Gospel – Life and Faith

The Advance of the Gospel: In Joy

The book of Job in the Old Testament presents the story of a man who, despite his righteousness, is subjected to immense suffering. Job’s friends, in their misguided attempts to provide comfort, suggest that his misfortune must be due to some hidden sin. Job, in defiance, is confident that God will ultimately vindicate him, that his trials will lead to deliverance.

This ancient narrative finds a parallel in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul draws on Job’s language of deliverance when he writes in 1:18-20 about the joy and confidence he derives from the support of the church and their prayers in the Spirit of Christ.

Paul’s hope for deliverance is twofold: liberation from those who preach Christ with false motives and possible physical release from his imprisonment. Regardless of the specific form his deliverance might take, he is assured of his ultimate vindication.

And so Paul is hopeful.

His attitude hasn’t been dampened because of the circumstances he finds himself in. Rather, he is aware of what has ultimate value.

He is not ashamed of being in chains, of being in prison. He is not ashamed of the sufferings and gossip of others. In fact, he expects to be given courage to face these challenges through Christ. Whether he is alive in body or not. Whatever situation he finds himself in he wishes to exalt Christ, to honour Christ, and in so doing the gospel will advance.

It is an incredible conviction to have, an incredible attitude to have.

How often might we find ourselves in hardship?

There is tremendous hardship in our world. We read about it every week. We see images of it that scar our minds. We don’t have to live long to experience it ourselves or know of others who experience trauma, grief, sadness, loneliness, brokenness, and other sufferings . We are after all sinners, saints, and sufferers.

And to be quite frank, everyone has a story.

Everyone is going through something.

Some things may cause our hearts to strain, to question the faithfulness of God, or bring to mind doubts in God’s goodness.

And often there are no easy answers to those questions and doubts.

We may be left in a place of not knowing, others times we are left to the mystery of providence.

In Philippians we see that despite the circumstances Paul the message of Christ still advances.

Christ is still exalted through such circumstances.

And for this he rejoices, he rejoices in Christ.

I wonder if we’ve ever thought that in amongst carrying that pain, brokenness, and heartache within that there is the opportunity to advance the gospel in there somewhere?

Can our pain be used in God’s power to proclaim Christ?

Would we be able to say, that what I really want you to know brothers and sisters is that the loss of my job has really served to advance the message of Christ?

Would we be able to say, that what I really want you to know brothers and sisters is that the cancer or chronic health issue has actually served to advance Christ?

Would we be able to say, that what I really want you to know brothers and sisters is that our miscarriage has actually served to advance Christ?

Would we be able to say, that what I really want you to know brothers and sisters is that my wrestle with singleness has actually served to advance Christ?

Would we be able to say, that what I really want you to know brothers and sisters is that the car accident has actually served to advance Christ?

Would we be able to say, that what I really want you to know brothers and sisters is that the passing of a loved one has actually served to advance Christ?

I just wonder. I just wonder that in the hardship of life we not only are able to find the comfort of Christ for our grief and lament, but that we also find Christ will be exalted and the gospel advancing.

And so I wonder, despite it all, whether we can rejoice in Christ?

This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:

The Advance of the Gospel: Selfish Motives vs. True Intentions

In Philippians 1:15-18, Paul provides insight into how the message of Christ is being proclaimed and how the gospel is advancing, despite his imprisonment. Intriguingly, there seem to be two groups of people within close proximity to Paul, possibly in the city where he is imprisoned, each preaching Christ but with divergent intentions.

One group proclaims Christ out of goodwill and love, stepping into the void left by Paul’s incarceration. Their motivation is driven by Paul’s dedication to defending the gospel, which is now public knowledge, given his impending trial for his belief and proclamations. These unsung heroes might not be directly identified, but Paul, in his letter to the Romans, does acknowledge several individuals for their ‘hard work in the Lord’. It’s possible that he might be referring to some of these individuals.

Understanding God’s Plan in Less Than Ideal Circumstances

Such situations force us to ponder the grand designs of God. When seen from a human perspective, we notice problems, gaps, and less than ideal circumstances. Yet, God always seems to have His people precisely where they need to be for the advancement of the gospel.

In the first chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul assures them that they lack no spiritual gift as they eagerly wait for the Lord’s revelation. This statement suggests that they have everything they need to be the Church at that moment. An analogous situation is unfolding here; despite Paul’s imprisonment, the gospel is still being propagated. Those free to continue the mission have everything they need to carry on the work Paul initiated.

