Signing Off
Monday, July 19, 2010
I’m just back from Oswestry Senior Camp - utterly brilliant. The best yet and the last - for me, anyway. After attending, then being a dorm leader and latterly the main leader, at over 30 camps, I reckon I’ll lay down the baseball bat from now. It’s been great to be involved with Camps and I look forward to watching from the sidelines as they develop under the guidance of Laura MacLeod.
It’s great to let others take over, to know that God has other plans – for them and for us - and it’s important not to become stale or to get in a rut. That is a very important truth, spiritually, too – one of my favourite verses in the Bible is from Lamentations 3 v 23:
‘Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness’.
His mercy is new to us every day, so it’s important to speak to Him every day, to thank Him; to ask Him to refresh your understanding, appreciation and love for Him. He never goes stale and when we follow Him with all our hearts, neither will we.
So as I pass the baton on for camp leadership, I look forward to a different chapter of service opening up in my life. I think the time is also right to pen my last youth blog. Time to move on here too. It’s been great fun writing the blog – and I pray it’s been useful for you too.
As I close, remember, Christ is everything! There is no better Lord, King, Guide, Helper and Friend. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. If you are happy without Him, your heart is in the wrong place – don’t be content with that deception, get out of the rut and let Him heal you; it’s too important to shrug off.
See you around!
D
World Cup – Yas!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Every four years, the summer time takes on a whole new dimension for football lovers – it’s the greatest football festival of them all: The World Cup. Forget the Active Nation Scottish Cup with its rubbish sponsorship, the Premiership with all its divers and divas, and the UEFA Champions League with its fat cat chairmen – this is THE tournament.
It’s colourful, exciting, multi-national, friendly (ah, if only the Scots were there), memorable, throws up heroes and villains, exceeds expectations or underwhelms us. It’s funny, can be sad, is full of surprises – only has one winner and comes to an end all too quickly.
I love the World Cup, and football (not soccer, but ‘football’ – our cousins across the water really ought to find another name for the American version, maybe ‘completely incomprehensible-ball’ or ‘what’s the point of this game-ball’). I jest, and we can share the name ‘football’ as long as they remember it was our game first. The reality, of course, is that they will be better at it than most other countries in the world soon – they are already better than Scotland at football and golf (and we invented both of them!).
I digress. Here’s my advice to Free Church young folk who love football and the World Cup…
Remember others might want to watch something else on the TV during the Serbia versus Ghana game – record it for them to watch later. Go the extra mile.
At half-time of the games, do the dishes to help your mum. The experts are boring anyway.
Invite your friends to watch games together – it might be a good opportunity for your friends who are not Christians to meet your Christian friends and family, and get to know them better.
Support England and listen to all the media hype to really help you to grow in grace.
Remember that football is only a game and look forward to my article in Free that will put it firmly in its place.
Above all, enjoy it. Don’t take it too seriously, and remember that there are some things far more important that must always take first place.
Great Book!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Saturday morning sitting out in the garden, with the temperature hotter than Tenerife, it was a great time to relax and read. Quality. I don’t often get to do that.
I finished a great autobiography by Mez McConnell - ‘Is there anybody out there? – A journey from despair to Hope’ (CFP). It made me laugh and cry, but most of all made me praise God for Jesus Christ and his transforming power.
I know Mez – he’s a great lad and doing a power of good for Christ at Niddrie Community Church in Edinburgh.
He really made me think about tendency to be in Christian ghettos, to play at being Christians by focusing on all the wrong things, and of being half-hearted – especially if we have been brought up in the Christian faith. He is a breath of fresh air.
If you want a book to read this summer – get it! I know lots of young folk don’t read much now – but can I challenge you to sacrifice Facebook for half an hour for a few days during the holidays, and read this book instead? Its realistic, challenging and inspiring, and it’ll make you think!
I especially want you to think about being wholehearted for Christ – if you have known the Gospel from an early age, and have grown up as a Christian there is a great temptation to try out what everyone else is doing – even if you know its wrong. Its tempting to live as far away from Christ as you think you can get away with, without people noticing. Its tempting to keep Him at arms length.
Learn form Mez, and let Christ speak to you from Mez’s experiences. He spoke to me.
