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The Gray Areas: How should Christians navigate alcohol and drunkenness?

D. W. Brown
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The Gray Areas: How should Christians navigate alcohol and drunkenness?
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You don’t need me to tell you that alcohol is a huge part of our increasingly secular culture, especially among young people. For millions of university students, regularly drinking alcohol and getting drunk while socialising has become the norm.

From experience, it can be tricky to navigate this issue – especially given that there is a variation of opinions among Christians on the topic. In the past I have sinned in this area, so please read this piece in the context of knowing that I am exploring the topic alongside you, rather than preaching down at you.

In this short piece, I want to make a few simple points based on scripture, to help us think about how we should handle alcohol in a drinking culture.

Drinking alcohol is not sinful.

“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock

and plants for man to cultivate,

that he may bring forth food from the earth

and wine to gladden the heart of man,

oil to make his face shine

and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”

Psalm 104:14-15

Firstly, I think it’s helpful to make it clear that alcohol per se is not a bad thing. In several places throughout scripture, wine is portrayed as a good gift from God, to be enjoyed responsibly. The verses above are taken from a wonderful Psalm in which the writer is joyfully exalting God, and listing many of the ways in which he has shown his kindness to us. He lists wine as one of these good gifts.

Think also about one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles, which you can read about in John 2. At the wedding at Cana, he turned water into wine, twenty to thirty gallons we’re told. There are numerous other references to wine throughout scripture, and examples of it being considered a gift, a good thing (Ecclesiastes 9:7, Luke 7:33-35, 1 Timothy 5:23 are a few), however for the sake of keeping this piece short I won’t go into them all.

But with a clear conscience, it is safe to conclude that alcohol is not sinful, however the problem is that sinful people abuse what is not inherently sinful.

Drunkenness is sinful.

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Ephesians 5:18

Scripture makes it explicitly clear, that getting drunk is sinful. This is a case of black and white, there is no Biblical justification for being drunk.

Along with the above verse in his letter to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul also writes in Romans 13:13 “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”

The question may arise in your mind, what about being a little “tipsy” but not out of control? That seems to be a gray area in this discussion. Let me direct your attention to 1 Peter, where in verse 13 Peter writes “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Now to be clear, Peter isn’t using “sober-minded” in this verse the same way we use it when referring to alcohol. In scripture, “sober” means calm and collected, to have good sense and good judgement. So let me ask, does being tipsy (which is still allowing alcohol to impair your feelings and judgement) align with this command to be sober-minded, to show good sense and judgement as we set our hope on Christ? I believe that the answer is a clear “no”.

Satisfaction in something else.

“In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11

Getting drunk may provide you with temporary happiness, an exciting sensation, an “escape from reality” – but like any sin, it is deceiving, and the pleasure is momentary. Reality will hit you again like a tonne of bricks.

We are offered something which is the opposite of this. It is joyful, genuine and permanent. As David writes in Psalm 16, quoted above, in the Lord are pleasures forevermore. When you see the momentary thrill of being intoxicated, in comparison with the glorious, lasting satisfaction of being in Christ, it makes you realise how worthless, cheap and dirty the experience of drunkenness is.

I’ll conclude with a quote that sums up my final point, by one of my favourite writers, C. S. Lewis.

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

(C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, 1949)

Battling the Fear of Death in a Pandemic

On Mission
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Battling the Fear of Death in a Pandemic
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The recent news articles stating that the death toll had surpassed 100,000, the highest number of deaths in the pandemic, was both shocking and distressing. Over one hundred thousand people have lost their lives as a result of the Covid-19 virus in the UK. As I read through the news article, I thought about a loved one in hospital and how this number applied to them. I am not the type of person to admit feelings aloud especially ones that bring sadness. Therefore, I did not want to admit to my fear of losing them. But with numbers that high, I started to feel an internal panic that I might not see them again. 

The fear of death in a pandemic

This pandemic has brought to the surface unimaginable fears that were once fleeting thoughts. The possibility of losing a loved one is now proportionately higher than usual as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. As daily reports announce how many people have died, with numbers in the thousands, it is normal to become numb to the values on our screen, if we are not directly affected, ‘another death,’ ‘another daily tally’, ‘another statistic’. On the other hand, if we have a loved one suffering, these numbers can spark and ignite fear in us; the fear of death.

The fear of death is a prominent reality in our lives today. The worry, panic, dread that you may not speak to your loved one the next day, hear their voice or see their face. It’s a daunting experience. One that many are experiencing right now. As I write this article, my father is in hospital. I don’t think I have ever thought about losing my parents. A little passing thought but nothing tangible to cause the kind of fear I feel now. Death is very real, and for the first time, it is at the door of my family and I was not prepared for it.

Death is not the end, we have a sure future

Many, thousands, millions of people have lost family members and friends over the last year. And there are millions of others who have family members in a similar situation to my own. The waiting and praying for good news. Holding tightly to the last ounce of faith as the statistics and doctors share one more heart-shattering piece of information. It hurts, it stings but death has no more victory. The truth remains, despite what is happening in this pandemic, God is on the throne. And death was defeated at Calvary.

