Selah2020: Pause and Reflect

[This reflection by Dennis Ginter was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 29/Oct/2023]

Some of us have been thinking seriously about discipleship – the process of becoming much closer followers of Jesus.

My first key realisation was that Jesus is not here in person to do the discipling. So all the churches I’ve been part of use some kind of ‘discipling course’ – usually followed in small groups. These courses were more information than transformation, if I’m honest. Rarely were we letting Jesus lead us! We were sharing, but not at a deep, raw level.

Something was missing. No, SOMEONE was missing! I see now that Jesus CAN do the discipling – in disguise. Although bodily He is now with the Father in another realm, He is with us here in the form of the Holy Spirit. And we need to do all we can to let HIM shape us individually and corporately into deeply loved and loving copies of Jesus!

In my twenties and early thirties, I was a member of a church in Winnipeg called ‘The Church of the Way’. Our pastor, John White, often observed (only partially joking) that we were too often acting like a church IN the way!

I firmly believe that if we are hoping to become close, effective followers of Jesus, we need to do all we can to get OUT of the way and let Him shape us! That is already happening in our small group. We are more and more honest with each other in our struggles to get rid of personal faults and, like a true family, allowing our Father to have His way with us. And, the Holy Spirit, with the amazing ability to do more than Jesus ever could while in the flesh, is discipling us! And it’s wonderful!!

Blessings,
Dennis

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Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
.
Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: The Greatest Of All, Is Love by Chris Ginter
 

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]

In the ecclesiastical calendar of the Roman Catholic church and that of the international Anglican communion the first day of November each year is designated as “All Saints’ Day”. In the Eastern Orthodox churches a similar event is recognised on the first Sunday following Pentecost. The day before All Saints’ Day is All Saints’ Eve, which in Old English is All Hallows Eve. Linguistically, this designation has evolved into ‘Halloween’.

All Saints’ Day has nothing to do with a certain south-coast football team or a female pop group. It is not limited to those canonised saints so-named by the major denominations but, like the altar to the unknown god that Paul saw in Athens, it serves as a catch-all for those unnamed saints and martyrs who do not have particular celebratory days assigned to their memory.

All Saints’ Day is an opportunity to remember those people who have lived before us; in particular those, ancient or modern, clerical or laity, who have had a positive influence on our own spiritual lives. In this context the designation of ‘saint’ conforms with that of the New Testament writers, such as when Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth:

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians 1 v2 [NKJV]

Historically, grateful believers would visit the graves or shrines of the saints, lighting candles in commemoration and perhaps sharing a meal of their saint’s favourite food. In this form it was, essentially, a way of honouring the memory of those who have gone before and expressing gratitude for the spiritual blessings associated with the chosen benefactor.

From our modern perspective, it is not difficult to see how venerable nocturnal activities in graveyards came to be corrupted by thoughts of ghosts and demons and similar superstitions. Commercialisation of this and other ecclesiastical events has led to the erosion of their original meanings. Many people see the modern celebrations as ‘just a bit of fun’ without realising the sinister undertones that they have acquired.

So, how should we think of All Saints Day and, by extension, All Hallows Eve? The Church of England says of All Saints’ Day that “It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith”.^[1]

The book of Hebrews includes a roll-call^[2] of Old Testament saints who were commended for their faith and became an inspiration to others. Would the list have been longer if there had not been a cut-off date for the Bible account? Who would you nominate for inclusion? Let us give thanks for them.

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Resources:
[1] quoted from https://www.churchofengland.org/
[2] Hebrews 11 v1-40

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Last week’s reflection: Partners in Time
 

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]

For the past couple of weeks we have been progressing through the book of Ecclesiastes, looking a various statements from the first three chapters and contrasting them with verses from the corresponding chapters in the epistle of James. In general, the writer of Ecclesiastes suggests that life is largely futile and meaningless whereas James gives advice intended to help make life worthwhile.

In chapter 4 that dichotomy appears to be reversed. James writes some words that we might expect to find in Ecclesiastes. Is he, too, succumbing to the futility of life?

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4 v14 [NIVUK]

Whilst the writer of Ecclesiastes continues his woeful thoughts throughout much of chapter 4, we do see some common sense there:

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4 v9-10 [NIVUK]

Even in our everyday lives we can see the truth of this argument: if someone stumbles then their companion can help them to steady themselves, two people consulting together tend to make better decisions, two people contributing to the household income makes paying bills somewhat easier.

Can we apply this principle of partnership to our Christian walk? We recall that God himself said that is not good for man to be alone.^[1] The apostle Paul valued the support of his fellow believers^[2] and the writer to the Hebrews explains how by meeting together we can encourage one another, spurring us on to good deeds.^[3]

Building healthy partnerships takes effort. The same applies to building heathy church communities. Are we willing to help those who are facing problems, are we willing to share our time and resources, are we willing to get involved? In Sunday’s ‘Yours’ Chris suggested that we need to think – and act – outside the (church-shaped) box. Only then will we fully enjoy the blessings that being part of a healthy church brings.

