship while his wife Michal despised him for it. David was lost in wonder, love and praise, focused on God and not really thinking about appearances. Whereas Michal, rather than taking part was watching from afar, and was not worshipping God. She had little capacity for worship. The study guide asked the questions, What stimulates you to worship God from the heart? And, How can you develop your capacity for worship?
David had developed his capacity for worship. He wrote many Psalms of praise which were used in worship. He looked deep into the human soul and expressed his faith with rich language and images. How can we, like David, develop our capacity for worship?
Learn more about who God is and what God is like
We can do this by spending time reading the bible and praying. Many of David’s Psalms help us to glimpse the majesty and greatness of God’s being. He often writes of God’s loving kindness, pure holiness and His blessings to us.
Consider what God has done for you
Think about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and all the benefits we receive from this, salvation, forgiveness, new life … and you can add all those personal experiences which have enriched you spiritually. In addition, share your story with others and listen to their story of faith. In this way we encourage one another and inspire each other to worship God.
Reflect on what God has created
Take a moment to dwell on the wonder of life, the vastness of the universe and the minuteness of the particles from which it is made. We are taught that God’s eternal power and divine nature can be seen and understood from the creation he has made (Rom 1:20).
Find your way of worshiping God
Perhaps for you it is in practical service, honouring God with your time, energy and skills. Those who prepare the PowerPoint and who oversee the audio-visual equipment facilitate worship for those on the livestream and those in the church building.
It could be that you find your deepest expression of worship by crafting words and writing poetry. Perhaps in our age it is writing lyrics for a song. Poetic images can stir our souls, giving us words to use in prayer and worship.
Our worship may be most easily expressed in music and song, uniting voices in praise on a Sunday morning or joining the choir to hone your musical offering. Such praise is common throughout the bible as we find echoed in the words of Paul who encourages us to speak … “to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19)
You may worship through the arts, tapestry, painting, or sculpting. In the Old Testament Bezalel was chosen by God to oversee the making of items used in worship because he was skilled … “to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.” (Exodus 31:4–5) Icons, paintings, and stained-glass windows have given inspiration to the faithful. This was especially true in times of high illiteracy, when few could read, but a picture could paint a thousand words.
Even if you are not artistic yourself nor musical, the art of others, the songs they have written may act as a springboard into praise. It is interesting that so many artists produce religious works and how these can inspire our praise to God whose handiwork we see in the creation around us.
Perhaps David's most expressive Psalm of praise is Ps 145, “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:1–2) Take a few minutes to read the whole Psalm, inviting God to inspire you to praise and worship through it.
God bless you
John Malcolm
(PS Thank you to all who contribute to the life of our church so that our church family may worship together each Sunday morning.)
David had developed his capacity for worship. He wrote many Psalms of praise which were used in worship. He looked deep into the human soul and expressed his faith with rich language and images. How can we, like David, develop our capacity for worship?
Learn more about who God is and what God is like
We can do this by spending time reading the bible and praying. Many of David’s Psalms help us to glimpse the majesty and greatness of God’s being. He often writes of God’s loving kindness, pure holiness and His blessings to us.
Consider what God has done for you
Think about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and all the benefits we receive from this, salvation, forgiveness, new life … and you can add all those personal experiences which have enriched you spiritually. In addition, share your story with others and listen to their story of faith. In this way we encourage one another and inspire each other to worship God.
Reflect on what God has created
Take a moment to dwell on the wonder of life, the vastness of the universe and the minuteness of the particles from which it is made. We are taught that God’s eternal power and divine nature can be seen and understood from the creation he has made (Rom 1:20).
Find your way of worshiping God
Perhaps for you it is in practical service, honouring God with your time, energy and skills. Those who prepare the PowerPoint and who oversee the audio-visual equipment facilitate worship for those on the livestream and those in the church building.
It could be that you find your deepest expression of worship by crafting words and writing poetry. Perhaps in our age it is writing lyrics for a song. Poetic images can stir our souls, giving us words to use in prayer and worship.
Our worship may be most easily expressed in music and song, uniting voices in praise on a Sunday morning or joining the choir to hone your musical offering. Such praise is common throughout the bible as we find echoed in the words of Paul who encourages us to speak … “to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19)
You may worship through the arts, tapestry, painting, or sculpting. In the Old Testament Bezalel was chosen by God to oversee the making of items used in worship because he was skilled … “to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.” (Exodus 31:4–5) Icons, paintings, and stained-glass windows have given inspiration to the faithful. This was especially true in times of high illiteracy, when few could read, but a picture could paint a thousand words.
Even if you are not artistic yourself nor musical, the art of others, the songs they have written may act as a springboard into praise. It is interesting that so many artists produce religious works and how these can inspire our praise to God whose handiwork we see in the creation around us.
Perhaps David's most expressive Psalm of praise is Ps 145, “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:1–2) Take a few minutes to read the whole Psalm, inviting God to inspire you to praise and worship through it.
God bless you
John Malcolm
(PS Thank you to all who contribute to the life of our church so that our church family may worship together each Sunday morning.)
may 2024 the birth of the church
Eva and Esme aged eight weeks
Last October my family and I waited anxiously as our twin granddaughers decided to arrive eleven weeks early. They were born safely, were given excellent medical care, and were soon wrapped up in the love of their mum and dad. As doting grandparents, Melanie and I love receiving photos or videos of them, seeing how they are growing.
Babies change so quickly. They grow, put on weight, begin to respond to their parents, start to wriggle with purpose, soon rolling over, tentatively begin to crawl, pull themselves up on the furniture and before too long take their first steps.
Soon we will be celebrating the “birthday” of the church, Pentecost Sunday. When Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, he told his disciples to wait on the gift of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:8) And in the book of Acts, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” (Luke 24:49) Its as if between the ascension and Pentecost there was a pregnant pause, with the disciples waiting for Jesus’ promise to be fulfilled.
I heard someone joke, I feel sorry for batteries – who are not included. For a moment in time, it was as if the church was like a gift ready to go, but without the batteries to power it. The church was on the verge of life but needed God’s empowering Spirit to energise it.
We read of the Holy Spirit coming. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1–4)
I enjoy the celebration of Pentecost as it marks the era of the Holy Spirit empowered church, our era, our time in spiritual history. It marks the change between going to the temple to meet with God, to having God filling our lives so Paul can write,
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives among you? … for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17) How marvellous, that God dwells in us by His Spirit!
And so, the church began to explore what this means. What difference should it make when we have the fruit of the Spirit growing within us? How are we to understand the spiritual gifts of the Spirit, discovering which gifts we may have and how we are to use them? It has been said, Not enough Spirit – we dry up! Too much Spirit – we blow up! Just the right Spirit – we grow up! I think that is a bit of rough and ready, perhaps dodgy theology but I have seen dry churches that ignore the Holy Spirit, while others have blown up over differences in understanding the Spirit. Our aim is to be a spiritually healthy church, inspired, directed and led by the Holy Spirit.
I invite you to begin reading the book of Acts, and as you do to notice the difference the coming of the Holy Spirit made to the church. We will celebrate Pentecost on Sunday 19 May and begin exploring the gifts and empowering of the Spirit.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Babies change so quickly. They grow, put on weight, begin to respond to their parents, start to wriggle with purpose, soon rolling over, tentatively begin to crawl, pull themselves up on the furniture and before too long take their first steps.
Soon we will be celebrating the “birthday” of the church, Pentecost Sunday. When Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, he told his disciples to wait on the gift of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:8) And in the book of Acts, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” (Luke 24:49) Its as if between the ascension and Pentecost there was a pregnant pause, with the disciples waiting for Jesus’ promise to be fulfilled.
I heard someone joke, I feel sorry for batteries – who are not included. For a moment in time, it was as if the church was like a gift ready to go, but without the batteries to power it. The church was on the verge of life but needed God’s empowering Spirit to energise it.
We read of the Holy Spirit coming. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1–4)
I enjoy the celebration of Pentecost as it marks the era of the Holy Spirit empowered church, our era, our time in spiritual history. It marks the change between going to the temple to meet with God, to having God filling our lives so Paul can write,
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives among you? … for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17) How marvellous, that God dwells in us by His Spirit!
And so, the church began to explore what this means. What difference should it make when we have the fruit of the Spirit growing within us? How are we to understand the spiritual gifts of the Spirit, discovering which gifts we may have and how we are to use them? It has been said, Not enough Spirit – we dry up! Too much Spirit – we blow up! Just the right Spirit – we grow up! I think that is a bit of rough and ready, perhaps dodgy theology but I have seen dry churches that ignore the Holy Spirit, while others have blown up over differences in understanding the Spirit. Our aim is to be a spiritually healthy church, inspired, directed and led by the Holy Spirit.
I invite you to begin reading the book of Acts, and as you do to notice the difference the coming of the Holy Spirit made to the church. We will celebrate Pentecost on Sunday 19 May and begin exploring the gifts and empowering of the Spirit.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
God bless you
John Malcolm
april 2024 carried by the father
I was moved by my devotional reading today in which Moses reminded the people of Israel of God’s presence, “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” (Deuteronomy 1:31). This caused me to reflect on my life, to consider how God has led me to this place and to this moment. It warms my heart to think of God as a father who carries his children.
We learn the people of Israel were slow to believe, reluctant to follow and quick to disobey God. It is not only these people who have such sinful traits. At times I find my own actions and attitudes revealed in their story. Moses taught, that despite their wayward hearts, their heavenly father was carrying them, “… and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Often as I awake, I hold up my hand, symbolically taking God’s hand to walk through the day with him. At times in prayer, I ask God to lift me on his shoulders, so I may see more clearly the path he has set before me, the direction he wants me to take, and to notice what he points out to me as important. I aspire to this, starting with the right intentions, but facing challenges, distractions, and temptations, I find myself drifting so by the end of the day I seem to have lost my direction in the fog of life.
The good news of the gospel is, while I fail to keep hold of God’s hand, there is one who never failed. Jesus began each day in the will of God, followed God throughout the day and when his head hit the pillow, he had fulfilled all God desired from him. Jesus was able to do what you and I can’t, to live the truly godly life that pleases God. God the Father confirmed this at Jesus baptism saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus walked with God, even when his soul was overwhelmed in the garden of Gethsemane where he prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39). He continued to walk in the will of God, even when burdened by the cross. And then, knowing he had completed God’s will, he cried out from the cross with his final breath, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46).
Jesus lived the godly life, the Son who perfectly pleased his heavenly Father and so opened the way for us to become children of God. This blessing is ours as a gift bestowed on us by God. This is grace for the broken, the weary and disgraced. Grace for the hopeless, the troubled and ashamed. You may have let go of his hand, stumbled in sin, strayed from his voice, even so, through Jesus he extends his arm to carry you as a father carries his child. As Jesus explained in the parable, when the good shepherd found the lost sheep, he carried it on his shoulders and went home rejoicing. (Luke 15.5)
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the following verse and allow God to speak to you: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
God bless you
John Malcolm
We learn the people of Israel were slow to believe, reluctant to follow and quick to disobey God. It is not only these people who have such sinful traits. At times I find my own actions and attitudes revealed in their story. Moses taught, that despite their wayward hearts, their heavenly father was carrying them, “… and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Often as I awake, I hold up my hand, symbolically taking God’s hand to walk through the day with him. At times in prayer, I ask God to lift me on his shoulders, so I may see more clearly the path he has set before me, the direction he wants me to take, and to notice what he points out to me as important. I aspire to this, starting with the right intentions, but facing challenges, distractions, and temptations, I find myself drifting so by the end of the day I seem to have lost my direction in the fog of life.
The good news of the gospel is, while I fail to keep hold of God’s hand, there is one who never failed. Jesus began each day in the will of God, followed God throughout the day and when his head hit the pillow, he had fulfilled all God desired from him. Jesus was able to do what you and I can’t, to live the truly godly life that pleases God. God the Father confirmed this at Jesus baptism saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus walked with God, even when his soul was overwhelmed in the garden of Gethsemane where he prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39). He continued to walk in the will of God, even when burdened by the cross. And then, knowing he had completed God’s will, he cried out from the cross with his final breath, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46).
Jesus lived the godly life, the Son who perfectly pleased his heavenly Father and so opened the way for us to become children of God. This blessing is ours as a gift bestowed on us by God. This is grace for the broken, the weary and disgraced. Grace for the hopeless, the troubled and ashamed. You may have let go of his hand, stumbled in sin, strayed from his voice, even so, through Jesus he extends his arm to carry you as a father carries his child. As Jesus explained in the parable, when the good shepherd found the lost sheep, he carried it on his shoulders and went home rejoicing. (Luke 15.5)
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the following verse and allow God to speak to you: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
God bless you
John Malcolm
MARCH 2024 REORDERING OUR LOVES
Discipleship is a reordering of our loves!
I wonder what you think of this statement. Does it ring true for you? It is not what first comes to mind when I am asked to define discipleship. Perhaps that is why it made me stop, think and later purchase the book the idea was taken from (Jamie Bester* quoting from You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith).
I generally define discipleship as it relates to the disciplines of prayer, worship and bible study which help us mature as followers of Christ. I suppose the clue to thinking differently may have been in plain sight as Jesus said, ‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (John 13:34–35) While bible study is important, Jesus didn’t say, “people will know you are my disciples if you attend a regular bible study”. Rather discipleship was revealed as they loved one another. Commanding this, Jesus called them and us to reorder our loves. If we are to truly be disciples of Jesus, then love for one another suddenly goes higher up the list of things we love.
Apply this idea to the central doctrine of the Old Testament which Jesus underlined saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:37–40). Notice all the law does not “hang on” obeying God, but on loving God and neighbour. Here Jesus ranks the love for God as first and greatest, while love for neighbour comes second. If you look at the Ten Commandments you will see that the first four point to how we are to love God and the next six relate to how we are to love those around us.
Consider when Jesus reinstated Peter asking, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’” (John 21:15) Jesus was asking Peter, where among the things you love, is your love for me? Or reflect for a moment on Paul’s view of godly actions that are devoid of love. “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) Without love, I am nothing. We find an example of a church running low on love at Ephesus. While Jesus commended them for their hard work and perseverance, nevertheless he warned them “Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4) Their work and perseverance were empty because they had lost their first love. Their loves had become disordered.
There is so much more that could be said from the bible about love which would enlighten our thinking, but even the little I mention here is enough to at least spur us to consider discipleship as a reordering of our loves. Have you ever considered how you rank the things you love, what you put first and give priority to? Every decision we make is at some level based on the ranking of our loves.
I invite you to take a moment to consider: which love do you rank highest? Which love has most influence on what you choose? If sin is fundamentally disordered love - putting something else above our love for God - how might you address that?
Finally, as we approach Easter consider how God’s ranking of love is revealed to us in Jesus, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
God bless you
John Malcolm
* Jamie Bester from City to City was the keynote speaker at the recent Presbytery conference.
I wonder what you think of this statement. Does it ring true for you? It is not what first comes to mind when I am asked to define discipleship. Perhaps that is why it made me stop, think and later purchase the book the idea was taken from (Jamie Bester* quoting from You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith).
I generally define discipleship as it relates to the disciplines of prayer, worship and bible study which help us mature as followers of Christ. I suppose the clue to thinking differently may have been in plain sight as Jesus said, ‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (John 13:34–35) While bible study is important, Jesus didn’t say, “people will know you are my disciples if you attend a regular bible study”. Rather discipleship was revealed as they loved one another. Commanding this, Jesus called them and us to reorder our loves. If we are to truly be disciples of Jesus, then love for one another suddenly goes higher up the list of things we love.
Apply this idea to the central doctrine of the Old Testament which Jesus underlined saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:37–40). Notice all the law does not “hang on” obeying God, but on loving God and neighbour. Here Jesus ranks the love for God as first and greatest, while love for neighbour comes second. If you look at the Ten Commandments you will see that the first four point to how we are to love God and the next six relate to how we are to love those around us.
Consider when Jesus reinstated Peter asking, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’” (John 21:15) Jesus was asking Peter, where among the things you love, is your love for me? Or reflect for a moment on Paul’s view of godly actions that are devoid of love. “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) Without love, I am nothing. We find an example of a church running low on love at Ephesus. While Jesus commended them for their hard work and perseverance, nevertheless he warned them “Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4) Their work and perseverance were empty because they had lost their first love. Their loves had become disordered.
There is so much more that could be said from the bible about love which would enlighten our thinking, but even the little I mention here is enough to at least spur us to consider discipleship as a reordering of our loves. Have you ever considered how you rank the things you love, what you put first and give priority to? Every decision we make is at some level based on the ranking of our loves.
I invite you to take a moment to consider: which love do you rank highest? Which love has most influence on what you choose? If sin is fundamentally disordered love - putting something else above our love for God - how might you address that?
Finally, as we approach Easter consider how God’s ranking of love is revealed to us in Jesus, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
God bless you
John Malcolm
* Jamie Bester from City to City was the keynote speaker at the recent Presbytery conference.
february 2024 SHINE
The recent run of warm weather means most of us have been able to enjoy the summer break and have time to relax. Now however, schools are opening, traffic is slowing and sadly for most the holiday season is behind us.
Our church year began brightly with the Under the Sea holiday programme. Around fifty children attended. We repeated the typical scenario of children reluctantly registered for a day, who at day's end were begging their parents to register them for longer. During the programme they learned about Jonah, Noah, Jesus and more. This was a significant ministry to start the year.
As the new year dawns, I have a growing sense of anticipation; looking forward to catching up on the church family as many return with stories of holiday adventures; the joy of gathering with you to praise God and to again engage shoulder to shoulder in our mission and ministries. Last Sunday I shared our 2023 highlights, each of these a spotlight on the events, ministries, or activities in our church life. These highlights remind me of God’s work in our recent past and encourages me as I look to the near future.
It occurred to me recently, that we are encouraging and nurturing a younger generation who are interested in overseas mission. Both Judy and Viola feel God’s call in this direction. Viola is applying to go on a short-term trip and William Varley has just returned from Bangladesh. I am in awe of God who, as some of our faithful missionaries approach “retirement”, is raising up a new generation so we can continue being a “sending” church.
As I write this, I am aware there are points of heightened conflict in the world that I could be addressing. I am not overlooking these; indeed, I am prayerfully lifting them to God asking for a just peace and shared prosperity in our world.
I am confident many of you are also praying about this. Rather than focus on these troubles I want to suggest a possible response from our church family.
When darkness threatens to envelop us, it is important that we shine more brightly. As we shine like a light on a hill, we may act as a beacon helping those who are lost find the safety of God’s love. To that end remember to pray for each other and the people in our wider community. Pray we may find creative ways to share the good news of Jesus and to express his love in practical ways. Doing this we may shine all the more brightly, fulfilling what Paul wrote, “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15–16)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Our church year began brightly with the Under the Sea holiday programme. Around fifty children attended. We repeated the typical scenario of children reluctantly registered for a day, who at day's end were begging their parents to register them for longer. During the programme they learned about Jonah, Noah, Jesus and more. This was a significant ministry to start the year.
As the new year dawns, I have a growing sense of anticipation; looking forward to catching up on the church family as many return with stories of holiday adventures; the joy of gathering with you to praise God and to again engage shoulder to shoulder in our mission and ministries. Last Sunday I shared our 2023 highlights, each of these a spotlight on the events, ministries, or activities in our church life. These highlights remind me of God’s work in our recent past and encourages me as I look to the near future.
It occurred to me recently, that we are encouraging and nurturing a younger generation who are interested in overseas mission. Both Judy and Viola feel God’s call in this direction. Viola is applying to go on a short-term trip and William Varley has just returned from Bangladesh. I am in awe of God who, as some of our faithful missionaries approach “retirement”, is raising up a new generation so we can continue being a “sending” church.
As I write this, I am aware there are points of heightened conflict in the world that I could be addressing. I am not overlooking these; indeed, I am prayerfully lifting them to God asking for a just peace and shared prosperity in our world.
I am confident many of you are also praying about this. Rather than focus on these troubles I want to suggest a possible response from our church family.
When darkness threatens to envelop us, it is important that we shine more brightly. As we shine like a light on a hill, we may act as a beacon helping those who are lost find the safety of God’s love. To that end remember to pray for each other and the people in our wider community. Pray we may find creative ways to share the good news of Jesus and to express his love in practical ways. Doing this we may shine all the more brightly, fulfilling what Paul wrote, “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15–16)
God bless you
John Malcolm
december 2023 the old, old story
The nativity story warms my heart and nourishes my spirit. It is a familiar story, an old story whose characters I know well. The season comes around every year, but not a new season updated for a modern audience. Rather it takes the modern audience back to the trusted and true, the faithful and reliable news of a baby born for us.
A hymn from the 1800’s has the refrain, Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and his love. If it was an old story two hundred years ago, it is certainly older now. In that lies its strength. For generations, even centuries, this old, old story has touched the hearts of old and young, changing lives, giving strength and comfort.
The simple truth is, For you Jesus has been born.
The angel announced, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10). Good news for all people, in all generations. It may be old news, but it is exceedingly good news. It may be old news, but it brings new life to those who hear it and trust in the baby who was born.
As we come to this season again, open your heart, your mind and soul to this good news. Allow the anticipation of Advent to bring the story to you afresh as the great themes of hope, joy, peace and love wash over you, refreshing your spirit.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
May you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas
John Malcolm
A hymn from the 1800’s has the refrain, Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and his love. If it was an old story two hundred years ago, it is certainly older now. In that lies its strength. For generations, even centuries, this old, old story has touched the hearts of old and young, changing lives, giving strength and comfort.
The simple truth is, For you Jesus has been born.
The angel announced, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10). Good news for all people, in all generations. It may be old news, but it is exceedingly good news. It may be old news, but it brings new life to those who hear it and trust in the baby who was born.
As we come to this season again, open your heart, your mind and soul to this good news. Allow the anticipation of Advent to bring the story to you afresh as the great themes of hope, joy, peace and love wash over you, refreshing your spirit.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
May you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas
John Malcolm
november 2023 love your neighbour and love your enemy
While not forgetting the continual suffering in the Ukraine, we must now also hold the people of Gaza and Israel in our prayers. Spurred on by the love of God, we should pray for people on both sides of the conflict and for those caught in the middle.
All people are made in the image of God. While our world, and we ourselves, are broken and fractured by sin in its many forms, we are all made by God and for God, thus in our common humanity we should pray for all.
Our love for God cannot be separated from the command to love our neighbour as ourselves. Both the people of Israel and the people of Gaza are our neighbours. We should be prayerful for and sympathetic towards both keeping in mind the atrocities each has suffered. We should also consider the words of Jesus, “‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43–45) A sign of being a child of God is to pray even for our enemies. Therefore, wherever our sympathies may lie, we should pray for all caught up in this conflict.
We should be careful not to identify a terrorist group, Hamas, with all the people of Gaza as if all are equally guilty and therefore all should be equally punished. We should also be careful not to approve of any anti-Semitic thoughts or behaviours as if all Israelis can collectively be blamed, victimised or persecuted.
As Christians we respect Judaism, acknowledging our Saviour was born a Jew, and that the ancient history of Israel is marked by the hand of God. But we must be careful not to conflate the modern secular state of Israel with the ancient people we read of in the Old Testament. Even in ancient times the people of Israel and Judah transgressed against God, the ten northern tribes being dispersed by the Assyrians, and the two southern tribes being taken into exile by the Babylonians. Later still, Old Testament prophets foretold Israel’s fate if they wandered from God. Even Jesus prophesied about the fall of the Temple, an event which took place when the Romans destroyed it in 70AD causing many to flee Judea and settle in other countries. By faith we recognise that somehow in all this the sovereign will of God is being worked out and will in the end culminate with the return of Christ, at a time only God knows. But we should not take this to mean God approves of the violence of humanity or unjust suffering of any people or nation.
Their troubled history does not excuse Israel of their responsibility to act justly and with mercy. Even in the face of such awful provocation, if anything it requires them to be more understanding. Should not a people who have suffered so much, losing their temple, their land, being dispersed among the nations, being reviled and mistreated to the dreadful extent of the Holocaust, be a people who determine not to treat others as they have been treated? We would implore them with the words of Jesus, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
The cycle of hatred and violence can only be broken, terrorists and extremists be disempowered, if people humble themselves and pray, especially to pray for their enemies and to seek good for them. I invite you then to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, of Gaza, of the world and of all peoples.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)
God bless you
John Malcolm
All people are made in the image of God. While our world, and we ourselves, are broken and fractured by sin in its many forms, we are all made by God and for God, thus in our common humanity we should pray for all.
Our love for God cannot be separated from the command to love our neighbour as ourselves. Both the people of Israel and the people of Gaza are our neighbours. We should be prayerful for and sympathetic towards both keeping in mind the atrocities each has suffered. We should also consider the words of Jesus, “‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43–45) A sign of being a child of God is to pray even for our enemies. Therefore, wherever our sympathies may lie, we should pray for all caught up in this conflict.
We should be careful not to identify a terrorist group, Hamas, with all the people of Gaza as if all are equally guilty and therefore all should be equally punished. We should also be careful not to approve of any anti-Semitic thoughts or behaviours as if all Israelis can collectively be blamed, victimised or persecuted.
As Christians we respect Judaism, acknowledging our Saviour was born a Jew, and that the ancient history of Israel is marked by the hand of God. But we must be careful not to conflate the modern secular state of Israel with the ancient people we read of in the Old Testament. Even in ancient times the people of Israel and Judah transgressed against God, the ten northern tribes being dispersed by the Assyrians, and the two southern tribes being taken into exile by the Babylonians. Later still, Old Testament prophets foretold Israel’s fate if they wandered from God. Even Jesus prophesied about the fall of the Temple, an event which took place when the Romans destroyed it in 70AD causing many to flee Judea and settle in other countries. By faith we recognise that somehow in all this the sovereign will of God is being worked out and will in the end culminate with the return of Christ, at a time only God knows. But we should not take this to mean God approves of the violence of humanity or unjust suffering of any people or nation.
Their troubled history does not excuse Israel of their responsibility to act justly and with mercy. Even in the face of such awful provocation, if anything it requires them to be more understanding. Should not a people who have suffered so much, losing their temple, their land, being dispersed among the nations, being reviled and mistreated to the dreadful extent of the Holocaust, be a people who determine not to treat others as they have been treated? We would implore them with the words of Jesus, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
The cycle of hatred and violence can only be broken, terrorists and extremists be disempowered, if people humble themselves and pray, especially to pray for their enemies and to seek good for them. I invite you then to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, of Gaza, of the world and of all peoples.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)
God bless you
John Malcolm
OCTOBER 2023 TURNING THE CORNER
This week I was at a conference where I caught up with friends in ministry. One asked how things were going at church, and I felt my heart stir as I replied, I think we have turned a corner. I had several brief conversations with others in ministry and it seems many have walked a path similar to ours in recent years, some facing greater hardships with strong divisions in the church. Listening and talking, I had a sense from God, that we at Greyfriars have turned a corner.
Of course, I always feel lighter in heart at the beginning of spring and especially with daylight saving. In addition to this, I feel we have emerged into a new era of church life. I sense your faithfulness, the faith of our church family, as God held fast to us, has brought us safely through. We have learnt lessons about God and ourselves through a global pandemic which has changed mindsets, challenged governments, and tested the resilience of economies, health systems and social order. This is no small moment in world history and perhaps we need to ask is God doing a new thing. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18–19)
Rev Emma Keown, at the conference I mentioned said, “Grace changes everything”. This was like a dose of adrenaline to my soul, a reminder of the great truth of God’s riches poured upon us through the merciful sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This added impetus to my earlier thought, we have turned a corner. In the scriptures we are encouraged by the new things God has done and is doing, giving a new heart and a new spirit, inspiring a new song, with a newborn king who would give us a new commandment, and who said Behold I make all things new.(Revelation 21.5)
I am encouraged with the “Go for Gold” holiday programme that is on this week, with an average of 53 children attending each day. I am encouraged to have Judy Ma working with us, sharing her passion for the Lord, her creativity and her skills. I am encouraged, not simply with the increasing attendance at ESOL, but especially with the warmth of community being developed among the group. I am also encouraged to see new people visiting, some joining our church, not to mention the encouragement I find each week uniting with our longstanding members in worship each Sunday. I hope you also are encouraged to see all this and to perceive what God is doing among us!
God bless you
John Malcolm
Of course, I always feel lighter in heart at the beginning of spring and especially with daylight saving. In addition to this, I feel we have emerged into a new era of church life. I sense your faithfulness, the faith of our church family, as God held fast to us, has brought us safely through. We have learnt lessons about God and ourselves through a global pandemic which has changed mindsets, challenged governments, and tested the resilience of economies, health systems and social order. This is no small moment in world history and perhaps we need to ask is God doing a new thing. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18–19)
Rev Emma Keown, at the conference I mentioned said, “Grace changes everything”. This was like a dose of adrenaline to my soul, a reminder of the great truth of God’s riches poured upon us through the merciful sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This added impetus to my earlier thought, we have turned a corner. In the scriptures we are encouraged by the new things God has done and is doing, giving a new heart and a new spirit, inspiring a new song, with a newborn king who would give us a new commandment, and who said Behold I make all things new.(Revelation 21.5)
I am encouraged with the “Go for Gold” holiday programme that is on this week, with an average of 53 children attending each day. I am encouraged to have Judy Ma working with us, sharing her passion for the Lord, her creativity and her skills. I am encouraged, not simply with the increasing attendance at ESOL, but especially with the warmth of community being developed among the group. I am also encouraged to see new people visiting, some joining our church, not to mention the encouragement I find each week uniting with our longstanding members in worship each Sunday. I hope you also are encouraged to see all this and to perceive what God is doing among us!
God bless you
John Malcolm
september 2023 humpty dumpty people
Have you ever felt like Humpty Dumpty, broken, and struggling to pick up the pieces?
I never expected Humpty Dumpty to turn up in a book on Christian leadership. In The Flourishing Pastor, Tom Nelson uses this image to describe the broken people of our world and their deep longing for wholeness. He writes; We find ourselves immersed in the messy middle of broken, Humpty Dumpty friendships; Humpty Dumpty marriages; Humpty Dumpty families; Humpty Dumpty illnesses; Humpty Dumpty addictions; Humpty Dumpty workplaces and Humpty Dumpty finances. He notes, in the heartache of brokenness we long to be put back together again. The problem in the nursery rhyme is once Humpty Dumpty falls and is broken, then all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.
I wonder if this is a helpful way of thinking. It is hard to deny the brokenness in the world around us. The cracks in the shell of civilization seem to have been accentuated in recent times. Sadly, there are too many examples of brokenness, both nationally and internationally, to address. The solution to such deep-seated issues eludes us. It seems despite all our human efforts we are unable to put this “Humpty” together again.
The moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God is referred to as the fall. This was humanity’s Humpty Dumpty moment. The fall caused the world to be broken beyond our ability to repair it. Bob Dylan sang an anthem of brokenness that is worth listening to … “Everything is broken. Seems like every time you stop and turn around, something else just hit the ground”. The first fall in Genesis set off a domino effect of brokenness spreading everywhere, to everyone.
Wonderfully, what Humpty Dumpty’s king could not do, our King can! He became broken so we could be made whole. His brokenness made it possible for the cascade of brokenness to be interrupted, halted, and healed. Jesus never discards us like a broken toy rather his desire is to heal the broken. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Isaiah 42:3) Isaiah goes on to say God will not falter or be discouraged in this task. Our brokenness will be totally healed with the coming of the new heaven and new earth. And until that time King Jesus brings wholeness as his kingdom advances in our lives. King Jesus can put broken lives together again. He brings forgiveness, heals the sick, and lifts the lowly. Jesus gives hope, and shapes purposeful futures for those who call on his name.
Imagine the world applying the teaching of Jesus, in which enemies love rather than hate each other. Or where people seek the best for others and put the interests of others first. Consider a world where people find justice, where grievances are addressed and resolved. As the Kingdom of God comes among us the lives of individuals, families and even nations can change.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
May God bless you and heal your brokenness.
John Malcolm
Further reading: God mends broken things (David McLemore)
I never expected Humpty Dumpty to turn up in a book on Christian leadership. In The Flourishing Pastor, Tom Nelson uses this image to describe the broken people of our world and their deep longing for wholeness. He writes; We find ourselves immersed in the messy middle of broken, Humpty Dumpty friendships; Humpty Dumpty marriages; Humpty Dumpty families; Humpty Dumpty illnesses; Humpty Dumpty addictions; Humpty Dumpty workplaces and Humpty Dumpty finances. He notes, in the heartache of brokenness we long to be put back together again. The problem in the nursery rhyme is once Humpty Dumpty falls and is broken, then all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.
I wonder if this is a helpful way of thinking. It is hard to deny the brokenness in the world around us. The cracks in the shell of civilization seem to have been accentuated in recent times. Sadly, there are too many examples of brokenness, both nationally and internationally, to address. The solution to such deep-seated issues eludes us. It seems despite all our human efforts we are unable to put this “Humpty” together again.
The moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God is referred to as the fall. This was humanity’s Humpty Dumpty moment. The fall caused the world to be broken beyond our ability to repair it. Bob Dylan sang an anthem of brokenness that is worth listening to … “Everything is broken. Seems like every time you stop and turn around, something else just hit the ground”. The first fall in Genesis set off a domino effect of brokenness spreading everywhere, to everyone.
Wonderfully, what Humpty Dumpty’s king could not do, our King can! He became broken so we could be made whole. His brokenness made it possible for the cascade of brokenness to be interrupted, halted, and healed. Jesus never discards us like a broken toy rather his desire is to heal the broken. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Isaiah 42:3) Isaiah goes on to say God will not falter or be discouraged in this task. Our brokenness will be totally healed with the coming of the new heaven and new earth. And until that time King Jesus brings wholeness as his kingdom advances in our lives. King Jesus can put broken lives together again. He brings forgiveness, heals the sick, and lifts the lowly. Jesus gives hope, and shapes purposeful futures for those who call on his name.
Imagine the world applying the teaching of Jesus, in which enemies love rather than hate each other. Or where people seek the best for others and put the interests of others first. Consider a world where people find justice, where grievances are addressed and resolved. As the Kingdom of God comes among us the lives of individuals, families and even nations can change.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
May God bless you and heal your brokenness.
John Malcolm
Further reading: God mends broken things (David McLemore)
august 2023 our reason for hope
Why have you put your hope in Jesus Christ? The answer to this question may be as varied as the people answering it, but what is your answer?
The Apostle Peter once wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
Peter didn’t say it had to be a long, deep or complicated answer. He didn’t say we had to have an answer for every other question a person may have about Christianity. He didn’t tell us to give the answer to people who weren’t asking the question. However, he did make sure to remind us when we do answer to be gentle and respectful.
I invite you to give this some thought. It strengthens our assurance of faith when we can answer this to our own satisfaction. And it can help us answer a person who is interested enough to ask.
God bless you
John Malcolm
- There must be something more to life.
- I learned about Jesus as a child.
- The story of Jesus makes sense to me.
- I had a spiritual encounter with him.
- Without Jesus, life lacks meaning.
- The bible provides evidence that he was more than just a man.
- He appeared to me in a vision.
- When I was at a low ebb, he answered my prayer.
- He died for me.
- I tried to ignore him but found he would not ignore me.
- I just thought I would give him a try and haven’t regretted it.
The Apostle Peter once wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
Peter didn’t say it had to be a long, deep or complicated answer. He didn’t say we had to have an answer for every other question a person may have about Christianity. He didn’t tell us to give the answer to people who weren’t asking the question. However, he did make sure to remind us when we do answer to be gentle and respectful.
I invite you to give this some thought. It strengthens our assurance of faith when we can answer this to our own satisfaction. And it can help us answer a person who is interested enough to ask.
God bless you
John Malcolm
july 2023 life as it can be
I am reading an interesting book, with a view of life that has both challenged and encouraged me (The Flourishing Pastor – Tom Nelson 2021). It highlights four “biblical” views of life. Life as it ought to be, but which is lost to us. This was life in the garden of Eden before sin changed human existence. Life as it is, how we experience life today. Such life is a mixed blessing with the wonders of the earth around us, experiences of love and family, yet with the shadow of death, fallenness and the evils humanity inflicts upon itself. Life as it will be when Christ returns. A future life, when we are gathered to the throne of God and enjoy the blessings of the new heaven and the new earth.
It was the fourth view that piqued my interest, Life as it can be. This is life which is transformed by the redeeming work of Christ and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. It is life as it can be when the kingdom of God breaks into life as it is. Life as it is, with all its challenges, demands our attention. It constantly tugs at us devouring our time and energy. Life as it can be changes our focus, giving us a different perspective. I found this challenging wondering how often my feet were nailed to the floor of life as it is, and how often I was able to soar above it as I lived life as it can be.
Jesus not only saw life as it is, looking at the realities and struggles faced by the people of his day, he also saw life as it can be when the Kingdom of God draws near changing people’s hearts. He looked at a crowd through his kingdom perspective and saw a flock of lost people who needed compassion. He looked again and saw a harvest field; people who could flourish when the seed of the gospel grew to fruitfulness in their lives. Jesus wanted his disciples to see life as it can be and to share that with others. He sent them to villages and towns to proclaim the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near.