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

1 Corinthians 15:55

We must understand how victorious we are even in the deepest parts of our despair. Death is no more the victor over sin, Christ is. The power of death was defeated on the cross when Christ died and rose again (Romans 6:7-9). We can feel better with talking about and dealing with death as Christians because of the victory we have over death through Christ. We cannot be afraid of a battle that has already been won (1 Corinthians 15:57). Christ won this battle with His death and resurrection. 

Faith over fear

This situation is happening right now, and I am choosing faith. I am choosing Christ as my hope. I am choosing to believe in the faith that my father showed me. Every day I pray that Gods will be done. That is the scariest prayer to pray because His will might not be what we want. His will might be that my father does not come home and we have to be ok with that. For every believer in Christ, death signifies the transition to the eternal (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). We leave this life and await the continuation with Christ in the next (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Death is not the end. Christians have a unique disposition when they utter this statement with confidence. It is not a false endearment or empathy but rather a truth with a foundation in our salvation story.

The fear of losing someone can paralyse us in our faith but God is still in control. We may never get over death. Death is a factor of human existence and happens every day, however, in this pandemic, it is occurring more frequently. We must not allow this to frighten us out of our faith. Our faith is in the immovable, Almighty, all-powerful God who never changes, from now and to eternity.

When we are faced with the fear of death or the worry of losing a loved one, let us remember Jesus’ sacrifice. Remember the truth of what Christ did on the cross for us and the hope we now have in Him. We can have hope in life despite our fears. We have hope in God who gives us life and sustains us to enjoy the life we have been given. 

Even when the numbers terrify us, what God has said in His word should steady us with the firm foundation of Christ to trust in. The One that will not be shaken. 

Living In View Of Eternity

On Mission
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Living In View Of Eternity

Q: Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? A: Samson, because he brought the house down

Turning on the news or flicking through social media, it’s easy to get absorbed in what is happening in the world right now. We get caught up in the most pressing issues of the day. Maybe we don’t need the news for that; perhaps it’s our individual lives that have us completely transfixed on the here and now with all of its competing demands. Our daily life keeps us moving from one thing to the next. 

For followers of Christ, there is a view that we need that which reaches beyond the immediate concerns of today. That view is eternity. It comes with hope and warning – and we need to heed both. Let’s take off the lens of our present circumstances for a moment and look with a steadfast gaze towards eternity.

Read and reflect on 1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11

Discussion

  • Are we living with a view of eternity?
  • Are we living as though Christ could come today?
  • Having a proper view of eternity will drastically affect how we live and also prepare us to suffer. Are we experiencing this?

We need an eternal perspective to endure the world

In fact, Peter in this text is encouraging these saints to be prepared to suffer by focusing on the nearness of “the end of all things.” Look at what he said in the beginning of chapter 4:

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude (emphasis mine), because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).

He calls these believers to have the attitude of Christ in being willing to suffer. Like any good soldier, Christ was prepared to give his life and Christians should have this attitude as well. In addition, Peter says in 1 Peter 4:7-11 that having a proper eschatology, a view of the end times would also help these believers with being prepared to suffer.

We can have no doubt, that one of the things that made Christ willing to suffer was a proper view of eternity.  Christ always lived with the thought of the end in mind. In fact, throughout the gospels Christ sought to prepare Peter and the rest of the disciples for sufferings that were coming through developing this view. Look at what he said:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (emphasis mine).
John 14:1-3

How could these disciples keep their hearts from discouragement and giving up, even though they knew their master was about to die? They needed to have a view of heaven and Christ’s second coming. Christ went to build a place for them and he is coming again. This would help keep their hearts from being troubled during the coming suffering.

It is the same for us. One of the secrets to being able to suffer in a world where we are pilgrims is to live in view of the imminent return of Christ.

When Peter says “the end is near”, he was essentially saying there is nothing keeping Christ back from returning at any moment. This was the early church’s blessed hope that helped enable them to endure the sufferings they were experiencing in the world. Christ could return at any time.

Even though it has been 2000 years since this was written, it is still as true for us today as it was then. In fact, it is truer because we are closer to Christ’s coming. When Christ resurrected we entered into the final stage of world history. It is a stage called the “last days.” Look at what the writer of Hebrews said:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe (emphasis mine).
Hebrews 1:1-2

Here are 4 reasons why we need to keep that eternal perspective in view ( a Discussion can follow each one)

1. Our Life in This World Is Temporary

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

We are on this planet for such a short time in comparison to eternity. We may live our lives believing we have years to do all that we want, but the reality is none of us knows how long we have left. Our life is fleeting, so like the psalmist our prayer might be to ask the Lord to “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

We must consider the brevity of life, not knowing what will happen tomorrow, as our life is but “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). For Christians, we are pilgrims passing through this world; it is not our home, nor our final destination. It helps us to keep that perspective, having the confidence that our momentary troubles will pass. It should also remind us to not become attached to the things of this world.

2. People Are Facing Life and Death without Hope 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

Death is inevitable for all of us, and many in our community and around the world are living and dying without knowing the good news of Jesus. Eternity should propel us and drive us with an urgent desire to share the gospel. We know that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16).