Firhill for Thrills
Monday, May 10, 2010
That’s what people say about going to Firhill, the home of Partick Thistle Football Club (and Glasgow Warriers Rugby Club – thanks guys for churning up the pitch!).
And yes, I’m going to let all of cyber space know – because my entire circle of friends are sick of hearing it already – I scored my first (and I imagine last) goal at a senior professional club’s football stadium last Saturday. And it was a beauty, even if I say so myself.
I was part of a Scottish Ministers Select playing against a Strathclyde Police Team to raise funds for a local MS Support organisation. It was a great afternoon. It was an honourable draw (2-2), but then the police nicked it on the penalty shoot-out. Poor form.
But that goal…there was no action replay, no instant analysis, no expert input using digital technology to circle the position of the defenders, to highlight the outstanding technique (aka ‘fluke’), and no opportunity to watch it again every morning, first thing, after I get up. All I have is a sweet, but fading, memory. It doesn’t last.
But the weekend before, I was leading a communion service in our church in Edinburgh. It, too, is about remembering – remembering the death of Jesus on the Cross for our sins - and there are no action replays of what happened on that day either. But there is a massive difference in the two kinds of memories.
Firhill was a passing moment – great fun, but is just one of the millions of events that make up the experiences that become my history. Calvary was a one-off event that never becomes just history because the Saviour who died there rose again and is the Living God. His victory over death on the Cross transforms my life, and my life experiences, daily. Remembering Him is not just to be a fading memory, but a daily reminder that the Calvary event not only changed history, but changes the present and the future for all who put their trust in Him.
I love football and it was quality to score at Firhill, and have that memory. But it’s simply not in the same league as being a Christian and realising that God loves me so much he sent Jesus Christ to die for me, and then raised him to life to be my Lord and Saviour - to change my heart and forgive my sins – things I could never do for myself. Some things are just so important, it’s unbelievable – and football isn’t one of them. What’s important to you?
Election 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I have been brought up to regard voting in an election as a privilege that we should cherish and I still hold to that. I encourage all of you as young people of voting age (especially if it’s your first opportunity) to go onto election websites or find out about your local candidates, and vote accordingly on May 6.
I say that, but I don’t have much passion about it anymore – I’m as turned off politics as most of the young folk I talk to are. Lies, cheating, power and arrogance all come to mind when I think of our political class. Sadly, most of you will know more about the X Factor candidates than the political ones. Maybe we should all vote for an unexpected political ‘SuBo’ – that would shake up the establishment! I wonder who it would be?
It’s very difficult, I know – but what do we look for in a government? Have you ever thought about that? To uphold justice at every level, to govern with integrity and humility, to do God’s will, to provide quality public services, to develop a society based on equality and freedom, to protect all its citizens (especially the weakest and most vulnerable), to run the economy, or what else?
Take time to think and pray about the election, and the role of government because, at the moment, to most of us, it looks like politicians are working in a moral vacuum, that big business holds most of the power and that those who need most protection in society are the ones being exploited or ignored.
I don’t know what God plans for our Nation, but I do think it is important to vote and be aware politically as a young person. We are to be stewards of God’s world. At the same time, let’s be spiritual revolutionaries because that will turn the world upside down. And don’t get carried away by the X Factor – it’s all about money too!
Speaking Cash!
Thursday, April 01, 2010
I love the new concept, recently unveiled to the public, of coins that speak. These coins will tell you where they are if you can’t find them and will even give their opinion on whether they think you should buy what you are intending to! Apparently, if you get certain ones, they will whistle in your pocket while you walk, just to cheer you up. They even have coins for young folks that say, “Hey, I didn’t grow on trees, you know!”
The most amazing coin, though, is the Christian one – it is always silent in your pocket in church, until you pass the offering plate, when it gives a gentle cough – brilliant! Also, when you walk by someone sitting on the street looking for money, it says, “Don’t believe him if he says he’s no change”. I don’t know how they do it!
Apparently, church authorities have welcomed the use of these coins and said that they hoped they would be available in any denomination.
Sons of Hell
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I’ve just finished a series of lectures at the Faith Mission College in Edinburgh based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 23. Man, it’s powerful stuff – take a look at verse 15!