Life as it can be, is not life with rose tinted glasses denying the reality of life as it is. Rather it is allowing “life as it is” to be transformed by the power of the kingdom of God. It is to understand life can be different when we live with kingdom values. Life changes when we shine the light of Christ upon it. It changes when our priorities become more like those of Jesus. It becomes a “born again” life. Our circumstances may remain the same, but we are different, a new creation in Christ and therefore life becomes different, and we begin to live life as it can be.
I invite you to take a few moments to consider the difference between life as it is and life as it can be. What if you were able to approach an anxious situation with the peace of Christ to uphold you? What if you were to share your burden with Christ so he could give you rest? What if you were to find a way to love your enemies so that the sting was removed from the harm they intended and you were able to do them good? Then we might find ourselves living life as it can be.
I encourage you as individuals, families and as a church fellowship to follow Jesus and live life as it can be.
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
God bless you
John Malcolm
It was the fourth view that piqued my interest, Life as it can be. This is life which is transformed by the redeeming work of Christ and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. It is life as it can be when the kingdom of God breaks into life as it is. Life as it is, with all its challenges, demands our attention. It constantly tugs at us devouring our time and energy. Life as it can be changes our focus, giving us a different perspective. I found this challenging wondering how often my feet were nailed to the floor of life as it is, and how often I was able to soar above it as I lived life as it can be.
Jesus not only saw life as it is, looking at the realities and struggles faced by the people of his day, he also saw life as it can be when the Kingdom of God draws near changing people’s hearts. He looked at a crowd through his kingdom perspective and saw a flock of lost people who needed compassion. He looked again and saw a harvest field; people who could flourish when the seed of the gospel grew to fruitfulness in their lives. Jesus wanted his disciples to see life as it can be and to share that with others. He sent them to villages and towns to proclaim the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near.
Life as it can be, is not life with rose tinted glasses denying the reality of life as it is. Rather it is allowing “life as it is” to be transformed by the power of the kingdom of God. It is to understand life can be different when we live with kingdom values. Life changes when we shine the light of Christ upon it. It changes when our priorities become more like those of Jesus. It becomes a “born again” life. Our circumstances may remain the same, but we are different, a new creation in Christ and therefore life becomes different, and we begin to live life as it can be.
I invite you to take a few moments to consider the difference between life as it is and life as it can be. What if you were able to approach an anxious situation with the peace of Christ to uphold you? What if you were to share your burden with Christ so he could give you rest? What if you were to find a way to love your enemies so that the sting was removed from the harm they intended and you were able to do them good? Then we might find ourselves living life as it can be.
I encourage you as individuals, families and as a church fellowship to follow Jesus and live life as it can be.
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
God bless you
John Malcolm
june 2023 the way
As a sci-fi and Star Wars fan I have enjoyed watching the Disney series The Mandalorian. The main character, Mando is part of a tribe which follows "the ancient Way of the Mandalore. When the creed is said they all stand and affirm it saying, This is the Way. This piqued my interest because before Christians were called Christians, they were called followers of the Way. Not the Mandalorian way, but the way of Jesus.
We find this name for the disciples when Saul planned to go to Damascus “… so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2) The Way is used a number of times in the book of Acts and we find it again when Paul appeared before Governor Felix admitting to being a follower of the Way. And we read of the governor, “Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings.” (Acts 24:22)
“The Way” was the earliest name given to followers of Jesus when they were considered to be a sect within Judaism. It wasn’t until Christianity began to spread among the Gentiles that the derogatory term “Christian” (little Christs) began to be used. “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26) It took a while for the term Christian to be used widely. In Acts it is only used twice, the preferred designation is followers of the Way.
We can easily see why Jesus’ disciples were called followers of the Way. Jesus made a significant and exclusive claim when he said, “… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Saying this, Jesus boldly claimed to be the way to God. We also find this in Jesus’ teaching when he taught about the narrow way that leads to salvation. (Matthew 7:14) Peter proclaimed this on the day of Pentecost when he said of Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’” (Acts 4:12)
Such an exclusive claim is problematic and offensive in a diverse culture. This has always been true. Paul had first-hand experience of this when the idol makers of Ephesus took offence at his teaching, seeing it as a threat to their way of life. We are told, “About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.” (Acts 19:23). A riot ensued and the city was in an uproar because of Paul’s teaching. Once calm was restored Paul had to leave the city. It is no less true in our own day that teaching Jesus is the way, the only way to God, will often cause offence. We have no authority to water down the teaching of Jesus as if we might remove the offence of the cross. Peter suggests a way forward, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
Although it is not in common use today, as Christians we are still followers of the Way. We follow the teaching and commands of Jesus as we walk on the narrow way before us – “This is the Way”.
God bless you
John Malcolm
We find this name for the disciples when Saul planned to go to Damascus “… so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2) The Way is used a number of times in the book of Acts and we find it again when Paul appeared before Governor Felix admitting to being a follower of the Way. And we read of the governor, “Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings.” (Acts 24:22)
“The Way” was the earliest name given to followers of Jesus when they were considered to be a sect within Judaism. It wasn’t until Christianity began to spread among the Gentiles that the derogatory term “Christian” (little Christs) began to be used. “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26) It took a while for the term Christian to be used widely. In Acts it is only used twice, the preferred designation is followers of the Way.
We can easily see why Jesus’ disciples were called followers of the Way. Jesus made a significant and exclusive claim when he said, “… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Saying this, Jesus boldly claimed to be the way to God. We also find this in Jesus’ teaching when he taught about the narrow way that leads to salvation. (Matthew 7:14) Peter proclaimed this on the day of Pentecost when he said of Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’” (Acts 4:12)
Such an exclusive claim is problematic and offensive in a diverse culture. This has always been true. Paul had first-hand experience of this when the idol makers of Ephesus took offence at his teaching, seeing it as a threat to their way of life. We are told, “About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.” (Acts 19:23). A riot ensued and the city was in an uproar because of Paul’s teaching. Once calm was restored Paul had to leave the city. It is no less true in our own day that teaching Jesus is the way, the only way to God, will often cause offence. We have no authority to water down the teaching of Jesus as if we might remove the offence of the cross. Peter suggests a way forward, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
Although it is not in common use today, as Christians we are still followers of the Way. We follow the teaching and commands of Jesus as we walk on the narrow way before us – “This is the Way”.
God bless you
John Malcolm
may 2023 guilt or grace?
In a world of guilt and fear it is hard to switch to a heavenly mindset of grace and favour. Haven't read your Bible today - Guilt! Something gone wrong in your life - is God punishing me - Fear!
Guilt plus fear equals hesitancy to seek God. We feel embarrassed by our perceived lack of devotion and worry God will again be disappointed in us. It is as if we are living under the law where if we fail to pray or read the Bible God will punish us. Spiritual practices are not a matter of law, but of relationship. Jesus encouraged his disciples to abide in him and to abide in his love (John 15). One aspect of abiding in Jesus is to foster our spiritual practices.
We need to change our earthy mindset to a heavenly mindset. We need to adjust our thinking to work from grace and favour rather than from guilt and fear. The Bible and prayer are means of grace gifted to us because of God's favour towards us. God has not given them to us to burden us and increase our guilt. God provides these because he loves us. They are given so we may find spiritual strength and direction as they become our spiritual food and breath. Rather than being chains to weigh us down with guilt, they become a springboard into new heights of spiritual maturity.
I came across an article from the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity which points out spiritual practices of prayer and bible study benefit us by:
We intend to read the bible and pray, but then life gets in the way, the unexpected happens and we are thrown from our routine. The article suggests we use “cues” to help us. A cue might be a time, a place or an action that reminds us to abide in Christ and in his love. It could be a time of day we set aside to read the bible or a chair we regularly sit in when praying. I often do my bible reading when having my breakfast, and I have a chair in my study where I sit to pray. Perhaps you could pray as you wait for the kettle to boil or when you are waiting to pick up your cup of coffee. You could write a verse or some spiritual idea on a piece of paper then put it in your pocket or purse. Each time you put your hand in your pocket or open your purse you would feel or see the piece of paper and it would act as a cue to remind you of God’s love. There are many screensavers with bible verses that we could use. Then every time we open our phone we can be inspired by the verse or reminded to say a quick prayer.
If we can build these cues into our day, they act to remind and inspire us. Because we need to be intentional to develop spiritually, I invite you to consider how you personally incorporate prayer and Bible reading into your day.
God bless you
John Malcolm
Guilt plus fear equals hesitancy to seek God. We feel embarrassed by our perceived lack of devotion and worry God will again be disappointed in us. It is as if we are living under the law where if we fail to pray or read the Bible God will punish us. Spiritual practices are not a matter of law, but of relationship. Jesus encouraged his disciples to abide in him and to abide in his love (John 15). One aspect of abiding in Jesus is to foster our spiritual practices.
We need to change our earthy mindset to a heavenly mindset. We need to adjust our thinking to work from grace and favour rather than from guilt and fear. The Bible and prayer are means of grace gifted to us because of God's favour towards us. God has not given them to us to burden us and increase our guilt. God provides these because he loves us. They are given so we may find spiritual strength and direction as they become our spiritual food and breath. Rather than being chains to weigh us down with guilt, they become a springboard into new heights of spiritual maturity.
I came across an article from the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity which points out spiritual practices of prayer and bible study benefit us by:
- enhancing our relationship with God,
- shaping us from within, and
- enabling us to respond well to the people around us.
We intend to read the bible and pray, but then life gets in the way, the unexpected happens and we are thrown from our routine. The article suggests we use “cues” to help us. A cue might be a time, a place or an action that reminds us to abide in Christ and in his love. It could be a time of day we set aside to read the bible or a chair we regularly sit in when praying. I often do my bible reading when having my breakfast, and I have a chair in my study where I sit to pray. Perhaps you could pray as you wait for the kettle to boil or when you are waiting to pick up your cup of coffee. You could write a verse or some spiritual idea on a piece of paper then put it in your pocket or purse. Each time you put your hand in your pocket or open your purse you would feel or see the piece of paper and it would act as a cue to remind you of God’s love. There are many screensavers with bible verses that we could use. Then every time we open our phone we can be inspired by the verse or reminded to say a quick prayer.
If we can build these cues into our day, they act to remind and inspire us. Because we need to be intentional to develop spiritually, I invite you to consider how you personally incorporate prayer and Bible reading into your day.
God bless you
John Malcolm
MARCH 2023 REVIVAL
My heart was warmed when I heard news of a gentle spiritual revival which began a couple of weeks ago at Asbury University in the USA. It grew out of an evening service when a handful of students remained to pray. One of the staff described what was happening, saying it was a quiet weeping and sobbing as people repented of their sin.
Whether or not this continues or spreads, those students will never forget the way the Holy Spirit moved among them as they prayed.
Repentance is a key feature in any revival or spiritual awakening. When God draws near in this way the very nature of his holiness, brings our sin into stark contrast and reminds us of our need for forgiveness. We see this in the life of Isaiah, who seeing a vision of God and angels singing Holy, Holy, Holy said, “‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’ Seeing the holy presence of God, Isaiah was immediately struck by his own failings. He felt the weight of his sin, and sensed he was ruined, exposed and found wanting. Yet as the bible so often reveals, God is quick to forgive those who cry out to him. We read, Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’” (Isaiah 6:5–7)
Jesus highlighted the ministry of the Holy Spirit by teaching his disciples, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:” (John 16:8) Notice, he does not condemn us, but convicts us so we have opportunity to repent. The aim is to save us from our sin so we can know the joy of salvation and be changed to live a godly life.
In the last few weeks the Holy Spirit has been reminding me of the verse from Revelation where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) I pray this may be for us a season of revival and awakening, like that at Asbury University, where the Holy Spirit draws near and Jesus knocks firmly, even loudly at the door of the lives of our friends and neighbours.
Let us earnestly pray that revival and spiritual awakening may come among us and throughout the world. “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” (Psalm 85:6–7)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Whether or not this continues or spreads, those students will never forget the way the Holy Spirit moved among them as they prayed.
Repentance is a key feature in any revival or spiritual awakening. When God draws near in this way the very nature of his holiness, brings our sin into stark contrast and reminds us of our need for forgiveness. We see this in the life of Isaiah, who seeing a vision of God and angels singing Holy, Holy, Holy said, “‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’ Seeing the holy presence of God, Isaiah was immediately struck by his own failings. He felt the weight of his sin, and sensed he was ruined, exposed and found wanting. Yet as the bible so often reveals, God is quick to forgive those who cry out to him. We read, Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’” (Isaiah 6:5–7)
Jesus highlighted the ministry of the Holy Spirit by teaching his disciples, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:” (John 16:8) Notice, he does not condemn us, but convicts us so we have opportunity to repent. The aim is to save us from our sin so we can know the joy of salvation and be changed to live a godly life.
In the last few weeks the Holy Spirit has been reminding me of the verse from Revelation where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) I pray this may be for us a season of revival and awakening, like that at Asbury University, where the Holy Spirit draws near and Jesus knocks firmly, even loudly at the door of the lives of our friends and neighbours.
Let us earnestly pray that revival and spiritual awakening may come among us and throughout the world. “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” (Psalm 85:6–7)
God bless you
John Malcolm
FEBRUARY 2023 LOVE - THE GREATEST MOTIVATOR
Love is the greatest motivator in the life of the church; love for God and love for our neighbours. The love of Christ inspires us.
The bible reminds us, God is love and We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:16 & 19) As I look back on my life I recall many experiences of God’s love for me. I remember the overwhelming sense of God’s love filling me when I was six years old; God’s love when as a young man I was crashed into by a drunk driver; and God’s love experienced among family and friends.
The Apostle Paul wrote, Christ’s love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). Having experienced God’s love for us, we find it compelling, not in a coercive sense, but with a sense of abounding joy and delight. It prompts us, pushes us, pulls us, and provides the strength to persevere in loving kindness towards others. God’s love tops up the tank of life, enough for us and enough to share with others. Love is the fuel that keeps us going. Love helps us discern how we can do good for people in our lives provides the strength to do it.
As the holidays come to an end, our church family returns to a new year of faith-life together. Underlying all we will do this year is our love for God and for our neighbours. I encourage you to join us at church as we celebrate the love of God, and to take part in the life of the church as we share God’s love with others.
We recognise that in Auckland, following the Covid lockdowns and now the extreme flooding, we and the people of our community need God’s love more than ever.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)
God bless you
John Malcolm
The bible reminds us, God is love and We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:16 & 19) As I look back on my life I recall many experiences of God’s love for me. I remember the overwhelming sense of God’s love filling me when I was six years old; God’s love when as a young man I was crashed into by a drunk driver; and God’s love experienced among family and friends.
The Apostle Paul wrote, Christ’s love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). Having experienced God’s love for us, we find it compelling, not in a coercive sense, but with a sense of abounding joy and delight. It prompts us, pushes us, pulls us, and provides the strength to persevere in loving kindness towards others. God’s love tops up the tank of life, enough for us and enough to share with others. Love is the fuel that keeps us going. Love helps us discern how we can do good for people in our lives provides the strength to do it.
As the holidays come to an end, our church family returns to a new year of faith-life together. Underlying all we will do this year is our love for God and for our neighbours. I encourage you to join us at church as we celebrate the love of God, and to take part in the life of the church as we share God’s love with others.
We recognise that in Auckland, following the Covid lockdowns and now the extreme flooding, we and the people of our community need God’s love more than ever.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)
God bless you
John Malcolm
december 2022 good news!
Good news! We have found Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus. I’m not kidding – we found them! I had heard rumours about them when I first came to Greyfriars ten years ago, but not having seen them with my own eyes I soon forgot about them. Diana mentioned them to me a couple of weeks ago. Apparently, they had been found deep in the basement of the church when we did a spring clean a few months ago. So, this week Diana took Maggie and I to see them, and sure enough there they were, in all their glory (well perhaps looking a little worse for wear). We brought them to the hall, unpacked them and set them up on the stage as part of our Advent and Christmas display.
They had originally been gifted to us, having been part of a mall nativity scene. Those who have been at Greyfriars for years will probably recognise them. Somehow, they had been lost. Well, not so much lost, as safely stored away in a place no one could remember.
It occurred to me that this may be symbolic of the Christmas story in the lives of many in our community, a vague awareness of something lost, a nostalgia, a longing, but fading in the memory.
My prayer is that this year, perhaps by a serendipitous event, a spring clean of old memories or a moment of spiritual awareness; people will remember, go looking and rediscover the real Christmas story. The story of God’s love, Joseph’s faithfulness, Mary’s courage, the angel’s song, the shepherds surprise and the wisemen searching – all focused on the baby Jesus.
If you are looking for something special this Christmas, he can be found in the manger, in the arms of Mary, in the hearts of those who love him.
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:4–7)
Merry Christmas!
God bless you
John Malcolm
They had originally been gifted to us, having been part of a mall nativity scene. Those who have been at Greyfriars for years will probably recognise them. Somehow, they had been lost. Well, not so much lost, as safely stored away in a place no one could remember.
It occurred to me that this may be symbolic of the Christmas story in the lives of many in our community, a vague awareness of something lost, a nostalgia, a longing, but fading in the memory.
My prayer is that this year, perhaps by a serendipitous event, a spring clean of old memories or a moment of spiritual awareness; people will remember, go looking and rediscover the real Christmas story. The story of God’s love, Joseph’s faithfulness, Mary’s courage, the angel’s song, the shepherds surprise and the wisemen searching – all focused on the baby Jesus.
If you are looking for something special this Christmas, he can be found in the manger, in the arms of Mary, in the hearts of those who love him.
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:4–7)
Merry Christmas!
God bless you
John Malcolm
november 2022 god's plan
My personal bible reading today was the well-known passage from Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) At the time this was written it was such an outrageous statement that one of the leaders, Shemaiah, called Jeremiah a maniac posing as a prophet and demanded he be reprimanded. The reason for his indignation was that Jerusalem had been conquered by the Babylonians, with the youngest, strongest and most able people taken into exile to serve their captors. In his estimation, Jeremiah’s words about prospering and making themselves at home was to deny the dreadful reality of the situation they were in. You can understand Shemaiah’s point of view, and it must have been very difficult for those who had been humiliated in captivity to see any good in what was happening.
However, Jeremiah was right, and it was God’s plan to allow his people to prosper even when they were in exile. As the Apostle Paul made clear, God is able to make use of all and any situations for the good of his people (Rom 8.28)
A right understanding of God’s desire to prosper his people is foundational to the hope which Christians enjoy. At any particular moment in time, our circumstances may shout at us with Shemaiah’s perspective, God cannot possibly use this for our good. Indeed, some captives in exile would have died, never having seen or understood how God could have been at work through this dreadful event. However, as people of faith we are to align ourselves with Jeremiah’s perspective on history rather than Shemaiah’s.
I recall one of the past moderators of the PCANZ saying of God, history is His-Story. I really don’t understand how God is at work in our current world events. It is a puzzle to me. But I am confident it remains His-Story. The writer of Hebrews addresses this by describing people like Enoch, Sarah and Noah who were in situations beyond their own understanding, and yet God was working in them and through them. He began by writing, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the ability to look beyond our present circumstances, and while not denying the reality of these, to know that God is unfolding His-Story for our wellbeing. The resurrection of Jesus, God breaking the power of sin and death, underlines His-Story, speaking to us of hope and life.
At present I am dipping into a book which I recommend to you, God For Us by Abbey Ross Hutto. Some of these themes have been influencing my preaching recently. One chapter is God for the Hopeless. Others are God for: the sceptics, the lost, the wanderers and the desperate. People who are in the midst of shame, betrayal, or affliction, who are weighed down or overwhelmed may find it difficult to believe that God is for us, that God has plans for us, for a hope and for a future. But it is true, and by faith we can begin to grasp this.
Therefore, find hope and strength in the light of the resurrection and in the words of Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God bless you
John Malcolm
However, Jeremiah was right, and it was God’s plan to allow his people to prosper even when they were in exile. As the Apostle Paul made clear, God is able to make use of all and any situations for the good of his people (Rom 8.28)
A right understanding of God’s desire to prosper his people is foundational to the hope which Christians enjoy. At any particular moment in time, our circumstances may shout at us with Shemaiah’s perspective, God cannot possibly use this for our good. Indeed, some captives in exile would have died, never having seen or understood how God could have been at work through this dreadful event. However, as people of faith we are to align ourselves with Jeremiah’s perspective on history rather than Shemaiah’s.
I recall one of the past moderators of the PCANZ saying of God, history is His-Story. I really don’t understand how God is at work in our current world events. It is a puzzle to me. But I am confident it remains His-Story. The writer of Hebrews addresses this by describing people like Enoch, Sarah and Noah who were in situations beyond their own understanding, and yet God was working in them and through them. He began by writing, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the ability to look beyond our present circumstances, and while not denying the reality of these, to know that God is unfolding His-Story for our wellbeing. The resurrection of Jesus, God breaking the power of sin and death, underlines His-Story, speaking to us of hope and life.
At present I am dipping into a book which I recommend to you, God For Us by Abbey Ross Hutto. Some of these themes have been influencing my preaching recently. One chapter is God for the Hopeless. Others are God for: the sceptics, the lost, the wanderers and the desperate. People who are in the midst of shame, betrayal, or affliction, who are weighed down or overwhelmed may find it difficult to believe that God is for us, that God has plans for us, for a hope and for a future. But it is true, and by faith we can begin to grasp this.
Therefore, find hope and strength in the light of the resurrection and in the words of Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God bless you
John Malcolm
october 2022 prayerfully pursuing the presence of god
When God promised to bring the people of Israel back from captivity, he spoke through the prophet Jeremiah saying, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.’” (Jeremiah 31:25) I wonder how many of us need the gentle rain of the Holy Spirit to fall on us refreshing our souls? As many of you know, here at Greyfriars we are taking time to focus on strengthening the spiritual lives of our church family. Recently we encouraged you to put your “spiritual roots” deep into the living water which Jesus provides.
Last month I encouraged you to pray for “spring growth” This month I encourage you to pursue the presence of God through prayer. It is helpful to consider prayer as a journey to the heart of the Father, the likeness of the Son and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The most profound answer to prayer is not a yes, no or wait to a request we might make, but to understand God desires us to experience his presence dwelling in our lives.
I recently read, It is nearly impossible to overemphasise how crucial prayer is to the pursuit of the mission of God. It is the fuel for mission. This applies not only to mission, our service to God, but also to spiritual life, our relationship with God. Prayer is the fuel for spiritual life. It is impossible to develop a spiritual life without prayer. It is through prayer we invite the refreshing rain of the Spirit and the tender mercies of God to minister in our lives. We cultivate our experience of God and our awareness of God’s presence through prayer.
If prayer is such a fuel, are you, or we as a church, running on empty, perhaps even running on fumes?
Imagine a person or church filled to the brim and overflowing with prayer; prayer for each other, prayer for each aspect of our lives, and prayer for all those, young and old, in our church family to experience and enjoy the presence of God. How rich a blessing that would be! We would not only find refreshing for ourselves, but we would also find it pressed down, running over into our laps and overflowing for the refreshment of others. Prayerfully pursuing the presence of God would spiritually renew and enliven us.
In the month ahead I invite you to pray that God would lead you on a journey of prayer to the heart of the Father, the likeness of the Son and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Last month I encouraged you to pray for “spring growth” This month I encourage you to pursue the presence of God through prayer. It is helpful to consider prayer as a journey to the heart of the Father, the likeness of the Son and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The most profound answer to prayer is not a yes, no or wait to a request we might make, but to understand God desires us to experience his presence dwelling in our lives.
I recently read, It is nearly impossible to overemphasise how crucial prayer is to the pursuit of the mission of God. It is the fuel for mission. This applies not only to mission, our service to God, but also to spiritual life, our relationship with God. Prayer is the fuel for spiritual life. It is impossible to develop a spiritual life without prayer. It is through prayer we invite the refreshing rain of the Spirit and the tender mercies of God to minister in our lives. We cultivate our experience of God and our awareness of God’s presence through prayer.
If prayer is such a fuel, are you, or we as a church, running on empty, perhaps even running on fumes?
Imagine a person or church filled to the brim and overflowing with prayer; prayer for each other, prayer for each aspect of our lives, and prayer for all those, young and old, in our church family to experience and enjoy the presence of God. How rich a blessing that would be! We would not only find refreshing for ourselves, but we would also find it pressed down, running over into our laps and overflowing for the refreshment of others. Prayerfully pursuing the presence of God would spiritually renew and enliven us.
In the month ahead I invite you to pray that God would lead you on a journey of prayer to the heart of the Father, the likeness of the Son and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19)
God bless you
John Malcolm
september 2022 let us pray
I enjoy spring. It is a season of promise. The days grow longer and warmer. Buds form and tender shoots emerge. Initially, winter may try to hold us with a chilly breeze or fingers of grey cloud, but its grip is soon loosened. New life will not be constrained, seeds will germinate, and flowers will begin to open.
Our church needs a new season, an infusion of life, the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit to lift our spirits. We need to emerge from the valley of the shadow of death into the green pasture, quiet waters, and to feel the warmth of God’s love upon our backs. As a step towards this I encourage you to pray.
I encourage you to use September as a time of concerted prayer. You can pray for yourself and your loved ones, but I particularly ask you to pray for our church family:
I suggest you clip this prayer from the “Messenger” and use it as a bookmark in your bible or place where it will catch your eye and remind you to pray. Perhaps you could copy it and use it as the background or screensaver on your phone or computer.
The early Christians devoted themselves to prayer and we would do well to follow their example (Acts 2.42) Someone has been said, If the Church is ever to get on its feet ,it must first get on its knees.
To encourage our prayerfulness during September we will have a prayer meeting prior to the Sunday service, meeting at 10am in the library (beginning Sunday 11 September). Perhaps you could arrive a little early on Sunday mornings and join us as we pray?
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Our church needs a new season, an infusion of life, the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit to lift our spirits. We need to emerge from the valley of the shadow of death into the green pasture, quiet waters, and to feel the warmth of God’s love upon our backs. As a step towards this I encourage you to pray.
I encourage you to use September as a time of concerted prayer. You can pray for yourself and your loved ones, but I particularly ask you to pray for our church family:
- For a fresh touch from God.
- For a new season of life.
- For buds of spiritual growth to blossom.
- For ……
I suggest you clip this prayer from the “Messenger” and use it as a bookmark in your bible or place where it will catch your eye and remind you to pray. Perhaps you could copy it and use it as the background or screensaver on your phone or computer.
The early Christians devoted themselves to prayer and we would do well to follow their example (Acts 2.42) Someone has been said, If the Church is ever to get on its feet ,it must first get on its knees.
To encourage our prayerfulness during September we will have a prayer meeting prior to the Sunday service, meeting at 10am in the library (beginning Sunday 11 September). Perhaps you could arrive a little early on Sunday mornings and join us as we pray?
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
God bless you
John Malcolm
august 2022 mission inspired by god - fulfilled by us
Parish Council is leading the church on a year of mission to build the spiritual health of each person in our Greyfriars church family. Our aim is to help our church family and church mission become increasingly spiritually fruitful.
Please accept this as a personal invitation to be part of the process.
Recently in church I asked you to spend a little time in the presence of God, reflecting on the current year and asking yourself:
since January -
1) what have I learned about God?
2) what have I learned about myself?
This is the first step in the journey of faith we are taking together in the year ahead. As we reflected on the parable of Jesus (Luke 13:8), we discovered this nurturing act, to dig around the spiritual roots of our lives so as to improve our spiritual fruitfulness. Our hope is to be like the person described in the Psalms, “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3) And, tending to the roots we … “will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,” (Psalm 92:12–14). Fresh, fruitful and flourishing. Such a church is a good place to be, a loving nurturing fellowship, a safe place for us and others to grow.
As we move into this year of mission the Parish Council will help us attend to the basics of our spiritual lives. To do this we encourage you to attend church regularly either onsite or online. We want each of us to have our spiritual roots in the life of this church so as to foster an increasing sense of belonging. If you are reading this, you belong!
Belonging is more than attendance, it is involvement. To help you become more involved we encourage you, if you are not already doing so, to find a small way you can contribute to the life of our church. Finding a way to invest yourself spiritually in church life will enhance your sense of belonging. We understand, especially for those who are new to church life, it can take time to discover where you fit in. Feel free to try several ministries or teams to see where your heart and skills can make a difference. We have all sorts of opportunities (too many to list) for you to connect with on Sundays or in our weekday ministries.
Parish Council want us to build on our spiritual strengths to foster “teams” where ordinary people can do the extraordinary because of who we are in Christ. We aim to be a church of teams so everyone has support (is not left alone) and so each of us can be involved with our skills, gifts and interests. Much of the strength of our church is found as God inspires our teams and groups. Our recent parish review indicated among our strengths are:
Parish Council also desires to see us improve the quality of our Christian witness. Our witness is enhanced as the light of Christ shines in us. If we are flourishing and fruitful, as described in the Psalms, we are more likely to be attractive witnesses. Together, we can provide an example of life that inspires faith in others.
This is not committing us to do more! Rather it is asking us to approach what we already do with a missional heart. In summary it is … A year of mission – digging around the spiritual roots of our lives – finding a small way to contribute – building on our strengths – and improving the quality of our Christian witness. Such a church will better reflect the love of God to the wider community, a beacon of light. I hope this inspires and engages you, so you can join us wholeheartedly as we seek to fulfil the mission God has called us to.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Please accept this as a personal invitation to be part of the process.
Recently in church I asked you to spend a little time in the presence of God, reflecting on the current year and asking yourself:
since January -
1) what have I learned about God?
2) what have I learned about myself?
This is the first step in the journey of faith we are taking together in the year ahead. As we reflected on the parable of Jesus (Luke 13:8), we discovered this nurturing act, to dig around the spiritual roots of our lives so as to improve our spiritual fruitfulness. Our hope is to be like the person described in the Psalms, “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3) And, tending to the roots we … “will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,” (Psalm 92:12–14). Fresh, fruitful and flourishing. Such a church is a good place to be, a loving nurturing fellowship, a safe place for us and others to grow.
As we move into this year of mission the Parish Council will help us attend to the basics of our spiritual lives. To do this we encourage you to attend church regularly either onsite or online. We want each of us to have our spiritual roots in the life of this church so as to foster an increasing sense of belonging. If you are reading this, you belong!
Belonging is more than attendance, it is involvement. To help you become more involved we encourage you, if you are not already doing so, to find a small way you can contribute to the life of our church. Finding a way to invest yourself spiritually in church life will enhance your sense of belonging. We understand, especially for those who are new to church life, it can take time to discover where you fit in. Feel free to try several ministries or teams to see where your heart and skills can make a difference. We have all sorts of opportunities (too many to list) for you to connect with on Sundays or in our weekday ministries.
Parish Council want us to build on our spiritual strengths to foster “teams” where ordinary people can do the extraordinary because of who we are in Christ. We aim to be a church of teams so everyone has support (is not left alone) and so each of us can be involved with our skills, gifts and interests. Much of the strength of our church is found as God inspires our teams and groups. Our recent parish review indicated among our strengths are:
- Scripture is explored in relevant life-giving ways
- People enjoy a strong sense of community and welcome
- We are intentional about growing our faith
- There is a sense of God at work among us
- We prioritize ministry for our children and young people
- Children and young people are seen, heard and included in our church family
- We have a clear sense of mission and a mission plan; aligning our resources to enable mission beyond ourselves
Parish Council also desires to see us improve the quality of our Christian witness. Our witness is enhanced as the light of Christ shines in us. If we are flourishing and fruitful, as described in the Psalms, we are more likely to be attractive witnesses. Together, we can provide an example of life that inspires faith in others.
This is not committing us to do more! Rather it is asking us to approach what we already do with a missional heart. In summary it is … A year of mission – digging around the spiritual roots of our lives – finding a small way to contribute – building on our strengths – and improving the quality of our Christian witness. Such a church will better reflect the love of God to the wider community, a beacon of light. I hope this inspires and engages you, so you can join us wholeheartedly as we seek to fulfil the mission God has called us to.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
God bless you
John Malcolm
JULY 2022 together in christ
Why, on a Sunday morning, would anyone change out of their comfy pyjamas, leave the convenience of livestreaming on their Wi-Fi connected device and the warmth of their living room, to gather in a church building? I was recently at a meeting of church leaders who were considering this. In today’s changing and challenging circumstances how do we foster togetherness, create community, helping people connect with God and each other on Sunday? It made me think about the changing patterns of church attendance which I try to represent below.
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Until 2019 people would attend church by gathering inside the church building. This had been the normal pattern of church life for many years. When meeting together people would participate in worship, catch up with friends, and welcome guests and visitors. This allowed relationships to be formed and maintained as people networked through direct personal engagement with each other. This was a gathering where people experienced the service corporately among friends. This freedom to meet and network enabled the mission and outreach of the church, with large gatherings for holiday programmes, the light party and the like.
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In 2020-21 the normal patterns of gathering were disrupted. We spent significant time in lockdown, and no one gathered inside the church building. We connected online via Zoom. We were more limited in our participation. It was difficult to play music on Zoom and we couldn’t join in congregational singing. Although we could meet following the service in chat rooms, we couldn’t easily catch up with a specific friend or have a conversation with them. Neither could we share in the hospitality we would previously have enjoyed at church with morning tea or lunch. Within Zoom we were an isolated bubble, maintaining services but the mission of the church was seriously curtailed. Then we faced the increasing issue of zoom fatigue and some became reluctant to meet on Zoom.
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Now, in 2022, we have something different again. While attendance at onsite services is increasing, there is still a remnant remaining online. Those online can see what is taking place in the church, but those in the church can’t see them. Neither can those online see each other. Those who gather at the church can join in congregational worship, singing and enjoying fellowship together. They can chat, interact, and re-establish relationships. We are beginning to share in hospitality over morning tea. Because more of us are together, we are able to resume some aspects of our mission and outreach. However, this is tempered because with some still not onsite, others are carrying a larger burden, with fewer volunteers available.
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Undoubtedly, the zoom services of 2020-21 were invaluable in a crisis, and the livestreaming of 2022 is providing a real connection for those still unable to attend in person, but the most fulfilling spiritual relationship is found as the church family gathers onsite. One of the challenges we face today, while respecting that a few people cannot safely gather in a crowd and that we all from time to time might need to isolate for a week or two, is to encourage the majority to return onsite. Hence the question I began with.
I suspect as a church we have a hybrid future, with a large percentage of people onsite while a smaller number remain online. We value the presence of both groups. We want to do our very best to make the livestream experience of church meaningful for those who connect from home, while recognising the richest spiritual experience of church is found in the presence of the church family onsite. God has created us as social beings, describing us as his flock. I am concerned that while online church is a helpful substitute for a season, over time people might find themselves like an ember removed from the fire, which loses its heat. Deeply rooted Christians of strong faith may glow brightly for quite some time, but what about those whose faith is not so well established. I wonder if people who come to faith online can fully experience the richness of fellowship until they come onsite. I cannot really imagine the experience of a person who becomes a Christian online without the personal experience of being physically present with others meeting together. I heard one pastor speak of a conversation he had with a person who had come to faith during lockdown and who asked, What is it like when Christians sing together in worship of God?
There are many advantages of gathering onsite with the family of faith. It is easier to exercise your spiritual gifts among the fellowship than it is when isolating at home. The nature of the Christian faith is that we need each other for spiritual growth, as iron sharpens iron (Prov 27.17). Onsite there are more opportunities to participate in the mission of the church. The bible teaches the church is a body made up of many parts and when we are together, we are able to take an active part in the body. When you are missing, we miss you and we miss the contribution you make (Eph 4.16). It is easier to fulfil the “one another’s” of scripture when we are with one another. How do we love one another if we seldom see each other? We are more likely to encourage others in the faith when we are meeting together (Heb 10.24-25). Our unity as we gather is a witness to God’s love for us and to the validity of Jesus’ mission (John 17.23). Further, imagine when a non-Christian attends a church service for the first time in his or her life, a person seeking God and exploring what the church has to offer and you are not there to greet them.
I ask you to reflect on the togetherness found in the early church, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44–47) God blesses unity and togetherness (Ps 133). And I invite us all to pray for each other, asking God to guide us together, removing barriers, obstacles, and mindsets that may be keeping us apart. Let us strive in unity to be built up together to the glory of God. “And in him (Jesus) you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22)
God bless you
John Malcolm
I suspect as a church we have a hybrid future, with a large percentage of people onsite while a smaller number remain online. We value the presence of both groups. We want to do our very best to make the livestream experience of church meaningful for those who connect from home, while recognising the richest spiritual experience of church is found in the presence of the church family onsite. God has created us as social beings, describing us as his flock. I am concerned that while online church is a helpful substitute for a season, over time people might find themselves like an ember removed from the fire, which loses its heat. Deeply rooted Christians of strong faith may glow brightly for quite some time, but what about those whose faith is not so well established. I wonder if people who come to faith online can fully experience the richness of fellowship until they come onsite. I cannot really imagine the experience of a person who becomes a Christian online without the personal experience of being physically present with others meeting together. I heard one pastor speak of a conversation he had with a person who had come to faith during lockdown and who asked, What is it like when Christians sing together in worship of God?