Death is not the end of the story for any of us as there will be an eternal outcome, whether in the presence of God or out from His presence for eternity (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Jesus has made a way for all people to come into His Kingdom through the cross on which He died for our sins. We must share this truth with others, for their eternal future depends on it. 

3. Believers Can Live in Hope of Heaven

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands’’ (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Believers have a secure hope that they will one day be with God in heaven. The death and resurrection of Jesus has made a way for sinful mankind to be reconciled to a holy God. When someone declares with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, they will be saved (Romans 10:9) and they have eternal life. We can live boldly, having full assurance in where we are going after death. We also have the promise that Jesus will return, and we will be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17). 

The gospel also provides hope in suffering with the eternal promises found in Scripture. We know that we will suffer in this life and that the very call of following Jesus is a call to deny ourselves and take up our cross (Matthew 16:24). However, our suffering is never for nothing and there is purpose in the pain which Jesus can use for our good and His glory. When suffering comes, we must remember that He is the Savior of the world who suffered for all of us because of our sin, yet by His wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

Even if we are not physically healed in this life, we will be healed in the life to come where there is no more suffering or pain (Revelation 21:4). We have hope both now and for eternity that Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us as we go through struggles and suffering here on earth. 

4. The Gospel Needs to Be Proclaimed Clearly and Truthfully

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:3-60).

If we fail to understand the gospel ourselves, it can have eternal consequences as it shapes our view of eternity. There are ramifications for not proclaiming the gospel with clarity to others or omitting core truths because we fear what others will say. Having an eternal view should keep the gospel at the forefront of our mind and direct our conversations with others.

This is the greatest news for a broken world desperately hungry for hope; we shouldn’t keep it to ourselves. There is a need for urgency – do others know Jesus? How can we daily live our lives with fervor for the souls of those we encounter? Our minds can be filled with God’s Word which shapes our understanding of who He is and the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ as we seek to faithfully proclaim it to others.

How to Stand Firm as a Christian at Work

Rebecca Dada
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How to Stand Firm as a Christian at Work
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The workplace can be a daunting and overwhelming place for young Christians. It often presents a melting pot of beliefs and cultures that directly oppose our faith. We face the challenge of wanting to make a good impression and build relationships with our colleagues but not wanting to compromise our faith as a result. It is important that we proactively and intentionally make the decision to stand firm in our workplaces but what does that look like?

Throughout the Bible Christians are exhorted to stand firm, be steadfast, and unmovable (Ephesians 6:11-13, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Thessalonians 2:15). Essentially, we need to be “spiritually grounded”. It can be tough to do this when we are in the workplace because we desire to fit in, we may fear persecution and we might actually be ashamed of the gospel.

Living a Life Standing Firm

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are great examples of what it looks like to stand firm (Daniel 3). They were faced with an instruction from the King that stood in direct opposition with their faith as Jews, and they were faced with a fatal penalty for disobeying that instruction. In the midst of this, they chose to stay grounded in God.  So, what can we learn from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

Standing firm requires us to stand out (Romans 12:2)

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows us that standing firm in our faith requires us to go against the curb. I can imagine how awkward it would have been for them, sticking out like sore thumbs as they stood whilst everyone bowed. Well, this is exactly what is required of us as Christians. Romans 12:2 tells us that we should not be conformed to the patterns of this world, in doing so we are bound to look different from the rest of our colleagues.

Standing firm requires us to fear God and not fear man (Matthew 8: 35-38)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story isn’t just inspiring because God saved them from the fire, their story is inspiring because of their heart posture in the situation (Daniel 3:16-18). They were less concerned about the fire they would face here on earth and more concerned about the God they would face in eternity. As believers, our first thought should be towards God and not the men we work with and under.

Live a life worthy of The Gospel

Standing firm in our faith is our appropriate response to our Saviour who stood firm so that we could have salvation. We stand firm in our workplaces first and foremost because that is the call of the believer. Our faith is evidenced when we choose to not conform to the things around us but decide to stand out for God.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel

Philippians 1:27

For many of us, the vast majority of our time will be spent at work. The people we are likely to interact with the most is our colleagues. To be an effective witness, we must hold on to our beliefs, our mouths cannot be telling one story whilst our lives tell a different one.

Some practical Tips to Stand Firm

  • Join or start a faith network – Walking with Christ is easier when we do not walk alone, especially in our workplaces.
  • Choose not to get involved with work gossip – choosing to not do something that is so casually done can be difficult but just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it is right to do.
  • Stand up for yourself and the gospel – it can be easy to let snide remarks go but gracefully correcting someone is likely to have a greater impact on that person’s view of Christianity than just ignoring it or laughing it off.

As we work and interact with colleagues who would rather make a joke out of Christianity or those who are tolerant of our beliefs, or those who are curious and want to know more- let us remember the words of Apostle Paul. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Rom 1:16). Let us be bold in the eternal saving power of the Gospel, not being ashamed of it, but recognising that we may be the only mouthpieces of the Gospel that some of our colleagues will come across. Be encouraged by the attitudes of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whether we are saved from the fire or not, God reigns supreme so it is Him that our lives, jobs and worship belong to.

