Letters From Brian, Our previous Minister
Recent copies of the letters from our previous Minister Brian.
These are reproduced from the monthly Newsletter..
31/08/10 Why do disasters happen ?
Last week's prayers of concern gave me the feeling that the rest of the service should be forgotten and we should have just pray for our World. Fires in Russia, mud slides in China, floods in Pakistan provided a list of catastrophes normally spread over a number of years. Yet, these have all been delivered in the space of a month. The event has affected millions of people and the relief organizations are creaking under the strain. Here in Sidmouth people have given generously to help others. I commend Betty Easey and her team for their valiant efforts to raise money for Pakistan.
People have wondered at the meaning of such disasters and opinion is divided. I have heard some people say that global warming cannot be in doubt having seen such events. Others simply question where we are heading as a race. And a few have said it's a sign of the Lord's return/end of the world. The latter claim has been made many times in the past following a whole range of disasters. I have always taken the view we won't have time to say 'It's the end of the world". However, the end of the world is getting nearer every day. Aren't I full of the joys of spring.
Jesus spoke on a number of occasions about the second coming. In Luke 12:35 Jesus said, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him". Signs of the end of the age may interest some people but it can go too far. The Master wants an active Church not a debating society.
Many think the Church would be a healthier place if it believed the end of the world is just round the corner. The urgency to communicate with and invite people to come to faith would be revitalized. The process of forgiveness would have a higher priority in the lives of some and nothing would be too much trouble in serv¬ing God.
I have known a number of people who have had their house on the market. It's a hard business especially when the market is slow. Everyone says the hard part is keeping the house tidy just in case that elusive buyer wants to look around. Many have said that on the one day when the place was in chaos - that's when some¬one decided to call.
Where the kingdom on earth is concerned the buyer is due any day now. Until then we should pray for those who are devastated by natural disasters. We should offer to share our resources. We should also note that the Bible mentions chaos as a sign that Christ is coming again.
Best wishes,
Brian
People have wondered at the meaning of such disasters and opinion is divided. I have heard some people say that global warming cannot be in doubt having seen such events. Others simply question where we are heading as a race. And a few have said it's a sign of the Lord's return/end of the world. The latter claim has been made many times in the past following a whole range of disasters. I have always taken the view we won't have time to say 'It's the end of the world". However, the end of the world is getting nearer every day. Aren't I full of the joys of spring.
Jesus spoke on a number of occasions about the second coming. In Luke 12:35 Jesus said, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him". Signs of the end of the age may interest some people but it can go too far. The Master wants an active Church not a debating society.
Many think the Church would be a healthier place if it believed the end of the world is just round the corner. The urgency to communicate with and invite people to come to faith would be revitalized. The process of forgiveness would have a higher priority in the lives of some and nothing would be too much trouble in serv¬ing God.
I have known a number of people who have had their house on the market. It's a hard business especially when the market is slow. Everyone says the hard part is keeping the house tidy just in case that elusive buyer wants to look around. Many have said that on the one day when the place was in chaos - that's when some¬one decided to call.
Where the kingdom on earth is concerned the buyer is due any day now. Until then we should pray for those who are devastated by natural disasters. We should offer to share our resources. We should also note that the Bible mentions chaos as a sign that Christ is coming again.
Best wishes,
Brian
From Our Previous Minister, Brian
Last week's prayers of concern ...