Unveiling The Motive Behind Gospel Proclamation

On the other side of the coin, we encounter another group of people with less than altruistic motives. Their proclamation of Christ is driven by envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition. Though they remain unnamed, their objective is clear – to sow discord for Paul.

How does Paul react to this less-than-ideal situation in verse 18?

With joy. He rejoices!

Regardless of the motivations, Paul celebrates that Christ is being preached.

And at this point I have a few questions for old mate Paul.

Does Paul believe that the ends justify the means? Does it matter how Christ is being proclaimed? Are the motives behind our evangelistic or mission endeavours of any importance, as long as the gospel is being spread?

Questioning Our Motives in Ministry

Reflecting on Paul’s emphasis on motives rather than methods, and his subsequent admonishment of selfish ambition, it’s clear that motives do matter. Despite the poor motives of the second group, the gospel continues to advance. This is a cause for celebration, but it also poses a challenge. We must continuously assess our motivations in ministry and mission.

We need to question ourselves: Why am I involved in this ministry? What kind of attitude am I bringing into serving this way? Is my motive pure, or is it centred?

Despite Our Flaws, the Gospel Advances

It’s a humbling realisation that even when we falter, God’s work continues. Despite our own brokenness and failures, the gospel continues to advance. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, salvation comes through grace and faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our relationship with God isn’t about performance; it’s about God’s grace gifted to us through Jesus Christ.

In serving God, we have been gifted the opportunity to partake in His work in the world. Even if we falter, God’s work continues, and the message of Christ still advances. It’s not about perfection in our service but the humble acceptance of the fact that God can use us despite our imperfections.

Inherent Challenge and Joy

As we strive to serve in the mission and ministry of Christ we do so with and goodwill. We need to continually evaluate our motivations and seek to align them with the purpose of Christ. When we face the challenges of ministry we seek to do so with humility, remembering that our failings do not hinder God’s work. Instead, they highlight the boundless grace of God, as the gospel continues to advance despite our weaknesses.

We read and watch plenty who on the surface seem to serve with motives that are questionable to us. Yet, as Paul’s experience suggests, even these circumstances cannot thwart God’s plan. The gospel continues to spread, and that in itself is a reason for us to rejoice!

The Triumph of the Gospel

In the end, Paul’s tale is a testament to the triumphant advance of the gospel. Despite less-than-ideal circumstances, despite the challenges of imprisonment, and despite the differing motives of those spreading the Word, the message of Christ continues to resonate far and wide. In every circumstance, we are reminded of the astounding grace of God that ensures the gospel’s advance.

In our service to God it isn’t about a flawless performance or ulterior motives; it’s about participating in the divine symphony of the gospel. Even when our notes falter, the music plays on, bringing joy to the listener and proclaiming the glory of God. The opportunity before us is to be part of the melody in the mission of God through the message of Christ

This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:

The Advance of the Gospel: In Suffering

When baking, it’s often wise to follow a recipe, as it guides us to create the delicacy we envision. It instructs us on the ingredients to add, how to mix them together, and even specifies the right oven temperature to bake that perfect cake you’re dreaming of right now.

In the grand scheme of Christian ministry, we often expect a similar recipe for success. We anticipate a clear path, a favourable environment, and the right mix of circumstances to see the advancement of the gospel. Yet, in the narrative of the Apostle Paul, as seen in his letter to the church in Philippi, we find a different kind of recipe. After affirming the friendship he has with the church in Philippi in v11, Paul goes on to describe his current situation in v12-26. He speaks about how his imprisonment, a circumstance that doesn’t look like a favourable environment, is actually helping spread the message of Christ in v12-14. It might not be the gospel recipe book we would imagine, but amidst suffering and persecution, even amidst selfishness and ego, the message of Christ is being proclaimed and advancing. And it is to these verses we turn now in our little series on Philippians.

The Unexpected Catalyst: Paul’s Imprisonment

In v12-14 Paul writes,

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Despite the dire circumstances Paul finds himself in, the gospel continues to advance. Almost unexpectedly, the message of Christ makes progress even while Paul is confined in prison.

While in prison the guards and others in the palace find out why he is there. As the guards rotate through their shifts word gets out that Paul is imprisoned because he claims Jesus as Lord. This has religious connotations because of the Roman gods and idol worship. It also has political connotations because at this time the Roman Emperor was considered divine and a ‘son of god’. When Paul is publicly declaring Jesus as Lord, and as the Son of God, we can understand there might be a bit of push back. No one is to be considered Lord except the Caesar himself.