There are many advantages of gathering onsite with the family of faith. It is easier to exercise your spiritual gifts among the fellowship than it is when isolating at home. The nature of the Christian faith is that we need each other for spiritual growth, as iron sharpens iron (Prov 27.17). Onsite there are more opportunities to participate in the mission of the church. The bible teaches the church is a body made up of many parts and when we are together, we are able to take an active part in the body. When you are missing, we miss you and we miss the contribution you make (Eph 4.16). It is easier to fulfil the “one another’s” of scripture when we are with one another. How do we love one another if we seldom see each other? We are more likely to encourage others in the faith when we are meeting together (Heb 10.24-25). Our unity as we gather is a witness to God’s love for us and to the validity of Jesus’ mission (John 17.23). Further, imagine when a non-Christian attends a church service for the first time in his or her life, a person seeking God and exploring what the church has to offer and you are not there to greet them.
I ask you to reflect on the togetherness found in the early church, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44–47) God blesses unity and togetherness (Ps 133). And I invite us all to pray for each other, asking God to guide us together, removing barriers, obstacles, and mindsets that may be keeping us apart. Let us strive in unity to be built up together to the glory of God. “And in him (Jesus) you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22)
God bless you
John Malcolm
june 2022 a cloud of witnesses
Quite often when watching a sporting final on TV, the camera will zoom into the crowd and focus on a former player, one of the greats of the game, who had come to watch their old team play and to add their support and encouragement to the present-day players. In a similar way the author of Hebrews listed some of the greats of the faith and then wrote, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2) It seems the writer of Hebrews was thinking of an event like the Olympic games where previous champions would look on from the stands as the current crop of athletes competed on the field of play.
In recent weeks significant people associated with Greyfriars have died. Paul McKinney was part of the parish for twenty-six years and served as an elder for five years, Mike Legg served as an elder from 1973 and as Session Clerk until 2001, and Margaret MacBean grew up in Greyfriars, becoming the Sunday school superintendent in 1962 and then the first woman elder in 1984. Just a little earlier in the year Dawn Maxwell, who had served as the minister’s secretary in the church office, also passed away. Each of these people were faithful servants of God, who have left us an example of godly living. I think we could add their names to the list of saints the writer of Hebrews mentions.
The idea in the bible is the faithful who have completed their race, now watch those of us who are still running the race. Their example is meant to spur us on, to encourage us to throw aside anything that would hinder us, and to help us focus on the finish line where Jesus, the pioneer of our faith, waits to greet us. I sometimes think of those faithful servants of God. I find their example encourages me.
I suppose some of us have only a few more laps to go, while many still have a long run ahead of them. We don’t know the duration of this race for us, but we are all encouraged to run it well. As the Apostle Paul wrote, Run in such a way as to gain the prize. The aim here is not to be the first to cross the finish line, but to run the whole race faithfully. How are you doing in this race of faith? I hope you find the idea of the saints of old cheering you on encouraging. Could we be as faithful in our service as they were? What might you learn from them, endurance, kindness, generosity?
Let us continue faithfully in this race so we too may say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7–8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
In recent weeks significant people associated with Greyfriars have died. Paul McKinney was part of the parish for twenty-six years and served as an elder for five years, Mike Legg served as an elder from 1973 and as Session Clerk until 2001, and Margaret MacBean grew up in Greyfriars, becoming the Sunday school superintendent in 1962 and then the first woman elder in 1984. Just a little earlier in the year Dawn Maxwell, who had served as the minister’s secretary in the church office, also passed away. Each of these people were faithful servants of God, who have left us an example of godly living. I think we could add their names to the list of saints the writer of Hebrews mentions.
The idea in the bible is the faithful who have completed their race, now watch those of us who are still running the race. Their example is meant to spur us on, to encourage us to throw aside anything that would hinder us, and to help us focus on the finish line where Jesus, the pioneer of our faith, waits to greet us. I sometimes think of those faithful servants of God. I find their example encourages me.
I suppose some of us have only a few more laps to go, while many still have a long run ahead of them. We don’t know the duration of this race for us, but we are all encouraged to run it well. As the Apostle Paul wrote, Run in such a way as to gain the prize. The aim here is not to be the first to cross the finish line, but to run the whole race faithfully. How are you doing in this race of faith? I hope you find the idea of the saints of old cheering you on encouraging. Could we be as faithful in our service as they were? What might you learn from them, endurance, kindness, generosity?
Let us continue faithfully in this race so we too may say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7–8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
may 2022 creating community
First Zoom service, 29 March 2020
I was pleased we were able to celebrate our Good Friday and Easter Sunday services onsite. The harshness of hammering nails into the cross on Good Friday contrasts with decorating the cross with flowers on Easter Sunday. One remembering our sin was nailed to the cross and the other the signs of life recalling Jesus rose from the dead. It is good to return onsite for our services. The office seemed quiet when the church was not firing on all cylinders. There was still plenty to do, but the buzz of people coming and going was missing. The vibrancy of spiritual life seemed subdued without the happy chatter of people attending the various ministries. But this will change as more people return to the services and as our ministries recommence.
On 5 June it will be Pentecost, the time we remember the Holy Spirit being poured out on the early disciples. More than any other day in the church year, this marks the birth of the church, when the first disciples were empowered to undertake the mission Jesus had given them. As we approach Pentecost I see this as a time for us to reaffirm our faith, step out in the power of the Holy Spirit and re-establish the life and mission of the church.
While returning onsite isn’t like the flick of a switch, I hope people will return without too much delay. However, I don’t think we will just pick up where we left off. That would be to overlook the toll COVID has taken on us personally and as a church. Each one of us has a story of our experience; times of isolation, concerns for family who have been ill, conversations with relatives who took a different stance on vaccines, weddings or funerals we were unable to attend, and the thing no one missed - rush hour traffic. Some of our church family have not been back onsite since August last year, a significant period of time that should be acknowledged. We need to recognise these unusual circumstances have to some degree reshaped us. I think, having returned onsite, our initial focus needs to be relational, to recreate community, and reconnect with each other. Simply being together as a church family will be restorative.
The early church created community as “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) I am confident we can find similar devotion in the months ahead. At this season in our church life we particularly need to be devoted to fellowship, fostering relationships and renewing our friendships as we begin to gather onsite.
There is a richness to the identity, life and calling of the church we can easily overlook or take for granted. We get bogged down when we could be soaring like eagles. As good as it has been to be able to hold services online, it has perhaps been like church in 2-D when our souls long for a 3-D experience. Online can’t give us the rich sense of fellowship we enjoy when we hear the voices of our church family unite to sing praise to God, the spiritual presence of heads bowed in prayer, when we can shake a hand, give a hug, chat over a cup of tea or enjoy a meal together. So, through May, I will use my Sunday messages to focus on church life. I hope this will lift and encourage us as we reconnect and build momentum together. I pray that over the next few months, each of us will be spiritually strengthened and invest time reconnecting with our church family as we seek to Create Community together.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29–31).
God bless you
John Malcolm
On 5 June it will be Pentecost, the time we remember the Holy Spirit being poured out on the early disciples. More than any other day in the church year, this marks the birth of the church, when the first disciples were empowered to undertake the mission Jesus had given them. As we approach Pentecost I see this as a time for us to reaffirm our faith, step out in the power of the Holy Spirit and re-establish the life and mission of the church.
While returning onsite isn’t like the flick of a switch, I hope people will return without too much delay. However, I don’t think we will just pick up where we left off. That would be to overlook the toll COVID has taken on us personally and as a church. Each one of us has a story of our experience; times of isolation, concerns for family who have been ill, conversations with relatives who took a different stance on vaccines, weddings or funerals we were unable to attend, and the thing no one missed - rush hour traffic. Some of our church family have not been back onsite since August last year, a significant period of time that should be acknowledged. We need to recognise these unusual circumstances have to some degree reshaped us. I think, having returned onsite, our initial focus needs to be relational, to recreate community, and reconnect with each other. Simply being together as a church family will be restorative.
The early church created community as “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) I am confident we can find similar devotion in the months ahead. At this season in our church life we particularly need to be devoted to fellowship, fostering relationships and renewing our friendships as we begin to gather onsite.
There is a richness to the identity, life and calling of the church we can easily overlook or take for granted. We get bogged down when we could be soaring like eagles. As good as it has been to be able to hold services online, it has perhaps been like church in 2-D when our souls long for a 3-D experience. Online can’t give us the rich sense of fellowship we enjoy when we hear the voices of our church family unite to sing praise to God, the spiritual presence of heads bowed in prayer, when we can shake a hand, give a hug, chat over a cup of tea or enjoy a meal together. So, through May, I will use my Sunday messages to focus on church life. I hope this will lift and encourage us as we reconnect and build momentum together. I pray that over the next few months, each of us will be spiritually strengthened and invest time reconnecting with our church family as we seek to Create Community together.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29–31).
God bless you
John Malcolm
april 2022 resurrection and wisdom
Christians serve two gods, who are husband and wife – this was a misunderstanding in the Greek speaking world when Christianity first began to spread. I recall being surprised when told this by my New Testament lecturer and it sounded strange to me. I wondered, How could the gospel message be so misconstrued?
The confusion happened because: 1) Greeks had a pantheon of gods and were used to the idea of many gods acting in human ways, being married and having children; and 2) the early Christians emphasised two foundational ideas, the Greek wording of which led to some confusion: Resurrection and Widsom.
An interest in wisdom was in the DNA of the Greeks with their philosophers and teachers. These people hearing the news of Christianity for the first time thought that the female god’s name was Sophia – which in Greek means wisdom, and that her husband’s name was Anastasios – which in Greek means resurrection. The good news about the resurrection of Christ and the wisdom of God were at the heart of the Christian message.
We catch a glimpse of this in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Corinth where he wrote, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,” (1 Corinthians 1:22–23) Resurrection and Wisdom are at the centre of the gospel which points to Jesus, who is both the power of God (seen in his resurrection) and the wisdom of God. The gospel news of what Jesus has done continues to be a stumbling block in our time. Some people question the wisdom of God’s plan for salvation, wondering how Jesus’ death makes sense, while others question the resurrection, doubting that Jesus was raised from the dead.
I cannot help but be moved by the story and events of Easter. I feel the shame of my sin, and the sorrow of knowing my beloved Saviour took it upon himself on the cross. I feel the wonder of hearing the news of the women who found the tomb was empty. And I thrill at the first appearances of the risen Lord, knowing he has conquered death.
I hope, as we approach Easter, you will find your spirit moved as you consider the gospel story and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I pray we will each sense the power of God at work in us. I invite you to take a moment today to be still before God and then to reflect on what the Easter story means to you.
“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour,” (Titus 3:4–6)
God bless you
John Malcolm
The confusion happened because: 1) Greeks had a pantheon of gods and were used to the idea of many gods acting in human ways, being married and having children; and 2) the early Christians emphasised two foundational ideas, the Greek wording of which led to some confusion: Resurrection and Widsom.
An interest in wisdom was in the DNA of the Greeks with their philosophers and teachers. These people hearing the news of Christianity for the first time thought that the female god’s name was Sophia – which in Greek means wisdom, and that her husband’s name was Anastasios – which in Greek means resurrection. The good news about the resurrection of Christ and the wisdom of God were at the heart of the Christian message.
We catch a glimpse of this in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Corinth where he wrote, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,” (1 Corinthians 1:22–23) Resurrection and Wisdom are at the centre of the gospel which points to Jesus, who is both the power of God (seen in his resurrection) and the wisdom of God. The gospel news of what Jesus has done continues to be a stumbling block in our time. Some people question the wisdom of God’s plan for salvation, wondering how Jesus’ death makes sense, while others question the resurrection, doubting that Jesus was raised from the dead.
I cannot help but be moved by the story and events of Easter. I feel the shame of my sin, and the sorrow of knowing my beloved Saviour took it upon himself on the cross. I feel the wonder of hearing the news of the women who found the tomb was empty. And I thrill at the first appearances of the risen Lord, knowing he has conquered death.
I hope, as we approach Easter, you will find your spirit moved as you consider the gospel story and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I pray we will each sense the power of God at work in us. I invite you to take a moment today to be still before God and then to reflect on what the Easter story means to you.
“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour,” (Titus 3:4–6)
God bless you
John Malcolm
MARch 2022 The church
How would you define, describe or explain what the church is and what it does?
What ideas or images come to mind when you think of the church?
What have you missed about church as it was before COVID arrived?
What have you enjoyed about church online?
What do you hope church will be like once we get past the Omicron peak?
During the history of the church, it has at times endured persecution, famine, plagues and wars, while at other times has enjoyed favour, flourished and had significant influence. Whatever has befallen the church it has always retained its devotion to Christ and the core values of worship, discipleship, fellowship, outreach and service (Acts 2.42-47).
A book I am reading speaks of the church as God’s beloved, called into existence by him to gather in worship. It describes the church as saints, members of God’s family, and as a multitude which makes us part of something bigger than we imagine. It portrays the church as a flock God cares for, a body where everyone has an important part to play and as gospel partners with work to do. (A Place to Belong, Megan Hill, 2020) Do any of those images resonate with you? Which do you find most challenging?
I have been encouraged by how well we as a church have adapted to change over the last couple of years. We have nimbly moved online, found new ways to connect, learned how to operate new technology, all the while caring for each other and experiencing new forms of worship, including that Jesus is present during communion even when we are all meeting in our own homes.
When we return onsite, the new normal may look quite like the old normal, holding to the centuries-old Christian values; and yet look different, adapting the shape of our activities to reflect the changes we have been through. I fully expect we will still pray together, worship together and even have the occasional potluck meal together. But given our recent experiences, what could we do better or differently that would enrich our worship, strengthen our fellowship, and enable us to connect more with the community around us?
The church we belong to is amazingly resilient. In the eyes of the Lord, the Church is his beautiful beloved bride. All of us filled with the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, gifted, equipped and empowered by him. Each of us holding out the word of life, freely passing on the good news of the gospel to anyone who cares to receive it. Together a family, sisters and brothers, who gather in faith.
With all that in mind I am looking forward to how God might guide us in the days ahead.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21)
God bless you
John Malcolm
What ideas or images come to mind when you think of the church?
What have you missed about church as it was before COVID arrived?
What have you enjoyed about church online?
What do you hope church will be like once we get past the Omicron peak?
During the history of the church, it has at times endured persecution, famine, plagues and wars, while at other times has enjoyed favour, flourished and had significant influence. Whatever has befallen the church it has always retained its devotion to Christ and the core values of worship, discipleship, fellowship, outreach and service (Acts 2.42-47).
A book I am reading speaks of the church as God’s beloved, called into existence by him to gather in worship. It describes the church as saints, members of God’s family, and as a multitude which makes us part of something bigger than we imagine. It portrays the church as a flock God cares for, a body where everyone has an important part to play and as gospel partners with work to do. (A Place to Belong, Megan Hill, 2020) Do any of those images resonate with you? Which do you find most challenging?
I have been encouraged by how well we as a church have adapted to change over the last couple of years. We have nimbly moved online, found new ways to connect, learned how to operate new technology, all the while caring for each other and experiencing new forms of worship, including that Jesus is present during communion even when we are all meeting in our own homes.
When we return onsite, the new normal may look quite like the old normal, holding to the centuries-old Christian values; and yet look different, adapting the shape of our activities to reflect the changes we have been through. I fully expect we will still pray together, worship together and even have the occasional potluck meal together. But given our recent experiences, what could we do better or differently that would enrich our worship, strengthen our fellowship, and enable us to connect more with the community around us?
The church we belong to is amazingly resilient. In the eyes of the Lord, the Church is his beautiful beloved bride. All of us filled with the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, gifted, equipped and empowered by him. Each of us holding out the word of life, freely passing on the good news of the gospel to anyone who cares to receive it. Together a family, sisters and brothers, who gather in faith.
With all that in mind I am looking forward to how God might guide us in the days ahead.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21)
God bless you
John Malcolm
FEBRUARY 2022 TURN YOUR EYES TOWARD JESUS
“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1)
Our God is amazing, full of grace and mighty in power. His name is majestic in the earth, in the wonder of creation. We see His creative power in the variety of life around us, flowers in bloom, trees in fruit, birds in flight – all attest to His majesty. His glory is seen in the heavens, the brightness of the sun, the orbiting moon and the far galaxies in the night sky.
God is worthy of our praise. Especially so when we have tasted His goodness and mercy. We who have the joy of salvation should amplify this praise, joining our voices with those of the angels who adore Him. Perhaps there is a song of praise that moves your heart in worship – then sing. Find ways to allow your soul to soar to Him in praise. Take a moment to listen to the sea, to the wind or to bird song. Perhaps tonight, if the sky is clear, just stand outside under the stars and behold the wonder of the night sky.
As we come to the end of the holiday season and begin to look at the year ahead, I invite you start the new year as we ended the last one - with our focus on God and praise in our hearts. Turn your eyes towards Jesus; remember again the goodness of the Lord so your heart may rejoice and gladness may wash over you.
Our God is amazing, full of grace and mighty in power. His name is majestic in the earth, in the wonder of creation. We see His creative power in the variety of life around us, flowers in bloom, trees in fruit, birds in flight – all attest to His majesty. His glory is seen in the heavens, the brightness of the sun, the orbiting moon and the far galaxies in the night sky.
God is worthy of our praise. Especially so when we have tasted His goodness and mercy. We who have the joy of salvation should amplify this praise, joining our voices with those of the angels who adore Him. Perhaps there is a song of praise that moves your heart in worship – then sing. Find ways to allow your soul to soar to Him in praise. Take a moment to listen to the sea, to the wind or to bird song. Perhaps tonight, if the sky is clear, just stand outside under the stars and behold the wonder of the night sky.
As we come to the end of the holiday season and begin to look at the year ahead, I invite you start the new year as we ended the last one - with our focus on God and praise in our hearts. Turn your eyes towards Jesus; remember again the goodness of the Lord so your heart may rejoice and gladness may wash over you.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
May God richly bless you
John Malcolm
John Malcolm
DECEMBER 2021 take time this christmas
The seasons of the Christian year invite us to step aside from our normal routines and consider the bigger rhythms of life. Not what is in your schedule for the day, month, or year, but the rhythms of the decades and centuries. At times we are captivated by the urgency of the moment. We can stand so close to a small problem that it looms large, and it is all we can see. I certainly don’t mean our present concerns are trivial, but “this too shall pass”. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are bigger than our momentary issues and if we enter into the spirit of what they offer, they can bring a different perspective to our lives. Advent and Christmas have been celebrated for centuries, by generations, through wars, financial collapse, weather events and even pandemics. Advent reminds us of Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. It is quickly followed by Christmas and the wonderful reminder that Christ was born, Emmanuel, God with us!
I have been reading two interesting books recently; The Idea Book by Fredrik Haren and A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt. Both of these books suggest we need to hit the pause button and make space for creativity. Given, in Auckland, we have spent 107 days in lockdown you might assume we had an abundance of time on our hands for reflection, but that is not the case. Lockdown has been a disruption, not a relaxing holiday. I felt a check in my spirit when hearing Fredrik and Juliet speaking, and I realised I had not been making space for creative reflection. It inspired me to get their books and do something about it.
Advent and Christmas help us make space by allowing us to approach life differently. During these seasons you have permission to wear silly hats at the table, buy frivolous gifts, sing nonsense songs like Snoopy’s Christmas, and eat too much. God gives us permission to pause saying, “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:10). The modern approach to Christmas is to give us an artificial deadline we rush to meet. The ancient approach is to take time to reflect and put our lives into spiritual perspective. Rather than allowing urgency to take us captive to its demands, we should aim to take time captive by using it for creative stillness.
“If only”, you say. If only I had time. Making space in my day is a luxury I don’t have. I understand. I know there are people, situations, pressures that put demands on your life. But what if all those demands eventually crush you or drain you, leaving you emotionally, mentally and spiritually empty? Juliet Funt suggests we all have a yearning for space and offers the idea of a strategic pause. What would happen if on the way home from work you just pulled into a quiet street and parked there for five minutes? What would happen if at lunchtime you got up from your desk and walked outside for a moment of calm?
Perhaps you could apply this creative pause to Advent remembering God invites us to be still. Take five minutes over the next four days and on each day pause to reflect on one of the advent themes. You might close your eyes for a moment and allow your mind to drift. You might like just to take a moment to breathe and relax. You could ask yourself, what inspires my hope, when was I last joyful, where do I find peace, how do I express or receive love? Perhaps if you take five minutes, use the last thirty seconds to tell God what you have been thinking and ask Him to help you share the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love you have found in Him.
Melanie and I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a happy New Year.
God bless you
John Malcolm
I have been reading two interesting books recently; The Idea Book by Fredrik Haren and A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt. Both of these books suggest we need to hit the pause button and make space for creativity. Given, in Auckland, we have spent 107 days in lockdown you might assume we had an abundance of time on our hands for reflection, but that is not the case. Lockdown has been a disruption, not a relaxing holiday. I felt a check in my spirit when hearing Fredrik and Juliet speaking, and I realised I had not been making space for creative reflection. It inspired me to get their books and do something about it.
Advent and Christmas help us make space by allowing us to approach life differently. During these seasons you have permission to wear silly hats at the table, buy frivolous gifts, sing nonsense songs like Snoopy’s Christmas, and eat too much. God gives us permission to pause saying, “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:10). The modern approach to Christmas is to give us an artificial deadline we rush to meet. The ancient approach is to take time to reflect and put our lives into spiritual perspective. Rather than allowing urgency to take us captive to its demands, we should aim to take time captive by using it for creative stillness.
“If only”, you say. If only I had time. Making space in my day is a luxury I don’t have. I understand. I know there are people, situations, pressures that put demands on your life. But what if all those demands eventually crush you or drain you, leaving you emotionally, mentally and spiritually empty? Juliet Funt suggests we all have a yearning for space and offers the idea of a strategic pause. What would happen if on the way home from work you just pulled into a quiet street and parked there for five minutes? What would happen if at lunchtime you got up from your desk and walked outside for a moment of calm?
Perhaps you could apply this creative pause to Advent remembering God invites us to be still. Take five minutes over the next four days and on each day pause to reflect on one of the advent themes. You might close your eyes for a moment and allow your mind to drift. You might like just to take a moment to breathe and relax. You could ask yourself, what inspires my hope, when was I last joyful, where do I find peace, how do I express or receive love? Perhaps if you take five minutes, use the last thirty seconds to tell God what you have been thinking and ask Him to help you share the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love you have found in Him.
Melanie and I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a happy New Year.
God bless you
John Malcolm
NOVEMBER 2021 we are family
We are a church family. Like all families there are different views and opinions among us. Our differences are not what define us. Rather, the love, unity, and faith we find in Christ; and the presence of the Holy Spirit, are what join us together in our Heavenly Father’s family.
In every family there are circumstances that hinder or foster unity. As family we choose to love each other, to extend grace to one another and to seek the well-being of all. COVID‑19, particularly the Delta strain, has introduced significant health issues and challenges to our world. In Auckland, we have come to a moment of transition where it is likely as we ease restrictions COVID will spread more readily. Our prayer is that the high rate of vaccination will help suppress the spread. If not, then the next two or three months may place medical and support staff at increased risk of contracting the disease. It could also put our health system under strain.
We have come to a moment where care is required as we try to balance the various needs in our church family. We know that opinions over the use of vaccines have potential to divide. First and foremost, we choose to love each other and to do our best to fulfil the words of Jesus, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (John 13:35) Our challenge is how to care for all; the young who can’t be vaccinated, the elderly vaccinated who have other vulnerabilities, those who are unvaccinated, and those who feel unsure about leaving the shelter of their homes.
Given our circumstances there are no easy options. We are all affected by this pandemic. We have a duty of care because we are “our brother’s keeper” and we do have responsibility for our choices, not just to our church family, but also to the wider community. Decisions over the use of vaccines can only divide us if we forget to love each other, let go of love, or choose not to love. In love we are doing our best to make provision for all to join in worship by having our services both online and onsite. In love we respect each person whatever their decision regarding vaccines, choosing not to judge, but to remember we are one in Christ.
Parish Council gave careful consideration to our decisions to meet onsite using the vaccination pass, seeking to find a way forward for the health and safety of all. These are decisions made for this season of transition when COVID is still spreading in the community, and we hope the need for them will be short lived. We pray for grace and understanding as we navigate the changing circumstances. The decisions Council has made were not to discriminate or divide but to protect as we take careful steps towards being able to have all the church family safely meeting together in fellowship.
In this time of transition let us choose to show grace and love to all members of our church family. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” (Romans 13:8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
In every family there are circumstances that hinder or foster unity. As family we choose to love each other, to extend grace to one another and to seek the well-being of all. COVID‑19, particularly the Delta strain, has introduced significant health issues and challenges to our world. In Auckland, we have come to a moment of transition where it is likely as we ease restrictions COVID will spread more readily. Our prayer is that the high rate of vaccination will help suppress the spread. If not, then the next two or three months may place medical and support staff at increased risk of contracting the disease. It could also put our health system under strain.
We have come to a moment where care is required as we try to balance the various needs in our church family. We know that opinions over the use of vaccines have potential to divide. First and foremost, we choose to love each other and to do our best to fulfil the words of Jesus, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (John 13:35) Our challenge is how to care for all; the young who can’t be vaccinated, the elderly vaccinated who have other vulnerabilities, those who are unvaccinated, and those who feel unsure about leaving the shelter of their homes.
Given our circumstances there are no easy options. We are all affected by this pandemic. We have a duty of care because we are “our brother’s keeper” and we do have responsibility for our choices, not just to our church family, but also to the wider community. Decisions over the use of vaccines can only divide us if we forget to love each other, let go of love, or choose not to love. In love we are doing our best to make provision for all to join in worship by having our services both online and onsite. In love we respect each person whatever their decision regarding vaccines, choosing not to judge, but to remember we are one in Christ.
Parish Council gave careful consideration to our decisions to meet onsite using the vaccination pass, seeking to find a way forward for the health and safety of all. These are decisions made for this season of transition when COVID is still spreading in the community, and we hope the need for them will be short lived. We pray for grace and understanding as we navigate the changing circumstances. The decisions Council has made were not to discriminate or divide but to protect as we take careful steps towards being able to have all the church family safely meeting together in fellowship.
In this time of transition let us choose to show grace and love to all members of our church family. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” (Romans 13:8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
october 2021 future church
Perhaps dealing with the present uncertainties COVID is enough to think about. If making it through the next few weeks or months is all you can manage, then don’t read any further, I don’t want to stretch you beyond what you can cope with. But I am beginning to wonder: what next? I am thinking beyond how do we get back on site to how do we get back on track with our church life and mission.
Usually in October I begin to cast my mind into the next year when people have returned from their summer holidays. I consider how to start the new year, events, gatherings and themes. Normally, it is quite easy, because each year is pretty much like the one before, the cycle of summer holidays, the beginning of the school term, the University semester, leading into Easter … and so on. However, COVID-19 has disrupted normality. As we transition from elimination to suppression of COVID we are in uncharted waters. No one knows when we will be able to return onsite. In light of such uncertainty, rather than making minor adjustments to the way things normally are, we need to adapt to a changing situation. It is hard to envisage the future when looking through the fog of COVID.
Despite the uncertainty of this present moment, there will come a time AC, “after covid”. By that I don’t mean COVID will magically disappear, it will still be around, just not at the forefront of our thinking. It will not drop off the radar, but it will begin to fade into the background noise of life. It may take six months or three years, but there will come a time when life is more settled and the rate of change less disruptive.
At that future time the way we undertake our mission as a church may have changed but the heart of the mission will remain the same; the call of God to take the love of Christ into the community by the power of the Holy Spirit. The bible speaks of our hope in Christ being like an anchor for the soul. The rope of faith that fastens us to that anchor passes right through the fog of COVID, out the other side and even onward into eternity. Undoubtedly, we will get through this and find, yet again, God is faithful.
How do you envisage our church life this time next year, or the year after that?
We will still love children, and so provide safe places for them to learn about God and live out their faith. We will still be committed to helping young people grow in faith and pursue a godly life. We will still be committed to being an intercultural church, building relationships with people of diverse cultures.
If that is the future we hope for, what will God do to get us there? What is God stirring within your heart? What yearnings is He awakening in your spirit? What can we be doing to journey through the fog in this present moment, so as emerge from the pandemic ready to engage in our mission together?
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) The God of our yesterdays is here with us today and will be with us as tomorrow comes. However thick or disorientating the fog of COVID may seem to us today, our God sees through it. Holding fast to Him we will find our way in life and in mission together.
God bless you
John Malcolm
You may like to take a moment to reflect on the words of this song, God of our Yesterdays
Usually in October I begin to cast my mind into the next year when people have returned from their summer holidays. I consider how to start the new year, events, gatherings and themes. Normally, it is quite easy, because each year is pretty much like the one before, the cycle of summer holidays, the beginning of the school term, the University semester, leading into Easter … and so on. However, COVID-19 has disrupted normality. As we transition from elimination to suppression of COVID we are in uncharted waters. No one knows when we will be able to return onsite. In light of such uncertainty, rather than making minor adjustments to the way things normally are, we need to adapt to a changing situation. It is hard to envisage the future when looking through the fog of COVID.
Despite the uncertainty of this present moment, there will come a time AC, “after covid”. By that I don’t mean COVID will magically disappear, it will still be around, just not at the forefront of our thinking. It will not drop off the radar, but it will begin to fade into the background noise of life. It may take six months or three years, but there will come a time when life is more settled and the rate of change less disruptive.
At that future time the way we undertake our mission as a church may have changed but the heart of the mission will remain the same; the call of God to take the love of Christ into the community by the power of the Holy Spirit. The bible speaks of our hope in Christ being like an anchor for the soul. The rope of faith that fastens us to that anchor passes right through the fog of COVID, out the other side and even onward into eternity. Undoubtedly, we will get through this and find, yet again, God is faithful.
How do you envisage our church life this time next year, or the year after that?
We will still love children, and so provide safe places for them to learn about God and live out their faith. We will still be committed to helping young people grow in faith and pursue a godly life. We will still be committed to being an intercultural church, building relationships with people of diverse cultures.
If that is the future we hope for, what will God do to get us there? What is God stirring within your heart? What yearnings is He awakening in your spirit? What can we be doing to journey through the fog in this present moment, so as emerge from the pandemic ready to engage in our mission together?
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) The God of our yesterdays is here with us today and will be with us as tomorrow comes. However thick or disorientating the fog of COVID may seem to us today, our God sees through it. Holding fast to Him we will find our way in life and in mission together.
God bless you
John Malcolm
You may like to take a moment to reflect on the words of this song, God of our Yesterdays
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SEPTEMBER 2021 footprints in the sand
You may be familiar with the poem Footprints in the Sand. It has the warm image of two sets of prints on the beach as Jesus walks with us, and then the dismay of a single set of prints followed by the question where were you when I needed you most? To which Jesus replies "those were the times when I carried you."
It struck me this morning, after more than five weeks in lockdown – this is a time when there is only one set of footprints in the sand.
We may feel we are walking alone, but in reality; Christ is carrying us through times of anxiety, confusion and uncertainty.
Be encouraged in your faith for He:
“… is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.””
(Zephaniah 3:17)
“… is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:20–21)
“… is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
(2 Corinthians 9:8)
After such a lengthy lockdown, and with the uncertainty of days ahead, I encourage you with truth you already know well.
Our God is faithful.
Our Lord Jesus is near.
The Holy Spirit has been given to us and fills us with the presence of the living God.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
God bless you
John Malcolm
It struck me this morning, after more than five weeks in lockdown – this is a time when there is only one set of footprints in the sand.
We may feel we are walking alone, but in reality; Christ is carrying us through times of anxiety, confusion and uncertainty.
Be encouraged in your faith for He:
“… is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.””
(Zephaniah 3:17)
“… is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:20–21)
“… is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
(2 Corinthians 9:8)
After such a lengthy lockdown, and with the uncertainty of days ahead, I encourage you with truth you already know well.
Our God is faithful.
Our Lord Jesus is near.
The Holy Spirit has been given to us and fills us with the presence of the living God.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
God bless you
John Malcolm
september 2021 fear and faith in times of covid
Fear is a reasonable human reaction to danger. At times fear can be irrational, but when confronted by a world-wide pandemic, where there is no “cure”, where the progress of the disease isn’t fully understood, treatments are still being developed and many are dying, fear is a rational response.
While fear might be the immediate response to danger, it is not a position Christians stay in for long. Christians are able to process danger through the lens of God’s sovereignty and God’s love; taking a balanced view with faith and wisdom.
We are not the first generation to face a medical emergency such as a pandemic. I was interested when my attention was drawn to the response of Martin Luther when he faced a deadly outbreak of bubonic plague in 1527. Many fled the city in fear, but he stayed. He wrote … “Therefore I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. … See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”
Luther trusted in the sovereignty of God by praying for divine protection. This was not all he did, as if the injunction to have faith in God meant that other actions revealed a lack of faith. Not only did Luther pray, he also fumigated, purified the air, took medicine and provided medicine to others. He isolated, avoiding places and people where his presence wasn’t required, seeing this as both protecting himself and others from infection. Luther did not want to cause anyone else to die because he was negligent.
It appears Luther used both faith and common sense. He trusted both in God and in the advances of medicine available in his day. Unlike those today who brazenly refuse the vaccine because they believe God will protect them, Luther took the medicine that God had providentially made available. He considered to do otherwise was foolhardy and tempting God.
It gets under my skin when I read headlines like the one recently in Stuff, COVID: 19 Mark of the Beast or manna from heaven? Christianity’s vaccine issue. It reported one pastor who thinks the vaccine might be the “mark of the beast”. It also mentioned other prominent church leaders who would not get vaccinated. This is foolhardy and irresponsible when there are many stories of anti-vaxxers having “deathbed conversions”. Realising their predicament, they express regret at not having the vaccine, and with their final breath encourage their family members to get vaccinated. I watched the video of one social media influencer who said she wanted to do more research before getting the vaccine. Sadly, her research was done first-hand on her hospital bed as she died.
Although Luther avoided people where he was not needed, he courageously went to the people and places where his presence was required. Indeed, he opened part of his home as a clinic for the sick. Fear did not cause him to flee from those who were ill, rather God’s love motivated him to help people. His faith didn’t require him to reject medicine or preach that others should reject it. Rather godly wisdom guided him to take appropriate precautions and to give the sick such medicines as were available.
I think we can learn from Martin Luther who was wise enough to take the medicine and courageous enough to help others without fear.
I encourage you for your own health and for the good of others to take the vaccine. In this way we will be in a better position to care for others who might need our help. It may also give increased confidence to the vulnerable members of our church family if they know that we have done all we can to protect each other, ready for when we can meet together again.
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.
God bless you
John Malcolm
https://www.ifyc.org/article/martin-luthers-pandemic-advice-goes-viral-500-years-later
https://biologos.org/common-questions/should-christians-get-vaccinated
While fear might be the immediate response to danger, it is not a position Christians stay in for long. Christians are able to process danger through the lens of God’s sovereignty and God’s love; taking a balanced view with faith and wisdom.
We are not the first generation to face a medical emergency such as a pandemic. I was interested when my attention was drawn to the response of Martin Luther when he faced a deadly outbreak of bubonic plague in 1527. Many fled the city in fear, but he stayed. He wrote … “Therefore I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. … See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”
Luther trusted in the sovereignty of God by praying for divine protection. This was not all he did, as if the injunction to have faith in God meant that other actions revealed a lack of faith. Not only did Luther pray, he also fumigated, purified the air, took medicine and provided medicine to others. He isolated, avoiding places and people where his presence wasn’t required, seeing this as both protecting himself and others from infection. Luther did not want to cause anyone else to die because he was negligent.
It appears Luther used both faith and common sense. He trusted both in God and in the advances of medicine available in his day. Unlike those today who brazenly refuse the vaccine because they believe God will protect them, Luther took the medicine that God had providentially made available. He considered to do otherwise was foolhardy and tempting God.
It gets under my skin when I read headlines like the one recently in Stuff, COVID: 19 Mark of the Beast or manna from heaven? Christianity’s vaccine issue. It reported one pastor who thinks the vaccine might be the “mark of the beast”. It also mentioned other prominent church leaders who would not get vaccinated. This is foolhardy and irresponsible when there are many stories of anti-vaxxers having “deathbed conversions”. Realising their predicament, they express regret at not having the vaccine, and with their final breath encourage their family members to get vaccinated. I watched the video of one social media influencer who said she wanted to do more research before getting the vaccine. Sadly, her research was done first-hand on her hospital bed as she died.
Although Luther avoided people where he was not needed, he courageously went to the people and places where his presence was required. Indeed, he opened part of his home as a clinic for the sick. Fear did not cause him to flee from those who were ill, rather God’s love motivated him to help people. His faith didn’t require him to reject medicine or preach that others should reject it. Rather godly wisdom guided him to take appropriate precautions and to give the sick such medicines as were available.
I think we can learn from Martin Luther who was wise enough to take the medicine and courageous enough to help others without fear.
I encourage you for your own health and for the good of others to take the vaccine. In this way we will be in a better position to care for others who might need our help. It may also give increased confidence to the vulnerable members of our church family if they know that we have done all we can to protect each other, ready for when we can meet together again.
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.
