It’s been a little while since the recent riots I wanted to take the opportunity to comment on them without being seen to be reactionary.

 I was on holiday in Sussex during the riots and I watched the news reports along with the whole country. I was shocked and saddened by the rioting across so many of Britain’ cities.

Rioting is not new. Going back a few years we had the Poll-Tax Riots and the Miners Strikes. Here in Liverpool we had what the press called the race riots of the 80s.

It’s been said that the latest riots were not ones of protest, but simply an excuse for theft and robbery and violence. Banks, computer and jewellery shops were targeted – mainly by thugs with an oversized sense of entitlement to benefits and “why should I work for a living” attitude.

In the aftermath the politicians and social commentators have mentioned about the enormous and apparently growing inequality in British society.

The PM as used phrases like ‘broken society’ & ‘moral collapse’

But what about some of the other wider issues that go beyond the rioters with like …  the MP’s expenses scandal…  bankers’ scandal…   accusations against police… phone hacking … the madness in the application of Human rights…. political correctness…. health and safety…. Benefits society…. ‘my rights culture’… poverty…  homelessness…  unemployment… racism… single parents…  poor education… violence… lawlessness…

David Cameron said there are ‘no quick fixes’. David Millband accused the Prime Mininster of looking for ‘superficial answers’ instead of lasting solutions.

 Many people had long felt that there was something very nasty lurking beneath the placid waters of British society. The sudden, mindless violence that erupted in cities over the last few days was an unpleasant demonstration that this potential for nastiness was not only real, but closer to the surface than anybody feared. I’m not too surprised at the scenes witnessed as we see a break down in our society… the roots go deeper than politics and economics.

 JJ John says ’What if our nation as lost the Christian faith that, in a quiet and unnoticed way, acted as the glue that has held the British social fabric together. For two generations it has been fashionable to sneer at Christianity and to consider it unnecessary for a modern civilised society. The result has been a moral vacuum and amongst the noise of sirens and breaking glass ……’

Much as been said about how the police responded to the riots. What they did and did not do. We could talk about whether the police should have used baton rounds and water cannon sooner. Some would then talk about authoritarianism or totalitarianism – it’s accepting civil society in which gang culture is not acceptable.

As we watched the continual live news updates the riots were brought directly into our living rooms. We watched a riot where masses of people have become excited, uncontrolled, angry and rebellious, overturning cars, setting them alight, breaking windows and stealing. It must be scary to be an observer. One can so easily get caught up in the trouble when they’ve had nothing to do with it!

So how should the Church respond? Prayer walks; brushes and gloves to tidy up the mess perhaps. Certainly that seems to have been the response from some churches across the nation. But not exclusively the church, as other faith groups as well as those with little or no faith have responded in similar ways. There as been a real opportunity to reach out into our communities practically which is appropriate.

But as so often with this approach the social agenda simply papers over the cracks at the expense of the Gospel’s agenda. It doesn’t get to the root cause. Whatever social commentators and politicians believe to be the causes of the latest riots, the real problem, which the Christian should recognise, is the sinful condition of humanity. This is a reality that cannot be denied.

People today have generally moved on from moral absolutes. It’s like nobody knows what’s right and wrong for certain, it’s like nobody knows about God for certain.

We all have to decide for ourselves and not be held to others standards. Some of the problems flow out of the fact we believe in human rights and the dignity of the individual. We don’t see the individual as unclean, defiled, evil. We think of human nature as basically good.

 According to Jesus in our natural state were unfit for the presence of God.

Could it be that we find ourselves in a state today that is sinful, quite independent of guilt? In other words, we live in a world now where we don’t believe in judgement, we don’t believe in sin, and yet we still feel that’s there something still desperately wrong with us.

We can’t cut out our heart. No matter what we do or how hard we try external solutions don’t deal with the soul. As the church we have been give a message of HOPE that speaks and demonstrates a Saviors love… It’s a message never more needed by all than today… So come on church lets take the message to the people

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Absolutely the Church needs to speak out against violence. This is a time for Christians to be truly salt and light, merciful and loving, forgiving and redeeming. Those of us who pastor inner-city churches need to help communities heal and rebuild. However, it’s not just about practical action with brooms and gloves, and helping shop owners affected by the disturbances.

The bottom line is we all need a Saviour.

This blog was written a couple of weeks ago but I wanted to post it now. I’m not looking to give lots of answers but just to share my heart:

Today I’ve taken two cremation services, such a heart breaking day for the families… But I had planned to write some thoughts as I’m sure many of us have questions….

