crosstalk13 by Colin Glen Christian Fellowship

Colin

Glen

Christian

Fellowship Number 13, Spring 2007

Cross alk A Future and a Hope! Inside this issue: A Future and a Hope!

Jesus has beaten death and sin!

The search for forgiveness

How can I be forgiven?

Where is God on green issues?

I am a new creation

New Testament Offer

‘Open House’ - Every Monday

All of us have felt disappointment at some stage in life–how do we cope? In time, it is something that we hopefully learn to deal with. But the pain and heartache that accompany it are still very real. Yet, disappointment can often have a stabilising effect on our expectations from life, even from a young age. A child looking forward to birthday presents hopefully soon learns what his parents can afford, and be pleased and grateful with what they give, rather than constantly being disappointed because they cannot afford more. In the long term, we may learn to settle for what we can reasonably get in life, rather than become overly disappointed when our unrealistic desires are not fulfilled. Disappointment also results from others not doing what we can reasonably expect from them. A husband cheats on his wife, or vice versa; a parent does not provide a minimum level of love and care for their child; or we suffer wrongful dismissal or discrimination in employment; or much worse. The emotional pain can be unimaginable. There are times too, when we suffer so many disappointments, or such severe ones, that we feel like we cannot cope– that we cannot go on. Sometimes our own actions are the cause. Our hopes and dreams may be shattered, and we cannot see a way through. A darkness comes over our lives and the rays of light shining through grow fainter and fewer. We stop sharing with others because they don’t understand. Our hopes for the future have all evaporated, with only a bare existence left. And in our pain, going on may not seem worth the effort. What should we do? What can we do? Stop and think for a moment. Each of us is more important than we realise. People love us more than we think, more than they may show it. We have more love to receive, and more love to give to others too, than we can possibly imagine. And no situation is so hopeless that it cannot be turned around.

Talk to someone. Find someone who will listen, whether it is family, a friend, a work colleague, or a helpline. Don’t stop until you find someone who understands–there are many who care deeply and understand, even if you don’t know them yet. They can help bring relief and light back into our lives, and help us build hopes and plans again. If people close to us only knew what we were thinking, their concern and help would be a great comfort, relief, and an immediate support. But above all else, God cares, even if we have not felt it before. Our life is a gift from him, and he cares deeply for us. After all, we are made in his image, despite our imperfections.1 Moreover, we can call on him at any time, in any place, no matter what situation we are in, and he will hear us. Prayer is our hotline to God. We can call out to him to help, trusting him to answer, even in times of crisis, when all else has failed.2 If we call out to God, admitting our weakness and our responsibility for all the wrong that we have done, asking for his forgiveness and for a hope for the future, he is faithful and will help us. He calls us to depend on him; “Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”3 He promises to bring light to our lives, a fresh start, and new life, through his Spirit. He will restore our lives, young or old, beyond our expectations.4 If we follow him, he gives us another promise: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”5 This wonderful promise tells us that we will not be disappointed, if we follow him. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”6 For 24/7support , ring The Samaritans: 0845 790 9090 or Youth Counselling Services Helpline: 0808 808 8000. Or contact us—details are on the back page. Bible References: 1) Genesis 1v27, John 3v16, Psalm 144:1 2) Psalm 116v1 3) Matthew 11v28 4) 2 Corinthians 5v17, Ephesians 4v21-24 5) Psalm 37v4 6) Jeremiah 29v11.

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Jesus has beaten death and sin! who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

“Death must be distinguished from dying, with which it is often confused.” Sydney Smith

And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what “Let me now remind you, dear is right, and stop sinning. For to your brothers and sisters, of the Good shame I say that some of you don’t News I preached to you before. You know God at all. welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that Our bodies are buried in brokenness, saves you if you continue to believe but they will be raised in glory. They are the message I told you–unless, of buried in weakness, but they will be course, you believed something that raised in strength. They are buried as was never true in the first place. I natural human bodies, but they will be passed on to you what was most raised as spiritual bodies. important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our Then, when our dying bodies have been sins, just as the Scriptures said. He transformed into bodies that will never was buried, and he was raised from die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death the dead on the third day, just as the is swallowed up in victory. Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and then by the Twelve. After that, he and death through our Lord Jesus was seen by more than 500 of his Christ.” followers at one time, most of whom Extracts from the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the are still alive, though some have died. church at Corinth, from the Bible. (1 Corinthians 15v1Then he was seen by James and later 8, 12-20, 32-34, 43-44, 54-55, 57 NLT) by all the apostles. Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. But tell me this–since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God–for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all

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The search for forgiveness To receive a booklet of ‘Our Daily Bread’, free of charge, post this slip to the address on the back page. Or, email info@cgcf.net Yes, I would like to receive a copy of ‘Our Daily Bread’. Name ................................... Address ............................... ............................................. ............................................. Postcode .............................

