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December 2009

( Monthly archive )

Reflection on Luke 3:1-6

Tuesday, 1. December 2009, 03:08:42

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Scripture
So John went along the Jordan Valley telling the people, “Turn back to God and be baptised! Then your sins will be forgiven.”

Observation
The gospel is very specific. At one point in time, at one place in the world, in this particular social-political environment, there came a specific man with a definite message.

This is not some vague metaphysical theory. It is not a doctrine but an experience, an historical fact.

The event is this: in fulfilment of an ancient prophecy, John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord.

John knew what his role was and his message was simple- turn back to God and get ready for the Kingdom of God.

Application
The message is still simple- turn back to God and your sins will be forgiven.

What sins do I need to confess today?

Can I truly turn away from my sins and towards God?

Can I trust God to keep His promises?

Prayer
Lord, your message never changes because human nature doesn't change. Please show me the sins I need to let go of. Please help me to re-orient my life from what I want to do to what you want me to do. Amen.

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Reflection on Philippians 1:1-11

Tuesday, 1. December 2009, 01:11:45

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Scripture
I pray that your love will keep on growing.

Observation
Here is another passage where Paul speaks tenderly to the church. He loves the church at Phlippi and prays that their love for one another will keep on growing so that they can be kept pure and innocent until Christ returns.

The special place of the Philippians in Paul's heart stems from the fact that they hav ein a special way contributed to Paul's mission. Whether they provided financial support or people to help him is not clear.

What is clear is that the church was particularly committed to the work of spreading the Good News.

Application
The measure of a life well-lived, whether it is an individual or a congregation, is the extent to which it lives and preaches the gospel. Obviously this is the raison d'etre for a church. But so many get side-tracked.

We are not here for our own sake. We are not here for programmes, activities and groups.

We are here to make disciples. That should be every church's and every christian's mission statement.

Prayer
Father, help me to orient my life around your purposes. Fill me with love for you and for your people, and a desire to see people come into your kingdom. Amen.

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