How to Fight Against Loneliness in the Middle of a Pandemic

Ayo Stephen
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How to Fight Against Loneliness in the Middle of a Pandemic
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There’s a common misconception in Christianity about the idea of ‘loneliness,’ like it is normal to dissociate from a social bubble as long as you have Christ. There was a stage in my life where I thought this, believing that as long as it was just God, my Bible and I, I would be fine. Ever since COVID-19, however, God has shown me what it truly means to be a ‘lonely’ Christian.

Where there is an absence of something we often take for granted, we feel the impact of it all the more. Imagine you had lighting in your house the whole year, and all of a sudden everything switches off, leaving an absence of light and only darkness. You feel the impacts of the loss of lighting all the more in comparison to you living with unstable lighting all your life. This has been the situation for many Christians like you and I. It is becoming increasingly difficult to cope, to continue the race amidst everything. So what now? What are the solutions to this new pandemic we know as ‘loneliness?’

Remember, you are not alone in your loneliness

The Lord will not abandon His people; He will not desert those who belong to Him

– Psalm 94:14

Loneliness is not a foreign biblical concept. Job suffered from loneliness, losing everything and everyone. Even Christ suffered from the feeling of being alone from the Father as He was hung on a tree. There are many other examples in the bible, however they all have one major thing in common. God did not abandon them in their loneliness. In fact, God knew that periods of loneliness would come, that is why He highlighted the importance of community in His Word.

Develop an online community

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

-Ecclesiastes 4:12

Despite lockdown restrictions, the importance of community remains. God has made a way where a virtual community can be created, allowing oneself to grow spiritually, socially and mentally. These include online bible studies, online church and general online socials. A schedule could even be formed to ensure that a community is sustained – that you are not left in your loneliness as a single cord prone to break.

Prayer and Introspection is key

David was a shepherd. Despite this, he still sought time to play the harp, developing the talent God had bestowed on him. Now that we have more time, we can now learn to explore our gifts, talents and interests. What have you always wanted to do? Of course, it’s easier said than done. Thorough introspection and prayer is needed to understand which direction to take, but what’s important is the starting point. Everything afterwards will be easier.

Furthermore, try to set biblical goals for yourself. You don’t necessarily have to complete the whole Bible in lockdown, but perhaps there was a book you always wanted to analyse, or a topic you always wanted to look into. Maybe there was even an aspect of theology you always wanted to understand – now is that perfect time. As much as we should set goals to build ourselves up physically and socially, we should also spend this time tending to our spiritual goals.

Engage with who and what God has provided

Try and interact with those around you. If you’re living at home, try and interact more with your family. God placed us in families for many reasons, one which I assume is He understood that we could not grow in loneliness. We require social interaction, a community who can help us on our journey to maturity. Engage with this God-given community. If you’re not living at home, engage with an appropriate social bubble, making sure that a community is still maintained.

Community is of importance in the Christian faith. This is how God intended it to be, a faith of relationship and not dictatorship – and not just relationship with Him but with others whom you would call brother and sister. This is why we are referred to as the body of Christ, a body made up of a community who love the Lord. In all, it is important for you to understand that you are not alone, regardless of what Satan tells you. Hold fast, it will be over before you know it.

To find out more about dealing with loneliness, listen to the latest episode of #ThePulsePodcast

Why Christians Should Care for the Most Vulnerable

Chude Obuaya
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Why Christians Should Care for the Most Vulnerable
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During the last year, whilst living amidst a pandemic the UK has heard Boris Johnson repeatedly remind the nation of its civic duty to follow the lockdown rules, to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives. This call is specifically aimed at preventing this deadly disease from affecting those most vulnerable, such as the elderly. However, our civic duty doesn’t simply begin and end at preventing the spread of the virus but extends to wherever there is a need to be met. So what is our civic duty and how do we live it out as Christians?

What is our Civic Duty?

The definition of civic duty is ‘a responsibility expected from citizens of a country”. An example of this would be when an individual is chosen for jury service. You would be expected to participate as part of the jury for the duration of the trial. So if there are earthly civic responsibilities, how much more does God expect of us as Christians? The underlying ethic that fuels this civic duty commanded by God is love. God commands us to love our neighbour and by doing this we can fulfil our heavenly and earthly civic duties. In my opinion, the parable of the Good Samaritan perfectly explores what it means for Christians to fulfil their civic responsibility.

Are you a Good Samaritan?

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the now-famous parable of how we should respond to the suffering we see around us, especially to those who suffer the most. This parable begins with an expert of the law (presumably a lawyer) testing Jesus’ proficiency of the law (Luke 10:25). As ever, Jesus answers wisely and asks a question that would reveal the heart of the lawyer (verse 26). The lawyer responds correctly by stating that loving God and neighbour perfectly fulfils the law and Jesus agrees. (Verse 27-28). What the lawyer says next is interesting as it suggests that what the law requires of him is too much for him to bear (verse 29). By asking who is my neighbour, the lawyer seeks to determine who he doesn’t have to show love to. Jesus answers him with following the parable.

