17th
August 2019
A
few weeks ago, at church, we were speaking about Jesus sending
out His friends to the different villages and towns around where
they lived to bring the Good News that Jesus was the fulfilment
of the expected Saviour. He told those who were sent out that
they were to accept the hospitality that was offered to them,
eat what was given to them, heal the sick, and say to the people,
'The Kingdom of God has come near you.' From this we came to understand
that each of us has the opportunity to take 'the kingdom of God'
to others. But what exactly does this mean?
Well
there is a good hymn which speaks of what the kingdom of God is
about. It says, the kingdom of God is about justice, joy, mercy
and grace. It is where we realise that Jesus restores people who
are troubled by past sins and regrets, and where people can find
acceptance for who they are. It's a place where the outcast is
welcomed and hope flourishes in place of despair; where God's
love for us in Jesus is made known. But while it was begun in
Jesus, the kingdom of God will only be complete in heaven.
In
bringing the kingdom of God to others, the challenge for Christians
then is one shared by Christians across the world today. And we
should do this by being an open, friendly, and faithful people
bringing hope and compassion, in Jesus name, when we meet others
or visit them. Jesus came to free people from all that constrains
us that we may live lives which are filled with grace and compassion.
It
is easy to believe in God when everything in your life is sunshine
and flowers. But life can be full of challenges and upset. Life
is not always easy.
The
work of the church is spiritual, but it is also practical. So,
if life becomes hard and you want someone to speak with, someone
to share your worries with, or someone to help you out, I would
hope that you would feel bold enough to speak to someone from
the Church, in confidence: any Christian church, because the challenge
is for all Christians to do as Jesus asks….to bring the kingdom
of God a little closer through healing and wholeness.
As
always, if I can be of any help please just ask.
Yours
in Christ.
Yours
in Christ.
Graham
