Fourth July - the curse of independence

Thursday 4th July is the date of the moment: the General Election. It is unlikely, however, to retain its significance in the same way as America’s 4th July, which looks back to that nation’s Declaration of Independence from British rule back in 1776.

History is shot through with nations wanting to be independent of other nations and coveting sovereignty and autonomy. In our own Great Britain, recent decades have witnessed former colonies wanting and gaining independence, our leaving the EU and the perceived yoke of Brussels, whilst devolved governments at home are a step in this direction also.

All of this stems from our desire to be free, to be independent and master of our own lives both corporately and individually. With all of these millions of lives, each having a personal agenda, politicians have a dilemma when appealing for our vote.

The solution to this human dilemma is to be found in God and yet that is the last place we think we need to go, because we see him as the biggest threat to our independence. Yet Jesus tells us that is as silly as a branch wishing to be independent of the tree from which it gets all of its nourishment. Give the branch independence and it will sooner or later wither and dry up – dead wood.

The Christian message contains many paradoxes. One such tells us that whilst we hold back from God and choose our own independence in the name of freedom we are actually enslaved. Jesus, on the other hand, says he has come to set captives free and this because he is the only one who can bring us close to God. Close to God? Yes, contrary to our expectations this is where freedom really lies. It makes perfect sense, if you believe that God made us - made us to live in relationship with himself. Christian teaching is that independence from God is the last thing we need, because our hearts are restless until they find their home in God.

We need our politicians to govern us well but the ultimate solutions lie elsewhere. May I suggest you check out the promises and credentials of Jesus found in the Bible?

A man named Adam

Most people probably know that, according to the Bible, the first man is named Adam. Less people, however, will know that the same Bible refers to Jesus as the last (or second) Adam. It is to this second Adam – Jesus, that the Bible strives to draw our attention.

A contributor to the letters column in the Birmingham Mail (May 14) says that the Christian message of salvation makes no sense as it is based on the opening chapters of the book of Genesis which includes reference to a man named Adam. This is because he thinks that science renders such religious scripts and faith void.

My dictionary says science is, ‘a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws’. I boil a kettle of water and once it gets to 100°C it refuses to go hotter and starts to evaporate. This is an observable fact that can be proved.

I know of no fact that proves life exists without intelligent design. To say, as some do, that life started by chance is bizarre, since ‘chance’ is not a thing it is a nothing.

On a number of occasions we read that various groups sought to catch Jesus out and make him look ridiculous. One such group was called the Sadducees. They gave a long-winded ‘foolproof’ argument in order to prove that resurrection from the dead made no sense. Jesus’ riposte was, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.’

Many educated people have found that it is harder to believe in a godless universe than it is to deny a divinely-designed creation. These same people (of whom I am one) would also say it is equally hard to dismiss the reality of our consciences along with our innate sense of justice. How does the atheist explain such things without reference to a good, creator God?

Anyone who wishes to dismiss the Christian message on the basis of the opening chapters of Genesis might do better to start with Jesus Christ himself. Irrespective of what one thinks about Genesis, it is Jesus with whom we must deal first and foremost. Try disproving Jesus’ existence, his claims and his resurrection if you dare. Alternatively, simply trust him!

What have I done to deserve this?

When trouble or disaster strikes, sometimes we are tempted to ask, ‘What have I done to deserve this?’ The implication being that a higher power is punishing us.

On one occasion, some Jews brought to the attention of Jesus the fact that Pilate, the Roman Governor, had slaughtered a number of Galileans whilst they were undertaking their religious duties. Jesus in turn reminded them of the misfortune that occurred when a tower in the town of Siloam had collapsed and killed eighteen people. He then asked, ‘Do you think these people were more guilty than those who remained unscathed?’  Without waiting for an answer he said, ‘I tell you no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.’

There is no denying that sometimes our troubles are the result of our own folly. Wrongdoing, however, is not necessarily balanced out by trouble in this life.

The mercy of God is great indeed, because he is not presently dealing with us as we really deserve, for that would mean utter ruin for each of us here and now.

God's mercy is such that when trouble comes, he is not necessarily meting out punishment. Rather he desires that trouble be transformed from an evil to a tool of blessing. How so? In that troubles ought to turn us towards God who longs to reveal his Father-heart to us. Trials and troubles may be viewed as stepping stones to a God with outstretched arms, not rocks designed to crush us from on high. It is the gracious and loving purpose of God not to condemn us but to free us.

For better or for worse, judgement and its consequences are the reality that will follow this life, but how marvelous is the Christian message, ‘turn and trust’ (repent and believe is the Bible’s terminology). The Good News is that when Jesus, who is God come to us as a man, died on the cross he took upon himself judgment, condemnation and punishment on the behalf of all who will trust in him.