A man is journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho and on the way, he was met by robbers and was beaten to near-death (verse 30). A priest and then a Levite, both see this man in his distress and walk by him. What should be noted is that both these men are kinsmen in the flesh of this victim. A Samaritan (who would have been an enemy to the Jew) sees the victim, and his response differs from the previous two. He dresses the man’s wounds, mounts him on his animal, finds him an inn to further mend him and pays for his care in full (verse 33-35). Jesus asks a pertinent question to the lawyer, who was the victim’s neighbour (verse 36)? And I will ask a following up question, which type of neighbour are you? A Levite and a priest or a Samaritan? One looks like Christ, the other does not.

Our response

The scenario illustrated by Jesus is the one we face every day. No matter the type of suffering, whether large or small, there are people like the man travelling to Jericho that we will meet. Whether we will stop to meet their needs will be determined by a key element stated in verse 33. When the Samaritan saw the man in his need, he was filled with compassion (verse 33). This virtue is one we see repeatedly shown by Jesus when He encountered the suffering of people (Luke 7:13; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 20:34; Mark 6:34). Without compassion, we cannot fulfil our civic duties as Christians. Without compassion we will not respond to the needs of those we encounter, we will be like the Levite and the priest who walked by the victim. Jesus expects this of us, to see the suffering in this world and be moved with compassion. What this parable illustrates is that your neighbour is anyone in need. And anyone can be in need. Therefore what Jesus asks of the lawyer He asks of us.

“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? ” “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:36-37‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The one who shows mercy is the one who fulfils his/her civic duty. The question that now remains is, ‘what does that look like?’. Once more, I think we can take our cues from the Good Samaritan. There are 3 steps each of us can take when we encounter any form of suffering: see the need, meet the need and stay with the need. In the parable, we see the Samaritan do all three of these things.

  1. See the need (Luke 10:33). All three people in the parable saw the need, yet only one of them actually saw the need to the point it moved them with compassion. To see pain and sorrow and ignore it, goes to demonstrate that you can’t really see; you’re blind. Pray that God will enable you to see the needs around you and be moved with compassion.
  2. Meet the need (Luke 10:34). It’s not enough to just see that there’s a need, we must see the need to meet the need. The Good Samaritan’s sight led to compassion and his compassion led to action. And notice the action. It met the need of the sufferer. Compassion isn’t virtue-signalling, it’s making the need your own and meeting it, no matter the cost. Pray that God will give you the wisdom to know how to meet the needs of those around you, especially those who need it most.
  3. Stay with the need (Luke 10:35). The Good Samaritan could’ve bandaged the man up and left him on the roadside. Or he could’ve left him at the inn. He did neither. Not only did he pay for the man’s medical bills, he came back to ensure that no further costs were left unpaid. Astounding! This is an authentic Christian civic duty. We don’t just see needs and then meet them. We stay with the need until it’s no longer a need. How often do we fail at this last point? Pray that God will give you the patience and endurance to stay with needs no matter how long they take.

The Most Vulnerable of Neighbours

There is no greater time than the present to implement the lessons that the Good Samaritan parable teaches. Globally, we face a virus that is deadly to anyone; but especially to those who are elderly. Now, we can have the same response as the priest or the Levite and ignore the guidelines that have been implemented to keep those most vulnerable safe. After all, as long as the elderly that we know are safe that’s what counts, right? You see what Jesus is teaching us is that nobody is really a stranger. So whether it’s the elderly person on the bus that you’ll never see again or it’s the elderly person that has lived next to you all your life – they both equally matter. And our civic duty in this time would be to do whatever it takes to reduce the likelihood of the elderly contracting the virus and potentially suffering dire consequences. How we operate during this lockdown and post-lockdown will be indicative of whether we really view the elderly and other vulnerable groups as our neighbours.

If we want to be people that fulfil our civic duty then we must look to the One who fulfilled His civic duty perfectly. The Good Samaritan exists only because there is a Good Lord. And our Good Lord didn’t just see our needs and ignore them. He saw our needs, came to meet our needs and then stays with us in our needs. Jesus did that for us, He now calls us to do that for others; especially those that need it most.

Three Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible

Shumi Mararike
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Three Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible
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If you were to ask the average person on the street “what is the Bible?” the variation in responses would be astounding. Perhaps more worryingly, if you were to ask a Christian the same question, there would be more discrepancy than you would anticipate. In view of this, we must ask ourselves what the Bible is and whether it trustworthy or not.

The Bible is inspired

Firstly, we can trust the Bible because it is an inspired text. Inspiration is not to be understood in the motivational sense, but rather, that all Scripture is “theopneustos” – giving us the compound word “God-breathed” or “breathed out”.

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:15-16

Grudem writes:

“Since it is writings that are said to be “breathed out,” this breathing must be understood as a metaphor for speaking the words of Scripture. This verse thus states in brief form what was evident in many passages in the Old Testament: the Old Testament writings are regarded as God’s Word in written form.”[1]

Although Paul here refers to the Old Testament, the New Testament texts are also divinely inspired. Peter affords Paul’s epistles the status of Scripture in identifying them “with the other scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul quotes Jesus’ words in Luke 10:7, also identifying them as “scripture” (1 Timothy 5:18). Therefore, as the Old Testament writings are Scripture which is breathed out by God, so it is with the New Testament. The entire canon of Scripture is inspired; they are God’s very own words penned down by human authors whose individual backgrounds, styles and points of doctrinal emphasis are expressed.