As images of burning rubble and frantic people flash on the TV screen, a reporter says, “A terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for last night’s bombing that left 23 dead and scores injured.” It was not a random act of violence but one that was calculated to frighten people and advance the agenda of those who stepped forward to say, “We did it.” In stark contrast, one of history’s most brutal acts was intended to bring peace and healing, not fear. In addition, God claimed responsibility in the prophecy of Isaiah, seven centuries before it happened. The prophet foretold the death of the Messiah in these words: “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief.”1 Just before Jesus Christ was crucified, He said, “No-one takes (my life) from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”2 Jesus died willingly for our sin so that we might live through faith in Him. God claimed responsibility for the death of His Son, allowing anyone to claim His gift of forgiveness. 1) Isaiah 53v5 & 10 2) John 10v18 (NTL). A daily reading from ‘Our Daily Bread’ - 31 Jan 2007, used with permission - www.rbc.org

How can I be forgiven? Many people agree that Jesus died for our sins. Some people believe that Jesus has risen from the dead and is alive again, right now. Some also believe that by his suffering and death on the cross, he suffered in our place, so that we don’t have to suffer God’s punishment for our sins after we die. After all, they agree that Jesus is the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”.1 Jesus said: “this is the very reason that I came”, speaking before his death on the cross.2

forgive him. He did that, and he knew the forgiveness and peace of God there and then. No more wondering or doubting. He had always wanted to receive God’s forgiveness. But when he knew how to receive it, he soon reached out by faith, took hold of the promise of God for him, and had it.

For us too, it sounds too simple to just ask God for forgiveness. But when it is "Confessing sin is not our birthday, do we pay for a gift? No. informing God, it is We cannot pay God for his gift of agreeing with him." forgiveness, so why not just pray asking Moreover, some believe that we cannot him for it, believing – that is, by having Derek Cleave deserve or contribute towards our faith in God’s promise. Here are some forgiveness– it is a gift from God. That promises to encourage us: is, it is by his grace or undeserved mercy that we can be forgiven. But the Jesus: “For God loved the world so much question remains, even if we know that that he gave his one and only Son, so it is from God, by his grace– HOW can that everyone who believes in 3him will not perish but have eternal life.” we receive that forgiveness? I remember a man describe how as a Apostle Paul: “If you confess with your “God saved you by his young boy he often heard about Jesus mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in him from the grace when you forgiving people, and at church he kept your heart that God raised 4 dead, you will be saved.” believed. And you can’t hearing the speaker ask if he had been take credit for this; it is forgiven. He wondered for years about Apostle John: “But if we confess our sins a gift from God. ” whether or not he would ever be to him, he is faithful and just to forgive forgiven. One day, another speaker us our sins and to cleanse us from all (Ephesians 2v8) said that all he had to do was to admit wickedness.”5 his sin, ask God for forgiveness, 1) John 1v29 2) John 12v27 3) John 3.16 4) Romans 10v9 believing in his heart that God would 5) 1 John 1v9 (NLT) www.cgcf.net

Where is God on green issues? should act responsibly, from using less fossil fuels to using our recycling bins, with big business and governments doing much more. Send your prayer requests online (anonymously) at: www.cgcf.net

Environmentalists have highlighted issues such as greenhouse effects, deforestation, ozone layer depletion, pollution, population explosion, etc. Politicians have jumped on the bandwagon too—no bad thing. But where does God stand on ‘green’ issues? Is Christianity only a matter for spirituality or faith? Should Christians be concerned about such ‘down-to-earth’ matters? According to God’s Word, he does care about the planet, as well as everything and everyone living on it.1 After all, it is his creation.2 But sin coming into the world messed up not just humanity—creation also was affected with chaos and decay. We have a lot to answer for.3 Creation is on a downward, chaotic trend, but people have accelerated this enormously in some ways. Individuals

Does God care? Yes, he does! But God’s plan for the earth is not just a slow-down of the waste and emissions, or a gradual renewal. He can put up with the environmental issues at present, because his plans for his world are far bigger. He is going to make all things new - a completely new earth. The ‘end of the world’ will not be just the end of the ‘world.’ It will be the beginning of a new world; “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. … “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” … “Look, I am making everything new!” ”4 The world will be renewed, because Christ’s death on the cross benefits more than just people—it is bringing about the redemption of the whole of creation too.5 God is ‘greener’ than we might first have thought. 1) Psalm 104v1-35, John 3v16 2) Genesis 1v1-31, John 1v13, Psalm 24v1 3) Genesis 3v17-19 4) Revelation 21v1-5

I am a new creation I am a new creation, no more in condemnation, here in the grace of God I stand.

And I will praise You, Lord, yes I will praise You, Lord, and I will sing of all that You have done.

My heart is over-flowing, my love just keeps on growing, here in the grace of God I stand.

A joy that knows no limit, a lightness in my spirit here in the grace of God I stand.

New Testament Offer

We have a number of copies of the New Testament which we are offering at no cost. These are the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. To receive a copy, write to us, or email, etc. at the contact details

‘Open House’ - Every Monday We meet on Monday evenings for prayer, Bible study and fellowship with tea, coffee and a bite to eat. Join us as we look into the Bible to see what we can learn from it, and how it is relevant to our lives today. Everyone is welcome - just turn up, or ring for more details. Every Monday 7.30-9.30 pm (except July). We meet at 42A Cloona Park - Just off the Stewartstown Road roundabout.

Contact:

John and Elaine Duffy Phone: (028) 90600323 42A Cloona Park, Upper Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, BT17 0HH www.cgcf.net johnduffy@cgcf.net or wolfgangmaier@cgcf.net