God bless you
John Malcolm
https://www.ifyc.org/article/martin-luthers-pandemic-advice-goes-viral-500-years-later
https://biologos.org/common-questions/should-christians-get-vaccinated
september 2021 god is love
Covid testing queue, Otara. David White, Stuff
I wonder if we tend to go through life with the illusion of control but then events like the current lockdown reveal our fragility and powerlessness. How do you feel when you see the empty shelves at the supermarket or queues at a Covid testing station? Covid is a disease we cannot see, is easily transmissible and has serious consequences for many who catch it. An illness, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, financial challenges … reveal how tentative our control on life is. If we are not as in control as we sometimes think, what can we truly rely on?
I invite you to read and reflect on the following verses. Perhaps read them three or four times, putting the emphasis on different words each time.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:16–18)
Which word or words stand out for you – God, love, fear, rely, confidence ….?
God is love – this is one of the foundational truths of the Christian faith. So much of what we read in the bible highlights the importance of love… For God so loved the world… We love because he first loved us… love your enemies… love each other as I have loved you... now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love….
If God is love, and we can rely on the love God has for us, then surely this must impact our lives, our attitudes, and our actions. If God is love, then we needn’t fear God or judgement. Indeed, if God is love, then rather than fear we can have confidence before God. The writer goes so far as to make God and love almost inseparable saying, Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. It is not that love is God, but love is evidence of God’s presence within a person’s life. Perhaps even more remarkable is the idea that as God lives in us, “ his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12) What does it mean to you that in some way God’s love is made complete in your life?
God’s love is not contingent on us, we are not the source of this love, we do not control it, neither is it dependent on our circumstances. God’s love remains firm, true, unchanging and dependable. As the Apostle Paul wrote, nothing …. “in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35–39)
As we wait in our bubbles, praying for the current outbreak of Covid to pass, perhaps anxious and knowing so much is beyond our control, we can rely on the unfailing love God has for us.
May God bless you richly
John Malcolm
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge ….” (Ephesians 3:17–19)
I invite you to read and reflect on the following verses. Perhaps read them three or four times, putting the emphasis on different words each time.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:16–18)
Which word or words stand out for you – God, love, fear, rely, confidence ….?
God is love – this is one of the foundational truths of the Christian faith. So much of what we read in the bible highlights the importance of love… For God so loved the world… We love because he first loved us… love your enemies… love each other as I have loved you... now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love….
If God is love, and we can rely on the love God has for us, then surely this must impact our lives, our attitudes, and our actions. If God is love, then we needn’t fear God or judgement. Indeed, if God is love, then rather than fear we can have confidence before God. The writer goes so far as to make God and love almost inseparable saying, Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. It is not that love is God, but love is evidence of God’s presence within a person’s life. Perhaps even more remarkable is the idea that as God lives in us, “ his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12) What does it mean to you that in some way God’s love is made complete in your life?
God’s love is not contingent on us, we are not the source of this love, we do not control it, neither is it dependent on our circumstances. God’s love remains firm, true, unchanging and dependable. As the Apostle Paul wrote, nothing …. “in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35–39)
As we wait in our bubbles, praying for the current outbreak of Covid to pass, perhaps anxious and knowing so much is beyond our control, we can rely on the unfailing love God has for us.
May God bless you richly
John Malcolm
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge ….” (Ephesians 3:17–19)
august 2021 wheelchair questions or armchair questions?
Do we approach the problem of suffering, with armchair questions or wheelchair questions?
Christopher Ash in his book Job: The Wisdom of the Cross wrote, We ask them as armchair questions if we ourselves are remote from suffering. We grapple with wheelchair questions …when we ourselves, or those we love, are suffering. In the book of Job, it seems Job is asking wheelchair questions while his friends are giving armchair answers. Job’s questions are asked through tears and trusting faith. His are the questions asked from the hospital bed, the homeless shelter and the food kitchen.
Job is a book for times such as these COVID times we are living through. It is like an old, perhaps neglected signpost that points us in the right direction, using ancient wisdom to address modern needs. I have been learning a great deal as I prepared the Sunday messages from Job, and I admit to struggling with the approach this book has to suffering. Job is short on answers and long on questions. Around 95% of this book is poetry full of ideas and images that a first glance seems to do more to stretch the mind than heal the heart. As a person who is used to getting super quick answers from Google, I find it frustrating that Job makes me work hard, doesn’t give a definitive answer, but with wisdom points beyond itself.
People who ask wheelchair questions deserve more than a quick armchair answer. The book of Job doesn’t give trite answers to burdensome questions, rather it invites us to take time to go deeper, for our imaginations to explore poetic imagery, and to ask our “impertinent” questions of God. There can be many armchair answers for why bad things happen to good people and these may shine a measure of light into the darkness of suffering. However, the comfort of Job is more to be found in wisdom than in knowledge, and more specifically in an intimate relationship with God.
I find it interesting that in the heart of this book Job realises his need for a mediator to represent him before God, and at the end of the book, God appoints Job as the mediator who will represent and restore his wayward friends in their relationship with God. “So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” (Job 42:8) Here, with the sacrifice of cattle and intercession for his friends, Job points towards the ministry of Jesus Christ who would sacrifice himself for us, and even pray for us from the cross, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:34) I hope you hear the echo of God’s care for us in Jesus’ words from the cross, My servant Jesus will pray for you and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.
In one sense, Jesus left his armchair existence (heavenly throne) to enter our wheelchair existence (experiencing human life) so he could mediate for us with God. So, the answer to the question of suffering is found in God entering human suffering and in our relationship with Jesus the suffering servant. Whereas Adam and Eve sacrificed their relationship with God to gain knowledge, Jesus sacrificed his life, through suffering, to enable our lost relationship with God to be restored.
The book of Job invites us on a journey, through poetic imagery to consider the question of suffering. Ultimately it points us to the mediator, Jesus and his suffering upon the cross. … for without Jesus the book of Job will be but “the record of an unanswered agony.” (Christopher Ash) God answers questions that trouble us and ministers to us in our suffering by taking our hand, walking through life with us and comforting us with His presence.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Christopher Ash in his book Job: The Wisdom of the Cross wrote, We ask them as armchair questions if we ourselves are remote from suffering. We grapple with wheelchair questions …when we ourselves, or those we love, are suffering. In the book of Job, it seems Job is asking wheelchair questions while his friends are giving armchair answers. Job’s questions are asked through tears and trusting faith. His are the questions asked from the hospital bed, the homeless shelter and the food kitchen.
Job is a book for times such as these COVID times we are living through. It is like an old, perhaps neglected signpost that points us in the right direction, using ancient wisdom to address modern needs. I have been learning a great deal as I prepared the Sunday messages from Job, and I admit to struggling with the approach this book has to suffering. Job is short on answers and long on questions. Around 95% of this book is poetry full of ideas and images that a first glance seems to do more to stretch the mind than heal the heart. As a person who is used to getting super quick answers from Google, I find it frustrating that Job makes me work hard, doesn’t give a definitive answer, but with wisdom points beyond itself.
People who ask wheelchair questions deserve more than a quick armchair answer. The book of Job doesn’t give trite answers to burdensome questions, rather it invites us to take time to go deeper, for our imaginations to explore poetic imagery, and to ask our “impertinent” questions of God. There can be many armchair answers for why bad things happen to good people and these may shine a measure of light into the darkness of suffering. However, the comfort of Job is more to be found in wisdom than in knowledge, and more specifically in an intimate relationship with God.
I find it interesting that in the heart of this book Job realises his need for a mediator to represent him before God, and at the end of the book, God appoints Job as the mediator who will represent and restore his wayward friends in their relationship with God. “So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” (Job 42:8) Here, with the sacrifice of cattle and intercession for his friends, Job points towards the ministry of Jesus Christ who would sacrifice himself for us, and even pray for us from the cross, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:34) I hope you hear the echo of God’s care for us in Jesus’ words from the cross, My servant Jesus will pray for you and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.
In one sense, Jesus left his armchair existence (heavenly throne) to enter our wheelchair existence (experiencing human life) so he could mediate for us with God. So, the answer to the question of suffering is found in God entering human suffering and in our relationship with Jesus the suffering servant. Whereas Adam and Eve sacrificed their relationship with God to gain knowledge, Jesus sacrificed his life, through suffering, to enable our lost relationship with God to be restored.
The book of Job invites us on a journey, through poetic imagery to consider the question of suffering. Ultimately it points us to the mediator, Jesus and his suffering upon the cross. … for without Jesus the book of Job will be but “the record of an unanswered agony.” (Christopher Ash) God answers questions that trouble us and ministers to us in our suffering by taking our hand, walking through life with us and comforting us with His presence.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
God bless you
John Malcolm
JULY 2021 COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
What a strange month it has been! Je Cheol made quick arrangements to accompany Ji Hoon to Brisbane to help him settle into a new job, Lia has found a new job and has resigned as office manager; we still have a vacancy for a youth leader, and our building project is in the hands of Presbytery for a decision. Added to this were our concerns over the possibility that the highly transmittable Delta variant of COVID might spread from Wellington. Plenty there to weigh us down!
On the positive side, the New Zealand cricket team won the inaugural World Test Championship! We have passed the “shortest” day which means we will slowly get more sunshine hours. And I have had my first jab of the Pfizer vaccine. Each of these cheered me up!
In each of our lives there are a mix of challenges and joys. These don’t always balance each other out to make life manageable. Often the joys seem fleeting, while the difficulties seem to linger. Recent times in our world have been particularly challenging with the great loss of life due to COVID-19. At present North America is suffering from a “heat dome” bringing record breaking temperatures, deaths from the heat and oddly, flood warnings because of the high rate of snow melting.
This week I listened to the BBC podcast Just One Thing with Dr Michael Mosley. This episode was called Count Your Blessings and suggested that our health and wellbeing will improve if we practise gratitude. The host recommended that each night you should write a list of three things which happened during the day for which you are grateful. I fell asleep part way through the podcast but heard enough to get the idea. Apparently, there is scientific evidence that an attitude of gratitude, counting our blessings, will help us feel better and may actually rewire our brains with lasting effects.
There may well be scientific evidence that gratitude is good for you, it is also very biblical. “A cheerful heart is good medicine ….” (Proverbs 17:22) “… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This verse says not just to be thankful for blessings, but thankful in all circumstances. This goes further than the podcast suggestion to write down three good things that happened, it also includes thankfulness when the circumstances are not so good. We may not be happy about our circumstances, but if we find a way to trust God through them, we can turn from despondency and blame to thankfulness. If being grateful for blessings is good for us, imagine the difference it could make if we could develop a more positive attitude to our challenges and disappointments.
In our sermon series looking at Job we find him taking quite a surprising approach to the most difficult of circumstances. Job worshipped God despite the ordeals he faced and humbly said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’” (Job 1:21) Job is not wearing rose tinted glasses and making the best of a bad situation. Job is not in denial; he knows full well the extent of his loss. Yet somehow Job trusts God enough to praise him in the face of great hardship. I invite you to join us on Sunday mornings as we learn from the book of Job and consider the themes of suffering, wisdom and trusting God.
I also encourage you, whatever your situation in life, to give thanks in all circumstances.
God bless you
John Malcolm
On the positive side, the New Zealand cricket team won the inaugural World Test Championship! We have passed the “shortest” day which means we will slowly get more sunshine hours. And I have had my first jab of the Pfizer vaccine. Each of these cheered me up!
In each of our lives there are a mix of challenges and joys. These don’t always balance each other out to make life manageable. Often the joys seem fleeting, while the difficulties seem to linger. Recent times in our world have been particularly challenging with the great loss of life due to COVID-19. At present North America is suffering from a “heat dome” bringing record breaking temperatures, deaths from the heat and oddly, flood warnings because of the high rate of snow melting.
This week I listened to the BBC podcast Just One Thing with Dr Michael Mosley. This episode was called Count Your Blessings and suggested that our health and wellbeing will improve if we practise gratitude. The host recommended that each night you should write a list of three things which happened during the day for which you are grateful. I fell asleep part way through the podcast but heard enough to get the idea. Apparently, there is scientific evidence that an attitude of gratitude, counting our blessings, will help us feel better and may actually rewire our brains with lasting effects.
There may well be scientific evidence that gratitude is good for you, it is also very biblical. “A cheerful heart is good medicine ….” (Proverbs 17:22) “… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This verse says not just to be thankful for blessings, but thankful in all circumstances. This goes further than the podcast suggestion to write down three good things that happened, it also includes thankfulness when the circumstances are not so good. We may not be happy about our circumstances, but if we find a way to trust God through them, we can turn from despondency and blame to thankfulness. If being grateful for blessings is good for us, imagine the difference it could make if we could develop a more positive attitude to our challenges and disappointments.
In our sermon series looking at Job we find him taking quite a surprising approach to the most difficult of circumstances. Job worshipped God despite the ordeals he faced and humbly said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’” (Job 1:21) Job is not wearing rose tinted glasses and making the best of a bad situation. Job is not in denial; he knows full well the extent of his loss. Yet somehow Job trusts God enough to praise him in the face of great hardship. I invite you to join us on Sunday mornings as we learn from the book of Job and consider the themes of suffering, wisdom and trusting God.
I also encourage you, whatever your situation in life, to give thanks in all circumstances.
God bless you
John Malcolm
june 2021 faith in a world of suffering
God Answers Job from the Whirlwind by William Blake
It is hard to read the COVID news from India. Perhaps I shouldn’t look at it anymore. Maybe denial, hiding my head in the sand would be a safer option. The scale of loss is unimaginable. Reading or listening to the stories of people going from hospital to hospital to find a bed for a sick relative, from pharmacy to pharmacy to find medicine or searching for a tank of oxygen is heart breaking. Perhaps the saddest news is that of bodies floating down the Ganges. The unclaimed, unnamed, are washing up on riverbanks because their family didn’t have the means of paying for a cremation or burial.
The unfairness of life can slap us in the face, break our hearts or just nibble around the edge of our lives, making us uncomfortable and ill at ease. At times it is the suffering of others, over there, far enough away to provide a buffer to the harsh realities. But sometimes it strikes close to home, unavoidably reaching my family or even myself. What are we to make of this? How are we to deal with it?
The story of Job is a story of great suffering, but it doesn't provide any easy answers. Job wrestles with questions and struggles through suffering that makes no sense to him. He didn’t deserve this, he could discern no reason for it. His mistaken friends accuse him of sin he hadn’t committed. As an innocent victim he cried out to God, for what must have seemed like an eternity of pain. Yet God remained silent. When God finally broke the silence, it was not to answer Job’s questions, or our questions about suffering. God asks Job, “‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Although Job was in the midst of real suffering, it is as if God says to him, You don’t know what you are talking about. Then God challenges Job, Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” (Job 38:2–3), Rather than holding God to account for suffering and evil, God holds Job to account for his ignorance and folly.
Job could not possibly comprehend the range of God’s knowledge or the depth of God’s wisdom. Without that neither Job nor anyone else could begin to unravel with mystery of suffering, the problem of evil or the wisdom of God’s plan. Job couldn’t see that one day God himself would enter our world of suffering, a child born in a manger to die on a cross. Fully human, fully divine Jesus alone would take hold of the root cause of all suffering and take it upon himself to the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ was the beginning of the end of human suffering.
We like Job are unable to understand our suffering, but our advantage is we are able to see the cross, the empty tomb and hold to the promise of Jesus that he will return. We know on that day he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Until then we have confidence that he is working all things for good for those who love him.
God bless you
John Malcolm
The unfairness of life can slap us in the face, break our hearts or just nibble around the edge of our lives, making us uncomfortable and ill at ease. At times it is the suffering of others, over there, far enough away to provide a buffer to the harsh realities. But sometimes it strikes close to home, unavoidably reaching my family or even myself. What are we to make of this? How are we to deal with it?
The story of Job is a story of great suffering, but it doesn't provide any easy answers. Job wrestles with questions and struggles through suffering that makes no sense to him. He didn’t deserve this, he could discern no reason for it. His mistaken friends accuse him of sin he hadn’t committed. As an innocent victim he cried out to God, for what must have seemed like an eternity of pain. Yet God remained silent. When God finally broke the silence, it was not to answer Job’s questions, or our questions about suffering. God asks Job, “‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Although Job was in the midst of real suffering, it is as if God says to him, You don’t know what you are talking about. Then God challenges Job, Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” (Job 38:2–3), Rather than holding God to account for suffering and evil, God holds Job to account for his ignorance and folly.
Job could not possibly comprehend the range of God’s knowledge or the depth of God’s wisdom. Without that neither Job nor anyone else could begin to unravel with mystery of suffering, the problem of evil or the wisdom of God’s plan. Job couldn’t see that one day God himself would enter our world of suffering, a child born in a manger to die on a cross. Fully human, fully divine Jesus alone would take hold of the root cause of all suffering and take it upon himself to the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ was the beginning of the end of human suffering.
We like Job are unable to understand our suffering, but our advantage is we are able to see the cross, the empty tomb and hold to the promise of Jesus that he will return. We know on that day he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Until then we have confidence that he is working all things for good for those who love him.
God bless you
John Malcolm
may 2021 the measure of success
Not long ago at a meeting of ministers, a colleague who was contemplating his retirement said he felt like a failure. He reflected on his circumstances, saw the dwindling attendance and questioned the value of his ministry. Of course, this questioning is not limited to ministers, all Christians wrestle with questions about our walk of faith including, what ranks as success or failure in Christian life?
What measure do we use to determine success or failure?
Too often we are influenced by our culture and how society measures success. The metrics of our age, friends on Facebook , followers on Twitter, or likes on Messenger are not necessarily helpful when assessing the value of our lives.
Rico Tice says, Failure is being successful at the things that don’t matter. I found this an interesting and challenging idea. What does matter in life? Do we find ourselves investing our time in diversions and losing focus on the things that do matter?
How do we know what matters? I was helped as a young man when I read, The Measure of a Man by Gene Getz. He looked at Paul’s pastoral letters and identified attributes like faithfulness, wisdom, generosity, and holiness as indicators of Christian maturity. As we read the bible, we find that these attributes are what matter to God, and are what Jesus taught by word and example. Are we being “successful” in these things?
Another way to think of this is to ask, who are we trying to impress? Who is the audience we are playing to? In an interesting twist, when Jesus was in the temple, he drew the attention of his disciples, not to the rich who were throwing large amounts into the treasury, but to the poor widow who put in only a few pence. I think others would have overlooked her and been more impressed with the success of the rich who were able to give so much. But Jesus looked past the outward riches to the woman who had trusted God with all she had left in the world. Here Jesus gives us an insight into what impresses God. Rico Tice writes, Hearing your Creator and Father say, “Well done” – that’s all that ultimately matters, isn’t it? In this story, it seems Jesus is quietly saying well done to the poor widow who placed her trust in God.
What is success in God’s eyes? The prophet Micah states that God has made this plain. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Justice, love, mercy and humility – how well are we doing with these? Peter writes that a focus on these attributes helps us to achieve the character and actions God desires for us. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5–8) In these attributes we find the true measure of a successful life. When the time comes, a Christian who focuses on these will undoubtedly hear the commendation of God, Well done you good and faithful servant.
I encourage you to take a little time today to reflect on what really matters in life and to consider how you might be able to succeed in what really matters.
God bless you
John Malcolm
What measure do we use to determine success or failure?
Too often we are influenced by our culture and how society measures success. The metrics of our age, friends on Facebook , followers on Twitter, or likes on Messenger are not necessarily helpful when assessing the value of our lives.
Rico Tice says, Failure is being successful at the things that don’t matter. I found this an interesting and challenging idea. What does matter in life? Do we find ourselves investing our time in diversions and losing focus on the things that do matter?
How do we know what matters? I was helped as a young man when I read, The Measure of a Man by Gene Getz. He looked at Paul’s pastoral letters and identified attributes like faithfulness, wisdom, generosity, and holiness as indicators of Christian maturity. As we read the bible, we find that these attributes are what matter to God, and are what Jesus taught by word and example. Are we being “successful” in these things?
Another way to think of this is to ask, who are we trying to impress? Who is the audience we are playing to? In an interesting twist, when Jesus was in the temple, he drew the attention of his disciples, not to the rich who were throwing large amounts into the treasury, but to the poor widow who put in only a few pence. I think others would have overlooked her and been more impressed with the success of the rich who were able to give so much. But Jesus looked past the outward riches to the woman who had trusted God with all she had left in the world. Here Jesus gives us an insight into what impresses God. Rico Tice writes, Hearing your Creator and Father say, “Well done” – that’s all that ultimately matters, isn’t it? In this story, it seems Jesus is quietly saying well done to the poor widow who placed her trust in God.
What is success in God’s eyes? The prophet Micah states that God has made this plain. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Justice, love, mercy and humility – how well are we doing with these? Peter writes that a focus on these attributes helps us to achieve the character and actions God desires for us. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5–8) In these attributes we find the true measure of a successful life. When the time comes, a Christian who focuses on these will undoubtedly hear the commendation of God, Well done you good and faithful servant.
I encourage you to take a little time today to reflect on what really matters in life and to consider how you might be able to succeed in what really matters.
God bless you
John Malcolm
APRIL 2021 canceled or forgiven?
Woke culture’s lack of forgiveness only destroys its own voices."
I was interested to read this recent article in Stuff in which Verity Johnson recalled being told, Be careful what you put online - it will be with you for life. Nowadays people are finding some of their things they posted in their youth are coming back to haunt them. What interested me in this article was her reference to redemption, and her concern about the lack of forgiveness being offered. She cited the example of Alexi McCammond who had to resign as editor of Teen Vogue, because of racist comments she posted ten years ago when she was seventeen years old.
Cancel culture is very quick to judge. When a person rises to prominence, it seems others trawl through their old posts looking for comments that might be used against them. When something is found, condemnation is instant. Retrospective application of modern woke standards to comments made in the past overlooks the possibility of change and gives no credit for good behaviour. Even our judicial system allows criminals to have a “clean sheet” if they have had no convictions in the past seven years. But how do you get a clean sheet when your old online comments are easily found?
The condemnation of prominent people who have posted views that are clearly wrong seems to overlook the fact that everyone falls short, we are all guilty. As I read the article, I recalled Jesus telling people not to judge and saying, ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
At its best being woke brings helpful insights into injustice and intolerance. At its worst it appears to lack grace. Seeking justice, it becomes unjust. Woke-ness appears to be “un‑Woke” to its own shortcomings and therefore unable to achieve its own high ideals.
The good news of the gospel is that God has been practising cancel culture long before this generation! God forgives! We read, “He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13–14) Rather than cancelling us, God forgives and cancels the charges against us. When we ask Jesus to forgive us, our sin is dealt with. So the bible boldly states, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12) and “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). God will never go trawling through our past sins to condemn us because when God forgives it is complete forgiveness with the old gone, and we have a new beginning.
This Easter I invite you to take time to reflect on the fulness of forgiveness which is found in Jesus Christ and to thank Him for it.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)
God bless you
John Malcolm
I was interested to read this recent article in Stuff in which Verity Johnson recalled being told, Be careful what you put online - it will be with you for life. Nowadays people are finding some of their things they posted in their youth are coming back to haunt them. What interested me in this article was her reference to redemption, and her concern about the lack of forgiveness being offered. She cited the example of Alexi McCammond who had to resign as editor of Teen Vogue, because of racist comments she posted ten years ago when she was seventeen years old.
Cancel culture is very quick to judge. When a person rises to prominence, it seems others trawl through their old posts looking for comments that might be used against them. When something is found, condemnation is instant. Retrospective application of modern woke standards to comments made in the past overlooks the possibility of change and gives no credit for good behaviour. Even our judicial system allows criminals to have a “clean sheet” if they have had no convictions in the past seven years. But how do you get a clean sheet when your old online comments are easily found?
The condemnation of prominent people who have posted views that are clearly wrong seems to overlook the fact that everyone falls short, we are all guilty. As I read the article, I recalled Jesus telling people not to judge and saying, ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
At its best being woke brings helpful insights into injustice and intolerance. At its worst it appears to lack grace. Seeking justice, it becomes unjust. Woke-ness appears to be “un‑Woke” to its own shortcomings and therefore unable to achieve its own high ideals.
The good news of the gospel is that God has been practising cancel culture long before this generation! God forgives! We read, “He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13–14) Rather than cancelling us, God forgives and cancels the charges against us. When we ask Jesus to forgive us, our sin is dealt with. So the bible boldly states, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12) and “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). God will never go trawling through our past sins to condemn us because when God forgives it is complete forgiveness with the old gone, and we have a new beginning.
This Easter I invite you to take time to reflect on the fulness of forgiveness which is found in Jesus Christ and to thank Him for it.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)
God bless you
John Malcolm
MARCH 2021 RESTARTING THE YEAR
BBQ Church 14 Feb 2021
We have already had two practice starts this year, so we should be good at restarts as we return to on-site services this week. We are so used to lockdowns we are able to change tack faster than an America’s Cup yacht, as happened recently when at 9pm on Saturday 20 February we had to quickly arrange to meet the following morning on Zoom.
I enjoyed being together as a church prior to the lockdown and really enjoyed our first BBQ Church on 14 February. I was looking forward to the next two BBQ churches and Breakfast church, and was very disappointed when we had to cancel them. Because of what we have missed I feel our combined communion service and posh morning tea will be extra special (Sunday 21 March).
Karl Vaters, in his book The Church Recovery Guide, writes: Online church is real church, but it is not enough church. Online zoom church is a blessing in the circumstances, but we all know there are aspects of church life it can’t reproduce. Last week’s service was very real with people sharing their favourite bible verse. It was a real blessing to be given insights into how meaningful the bible is for them. Yet we know there could have been more to experience if we had been on-site. Zoom doesn’t allow us to connect in the way physical presence does.
There have been times in history when the church has been a dispersed people, but the norm is to meet together. At heart we are a gathered community, a family that comes together around the Lord’s table, to worship, to enjoy fellowship and to serve alongside each other. We see the importance of gathering in the early church as they met in the temple and it is underlined by the promise of Jesus, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”” (Matthew 18:20) Vaters writes, We can only stay apart so long. We need each other’s physical presence to receive the emotional and spiritual nourishment from which to serve. God has given us each other as a gift. God has formed the church like a body of many parts where each person is needed and has a role to play.
I hope you have been missing the deeper connection of being together as a church and that you are looking forward to being together again in worship. In just three weeks’ time we have the celebration of Easter. Last March we went into the first lockdown and met online for our Easter services. We lost the opportunity to be together on Good Friday, carrying the cross and participating in the tactile hammering to symbolise nailing our sin to the cross. Neither were we able to decorate the cross on Easter Sunday symbolising Christ’s victory over death.
My prayer is, having experienced lockdowns, we might have a better appreciation of the privilege we have to meet as a church family this Easter.
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1–2)
God bless you
John Malcolm
I enjoyed being together as a church prior to the lockdown and really enjoyed our first BBQ Church on 14 February. I was looking forward to the next two BBQ churches and Breakfast church, and was very disappointed when we had to cancel them. Because of what we have missed I feel our combined communion service and posh morning tea will be extra special (Sunday 21 March).
Karl Vaters, in his book The Church Recovery Guide, writes: Online church is real church, but it is not enough church. Online zoom church is a blessing in the circumstances, but we all know there are aspects of church life it can’t reproduce. Last week’s service was very real with people sharing their favourite bible verse. It was a real blessing to be given insights into how meaningful the bible is for them. Yet we know there could have been more to experience if we had been on-site. Zoom doesn’t allow us to connect in the way physical presence does.
There have been times in history when the church has been a dispersed people, but the norm is to meet together. At heart we are a gathered community, a family that comes together around the Lord’s table, to worship, to enjoy fellowship and to serve alongside each other. We see the importance of gathering in the early church as they met in the temple and it is underlined by the promise of Jesus, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”” (Matthew 18:20) Vaters writes, We can only stay apart so long. We need each other’s physical presence to receive the emotional and spiritual nourishment from which to serve. God has given us each other as a gift. God has formed the church like a body of many parts where each person is needed and has a role to play.
I hope you have been missing the deeper connection of being together as a church and that you are looking forward to being together again in worship. In just three weeks’ time we have the celebration of Easter. Last March we went into the first lockdown and met online for our Easter services. We lost the opportunity to be together on Good Friday, carrying the cross and participating in the tactile hammering to symbolise nailing our sin to the cross. Neither were we able to decorate the cross on Easter Sunday symbolising Christ’s victory over death.
My prayer is, having experienced lockdowns, we might have a better appreciation of the privilege we have to meet as a church family this Easter.
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1–2)
God bless you
John Malcolm
FEBRUARY 2021 FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
Over the last twelve months we have been bombarded with challenge, change and all the uncertainty which accompanies COVID-19. At the start of what may be another challenging year – how is your soul, your spiritual life? Are you weary, worried and worn, or are you enlivened, encouraged and excited about the year ahead? Are you somewhere in between, watching, waiting and hoping for the best?
In the story of Queen Esther, she faced a challenge that required courage and faith. Her uncle spurred her on saying And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
Given our present circumstances, the phrase, for such a time as this, has been rattling around in my mind. I don’t think many of us have known such a time as this. I don’t think many of us were prepared for such a time as this. Perhaps more than any other time in our spiritual lives, this is a time when our faith is put to the test. A time when what we truly believe rises to the surface. A time when who we are spiritually is revealed.
Recently I read, God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called. You may not feel qualified for such a time as this, but God calls you, just as surely as he called Esther, for such a time as this. Look closely at the great characters of the bible and you soon discover they were rather ordinary people who God called. It was only God’s call, empowering and guidance, that enabled them through faithful obedience to serve God in their circumstances.
Do you remember Esther’s response to her challenge? She called on people to fast and pray. She knew she was not qualified in her own strength for the task, so she turned to God. Our souls can be strengthened through prayer, our spiritual lives nourished, and our faith can find new resilience.
The Apostle Paul understood that he, like other Christians, was not up to the task in his own strength. He constantly depended on God in order to do the work and to live the life God called him to. He wrote, I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). He spoke of God encouraging him, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, he didn’t see his own weakness as an obstacle, rather he concluded … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
2021 – in such a time as this, we are called by God to live as his children and to fulfil his will. We will have many opportunities to serve God this year, to worship, to pray, to deepen our fellowship with one another, and to invite people to join us. We may not feel we are up to this, but as God strengthens us, we will be ready to live … in such a time as this.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
God bless you
John Malcolm
In the story of Queen Esther, she faced a challenge that required courage and faith. Her uncle spurred her on saying And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
Given our present circumstances, the phrase, for such a time as this, has been rattling around in my mind. I don’t think many of us have known such a time as this. I don’t think many of us were prepared for such a time as this. Perhaps more than any other time in our spiritual lives, this is a time when our faith is put to the test. A time when what we truly believe rises to the surface. A time when who we are spiritually is revealed.
Recently I read, God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called. You may not feel qualified for such a time as this, but God calls you, just as surely as he called Esther, for such a time as this. Look closely at the great characters of the bible and you soon discover they were rather ordinary people who God called. It was only God’s call, empowering and guidance, that enabled them through faithful obedience to serve God in their circumstances.
Do you remember Esther’s response to her challenge? She called on people to fast and pray. She knew she was not qualified in her own strength for the task, so she turned to God. Our souls can be strengthened through prayer, our spiritual lives nourished, and our faith can find new resilience.
The Apostle Paul understood that he, like other Christians, was not up to the task in his own strength. He constantly depended on God in order to do the work and to live the life God called him to. He wrote, I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). He spoke of God encouraging him, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, he didn’t see his own weakness as an obstacle, rather he concluded … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
2021 – in such a time as this, we are called by God to live as his children and to fulfil his will. We will have many opportunities to serve God this year, to worship, to pray, to deepen our fellowship with one another, and to invite people to join us. We may not feel we are up to this, but as God strengthens us, we will be ready to live … in such a time as this.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
God bless you
John Malcolm
december 2020 I LOVE THE CHRISTMAS STORY
Theo reading his Bible, aged 4
I love the Christmas story, it can bring tears to my eyes. Surprise, humility, vulnerability, danger. The unexplainable, the unbelievable, the unexpected. Human weakness and human strength. Unlikely heroes, an unscrupulous villain, unconscionable cruelty. Divine intervention. A story of love.
It is not just any story; it is a story that changed my life. While I was still a small boy, I came to understand these events happened for me. Not that I am anyone important, a fact which adds to my delight. It is a story that happened for all humanity, even for the least of us. It happened for me, and that is what brings a tear to my eyes – God loves even me. Jesus was born for me, he lived for me, he died and rose for me. He ascended for me so I could ascend to him. And this is also for you.
This story might be endearing to me, but it would probably remain obscure ancient history, if not for the fact I have met the central character – Jesus. This might sound strange – how can anyone have met a person who died 2000 years ago?
I read an interesting article where, from a totally secular perspective, a reviewer considered a book by an anthropologist seeking to explain religious experience from a human perspective. “Rather than presuming that people worship because they believe, we ask instead whether people believe because they worship.” I say "human perspective" because the article really didn’t allow for the existence of a supernatural God behind religious experience. If there is no God, then religious experience is simply generated by humanity. However, if there is a supernatural God, then we must consider religious experience quite differently.
I am also reading Is Jesus History? (John Dickson) There may be debate about what Jesus did and what it all meant, but there is no doubt from an historical perspective that Jesus really lived. Belief in the historicity of Jesus is not confined to those who follow him, it is accepted as historical truth by professional historians. John Dickson points out, there are entries on the person of Jesus in standard reference works in the disciplines of ancient history and classics. These include the Oxford Classical Dictionary, Cambridge Ancient History, the Cambridge History of Judaism and Brill’s New Pauly: Encyclopedia of the Ancient World. Each volume treats the existence of Jesus the teacher, healer and martyr as beyond doubt. (John Dickson).
Historically Jesus did exist, the question is, does he still exist? Again, the question boils down to the possibility of a supernatural God. If such a God exists then the possibility of Jesus rising from the dead is very real, if God doesn’t exist then Jesus is long gone!
Meeting Jesus was and is for me a spiritual experience. I haven’t seen him with my eyes or touched him with my hands, but he has touched my life, leaving such a deep impression on my soul that I have met him and know him. I have known him for over fifty-five years. This is why the Christmas story moves me deeply. It is a story about my lifelong friend, Saviour and Lord. I hope you are moved by the Christmas story this year, and like me you enjoy the company of Jesus who was born on earth for us and for our salvation.
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:5–7)
Melanie and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
God bless you
John Malcolm
It is not just any story; it is a story that changed my life. While I was still a small boy, I came to understand these events happened for me. Not that I am anyone important, a fact which adds to my delight. It is a story that happened for all humanity, even for the least of us. It happened for me, and that is what brings a tear to my eyes – God loves even me. Jesus was born for me, he lived for me, he died and rose for me. He ascended for me so I could ascend to him. And this is also for you.
This story might be endearing to me, but it would probably remain obscure ancient history, if not for the fact I have met the central character – Jesus. This might sound strange – how can anyone have met a person who died 2000 years ago?
I read an interesting article where, from a totally secular perspective, a reviewer considered a book by an anthropologist seeking to explain religious experience from a human perspective. “Rather than presuming that people worship because they believe, we ask instead whether people believe because they worship.” I say "human perspective" because the article really didn’t allow for the existence of a supernatural God behind religious experience. If there is no God, then religious experience is simply generated by humanity. However, if there is a supernatural God, then we must consider religious experience quite differently.
I am also reading Is Jesus History? (John Dickson) There may be debate about what Jesus did and what it all meant, but there is no doubt from an historical perspective that Jesus really lived. Belief in the historicity of Jesus is not confined to those who follow him, it is accepted as historical truth by professional historians. John Dickson points out, there are entries on the person of Jesus in standard reference works in the disciplines of ancient history and classics. These include the Oxford Classical Dictionary, Cambridge Ancient History, the Cambridge History of Judaism and Brill’s New Pauly: Encyclopedia of the Ancient World. Each volume treats the existence of Jesus the teacher, healer and martyr as beyond doubt. (John Dickson).
Historically Jesus did exist, the question is, does he still exist? Again, the question boils down to the possibility of a supernatural God. If such a God exists then the possibility of Jesus rising from the dead is very real, if God doesn’t exist then Jesus is long gone!
Meeting Jesus was and is for me a spiritual experience. I haven’t seen him with my eyes or touched him with my hands, but he has touched my life, leaving such a deep impression on my soul that I have met him and know him. I have known him for over fifty-five years. This is why the Christmas story moves me deeply. It is a story about my lifelong friend, Saviour and Lord. I hope you are moved by the Christmas story this year, and like me you enjoy the company of Jesus who was born on earth for us and for our salvation.
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:5–7)
Melanie and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
God bless you
John Malcolm
november 2020 a christ-centred life
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 57.1
COVID, elections, financial challenges, storms, floods, droughts, fires and even a close encounter with a small asteroid – there has been plenty to grab our attention recently. Such are the shifting sands of this world, its worries and concerns. We, and the people of our world, are being tossed around on waves of heightened uncertainty and instability.
It is at times like these that we find our shelter under the wings of God, that God is our refuge and strength, an anchor in the storm and a sure foundation.
We speak of Greyfriars as being a Christ-Centred church. Jesus is at the heart of all we do. We look to him as our Lord and Saviour. We listen to him and seek to understand his teaching. We trust in him and follow him.
Having Christ at the centre gives us a particular way of looking at personal, and world events. We take a Christ-Centred view of life, trying to see things in the light of who Jesus is and what he teaches us.