The Bible is consistent

Secondly, we can trust the Bible because of its remarkable consistency at which we can marvel. The Bible is comprised of 66 books, written by 40 different authors. These span over 1500 years and are various different literary genres. Nonetheless, they collectively tell one coherent story of God reconciling sinners unto Himself. As we open the pages of Scripture we see the unfolding of God’s plan for salvation, pointing us toward Jesus Christ in whom salvation and eternal life lie.  

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me

(John 5:39)

The Bible reflects God’s character

With God being the source of all Scripture, the nature of the Bible correspondingly reflects His own character. God Himself does not lie (Numbers 23:19; Proverbs 30:5; Titus 1:2), thus what He has spoken in His Word does not contain falsity. Additionally, it is impossible for Him to lie (Hebrews 6:18). Therefore, Scripture does not and cannot err – rendering it both inerrant and infallible. What have in Scripture is the complete truthfulness of God. Any apparent contradictions should be approached with prayerful study and consideration. Ask those who are more well-trained in the theology (e.g. your pastors), consult commentaries, scholarly articles and books (click here for an example).

You can trust the Bible – every single page, every single letter and every stroke of the pen is trustworthy. God has given us His authoritative Word at our very finger tips to strengthen our faith, guide us along the way and equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

[1] (Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (1st edn Inter-Varsity Press, 1994) 74-75

Three Traits for Loving, Lasting, Joy-filled Relationships

Stacie Reeser
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Three Traits for Loving, Lasting, Joy-filled Relationships
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Sixteen years ago, one of my close friends got married on Valentine’s Day. It was a special day not just because she was getting married but because it was the first-ever occasion that Joe, my now-husband, and I went somewhere as an official couple.  We’ve now been married fifteen years. We have three children, are in the process of adopting, have moved houses more than we’d like, and I’m happy to say, by God’s grace, are still very happily in love.

In honour of Valentine’s Day this month, I’d love to share a few things I admire about Joe that I think are worth looking for in a potential spouse and aiming for in our lives to improve relationships of any kind. No marriage is perfect, because no person is perfect. Joe and I are certainly in-process and in-progress people. We, like everyone, have tough days, rough patches, disagreements, tears, pray plenty of desperate prayers, and give our fair share of apologies. We’ve on many occasions called in older, wiser people to help us get back on track and improve weak areas. 

One massive game-changer we both had going for us though, that deserves credit for any joy and bliss is that we each entered marriage was our own rock-solid commitment to follow Jesus. That bedrock has certainly been the reason our “house” has remained standing after plenty of storms. We can’t take much credit for the fruit of this; we can only testify that Jesus’ words are true. He’s a foundation that can keep you standing come what may (see Matthew 7:24-27).

In addition to the build-your-life-on-Christ advice for marriage and life, here are three things I enjoy and respect about Joe that can add value to any relationship—whether a work colleague, friendship, dating relationship, or marriage. They are three “C”s: 1. Comical; 2. Competent; and 3. Character 

First up, comical.

The definition of comical is “causing laughter especially because of a startlingly or unexpectedly humorous impact” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Want to improve a relationship, be a better friend or colleague? Laugh more! Smile often, and lighten up. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Let down your guard, and laugh with people. 

Being an adult means responsibility and, at times, disappointments. My advice: Marry someone you can be yourself with, laugh alongside, and laugh at yourself with. Remember, laughter is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).

Next, competent.

It’s one thing for someone to be a great person. It’s another thing for them to be a great husband or wife. To be a spouse, you’ve got to have capacity and competence at not just doing your own life well, but embracing and devoting yourself to another imperfect life and handling that well.

Competency is important because respect is vital to any healthy, lasting relationship. Does the person you love have competency to just get stuff done and make good decisions?! Can they solve problems, pay bills, and figure stuff out—cause, I assure you, much of adulthood is being able to figure stuff out.

Are they competent with people? Listening? Saying, “I’m sorry”? EQ, not just IQ.

Finally is character.

Character is king when it comes to any healthy and committed relationship. Okay, the person you like is gifted, talented, excelling in work. Smart? Going places? Excellent! But, I have to break it to you: When you’re ill and the budget is tight and your kids are trying every bit of your patience, you’ll wish for a patient and kind husband—not a profound and talented one. When the budget is tight and one of you has lost your job, you’ll want someone who can remain honest, strong, and full of integrity—not cut corners to make ends meet. Character and the fruit of the Holy Spirit cannot be overemphasised.

A person of character is a person who does the right thing when no one is looking.

The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians chapter five are signs of Christ-like character, and they are vitally important for any lasting, joyful, committed relationship. It takes time for a person’s character to be revealed. (Hint: This is usually seen under extreme stress and pressure, so make sure you’ve known someone long enough to see this).