It seems, however, that Paul’s imprisonment is an inspiration to the other believers with him or those in close contact. The gospel is advancing because Paul is suffering and locked away, and it is inspiring Christians in their boldness to share this message of Jesus with others too.

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances the gospel is at work inspiring faith.

Inspiration from Unlikely Heroes: Stories of Faith Amidst Persecution

Inspiration for our faith can come from a range of sources and through a range of people. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been deeply moved by the stories of other Christians and the significant impact their lives have had on others. Some of these have been missionaries and Christian workers of the past, like Jim Elliot, John Paton, Corrie Ten Boom, William Jay, JI Packer, Joni Eareckson Tada, to name a few. Others have been people I know, colleagues, family members, teachers, and people in churches I’ve been in. My faith is inspired by those who are living out their faith despite hard circumstances and situations. In fact, it is in hearing these stories, that often include hardship and suffering, I have found the gospel advancing in me, it is working in me through the life and times of others.

That may well be a reason why Hebrews 11 and 12 are so powerful to me. Those chapters in Hebrews list saints of the past, saints of the Bible, who are an inspiration to our faith. Their stories are written to inspire our faith.

There is the aspect of inspiration here, mixed with the persecution of Paul, locked away for his faith and proclaiming the gospel.

Flourishing Faith in the Face of Hardship: The Unforeseen Advance of the Gospel

Today we can search and read information about Christians around the world who are living out their faith despite the threat and reality of persecution, particularly in the majority world.

In the 1950s missionaries were kicked out of China at the time of the revolution yet the gospel advanced to such a degree that there are now millions of believers living out their faith in less-than-ideal situations.

In more recent times in Africa, Boko Haram are an extremist group who persecutes Christians in Nigeria on a regular basis. Yet as many are killed for their faith the Christians continue to live lives of faith under the most harrowing of pressures, instability, and concern for their lives.

In Iraq, Christian families and churches face threats on a regular basis. Despite the constant pressure and threat, house church leaders continue to minister, and against all odds, the gospel continues its work, advancing the message of Christ.

Knowing the stories of Christians past or present are inspiring. Their faith, their hustle, their confidence, and their trust in the Lord. Through their faith and faithfulness they display the ‘all surpassing value of Jesus Christ’ (Philippians 3:8).

How does knowing about these stories impact your own faith? How might you live differently knowing that the gospel can advance in the most unexpected environments?

Through suffering, through hardship, through difficulty the gospel advances. And for us today we can be inspired, encouraged, and given courage in our walk of faith. In what, from a human perspective, might be the least expected environments, the gospel can indeed flourish.

This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:

Gospel Partnership Is Prayerful Partnership

Saying you are going to pray for someone is a common occurrence in the Christian faith. We hear the needs of others and strive to support them. Prayer is our go-to action when we cannot provide tangible help, and it’s far from being the ‘least’ we can do. This is not to diminish the reality that it is more than likely we can do something to meet the needs of others, but in times of grief, in times of poor health, in times of relational breakdown, there might not be anything concrete to do.

One of the best ways to encourage someone in prayer is not to just tell them that you will pray for them. I mean, how many times have we promised to pray for someone, only to forget later? But like a number friends of mine, a great way to fulfil that which you promise is to write the prayer in a text and send it to them. Not only does this mean something to the person on the receiving end, but it also means you actually pray for them too!

Well, this is what Paul does here in the opening section of Philippians, specifically in v9-11. He writes out his prayer for them.

As we have discovered previously, we have read the heart and affection Paul has for this small church, and now we read what Paul prays for them:

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Prayerful Partnership: Cultivating Love

First, Paul prays that their love will keep growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment.

Often we might think we need more information and more knowledge of someone in order to grow in love. We might tell ourselves that we can’t truly love someone unless we have a deeper relationship with them.

Here Paul flips this kind of thinking and shows that love should already be a given.

Paul’s expectation is that members of the church already have a foundation of love for one another, and within that thought he prays that this love will grow in knowledge and depth of insight.

We might think this way toward others, even at the church we attend. It’s a common misconception that we can only genuinely love others when we have a deep knowledge of them, even within our own church community.

Interestingly, this isn’t what Paul expects. Love should already be among us because we know God together in Christ. As 1 John 4 reminds us, God is love, therefore we should love one-another. So, when Paul prays for their love to grow in knowledge and discernment, it’s under the assumption that love is already a foundational element of their church community.