Taking a Christ-Centred view is not always easy. We tend to look at events and engage in life as we encounter it, reacting as best we can in the moment. A Christ-Centred response requires us to be reflective, to learn and apply the teachings of Jesus, to be prayerful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. This is not necessarily our first reaction or our natural way of responding. This invites us to look at life differently, to act in love, to be faithful, to show compassion, to seek justice and show mercy. It challenges us not to see the world as spiralling out of control or even as controlled by flawed global leaders, but as a world that is lost, and as people God is seeking to redeem. The faults and fractures, the eruptions and commotions of this world reveal brokenness which God seeks to heal.
Jesus taught us to pray to our heavenly Father saying, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done … Being Christ-Centred is to be focused on God’s kingdom and God’s will. This is a shift in worldview that requires a rational faith based on our knowledge of God and a willingness to act in the interests of God’s kingdom. We don’t have a detailed map for this, but we do have clear markers, the spiritual mountain peaks of Jesus’ teaching: the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, the Sermon on the Mount, and the spiritual example of Jesus' life, including his death and resurrection. The narrow path we take may not always be obvious, but the ascension of Jesus points us to the end point, his promised return and eternity with God.
I invite you to take a moment today, not focusing on the news or the podcasts of current events, but on the good news and the God-cast of the bible to help you refocus on His Kingdom and His will. As we each do this we will find our strength and help from God for this present moment.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1–3)
God bless you
John Malcolm
It is at times like these that we find our shelter under the wings of God, that God is our refuge and strength, an anchor in the storm and a sure foundation.
We speak of Greyfriars as being a Christ-Centred church. Jesus is at the heart of all we do. We look to him as our Lord and Saviour. We listen to him and seek to understand his teaching. We trust in him and follow him.
Having Christ at the centre gives us a particular way of looking at personal, and world events. We take a Christ-Centred view of life, trying to see things in the light of who Jesus is and what he teaches us.
Taking a Christ-Centred view is not always easy. We tend to look at events and engage in life as we encounter it, reacting as best we can in the moment. A Christ-Centred response requires us to be reflective, to learn and apply the teachings of Jesus, to be prayerful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. This is not necessarily our first reaction or our natural way of responding. This invites us to look at life differently, to act in love, to be faithful, to show compassion, to seek justice and show mercy. It challenges us not to see the world as spiralling out of control or even as controlled by flawed global leaders, but as a world that is lost, and as people God is seeking to redeem. The faults and fractures, the eruptions and commotions of this world reveal brokenness which God seeks to heal.
Jesus taught us to pray to our heavenly Father saying, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done … Being Christ-Centred is to be focused on God’s kingdom and God’s will. This is a shift in worldview that requires a rational faith based on our knowledge of God and a willingness to act in the interests of God’s kingdom. We don’t have a detailed map for this, but we do have clear markers, the spiritual mountain peaks of Jesus’ teaching: the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, the Sermon on the Mount, and the spiritual example of Jesus' life, including his death and resurrection. The narrow path we take may not always be obvious, but the ascension of Jesus points us to the end point, his promised return and eternity with God.
I invite you to take a moment today, not focusing on the news or the podcasts of current events, but on the good news and the God-cast of the bible to help you refocus on His Kingdom and His will. As we each do this we will find our strength and help from God for this present moment.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1–3)
God bless you
John Malcolm
october 2020 in the doldrums
yacht stuck in the doldrums
We can’t go on meeting like this! Well, actually we can if we need to, but it is so good to know we can once again begin meeting together at church.
When we return on 4 October we will have had a total of seventeen at home zoom services this year. Zoom is really good. I believe it is a blessing from God that we can meet for services online, but we all know it is not the same as meeting on-site at church.
Recently I found myself in the doldrums. I was becoming a bit moody without realising it. Perhaps some of you have experienced something like this during lockdown. For me, the straw that broke the camel’s back was cancelling our children’s holiday programme. I have, in part, spent the last month looking at the near horizon, hoping this time we can proceed but having to cancel yet another church activity. We had to cancel Messy church, the school holiday programme, and the cultural lunch and concert. We have had to postpone the choir, the AGM, the membership service and our Redemptive Family workshop.
I often speak of our church as a ship set sail. However, this year it feels to me like we have been in the doldrums - the old nautical name for an area of calm sea in the Atlantic ocean where sailing ships can be stuck for days with no wind. For much of this year our church has been in the doldrums: becalmed, adrift, unable to chart our course. Many of the familiar landmarks - mainly music, playgroup, men’s tea, and church seasons Easter and Pentecost - have remained beyond the horizon. This year we had planned to develop our mix-zones and be invitational, reaching out more into the community but instead we have been forced by COVID to spend time at home and to be physically distanced.
I suppose my doldrums was a form of grieving for what has been lost and being disorientated because the familiar routines were out of sync.
I had been praying about this, but my prayers felt like I was wrestling with God, why this, what is happening now, how do I make sense of it, how does this fit into your will? Bev Shepherd wrote, God does not commit to answer our questions, but instead he promises us his presence. Aside from anything else, this promise marks us out as his people and orientates us in a time of disorientation. (https://licc.org.uk/ Navigating Transition)
Even as we sail the uncharted waters of COVID-19, not being able to gain our bearings or catch the wind, we have the comfort of knowing that God our guide, our ever-present helper knows the way and we can trust him. As people of faith we can find strength in the words “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:3–5)
God bless you
John Malcolm
When we return on 4 October we will have had a total of seventeen at home zoom services this year. Zoom is really good. I believe it is a blessing from God that we can meet for services online, but we all know it is not the same as meeting on-site at church.
Recently I found myself in the doldrums. I was becoming a bit moody without realising it. Perhaps some of you have experienced something like this during lockdown. For me, the straw that broke the camel’s back was cancelling our children’s holiday programme. I have, in part, spent the last month looking at the near horizon, hoping this time we can proceed but having to cancel yet another church activity. We had to cancel Messy church, the school holiday programme, and the cultural lunch and concert. We have had to postpone the choir, the AGM, the membership service and our Redemptive Family workshop.
I often speak of our church as a ship set sail. However, this year it feels to me like we have been in the doldrums - the old nautical name for an area of calm sea in the Atlantic ocean where sailing ships can be stuck for days with no wind. For much of this year our church has been in the doldrums: becalmed, adrift, unable to chart our course. Many of the familiar landmarks - mainly music, playgroup, men’s tea, and church seasons Easter and Pentecost - have remained beyond the horizon. This year we had planned to develop our mix-zones and be invitational, reaching out more into the community but instead we have been forced by COVID to spend time at home and to be physically distanced.
I suppose my doldrums was a form of grieving for what has been lost and being disorientated because the familiar routines were out of sync.
I had been praying about this, but my prayers felt like I was wrestling with God, why this, what is happening now, how do I make sense of it, how does this fit into your will? Bev Shepherd wrote, God does not commit to answer our questions, but instead he promises us his presence. Aside from anything else, this promise marks us out as his people and orientates us in a time of disorientation. (https://licc.org.uk/ Navigating Transition)
Even as we sail the uncharted waters of COVID-19, not being able to gain our bearings or catch the wind, we have the comfort of knowing that God our guide, our ever-present helper knows the way and we can trust him. As people of faith we can find strength in the words “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:3–5)
God bless you
John Malcolm
september 2020 values vs self-interest
What is the relationship between self-interest and values? This and similar questions have been rattling around in my thoughts all week.
This question is very pertinent when we consider our self-interests and values in light of how to act and behave as a community with the spread of COVID-19. The panic buying we have seen may reflect the dominance of self-interest over values.
My interest was piqued when I listened to a podcast in which Tony Blair was discussing the relationship between self-interest and values. While the two may often be aligned it was suggested at times self‑interest will be given precedence over values.
Can something be in our self-interest if it compromises our values? Does our self‑interest shape our values or do our values shape our self-interest? Are our values optional extras, nice to have if we can afford them, but set aside if costly? Is self-interest our default setting?
What gives value to our values? Why these values and not others? Are values a bit like a pick and mix sweet shop where we might choose something one day but not another? Is there any consistent reason for our values or are they not much more than a whim?
The values of many western nations are linked to a shared Christian heritage aligned to what were understood to be the values of God’s Kingdom. These values gave shape to our society, its laws, norms and common interests. What happens to a nation (or a person) that undermines these values or is set adrift from them? What happens in a society that can no longer assume or appeal to common values – does self‑interest prevail? Does self-interest pull us further away from each other into increasingly polarised positions? Part of our modern problem is while our society may have a number of good values, the rope that held us to them has frayed or been cut and we are no longer firmly anchored to them. This leads us to issues such as the upcoming referendums on euthanasia and cannabis use.
Christianity looks beyond an individual’s values or those of a community/nation to find its values in the person and nature of God. Christians face the challenge of allowing their lives to be shaped by God’s values and God’s interests (your will be done …). Part of the struggle for both new and older Christians is that God will constantly challenge us to change our thoughts, speech and behaviours to conform to the values of his kingdom.
What happens when God brings important values to our lives that don’t necessarily seem to align with our self-interest, such as when we read the “one another verses”: love one another, forgive one another, even submit to one another? How do we respond to the command, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4)
How will we as a church show values of love and kindness as we begin to move and mix with others following the lockdown? How will we act responsibly, not just to shield ourselves from this disease, but also to act in the interests of others? I invite you to take a moment to consider the values that shape your life and to reflect on what it might mean for you to act in the interests of others.
God bless you
John Malcolm
This question is very pertinent when we consider our self-interests and values in light of how to act and behave as a community with the spread of COVID-19. The panic buying we have seen may reflect the dominance of self-interest over values.
My interest was piqued when I listened to a podcast in which Tony Blair was discussing the relationship between self-interest and values. While the two may often be aligned it was suggested at times self‑interest will be given precedence over values.
Can something be in our self-interest if it compromises our values? Does our self‑interest shape our values or do our values shape our self-interest? Are our values optional extras, nice to have if we can afford them, but set aside if costly? Is self-interest our default setting?
What gives value to our values? Why these values and not others? Are values a bit like a pick and mix sweet shop where we might choose something one day but not another? Is there any consistent reason for our values or are they not much more than a whim?
The values of many western nations are linked to a shared Christian heritage aligned to what were understood to be the values of God’s Kingdom. These values gave shape to our society, its laws, norms and common interests. What happens to a nation (or a person) that undermines these values or is set adrift from them? What happens in a society that can no longer assume or appeal to common values – does self‑interest prevail? Does self-interest pull us further away from each other into increasingly polarised positions? Part of our modern problem is while our society may have a number of good values, the rope that held us to them has frayed or been cut and we are no longer firmly anchored to them. This leads us to issues such as the upcoming referendums on euthanasia and cannabis use.
Christianity looks beyond an individual’s values or those of a community/nation to find its values in the person and nature of God. Christians face the challenge of allowing their lives to be shaped by God’s values and God’s interests (your will be done …). Part of the struggle for both new and older Christians is that God will constantly challenge us to change our thoughts, speech and behaviours to conform to the values of his kingdom.
What happens when God brings important values to our lives that don’t necessarily seem to align with our self-interest, such as when we read the “one another verses”: love one another, forgive one another, even submit to one another? How do we respond to the command, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4)
How will we as a church show values of love and kindness as we begin to move and mix with others following the lockdown? How will we act responsibly, not just to shield ourselves from this disease, but also to act in the interests of others? I invite you to take a moment to consider the values that shape your life and to reflect on what it might mean for you to act in the interests of others.
God bless you
John Malcolm
AUGUST 2020 a work in progress
We are a work in progress.
As someone has said, Be patient, God hasn’t finished with me yet! Growth, change, development, and maturity are needed in a church family. This is why we have focused this year on being a redemptive family. Becoming a member of God’s family can take place very quickly as we put our trust in him. However, taking on the family resemblance, to become Christ like, takes a lifetime with ups and downs, advances and setbacks that can all seem a little disordered and messy.
Imagine a child taken into the care of a new family slowly learning what is expected in this family, at times rebelling, making mistakes, feeling awkward but having a growing awareness of the love and patience of the new family to help them feel at home. We are human, changing behaviors and attitudes takes time. Imagine a family made up of many adoptive children from all sorts of backgrounds, with different issues, strengths and weaknesses all in this together and you have a picture of the church.
Some become discouraged when they look at the church and see its (our) imperfections. This is true for people looking from the outside, who might point to the moral failure of church leaders, highlighting their hypocrisy. It is true for some looking from the inside who may have been hurt by the actions and attitudes of people from whom they expected better.
At times humanity excels in goodness but often we see just how messed up and messy our lives can be. Anxiety, anger, pride, insecurities, wounds, regrets … (insert your weakness or waywardness here). We have all said things that, even as they are spoken, we wish we could take back. At times we have reacted from our pain, lashed out disproportionately or simply been mean-spirited. As one author puts it Christians are lumpy-bumpy people, and he might have added we also have a few sharp edges. This is what it is to be human, even when we are beginning to change. Of course, we should have high expectations of Christians, church leaders and churches, but not to the point of expecting perfection or forgetting God hasn’t finished with us yet.
Christians (and churches) are spiritual construction zones. God is chipping away at our imperfections and the floor of his workshop is messy and dusty. There are piles of rubble from our old ways lying around which we sometimes try to reclaim and reuse. There are occasional holes and gaps as God replaces the shoddy workmanship of our past with stronger spiritual materials. The bible speaks of the renewal of your mind (Rom 12.2), receiving a new heart and spirit (Ezek 36.26) of being born again (John 3.8) and of being transformed by degrees (2 Cor 3.18). None of these happen easily or instantly. Much of it is hard work and may require a furnace to refine us (Isaiah 48:10) or a gardener to prune us (John 15.2).
One day, at the big reveal, the curtain will be pulled back and the beauty of what God has been working on will be displayed. In the end God promises to make all things new, but we are not there yet, and it shows.
This gradual process of change towards holiness and godliness is called sanctification, becoming saintly. There are many examples in the bible, Jacob the deceiver, Rahab the prostitute, David the adulterer, Thomas the doubter, Paul the persecutor and many more, who having messed up, grew up, matured and changed.
If you are not perfect yet, don’t despair, be patient and invite God to carry on changing you. If you are looking at the church and you are disappointed with what you see, get real about the mess and look beyond the rubble to the restoration God is working on.
In the month ahead, to help with the growth and change of our church, we will be picking up themes from the Redemptive Family course and reminding ourselves we are a family of faith, love, and service; a family which grows by sharing the good news about Jesus.
God bless you
John Malcolm
As someone has said, Be patient, God hasn’t finished with me yet! Growth, change, development, and maturity are needed in a church family. This is why we have focused this year on being a redemptive family. Becoming a member of God’s family can take place very quickly as we put our trust in him. However, taking on the family resemblance, to become Christ like, takes a lifetime with ups and downs, advances and setbacks that can all seem a little disordered and messy.
Imagine a child taken into the care of a new family slowly learning what is expected in this family, at times rebelling, making mistakes, feeling awkward but having a growing awareness of the love and patience of the new family to help them feel at home. We are human, changing behaviors and attitudes takes time. Imagine a family made up of many adoptive children from all sorts of backgrounds, with different issues, strengths and weaknesses all in this together and you have a picture of the church.
Some become discouraged when they look at the church and see its (our) imperfections. This is true for people looking from the outside, who might point to the moral failure of church leaders, highlighting their hypocrisy. It is true for some looking from the inside who may have been hurt by the actions and attitudes of people from whom they expected better.
At times humanity excels in goodness but often we see just how messed up and messy our lives can be. Anxiety, anger, pride, insecurities, wounds, regrets … (insert your weakness or waywardness here). We have all said things that, even as they are spoken, we wish we could take back. At times we have reacted from our pain, lashed out disproportionately or simply been mean-spirited. As one author puts it Christians are lumpy-bumpy people, and he might have added we also have a few sharp edges. This is what it is to be human, even when we are beginning to change. Of course, we should have high expectations of Christians, church leaders and churches, but not to the point of expecting perfection or forgetting God hasn’t finished with us yet.
Christians (and churches) are spiritual construction zones. God is chipping away at our imperfections and the floor of his workshop is messy and dusty. There are piles of rubble from our old ways lying around which we sometimes try to reclaim and reuse. There are occasional holes and gaps as God replaces the shoddy workmanship of our past with stronger spiritual materials. The bible speaks of the renewal of your mind (Rom 12.2), receiving a new heart and spirit (Ezek 36.26) of being born again (John 3.8) and of being transformed by degrees (2 Cor 3.18). None of these happen easily or instantly. Much of it is hard work and may require a furnace to refine us (Isaiah 48:10) or a gardener to prune us (John 15.2).
One day, at the big reveal, the curtain will be pulled back and the beauty of what God has been working on will be displayed. In the end God promises to make all things new, but we are not there yet, and it shows.
This gradual process of change towards holiness and godliness is called sanctification, becoming saintly. There are many examples in the bible, Jacob the deceiver, Rahab the prostitute, David the adulterer, Thomas the doubter, Paul the persecutor and many more, who having messed up, grew up, matured and changed.
If you are not perfect yet, don’t despair, be patient and invite God to carry on changing you. If you are looking at the church and you are disappointed with what you see, get real about the mess and look beyond the rubble to the restoration God is working on.
In the month ahead, to help with the growth and change of our church, we will be picking up themes from the Redemptive Family course and reminding ourselves we are a family of faith, love, and service; a family which grows by sharing the good news about Jesus.
God bless you
John Malcolm
july 2020 love comes from god
What if, instead of starting from the assumption that human beings are thinking beings, we started from the conviction that human beings are first and foremost lovers? (Jamie Smith “You Are What You Love”)
What you make of that statement? Should we as Christians approach our faith primarily as lovers rather than as intellectuals? This was an idea we delved into recently at our Sunday evening Converse series.
I have always been intrigued by the two bold statements made by the Apostle John; God is light and God is love. (1 John 4.16 & 1.5) He states “… love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7).
As we look at the bible, we see a marvelous love story played out as God pursues fallen humanity with his love. The greatest expression of that love is found in Jesus. And so we read perhaps the most well-known and deeply theological verse of the Bible “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
We also have the amazing Song of Songs that begins with these passionate words, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.” (Song of Solomon 1:2–3) In this book we not only see human passion on display but also see this as an image of God's love for his church which in the New Testament is spoken of as the bride of Christ. When we are in love, we long to spend time with the one we love. We plan to meet, we try to make time for “dates”, we give this priority simply because being together is a delight. Does his name thrill us? Are we alert, listening for him and seeking him?
Love is a great motivator. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For Christ’s love compels us …” (2 Corinthians 5:14) We are much more inclined to act out of love than out of duty. I find it interesting following Peter’s denial of Jesus, when Jesus spoke to reinstate him he did not ask Peter, Do you believe in me rather he asked, Peter, do you love me? (John 21.15) To heal Peter’s heart, Jesus appealed to his heart. Jesus understood it was love that would sustain Peter and compel him in his life and mission.
Today, if Jesus asked you, do you love me, how would you reply? Does that love draw you to Jesus, to make time for him in prayer and bible reading? Does that love compel you to loving service? How will you express your love for Jesus today?
God bless you
John Malcolm
What you make of that statement? Should we as Christians approach our faith primarily as lovers rather than as intellectuals? This was an idea we delved into recently at our Sunday evening Converse series.
I have always been intrigued by the two bold statements made by the Apostle John; God is light and God is love. (1 John 4.16 & 1.5) He states “… love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7).
As we look at the bible, we see a marvelous love story played out as God pursues fallen humanity with his love. The greatest expression of that love is found in Jesus. And so we read perhaps the most well-known and deeply theological verse of the Bible “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
We also have the amazing Song of Songs that begins with these passionate words, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.” (Song of Solomon 1:2–3) In this book we not only see human passion on display but also see this as an image of God's love for his church which in the New Testament is spoken of as the bride of Christ. When we are in love, we long to spend time with the one we love. We plan to meet, we try to make time for “dates”, we give this priority simply because being together is a delight. Does his name thrill us? Are we alert, listening for him and seeking him?
Love is a great motivator. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For Christ’s love compels us …” (2 Corinthians 5:14) We are much more inclined to act out of love than out of duty. I find it interesting following Peter’s denial of Jesus, when Jesus spoke to reinstate him he did not ask Peter, Do you believe in me rather he asked, Peter, do you love me? (John 21.15) To heal Peter’s heart, Jesus appealed to his heart. Jesus understood it was love that would sustain Peter and compel him in his life and mission.
Today, if Jesus asked you, do you love me, how would you reply? Does that love draw you to Jesus, to make time for him in prayer and bible reading? Does that love compel you to loving service? How will you express your love for Jesus today?
God bless you
John Malcolm
june 2020 THE blessing
Soon after we moved out of lockdown I made a trip into the church office to catch up on a few things I haven’t been able to do at home. I went up to the seat beside the church on Mt Eden Road and sat there for a few minutes of prayer. Many of you know I try to do this regularly, but obviously during the lockdown I haven’t gone there to pray. What you may not know is the prayer I mostly pray is the Aaronic Blessing. I look towards each car, bus, bike and truck, even at people walking by and because the vehicles are so many and move so quickly I generally just pray one line of this prayer, then move my eyes to the people in the next car and say the next line.
The Aaronic Blessing is the ancient priestly blessing which God commanded Aaron to use when blessing the people of Israel. “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘ “ ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.’ ”” (Numbers 6:22–26)
God said, This is how you are to bless, and so this blessing is unique. By giving this blessing God has shown that His desire is to bless us. These words have been used for thousands of years over many generations. With each of my children, when they were first put into my arms moments after their birth, I quietly prayed this blessing over them. It is likely these words were said at your baptism, that of your parents and of your grandparents. It is likely you have prayed them and sung them.
You may have recently heard a new version of this called The Blessing. Members of churches all across the UK sing this as a blessing over their nation. I have found it deeply moving in these COVID times to be reminded that God desires to bless us, our families, our nation and world. I invite you to listen, first of all to hear this as God’s blessing to you and your family. Then perhaps to listen again, this time singing along as your prayer for blessing for our community, nation and world.
I think the reason I find this so moving is because the words express the heart of God to bless us. As we listen or sing along, our hearts are drawn near to God’s heart of blessing, and we echo the words of blessing as we use them to bless others. In these unprecedented times for our generation, we need God’s blessing more than ever.
God bless you
John Malcolm
The Aaronic Blessing is the ancient priestly blessing which God commanded Aaron to use when blessing the people of Israel. “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘ “ ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.’ ”” (Numbers 6:22–26)
God said, This is how you are to bless, and so this blessing is unique. By giving this blessing God has shown that His desire is to bless us. These words have been used for thousands of years over many generations. With each of my children, when they were first put into my arms moments after their birth, I quietly prayed this blessing over them. It is likely these words were said at your baptism, that of your parents and of your grandparents. It is likely you have prayed them and sung them.
You may have recently heard a new version of this called The Blessing. Members of churches all across the UK sing this as a blessing over their nation. I have found it deeply moving in these COVID times to be reminded that God desires to bless us, our families, our nation and world. I invite you to listen, first of all to hear this as God’s blessing to you and your family. Then perhaps to listen again, this time singing along as your prayer for blessing for our community, nation and world.
I think the reason I find this so moving is because the words express the heart of God to bless us. As we listen or sing along, our hearts are drawn near to God’s heart of blessing, and we echo the words of blessing as we use them to bless others. In these unprecedented times for our generation, we need God’s blessing more than ever.
God bless you
John Malcolm
may 2020 church - but not as we know it
I remember many years ago there was a spoof song making fun of the TV series Star Trek. One line in the song had Mr Spock singing, It’s life Jim, but not as we know it. Perhaps under lockdown we could sing, It’s church John, but not as we know it.
There is debate taking place among some Christians as to whether online Sunday church services are really church. Certainly, it is not church as we have known it in the past. Some people are refusing to call what happens on Sunday morning a church service and instead refer to it as chapel. Some worry that, in a society that was becoming increasingly isolated before COVID-19, this will add pace to individualism and to people staying in their bubbles even when the need to do so is past.
This lockdown allows us to reflect on what we mean by church and to consider what we appreciated about our services BC (Before Corona). We can also think about what are learning and can take forward into services when we are able to meet together again.
Because the church is “a people” we can be flexible and adapt to new circumstances. The church doesn’t adapt its beliefs, but we can easily adapt to new forms of worship as the need arises. The church has done this over many centuries in many different situations. Some of the trimmings we take for granted as “normal” church life, were not part of church life in the past. The early church had no buildings or pulpits. Under various regimes the church has gone “underground” with no formal meetings, no paid ministry, and often very little access to the bible. There have been times when the church has been a small remnant as well as times when it has held the majority.
One outcome of the lockdown may be that we, as a church, are refined and reshaped so we emerge stronger. “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7) Perhaps God is pruning us so we can become more fruitful. “‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. … every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1–2) If God uses the lockdown to reveal the genuineness of our faith and prunes us to be even more faithful, then something good can come from this terrible time.
There are obvious benefits of having church online. I was speaking with Presbyterian ministers today who have found, as we have, increased attendance at online services. We are reconnecting with people who are housebound or who haven’t attended our services recently. We have all been able to “visit” families in their homes, seeing some great creativity from our children and young people. Brady Shearer says, this is taking the timeless message of Jesus and sharing it through timely mediums. I wonder if the IT specialists who wrote the code for Zoom could have imagined, through God’s providence, that it would be a timely medium for the gospel to be proclaimed and the church to meet?
It may not be as we know it, it may lack some important elements of worship, but it definitely is “church” when God’s people gather online or in person in His name. I invite you to reflect and consider – what have we gained by meeting online, that we want to continue into the future?
God bless you
John Malcolm
There is debate taking place among some Christians as to whether online Sunday church services are really church. Certainly, it is not church as we have known it in the past. Some people are refusing to call what happens on Sunday morning a church service and instead refer to it as chapel. Some worry that, in a society that was becoming increasingly isolated before COVID-19, this will add pace to individualism and to people staying in their bubbles even when the need to do so is past.
This lockdown allows us to reflect on what we mean by church and to consider what we appreciated about our services BC (Before Corona). We can also think about what are learning and can take forward into services when we are able to meet together again.
Because the church is “a people” we can be flexible and adapt to new circumstances. The church doesn’t adapt its beliefs, but we can easily adapt to new forms of worship as the need arises. The church has done this over many centuries in many different situations. Some of the trimmings we take for granted as “normal” church life, were not part of church life in the past. The early church had no buildings or pulpits. Under various regimes the church has gone “underground” with no formal meetings, no paid ministry, and often very little access to the bible. There have been times when the church has been a small remnant as well as times when it has held the majority.
One outcome of the lockdown may be that we, as a church, are refined and reshaped so we emerge stronger. “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7) Perhaps God is pruning us so we can become more fruitful. “‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. … every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1–2) If God uses the lockdown to reveal the genuineness of our faith and prunes us to be even more faithful, then something good can come from this terrible time.
There are obvious benefits of having church online. I was speaking with Presbyterian ministers today who have found, as we have, increased attendance at online services. We are reconnecting with people who are housebound or who haven’t attended our services recently. We have all been able to “visit” families in their homes, seeing some great creativity from our children and young people. Brady Shearer says, this is taking the timeless message of Jesus and sharing it through timely mediums. I wonder if the IT specialists who wrote the code for Zoom could have imagined, through God’s providence, that it would be a timely medium for the gospel to be proclaimed and the church to meet?
It may not be as we know it, it may lack some important elements of worship, but it definitely is “church” when God’s people gather online or in person in His name. I invite you to reflect and consider – what have we gained by meeting online, that we want to continue into the future?
God bless you
John Malcolm
april 2020 not forsaken
It is very strange to be approaching Easter and not have the joy of our Good Friday procession through Mt Eden, or decorating the cross at Epsom on Easter Sunday. I am thinking of ways we can acknowledge the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord while separated from each other and unable to enter our church buildings.
In a small way our separation allows us to better appreciate the Diaspora of the ancient Jewish people who were separated from their loved ones when taken into exile. We have been dispersed to the comfort of our own homes. While this lockdown is inconvenient, it isn’t permanent. It will only be only weeks (perhaps months) in duration, not the seventy years the Jewish people endured before some of them could return to their place of worship.
Perhaps this separation also invites us to consider more deeply what it meant for our Lord Jesus to be separated from his Heavenly Father as he died on the cross, saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) If this was all that the Psalm said, we might rightly conclude Jesus was forsaken by God at the time of his greatest need; but read on and you will find this is a Psalm of great faith rather than great rejection.
Psalm 22 honestly addresses suffering, “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.” (verse 7) “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.” (verses 14–15) There is no denying the agony of Jesus on the cross or the agony expressed by the Psalmist. No wonder Jesus’ mind turned to this Psalm as he was dying. It expressed his predicament, his pain, his thirst and his bones pulled out of joint by his torturous death.
This Psalm is realistic but not pessimistic. It doesn’t brush real pain under the carpet, but it does connect it to faith, truth and hope. As the Psalm progresses it changes gear and hits a different note. “You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honour him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (verses 23–24) The Psalmist begins by asking why have you forsaken me, but in trusting faith recognises that God is there in the suffering; he hasn’t hidden his face, rather he has listened to the cry for help. If we dwell on verse one, we miss seeing the complete picture of faith “… future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” (verses 30–31) This is a great statement of faith – he has done it – it is finished!
In the strange times we find ourselves in: at home, isolated and with fear about how COVID‑19 may affect us and our families, we might ask God, Why have you forsaken me? This is quite a reasonable question to ask; but to ask from faith, not from despair. We can find spiritual strength in this Psalm which wells up into praise for our God, “From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfil my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live for ever!” (verses 25–26) Even in these days, those who seek the Lord will praise him, find him faithful and be satisfied.
Find courage, find strength, find hope – Jesus died for us and has risen! Even his question on the cross points us to confidence in God and compels us to lift our voices in praise to him.
May you and all who you love be blessed this Easter season.
God bless you
John Malcolm
In a small way our separation allows us to better appreciate the Diaspora of the ancient Jewish people who were separated from their loved ones when taken into exile. We have been dispersed to the comfort of our own homes. While this lockdown is inconvenient, it isn’t permanent. It will only be only weeks (perhaps months) in duration, not the seventy years the Jewish people endured before some of them could return to their place of worship.
Perhaps this separation also invites us to consider more deeply what it meant for our Lord Jesus to be separated from his Heavenly Father as he died on the cross, saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) If this was all that the Psalm said, we might rightly conclude Jesus was forsaken by God at the time of his greatest need; but read on and you will find this is a Psalm of great faith rather than great rejection.
Psalm 22 honestly addresses suffering, “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.” (verse 7) “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.” (verses 14–15) There is no denying the agony of Jesus on the cross or the agony expressed by the Psalmist. No wonder Jesus’ mind turned to this Psalm as he was dying. It expressed his predicament, his pain, his thirst and his bones pulled out of joint by his torturous death.
This Psalm is realistic but not pessimistic. It doesn’t brush real pain under the carpet, but it does connect it to faith, truth and hope. As the Psalm progresses it changes gear and hits a different note. “You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honour him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (verses 23–24) The Psalmist begins by asking why have you forsaken me, but in trusting faith recognises that God is there in the suffering; he hasn’t hidden his face, rather he has listened to the cry for help. If we dwell on verse one, we miss seeing the complete picture of faith “… future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” (verses 30–31) This is a great statement of faith – he has done it – it is finished!
In the strange times we find ourselves in: at home, isolated and with fear about how COVID‑19 may affect us and our families, we might ask God, Why have you forsaken me? This is quite a reasonable question to ask; but to ask from faith, not from despair. We can find spiritual strength in this Psalm which wells up into praise for our God, “From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfil my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live for ever!” (verses 25–26) Even in these days, those who seek the Lord will praise him, find him faithful and be satisfied.
Find courage, find strength, find hope – Jesus died for us and has risen! Even his question on the cross points us to confidence in God and compels us to lift our voices in praise to him.
May you and all who you love be blessed this Easter season.
God bless you
John Malcolm
march 2020 lockdown
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
At this moment, as I look out my window, I can see a rainbow, a sign of God’s promise, a reminder that God is with us and has not forgotten us. His promise is to hold us by the hand, as he speaks to our fears and to assure us, he is here to help us.I encourage you to take God’s hand, to find strength and comfort from him “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28) When we are in God’s hands we are in safe hands.
I think we all knew the announcement to shelter at home would come soon. Even so, I was shocked to hear it. At the end of the day our city will become eerily quiet and our normally busy motorways will be free of traffic. It may take us a few days to grasp what this means. At first it might seem like a weekend, a long weekend. But one where you can’t go for a coffee with friends, for a trip to the beach or to the movies.
How do we, as a church, foster community in a situation like this?
I received the meme above from Herman and Elsie who are part of our Epsom church family, reminding me it is the building, not the church that is closed. You are the church! You are to remain open. Today we need to think of new ways of being open, open to God, open to our church family and open to those around us. Our God is a God of openings …
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7–8)
“Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,” (2 Corinthians 2:12)
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8)
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Our nation may be in lockdown, but God is not in lockdown. God’s hands are not tied, heaven is open for business as usual and he promises to help us.
God bless you
John Malcolm
At this moment, as I look out my window, I can see a rainbow, a sign of God’s promise, a reminder that God is with us and has not forgotten us. His promise is to hold us by the hand, as he speaks to our fears and to assure us, he is here to help us.I encourage you to take God’s hand, to find strength and comfort from him “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28) When we are in God’s hands we are in safe hands.
I think we all knew the announcement to shelter at home would come soon. Even so, I was shocked to hear it. At the end of the day our city will become eerily quiet and our normally busy motorways will be free of traffic. It may take us a few days to grasp what this means. At first it might seem like a weekend, a long weekend. But one where you can’t go for a coffee with friends, for a trip to the beach or to the movies.
How do we, as a church, foster community in a situation like this?
I received the meme above from Herman and Elsie who are part of our Epsom church family, reminding me it is the building, not the church that is closed. You are the church! You are to remain open. Today we need to think of new ways of being open, open to God, open to our church family and open to those around us. Our God is a God of openings …
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7–8)
“Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,” (2 Corinthians 2:12)
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8)
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Our nation may be in lockdown, but God is not in lockdown. God’s hands are not tied, heaven is open for business as usual and he promises to help us.
God bless you
John Malcolm
march 2020 coronavirus
This is one of the few times in my life the word surreal is not being misused. People interviewed on TV seem lost for words and almost in shock. News headlines, video of empty streets in world capitals, empty shelves in shops, and people fighting over, of all things, toilet paper. Prime Ministers and Presidents are appearing regularly on TV flanked by scientists and health officials. Ministers of finance are promising billions of dollars to help businesses and individuals cope. Manufacturers are adjusting their production lines to make respirators and hand sanitiser. While we sadly watch the numbers of people infected rising. It is like a dystopian Hollywood movie.
One microscopic virus has brought the world to its knees in a matter of months. It has slipped behind our defences and seemingly turned back the clock to an age we thought we had left behind. This is a crisis never before experienced in our lifetime, when disease is rampant and we are withdrawing into the isolation of our homes.
I find myself hungry for news, to hear what is being done, to try and understand the scale of the problem. But every time I look it seems to grow exponentially.
Have you noticed what is missing?
Leaders appearing on TV have scientists and medics at their side (rightly so) but where are the chaplains, pastors and priests? Cure for bodies is clearly needed, but how is the care of the soul being addressed? How are spiritual needs being met? Where is the call to prayer?
People are turning to supermarkets and to pharmacies, but are they turning to God?
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I encourage you to take time to pray. Pray, not as we do in times of comfort and ease, but pray prayers forged in times of trouble. Lift prayers shaped by the real and obvious needs of our world. Pray with faith, courage and perseverance.
I include below a prayer from the Denison Forum.
“Prayer for a Pandemic” by Dr Cameron Wiggins Bellm of Seattle, Washington:
May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have had to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
Let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen.
God bless you
John Malcolm
One microscopic virus has brought the world to its knees in a matter of months. It has slipped behind our defences and seemingly turned back the clock to an age we thought we had left behind. This is a crisis never before experienced in our lifetime, when disease is rampant and we are withdrawing into the isolation of our homes.
I find myself hungry for news, to hear what is being done, to try and understand the scale of the problem. But every time I look it seems to grow exponentially.
Have you noticed what is missing?
Leaders appearing on TV have scientists and medics at their side (rightly so) but where are the chaplains, pastors and priests? Cure for bodies is clearly needed, but how is the care of the soul being addressed? How are spiritual needs being met? Where is the call to prayer?
People are turning to supermarkets and to pharmacies, but are they turning to God?
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I encourage you to take time to pray. Pray, not as we do in times of comfort and ease, but pray prayers forged in times of trouble. Lift prayers shaped by the real and obvious needs of our world. Pray with faith, courage and perseverance.
I include below a prayer from the Denison Forum.
“Prayer for a Pandemic” by Dr Cameron Wiggins Bellm of Seattle, Washington:
May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have had to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
Let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen.
God bless you
John Malcolm
march 2020 kindness
A number of years ago one of our children innocently posted a photo of Melanie and me on Reddit. It went viral, with over 300,000 views. There were a few positive comments but mostly hundreds of negative, rude and often vulgar posts. It seemed some people had nothing better to do than to ramp up the torrent of abuse and take perverse pleasure in vilifying people they didn’t know and would never meet. Behind the veil of anonymity people felt free to express the worst of their inner thoughts. Who are you when no one else is looking and you can say whatever comes to mind?