The loss of a loved one is always difficult regardless of age. Whether it’s expected or out of the blue, death impacts our lives. For many years I was a children’s nurse before becoming full time in ministry during that time I unfortunately seen many children and young people die. My own nephew who was in his early 20’s was murdered a few years ago. Each time I felt helpless as I struggled to find words of comfort for our wider family and our friends.

None of us understand why such things happen. If God has anything to do with it, I don’t understand what He’s thinking. What’s his purpose? What’s the point? Why is such sorrow brought upon spouses, parents, friends, and relatives? Sometimes I shudder when, in such circumstances, I hear people say, “It’s God’s will”. I don’t like to let God off the hook so easily. There is probably a very thin line between what God wills and what God allows.

I accept the fact that many things in life are a mystery and we could have lengthy theological discussions about God and evil and why bad things happen to good people. There are many things that happen in life and I certainly cannot give my friend or others easy explanations for why a baby or child or young person dies and other’s live to be 100 years old. Do the good die young?  Yes, sometimes. Do bad people live long lives? Yes, sometimes. Do some of us live long lives because we need a lot of time for a deep spiritual transformation to take place within us? This is very likely. Life really is a mystery.

It is not likely we will solve its mystery this side of the grave. Through faith we believe and trust that our lives and the lives of others, no matter how short, have a purpose and life is not just a series of random, meaningless experiences. I must believe that life and pain have meaning and someday I hope understand it. Part of the mystery of life is that we never know when it will end. This should motivate us to live each day well and to the fullest. Scripture brings insight and comfort.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)  That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 

2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (NLT) May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Why does God allow young people to die?

It always feels unfair when we see a baby, child or young person die, and we feel that there must be a reason for it. But the truth is, none of us is guaranteed a long life. Death is the great common denominator, and will affect all of us, sooner or later. Our lives here are short, relatively speaking, but whether they are decades long, or only months long, our destiny remains the same. God knows and loves each individual.

We may feel a keen sense of loss over the death of anyone, especially a young person, but it should be heartening to know that our loved one is still safe, still cared-for, and still a loved member of the family of God. Remember, this is only the first part of life we have an eternity ahead of us in which we will fellowship with God himself and together.

I am aware that there are so many other things we can say – we could talk about spiritual warfare etc. We have just looked at the big question of death in our Sunday meeting teaching. If you didn’t hear it can I encourage you to download Nic’s talk from http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/frontline-the-family-service/id338298912

Related links:

Download and listen to my preach on Random Acts of Kindness on 2nd December 2010 

Watch the Guardian article here

Here at Frontline we are starting a preaching series on the book of Acts. As I started to do my preparation for my talk I was very encouraged..and I want to share a brief thought with you. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.  Acts 2:42-43

Let’s get hold of the attitude and devotion of the early disciples and continually devote ourselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. In this drive-through, mobile society, it is easy to disconnect from others. We need to intentionally about being disciplined in staying connected in the local church, it will sustain us when the excitement of fun times fades away.

There’s a lot of good preaching on TV, but nothing can substitute for the iron-sharpening-iron effect of face-to-face fellowship and community with other believers. Its difficult to have a relationship with a tv image, its also very difficult to make a contribution to the life of that community.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.    Hebrews 10:23-25

As we obey God by drawing together and refuse to isolate during struggles, life-giving power is made available. The early disciples saw results from staying connected in the Body: Miracles took place and people got saved!

Jesus revolutionized the world. He came, destroyed the work of the devil and set captives free, bringing people back into fellowship with God (Luke 4:18). The Spirit-Filled Life Bible comments on kingdom culture in Matthew 11:12: “The kingdom of heaven, which Jesus set up as a powerful movement or reign among men, requires of them an equally strong and radical reaction. The violent then who take it by force are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment . . .”

As we eagerly devote ourselves to Jesus and the kingdom He has set in place, we will see the power of God operate in our daily lives, and the Lord will add to our number day by day those who are being saved.  (Acts 2:47)

… just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.       Colossians 2:6

In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. Ephesians 2:12.

Many years ago I had an encounter with Jesus and I invited Him to come into my life. I remember it clearly.

When I invited Jesus into my live, something in my life changed. I still brushed my hair the same way [yes I had hair then] and I still had the same color eyes. I wasn’t levitating off the floor or acting all spooky and religious, and I still had a number of things I had to work through. But one thing did change: my position and my relationship to God. My spirit was now alive to connect to His spirit and I could “worship Him in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

It was like getting this amazing awareness of right & wrong restored to me as it was like I had become immune to the need to know the difference between right and wrong.