His incredible teaching reminds us that it was ‘good’ people who wanted Jesus dead. The ‘religious’ elite hated Jesus Christ – and still do. Interestingly, the ‘sons of hell’ weren’t the Goths or drunks or prostitutes or dancers, they were the moral and religious leaders of the day. The ones who loved a sense of religious power, who cared so much about outward appearance, who were zealous to have followers in their own image, but couldn’t care less about compassion and forgiveness. They were loud and proud – experts in condemnation, looking down on everyone else.
They had no concept of grace, and despised the way that Christ taught, lived and socialised. Above all, a crucified Saviour was a damnable concept to them. They had God sussed, they were his reps, they had earned the badges and were looking forward to their reward. Jesus well and truly clamped them in his last public address, recorded in Matthew 23. Read it, but sit down first - it’s strong stuff. Not the reward they were expecting!
Every generation of Christians - yes, including today’s young people in the Church - need to be reminded of Christ’s warnings. We all need to look at ourselves, don’t we?
If young people learn their ‘religion’ from the Church as an institution, rather than at the foot of the Cross, then there is a real danger that they become double sons of hell – worse than the generation before them. If God’s grace doesn’t soak deep into the spiritual DNA of us all, then we become empty shells, housing all the miserable and untreated sins that no-one sees.
It’s not about looking good and being pious – to make an impression for whoever. It’s not about saying the right things, with due solemnity and acting all holy – just in public. Neither is it being so ‘godly’ that we despise unbelievers (forgotten what we once were?). How many ‘christians’ today would have joined with the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, and condemned him for eating and drinking with ‘sinners’ (“Jesus - you’re just a drunk and a glutton” – see Luke 7 v 34). Makes them feel good and gives them a god-like status. It’s good to cast the first stone - keeps the attention away from their own hearts. We all know the tendency – fight it to the death!
Above all, it’s not about looking down your nose at other Christians who look, act or think differently from you. (“Oh, they don’t belong to my sect, they must be wrong - we have the monopoly of the truth”).
These ugly, ‘hellish’ qualities well up again and again in ‘nice’ church-going people. Christ reminds us that organised religion can be Satan’s hotbed. It’s where he works as an angel of light. It’s an outworking of what is in us all by nature – rebellion against God’s pure love and Lordship – and where better to work it out than in the place it’s least expected – among the religious. Yes, some of the worst, ugliest, graceless, and impure attitudes and behaviour I have encountered in my life have been in my own heart, for which I pray forgiveness, but also – sadly - in the thinking and actions of the Church, which I regard as my family – the Free Church. That has been the cause of my deepest sadness.
Please never think it’s enough to look right and say the right things: moralism is as brutally unattractive as it is useless to your soul. Christ went to the extremity of the Cross because you and I needed more than a sticking plaster or a ‘how to’ guide. We needed His life-giving heart surgery, and he wants us to share that forgiving and healing Grace with an equally damaged and lost generation of our friends and neighbours. You are the next generation – what battle will you take up? With all my heart, I hope and pray that it will be for the Gospel.
Science - the New Religion!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sorry for being so long in blogging – life is mad and I have lacked inspiration to share with my massive bloggership (is that the right word – like readership? Sounds like a frumpy sea-going vessel or a foreign swear word).
Anyway, here’s a thought: I’ve often seen parallels between ‘science’ and ‘religion’. Mr Dawkins will be most unhappy because he thinks religion is for misery guts – yet, when was the last time you met a charismatic scientist? (Apart from Johnny Ball – Google him – he’s not your generation). Note, I’m comparing science and religion – not science and Christianity, so maybe RD is right – religion is a bit miserable! I know there is overlap and interplay, but there is also a crucial difference. A relationship with Jesus Christ is at the core of Christianity. Not necessarily so in religion, and without Christ it is ghastly!
Anyway, my blog-esis (like thesis, but much smaller and more like a passing reflection than an egg-head proposal) is that scientists now often seem to take on a priestly role. They see themselves as the purveyors of truth, their hypotheses have increasingly become the ‘opiate of the people’ and, well, if science says it, then it must be right. All power is vested in them and woe betide the politician or social commentator who chooses to question ‘thus says the scientist’. It seems that humanity who have used religion in the past now might well be turning to ‘science’ in order to exert their craving for power and dominance.