The death of Caroline Flack, a celebrity in the United Kingdom, has been met with calls from politicians and others for people to be kind to each other. Caroline Flack had been a victim of online abuse. Her death is raising questions about how people treat each other. In a world where it is possible to insult and bully people using the anonymity of the internet and where public opinion can easily turn against you in hateful invective, kindness is sorely needed.
I listened to politicians discussing this situation and promising to bring in legislation to enforce online behaviour. Recently Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook CEO) said social media firms should not decide what counts as legitimate free speech.
The problem with the views of politicians and social media executives is that you cannot legislate kindness. They may be able to police outward behaviours, but they can’t change the human heart. They might be able to programme computer algorithms to identify hate speech but they can’t programme humans to act kindly. It seems society tries to tackle the presenting problem but has no ability to deal with its source. Nor do they recognise the underlying problem for what it really is – sin! No amount of appealing for people to act from an inner human goodness is of any help if the inner self is not really that good.
Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Because God is kind, our relationship with him begins to transform us inwardly so kindness grows from within. We also have a part to play. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12–14) This speaks not just of kindness, but of many other positive attributes we need to see growing in ourselves and in the people around us.
Kindness is both an attribute that grows in us because of our relationship with God, and an attribute we must choose to put on. How do you decide what clothes to put on for the day? Are you highly organised with colour co-ordinated outfits ready to go? Do you spend time the night before thinking about what to wear? Or do you just go to the wardrobe in the morning and find yourself dithering and unable to make up your mind, maybe just selecting whatever comes to hand?
I believe our lives would be better if we started the day taking a moment to consciously decide to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
God bless you
John Malcolm
The death of Caroline Flack, a celebrity in the United Kingdom, has been met with calls from politicians and others for people to be kind to each other. Caroline Flack had been a victim of online abuse. Her death is raising questions about how people treat each other. In a world where it is possible to insult and bully people using the anonymity of the internet and where public opinion can easily turn against you in hateful invective, kindness is sorely needed.
I listened to politicians discussing this situation and promising to bring in legislation to enforce online behaviour. Recently Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook CEO) said social media firms should not decide what counts as legitimate free speech.
The problem with the views of politicians and social media executives is that you cannot legislate kindness. They may be able to police outward behaviours, but they can’t change the human heart. They might be able to programme computer algorithms to identify hate speech but they can’t programme humans to act kindly. It seems society tries to tackle the presenting problem but has no ability to deal with its source. Nor do they recognise the underlying problem for what it really is – sin! No amount of appealing for people to act from an inner human goodness is of any help if the inner self is not really that good.
Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Because God is kind, our relationship with him begins to transform us inwardly so kindness grows from within. We also have a part to play. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12–14) This speaks not just of kindness, but of many other positive attributes we need to see growing in ourselves and in the people around us.
Kindness is both an attribute that grows in us because of our relationship with God, and an attribute we must choose to put on. How do you decide what clothes to put on for the day? Are you highly organised with colour co-ordinated outfits ready to go? Do you spend time the night before thinking about what to wear? Or do you just go to the wardrobe in the morning and find yourself dithering and unable to make up your mind, maybe just selecting whatever comes to hand?
I believe our lives would be better if we started the day taking a moment to consciously decide to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
God bless you
John Malcolm
FEBRUARY 2020 REDEMPTIVE FAMILY
It has been a difficult time for the Royal Family recently. The announcement from Harry and Meghan that they wanted to step back from royal duties and to forge a financially independent future seemed to come as a surprise. News headlines spoke of a crisis in the Royal Family.
I suppose this goes to show is that every family, regardless of “rank”, has its challenges. Family dynamics, relationships and expectations bring stress and strain whoever you are. We all know families who struggle in one way or another. We might know of, or personally experience, tensions in our family life. Most of us do this without the spotlight of the media shining on us, but because of our common humanity we all experience pain, regret, sadness rejection and uncertainty. Family life isn’t always easy.
This month at Greyfriars we will begin exploring what it means to be a “Redemptive Family”.
I am inspired by Jesus as I read, Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34–35) Jesus gave his followers special status. This great privilege was understood by the early church and expressed by Paul who said, … “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14–16). When we follow Jesus, we become God’s children, part of God’s family. We then have the opportunity to join with others working as a spiritual family and learning about the dynamics of life in God’s family. Being family isn’t always easy, it can be a steep learning curve, but it holds great joy and fulfilment that really adds to our lives.
As we work through the Redemptive Family course, we will consider how to be a spiritually healthy family engaged together in the mission of God. We will discuss the purpose God has given us to witness to his goodness and how to foster redemptive relationships with people in our community.
One small practical step as a redemptive family would be to give priority to attending our BBQ church evenings and perhaps inviting a friend or neighbour to come along. A relaxed BBQ will give us the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and give people on the fringe of church life a chance to meet us around the table.
I look forward to what we will discover together through the Redemptive Family course and to seeing how this helps shape our church life in 2020.
God bless you
John Malcolm
I suppose this goes to show is that every family, regardless of “rank”, has its challenges. Family dynamics, relationships and expectations bring stress and strain whoever you are. We all know families who struggle in one way or another. We might know of, or personally experience, tensions in our family life. Most of us do this without the spotlight of the media shining on us, but because of our common humanity we all experience pain, regret, sadness rejection and uncertainty. Family life isn’t always easy.
This month at Greyfriars we will begin exploring what it means to be a “Redemptive Family”.
I am inspired by Jesus as I read, Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34–35) Jesus gave his followers special status. This great privilege was understood by the early church and expressed by Paul who said, … “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14–16). When we follow Jesus, we become God’s children, part of God’s family. We then have the opportunity to join with others working as a spiritual family and learning about the dynamics of life in God’s family. Being family isn’t always easy, it can be a steep learning curve, but it holds great joy and fulfilment that really adds to our lives.
As we work through the Redemptive Family course, we will consider how to be a spiritually healthy family engaged together in the mission of God. We will discuss the purpose God has given us to witness to his goodness and how to foster redemptive relationships with people in our community.
One small practical step as a redemptive family would be to give priority to attending our BBQ church evenings and perhaps inviting a friend or neighbour to come along. A relaxed BBQ will give us the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and give people on the fringe of church life a chance to meet us around the table.
I look forward to what we will discover together through the Redemptive Family course and to seeing how this helps shape our church life in 2020.
God bless you
John Malcolm
DECEMBER 2019 GOD is good!
God is good. We see this in God’s character of love, light, truth, mercy, grace … We see this in God’s creation, a vast array of life on this planet and the majesty of a universe glittering with light.
And especially we see goodness in God’s greatest gift, the birth of Jesus.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth we are reminded of God’s goodness in the great themes of Advent, Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
It seems so simple - God is good.
And this goodness is directed towards us. God is for us and not against us. God is the giver of good gifts.
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is goodness, and God invites us to live out of that goodness sharing what he has given us with others.
There is nothing new or novel in this. It is the old, old story. It is the steady, consistent story, told and retold from generation to generation. Its value is not in being a fresh revelation, but in its deep, reliable, tried and tested truth. A thousand years before Jesus was born, King David wrote, Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)
In the past month or so our news headlines have focused on two deeply disturbing murder trials. Recently, news of a father shot by police as he held a machete to the throats of his children. Allegations of a bank laundering money and possibly facilitating payments for child sex trafficking. We also have a barrage of news raising anxiety about plastics, climate change, extinctions, sea level change, storms, fires and floods. Our society is drifting and increasingly confused about issues of gender, elder care, assisted suicide and abortion.
This is a world that needs to take to heart the story of the baby born in a manger, a taste of God’s goodness. We need to allow God’s Holy Spirit to grow goodness in us so our lives can be shaped by goodness and that goodness can flow from us influencing those around us with good.
So I invite you to consider again the story of Jesus, from the manger, to the cross, to the empty tomb and turn to him with repentant hearts, receiving his forgiveness, being reborn into his family and to once again taste and see that the Lord is good.
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
John Malcolm
And especially we see goodness in God’s greatest gift, the birth of Jesus.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth we are reminded of God’s goodness in the great themes of Advent, Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
It seems so simple - God is good.
And this goodness is directed towards us. God is for us and not against us. God is the giver of good gifts.
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is goodness, and God invites us to live out of that goodness sharing what he has given us with others.
There is nothing new or novel in this. It is the old, old story. It is the steady, consistent story, told and retold from generation to generation. Its value is not in being a fresh revelation, but in its deep, reliable, tried and tested truth. A thousand years before Jesus was born, King David wrote, Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)
In the past month or so our news headlines have focused on two deeply disturbing murder trials. Recently, news of a father shot by police as he held a machete to the throats of his children. Allegations of a bank laundering money and possibly facilitating payments for child sex trafficking. We also have a barrage of news raising anxiety about plastics, climate change, extinctions, sea level change, storms, fires and floods. Our society is drifting and increasingly confused about issues of gender, elder care, assisted suicide and abortion.
This is a world that needs to take to heart the story of the baby born in a manger, a taste of God’s goodness. We need to allow God’s Holy Spirit to grow goodness in us so our lives can be shaped by goodness and that goodness can flow from us influencing those around us with good.
So I invite you to consider again the story of Jesus, from the manger, to the cross, to the empty tomb and turn to him with repentant hearts, receiving his forgiveness, being reborn into his family and to once again taste and see that the Lord is good.
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
John Malcolm
NOVEMBER 2019 sowing seeds
Early in my Christian life, my understanding of what a spiritual conversation involved was skewed. I thought that the ideal conversation was to talk to a person in such a way that they became a Christian. To that end I memorised the Roman Road, a series of verses to share with a person to take them from admitting they were a sinner to putting faith in Jesus. I was also familiar with the Four Spiritual Laws gospel tract and carried copies of the little booklet with me to show to people. However, I didn’t consider any of these spiritual conversations enjoyable.
The problem was they were very stilted conversations, where I drove the agenda and the other person quickly lost interest. Because I was busy trying to remember what I had to say next or to come up with a segue to steer the conversation I tended to not really listen to what the other person was saying. During these conversations I felt the weight of responsibility to convert the person and after the conversations I felt the weight of guilt for not achieving it.
Helping people come to faith is a noble aim and one which Jesus has given to us, but I had the wrong approach. It has taken a long time for me to unravel the misconceptions I had about evangelism, but now I find spiritual conversations really interesting and enjoyable.
It helps me to see evangelism as God’s work, in which he includes me, but where I am just one link in the chain God uses to bring another to faith. As Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Knowing I am but a part of the process removes the pressure I feel when I think it all depends on me. Realising that the key role of making the seed grow belongs to God changes my perspective on what a “successful” spiritual conversation is. In one sense all I have to do is plant a seed then trust God to do what only God can do.
I enjoyed a spiritual conversation recently with a musician who told me he was an atheist who could, with ease, demolish any argument a Christian could make. That is a conversation stopper if ever I have heard one! If I had tried to make an argument, he would have put up his guard and the conversation would have faltered. Instead we chatted for about an hour about all sorts of spiritual matters. Several times he defensively asked, are you trying to convert me. I could honestly answer no. (I can’t convert anyone, that is God’s task.) All I was doing was having a spiritual conversation and sowing gospel seeds left, right and centre. I listened to his concerns. The conversation went quite deep as he told me about his recent divorce, how his job meant he was often away from his children and even showing me pictures of them. Among other things, we discussed the Crusades and science versus faith. Unexpectedly he asked why I believe in Jesus and I told him. The conversation ended on a friendly note with him inviting me to “a gig” he was playing at.
I really don’t know if any of those gospel seeds will take root, but I have been watering them with prayer ever since. I pray that God will give the growth.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
For reflection:
How do you have a spiritual conversations without feeling pressured, guilty or as if you are manipulating people?
What would need to change in your understanding of evangelism so you could enjoy a spiritual conversation so much that you looked forward to the next one?
(If you are interested in discovering the delight of spiritual conversations you might enjoy reading The Reluctant Witness – Don Everts)
God bless you
John Malcolm
The problem was they were very stilted conversations, where I drove the agenda and the other person quickly lost interest. Because I was busy trying to remember what I had to say next or to come up with a segue to steer the conversation I tended to not really listen to what the other person was saying. During these conversations I felt the weight of responsibility to convert the person and after the conversations I felt the weight of guilt for not achieving it.
Helping people come to faith is a noble aim and one which Jesus has given to us, but I had the wrong approach. It has taken a long time for me to unravel the misconceptions I had about evangelism, but now I find spiritual conversations really interesting and enjoyable.
It helps me to see evangelism as God’s work, in which he includes me, but where I am just one link in the chain God uses to bring another to faith. As Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Knowing I am but a part of the process removes the pressure I feel when I think it all depends on me. Realising that the key role of making the seed grow belongs to God changes my perspective on what a “successful” spiritual conversation is. In one sense all I have to do is plant a seed then trust God to do what only God can do.
I enjoyed a spiritual conversation recently with a musician who told me he was an atheist who could, with ease, demolish any argument a Christian could make. That is a conversation stopper if ever I have heard one! If I had tried to make an argument, he would have put up his guard and the conversation would have faltered. Instead we chatted for about an hour about all sorts of spiritual matters. Several times he defensively asked, are you trying to convert me. I could honestly answer no. (I can’t convert anyone, that is God’s task.) All I was doing was having a spiritual conversation and sowing gospel seeds left, right and centre. I listened to his concerns. The conversation went quite deep as he told me about his recent divorce, how his job meant he was often away from his children and even showing me pictures of them. Among other things, we discussed the Crusades and science versus faith. Unexpectedly he asked why I believe in Jesus and I told him. The conversation ended on a friendly note with him inviting me to “a gig” he was playing at.
I really don’t know if any of those gospel seeds will take root, but I have been watering them with prayer ever since. I pray that God will give the growth.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
For reflection:
How do you have a spiritual conversations without feeling pressured, guilty or as if you are manipulating people?
What would need to change in your understanding of evangelism so you could enjoy a spiritual conversation so much that you looked forward to the next one?
(If you are interested in discovering the delight of spiritual conversations you might enjoy reading The Reluctant Witness – Don Everts)
God bless you
John Malcolm
SEPTEMBER 2019 BREAKING THE HUDDLE
One aspect of many team sports is the huddle. Maybe in a break in play, at a strategic moment we will see the Silver Ferns or All Blacks gather in a circle, lean in to listen, often with their arms around each other as the captain gives instructions or encouragement to the team. Often as the huddle breaks up the players will pat each other on the back or give a high-five to encourage each other as they return to the game.
Huddles can be important, but they are not the game. No team is given extra points for having a great huddle. When the match is over, and the statistics are analysed there is no record of the huddles.
Huddles are important in our church life, when we look inwardly, give encouragement, learn or focus on what we will do next. To some extent our church services, growth groups and team meetings have elements of a huddle. We listen to the coach or captain, we hear from someone suggesting a helpful way forward, we regroup, refocus and encourage each other.
At a recent meeting Howard Webb and Bruce Edmonds did a skit of a person eager to learn how to make coffee. The trainer was an expert in making coffee, had read all the books and new all the techniques – but had never actually made coffee, and while giving detailed instructions had no intention of letting the person being trained make coffee! They were pointing out that as Christians we may learn a lot about Christianity, but do we actually live it out.
In one sense we could be content to remain in a huddle, being encouraged by each other or as in the skit, talking about coffee, but never making it, smelling it or tasting it.
Bruce said, We need to be a worshipping community and a witnessing community. Being a witnessing community, pointing to Jesus is a good aim and I agree we need to be a witnessing community. I find it encouraging at Greyfriars that we are often breaking the huddle and going into the field of play, practically applying our faith in the many ministries we engage in. While we might be more intentional, at least to some extent we are already a witnessing community. I sometimes wonder though, if while engaging in ministry we focus too much on the loving service aspect of what we are doing but neglect to press home the gospel witness as much as we should. I wonder if there are still areas of our ministries and events where we are yet to break the huddle.
A book I am reading suggests we need to go even further than being a witnessing community and press on to become a conversion community. In conversion communities people making decisions to follow Jesus becomes the new normal. A conversion isn’t a rare sight to behold but a common sight. (Breaking the Huddle, Everts, Schaupp & Gordon).
It has been good to see people come to faith over the years in Greyfriars, but honestly, it is a rare sight. We desire to see people put their trust in God, but it doesn’t happen as much as we would like. I wonder how strongly we long to see people come to faith in Jesus. Have we reluctantly accepted conversion is a rare sight and not really expected in our day and age? Has our church life increasingly become a huddle where we see ourselves as reserves who seldom get onto the field of play?
I think, by God’s grace we can turn this around. As we head towards the end of the year and into a new decade we can become a conversion community and see many people come to faith. Let us prayerfully build momentum towards that and pray that this week we might see the first of many people putting their faith in Jesus.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:8) And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Huddles can be important, but they are not the game. No team is given extra points for having a great huddle. When the match is over, and the statistics are analysed there is no record of the huddles.
Huddles are important in our church life, when we look inwardly, give encouragement, learn or focus on what we will do next. To some extent our church services, growth groups and team meetings have elements of a huddle. We listen to the coach or captain, we hear from someone suggesting a helpful way forward, we regroup, refocus and encourage each other.
At a recent meeting Howard Webb and Bruce Edmonds did a skit of a person eager to learn how to make coffee. The trainer was an expert in making coffee, had read all the books and new all the techniques – but had never actually made coffee, and while giving detailed instructions had no intention of letting the person being trained make coffee! They were pointing out that as Christians we may learn a lot about Christianity, but do we actually live it out.
In one sense we could be content to remain in a huddle, being encouraged by each other or as in the skit, talking about coffee, but never making it, smelling it or tasting it.
Bruce said, We need to be a worshipping community and a witnessing community. Being a witnessing community, pointing to Jesus is a good aim and I agree we need to be a witnessing community. I find it encouraging at Greyfriars that we are often breaking the huddle and going into the field of play, practically applying our faith in the many ministries we engage in. While we might be more intentional, at least to some extent we are already a witnessing community. I sometimes wonder though, if while engaging in ministry we focus too much on the loving service aspect of what we are doing but neglect to press home the gospel witness as much as we should. I wonder if there are still areas of our ministries and events where we are yet to break the huddle.
A book I am reading suggests we need to go even further than being a witnessing community and press on to become a conversion community. In conversion communities people making decisions to follow Jesus becomes the new normal. A conversion isn’t a rare sight to behold but a common sight. (Breaking the Huddle, Everts, Schaupp & Gordon).
It has been good to see people come to faith over the years in Greyfriars, but honestly, it is a rare sight. We desire to see people put their trust in God, but it doesn’t happen as much as we would like. I wonder how strongly we long to see people come to faith in Jesus. Have we reluctantly accepted conversion is a rare sight and not really expected in our day and age? Has our church life increasingly become a huddle where we see ourselves as reserves who seldom get onto the field of play?
I think, by God’s grace we can turn this around. As we head towards the end of the year and into a new decade we can become a conversion community and see many people come to faith. Let us prayerfully build momentum towards that and pray that this week we might see the first of many people putting their faith in Jesus.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:8) And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)
God bless you
John Malcolm
AUGUST 2019 ON FIRE OR JUST SMOULDERING?
In the recent leadership race in the UK, commentators spoke of there being two Boris Johnsons, the clown and the serious politician. They asked, I wonder which one will turn up today? Are there two of me (or you); the one who turns up at church on Sunday and the one who turns up at work on Monday?
Some people toy with the idea of a multiverse, an infinite number of universes which therefore have an infinite number of realities. If there were a universe in which you were not a Christian, would the “non-Christian you” live a life significantly different from the “Christian you”?
How does the gospel impact your life? Has something of the gospel been so real to you that it has made a difference in your life today? What choice or decision today was different because you were trying to live out gospel truth?
What would your life look like if you allowed the gospel to have more impact on your life? What would your life be like if you made just one or two more godly choices each day? What spurs you on towards deeper faith or motivates you to have more resolve to obey God? What helps you to be a better Christian?
I was at a seminar last week and something a speaker said spurred me to write down the question, Are you on fire for God or simply smouldering? This made me think about myself and about our church. Does the flame of gospel passion still blaze brightly within you or is it struggling to stay alight? It is encouraging to read of God’s perseverance with us, as Isaiah says, … a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. (Isaiah 42:3) But it would be so much better for our lives to burn brightly and to shine like stars in the darkness (Philippians 2.16)
At home many of us have light switches with a dimmer function, so when you turn the knob you can dim the lights at night. Imagine if you had a similar control for your spiritual life – have you dimmed the spiritual light in your life, or have you turned it up brightly. Do you dim the light when you go to work, to school or when out with friends and then turn it up on Sunday mornings for church?
When you think about your life, what dims the light and what helps it to blaze? Are there actions, behaviours or habits which cause us to shine more brightly? And if so, what can we do to enhance the brightness?
And when we think of our lives together, as the church in Epsom and Mt Eden how do we fan into flame our spiritual lives so that we as a church shine for the Lord as a witness of His love and truth in our community?
Perhaps today you could take a moment aside with the Lord in prayer and reflect on the question I asked myself, Are you on fire for God or simply smouldering? And ask God to rekindle the flame him and to restore your first love for him (Revelation 2.4)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Some people toy with the idea of a multiverse, an infinite number of universes which therefore have an infinite number of realities. If there were a universe in which you were not a Christian, would the “non-Christian you” live a life significantly different from the “Christian you”?
How does the gospel impact your life? Has something of the gospel been so real to you that it has made a difference in your life today? What choice or decision today was different because you were trying to live out gospel truth?
What would your life look like if you allowed the gospel to have more impact on your life? What would your life be like if you made just one or two more godly choices each day? What spurs you on towards deeper faith or motivates you to have more resolve to obey God? What helps you to be a better Christian?
I was at a seminar last week and something a speaker said spurred me to write down the question, Are you on fire for God or simply smouldering? This made me think about myself and about our church. Does the flame of gospel passion still blaze brightly within you or is it struggling to stay alight? It is encouraging to read of God’s perseverance with us, as Isaiah says, … a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. (Isaiah 42:3) But it would be so much better for our lives to burn brightly and to shine like stars in the darkness (Philippians 2.16)
At home many of us have light switches with a dimmer function, so when you turn the knob you can dim the lights at night. Imagine if you had a similar control for your spiritual life – have you dimmed the spiritual light in your life, or have you turned it up brightly. Do you dim the light when you go to work, to school or when out with friends and then turn it up on Sunday mornings for church?
When you think about your life, what dims the light and what helps it to blaze? Are there actions, behaviours or habits which cause us to shine more brightly? And if so, what can we do to enhance the brightness?
And when we think of our lives together, as the church in Epsom and Mt Eden how do we fan into flame our spiritual lives so that we as a church shine for the Lord as a witness of His love and truth in our community?
Perhaps today you could take a moment aside with the Lord in prayer and reflect on the question I asked myself, Are you on fire for God or simply smouldering? And ask God to rekindle the flame him and to restore your first love for him (Revelation 2.4)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
God bless you
John Malcolm
JULY 2019 Whose Way?
I read recently that the most popular song at funerals in the UK is I did it my way. I’m not sure if that is meant to be a reminder of how self-sufficient, gung ho and do it yourself the person was, or if it is a last shaking the fist in defiance at everyone and everything including God. I think many people may regret having that song ringing out as they go to meet their maker. Yet the world in general seems to applaud this self-focused way of living. To me it seems graceless. Such a life doesn’t seem to leave any room for grace – who needs it when you can do it my way?
An I did it my way sort of life seems quite shallow. Is there any substance to such a life if it is only focused on the here and now, lived for a moment, but lost for eternity? “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
A few days ago I watched a video clip that began on earth and looked at the size of the planets, the galaxy and universe. It made our planet seem insignificant and for one human life on that planet to be remembered with the song I did it my way, seems like an empty boast to echo in such a vast universe, a whimper rather than a big bang.
The I did it my way mentality seems to gloss over the really deep issues of human existence which most of us encounter; the inner struggles, heartfelt pain, mistakes, times we left others shattered in our wake, lost love, sleepless nights, doubts and insecurities. I suppose some people might go it alone and forge ahead through these things. I suppose some might even win the trinkets of worldly success by doing things their way but at what cost? I suspect many people who did it my way end up wishing they had done it some other way. To do life on your own, even if judged successful by society, is to miss out on the riches of grace God offers.
God’s grace reaches to our deepest need, our deepest weakness and our deepest pain (Jared Wilson - The Imperfect Disciple). When we are deep in what may seem to be a bottomless pit, God’s grace is there for us. When hidden fault lines within us fracture and rupture the surface façade, tearing our souls, God’s grace is there. God’s grace is amazing grace and all sufficient grace. God through grace provides for us what we cannot generate, conjure up or produce ourselves. It is not grace plus whatever we might add to it, rather it is fully God’s grace to us because we have nothing other than God’s grace to rely on.
God’s grace brought the apostle Paul to a realisation that seems strange to our modern ears When I am weak, then I am strong, even going so far as to say, I delight in weakness (2 Cor 12.10). We don’t hear many songs about delighting in weakness, but this is actually a better theme for a funeral, when life has ebbed, strength has gone and we are seen in the stark reality of our brief existence. Recognising our weakness can bring us to the place where we are open to God’s strength, God’s way and God’s grace.
I invite you to consider your own life. Are you doing it your way, with your own strength and on your own terms or have you considered God’s way and opened your life to the grace God offers to us?
God bless you
John Malcolm
An I did it my way sort of life seems quite shallow. Is there any substance to such a life if it is only focused on the here and now, lived for a moment, but lost for eternity? “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
A few days ago I watched a video clip that began on earth and looked at the size of the planets, the galaxy and universe. It made our planet seem insignificant and for one human life on that planet to be remembered with the song I did it my way, seems like an empty boast to echo in such a vast universe, a whimper rather than a big bang.
The I did it my way mentality seems to gloss over the really deep issues of human existence which most of us encounter; the inner struggles, heartfelt pain, mistakes, times we left others shattered in our wake, lost love, sleepless nights, doubts and insecurities. I suppose some people might go it alone and forge ahead through these things. I suppose some might even win the trinkets of worldly success by doing things their way but at what cost? I suspect many people who did it my way end up wishing they had done it some other way. To do life on your own, even if judged successful by society, is to miss out on the riches of grace God offers.
God’s grace reaches to our deepest need, our deepest weakness and our deepest pain (Jared Wilson - The Imperfect Disciple). When we are deep in what may seem to be a bottomless pit, God’s grace is there for us. When hidden fault lines within us fracture and rupture the surface façade, tearing our souls, God’s grace is there. God’s grace is amazing grace and all sufficient grace. God through grace provides for us what we cannot generate, conjure up or produce ourselves. It is not grace plus whatever we might add to it, rather it is fully God’s grace to us because we have nothing other than God’s grace to rely on.
God’s grace brought the apostle Paul to a realisation that seems strange to our modern ears When I am weak, then I am strong, even going so far as to say, I delight in weakness (2 Cor 12.10). We don’t hear many songs about delighting in weakness, but this is actually a better theme for a funeral, when life has ebbed, strength has gone and we are seen in the stark reality of our brief existence. Recognising our weakness can bring us to the place where we are open to God’s strength, God’s way and God’s grace.
I invite you to consider your own life. Are you doing it your way, with your own strength and on your own terms or have you considered God’s way and opened your life to the grace God offers to us?
God bless you
John Malcolm
June 2019 nuggets of gold
Picture: NONI HYETT/Bendigo Advertiser
Recently, an Australian family who were out for a walk found a gold nugget. The man didn’t see the nugget and walked past it, but his daughter spotted it and asked, Dad, is this gold? It was gold and it was valued at $37,000. The family haven’t revealed the location of their find, but plan to go back and look for more. He said, Usually, when you find a nugget that big, there will be more gold around so hopefully that's the case.
I wonder how often we, like that man, have walked past something of value without noticing it.
The Bible is full of treasures, nuggets of spiritual gold that can enrich us and change our lives. This treasure isn’t hidden, but you do need to look in order to find it. Are you more like the father who walks past the treasure or the daughter who finds it?
At times reading our bibles can be like walking a path which is so familiar we no longer really look at where we are or where the path is leading us. We take the view for granted and are no longer in awe of the sights around us. I am sure those of us who drive will have had the strange experience of suddenly becoming alert to the fact our minds have drifted, and we have driven some distance without being fully aware of what is around us, almost driving on autopilot. When we do this in our bible reading we can pass by big nuggets of biblical treasure that could change our lives.
A number of things can help us uncover spiritual gold. Maybe, when we are reading our bibles we need to pause, dig a little deeper and look a bit more closely at what we are reading. You might find it helpful to read a passage a couple of times, put the emphasis on different words each time you read it. You could think about the people involved, who is speaking, who is listening, are they calm, is there urgency. In the gospels we could particularly focus on Jesus, are his words challenging or comforting, is his behaviour what might be expected or is he doing something unusual.
If the bible contained only one or two gold nuggets, we might tend to horde them and keep them for ourselves. However, the bible is littered with treasures, they are bountiful and found on every page. The truth is when you find one nugget there will be more around it.
The greatest treasure is Jesus. The gospel good news of peace with God is of exceeding value. There are gems of love, truth, grace and much more to be found within the pages of the bible.
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:9–10)
I encourage you today to open your bible and go treasure hunting.
God bless you
John Malcolm
I wonder how often we, like that man, have walked past something of value without noticing it.
The Bible is full of treasures, nuggets of spiritual gold that can enrich us and change our lives. This treasure isn’t hidden, but you do need to look in order to find it. Are you more like the father who walks past the treasure or the daughter who finds it?
At times reading our bibles can be like walking a path which is so familiar we no longer really look at where we are or where the path is leading us. We take the view for granted and are no longer in awe of the sights around us. I am sure those of us who drive will have had the strange experience of suddenly becoming alert to the fact our minds have drifted, and we have driven some distance without being fully aware of what is around us, almost driving on autopilot. When we do this in our bible reading we can pass by big nuggets of biblical treasure that could change our lives.
A number of things can help us uncover spiritual gold. Maybe, when we are reading our bibles we need to pause, dig a little deeper and look a bit more closely at what we are reading. You might find it helpful to read a passage a couple of times, put the emphasis on different words each time you read it. You could think about the people involved, who is speaking, who is listening, are they calm, is there urgency. In the gospels we could particularly focus on Jesus, are his words challenging or comforting, is his behaviour what might be expected or is he doing something unusual.
If the bible contained only one or two gold nuggets, we might tend to horde them and keep them for ourselves. However, the bible is littered with treasures, they are bountiful and found on every page. The truth is when you find one nugget there will be more around it.
The greatest treasure is Jesus. The gospel good news of peace with God is of exceeding value. There are gems of love, truth, grace and much more to be found within the pages of the bible.
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:9–10)
I encourage you today to open your bible and go treasure hunting.
God bless you
John Malcolm
May 2019 faith under attack
Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images. St Sebastian's Church in Negombo.
Our nation has been touched by the tragedy of the mosque shootings in Christchurch, the loss of life in the church bombings in Sri Lanka and the claim of a young man who attacked people in a synagogue in California to have been inspired by the attacks in Christchurch. These attacks with loss of life at places of worship cast a shadow over all people of faith.
In response to the mosque attacks police have been visiting churches to assure us of their vigilance. Some people found it a little unnerving when our Good Friday procession through Mt Eden was given a police escort. We had fewer people on the walk, but a higher profile given the presence of the police. New Zealand is a safe place, but the police presence on Good Friday reminds us threats do exist.
I received a link to the Easter message of Jeremy Hunt, the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain who ordered an independent, global review into the persecution of Christians. He said, Of all the people who suffer persecution for their faith, it may surprise some to know that the greatest number are Christian. And, he stated the destruction of a church building like … Notre Dame was a tragedy but in too many parts of the world it’s the Christian congregation that perishes. This highlights many of our Christian sisters and brothers around the world are not safe, but face persecution.
In New Zealand we have enjoyed decades of relative peace and security, so we have not had our faith tested by persecution the way others have. But we don’t need to personally experience persecution to know that the Christian faith is resilient when facing the storms of life. The Apostle Paul who faced persecution, having been whipped five times, beaten with rods three times, been stoned, shipwrecked and faced many dangers wrote, We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8‑9 & 11:24–26).
We do not know if we may face any real persecution for our faith in New Zealand, but we can draw strength from faith in God whatever our circumstances may be. We remember that God is the God of all comfort, we can Cast all our anxiety on him, he is our peace, who provides rest for your souls. (2 Cor 1.3, 1 Peter 5.7, Eph 2.4, Matt 11.29)
I encourage you to strengthen your faith by looking to God and to pray for our brothers and sisters who are facing persecution.
God bless you
John Malcolm
In response to the mosque attacks police have been visiting churches to assure us of their vigilance. Some people found it a little unnerving when our Good Friday procession through Mt Eden was given a police escort. We had fewer people on the walk, but a higher profile given the presence of the police. New Zealand is a safe place, but the police presence on Good Friday reminds us threats do exist.
I received a link to the Easter message of Jeremy Hunt, the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain who ordered an independent, global review into the persecution of Christians. He said, Of all the people who suffer persecution for their faith, it may surprise some to know that the greatest number are Christian. And, he stated the destruction of a church building like … Notre Dame was a tragedy but in too many parts of the world it’s the Christian congregation that perishes. This highlights many of our Christian sisters and brothers around the world are not safe, but face persecution.
In New Zealand we have enjoyed decades of relative peace and security, so we have not had our faith tested by persecution the way others have. But we don’t need to personally experience persecution to know that the Christian faith is resilient when facing the storms of life. The Apostle Paul who faced persecution, having been whipped five times, beaten with rods three times, been stoned, shipwrecked and faced many dangers wrote, We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8‑9 & 11:24–26).
We do not know if we may face any real persecution for our faith in New Zealand, but we can draw strength from faith in God whatever our circumstances may be. We remember that God is the God of all comfort, we can Cast all our anxiety on him, he is our peace, who provides rest for your souls. (2 Cor 1.3, 1 Peter 5.7, Eph 2.4, Matt 11.29)
I encourage you to strengthen your faith by looking to God and to pray for our brothers and sisters who are facing persecution.
God bless you
John Malcolm
april 2019 a foolish gospel?
I wonder if there was ever a time in your life when you thought the message of the gospel was foolishness? Rosalind Picard, a professor at MIT certainly did. She considered religious people to be ignoramuses, declared herself an atheist and dismissed people who believed in God as uneducated. Many people today think believing in God is foolishness. Some go so far as to see it as dangerous, unscientific or primitive superstitious thinking that belongs to the past. But it is not just modern people who think the gospel is foolishness; early Christians had the same response from the people of their day.
Paul plays with this idea of foolishness because he had encountered this response from people when telling them about the story of Jesus, his death and resurrection. No right-thinking, rational, educated or wise person would believe such a story. How foolish to pin your hopes on a backwater itinerant preacher who was rejected by his own people and executed for blasphemy. It doesn’t make any sense to a thinking person!
Paul states the message of a crucified messiah is … a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. In a sense then, the people of the world today are on level ground, finding themselves in the same position as ancient people, being unable to easily accept this strange story about Jesus. This is true of people in every generation and it remains true today.
Yet the gospel is true. This is God’s way. God’s revelation to us.
Paul 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. (1 Corinthians 1:18). The gospel has redeeming power. This is at the heart of what Paul taught and proclaimed. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …. (Romans 1:16). When she discovered this truth and trusted in Jesus, Rosalind Picard said: my world changed dramatically, as if a flat, black-and-white existence suddenly turned full-colour and three-dimensional. She goes on to state, I once thought I was too smart to believe in God. Now I know I was an arrogant fool who snubbed the greatest Mind in the cosmos …
It is strange that God would choose what many consider to be a foolish message as the power to save and redeem people. This power is not whipped up by the eloquence of the preacher, by the cleverness of the concept or by the slickness of the advertising. In the market place of ideas it still looks like foolishness, yet it is the only story with the power of God to save and transform people.
In case we as a church forget this, begin to drift from it, overlook it, be embarrassed by it or try to downplay it, each year Easter rolls around to remind us of it and to boldly proclaim this foolish message yet again. How wonderful for us that … God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. (1 Corinthians 1:21).
I invite you to join us at our Easter services and to reflect on the power of the gospel in your own life by reading 1 Corinthians 1.18 -2.5.
God bless you
John Malcolm
Paul plays with this idea of foolishness because he had encountered this response from people when telling them about the story of Jesus, his death and resurrection. No right-thinking, rational, educated or wise person would believe such a story. How foolish to pin your hopes on a backwater itinerant preacher who was rejected by his own people and executed for blasphemy. It doesn’t make any sense to a thinking person!
Paul states the message of a crucified messiah is … a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. In a sense then, the people of the world today are on level ground, finding themselves in the same position as ancient people, being unable to easily accept this strange story about Jesus. This is true of people in every generation and it remains true today.
Yet the gospel is true. This is God’s way. God’s revelation to us.