We are made spirit, soul, and body: I once heard someone say: Feelings are the voice of the body; reason is the voice of the soul; conscience is the voice of the spirit. God doesn’t want us to be ruled by our bodies or the lusts and pleasures of the world (Titus 3:3-7). He also doesn’t want us to be so cerebral and soulish that we are constantly leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). God wants us to learn and grow in to a place were we worship Him full on, using everything He’s given us—with our whole being.

Think of it! We are now alive to God (Romans 6:11)!   We once were dead and perishing, lost, but Jesus has brought us into forgiveness and righteousness. It is vital for me to be around others who would help me draw close to Jesus. I didn’t just want a salvation response experience I needed Jesus to come and transform my life just like he said he would.

And I started to change as I learnt to put off the old and put on the new…

Over the years I have seen many invite Jesus into their lives but continue to live the same old way then wonder why they are struggling.

It’s not just about changed behaviour, it’s more about having our minds renewed….. We need to start thinking differently.

If you have just begun this wonderful journey of following Jesus and you feel lots of things in your life are being challenged its ok, if you feel like you can’t do it….. it’s ok.

None of us can do it on our own. God will strengthen us; the Holy Spirit will guide us and we can encourage each other as we do life together.

Let me close with this verse of encouragement 

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!    2 Cor 5:17

Well it’s officially summer not that you could tell from the weather here in the UK.

We are approaching the end of June over half way through 2011. Julie and I will be heading off to the beautiful Lake District in a few days for a weeks holiday; a time for walking, resting, reading a book or two and enjoying the beautiful scenery, and I would think a trip to several coffee shops.

The year thus far has been full with Gods amazing goodness and provision. Let’s not grow weary or busy with life or ministry that we become driven or burnt out but rather enjoying the life God as given us and bearing fruit in the different situations God as placed us in.

And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder. 2 Peter 1:13

As your pastor and friend, I’m here to remind each of us to get stirred up about the things of God. I want to hold up a mirror to us and point us back to everything that Jesus has nailed to the Cross. I want to remind us that He has destroyed the work of the devil and brought righteousness and redemption to all who call upon the name of the Lord.

We don’t have to go through life hoping and wondering whether we will make it or not. We can have a “know so” salvation experience by calling on and receiving Jesus as our Savior. In every part of our life, we can learn to cast down obstacles and take every thought captive—because a thought becomes an obstacle, and obstacles lead to actions and actions [one way or another] can make us or break us.

God wants to lead us into a supernatural life that is abundantly over and above what we can even ask for or think. If we don’t know Jesus, receive Him today. If we do know Jesus, be reminded of how wonderful He is.

A few weeks ago now I had a wonderful opportunity to be invited to take a mens’ weekend in Brighton in the UK. We had a wonderful time with the men of this church; there was a real sense of the presence of God in the worship and the talks whilst carrying a real challenge for each man there.

The event started on the Friday evening and ran through to Saturday evening [I had the privilege of staying over to speak at the Sunday morning church service]. Whilst it was great to see the men engaged throughout the weekend one of the things that touched me most was that I was able to take three guys with me to share the ministry. As we were led into moving worship by Dan and listened to Steve and Matt teach I felt a very deep sense of appreciation of these guys. Let me explain I’ve known these men for 17/18 yrs.

I remember then as students when they came to join us at Frontline and over the years they have become good friends. I’ve seen how they have grown to be great husbands, dads and friends whilst being men of influence in the city as GP / business director / entrepreneur and men of Godly integrity – each of them uniquely different. They have each served the church in different areas over the years. It was so good to see how God had moulded these men.

I found it very fulfilling to see that I had had the privilege to sow into their lives as friend, pastor, discipler and here was the current crop of fruit before my eyes. Whilst I was very moved to see how they had grown I was also thankful to see that they are sowing and investing into the lives of others around them. We all need practical & spiritual input from loving, seasoned spiritual fathers and mothers whose aim it is to help us reach our full potential in Jesus.

Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15

 

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31

One of life’s greatest joys is to just be with those we love—having good conversation, listening, laughing, wondering at the world around you, or just quietly doing nothing at all. Just being. Considering how thankful we are to have their love, friendship, support, care, and affection. Not taking them for granted.

This is how God feels about us. He is mindful of us. He cares about the details of our life, so much so that He even knows how many hairs are on our head (Luke 12:7). He has plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows our comings and goings, whether we voice them or not, and He loves us unconditionally. He absolutely loves us without condition.