The call here is to go to love quickly, and pray it may grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Prayerful Partnership: Bearing Fruit

Second, Paul prays for the church to discern and approve of superior and excellent things. He hopes that they will be pure and blameless when Christ Jesus returns.

Here is a connection to our future hope. A day when Christ will be with us and we will be with him. How that manifests itself Paul doesn’t say, but he keeps this at the forefront of our minds.

And this leads to the final line, a prayer that the people of God at Philippi might be willed with the fruit of righteousness, that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Perhaps you’re one who grow their own vegetables. And if you are then I imagine you are aware there is an art to planting your anticipated produce at the right time. If it’s not planted at the right time then there will be no fruit produced. Here we read of ‘fruit,’ a metaphor for the visible actions and attitudes that result from being ‘right’ with God. This fruit, this evidence of our relationship with God, is made possible through Christ Jesus.

In being made right with God through Christ the fruit of that will be displayed in the way we conduct ourselves. The way we love one-another. The way we partnership with joy together. And as Paul writes further in v27, in a manner worthy of the gospel.

Just as we found joy in the gospel partnership last time, we now discover its prayerful aspect as well. May we be a people who partner with others through prayer, and praying for the fruit of righteousness that comes through our Lord Jesus.

This post is part of an ongoing series where we will dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:

Gospel Partnership Is Joyful Partnership

After Paul gives his initial greetings to the church in Philippi (Philippians 1:1-2), we immediately sense just how much joy and affection he has for them. In v3-8, we read of how their partnership in the gospel is a joyful partnership.

Prayers For The People

In v3, Paul gives thanks to God for this church. Even while in prison, he is reminded of them, thankful for them, and feels a great sense of joy for them because of the partnership he has in the gospel with them. I imagine Paul chained up in a Roman prison, a smile on his face as he lifts up prayers every time he thinks of his friends in Philippi.

In this, there is a small challenge for us. How often would we think of people in our lives or throughout the day and lift up prayers for them? I’m sure, like me, you think of numerous people throughout the day as you write an email to them, consider what they’re doing, or see them pop up on our social media feeds. What if we lifted up prayers for people we think of or hear about throughout our day? What a great challenge for us to do.

Partnership With The People

In v5, we are given insight into why this church is so precious to Paul. It is the partnership they have in the gospel.

What ties or binds Paul with the Philippians is the gospel. Together, they follow Jesus and have had their hearts and lives turned upside down because of the message of Jesus. And so, they are bound together as sisters and brothers in Christ as they know him and share his message with others.

In Acts 16, which is where we read of Paul’s first interactions with the people of Philippi, we learn of how the church began. Now, 10-12 years later, as he pens this letter to them, Paul continues to recognise the connection they have with one another, not only because of the support he has received from them but also because they serve and share the message of Christ together.

I began my ministry journey in a small village called Ain Zhalta, in the mountains of Lebanon. Over 15 years ago, my wife and I spent two years serving as teachers and mission workers among an ethnic group called the ‘Druze’. And each Sunday, we would meet in a terribly cold stone and tiled church that had very limited heating, with a handful of other foreigners and a handful of Lebanese people to worship together. But what I remember rather vividly in those services, while listening to Arabic worship songs and a sermon I couldn’t understand, was the connection I had with those in the church there and the connection I had with those in our home church back in Melbourne.

There was a partnership in the gospel. In the gospel, we met together. In the gospel, we prayed together. In the gospel, we had fellowship with one another. In the gospel, we served and shared the message of Christ together.

I’m not sure whether you’ve visited a church overseas, or across our city, or in another part of the country. But when you do, you have an immediate partnership—a partnership in the gospel.

A little while ago, we had visitors from the USA join our church for a month. In my brief conversation with them, they highlighted how great it was to come along and know the connection we have together because of the gospel.

The unity, the partnership in the gospel, is a key concept for us being the church, being the people of God.

There are lots of groups in our communities that meet, do activities, and build relationships and friendships. Many do them very well, whether it’s a kindergarten or a school, a sporting club, an art class, or a library. Whatever it might be, little sub-cultures and communities are formed and centred around something.

Partnership Centred On A Person

As the church, we are centred around the gospel – the person and work of Jesus Christ – the message of Jesus. This is who brings us together, this is who forms the nature of our community, the nature of our church, the nature of our partnership.

