Unfortunately one leader of a Church is getting media time as he declares that the floods in Queensland are the result of God’s judgment on Kevin Rudd.

A read of Jesus life makes it clear what his response to such a line of thinking would have been. We don’t have to guess, its there in the Bible.

“Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? ³ Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. ⁴ And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

Jesus makes a call here for personal reflection, and as a Christian I believe we are all responsible to our Creator for how we live our lives. But this is not what I want to emphasise today. His words and meaning are clear, the poor souls who died in a accident were not being judged for what they had done, it was just an accident. Bad things happen…like floods in Queensland. We can blame climate change, we can blame dams, we can say it is an act of nature….but don’t try to blame God. God is not willing that any would perish…but wants everyone to live abundant lives. Sometimes bad things happen, and we don’t know why.

There are so many churches being Gods hand and feet…and not trying to be His mouthpiece, working hard for others in Queensland. My namesakes Church in Ipswich, Ipswich Region Community Church, is an official evacuation centre. People are donating time, money, food and effort to care for those affected by the floods. That is what Jesus would want. Love of God demonstrated in acts of kindness. And that is only one of hundreds of Churches and other community groups banding together to help. My family donated some money this week, as are millions of other ordinary Australians. I encourage us all, share Gods love. Let people know you are a Christian by your love and actions.

If you want to help: After careful consideration Australian Baptist Ministries (BUA) has decided to open its National Disaster and Relief Fund to channel specific giving through local Queensland Baptist Churches, Queensland Baptist Care initiatives, and other likeminded agencies. If people in your church would like to donate through this fund (Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible) the details are as follows:

If donating by cheque: Cheques payable to BUA National Disaster & Relief Fund, and posted to PO Box 273, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
If donating by direct credit: The Baptist Union of Australia, ANZ Camberwell, BSB: 013-247, Ac No. 4955 55525. (To receive a receipt the donors name and address will also be required.)
If donating via Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard only): Send an email to bua@baptist.org.au supplying the card number, expiry date, the cardholders name and their signature.