Our home cell started this year with The Sinai Code by Andy Stanley. I was not sure what to expect with the Bible Code and Da Vinci's Code bellowing out there in the world. But going by the first part of the series Rules of Engagement I think we are going to know God differently by seeing Him through the rules that He gave us. It came clear to me listening to Andy that God wants a relationship with us.
My pass view of the Old Testament was God revealing Himself but it never sank home that He wanted a personal relationship with us. To me it was only in the Garden of Eden and way later in the New Testament was the love character of God revealed. But here in Exodus 20, it becomes clear that the rules were not given as condition of a relationship with God but rather as a confirmation.
In other words God is not saying here are some rules to live by if you want a relationship with me. Get it right and then we can talk. No says that we are already in a relationship with Him and the rules are just for your protection. Andy went on and gave an analogy about his black Labrador and the fence. If the dog gets out of the yard doesn't mean the dog isn't his anymore. He has purchased the dog and the fence is just there to protect the dog from the dangers outside.
It is impossible to obey God's commandments so that we can be perfect to have a relationship with Him unless somebody does something. What is impossible for us is possible with God. God came to the party and purchased us.
28 January 2009
10 January 2009
TUG
Well I just got another big shove towards the dream that God has laid on my heart, the Salted Lightly Project. As I mentioned in my last post every time I move forward on the dream I get distracted and God has to intervene and push me back in the right direction. The question that was asked of me this morning at a Christian men's meeting was "Is God asking me or is He telling me?"
Let me bring you up to speed, last night I watched the movie "The Ultimate Gift" and was moved. I then brought the issue of how I am easily distracted from the website which I believe God wants me to build to my friends this morning. One of my friends reminded me of the "Screw Tape Letters" by CS Lewis where the devil tells his cronies to "Keep them (Christians) busy in the nonessentials of life and invent countless schemes to occupy their minds." Coming back home with a lot of thoughts in my mind, I decided to watch the movie "The Ultimate Gift" again for the second time.
WHAM! Right between the eyes, it all fell into place. God gave me another push. This must see movie is based on a novel by Jim Stovall and has spawned a movement of the same name. Please watch the movie (rent or purchase the DVD) or better still read the book. When you have done that then come back to me and we can discuss your gift or even the gift of the dream which God has laid on my heart. The dream which the devil is trying his hardest to stop me doing by keeping me busy. This movie has given me a gift.
Let me bring you up to speed, last night I watched the movie "The Ultimate Gift" and was moved. I then brought the issue of how I am easily distracted from the website which I believe God wants me to build to my friends this morning. One of my friends reminded me of the "Screw Tape Letters" by CS Lewis where the devil tells his cronies to "Keep them (Christians) busy in the nonessentials of life and invent countless schemes to occupy their minds." Coming back home with a lot of thoughts in my mind, I decided to watch the movie "The Ultimate Gift" again for the second time.
WHAM! Right between the eyes, it all fell into place. God gave me another push. This must see movie is based on a novel by Jim Stovall and has spawned a movement of the same name. Please watch the movie (rent or purchase the DVD) or better still read the book. When you have done that then come back to me and we can discuss your gift or even the gift of the dream which God has laid on my heart. The dream which the devil is trying his hardest to stop me doing by keeping me busy. This movie has given me a gift.
04 January 2009
In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts
2009, I feel is the year God will reveal himself in Africa and he blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others. 2009 is the year when the Salted Lightly project will start. I have spent the last few years trying to start it but whenever I do I tend to get rather bogged down in secular work and next the Holy Spirit prompts me back to the project I am amazed how much time I've wasted.
Okay, a little about Salted Lightly which is about to go into the development phase. Salted Lightly, Africa's Good Works Portal, gives the glory back to God in light of all the good works in Africa. In other words it will highlight the good works done in Africa by Christians so that others may find and support them. It is a huge project and in a way impossible but that is why I can't do it without God. God is the solution to Africa.
"As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God" by Matthew Parris is a refreshing article about the practical work of mission churches in Africa. "Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good."
Okay, a little about Salted Lightly which is about to go into the development phase. Salted Lightly, Africa's Good Works Portal, gives the glory back to God in light of all the good works in Africa. In other words it will highlight the good works done in Africa by Christians so that others may find and support them. It is a huge project and in a way impossible but that is why I can't do it without God. God is the solution to Africa.
"As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God" by Matthew Parris is a refreshing article about the practical work of mission churches in Africa. "Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good."
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