No Jesus. No church. No partnership.

Pretty simple, really.

However, when we recognise and embrace the foundation of our faith – Jesus Christ – we begin to see the beauty and richness of gospel-centred partnership. It is in Jesus that we find a common ground, a shared purpose, and a bond that transcends our differences and unites us in love and service.

As we come together in Christ, we experience the joy of true fellowship. Our shared faith, hope, and love in Jesus enable us to support, encourage, and strengthen one another in our journey of faith. We celebrate our victories, weep with one another in times of sorrow, and walk hand in hand as we strive to live out the gospel in our daily lives.

What a blessing, what a joy, that is.

Gospel partnership is therefore a joyful partnership.

No wonder Paul continues to use effusive language about the church and affirm the role God will continue to work in them until the day Christ returns.

Through the gospel, there is joy.

Through gospel partnership, there is a joyful partnership.

This post is part of an ongoing series where we will dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:

Chicken Nuggets or Gospel Nuggets

Every now and then I like to spoil my four-year-old daughter by taking her out for fast food. Her food of choice is usually chicken nuggets. You know, those small morsels of processed chicken enveloped in a thin batter. If she’s hungry enough she’ll eat six in one sitting.

These little pieces of chicken are called nuggets because they’re small enough to eat quickly and they temporarily satisfy our hunger. Unlike a large piece of chicken, where we might need to use a knife and fork, chicken nuggets provide a quick go to for food.

Throughout the New Testament, either in the Gospels or in the Letters of Paul and Peter and John, we can find gospel nuggets. These are bite-size pieces of the Good News that remind us of who God is and what he has done in Jesus. Unlike chicken nuggets these are easily digestible and all-satisfying truths of the Christian faith.

One such nugget I came across recently is from Titus 3:3-7. It reads:

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

In reading this I am reminded of the position I used to be in before knowing Jesus, and now the position I find myself in because of Jesus.

Formerly I was in a place that was foolish. In this position I sought to gain pleasure for myself, looking out solely for my own needs and wants. This leads down a path that is unhelpful and unhealthy. Seeking pleasure in the wrong place, and in pursuing wrongful passions, we end up being people who are prideful, egotistical, and self-centred.

Knowing the position we are in it is then revealed to us that through the love and kindness of God we can be rescued from this inwardly focussed life. Instead, through the mercy of God, we have been saved through Christ Jesus. We haven’t done anything to achieve such kindness and love but God has done it all. From one reality our eyes are opened to another reality. This new reality understands that through the Spirit our hearts have been changed and we have been rescued from our own selfishness.

Because of this we are (1) included into God’s family, (2) made right with God, (3) have an inheritance given to us from God, and (4) our hope is put into perspective because of eternity with God.

That is four gifts that God has freely given to us because of his kindness, love, and mercy.

What an amazing gift!

As you ponder your own position with God have you come to understand the gifts God seeks to give you?
As you dwell on this gospel-nugget can you see the all-satisfying grace of God?

As you go about your day today, take this gospel-nugget and chew on it. Digest it. Understand it. And may it nourish you in a way that no fast food outlet can.

This post was originally published elsewhere on the interwebs but is no longer available.

Published: Gospel of Mercy: Remembering Our Identity In Christ

A huge influence on the way we think of ourselves, particularly as youth ministry practitioners, is related to our identity. This is relevant to anyone who isn’t a youth pastor or involved in youth ministry work too, obviously. But recently I’ve reflected on this in relation to the youth pastor position, and had a piece published about it at Rooted Ministry a few days ago.

Part of what I write is that…

“Because of this new identity there are changes to get used to. Things which we used to hold as important and central to our identity become secondary. Our identity as a father or mother, as an accountant or barista, as a top student or college dropout, well, these become secondary to being part of the people of God. These identifying factors, while not redundant, become lesser as our identity in Christ becomes greater.

This even goes for our position in the youth ministry! Whether on a pastoral staff or a volunteer youth leader, our identity is first and foremost with Christ.”

You can read the whole thing here.

Published: Chicken Nuggets or Gospel Nuggets?

I’ve had a daily devotional published as a blog post on digisciple.me:

“Formerly I was in a place that was foolish. In this position I sought to gain pleasure for myself, looking out solely for my own needs and wants. This leads down a path that is unhelpful and unhealthy. Seeking pleasure in the wrong place, and in pursuing wrongful passions, we end up being people who are prideful, egotistical, and self-centred.”