But is there anything here to bring encouragement to those whose status seems to fall short of God’s preferred model? What about those whose faith is not understood by their partners? We need to ensure that the benefits of fellowship are extended to those who, for whatever reason, find themselves walking a solitary path. In the closing words of Matthew’s gospel Jesus made a promise that is applicable to all who seek to follow him:

I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age. Matthew 28 v20 [AMP]

Or, to put it another way, you’ll never walk alone.

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Resources:
[1] Genesis 2 v18
[2] for example, Philemon 1 v23-24
[3] Hebrews 10 v24-25

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Last week’s reflection: A Piece about Peace
 

[This reflection by Chris Ginter was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 22/Oct/2023]

When you walk into HBC the overwhelming emotion is love.

I remember an old song by the Beatles, “All you need is love”. This is so true. This love is so needed in the church but even more so in our community.

• What about the road where we live, and even more so the estate on which our church is built, Court Lodge Estate.
• How about smiling at the drug addict who needs prayer to free him from his disturbed childhood and abusive parents.
• How about chatting to the lonely lady who is desperate to be greeted warmly and needs friendship.
• What about the single parent who wants to share the stress of what her children are up to at school.

 
All the above need love, prayer and especially to know Jesus is real in our day and in our time. How can we be Jesus in our community, how do we get the message across?

We need to be where the people are, coming alongside them, to be where they are. Litter picking is one of the ways to come alongside. Only 2 or 3 people come and join in, we can prayer walk the area, just chatting to the people we bump into in the process. People and families are in desperate need financially and desperate for friendship. What about introducing them to the food bank or bringing them to colour wheel or to the toddler group?

There are so many ways, but it won’t happen by just sitting in church on Sunday. Bringing Jesus into the community is like the sun shining after a dull grey day, He warms our hearts. Jesus gives us courage to shine where there is hurt and despondency. Traditional evangelism and leaflet dropping through letter boxes is one way but doesn’t bring much fruit, I know – I’ve tried it, but do people know we are there for them?

They will know we are Christians by our love. Create in me a clean heart Oh God and renew a right spirit within me.

Every blessing, Chris Ginter

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Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
.
Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem! by Martin Shorey
 

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]

A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3 v8 [NIVUK]

It would surely be difficult to write a meaningful reflection this week without referring to recent events in the Middle East. The outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas took many people by surprise, not least the Israeli security forces who were, reportedly, enjoying the national holiday rather more than they should have been.

Many people have been asking, “Is this the beginning of the end times?” One surprising aspect of this is the number of people who have some concept of an ‘End Times’ although they may have no idea of what it might involve. How do those who have no familiarity with the Biblical passages about the end times even conceive of such a possibility?

In response to this question, social media is awash with prophets, preachers and speculators trying to argue one way or the other. Are their assertions convincing? Do we endorse those who agree with our own thoughts and dismiss those who have other ideas?

Do we have reason to be fearful about the future? For most of us, the wars in the Middle East and eastern Europe are at what seems to be a safe distance. Yet we have already seen how these conflicts can invoke reactions on a global scale and even on our own streets there are those who want to take action supporting one side or another. Remember the words that Jesus spoke:

When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Luke 21 v9 [NIVUK]

Do these words mean imply that there is worse to come? Certainly when we read the visionary writings such as those of Daniel and John we have good reason to think so. How can we keep from being fearful? The prophet Isaiah, who saw his own share of trouble during his lifetime, wrote these words:

You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Isaiah 26 v3 [GNT]

In our opening verse the writer of Ecclesiastes suggested that there is an appropriate time to hate and to go to war. By contrast, a New Testament writer argues otherwise:

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3 v17-18 [NLT]

Give peace in our time, O Lord.^[1]

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Resources:
[1] Morning Prayer from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Last week’s reflection: Batting for Christ
 

[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 15/Oct/2023]

As I reflect on the escalating violence in the Middle East, I am struck by the complexity of the situation. Both sides have a long history of violence and intimidation, and it seems as though there is little chance of de-escalation or reconciliation. It can be easy to take sides and simplify the situation down to sound bites or twisted interpretations of religious texts, an urge we must resist.

Instead, let us turn to the simple yet challenging command of Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. While this may seem almost impossible in the midst of such pain and suffering, we who watch this tragedy unfold from a distance are perhaps better placed to pray for those whose lives are being affected by such brutality. We can pray that the violence will cease, that justice will be done, and that peace will be restored.

Let us also remember the Jesus followers who are living and ministering in the midst of the hate and violence. They are living examples of love and peace in a region that is engulfed in hostility. We stand in solidarity with them and pray for their continued safety and success in spreading God’s love and peace.

Psalm 122:

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
8 For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, “Peace be within you!”

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Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
.
Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: I Am Secure In Your Plans by Michael Goble