It’s not too difficult to let fleshly/wordly behavior, selfishness, and sin cloud the fact that God isn’t waiting for us to be perfected before we come to Him. It seems like those feelings are easily blown out of proportion when we consider them more than what the Word says. God doesn’t want anything to keep us from Him. He has certainly proven that by sending Jesus. He wants us to draw near, to “just be” with Him.

So how do we do it? If there’s something getting in the way, we identify it, take it straight to Him (realizing He knows everything anyway), repent, and draw near (Hebrews 4:16). God never makes our part complicated. The discomfort of taking responsibility / owning up when we’ve blown it quickly fades in light of God’s forgiveness and amazing love. There’s nothing like being in God’s presence, being quiet before Him, diligently and deliberately silencing/stilling the busyness the noise of the world, and of our minds, and focusing on the Lord.

That’s a place of intimacy..

A place were real worship takes place and were the Holy Spirit can minister to us.

Let’s spend this time getting things in proper order, focusing in on God, being with the One we love—our Heavenly Father who loves us so indescribably much. “Father, I want more of your presence on and in my life .

I don’t want a visitation but rather have a habitation..”

I love the story my friend Bill Wilson tells about life…he pulls a $100 bill out of his pocket and declares this is a $100 bill…100 -$1 dollars..

I can spent it 1 cent at a time or all at once.  I can buy this I can buy that but how ever I spend it once it is spent it is spent .

Life is like that $100 bill it is valuable when its spent it is gone.. the question I would ask is what are we spending our life on or put it another way what are we investing our life in ?

For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13 NLT

This is a not spectator life. This is not a practice  ..this is the real thing God has called us to love Him and be active and proactive in the faith, pray with passion, give with purpose, serve from the heart, and encourage one another throughout our lives. And that’s a life worth living! That’s an effective life.

The tendency of the flesh is towards self-centeredness. To humble  ourselves is not automatic, but something God calls us to do deliberately. If we humble ourselves in that moment as a result to that action tremendous effectiveness and marvelous results begin to happen.

We are made in God’s image for His purpose. God has called us to be fruitful, and has promised that our fruit would remain (John 15:16). Life is not about us. It’s about putting Jesus first and seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:31 -33). It’s about: “God, I submit to You.” There’s something so powerful about that.

God tells us that He will honour us at the proper time. This doesn’t mean all the things we think it means—being puffed-up or being proud. It means an increase in effectiveness, a greater grace for a greater impact in communicating and demonstrating love, life, help, and hope to this world. That is how God has designed each one of us to be.

God wants to use us to be effective today. This is our purpose: To lift up Jesus; to make His name a praise in the earth. If we are willing vessels, obedient, and ready for action, God’s purpose in and through our lives will surely come to pass. We’ll see incredible change in our lives and in this world that so needs Jesus.

THIS IS IT..HOW YOU INVESTING IT ?

I love reading books about people’s lives, the great missionaries and movements.

I’m aware that today God is not raising up a super star but an army of people who love him and are living for him.

A world changer is someone who is committed to changing the world around them to, impacting the lives of individuals and those around them. They don’t just blend in. They stick out!

A world changer stands up and makes themselves available and ready to make a difference. They live beyond the usual expectations of Christianity. They find the most intense demands that Jesus places on Christians and they don’t shy away but go after them passionately and do whatever it takes to get the job done!

They are not just doing it to be accepted or to please people. They have been radically, completely, and totally changed by their relationship with God!

Christianity is not some boring thing that a person halfheartedly commits to. They have found Jesus for themselves. And because Jesus died for them, they are ready to give their lives for him. Christianity is not just lip service.

They have a passion to seek God with all of their hearts, and to do everything they can to let the world know that God is real and that he is alive! They don’t get stuck in a bunch of boring rules and regulations, but they have the fire of the living God burning inside them! And they just can’t keep it inside of them.

They are serious about learning the word of God and then taking that word and applying it to their lives. World changers are constantly changing and becoming more and more like Jesus.

World changers develop a vision for their community and do everything they can to take the living Jesus to a lost and dying world!

They are uninspired by a watered down, namby-pamby, politically correct Christianity! They want the real thing and don’t care how much it costs them or what parts of their lives they have to change.

They are uninspired with the attitude that lukewarm Christians bring into the church, and they are ready to do something about it! They are especially ready to challenge attitudes in their own lives!

A History-maker loves the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength and loves his neighbor as himself.

They are not looking to the latest programme for results, they are investing in a lifestyle that will impact those around them as they go about their everyday lives

Whose world will we touch today this week, this month, this year?