You can read it here.

Other pieces I’ve written can be found here.

Growing Young – Be The Best Neighbours

This is post seven in a series of reflections on the book Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies To Help Young People Discover And Love Your Church. For an introduction to the series please read part one and continue reading the reflections in part two, three , four, five and six.

In these first few months of being involved in the life and ministry of Rowville Baptist Church I’ve been blown away at the commitment to the local community. Part of the culture of the church is to serve the local community through its time, money, facilities, and people resources. The more I’ve seen the various programs and people in action the more I’ve seen the body of Christ neighbouring well.

So far I’ve seen a fortnightly dinner put on for those in the community that need a feed, a week-long school holiday program, a drop-in centre for those who need to chat and some pantry supplies, and a twice weekly breakfast served at a local school. In coming months there will be a Christmas Day lunch held at the church for those with no place to go and a nearly weeklong service ‘camp’ that sees young people lead and serve the local community in practical ways.

This culture, this DNA, is what the final chapter summarising the Growing Young findings is all about.

It seems that those churches who are good neighbours to their local community are more likely to ‘grow young’ than those who aren’t.

Growing Young suggests it is this kind of culture that keeps young people at church. On one hand there is the good teaching that comes from taking Jesus’ message seriously. On the other hand there is the fact that young people seek to be involved in practically serving others together.

“…churches that grow young recognize the careful dance that values both fidelity to Scripture’s commands for holiness and knowing and graciously loving their neighbors. This dance affects how they serve, pursue social justice, help teenagers and emerging adults find their calling, interact with popular culture, and respond to heated cultural issues. Much more than developing detailed policies or releasing theological position papers, these churches train and infuse their young people with an integrated discipleship that enables them to thrive in our complex world.”

Reading this chapter didn’t feel like I had to take sides in some kind of evangelism versus social justice debate. No, this chapter brought together the first and second commandments – to love God and love others – in a way that upheld the proclamation of the Gospel and good works. Yet, it did highlight the fact that young people are attracted to that which deals with the physical and practical needs of people and communities.

A second area this chapter highlighted was the ability for growing young churches to converse well with the tough topics. You know, sexuality and gender, refugees and immigration, alcohol and drugs, marriage, relationships and divorce, suicide and mental health, death and grieving, calling and vocation. These topics can be challenging for any person to converse about, let alone a church. But what Growing Young has found is that those churches willing to converse about such topics go a long way in helping young people grow and stick at faith. It is often the process and the discussion about these topics that is more helpful than the answers themselves.

How then does this chapter help in thinking through youth and young adult ministry?

First, recognise young people are action-orientated and want to be part of something that helps the local community and beyond.

Second, provide time and people to walk alongside young people as they explore answers to the deeper questions of life and society.

Third, ask questions of the young people already connected to your church and of the local community to understand their culture and passions.

Fourth, teach and show a gospel-ethic providing a balanced diet of Biblical teaching and good works.

Fifth, spend a period of time actually serving your neighbours well, meeting some needs they have.

May your light shine before others so that they see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16).

Here are the links to the series of reflections on the book:

Bonhoeffer On Sin And Grace

I’ve recently been reading The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. I came across this paragraph from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who Manning quotes while describing how many churchgoers aren’t honest with themselves but believe they’re more righteous than they really are.

He who is alone with his sin is utterly alone. It may be that Christians, notwithstanding corporate worship, common prayer, and all their fellowship in service, may still be left to their loneliness. The final break-through to fellowship does not occur, because, though they have fellowship with one another as believers and as devout people, they do not have fellowship as the undevout, as sinners. The pious fellowship permits no one to be a sinner. So everybody must conceal his sin from himself and from the fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy. The fact is that we are sinners!

(The Ragamuffin Gospel, p136)

While searching for more details about the above quote I found the paragraph that actually follows this. It’s taken from chapter 5 in Bonhoeffer’s work “Life Together”. It provides the answer to the above problem and brings it back to the hope through the Gospel.

But it is the grace of the Gospel, which is so hard for the pious to understand, that it confronts us with the truth and says: You are a sinner, a great, desperate sinner; now come, as the sinner that you are, to God who loves you. He wants you as you are; He does not want anything from you, a sacrifice, a work; He wants you alone. “My son, give me thine heart” (Prov. 23.26). God has come to you to save the sinner. Be glad! This message is liberation through truth. You can hide nothing from God. The mask you wear before men will do you no good before Him.