Paul 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. (1 Corinthians 1:18). The gospel has redeeming power. This is at the heart of what Paul taught and proclaimed. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …. (Romans 1:16). When she discovered this truth and trusted in Jesus, Rosalind Picard said: my world changed dramatically, as if a flat, black-and-white existence suddenly turned full-colour and three-dimensional. She goes on to state, I once thought I was too smart to believe in God. Now I know I was an arrogant fool who snubbed the greatest Mind in the cosmos …
It is strange that God would choose what many consider to be a foolish message as the power to save and redeem people. This power is not whipped up by the eloquence of the preacher, by the cleverness of the concept or by the slickness of the advertising. In the market place of ideas it still looks like foolishness, yet it is the only story with the power of God to save and transform people.
In case we as a church forget this, begin to drift from it, overlook it, be embarrassed by it or try to downplay it, each year Easter rolls around to remind us of it and to boldly proclaim this foolish message yet again. How wonderful for us that … God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. (1 Corinthians 1:21).
I invite you to join us at our Easter services and to reflect on the power of the gospel in your own life by reading 1 Corinthians 1.18 -2.5.
God bless you
John Malcolm
MARCH 2019 OUR INHERITANCE
What do you expect to inherit?
In fiction there are rags to riches stories telling of a large inheritance arriving when a distant and previously unknown relative dies. I have sometimes daydreamed about what it would be like to have this happen to me, a mansion, a yacht, and tropical holidays. However, in real life families have been torn apart over what they expect to inherit, arguing about who gets what and debating if the outcome is fair. In the biblical story of the prodigal son he more or less says, Dad I can’t wait until you die I would like my inheritance now.
How would you live today if you knew one day you would inherit a fortune? How would that inheritance define you?
I started thinking about this when I read God’s plan is not about performance but about inheritance (Identity Matters, Terry Wardle). Often, we mistakenly focus on performance, what we do for God, rather than inheritance, what God has done for us. Bill Hybels wrote that Christianity is spelt DONE not DO. Who we are in Christ is not about what we DO in order to earn merit in God’s eyes. Rather our Christian identity is grounded in what Jesus has already DONE for us.
In Christ we have been given a new identity which is defined by inheritance rather than performance. With this new identity God provides us with all we need to live this new life. God freely offers us forgiveness, adopts us into His family, sends His Spirit to dwell in us, distributes to us the gifts of the Spirit and allows the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us. All from God.
Everything we need through eternity is also provided. The Apostle Peter wrote stating it is … an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4). An imperishable inheritance beyond imagining or understanding kept safe for us. All from God.
This generated questions for me. How does this inheritance shape my identity or self‑image? Who am I if I really am a co-heir with Christ? If I have this new identity in Christ, do I allow my life to be shaped by it or do I still conform to the old identity? Which identity shapes me now? Which shapes my future?
The bible has much to say about our identity. “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.” (1 Peter 2:9). Let’s live in the light of this new identity.
God bless you
John Malcolm
In fiction there are rags to riches stories telling of a large inheritance arriving when a distant and previously unknown relative dies. I have sometimes daydreamed about what it would be like to have this happen to me, a mansion, a yacht, and tropical holidays. However, in real life families have been torn apart over what they expect to inherit, arguing about who gets what and debating if the outcome is fair. In the biblical story of the prodigal son he more or less says, Dad I can’t wait until you die I would like my inheritance now.
How would you live today if you knew one day you would inherit a fortune? How would that inheritance define you?
I started thinking about this when I read God’s plan is not about performance but about inheritance (Identity Matters, Terry Wardle). Often, we mistakenly focus on performance, what we do for God, rather than inheritance, what God has done for us. Bill Hybels wrote that Christianity is spelt DONE not DO. Who we are in Christ is not about what we DO in order to earn merit in God’s eyes. Rather our Christian identity is grounded in what Jesus has already DONE for us.
In Christ we have been given a new identity which is defined by inheritance rather than performance. With this new identity God provides us with all we need to live this new life. God freely offers us forgiveness, adopts us into His family, sends His Spirit to dwell in us, distributes to us the gifts of the Spirit and allows the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us. All from God.
Everything we need through eternity is also provided. The Apostle Peter wrote stating it is … an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4). An imperishable inheritance beyond imagining or understanding kept safe for us. All from God.
This generated questions for me. How does this inheritance shape my identity or self‑image? Who am I if I really am a co-heir with Christ? If I have this new identity in Christ, do I allow my life to be shaped by it or do I still conform to the old identity? Which identity shapes me now? Which shapes my future?
The bible has much to say about our identity. “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.” (1 Peter 2:9). Let’s live in the light of this new identity.
God bless you
John Malcolm
DECEMBER 2018 CHRISTMAS
Hope, Joy, Peace and Love – these are the great themes of advent, looking forward and anticipating the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.
I love this time of year – stars, angels, shepherds, noel, manger, carols, candles, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus each a glimpse of the unfolding story of God’s grace towards us. Each of these a token contributing to the big picture of God’s amazing love to us in the soon to be born baby Jesus. Hope of a promise about to be fulfilled. Joy at the birth of the holy one. Peace to be won for us through his life, death and resurrection. And all this because God so loved the world.
Of course there are always things to challenge us: is it too commercial, is saying happy holidays too bland, are they taking Christ out of Christmas or have they started playing Christmas music too early in the year? In some ways it can trivialise the message. Hope you might get a nice present. Joy from a bottle. Peace if everyone behaves themselves.
But as Christians we know how deep and how trustworthy the Christmas message is. We don’t look to the thin veneer of a tinsel Christmas, but to the baby born – God with us.
Sometimes it makes me cry or shake my head in awe at the almost unbelievable wonder of God’s love for me, for us, for the people of the world we live in.
I wish you a merry Christmas and hope you have a relaxing holiday over the summer.
"I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2.10
God bless you
John Malcolm
I love this time of year – stars, angels, shepherds, noel, manger, carols, candles, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus each a glimpse of the unfolding story of God’s grace towards us. Each of these a token contributing to the big picture of God’s amazing love to us in the soon to be born baby Jesus. Hope of a promise about to be fulfilled. Joy at the birth of the holy one. Peace to be won for us through his life, death and resurrection. And all this because God so loved the world.
Of course there are always things to challenge us: is it too commercial, is saying happy holidays too bland, are they taking Christ out of Christmas or have they started playing Christmas music too early in the year? In some ways it can trivialise the message. Hope you might get a nice present. Joy from a bottle. Peace if everyone behaves themselves.
But as Christians we know how deep and how trustworthy the Christmas message is. We don’t look to the thin veneer of a tinsel Christmas, but to the baby born – God with us.
Sometimes it makes me cry or shake my head in awe at the almost unbelievable wonder of God’s love for me, for us, for the people of the world we live in.
I wish you a merry Christmas and hope you have a relaxing holiday over the summer.
"I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2.10
God bless you
John Malcolm
October 2018 virtues
Recently I listened to a discussion on Radio New Zealand where philosopher Anne Kerwin was considering what sort of virtues we want to impart to our children and use to shape our society. She defined virtues as the qualities that make up our humanity, and that these are measures of ourselves and what we value. Among these virtues are temperance, justice, courage, mercy and love. We might ask, Are these virtues still a good measurement of what it means to be human? Have some of them become obsolete?
When we consider the Christian life – what standards do we use to measure how we are living spiritually? There is no point trying to measure our lives against virtues if they are not really virtuous to start with. Here at Greyfriars we have considered the teaching of the bible and put together a number of phrases to encapsulate virtues we value in our spiritual health. We have been using these recently in our series called Measure Up. So, I invite you to consider these and use them as a measurement of your own spiritual health. You might also reflect on how we together as a church are measuring up to these signs of spiritual health.
When we consider the Christian life – what standards do we use to measure how we are living spiritually? There is no point trying to measure our lives against virtues if they are not really virtuous to start with. Here at Greyfriars we have considered the teaching of the bible and put together a number of phrases to encapsulate virtues we value in our spiritual health. We have been using these recently in our series called Measure Up. So, I invite you to consider these and use them as a measurement of your own spiritual health. You might also reflect on how we together as a church are measuring up to these signs of spiritual health.
Living in Love
(live a life of love) Ephesians 5.1-2
Growing in Faith
(your faith is growing more and more) 2 Thessalonians 1.3-4
Uniting in Purpose
(being one in spirit and of one mind) Philippians 2.2-3
Devoted in Worship
(devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord) 1 Chronicles 22:19
Sharing in Fellowship
(All the believers were together) Acts 2.42-47 & 4.32
Proclaiming the Gospel
(Go into all the world and preach the gospel) Mark 16:15
Serving with Compassion
(serve one another humbly in love) Galatians 5:13
(live a life of love) Ephesians 5.1-2
Growing in Faith
(your faith is growing more and more) 2 Thessalonians 1.3-4
Uniting in Purpose
(being one in spirit and of one mind) Philippians 2.2-3
Devoted in Worship
(devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord) 1 Chronicles 22:19
Sharing in Fellowship
(All the believers were together) Acts 2.42-47 & 4.32
Proclaiming the Gospel
(Go into all the world and preach the gospel) Mark 16:15
Serving with Compassion
(serve one another humbly in love) Galatians 5:13
I think if we focus on these, perhaps allowing them to become more established in us, habitual and even growing, we will excel in spiritual health. Reflecting these in the way we live will enable us to live a virtuous life. Then we will be good role models to the children of our community and help influence our society to be shaped in ways that will enhance our lives and benefit others.
God bless you
John Malcolm
God bless you
John Malcolm
SEPTEMBER 2018 Treasure in heaven
Recently there have been changes to the minister’s retirement fund and it has been interesting to look at the funds that have been stored away for that future date when I retire from ministry (not any time soon!)
Jesus taught us to store up our treasures in heaven where moth, rust, fluctuating interest rates and stock market crashes cannot destroy them. He also told the parable of the farmer who had an abundant crop and so decided to build bigger barns to store it all. The farmer’s plan was to retire early, take life easy, to eat, drink and be merry. The catch came when God declared to him, ‘You foolish man! This very night I will take your life away from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” (Luke 12:20) My own father (who was not a foolish man) was planning for and looking forward to his own retirement, but sadly died aged fifty-eight, never having the opportunity to enjoy the retirement he was anticipating.
The government is encouraging us all to plan and make provision for our retirement, but perhaps of more importance is to think about the nature of true riches in our lives and to plan for eternity. Jesus encourages us to plan for today and for eternity by putting our faith in him for salvation. As we trust him, it's as if a spiritual account is opened for us in heaven where we can store our treasure.
True riches are not stored in a bank. True riches are found in the heart.
A person’s true wealth is in their character, revealed in who they are and what they do when no one else is looking. This spiritual currency is measured in compassion, trust, and hope. The value of these characteristics is not diminished when giving them away. If anything, the value increases as we are share them with others.
The Apostle Paul said, We are poor, but we make many people rich. We have nothing, but we own everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:10) This is a strange juxtaposition playing on ideas of material poverty and spiritual riches. In Acts we read of Peter to a lame man who was begging saying, “I don’t have any silver or gold. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.”” (Acts 3:6)
How do we add riches to our character, tend to the soul and strengthen ourselves spiritually so we have an abundance to enjoy and to share? One step in the right direction is to begin shaping how we think about what is important in life and what really makes us rich. Paul wrote, “Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.” (Philippians 4:8)
No one has yet found a way of transferring their retirement savings, silver and gold, to heaven. But as we trust in Jesus, these spiritual values, compassion, hope, thinking and living out what is good, noble and right are stored up for us in heaven as eternal treasure.
So, are you rich or poor?
God bless you
John Malcolm
Jesus taught us to store up our treasures in heaven where moth, rust, fluctuating interest rates and stock market crashes cannot destroy them. He also told the parable of the farmer who had an abundant crop and so decided to build bigger barns to store it all. The farmer’s plan was to retire early, take life easy, to eat, drink and be merry. The catch came when God declared to him, ‘You foolish man! This very night I will take your life away from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” (Luke 12:20) My own father (who was not a foolish man) was planning for and looking forward to his own retirement, but sadly died aged fifty-eight, never having the opportunity to enjoy the retirement he was anticipating.
The government is encouraging us all to plan and make provision for our retirement, but perhaps of more importance is to think about the nature of true riches in our lives and to plan for eternity. Jesus encourages us to plan for today and for eternity by putting our faith in him for salvation. As we trust him, it's as if a spiritual account is opened for us in heaven where we can store our treasure.
True riches are not stored in a bank. True riches are found in the heart.
A person’s true wealth is in their character, revealed in who they are and what they do when no one else is looking. This spiritual currency is measured in compassion, trust, and hope. The value of these characteristics is not diminished when giving them away. If anything, the value increases as we are share them with others.
The Apostle Paul said, We are poor, but we make many people rich. We have nothing, but we own everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:10) This is a strange juxtaposition playing on ideas of material poverty and spiritual riches. In Acts we read of Peter to a lame man who was begging saying, “I don’t have any silver or gold. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.”” (Acts 3:6)
How do we add riches to our character, tend to the soul and strengthen ourselves spiritually so we have an abundance to enjoy and to share? One step in the right direction is to begin shaping how we think about what is important in life and what really makes us rich. Paul wrote, “Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.” (Philippians 4:8)
No one has yet found a way of transferring their retirement savings, silver and gold, to heaven. But as we trust in Jesus, these spiritual values, compassion, hope, thinking and living out what is good, noble and right are stored up for us in heaven as eternal treasure.
So, are you rich or poor?
God bless you
John Malcolm
june 2018 THE FAMILY OF FAITH
I am encouraged and heartened when I consider the relationship God invites me to enjoy with Him, a relationship which is offered to us all.
We are called to be servants of God. In modern times being a servant is not something we generally aspire to be. But in times past many people were servants and being a servant in the household of God was a privilege. We should recall that even Jesus spoke of himself as a servant when he said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Jesus served his disciples when he humbled himself and washed their dirty feet. And Jesus is honoured for his servant heart by Paul who wrote, “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7) When we are called to be servants it is a call to be like Jesus.
We are invited to be Jesus’ friends. Jesus drew alongside his disciples and said to them, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Just as we read of Abraham being God’s friend (2 Chron 20.7), now we to can be friends of God. This is a closer and more intimate relationship than being a servant. But being a friend does not mean we no longer serve God, it simply changes the nature of our service.
We are privileged to become Children of God. John’s gospel begins with a wonderful description of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). As members of his family we have been lifted even closer to God. God has granted us the rights and responsibilities of being members of his household and family, even to make us heirs with Jesus, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17). Being a child of God doesn’t mean we lounge around all day doing nothing and being served by others. It means being part of the family business, upholding the family name, working alongside our sisters and brothers in unity to accomplish all God desires, while at the same time living up to the family values of love, justice, truth, mercy ….
I think with the progression of status from servant to friend to child, comes a progression of responsibility. We should be drawing nearer to God in worship and service, deepening our commitment to him, strengthening our faith and responding more readily to the guidance he gives us. We should be putting our heart into this, seeking to grow and mature spiritually. As brothers and sisters, we should be encouraging each other, spurring each other on, being generous to each other with forgiveness and supporting each other on the road of faith.
One of the greatest wonders of all this is that there is room in this family for many, many more people. God has given us the privilege of offering others an invitation to join the family, and to welcome those who take that step of faith.
I ask you to take a few moments to consider joining the family of faith. For those who have already done so, perhaps you could reflect on what it means to you to be children of God and co-heirs with Jesus.
God bless you
John Malcolm
We are called to be servants of God. In modern times being a servant is not something we generally aspire to be. But in times past many people were servants and being a servant in the household of God was a privilege. We should recall that even Jesus spoke of himself as a servant when he said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Jesus served his disciples when he humbled himself and washed their dirty feet. And Jesus is honoured for his servant heart by Paul who wrote, “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7) When we are called to be servants it is a call to be like Jesus.
We are invited to be Jesus’ friends. Jesus drew alongside his disciples and said to them, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Just as we read of Abraham being God’s friend (2 Chron 20.7), now we to can be friends of God. This is a closer and more intimate relationship than being a servant. But being a friend does not mean we no longer serve God, it simply changes the nature of our service.
We are privileged to become Children of God. John’s gospel begins with a wonderful description of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). As members of his family we have been lifted even closer to God. God has granted us the rights and responsibilities of being members of his household and family, even to make us heirs with Jesus, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17). Being a child of God doesn’t mean we lounge around all day doing nothing and being served by others. It means being part of the family business, upholding the family name, working alongside our sisters and brothers in unity to accomplish all God desires, while at the same time living up to the family values of love, justice, truth, mercy ….
I think with the progression of status from servant to friend to child, comes a progression of responsibility. We should be drawing nearer to God in worship and service, deepening our commitment to him, strengthening our faith and responding more readily to the guidance he gives us. We should be putting our heart into this, seeking to grow and mature spiritually. As brothers and sisters, we should be encouraging each other, spurring each other on, being generous to each other with forgiveness and supporting each other on the road of faith.
One of the greatest wonders of all this is that there is room in this family for many, many more people. God has given us the privilege of offering others an invitation to join the family, and to welcome those who take that step of faith.
I ask you to take a few moments to consider joining the family of faith. For those who have already done so, perhaps you could reflect on what it means to you to be children of God and co-heirs with Jesus.
God bless you
John Malcolm
May 2018 What Does God Owe You?
He must owe you something. After all you have been good, tried hard and made sacrifices. You have helped others and been generous. Surely, it all adds up over time.
We might not directly say, God owes me. But when something goes wrong we might complain, what did I do to deserve this? Which suggests we had done sufficient good to deserve better treatment from God. This assumes God was somehow indebted to us and should have repaid us with a better outcome. On the other hand, if we have neglected to pray, forgotten to read our bible or skipped church, do we worry we might not be in God's good books? This suggests we haven't done enough to balance the books or to merit God's blessing.
So then, what does God owe you?
How much merit have you accumulated by your good life, many sacrifices and generous gifts? Perhaps you have done enough to tip the scales and to merit entry into heaven. Perhaps you have accumulated enough spiritual loyalty card points to get an upgrade to a more palatial heavenly mansion.
Of course, when we put it like that, it sounds absurd. God isn't in our debt.
Still, it is very easy for us to slip into the mindset of appealing to God based on our accumulated goodness, time spent in prayer, hours of service or regular attendance at church. Do we have an unspoken thought that the deal we have with God includes a trouble-free life if we keep or exceed our side of the bargain? This goes to our motivation for doing good. Are we serving God with gladness in response to all he has done for us, realising we are forever indebted to Him who having done all this, even forgives our debt and calls us his friends? Or do we find it difficult to accept such a rich and free gift, so in duty we seek to repay God and gain merit, perhaps even credit, in his eyes.
God frees us to live a good life; not living out of duty to repay a debt, but out of love as children of God. God desires that we live with him, not as slaves burdened with debt, but as his children enjoying true freedom in his presence. Free even from the mindset of appeasement, debt and guilt that might rob us of the deeper peace and joy we have with God who truly loves us. Jesus said, Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:34–36).
There is nothing I can do to make you love me more, nothing I can do to make you love me less … (Almighty God, Brooke Fraser, 2003)
God bless you
John Malcolm
(To consider this more fully you might like to read, With, Skye Jethani (2011, Thomas Nelson Press)
We might not directly say, God owes me. But when something goes wrong we might complain, what did I do to deserve this? Which suggests we had done sufficient good to deserve better treatment from God. This assumes God was somehow indebted to us and should have repaid us with a better outcome. On the other hand, if we have neglected to pray, forgotten to read our bible or skipped church, do we worry we might not be in God's good books? This suggests we haven't done enough to balance the books or to merit God's blessing.
So then, what does God owe you?
How much merit have you accumulated by your good life, many sacrifices and generous gifts? Perhaps you have done enough to tip the scales and to merit entry into heaven. Perhaps you have accumulated enough spiritual loyalty card points to get an upgrade to a more palatial heavenly mansion.
Of course, when we put it like that, it sounds absurd. God isn't in our debt.
Still, it is very easy for us to slip into the mindset of appealing to God based on our accumulated goodness, time spent in prayer, hours of service or regular attendance at church. Do we have an unspoken thought that the deal we have with God includes a trouble-free life if we keep or exceed our side of the bargain? This goes to our motivation for doing good. Are we serving God with gladness in response to all he has done for us, realising we are forever indebted to Him who having done all this, even forgives our debt and calls us his friends? Or do we find it difficult to accept such a rich and free gift, so in duty we seek to repay God and gain merit, perhaps even credit, in his eyes.
God frees us to live a good life; not living out of duty to repay a debt, but out of love as children of God. God desires that we live with him, not as slaves burdened with debt, but as his children enjoying true freedom in his presence. Free even from the mindset of appeasement, debt and guilt that might rob us of the deeper peace and joy we have with God who truly loves us. Jesus said, Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:34–36).
There is nothing I can do to make you love me more, nothing I can do to make you love me less … (Almighty God, Brooke Fraser, 2003)
God bless you
John Malcolm
(To consider this more fully you might like to read, With, Skye Jethani (2011, Thomas Nelson Press)
APRIL 2018 You're Fired!
You’re fired! Another member of President Trump’s team, Rex Tillerson, has been removed from office. Staff turnover in the White House under President Trump is very high; one reporter has said that it is unprecedented. It must be a little unnerving to work as part of the Trump team, knowing how many of your fellow workers have been fired.
Imagine if Jesus had followed the Trump pattern of team building. Judas would have been the first to hear the words you’re fired! Peter, who denied Jesus, would have been gone not long after. James and John, who had ambitions of their own, might have been perceived as a threat and been fired before they made their bid for power. Doubting Thomas is obviously on the list of those to go. Nathaniel would have been sent packing for his slur on Jesus and his home town. Philip’s position would have been tenuous, because after years with Jesus he still didn’t seem to know him.
If I looked at my own life, Jesus would have fired me long ago; slow to learn, prone to procrastinate and stumbling over even small temptations.
Who of us by our own merits could hold a place Jesus’ team? Our sinful nature would undermine us. Our human pride would trip us up. Our doubts or fears would betray us.
Rather than firing others for their faults and flaws, Jesus took responsibility, allowed himself to be “fired” in their place, taking our sin to the cross and dying for us.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5–8)
Perhaps this Easter you could think about joining Jesus’ team, and find eternal security in him.
God bless you
John Malcolm
Imagine if Jesus had followed the Trump pattern of team building. Judas would have been the first to hear the words you’re fired! Peter, who denied Jesus, would have been gone not long after. James and John, who had ambitions of their own, might have been perceived as a threat and been fired before they made their bid for power. Doubting Thomas is obviously on the list of those to go. Nathaniel would have been sent packing for his slur on Jesus and his home town. Philip’s position would have been tenuous, because after years with Jesus he still didn’t seem to know him.
If I looked at my own life, Jesus would have fired me long ago; slow to learn, prone to procrastinate and stumbling over even small temptations.
Who of us by our own merits could hold a place Jesus’ team? Our sinful nature would undermine us. Our human pride would trip us up. Our doubts or fears would betray us.
Rather than firing others for their faults and flaws, Jesus took responsibility, allowed himself to be “fired” in their place, taking our sin to the cross and dying for us.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5–8)
Perhaps this Easter you could think about joining Jesus’ team, and find eternal security in him.
God bless you
John Malcolm
march 2018 where does it all lead?
I am sure there were times in the lives of Jesus’ disciples when they wondered what was going on and where all this was leading.
They were drawn to Jesus. His words, his teaching and the way he related to them had made a difference in their lives, And yet, being with Jesus was a bit of a roller coaster ride. They had front row seats from which to witness the miracles he did and to hear his teaching. On the other hand, there were times when they looked foolish, proved themselves inadequate to the task, failing to act as they should have or simply not understanding what Jesus was talking about.
Perhaps the most testing time for them was in the weeks leading up to his arrest and execution. Tensions were high and nerves were on edge. People were taking sides, and one side wanted to kill Jesus. The disciples hoped to get as far from Jerusalem as possible, yet Jesus seemed determined to return there in spite of the danger. And then it was all over. Jesus was dead and the disciples were at a loss. Nowhere to go and no one to see. Yet something held them together.
The resurrection of Jesus changed everything. And it still does! This is where it was all leading. Leading to a risen Saviour who would achieve forgiveness for sin, conquer death and send his disciples on a kingdom mission while he himself ascended to heaven preparing a place for them and waiting for the time he will return.
As we go through Lent towards Easter, I invite you to reflect on the difference Jesus’ resurrection has made to your life and to consider the part he wants you to play in his mission today. Perhaps you could join us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday as we think about the events the disciples witnessed and how they have meaning for our lives in 2018.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
God bless you
John Malcolm
They were drawn to Jesus. His words, his teaching and the way he related to them had made a difference in their lives, And yet, being with Jesus was a bit of a roller coaster ride. They had front row seats from which to witness the miracles he did and to hear his teaching. On the other hand, there were times when they looked foolish, proved themselves inadequate to the task, failing to act as they should have or simply not understanding what Jesus was talking about.
Perhaps the most testing time for them was in the weeks leading up to his arrest and execution. Tensions were high and nerves were on edge. People were taking sides, and one side wanted to kill Jesus. The disciples hoped to get as far from Jerusalem as possible, yet Jesus seemed determined to return there in spite of the danger. And then it was all over. Jesus was dead and the disciples were at a loss. Nowhere to go and no one to see. Yet something held them together.
The resurrection of Jesus changed everything. And it still does! This is where it was all leading. Leading to a risen Saviour who would achieve forgiveness for sin, conquer death and send his disciples on a kingdom mission while he himself ascended to heaven preparing a place for them and waiting for the time he will return.
As we go through Lent towards Easter, I invite you to reflect on the difference Jesus’ resurrection has made to your life and to consider the part he wants you to play in his mission today. Perhaps you could join us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday as we think about the events the disciples witnessed and how they have meaning for our lives in 2018.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
God bless you
John Malcolm
JANUARY 2018 HUMANITY STAR
Recently I watched online as Rocket Lab launched the first successful rocket from New Zealand into space. What we didn’t know at the launch was that the rocket also contained the first New Zealand satellite to go into orbit. Peter Beck, the founder of this business, secretly built a satellite which is like a big disco ball with lots of reflective surfaces. Just like a disco ball reflects light onto the dance floor, this satellite will twinkle in the night sky, reflect light from the sun and looking like a flashing star.
The only other nation to be making headlines firing rockets lately is North Korea who want to be able to fire nuclear warheads at the United States of America. Unlike other nations who can deploy satellites, often with military capabilities – New Zealand’s first satellite was a disco ball called Humanity Star.
Peter Beck, who designed the Humanity Star says on the Humanity Star website, No matter where you are in the world, rich or in poverty, in conflict or at peace, everyone will be able to see the bright, blinking Humanity Star orbiting Earth in the night sky. My hope is that everyone looking up at the Humanity Star will look past it to the expanse of the universe, feel a connection to our place in it and think a little differently about their lives, actions and what is important.
I think Humanity Star is a great idea and should be applauded, a disco ball twinkling in space, to encourage people to lift up their eyes and think about what is important. Unfortunately, it will only be in orbit for about nine months before it falls out of orbit and burns up as it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere.
Peter Beck’s idea of looking to the heavens is something that we can all relate to, but he wasn’t the first to think about it. King David who lived in Israel about 3000 years ago was inspired by the night sky. When his eyes were drawn to look at the sky he saw it as the work of God, as a way God revealed his glory and power. Looking at the stars made him think about God and human life. He asked, in view of the vastness of space, the glory of sun, moon and stars, “What is a human being that you (God) think about him? (Psalm 8:4)
It took years of planning, millions of dollars, and a team of clever people to put a disco ball in space that will last for 9 months. But with just a word, God spoke and created all that exists from the microscopic DNA to giant suns that burn in distant space. This put King David in awe of God, but the main point he highlights is that this majestic and glorious God considers us and cares for us.
Perhaps if you look up at the night sky in February you might see Peter Beck’s disco ball twinkle in the sky. But even when Humanity Star falls from the sky we will still be able to look up and see the sun, moon and stars which God placed there. I hope, when you look into the night sky, you find it inspiring you to praise God for His marvellous creation.
I think about what your fingers have created. I think about the moon and stars that you have set in place. What is a human being that you think about him? What is a son of man that you take care of him? … Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in the whole earth!” (Psalm 8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
The only other nation to be making headlines firing rockets lately is North Korea who want to be able to fire nuclear warheads at the United States of America. Unlike other nations who can deploy satellites, often with military capabilities – New Zealand’s first satellite was a disco ball called Humanity Star.
Peter Beck, who designed the Humanity Star says on the Humanity Star website, No matter where you are in the world, rich or in poverty, in conflict or at peace, everyone will be able to see the bright, blinking Humanity Star orbiting Earth in the night sky. My hope is that everyone looking up at the Humanity Star will look past it to the expanse of the universe, feel a connection to our place in it and think a little differently about their lives, actions and what is important.
I think Humanity Star is a great idea and should be applauded, a disco ball twinkling in space, to encourage people to lift up their eyes and think about what is important. Unfortunately, it will only be in orbit for about nine months before it falls out of orbit and burns up as it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere.
Peter Beck’s idea of looking to the heavens is something that we can all relate to, but he wasn’t the first to think about it. King David who lived in Israel about 3000 years ago was inspired by the night sky. When his eyes were drawn to look at the sky he saw it as the work of God, as a way God revealed his glory and power. Looking at the stars made him think about God and human life. He asked, in view of the vastness of space, the glory of sun, moon and stars, “What is a human being that you (God) think about him? (Psalm 8:4)
It took years of planning, millions of dollars, and a team of clever people to put a disco ball in space that will last for 9 months. But with just a word, God spoke and created all that exists from the microscopic DNA to giant suns that burn in distant space. This put King David in awe of God, but the main point he highlights is that this majestic and glorious God considers us and cares for us.
Perhaps if you look up at the night sky in February you might see Peter Beck’s disco ball twinkle in the sky. But even when Humanity Star falls from the sky we will still be able to look up and see the sun, moon and stars which God placed there. I hope, when you look into the night sky, you find it inspiring you to praise God for His marvellous creation.
I think about what your fingers have created. I think about the moon and stars that you have set in place. What is a human being that you think about him? What is a son of man that you take care of him? … Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in the whole earth!” (Psalm 8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
DECember 2017 real life at Christmas!
Are we all just part of computer simulation being run by an advanced human or alien civilisation? I know – many of you will think this is a crazy idea with no credibility, but it is being considered and discussed by respected scientists like Brian Cox and notable futurists like Elon Musk. I first heard Brian Cox discussing this on a BBC podcast in August, a discussion which included professors from Oxford and Sussex Universities. I mention this because while this may seem like crazy talk to you, some very serious people are taking this seriously.
The idea is that an advanced civilisation with powerful super-computers could be running a simulation that appears real to us because we are part of it. While we might feel our lives are real, they are actually just computer code being run by a greater intelligence.
Brian Cox is a professor in particle physics and has been part of a team using the Hadron Collider for experiments detecting particles. He co-presents the BBC programme The Infinite Monkey Cage which discusses cutting edge ideas in science.
The thing that interests me in this discussion is that Professor Cox, and others on the podcast, regularly mock belief in the existence of God, but will seriously entertain the idea of a greater intelligence running a computer simulation. I wonder what takes more faith, believing in God who created us to live as free beings or believing in a greater intelligence who creates us as part of a computer simulation?
I came to faith at Christmas time when I was about five years old. I knew that God loved me and that I loved God. I didn’t understand the bible. I wasn’t able to think about the theology of the Christmas story. I just knew God loved me. I have a strong memory of sitting by the fireside having an overwhelming sense of being loved by God. It touched the deepest part of my being in such a way that I knew God was real.
Life is not a simulation, part of a computer code, a digital delusion or facsimile of reality where we are of no real substance or value. Rather, life is real and includes the possibility of knowing our Creator and having a meaningful relationship with Him.
The wonder and joy of the Christmas story is that Jesus was born as one of us. Real flesh and blood. Emmanuel, God with us. It is about God who enters the human story, your story and my story, to bring good news. This is the best news ever, God wants to be part of our lives, to save us from our sin, to give us purpose and direction in life, and to prepare us to be with Him throughout eternity. Whatever your story may have been to this point, the Christmas story can help you become part of God’s story and change the direction of your life.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)
Melanie and I wish you well this Christmas and hope you have a wonderful summer holiday.
God bless you
John Malcolm
The idea is that an advanced civilisation with powerful super-computers could be running a simulation that appears real to us because we are part of it. While we might feel our lives are real, they are actually just computer code being run by a greater intelligence.
Brian Cox is a professor in particle physics and has been part of a team using the Hadron Collider for experiments detecting particles. He co-presents the BBC programme The Infinite Monkey Cage which discusses cutting edge ideas in science.
The thing that interests me in this discussion is that Professor Cox, and others on the podcast, regularly mock belief in the existence of God, but will seriously entertain the idea of a greater intelligence running a computer simulation. I wonder what takes more faith, believing in God who created us to live as free beings or believing in a greater intelligence who creates us as part of a computer simulation?
I came to faith at Christmas time when I was about five years old. I knew that God loved me and that I loved God. I didn’t understand the bible. I wasn’t able to think about the theology of the Christmas story. I just knew God loved me. I have a strong memory of sitting by the fireside having an overwhelming sense of being loved by God. It touched the deepest part of my being in such a way that I knew God was real.
Life is not a simulation, part of a computer code, a digital delusion or facsimile of reality where we are of no real substance or value. Rather, life is real and includes the possibility of knowing our Creator and having a meaningful relationship with Him.
The wonder and joy of the Christmas story is that Jesus was born as one of us. Real flesh and blood. Emmanuel, God with us. It is about God who enters the human story, your story and my story, to bring good news. This is the best news ever, God wants to be part of our lives, to save us from our sin, to give us purpose and direction in life, and to prepare us to be with Him throughout eternity. Whatever your story may have been to this point, the Christmas story can help you become part of God’s story and change the direction of your life.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)
Melanie and I wish you well this Christmas and hope you have a wonderful summer holiday.
God bless you
John Malcolm
NOVEMBER 2017 hoping for the best!
Recently the scientist Stephen Hawking predicted our self-destruction through over-population and energy consumption, and he says humans will destroy the earth by 2600.
Climate change with global warming is a threat to the future of humanity. Artificial intelligence threatens to take our jobs. Heightened tensions in the world threaten war, and perhaps fallout from nuclear war. The rise of antibacterial resistance threatens human health. We seem to be living in troubled times. Everything looks bleak – hopeless!
What do we do in the face of all the trouble confronting us? Do we put up our hands up in surrender and just give up? Or do we ignore the bad news and hope for the best?
The Bible gives us a different way of seeing the world – one that offers hope, peace and comfort, even in the most difficult situations. This confidence is based in who Jesus is and what he has done.
Perhaps you could take a moment to reflect on what the Bible says:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
I pray you will not be dismayed with all the gloom and despondency offered by this world, but that you will find strength in the sustaining power of Jesus. You can hope for the best because the best hope is found in Jesus Christ!
God bless you
John Malcolm
Climate change with global warming is a threat to the future of humanity. Artificial intelligence threatens to take our jobs. Heightened tensions in the world threaten war, and perhaps fallout from nuclear war. The rise of antibacterial resistance threatens human health. We seem to be living in troubled times. Everything looks bleak – hopeless!
What do we do in the face of all the trouble confronting us? Do we put up our hands up in surrender and just give up? Or do we ignore the bad news and hope for the best?
The Bible gives us a different way of seeing the world – one that offers hope, peace and comfort, even in the most difficult situations. This confidence is based in who Jesus is and what he has done.
Perhaps you could take a moment to reflect on what the Bible says:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
I pray you will not be dismayed with all the gloom and despondency offered by this world, but that you will find strength in the sustaining power of Jesus. You can hope for the best because the best hope is found in Jesus Christ!
God bless you
John Malcolm
NOVEMBER 2017 What's your risk profile?
The Presbyterian Church has changed the way it deals with the retirement funds of ministers and so Melanie and I had a meeting with a financial adviser, who among other things asked us about our Risk Profile. He wanted to know if we wanted to be on the safe side, conservative and taking little risk, or if we didn’t mind seeing wide swings, even occasional losses to take risks for a potential higher return. You might have considered something like this with your KiwiSaver.
Recently our Parish Council watched a presentation by Jossy Chacko who spoke about Jesus’ parable of the talents. In this parable Jesus taught of three servants who were each given a sum of money to invest for their master. One had a low risk profile, so dug a hole and buried the money so he could give it back to the master without loss. The other two were more adventurous, invested the money and made a return for the master. When the master returned, those two were commended as faithful and given more responsibility, while the conservative one was demoted. The lesson here is that God expects faithful servants to use what he gives us and not to hide it away.
This made me wonder about the risk profile of our church in relation to our faith and how we act as good stewards of the gifts God has given us. Parish Council considered this and thought we as a church were willing to take considered risks, while not living at the very edge of risk taking. Among the risks (steps of faith) we have taken, are: the change towards becoming a cross-cultural church which influenced what we were looking for in our second minister; investing in our youth ministry, employing Hannah to help us focus on young people and students; focusing on our ministry with children, investing in the holiday programmes and in staff for our kidzone. Of course, the building project is a huge step of faith, purchasing 542 Mt Eden Road in preparation for this. I’m sure you could add to this list with areas of ministry you are involved in. I am amazed when I look at the mission and ministry of our church. Just last night we had a large team of volunteers helping with the Light Party – one child was overheard saying to a parent, that was a great party. A week before this we had White Sunday with the children presenting music, drama and dance telling the story of the gospel in their production God of Nations.