But lest ‘science’ enjoy this new position too much, the recent survey finding by Dr Pam Waddell from Birmingham Science City may suggest otherwise: (BBC News Website) “Some 60% of 9 and 10-year-olds thought Sir Isaac Newton discovered fire, and a fifth of the 1,000 primary and secondary pupils polled thought Star Wars character Luke Skywalker or Richard Branson was first on the moon”.
Dr Waddell says, “70% of 9 and 10-year-olds would like to be famous for winning a Nobel Prize in science, yet this drops to only 33% among 11 to 15-year-olds. It appears children are losing an interest in science at secondary school, so more needs to be done to excite teenagers about the subject and rekindle some of their early childhood aspirations.”
So teenagers are losing interest in science too! It’s a reminder that, like religion, it has a long way to go to capture the hearts of our youth.
Genuine science is a fantastic discipline. The exploration and verification of God’s brilliant world – to be embraced, respected and highly valued. However, neither ‘science’ nor ‘religion’ can provide the ultimate value, forgiveness, belonging and hope that our young generation need – only the authentic person of Jesus Christ and His message of redeeming love can do that.
Camps? Yes, Please!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Free Church Camps - the best thing since sliced bread! In fact, come to think about it, loaves and loaves of sliced bread – toasted, and lavished with peanut butter, jam, cheese, Nutella, sugar and any mixture thereof, are part of my camp memory experience.
It’s not camping per se, of course. Apart from a few enthusiastic - but sorely misguided - outdoor types, Free Church Camps and canvas tents haven’t mixed well together. When I started going to camps (circa early 1970s…gulp!), they were mainly held in schools. The classrooms were transformed into dormitories and I don’t suppose ever fully recovered. If the walls could speak, these particular brick witnesses would be struck dumb, traumatised by the noise, laughter, smell and energy of their summer-time inhabitants. A pack of 12 young teenage boys walked out the door of these rooms after 10 days – each of them exhausted to the point of sickness - soap bars neatly unopened and a bag full of neatly ironed, unused underwear, cushioning 32 packets of sweets, 12 stink bombs and a water pistol.
Along with such thrilling items, the bag home also included the obligatory postcard that was never sent, someone else’s dirty sock, a wet t-shirt smelling of raw eggs and caked in damp flour and a broken ornament – bought at a market stall on one of the days out – “Mum will love this!” Going home brought a cloud of depression – normality, parents who didn’t understand the grief of my loss (camp finishing), and washing dishes without the joy of soap wars, and dish-towel flicking.
10 days of unadulterated fun, mayhem, lack of sleep, nonsense and pure friendship. Also, these were days lived out in a brilliant Christian atmosphere – where the leaders were committed Christians, were young and easy to talk to. We had the Bible explained at our level and we were passionately challenged to give our lives to Christ. We belted out great songs. We could ask our questions, and realised that others shared our fears, doubts, weakness, as we talked and prayed together at dorm discussions. By God’s grace, I owe a massive debt to Camps for the Truth I was taught, the examples I saw, the friends I made and the Grace I experienced.
We’ve progressed to more sophisticated accommodation, as time has progressed. The ruggedness has gone. The programme is not so basic as it used to be. Some of the boys now spend longer getting ready in the morning than the girls, and health and safety rules mean that we even have to risk-assess spontaneity…but the ethos and the blessing from God remains. If you have never been to Camp before, think about going – either as a ‘camper’ or, if you are an older young Christian, as a leader. You will never forget it and I pray, never regret it.
Hello Twenty Ten!
Monday, January 04, 2010
I wonder what young people are dreaming of at the beginning of this new year – indeed, new decade? I can’t really remember having amazing aspirations at the beginning of the eighties – yes, yes, I know, last century, but that was when I turned 16!
I remember wishing I was ready to leave school and thinking how great it would be to reach the age of 18. I couldn’t wait to start driving, and was beginning to like the idea of leaving home and doing my own thing! Nothing startling – I didn’t want to become Prime Minister or circumnavigate the globe on a skateboard or anything like that. Bit dull really.
