The Bond

"The Holy Spirit is the bond of love in the Trinity and the bond of love in the Church." – Augustine

We understand that what Augustine meant was that the Holy Spirit acts as the glue (bond) in the body of Christ. When we come together as God's people, there is a commonality of 'love', which is given to us by the Holy Spirit. As we should have a unified purpose (to love God and others), the Spirit works in each of us to drive us to this goal. Sometimes we need to be nudged and reminded of our role in this process.

Ephesians 4:3 - "Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

In the King James Version is says: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Thought: This bond of peace is not just something that God brings to the relationship - we also need to 'make every effort' to make sure that the bond actually works.

Living in Grace

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The pronouncement of faith

It is customary for Christians to remember what unites us as the various traditions and denominations. We do this by reciting one of the Creeds. Usually, it is the Nicene Creed or more commonly, the Apostles Creed (as it is slightly shorter). 

The last part of the Apostles Creed is especially relevant for the Global Church in this season, as we have just marked Trinity Sunday. 

"I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN." - Creed

John 17:20-21 - 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

Reminder: The Creeds were drafted, reworked and modified over many centuries, with the first versions appearing in the 2nd Century. They were initial statements of faith were used during Baptism services.

Remembering that there was essentially only one 'universal' church until the Reformation, the phrase 'holy catholic church' refers to the Church as one collective body. We still use the word 'catholic' in the Creed (small "c") as the word means 'universal.' For folk who worship in the Catholic tradition, they are often remembered as the Roman Catholic Church, as their leadership stems from the Vatican in Rome. Hope this helps us all to understand a little more clearly.

Living in Grace

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Living a meaning life

John Maxwell wrote - "To live a worthwhile, meaningful life, a person must be part of something greater than himself." 

Knowing a little about John Maxwell, I would guess that he is speaking about being part of a business that is making a difference in the world and which feeds into our desire to contribute towards something greater. 

However, he could also be referring to the Christian faith, as he is a former Pastor and Christian leader. John could be reminding us that living a meaningful life must include community. It is always tempting to 'go it alone', but this can leave us feeling empty and frustrated at time.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 - We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Living in Grace

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Fighting for unity in the church

I had the privilege of writing an article for the Scripture Union magazine a while ago and it was published last week. It is around 'fighting for unity in the church' - if you find the time please click on this link and have a read of the article. There are some other great articles from other authors there too.

Click here to read the article 

Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Living in Grace

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Three are better than two

Today's reading has been used in countless wedding sermons over the years. Usually the preacher will tell the couple that two of the strands of a rope represent their lives and when they choose to add God into their marriage, the 3 stranded cord is not easily broken. 

"Again, if two people sleep together, they keep each other warm; but how can one person be warm by himself? Moreover, an attacker may defeat someone who is alone, but two can resist him; and a three-stranded cord is not easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:11-12

While this is true, we can broaden this analogy to represent all aspects of society and relationships. In the context of Solomon's reflections, we know that he values having companionship and people around him. The picture from today also includes the imagery of a journey - the person who is travelling on a road (journey of life) is easy prey if someone wants to attack them. However, if you travel with someone else, you are less likely to be overpowered. And then of course, if you travel with 3 people, you are safer than with just two. 

The phrase "a three-stranded cord is not easily broken" seems to be added onto the end of verse 12, which could mean that it was a local saying of the times. Almost like we may add: "Unity is strength" or "Strength in numbers" - it is a saying that people understand and it adds meaning to the context of the lesson.

What can you take away from today's readings?

Is God the 3rd strand in your friendships and relationships?

Living in Grace

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Sizonqoba

Sizonqoba - 'together we triumph.'
This was the motivational slogan for Comrades 2019 and I felt honoured to be running in this years race. My experience of running in this awesome event is that it brings all sorts of people together, all with the same common goal - to finish the race!

Of course we can draw a wonderful parallel with our Christian race and if Jesus spoke isizulu he may have even told his disciples - Sizonqoba! As a Church community the more we learn to rely on each other and to help each other, then the more we will all triumph in the end. God is glorified in the collective Body of Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 -Finally, dear brothers, as I come to the end of this letter, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and triumph wherever it goes, winning converts everywhere as it did when it came to you.

Living in Grace

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Tearing down instead of building up - Ezekiel 13

There is something about our modern generation that seems to love 'breaking people down' instead of lifting them up. I don't know if it is because social media is such a quick way of passing on a critique of something, but it certainly can aid people in tearing things down (or in destroying the reputation of others).

In today's reading, Ezekiel speaks of how the false prophets had a way of breaking down and not helping to REBUILD the nation.

⁵ They have done nothing to repair the breaks in the walls around the nation. They have not helped it to stand firm in battle on the day of the Lord. ⁶ Instead, they have told lies and made false predictions. They say, ‘This message is from the Lord,’ even though the Lord never sent them. And yet they expect him to fulfil their prophecies! ⁷ Can your visions be anything but false if you claim, ‘This message is from the Lord,’ when I have not even spoken to you? (Ezekiel 13)

The challenge for us during Lent is this: 

In what way do I 'break down' instead of lifting up?
Am I prone to stand and watch or am I willing to help repair and rebuild the works of God?