Over the past five years our income through offerings has remained the same, while our outreach and mission costs have increased. As a church we have taken steps of faith to reach out and invest in mission. We have used our resources rather than burying them. To maintain our mission we need more money. I invite you to pray about this, to go to the throne of God and ask him to bless us with the resources we need for mission so we may be able to abound in every good work.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6–8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
Recently our Parish Council watched a presentation by Jossy Chacko who spoke about Jesus’ parable of the talents. In this parable Jesus taught of three servants who were each given a sum of money to invest for their master. One had a low risk profile, so dug a hole and buried the money so he could give it back to the master without loss. The other two were more adventurous, invested the money and made a return for the master. When the master returned, those two were commended as faithful and given more responsibility, while the conservative one was demoted. The lesson here is that God expects faithful servants to use what he gives us and not to hide it away.
This made me wonder about the risk profile of our church in relation to our faith and how we act as good stewards of the gifts God has given us. Parish Council considered this and thought we as a church were willing to take considered risks, while not living at the very edge of risk taking. Among the risks (steps of faith) we have taken, are: the change towards becoming a cross-cultural church which influenced what we were looking for in our second minister; investing in our youth ministry, employing Hannah to help us focus on young people and students; focusing on our ministry with children, investing in the holiday programmes and in staff for our kidzone. Of course, the building project is a huge step of faith, purchasing 542 Mt Eden Road in preparation for this. I’m sure you could add to this list with areas of ministry you are involved in. I am amazed when I look at the mission and ministry of our church. Just last night we had a large team of volunteers helping with the Light Party – one child was overheard saying to a parent, that was a great party. A week before this we had White Sunday with the children presenting music, drama and dance telling the story of the gospel in their production God of Nations.
Over the past five years our income through offerings has remained the same, while our outreach and mission costs have increased. As a church we have taken steps of faith to reach out and invest in mission. We have used our resources rather than burying them. To maintain our mission we need more money. I invite you to pray about this, to go to the throne of God and ask him to bless us with the resources we need for mission so we may be able to abound in every good work.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6–8)
God bless you
John Malcolm
OCTOber 2017 Take a moment to imagine...
Take a moment to imagine a baby born in early 2117 – what might the world be like, that this baby is born into?
Suppose six months later parents of the baby bring her to be baptised at Greyfriars Mt Eden. The older part of the church is now two hundred years old. Even the newer part which was opened in 2020 reflects the design of a bygone era and is almost one hundred years old. Despite its age, this is a special place for the family. This family which has been worshipping at Greyfriars for several generations have seen old photos of the opening, but don’t recognise any of the people from 2020 with their old-fashioned clothes and hairstyles.
The life of the church has ebbed and flowed over the last century with the changes and challenges that the people of Auckland have faced. Looking back, this family realises the people who built this church could hardly imagine God’s blessing to so many different people over the decades that have followed.
Living now, in 2017, how can we show our love for people yet to be born, whose lives may not begin until decades after we have passed away? How can we be a blessing to those families whose time will not come for another twenty, fifty or eighty years?
As our building project gains momentum, I think about future generations who won’t have any idea who we were or the lives we lived, but who will benefit from the building we put in place. I allow my mind to wander, to try to imagine their worship and the mission they will engage in from the facilities we build. Although the world they live in will be technologically advanced, the longings of the human heart - the quest for purpose and the desire to fulfil God’s plans will remain the same. They will have picked up the mission that previous generations passed on to them.
Of course, we in our day have the mission God has given us and we faithfully seek to fulfil it, but this building will still be standing when we are gone and other generations rise up to follow God’s will.
We are in a wonderful position where we can design a building that will be of mission value to us and to generations to come. What we are doing now will witness to our love for God and our love for them. We can invest in the mission of future generations. We can take both short term and long term views about the uses our building might be put to in God’s mission. We can be part of the generational, decade-spanning plans of God.
I suppose the youngest among us, those children being baptised this month, might live to see that day in 2117. Who knows, it might be their great-great-grandchild being baptised.
God bless you
John Malcolm
Suppose six months later parents of the baby bring her to be baptised at Greyfriars Mt Eden. The older part of the church is now two hundred years old. Even the newer part which was opened in 2020 reflects the design of a bygone era and is almost one hundred years old. Despite its age, this is a special place for the family. This family which has been worshipping at Greyfriars for several generations have seen old photos of the opening, but don’t recognise any of the people from 2020 with their old-fashioned clothes and hairstyles.
The life of the church has ebbed and flowed over the last century with the changes and challenges that the people of Auckland have faced. Looking back, this family realises the people who built this church could hardly imagine God’s blessing to so many different people over the decades that have followed.
Living now, in 2017, how can we show our love for people yet to be born, whose lives may not begin until decades after we have passed away? How can we be a blessing to those families whose time will not come for another twenty, fifty or eighty years?
As our building project gains momentum, I think about future generations who won’t have any idea who we were or the lives we lived, but who will benefit from the building we put in place. I allow my mind to wander, to try to imagine their worship and the mission they will engage in from the facilities we build. Although the world they live in will be technologically advanced, the longings of the human heart - the quest for purpose and the desire to fulfil God’s plans will remain the same. They will have picked up the mission that previous generations passed on to them.
Of course, we in our day have the mission God has given us and we faithfully seek to fulfil it, but this building will still be standing when we are gone and other generations rise up to follow God’s will.
We are in a wonderful position where we can design a building that will be of mission value to us and to generations to come. What we are doing now will witness to our love for God and our love for them. We can invest in the mission of future generations. We can take both short term and long term views about the uses our building might be put to in God’s mission. We can be part of the generational, decade-spanning plans of God.
I suppose the youngest among us, those children being baptised this month, might live to see that day in 2117. Who knows, it might be their great-great-grandchild being baptised.
God bless you
John Malcolm
september 2017 HOPE WHEN THE HEART IS HEAVY
I felt sad, frustrated and angry when I recently heard on the radio news: The number of people who have died by suicide in New Zealand has reached the highest annual figure on record. 606 people took their own lives in the year to the end of June. This is partially explained by the increasing population, so the percentage of people taking their own lives is similar to other years, but that hardly lessens the sadness of this situation. We cannot console ourselves with the news that the percentage is similar to other years, when so many have committed suicide.
I acknowledge that some of you who are reading this may be feeling the loss of a family member or friend by suicide. It is not my intention to open up these wounds, add to the pain you feel or offer a trite response to a difficult issue.
A recent bible study I attended was focused on hope, and noted that many people have lost hope or have no hope. This reminded me of a Proverb from the bible, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12). I suppose we all know what it is to have a heart that feels sick because hope is lost or hidden from us. Takotsubo Syndrome is a medical condition often caused by acute emotional distress or bereavement. Also known as broken heart syndrome, it can contribute to a heart attack. While sickness of the heart may not be so acute for most of us, a lack of hope can affect us physically and mentally, making us unwell.
Human beings are complex and so are the afflictions that distress us. I am not saying that a lack of hope is the only contributing factor in the suicide rate, but it is surely part of it.
I think the world around us has a way of draining hope from us. We can be set up with unrealistic aspirations of wealth, fame, accomplishments, and when we fail to reach the things we aspire to, life can seem empty. We don’t find the perfect partner, we can’t purchase a nice home and the Kiwi Dream is beyond us. Our health may fail us, a job is lost, we may be passed over for a promotion or family may disappoint us. If our sense of self-worth is closely associated with any or all of these things we may find ourselves feeling sick at heart and hopeless.
Hope is a central theme in the bible – search and you will see reasons for hope throughout the bible. God is referred to as the God of hope (Romans 15.13). As followers of Jesus we are born … into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1Peter 1:3).
One of many things we Christians have to share is hope! This hope is not based on worldly things that may disappoint us. Rather our hope is based in Jesus who has overcome death and so gives us hope for this life and for eternity.
Perhaps today, through a word of encouragement or by expressing God’s love, you could speak hope into someone’s life. By sharing our hope with others, we might just help someone who would otherwise feel hopeless.
God bless you
John Malcolm
I acknowledge that some of you who are reading this may be feeling the loss of a family member or friend by suicide. It is not my intention to open up these wounds, add to the pain you feel or offer a trite response to a difficult issue.
A recent bible study I attended was focused on hope, and noted that many people have lost hope or have no hope. This reminded me of a Proverb from the bible, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12). I suppose we all know what it is to have a heart that feels sick because hope is lost or hidden from us. Takotsubo Syndrome is a medical condition often caused by acute emotional distress or bereavement. Also known as broken heart syndrome, it can contribute to a heart attack. While sickness of the heart may not be so acute for most of us, a lack of hope can affect us physically and mentally, making us unwell.
Human beings are complex and so are the afflictions that distress us. I am not saying that a lack of hope is the only contributing factor in the suicide rate, but it is surely part of it.
I think the world around us has a way of draining hope from us. We can be set up with unrealistic aspirations of wealth, fame, accomplishments, and when we fail to reach the things we aspire to, life can seem empty. We don’t find the perfect partner, we can’t purchase a nice home and the Kiwi Dream is beyond us. Our health may fail us, a job is lost, we may be passed over for a promotion or family may disappoint us. If our sense of self-worth is closely associated with any or all of these things we may find ourselves feeling sick at heart and hopeless.
Hope is a central theme in the bible – search and you will see reasons for hope throughout the bible. God is referred to as the God of hope (Romans 15.13). As followers of Jesus we are born … into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1Peter 1:3).
One of many things we Christians have to share is hope! This hope is not based on worldly things that may disappoint us. Rather our hope is based in Jesus who has overcome death and so gives us hope for this life and for eternity.
Perhaps today, through a word of encouragement or by expressing God’s love, you could speak hope into someone’s life. By sharing our hope with others, we might just help someone who would otherwise feel hopeless.
God bless you
John Malcolm
AUGUST 2017 Dare to dawdle
Have you ever noticed the amount of traffic you encounter is inversely proportional to the time you have to reach your destination? Given the convenience of a car and the time constraints we live with, most people tend to drive to where they need to be. I spend a lot of time in traffic. This might have eased somewhat following the opening of Waterview Tunnel. It has 60,000 cars traveling through it each day and has significantly eased the flow of traffic on other arterial routes into the city.
How does the neighbourhood look to you through the windshield of your car? What do you notice as you speed through the streets on your way from A to B? These are questions I have been asking as part of short course I am doing. The course invites those taking part to slow down and observe what is happening around you. One author calls it Spiritual Dawdling.
I remember if I was dawdling as a child, my mother would give me a tug on the arm and tell me to hurry up. She had places to be, but as a child I didn’t feel that same pressure. Simple things like puddles and leaves drew my attention, so I would linger and dawdle. I recall when I began intermediate school I felt so grown up because we had a timetable for our lessons and had to go to different rooms for each period. Life was becoming more structured. Doing this course, it struck me I have been working to a timetable ever since.
Are adults allowed to dawdle? Would you feel guilty if someone noticed you dawdling? Don’t we have somewhere to be or something to do that means the destination is more important than the journey.
The aim of the course is to teach us to pay attention to the community we live in or where our church is situated. It invites us to stand on the footpath outside the church and asks; what do you see as you look in each direction? What do you hear or sense? What activity do you notice? What are the smells and sounds of the neighbourhood? Looking at the public spaces: who is there, is it an inviting area or a place to be avoided? How many people are out and about, passing by or active in the neighbourhood? Do you see evidence of struggle, despair, neglect or alienation?
Jesus never seemed to be in a hurry. Walking with his disciples he encountered many interruptions, but appeared happy to stop, interact and help people who called on him. On the day of his resurrection, when he must have had many things to do, we read of him walking to Emmaus with two disciples and chatting with them, even accepting their invitation to a meal (Luke 24). I wonder what it might be like to dawdle with Jesus on a walk around our neighbourhood?
Part of the course I am doing involves having a few people from the church taking some time to notice what is happening in the local community. If you would like a good excuse to dawdle, join me on the team and we can meet, look at the bible and learn about the neighbourhood. (Contact me if you would like to do this. It involves one walk, at a time that suits you and one meeting to talk about our experience in the neighbourhood).
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46.10)
God bless you
John Malcolm
How does the neighbourhood look to you through the windshield of your car? What do you notice as you speed through the streets on your way from A to B? These are questions I have been asking as part of short course I am doing. The course invites those taking part to slow down and observe what is happening around you. One author calls it Spiritual Dawdling.
I remember if I was dawdling as a child, my mother would give me a tug on the arm and tell me to hurry up. She had places to be, but as a child I didn’t feel that same pressure. Simple things like puddles and leaves drew my attention, so I would linger and dawdle. I recall when I began intermediate school I felt so grown up because we had a timetable for our lessons and had to go to different rooms for each period. Life was becoming more structured. Doing this course, it struck me I have been working to a timetable ever since.
Are adults allowed to dawdle? Would you feel guilty if someone noticed you dawdling? Don’t we have somewhere to be or something to do that means the destination is more important than the journey.
The aim of the course is to teach us to pay attention to the community we live in or where our church is situated. It invites us to stand on the footpath outside the church and asks; what do you see as you look in each direction? What do you hear or sense? What activity do you notice? What are the smells and sounds of the neighbourhood? Looking at the public spaces: who is there, is it an inviting area or a place to be avoided? How many people are out and about, passing by or active in the neighbourhood? Do you see evidence of struggle, despair, neglect or alienation?
Jesus never seemed to be in a hurry. Walking with his disciples he encountered many interruptions, but appeared happy to stop, interact and help people who called on him. On the day of his resurrection, when he must have had many things to do, we read of him walking to Emmaus with two disciples and chatting with them, even accepting their invitation to a meal (Luke 24). I wonder what it might be like to dawdle with Jesus on a walk around our neighbourhood?
Part of the course I am doing involves having a few people from the church taking some time to notice what is happening in the local community. If you would like a good excuse to dawdle, join me on the team and we can meet, look at the bible and learn about the neighbourhood. (Contact me if you would like to do this. It involves one walk, at a time that suits you and one meeting to talk about our experience in the neighbourhood).
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46.10)
God bless you
John Malcolm
JULY 2017 reflecting the light
We have a wall near our dining table that is away from the windows and can be a little dull because it lacks the natural light. Recently, Melanie put a set of mirrors on the wall which reflect the light from windows at the end of the room and this has made the dining area much brighter.
I recently heard Rico Tice saying we are like mirrors which have no light of our own, but which can reflect the light of God. This reflection can make the world around us brighter.
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6).
There are things that affect the degree to which we reflect God’s glory. Perhaps dirt or grime on the mirror might keep it from reflecting clearly. As God forgives us and changes us it is as if he is polishing the mirror, removing the dust and smudges we have gathered through life. As the mirror is polished a clearer image of the reflection of the face of Jesus appears. As God works in our hearts to make us holy, the light of his glory and his image shines more brightly.
God provides the light, we don’t have to generate it. The light constantly shines in the person of Jesus, in his love for us and in the glory of all he has done for us. But what happens with this light as it strikes our lives? Is our way of life gathering more dirt and dust to obscure the image of Jesus or are we enabling more of the surface to be cleaned and so give a bigger, brighter, clearer reflection of him?
I encourage you to consider what you could do today that would allow God’s light to shine from you. And pray that we, together as a church, may reflect the brightness of God’s glory into every corner of our community.
God bless you
John Malcolm
I recently heard Rico Tice saying we are like mirrors which have no light of our own, but which can reflect the light of God. This reflection can make the world around us brighter.
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6).
There are things that affect the degree to which we reflect God’s glory. Perhaps dirt or grime on the mirror might keep it from reflecting clearly. As God forgives us and changes us it is as if he is polishing the mirror, removing the dust and smudges we have gathered through life. As the mirror is polished a clearer image of the reflection of the face of Jesus appears. As God works in our hearts to make us holy, the light of his glory and his image shines more brightly.
God provides the light, we don’t have to generate it. The light constantly shines in the person of Jesus, in his love for us and in the glory of all he has done for us. But what happens with this light as it strikes our lives? Is our way of life gathering more dirt and dust to obscure the image of Jesus or are we enabling more of the surface to be cleaned and so give a bigger, brighter, clearer reflection of him?
I encourage you to consider what you could do today that would allow God’s light to shine from you. And pray that we, together as a church, may reflect the brightness of God’s glory into every corner of our community.
God bless you
John Malcolm
June 2017 it is well...
There is a hymn which says "it is well with my soul". It reminds us that in Christ we can have peace, joy, love, unity and purpose in our lives, regardless of our circumstances. And when people with well souls gather together to praise God, there is a sense of spiritual well-being that is almost tangible. This is what I think we enjoyed last Sunday at our children’s service.
It was so encouraging to see the children expressing their faith and understanding of the bible. It was fun to be with them as we built towers made of straws and played noughts and crosses in the parables quiz. It was great to be together as a family of faith, and there was a sense of well-being in the service. I think that sense, which we are almost able to touch and taste with our souls rather than with our physical senses, is a sign of the presence and glory of God among us. This continued following the service as people stayed around chatting and supporting the children’s sausage sizzle and cake bake.
I am also encouraged by the compassionate generosity of the people of the church. At the sausage sizzle our children were raising funds to bring help and relief to other children who are situations of family violence (donating to Shine). Last month we supported Date Night, helping to provide an evening out for people attending a reconciliation course, and who are learning new skills for home and relationships. A number of these families are caught up in cycles of poverty and family violence. For some of these people date night is the first time they have been able to enjoy a nice meal together, and it is an important part of the healing and strengthening of good relationships in their family life. Next month we will be focusing on the Charlie Smith can day, donating cans of food to the food bank. Last year we collected over 400 cans on one Sunday and we hope to exceed this next month. This generosity is a sign of God’s blessing to us and another way the light of his glory shines in our church.
I was very encouraged when we asked those who do voluntary work in our church to stand, and about 80% of the congregation stood up. Jesus said, I … came not to be served, but to serve. Whenever we serve, we are following in his footsteps. I think with such a high percentage of people volunteering their time, skills and resources, we could refer to our church as a church of volunteers or a church of servants. Last year we estimated people gave 200hrs each week in voluntary service around the church – that is a big commitment which is worth celebrating. These levels of service are another sign of God’s presence among us, and are sacrificial acts which again reveal God’s glory in our church.
All these things in the life of our church have given me great encouragement, and I hope you have also been encouraged.
The wellness of our church family, our generosity to those in need, and our commitment to serve are each a witness to the glory of God, evidence of his presence in our lives and in our church.
For all these things we give God praise, honour and glory.
God bless you
John Malcolm
It was so encouraging to see the children expressing their faith and understanding of the bible. It was fun to be with them as we built towers made of straws and played noughts and crosses in the parables quiz. It was great to be together as a family of faith, and there was a sense of well-being in the service. I think that sense, which we are almost able to touch and taste with our souls rather than with our physical senses, is a sign of the presence and glory of God among us. This continued following the service as people stayed around chatting and supporting the children’s sausage sizzle and cake bake.
I am also encouraged by the compassionate generosity of the people of the church. At the sausage sizzle our children were raising funds to bring help and relief to other children who are situations of family violence (donating to Shine). Last month we supported Date Night, helping to provide an evening out for people attending a reconciliation course, and who are learning new skills for home and relationships. A number of these families are caught up in cycles of poverty and family violence. For some of these people date night is the first time they have been able to enjoy a nice meal together, and it is an important part of the healing and strengthening of good relationships in their family life. Next month we will be focusing on the Charlie Smith can day, donating cans of food to the food bank. Last year we collected over 400 cans on one Sunday and we hope to exceed this next month. This generosity is a sign of God’s blessing to us and another way the light of his glory shines in our church.
I was very encouraged when we asked those who do voluntary work in our church to stand, and about 80% of the congregation stood up. Jesus said, I … came not to be served, but to serve. Whenever we serve, we are following in his footsteps. I think with such a high percentage of people volunteering their time, skills and resources, we could refer to our church as a church of volunteers or a church of servants. Last year we estimated people gave 200hrs each week in voluntary service around the church – that is a big commitment which is worth celebrating. These levels of service are another sign of God’s presence among us, and are sacrificial acts which again reveal God’s glory in our church.
All these things in the life of our church have given me great encouragement, and I hope you have also been encouraged.
The wellness of our church family, our generosity to those in need, and our commitment to serve are each a witness to the glory of God, evidence of his presence in our lives and in our church.
For all these things we give God praise, honour and glory.
God bless you
John Malcolm
JUNE 2017 GROWING GOD'S KINGDOM
How many actors does it take to change a light bulb? Only one – they don’t like to share the spotlight!
How many Christians does it take … to grow the Kingdom of God? How many ministries do we need to grow the church? How much effort or funding is needed? How many resources … hours … ideas … facilities … are needed?
Jesus gave an interesting perspective on this when he likened the Kingdom of God to a farmer who has sown seed in the field saying, Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain … (Mark 4:27–28)
While the farmer works hard to sow the seed, the growth happens whether he rests or works because the soil gives the growth. The Apostle Paul adds to this likening his work to that of a farmer saying … I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).
We gain a balanced perspective on growth when we recognise we are God’s co-workers in this endeavour and the growth depends on God not on us. That lifts an impossible burden from our shoulders and allows us to focus on our part in the work of God’s Kingdom where there is an expectation of growth.
The bible uses a variety of images to help us understand our part in this work – like farmers we are to sow and water the seed – like builders we are to build with good materials – like the wise we are to build on a firm foundation – like good stewards we are to be faithful with the resources God gives us – like a tree we are to produce good spiritual fruit – like a light we are to shine brightly. There are many ways of thinking about this, all highlighting the fact that we have a part to play in God’s Kingdom.
An image we use at Greyfriars to help us understand our mission is that we are A Ship Set Sail. This is not a passenger ship designed for your comfort, but a rescue ship on which each of us are part of the crew with responsibilities and work to do. One of the most important opportunities the church provides to you is the opportunity to serve as a co-worker with God. God will provide the growth, but leaves it to us to sow the seed.
How are you applying yourself to do this? Which team in our church are you part of? How are you contributing your resources, time, effort and finances to this work?
Many of our crew are working hard in areas of wonderful mission and need your help. At a recent meeting focusing on our ministry with children we identified: the need to have people join the playgroup and mainly music teams; volunteers to help Lina and Cherry with our kidzone programmes on Sunday mornings; an opportunity to work with intermediate aged children which requires people with a vision for this to step up and begin something new. This need for people to help is echoed in each area of ministry in the life of our church: Cross cultural ministries; school holiday programmes; growth groups; property and finance; Bible readings …
We need all hands-on deck to take part in the life and mission of the church, knowing that as we do so – God will give the growth.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
God bless you
John Malcolm
How many Christians does it take … to grow the Kingdom of God? How many ministries do we need to grow the church? How much effort or funding is needed? How many resources … hours … ideas … facilities … are needed?
Jesus gave an interesting perspective on this when he likened the Kingdom of God to a farmer who has sown seed in the field saying, Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain … (Mark 4:27–28)
While the farmer works hard to sow the seed, the growth happens whether he rests or works because the soil gives the growth. The Apostle Paul adds to this likening his work to that of a farmer saying … I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).
We gain a balanced perspective on growth when we recognise we are God’s co-workers in this endeavour and the growth depends on God not on us. That lifts an impossible burden from our shoulders and allows us to focus on our part in the work of God’s Kingdom where there is an expectation of growth.
The bible uses a variety of images to help us understand our part in this work – like farmers we are to sow and water the seed – like builders we are to build with good materials – like the wise we are to build on a firm foundation – like good stewards we are to be faithful with the resources God gives us – like a tree we are to produce good spiritual fruit – like a light we are to shine brightly. There are many ways of thinking about this, all highlighting the fact that we have a part to play in God’s Kingdom.
An image we use at Greyfriars to help us understand our mission is that we are A Ship Set Sail. This is not a passenger ship designed for your comfort, but a rescue ship on which each of us are part of the crew with responsibilities and work to do. One of the most important opportunities the church provides to you is the opportunity to serve as a co-worker with God. God will provide the growth, but leaves it to us to sow the seed.
How are you applying yourself to do this? Which team in our church are you part of? How are you contributing your resources, time, effort and finances to this work?
Many of our crew are working hard in areas of wonderful mission and need your help. At a recent meeting focusing on our ministry with children we identified: the need to have people join the playgroup and mainly music teams; volunteers to help Lina and Cherry with our kidzone programmes on Sunday mornings; an opportunity to work with intermediate aged children which requires people with a vision for this to step up and begin something new. This need for people to help is echoed in each area of ministry in the life of our church: Cross cultural ministries; school holiday programmes; growth groups; property and finance; Bible readings …
We need all hands-on deck to take part in the life and mission of the church, knowing that as we do so – God will give the growth.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
God bless you
John Malcolm
MAY 2017 RECENTRING YOUR LIFE
My sense of direction is sadly lacking so I tend to rely on Google maps. Occasionally Google maps has a glitch, the map spins around, it can’t discern the direction I am travelling and it becomes hard to follow. When that happens, it has a re‑centre button. This brings the map back into place, allows me to see where I am on the map and the direction I need to take to get where I want to go.
It would be good to have a re‑centre button for our lives. There is so much that pulls us off course, spins us around and leaves us disorientated. Perhaps we have a family crisis, the loss of a job, difficulty finding a place to live, people who misunderstand us or some inner thoughts that disturb and distress us. We feel lost and are not sure which direction to take. At times like these we need something to centre us.
What centres you spiritually?
For some it might be worship, drawing near to God in adoration, and recognising his greatness as we praise him. For others, it might be silent contemplation, being still before God and resting in him.
This re‑centering recently happened for me as I read ... The mission of God’s people is not a matter of how great we are at doing things for God, but a matter of how patient and persistent God is in doing things through us. (Christopher Wright, The Mission of God's People). So much is happening around our church and it is easy to lose focus or see mission from a slightly warped perspective. As a minister, I can slip into thinking about what I am doing for God and forget about what God is doing for me.
This quote pulled me up short and re‑centred me as I reflected on the idea of God being patient with me and my efforts in ministry. It would be easier for a parent to quickly do a task themselves rather than to wait while a child slowly works on it; perhaps making a bit of a mess while they complete it. God could do all my ministry work in the blink of an eye and do it far better that I ever could. God could push me aside and plough on to achieve the desired end more quickly. Yet God patiently allows me to take part in his grand plan for humanity. How gracious God is to include me in what he is doing.
In my ministry people have spoken to me about their disappointment in themselves, falling short of what they hoped to do for God, feeling God must be frustrated with them or has perhaps given up on them. You may have had times when you felt something like this, wondering if God was annoyed with your slow progress. Perhaps you could take heart and be encouraged by reflecting, how patient and persistent God is in doing things through us. Keep persevering, knowing God will not give up on you, but like a parent he will wait for you, allow you to take your time and keep a watchful eye on you, to direct you as you grow in faith and learn to serve him
“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
God bless you
John Malcolm
It would be good to have a re‑centre button for our lives. There is so much that pulls us off course, spins us around and leaves us disorientated. Perhaps we have a family crisis, the loss of a job, difficulty finding a place to live, people who misunderstand us or some inner thoughts that disturb and distress us. We feel lost and are not sure which direction to take. At times like these we need something to centre us.
What centres you spiritually?
For some it might be worship, drawing near to God in adoration, and recognising his greatness as we praise him. For others, it might be silent contemplation, being still before God and resting in him.
This re‑centering recently happened for me as I read ... The mission of God’s people is not a matter of how great we are at doing things for God, but a matter of how patient and persistent God is in doing things through us. (Christopher Wright, The Mission of God's People). So much is happening around our church and it is easy to lose focus or see mission from a slightly warped perspective. As a minister, I can slip into thinking about what I am doing for God and forget about what God is doing for me.
This quote pulled me up short and re‑centred me as I reflected on the idea of God being patient with me and my efforts in ministry. It would be easier for a parent to quickly do a task themselves rather than to wait while a child slowly works on it; perhaps making a bit of a mess while they complete it. God could do all my ministry work in the blink of an eye and do it far better that I ever could. God could push me aside and plough on to achieve the desired end more quickly. Yet God patiently allows me to take part in his grand plan for humanity. How gracious God is to include me in what he is doing.
In my ministry people have spoken to me about their disappointment in themselves, falling short of what they hoped to do for God, feeling God must be frustrated with them or has perhaps given up on them. You may have had times when you felt something like this, wondering if God was annoyed with your slow progress. Perhaps you could take heart and be encouraged by reflecting, how patient and persistent God is in doing things through us. Keep persevering, knowing God will not give up on you, but like a parent he will wait for you, allow you to take your time and keep a watchful eye on you, to direct you as you grow in faith and learn to serve him
“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
God bless you
John Malcolm
APRIL 2017 EASTER
The story of Easter helps us to make sense of life. It helps us understand suffering, rejection, mystery, surprise and joy. Many of the deep questions of life are answered at the cross of Jesus and at his empty tomb. The Easter story is both comforting and confronting. It is offensive with issues of personal sin and responsibility; of false accusations, a biased court, the wrath of God, and a bloody execution. It reveals Christianity is not a crutch for those who need support in life, but a cross for those who choose to follow the Suffering Servant. While we are reminded of the consequences of sin, it also gives the joy of forgiveness. While it confronts us with death, it also inspires us to live a new life.
The cross speaks of how God dealt with our wrongdoing and rebellion. The empty tomb speaks of God breaking the power of death and giving us the hope of eternal life.
Easter is not simply a remembrance of something that happened many centuries ago. It has practical implications for us today. The Apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). Easter informs our understanding of death, life, purpose and God's love. Easter is an invitation from God to bring your wrongdoing to the cross, have it dealt with and be given new life. I encourage you to reflect on that and allow it to change how you live.
Easter is one of the most powerful times in the Christian year. I invite you to join us for our Easter services and to allow God to use this story to speak powerfully into your life. Join us on Good Friday as we carry the cross through Mt Eden and remember Jesus' death. Then gather with us on Easter Sunday as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection.
God bless you
John Malcolm
The cross speaks of how God dealt with our wrongdoing and rebellion. The empty tomb speaks of God breaking the power of death and giving us the hope of eternal life.
Easter is not simply a remembrance of something that happened many centuries ago. It has practical implications for us today. The Apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). Easter informs our understanding of death, life, purpose and God's love. Easter is an invitation from God to bring your wrongdoing to the cross, have it dealt with and be given new life. I encourage you to reflect on that and allow it to change how you live.
Easter is one of the most powerful times in the Christian year. I invite you to join us for our Easter services and to allow God to use this story to speak powerfully into your life. Join us on Good Friday as we carry the cross through Mt Eden and remember Jesus' death. Then gather with us on Easter Sunday as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection.
God bless you
John Malcolm
March 2017 BBQ Church - connecting with the community
I was very encouraged by our recent BBQ church which helped us to connect with the community, meet new people and begin to develop friendships. We began on a drizzly evening with fifty people, the following week with the sun shining over seventy came along, and the final week over ninety people joined us for the evening. It was really good to have so many families with young children that night. This was a great time to sit and talk with people who are new to the church; and to also to meet some who were there for the first time. Some came because of relationships that had already begun through playgroup or Sunday services, some had seen our advertising and others were invited by friends. This connection with people was what we were hoping for when we began BBQ church.
In some ways BBQ church is a microcosm of our church life. It requires the support of the whole church, with people sharing their resources, energy and time. It is a place of fellowship where we can foster relationships between friends. It is an opportunity for outreach as we connect with new people. It is a gentle evangelism where we can witness to Jesus’ love, through our conversations with those who are our guests for the evening.
It is a shop window for the life of the church. Hannah helped us to enjoy ourselves with games that engaged everyone and often had us laughing together. The food we shared was an expression of our generosity. Each of our speakers brought the gospel into the evening, highlighting Jesus in our work‑life, overseas mission and the way we minister with children.
Overall, those who were new to Greyfriars or looking into Christianity, would have seen people of faith, having fun together, living out what they believed through generous service and loving relationships – a shining example of Christian community.
Under, around and through all this – God is at work! God has inspired us, resourced us and been with us each evening of BBQ church. God has called us to pray and then answered our prayers.
We should continue to pray for all those who visited us at BBQ church so that some will return to our weekly services and become part of our church family. Perhaps you will see some of these people on Sunday morning and have the opportunity to get to know them better, to help them feel welcome and encourage them to grow in their faith. For those who attended only once, we can pray that the seeds of the gospel which were sown in their lives that night will grow so that in time they will find themselves drawn towards Jesus and the fellowship of his people.
Now we begin Converse, a new migrants’ class, student lunches and continue with other ministries that are part of our church life. Let’s do this with glad hearts knowing that God is working his wonders through us.
God bless you
John Malcolm
(A big thank you to Pat, Hannah, the BBQ church team, all who donated food and the cooks who grilled the meat to perfection!)
In some ways BBQ church is a microcosm of our church life. It requires the support of the whole church, with people sharing their resources, energy and time. It is a place of fellowship where we can foster relationships between friends. It is an opportunity for outreach as we connect with new people. It is a gentle evangelism where we can witness to Jesus’ love, through our conversations with those who are our guests for the evening.
It is a shop window for the life of the church. Hannah helped us to enjoy ourselves with games that engaged everyone and often had us laughing together. The food we shared was an expression of our generosity. Each of our speakers brought the gospel into the evening, highlighting Jesus in our work‑life, overseas mission and the way we minister with children.
Overall, those who were new to Greyfriars or looking into Christianity, would have seen people of faith, having fun together, living out what they believed through generous service and loving relationships – a shining example of Christian community.
Under, around and through all this – God is at work! God has inspired us, resourced us and been with us each evening of BBQ church. God has called us to pray and then answered our prayers.
We should continue to pray for all those who visited us at BBQ church so that some will return to our weekly services and become part of our church family. Perhaps you will see some of these people on Sunday morning and have the opportunity to get to know them better, to help them feel welcome and encourage them to grow in their faith. For those who attended only once, we can pray that the seeds of the gospel which were sown in their lives that night will grow so that in time they will find themselves drawn towards Jesus and the fellowship of his people.
Now we begin Converse, a new migrants’ class, student lunches and continue with other ministries that are part of our church life. Let’s do this with glad hearts knowing that God is working his wonders through us.
God bless you
John Malcolm
(A big thank you to Pat, Hannah, the BBQ church team, all who donated food and the cooks who grilled the meat to perfection!)
February 2017 Freely you have received; free give!
I hope you have had a relaxing and refreshing holiday. Melanie and I had a good break. We spent time with family and had a quick trip to Wellington. Now the summer holidays are over for most of us and we are looking forward to what God brings in the year ahead.
A few days ago I read, If God blesses you, it is so you can bless others. If God redeems you, it is so you can demonstrate redemptive grace to others. If God loves you, feeds and clothes you, then you should go and do likewise for others. If God brings you into the light of salvation, it is so you can shine with a light that attracts others to the same place. If you enjoy God’s forgiveness, then make sure you forgive others. And so on. (Christopher Wright; The Mission of God's People)
We have each received wonderful blessings of grace from our Lord Jesus. We have spiritual gifts and natural talents. We have experience in life and education to draw on. Christopher Wright adds to his list ...and so on. This give room for us to think about the many ways God has touched our lives which he hasn’t thought about, but which may be very important in our experience.
What God has given to you is valuable and others need you to pass it on. With each gift from God comes responsibility and we are accountable to him for what we do with his gifts.
This year you have the opportunity to use those gifts to help your family, church and community.
At church we will give you the opportunity to grow through our services, growth groups and courses. We will offer ways for you to serve at our events, ministries or on our teams. There will be ways to connect in outreach to the community through holiday programmes, prison ministry and BBQ church. You can help us make new migrants feel at home through our fun day, new migrants classes and cultural activities.
And then at the end of the year we can look back and see the way we have blessed others; shown grace; fed, clothed and shown compassion to people, brought God’s light into dark places; forgiven people – and more …
Jesus said, Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10.8
God bless you
John Malcolm
A few days ago I read, If God blesses you, it is so you can bless others. If God redeems you, it is so you can demonstrate redemptive grace to others. If God loves you, feeds and clothes you, then you should go and do likewise for others. If God brings you into the light of salvation, it is so you can shine with a light that attracts others to the same place. If you enjoy God’s forgiveness, then make sure you forgive others. And so on. (Christopher Wright; The Mission of God's People)
We have each received wonderful blessings of grace from our Lord Jesus. We have spiritual gifts and natural talents. We have experience in life and education to draw on. Christopher Wright adds to his list ...and so on. This give room for us to think about the many ways God has touched our lives which he hasn’t thought about, but which may be very important in our experience.
What God has given to you is valuable and others need you to pass it on. With each gift from God comes responsibility and we are accountable to him for what we do with his gifts.
This year you have the opportunity to use those gifts to help your family, church and community.
At church we will give you the opportunity to grow through our services, growth groups and courses. We will offer ways for you to serve at our events, ministries or on our teams. There will be ways to connect in outreach to the community through holiday programmes, prison ministry and BBQ church. You can help us make new migrants feel at home through our fun day, new migrants classes and cultural activities.
And then at the end of the year we can look back and see the way we have blessed others; shown grace; fed, clothed and shown compassion to people, brought God’s light into dark places; forgiven people – and more …
Jesus said, Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10.8
God bless you
John Malcolm