But how about you putting on my shoes for a while – what’s it like for a middle-aged minister and dad to see in another new year? With 45 years of experience (46 on Jan 9 – hint, hint), will my dreams be very different to yours?
I guess so. I’m not so worried about impressing other people anymore and I don’t care too much about being like everyone else. I don’t want to travel the world. I thank God for my health and my family. And, more than anything, I want to be closer to Jesus Christ, My Lord, this year. I want my family, my church, my friends and my city to be closer to Him too. I want His Holy Spirit to blast into our lives like a mighty rushing wind and knock us for six – in a good way! I want our wider church to be so preoccupied with Him that the squabbles, debates and mistrusts evaporate. I want to see lots of my friends doing the impossible – becoming Christians.
For the youth – especially my kids and the young folks in my church – I want to see them living life to the full – with a smile and a holy passion for all things good. I want them to take risks for Christ’s sake and be really wholehearted, making them twice as attractive. To be strong in their faith, even in bad times, and to have courage to break the mould. But still to love and laugh, and run better than anyone else. I want them to take their youthful vigour into worship and be excited to bring their pals. I want them to radicalise the Church and make the Kingdom of God their ambition. I want them with Christ, and me in the background, to turn this world upside down.
I want us all to breathe God’s air this year and know it. To live and pray as if it might be our last day, and, at the same time, live and pray like we have an eternity before us.
That’s some of my dream – what’s yours?
Calum, Christmas and Christ
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Calum Heath lives in London. He is my son, Joe’s, best friend. He used to live in Edinburgh, and was in the same class and football team as Joe. Calum’s granny still lives in Edinburgh, so he often comes back to visit.
When he and his clan come to Edinburgh, there is not enough room for them all with Granny, so Calum stays with us. Friends reunited. When he and Joe get together, its as if he’s never been away – that’s what its like with best friends. They know each other inside out.
It can be like that with family too (I guess not every family, mind you) Once we grow up as kids, it’s always great to meet up again with parents and brothers and sisters at Christmas time. It’s one of the best things about this time of year. There is no ‘getting to know you again’ stage. You can totally relax – you know each other inside out – it’s like you’ve never been apart.
Best friends and family – the Bible uses both to illustrate what it is like to be a Christian - that is someone in a personal relationship with Christ, their Saviour. They are great illustrations and easy to understand.
This is the good news season of the coming of Jesus Christ – Immanuel (or, ‘God with us’). He came to be our Saviour. To be the best friend of all who trust in Him . He is the friend that sticks closer than even the best brother. As Christians, we become part of God’s special spiritual family – forgiven, loved, belonging and safe – for ever. We can look forward in Heaven to a family reunion that will never end – an eternity of celebration and joy with Christ.
Sometimes it’s hard to be a Christian here – so it’s good to remind ourselves that Christ is our best friend and he knows us inside out. It’s different because it’s a spiritual relationship and we need the gift of faith to enjoy it – so keep talking to Jesus Christ – keep the lines of communication open – and recognise that he is always wanting to shower all kinds of gifts your way.
Have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Take a Drink!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
I preached on the end of the Noah story last Sunday – no, not the nice bit about the rainbow and God’s promises, but the rather sad account of old man Noah getting drunk and his son Ham being disorderly. It seems that the temptation to drink too much alcohol is not a new problem.
There are lots of pressures and temptations for young people (and not so young too) in the world we live in. Surely one of the biggest pressures is to drink too much. It’s cool, it’s hard, it’s fun, it’s what being young is all about – isn’t it? “What a night - I got sooo drunk!” Really – good was it? What part of the night was so good – was it your brain feeling like a merry-go-round? The close examination of the toilet pan? Not remembering your slurred chat-up lines to that tasty looking lamppost? Or was it the head thumping like a bass drum on a stone pillow? That’s before you find out who you insulted and offended with your loosened tongue.
At college, university, high school and the workplace – many people live for going out at the weekend. And drink plays a massive part in that lifestyle. Everywhere we turn, alcohol consumption is promoted and encouraged. For many, it’s what life is all about. The celebration of nothing in particular.