Living in Grace
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Stumbling blocks

^"We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited." - 2 Corinthians 6:3

It is hard to believe sometimes, but there are some Christians who don't like to see other believers doing good things. There is a sense of jealousy that raises it's ugly head and this often stems from pride. We should never try and put stumbling blocks in the way of fellow believers - there are enough obstacles and enemies in the world, without turning on each other.

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Alone we can do so little ...

It is amazing what can be accomplished when people work together as a team. This is nothing new for us today, but it is well worth repeating - There is power in a united team! I firmly believe that places of work, sports teams, churches, organisations and even families can accomplish so much more when we work as ONE. Of course this doesn't mean that we will always agree on certain things, but we need a common goal and purpose to all work towards. In this following scripture we see how David brought Israel together and their 'United front' enabled them to gain a great victory.

1 Chronicles 19:16-18 – ^“David gathered all Israel and crossed the Jordan; he advanced against them and formed his battle lines opposite them. David formed his lines to meet the Arameans in battle, and they fought against him. But they fled before Israel….”

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."-Helen Keller

"None of us is as smart as all of us." -Ken Blanchard

What team is God inviting you to be a part of today?

Living in Grace

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Cooperate or fight?

"You are blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family." - Matthew 5:9 (MSG)

Learning to "cooperate" instead of "compete" is an important life lesson. Parents spend hours and hours trying to instill this notion into their kids, although it seems that some kids never learn that lesson. Looking around at some grown ups, it is hard to actually refer to them as "grown up" at all, because they seem to act more like children :(

Jesus', words in the Beatitudes seek to bring unity in God's family instead of a harmful competition. Working together is much more effective that fighting with one another. Unity is indeed STRENGTH.

"Talent perceives differences; genius, unity." - William Butler Yeats

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Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/unity

It stopped me in my tracks!

It stopped me in the my tracks.... literally!

I was walking along a path this morning when I saw a familiar sight, but this time it had the power to stop and make me stare. It was a team of tiny ants carrying a massive insect to their nest. The insect was at least 100 times bigger than one of the individual ants, but TOGETHER they managed to carry the larger insect.

This all to familiar story reminds us of the power of working as team. We can try and do things by ourselves, but in the end, it doesn't work. We need each other and the support of friends, all pulling in the same direction.

What are you doing at the moment that needs a 'team of friends' to help? Are you going to ask for help, or are you just going to try and tug at the 'huge insect' by yourself? The one thing you will get with that option is a sore back and a depressed outlook.

Try the TEAM option. Jesus did - and it worked for Him.

Luke 9:1 - "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases..."

Mother Theresa -  “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Living in Grace
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Harmony

Harmony is defined as "agreement in feeling or opinion", but it can also mean "agreement in action."
When St Francis of Assisi prays that 'where there is discord, we should be instruments of harmony' I am not sure he is only thinking about agreement in opinions.

As far as I am concerned, there are many times when people can be struggling with discord, but can come to an agreement in action, not necessarily feeling or opinion. This is seen in the church on a regular basis - people have different opinions (which could be seen as been in conflict), yet in the end they can come to a harmonious decision - an agreement of action. Usually one has to remember the primary purpose of our mission/vision - this helps in bringing some eventual harmony.

Romans 12:16 -  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Are you facing some situations at the moment that threaten to bring conflict or discord in your life? Are you willing to allow God to use you to be an agent of 'harmony' and even unity.

Why not pray a brave prayer today?:
"Lord, make me a instrument of harmony. Let me be the one to help where there is discord."

Living in Grace
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Prayer and Fasting

There are a number of incidents in the Bible where the Disciples got together to pray and fast. Each time they did this God seemed to answer their prayers with clarity and authority. It is not some kind of magic formula, but it is certainly documented that God moved in a BIG way after a time of prayer and fasting.

We are calling a day of Prayer and Fasting on Thursday 30th January and if you are willing please join us praying for the following things:

1. Unity amongst Christians in our communities (especially in Circuit 801)
2. To be Transformed by God's love and grace
3. To be strengthened in our service and witness to the world around us
4. For God to help the broken and to restore those who have lost hope
5. Those people struggling with Depression

It would be wonderful for you to join us in this day of prayer and fasting.

Daniel 9:3 - "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes."

Living in Grace
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Only 1

I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but
I can do something.
And what I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do, by the 
Grace of God, I shall do.
- Edward Everett Hale

Let's do what we can. Our contribution will make a difference. Trust God for the results, but let's at least bring our gifts to the table.

Living in Grace
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Be United

At this time of the year it is wonderful to see how Churches seem to put aside their differences and focus on what unites us all. Is it perhaps true that the birth of Christ brings Peace to the believers first and when we are united then the world longs for the Christ-child? It's worth thinking about!

"United we stand; divided we fall” - Aesop

"We find not in the Gospel, that Christ hath anywhere provided for the uniformity of churches, but only for their unity.” - Roger Williams

Living in Grace,
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