Monthly Archives: June 2009

Michael Jackson

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Today is a sad day for pop music fans as they mourn the loss of the legendary Michael Jackson. Whatever one may think about him there is no denying that he has been responsible for some truly great and memorable music over the years.

The Thriller album alone sold over 65 million copies and is the best selling album of all time. I cannot imagine any modern day artist beating that. So many wonderful songs but sadly a troubled soul away from his music.

Tim Challies has written an article called “A Tortured Existence” and on the Between Two Worlds blog there is a Reflection on Jackson, Death and Celebrity Culture. These articles give some prospective from a Christian viewpoint on the life and death of Michael Jackson.

The Obituary of Michael Jackson from the BBC website reminds us all of his legacy.

Why the Sermon?

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Every Sunday we have a sermon in our church which lasts approximately 20 minutes. In the church I grew up in the sermon normally was about 45 minutes long although there were occasions when it stretched to an hour.

So what is the point of the sermon? Is it just to fill a time slot in the service? Is it just the opportunity for our pastor / vicar to speak for a while and the congregation to switch their brains into neutral or take a nap or is there any eternal purpose in it?

Ben Patterson has written an article entiled “Why the Sermon?” where he discusses the eternal purpose of this weekly exercise.

Acquaintance with grief

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During his thoughts on acquaintance with grief in “My Utmost for His Highest” Oswald Chambers said the following:

“We have to recognise that sin is a fact, not a defect; sin is red-handed mutiny against God. Either God or sin must die in my life. The New Testament brings us right down to this one issue. If sin rules in me, God’s life in me will be killed. There is no possible ultimate but that.”

Prayer from last Sunday

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The following is taken from the intercessory prayer time during our communion service last Sunday:

“Today Father, fill us with your love so that we may do those things which will be pleasing to you, so that our lifes may be a witness to your praise and glory.”

He does not treat us as our sins deserve

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In Psalm 103 as David praises God for all His goodness he says the words:

“he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities”

David knew only to well the reality of sin in his life. This is a man who after all had committed both adultery and murder. He was guilty and knew what he deserved. David also though knew the mercy and forgiveness of God in his life too. No wonder he delighted in praising God.

Likewise all of us deserve to go to hell. We have greatly sinned against God and there is no excuse as we are all guilty. We deserve the ultimate punishment. Yet in His wonderful mercy and grace God reaches down in Christ Jesus and offers His forgiveness to those who trust in Him. What wonderful news! I’m not being treated as I deserve but can experience God’s mercy and compassion.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul”

Cherishing Sin

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This morning I read Psalm 66 and was struck by verse 18

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened”

According to the dictionary the word cherish means: “care for, be fond of, be attached to.”

So if I apply that to any sin in my life the obvious challenging questions to ask myself are:

1. Am I fond of the sin in my life?

2. Am I attached to the sin in my life?

3. If so then why?