September 2011

To know Him and to make Him known

Dear Friends,

I do hope you have had a refreshing break during August.

It has been an eventful month and more of a nightmare for those living in the riot-torn areas of some of our cities.  In beautiful and relatively peaceful Bookham it is hard to imagine the events that have devastated some communities and shocked a nation.

These shocking events have spawned much reflection and analysis and it has been easy to point the finger at the criminal elements who are burning and looting our cities and blame their homes and upbringing. As Steve Clifford and Dave Landrum of the Evangelical Alliance wrote, “as Christians we need to remind ourselves that what we saw on the streets are OUR young people, OUR young adults”. They may be a minority but they are still part of our communities in which we have a responsibility to see change. It is obvious that our society is not working, as decades of liberal experiment, where we have been encouraged to worship at the altars of materialism and consumerism, have defined our social fabric. We are all on the ladder of consumerism., - politicians, journalists, celebrities and the public in general.

The German philosopher, Nietzsche, said “You have your way, I have my way.  As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist”.  He also said ”God is dead, and if God is dead then everything is permissible”.   There lies the problem.  Our society is built on sand and has no place for God, no space for values or virtues and makes it difficult to talk about right and wrong. Some may believe in God, but he is so small in their eyes that he plays little or no part in their lives. Instead we are bombarded by a celebrity culture and a culture that seeks the latest in designer clothes, TV screens, mobile phones, computers etc. - usually with the aid of credit. “Live your dreams”, “you are what you have”, buy this “because you’re worth it” are often mantras fed to us daily.

But to keep the picture in balance it was encouraging to see communities of broom carrying residents, and others offering clothing, re-housing, advice on insurance claims and care for the most vulnerable as they set to repair the damage done. Street Pastors were out every night, churches were opening their premises and prayer was being offered. But the challenges to us as Christians are enormous.  I believe we have been provided with a ”renewed voice and a more attentive audience”.

We need to pray for those affected by the riots, for wisdom for those in the judicial system, healing for broken families, for those in government as they look again at education, the building up of families and employment and just as important we need to pray for teachers.  Pray for Christian teachers who are on the ‘front line’ and particularly pray for the teaching of Religious Studies in schools.  The challenge goes further than to pray, though that is vital. It is, as individuals and a church fellowship, for us to give a lead in what we say and do, to unashamedly speak of the hope, forgiveness and restoration that we have found in Jesus. To say that there IS a way and a truth and a life that is to be found in Jesus. That HE is the one to restore our nation and bring unity, respect and love to families and communities. God is not dead, in fact He is the life giver.

Proverbs chapter 1 describes our society well and comments “… the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (vv. 32,33).  The autumn sermon series will be based on Daniel who faced enormous pressures of his society to conform, and this at a time when God had been ‘replaced’ by man’s gods. Daniel discovers that God is still in control, He is still sovereign.

Let’s join together in prayer asking God to show us the way forward for our church, and help us to follow where He leads. Let’s pray for more families and others to come to discover Jesus for themselves. Pray that our community will discover that healing and hope is to be found in Him. These are exciting times for us in Bookham as I believe God is working wonderfully in our midst.

God bless you all and thank you for the part you play in this Kingdom work.

With my love,

David