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As I sit here writing this article, I have just finished preparing a sermon on ‘power’ – the proper use of it, and the improper use of it. I believe that this is such a relevant subject just now after the political turmoil we have been through over the past few weeks.
I cannot remember a time, during my lifetime, where there has been such anger in the general population over the improper use of power by politicians. Newspaper articles day after day reveal new allegations about our elected politicians – who are, after all, elected to be our ‘servants in government.’ The people feel betrayed, and there is a constant baying for blood.
However, I have been reminded during my Bible readings that as Christians we perhaps have not taken our responsibilities seriously towards our elected MPs. It is so easy to criticise them when they let us down, but I wonder (and I ask myself this) – how often do we pray for those elected into high office. How often do we pray for those elected to Westminster? How often do we pray for those elected locally to our Town Councils? You see, the Apostle Paul urges us to pray for those in Government. He says in 1 Tim.2:1,2 ‘I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.’
As a nation, we are in deep turmoil – we live in a world in turmoil – financial turmoil; families are in turmoil; natural disasters causing turmoil – and surely, more than ever, our politicians need our prayers at this time.
It is so easy to point the finger, but the reality is that ALL of us, given the opportunity, are tempted to abuse power.
However – the One Person who never did this was our Lord Jesus Christ. He had all the power and authority under heaven – and yet He gave it all up in order to show us the love that God has for each one of us. Jesus showed us that the way up – is the way down. That fulfilment in life does not come from grabbing power – but by actually giving it away!
There is a verse from a song by Christian singer Michael W. Smith which says:
There was a man who walked on water,
He came to set the people free.
He was the ultimate example
Of what love can truly be.
‘Cause His love was His life
And He gave it away.
You gotta give it away.
We have a message which is so powerful that lives can be literally transformed. We live in a world that desperately needs to see God’s love in action – and it starts with you and me serving God by serving the people we come in contact with day by day.
In September we commence Purpose Driven Community, and my prayer is that through embracing these studies, they will move and motivate us to really get ‘out there’ and serve our Community – to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this Community.
I believe with all my heart that this nation CAN be saved. I believe that people are yearning for something that is real and transforming. If you don’t believe me, please view this Youtube clip with Radio 1 host, Chris Moyles – I have rarely heard anyone more excited about Christianity than this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StEDAjhuiTo
Over the summer months, I pray that each of you will take time to be with God and receive His refreshing. I believe we have some exciting things ahead over the coming months – with the new building; Purpose Driven Community; and Hopefest. There will be many ways in which you can serve God in this local church – but none of us can serve unless we first of all humbly offer our lives; until we are in a close relationship with our Saviour. But, as we spend time with God, He will empower us to be the Kingdom Force that He wants us to be in the area.
On 30th August, we are hopefully having a service where we celebrate being back in the redeveloped sanctuary. The building, I believe, will look great. But more than this, wouldn’t it be much better if the sanctuary of our lives is also being transformed into a glorious witness for Him?
As Paul wrote in Eph.3:20,21: ‘Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His POWER that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Jim Crockett
Jim’s web site article is taken from the Vine Baptist Church ‘Forward’ Magazine each month. If you would like to receive a copy of the magazine, please contact the Church Office.
Jim’s weekly sermons can be listened to on the Internet. Simply visit our Sermon Archive page.
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