Comical, competent, and character are three areas that when on-point, a relationship can not just survive, but be built with joy as well.”

How To Experience Perfect Peace

On Mission
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How To Experience Perfect Peace

Who do mice pray to? Cheesus.

Key Verse: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26 :3)

This wonderful promise was given in the darkest period of Israel’s history, so it may well prove to be a special help to us today, when we are surrounded by much gloom and depression and when we are constantly threatened with the three great enemies of doubt, fear and worry.

When all is going well, and the skies are bright, it is easy to read our key text in a very superficial way; but when clouds of trial, disappointment, fear and alarm drift across our sky and the sun is hidden, then how precious these words become to us!”

There is no promise anywhere in the Bible which encourages us to believe that while we are in our earthly bodies we shall experience freedom from trouble, but there is something far better – there is the promise of peace in the midst of trouble. Of what value would freedom from trouble be if we had no inward peace? Yet how wonderful it is that in the midst of the fiercest battle, and while the storm is at its height, the trusting soul may experience inward peace, a deep-down calm and quiet confidence!

Discussion

  • When did you last experience peace?
  • If you had to use words to describe it, how would you describe it?
  • Have you ever had a season where you couldn’t feel peace? How did it feel?

What is this great blessing God has offerd to us

It is described as “perfect peace”. But what is perfect peace? Can we define it?

Yes, it is a condition of freedom from disturbance within the soul; it is perfect harmony reigning within.

The Hebrew word “shalom” has in it the idea of soundness of health, so that to be filled with perfect peace is to be spiritually healthy and free from all discord within the soul. There can be no room for jealousy, envy, discontent, uncontrolled temper, selfishness, pride or intolerance in the soul which is filled with peace, for all these things are disturbing factors in the heart. They are discordant notes.

The peace which God offers, and which we by His grace may experience, is very practical. It is none other than a great calm which He commands – look up Mark 4:39. God calls the peace which He gives, “perfect peace”. In what sense is it perfect?

  • It is perfect in QUALITY; that is to say, it is perfect in the kind of peace it is. There is an imperfect peace, e.g. the peace of Ignorance, when we imagine that all is going well whereas, in fact, if our eyes were open to see the truth we would know that all is not well (Jeremiah 6:14). There is also the imperfect peace of Stagnation; the pool of water may be calm and peaceful, but underneath it is foul and green with slime. Many men and women know only a peace like that, and one day the shock of God’s judgment will stir up their pool and they will find that they have no real peace at all. There is also the imperfect peace of Dependence, which is a peace which is dependent upon some thing or person. How unsatisfactory this is, for the “thing” may fail and the “person” may die! Then, where is their peace? In contrast with these three kinds of imperfect peace, God’s peace is perfect.
  • It is perfect in QUANTITY; that is to say, the supply of it is sufficient and it exactly meets our need. The marginal rendering of “perfect peace” is “peace, peace”, i.e.double peace. This is very significant when we turn to Philippians 4:7, for there we are told that this double peace is peace of heart and mind, and that is the kind of peace we need, a peace which garrisons our mind and calms our heart. This double peace is also double in the sense that it is: (i) peace with God (Romans 5:1); and (ii) the peace of God (Philippians 4:7).
  • It is perfect in CONSTANCY; that is to say, it is permanent and not intermittent. The promise says, “you will keep…” – compare Psalm 121:4.

The Worlds Peace

The world’s peace is fleeting and changes with circumstances.

During times of prosperity, nations experience temporary peace. But when economies struggle, countries find themselves on the brink of civil war as well as war with their neighbors. The peace of the world is a precarious thing. Conflict erupts when people are hungry; peace disappears when circumstances turn ugly:

Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths. (Micah 3:5)

The world’s peace is built on the weak foundation of compromise.

In the Old Testament, God warned the Israelites that if they inter-married for political reasons, they would face the temptation to compromise their love for the one true God and end up serving false gods. This compromise, though it would create a temporary absence of conflict, would ultimately lead to destruction:

Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you. (Exodus 34:12, NIV)

Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever. (Ezra 9:12)

The world’s peace ignores the root of the problem.

When asked, “What’s wrong with the world today?” many will point to volatile stock markets, corrupt governments, disappearing rainforests, poor diets, lack of healthcare, broken families, overcrowded schools, and more. The world tries to fix these problems by doing good: feeding children, building wells, regulating markets, conserving wildlife, funding charter schools, and thereby achieving a type of peace.

The world’s peace tries to fix the symptoms of sin but fails to see how the root of the problem is the sin-disease itself, something that can only be healed by Christ—not by money, regulation, or reform. Dealing with the symptoms of sin but failing to diagnose the sin itself is not new. In the Old Testament, the false prophets treated sin “lightly” and proclaimed the problem “solved” when it wasn’t:

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14).

Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash. (Ezekiel 13:10)

In contrast to the world’s promise of peace, God’s peace is permanent and firmly grounded in his Word. He doesn’t ignore our sin—he heals it, making his peace a different kind of peace from what we find in the world.

Gods Peace

God’s peace is permanent and secure.

