Run the Race (Hebrews 12:1-3)

I have never been very keen on sport but, I remember running in a race at school when I was about eight years old. I set off with a will, running as fast as I could. I suddenly realised I was on my own, so I stopped and looked behind me, only to see the rest of the field running towards me and then passing me. By the time I got going again they had all crossed the line!
I also remember hearing some PE teacher say that you need to set your sights on running as if the finishing line was ten yards further on than it really is. So it is with the spiritual race: as we age it is tempting to ease off with a 'nearly there, I've done my bit' sort of mindset. I believe it is time for more of Paul's attitude as in 1Corinthians 9:24-27: not running uncertainly.

Thoughts from the Other Side...of the world.

I am writing this in New Zealand where it is summer and morning, as opposed to the UK where it is winter and the middle of the night. Here cold winds blow from the south and warm ones from the north. This sudden reversal of normality coupled with the remoteness of these lovely islands makes one reflect. In these days we are seeing massive shifts in popular thinking on many topics. There is a change in accepted morality and a refusal  to acknowledge anything outside our own thoughts to govern our conduct:"If it feels right do it!"

I arrived here as the new Star Wars film was released and it seems that the dualistic, pseudo mystical myths of Hollywood have become our source for human spirituality. Of course, the real purpose is making lots of money.

Meanwhile, those who speak for religion use platitudes to advocate peace where there is no peace, and a 'God' made in our image with teaching that owes more to Lennon's Imagine than the Bible.

A recent Vatican video shows representatives of four religions (no Hindus or Jedis) holding symbols of their faith: a Buddha statue, prayer beads, a menorah and a fair haired baby doll. The message is that we are all one and worship one God, but there is no God in Buddhism, Allah has no son, and while there is real common ground between Judaism and Christianity, the centrality of Jesus as the Messiah is not yet agreed. Where is the cross? The real message is of man's sinful nature (why is the world such a mess if we are
 basically good?) and God's gracious remedy for sin: the atoning death of Christ confirm by the resurrection.

The hope for the world is in the Gospel, we must see that the "...God of this world has blinded the eyes of them that believe not" (2Corinthians 4:4). 2 Peter 3 gives a picture of our day and warns of the coming judgement,telling us that God's patience is so that we might repent and be saved.

There is a glorious future for those who trust in Jesus Christ, will you be in it?