Mission statement

 

This morning's meditation:

2 Timothy 1:1  “sent out to tell others about the life God has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.”

This mission statement of the apostle Paul is so clear. He did many other things in the process –  signs and wonders and miracles. He baptised a few, he planted some churches, he wrote books, he contended with legalism, he helped the poor.

But this mission given to him at conversion remained –“to take my message to the  Gentiles and to kings as well as to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).

This is the true Gospel that creates new life now and forever.

New life?  Yes, the habits and attitudes of the old life need to be renounced. The new life now, has motive, purpose, reward focused on Jesus Christ  the Lord in heaven. The life to come – more than the present dreams, present possessions, present family – much more. Eternal life is the certain prospect of living where God rules and the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the light and focus of eternity.

My prayer today- “Lord keep me focused”

Year ending

 

Our year for teaching RI in the state schools is coming to an end.

The recurring challenge in our curriculum has been presented – ‘going God’s’ way or ‘going our way’.

        God’s way of commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour has the outcome of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

        Our way of self interest is characterised by lust, personal pleasure, idolatry, occult, critical attitude, quarrelling, jealousy, anger, self ambition, envy , drunkenness, wild parties etc.

As God does, we leave the children to choose.

 

And now I must take time to pray for them, that they will not be lost under the pressure of misguided adults, media manipulation and sensual society.

What a privilege it has been to bring this message of hope to so many children who otherwise would not hear,  and to give many a Bible for them to read.   -   “Thank you Lord”

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Citizenship

 

I have been teaching English and citizenship to migrants for many years. To help peoples who have come from disaster experiences has been a privilege. Christian compassion says “welcome”.

        However one thing is missing – God

In a church context I have explained a little of the Christian faith, but in a State School context I felt very restrained about discussing religion. After interacting with migrants of many kinds, the common problem appears: -- what is the valid reference point for living – as one student said “we don’t know all the laws!”.

  Some come with different religious laws, others think ‘freedom’ means ‘do as they please’. The Government pushes the idea of democracy – ‘the will of the people for the people’, and eventually the biggest families dominate.

This mishmash of cultures and religions results in confusion and disorder e.g. gang bullying, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, illegal business, marital breakup, financial corruption, mental health disorders etc.

    So what am I suggesting? One starting point!

-Explanation and implementation of the first line of the citizenship pledge:

      “From this time forward, under God”……..

The promise to be loyal to Australia is helpful but which Australians set the example? The rich? The bludgers? the gay? the corrupt, the racist, the workers, inconsistent politicians? religious hypocrites .....................................................?

   The two words “under God” are the vital key. So what does it mean?

“All persons in Australia are finally accountable to God”

-To be aware of our creator God, and that He will judge all people by Jeus Christ.(Bible- Romans 2:16)

This is the great restrainer to domestic violence, youth crime, drunkenness, corporate crime, political corruption etc.

“Under God” was evident at the Kings coronation ceremony.

 All need to fear God, and serve others as the Lord Jesus Christ has served us. His standards and mercy brings order and cohesion. Ignorance of this is destroying Australia.

God has and will have the final say, so it is my duty, to make God known and to seek to bring people into a living relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ the Lord .

I may have failed, but the Bible, the word of God to all humanity is able to bring light and life and love. So we distribute Bibles and Bible plaques freely to all who choose to receive them.