Advent reminds us – ‘we are the hard evidence’
As we commence a fresh new year in the Christian Calendar – heralded by the Season of Advent, and attention is drawn again to Jesus birth, his coming into the world for the first time as a human being. Let’s remember that though born as human as you and I, Jesus demonstrated in his life what it means to love the Father.
Jesus life was a demonstration that convinced many that there was an alternative to the life they lived.
“In a world where the church exists as a minority movement …. The world needs to see what the Christian life looks like. People, who think God unnecessary, or just optional in life, need fresh images of how life is meant to be lived. They need hard evidence that following Jesus really makes a difference.” (p192) Coffey and Gibbs in Next Church
This Advent it is important to remember that, we are the only hard evidence our friends, family, colleagues and community are going to see that Jesus makes a difference. Those who do not know God, will only perceive the gospel as a feasible alternative when they have some positive personal experiences with people who do know him. This responsibility falls, without exception, to everyone who follows Jesus.
A Present Tense God
Mark Virkler in his book “Communion with God” comments that, “A key to living with God is to live in the present tense.” (p55) This poem by Helen Mallicoat speaks to that, so I’d like to share it with you
I was regretting the past
And fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
“My name is I Am.”
He paused. I waited. He continued,
“When you live in the past,
With its mistakes and regrets,
It is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I Was.
“When you live in the future,
With its problems and fears,
It is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I Will Be.
“When you live in this moment,
It is not hard. I am here.
My name is I Am.” Continue reading “A Present Tense God”