Can I encourage any Christian young folk in the Church who read this to be aware of the need for radical living in this – and every area - of life.
Please consider who you are as a Christian. There is a great verse in Ephesians 5 v 18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit”. It’s brilliant! People throw drink down their throats relentlessly because they hope it might fill a void. The alcoholic haze helps them forget; fills them with a temporary, but ultimately deceitful, buzz; becomes a crutch (or worse, a dependency); and gives them a sense of purpose and belonging (well, at least until they become an embarrassment).
As Christians, we are filled with God’s Spirit. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. We are part of His family – we have peace with God, forgiveness, purpose, belonging, security, joy, a whole new life. There is no place for God’s child in the gutter – we have been transformed. Reborn. In the cold light of day, what Good News have we to offer our unbelieving friends, if they see our faith makes no difference to our lifestyle?
It’s hard to avoid drink in our culture, unless you live in a monastery (er…unless it’s the Buckfast one). How do we live? Most importantly, close to Christ and His people. Understand who you are and be confident in Christ. Know Him and His Truth - daily! Think about the choices you make, the lifestyle you live – is it honouring to God? Is it counter-cultural? I would say, don’t be monastic and physically separatist. Be in the world, but not of it. Socialise, yes, but be clear about what you are doing. Celebrate? Of course – but in such a way that reflects Heaven as our home of eternal celebration. Be self-controlled because that is a mark of God in your heart. Never drink to excess. Learn to walk away, take your leave – with your dignity intact and your witness enhanced. Do so with confidence - don’t make excuses. Let people see that your life is full of joy and meaning, without getting wasted. Pray before you go out with your friends - you might be the only person who will ever do so and you may be the nearest they ever come in this world to meeting Christ – what do they see in you (and me, for that matter)? You know it’s possible to say no with a smile!
Un tricheur? Pas moi!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A cheat? Not me! That sums up the attitude of Thierry Henry – the French footballing superstar - who deliberately handled the ball before passing to a teammate to score the goal that eliminated Ireland from qualification for next year’s football World Cup in South Africa last night (Wed 18th Nov.).
It was a horrible moment. Unlike the biblical account, it’s the moment when Goliath wins. The big teams get the breaks. The money men, the grey suits and the power brokers want France in the World Cup – not Ireland. They breathed a huge sigh of corporate relief. Prawn sandwiches all round.
Giovanni Trappatoni (isn’t that a well-known Irish family, the Trappatonis of Tipperary), the Ireland Manager, is reputed to have said after the game, “I am upset for fair play. We talk many times about fair play; I go to schools and talk to young children about the importance of fair play, and this happens”. I’m sure he is sincere – sincerely mad! The trouble is – all of football is complicit because integrity no longer really matters. It’s all about money and egos, and diving about like fairies.
Anyway, what has that got to do with Free Church young people? Well, life is full of object lessons and you will do well to learn from them – from whatever sphere of life or sport. In this case: Don’t be like Mr Henry, le footballer. He cheated, he clearly played for an unfair advantage, he didn’t confess his illegality to the referee and now he waits to play on the biggest stage of them all – the World Cup. It’s unfair. But it’s okay for sugary sweet Thierry because he admitted he handled it to the media, he sat on the pitch with the Irish players in mock commiseration after the game and, of course , he is not the ref. It’s not his fault. His attitude reflects a common morality that festers in us all. Don’t blame me. Quick talking, Monsieur Va Va Voom.
Some may say, “I hate football’, others may say, “It’s only football – get a life”, but whatever you think of the beautiful game, it, just like everything else in life, can speak to us about deeper attitudes and inclinations of our hearts. The message professional football so often sends out now is: “If you can get off with cheating to your advantage – go for it – it’s only wrong if you get caught”.
Selfishness and greed are ugly partners, and they give birth to cheating, their repulsive offspring. There is an increasing moral vacuum in our society . God in his Grace and Justice has been rejected. Humanity rules and integrity has no serious grounding any more. As G. K. Chesterton once said, “When people stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing — they believe in anything”. That’s beginning to become more apparent all the time.
And when the World Cup comes round next year, I’m afraid the Auld Alliance will be set aside in my house. No ‘Vive la France’ - I’ll be rooting for the other teams in England’s group! Ha, ha, only joking.