When circumstances are free of conflict, we enjoy momentary peace. But when we face difficult relationships, health problems, and financial crisis, the momentary quiet is disrupted and chaos rules the day.

Our God offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with the circumstances; it is secure in spite of the circumstances.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God’s peace is built on the sure foundation of his Word.

Young or old, male or female, we’ve all experienced the pain of a broken promise. No matter how much our families, friends, and coworkers love us, at some point, someone will disappoint us. And despite our best intentions, we are likely to disappoint someone else by saying one thing and doing another. God’s Word, however, can be trusted. He never contradicts himself or acts in a way that is out of character. He will never disappoint.

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

God’s peace is ours because Jesus heals our root of sin.

All religions other than true Christianity have one thing in common: They try to achieve peace with God by doing works and following rules. Christianity is different.

In Christ, we are offered peace with God because we who “once were far off” (Ephesians 2:13) have been reconciled to God through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice addresses the root of the problem that the world ignores. By his sacrifice, he bridged the gap that sin inserted between us and God. He took the punishment for our sin and, in exchange, he gives us peace with God.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14)

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

While we experience eternal peace through reconciliation with God in Christ, we also receive the gift of his Holy Spirit. Because of him, we enjoy the blessing of peace in our daily lives—even when we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil.

Discussion

  • What other key differences have you found?
  • Have you experienced either? How did they feel?

How does this perfect peace come to us?

  • By Christ Jesus. Turn to Philippians 4:7 again and notice that the Lord Jesus Christ is the channel through whom the peace of God flows into our souls. This peace within is the possession of the Christian alone. There is no peace for anyone who does not possess Christ and who is not resting on the finished work of Christ for salvation. It is “the blood of Jesus (which) whispers peace within” (Colossians 1:20).
  • By the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ procured peace for us upon the cross of Calvary, and that peace is offered to us through Him as the channel, but it is conveyed to our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit -–look up Galatians 5:22. As the Holy Spirit fills and floods our lives, so He produces this wonderful fruit within us.
  • By His Word. Look up the great promise which is made in Psalm 119:165. Things and people can so often disturb us, or even cause us to stumble, but here is a promise of perfect peace to those people who love and meditate in and obey the Word of God.
  • By our obedience. Look up Leviticus 26:3-6, and be sure to notice that most important word “If”. God guarantees to us that if we will walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, He will keep our hearts in perfect peace; if we will do our part, then God will surely do His part.
  • By plenty of praise and prayer. The promise of Philippians 4:7 is preceded by the conditions mentioned in verse 6.

Reflection

  • What do we do when we dont feel this peace?
  • How do we help other people find this peace?

A Call For Christian Unity In a Broken World

Shumi Mararike
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A Call For Christian Unity In a Broken World

Political tensions, racial disharmony, and conflicting views on how to address matters of social justice. A quick glance would seem to suggest that there is more that divides Christians than that which unites us. For this reason I issue a call to remember. A call to remember: the basis, the evidence and the result of our Christian unity.

The basis of our unity

Several factors separated the Jew and Gentile in the first century. The Jews alone were God’s chosen people and the beneficiaries of the covenant promises of God. Although both Jew and Gentile were spiritually dead upon birth (Ephesians 2:1), the latter group were deceased, hopeless and Godless (Ephesians 2:11-12).

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13


Through the shedding of the blood of Christ, an alien people were brought near to God. Such is the case for us. By placing our faith in the person and work of Christ we have a relationship with God. Christ Jesus, who is our peace, has given us peace with God and peace with one another. 

The law was a spiritual obstacle for both people groups (Ephesians 2:15). In the Jewish temple stood physical barriers as a wall separated the Jews and Gentiles in worship. Nonetheless, the cross of Christ displaces segregation with union (Ephesians 2:14). Divisive barriers such as socio-economic status, political affiliation, ethnicity etc. are broken own by God’s [saving] grace. Irrespective of our diverse backgrounds, our fellowship with God brings us into communion with each other with the Gospel being the basis of our unity.

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 

Ephesians 2:17-19

The evidence of our unity 

What is the hallmark of the church which attests to its unity? Love.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35

The sacrificial, selfless love Christ showed His disciples in the upper room and most gloriously at Calvary is to exist among His followers. Love is our banner, evidencing the power of the gospel, enthralling the world and drawing others to our Lord. Remembering the basis and evidence of our unity ought to guard against us allowing approaches toward politics and social justice from severing the bond which ties us together. Our Christian witness is at stake.

The result of our unity

Our faith shapes our worldview. By this I mean that politics, ethics and matters of race are viewed through the lens of our Christianity. We reach our conclusions and beliefs through the guidance of God’s Word. The question then arises as to how we approach those issues on which Scripture does not explicitly touch on. In these instances, we are to use what is clear on related matters to inform our convictions on that which is less clear.

Inevitably, there will be disagreement and diversity of thought. Despite this, we must pursue truth, desiring to be faithful to Christ as we do so, but not neglecting the basis of our unity (the Gospel) and at the expense of love.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

This is the church. Differences in thought and practice abide, but at our core we are one. Our oneness is demonstrated by how we love one another. The world is watching and more importantly, God is watching.

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