In our individualistic version of the Christian faith we have lost something of the sense of corporate responsibility we see demonstrated in the Israelite Faith.

“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites.” Joshua 7.1

Here the whole nation is held to account because one person had sinned. His sin…in taking that which God has asked the people to ‘set apart’ for Him….led to the death of 36 of his fellow Israelites. There is something in this.

When we live our Christian faith in isolation, not taking responsibility for our role in the community of faith, the whole Church suffers.

How did that happen?

Thankfully that means I am about half way through my working ministry life.

Could not be more excited about the next 20 years of Pastoring.

God bring me the fruit

God continue to speak…I’m listening.

Leading.

It does not mean you domineer.

It does not mean you win.

It does mean however that you love people enough to not leave them where they are.

I remember when I first visited the Hillsong Conference….many years ago. I distinctly remember the mental image I had as I walked into the arena. It was of myself holding my arms together. Mentally protecting myself from what I might be exposed to.

How wrong I was. In a short term I discovered that God had a moment for me there. In fact many moments. Joy, peace, challenge and instruction.

Principles and wisdom that would hold me in good stead for many years of ministry.

How often do we close ourselves off to the possibility of hearing Gods voice by preconceptions and fallacies. By thinking the worst and not expecting the best.

I think of some Pastors I know who go to conferences only to disengage, to sit at the rear, to close themselves off. Protecting themselves from the possibility God may have a challenge, and encouragement…a word for them.

Recently someone approached me about the anger they felt towards someone who had done something unspeakably evil to a vulnerable person.

They expressed to me how as a Christian they were really struggling with forgiveness. The anger they felt towards this person in authority was something they were finding it hard to shake.

As I heard the stories I felt anger rise up within my heart. And frustration that someone who was meant to be a spiritual guide and leader would instead be found out committing acts which can only be described as evil.

I expressed that anger in such circumstances is a perfectly reasonable response, in fact a response anyone should have. The total selfish and depraved nature of such acts deserves nothing less.

But that leaves us in a quandary. Can and should we stay angry, leading to bitterness? While understandable, in the end such a journey only ends up harming us. People need to suffer the consequences of their actions. And we may never have fellowship with them again. But this does not mean their actions should continue to have control over us. Bitterness relegates us to be their prisoner. Letting the anger, grief and even pain go is part of the process of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not however pretending things can remain the same. Some actions have consequences which may never be fully resolved in this life.

This Sunday just gone has marked a significant marker in the story of my life, my wifes life and the life of my Church.

After around 2 years of renovation we have finally been approved and moved in as a church community to our new facilities. We purchased a Battery Warehouse and have spent considerable finance and graft to turn it into a creative place for worship, community activities, drama, dance, music and emerging artists.

It is a place we hope becomes a home for many people in our community.