Rebel, Rebel!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My title is an old David Bowie song, but the sentiment is up to date – or is it? Rebellion used to be all the rage among the “yoof”. A mohican cut, expressive clothes, wild politics or unconventional behaviour, standing against authority – classic rebel style. I used to wear bleached jeans rolled up to the top of my 12-hole Doc Martin boots – cutting edge! But with my haircut – a total microphone head – I did as much for anarchy as Richard Branson has done for carbon footprints…not a lot!
Apparently, to be young and a Christian used to be the height of convention: slicked hair, Sunday best, good boys and girls, hands clasped respectfully towards heaven, being nice and always brushing their teeth. It wasn’t for rebels at all. Oh no. Man, how things have changed.
Now, it’s open season against God, the Bible and orthodox Christian faith. Climb on board the no-brain train and head towards Convention City. Everyone there is doing the same thing. Everyone is doing rebellion – it’s so passé. Choirs singing about being individuals, expressing the same differences, using the same language – “life is a journey, man, it’s for living; get on board and don’t smell the coffee”.
Rebels – all wearing the same different clothes, believing the same relative truth, rejecting the same old caricatures, because they are free thinkers. (“That’s right, isn’t it, that’s what we are supposed to say, we’re free thinkers…aren’t we?’)
Yup, rebellion! Wild. Original.
Maybe not. My young Christian friend, you stand on true rebel territory. You are not a dead fish. You are going against the flow. If you are a wholehearted believer in Christ, you actually believe the Bible and live as a sinner saved by grace – inherit the mantle of true rebellion. You’ve left the bandwagon behind.
Orthodox, New Testament Christian? I dare you: to have the guts to believe in creation, the cross and the Second Coming. To be crazy enough to let the love of Christ transform your ethics, morality, your choices in life and your future. To show Him to be your Lord and Master, whatever pressure comes from the convention crew. Above all, to love others the way Christ loves you – unconditionally and sacrificially.
Standing up for Jesus? Only if we have risen from our knees first. That is where the rebellion really starts , and where the mutiny can mature into a spiritual insurgence that makes today’s atheists look like choir boys.
Now that will be a real revolution!
Free Church Young People – Scandal!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Sorry about the title, but I thought it might make you more likely to open the blog – a sad reflection on human nature, but enlightening, none the less. There is no connection between it and the content of my blog. It was completely random, as they say.
It’s November – a dark and cold month. You’ve just had a billion more days off school (good grief, they used to call them the ‘Tattie’ holidays – you could have lifted enough potatoes in that time to feed a large colony of, er, potato lovers) and now some of you are beginning to think of Prelims!
It’s like February – a kind of in-between, characterless month. So here’s the plan to cheer you up – I’ll send out an early Christmas present (oh, I mean end of year gift) to the first young person who replies and gives me some ideas about what I should “blog” about. Now this will be harder than it seems!
First, I want some proof of age (anyone between 12 and 23 qualifies!). This blog is not for 30-50 somethings, so stop pretending you are young, and away out and buy ‘Saga’ magazine and put your slippers on.
Second, you need to work out how to get in touch with me. I’m gutted because the other ‘bloggers’ on the Free Church website have a ‘comment’ button at the end. I don’t. It’s very bad for business and I feel discriminated against.
Thirdly, I’ll only give the prize to someone who gives me a good idea, that I feel will be of spiritual value to discuss.
Fourthly, if you heap praise on me, you are more likely to be picked.
Fifthly, I’m very sensitive. Remember that. I was planning to give up this blog even at this early stage, as I seriously didn’t think any young folk were interested. Prove me wrong and I may have to change my mind.
I’ll leave you with another random thought. I suppose lots of you are on Facebook. It’s your face, your life (at least what you want people to see about you and think of you) and your friends. It’s a network. I want to know two things (and you can send me some answers). When did you last post something Christian on it? Or is that too embarrassing? Hhmm. And why do so many Facebook photos seem to involve five or six folk huddled together in a gigantic hug-a-thon; sneering, snorting, posing, pouting or modelling for the camera? Another great party, again? It’s Friday - again? Just to be like everyone else?
