It's All About The Gospel

Read a fascinating article on Is The Gospel Enough? Now as I’ve mentioned in time past, I am not a classic Reformation theologian although admittedly my influences as a growing bible teacher has tended to come from this end of the Christian spectrum. I’m on a journey individually and endeavouring to take us as a fellowship corporately and a family collectively into really understanding what the gospel is and how we communicate that in day to day life.

Of course it’s more than just words we say – it is about behaviour and lifestyle, yet definitively it is a message that we convey from heart to heart to allow people to at least understand something beyond us that can change us. It is testimonial and yet refers to something far beyond our personal experience. What I like about this article is the way the writer expresses the difference between academia and community engagement and the basics of what it’s all about and the lifelong process of working it all out, leading others in the same process whether they’re hardened spiritual veterans or have no idea about Jesus Christ at all.

It’s particularly apt for me cos I know my journey as a believer has been really rocky in aligning the belief and behaviour together, let alone conveying that to others. I commend those whose journey of faith made it rather easy for them to believe in Jesus, live it out in their daily life and communicate that to others without a hitch. For me, that was not the case and it’s taken years and years to get to the stage of being excited of sharing life in Christ with others and endeavouring to be painfully transparent in living it.

That’s not to say I’m there yet, but I can see where I am now is further than where I was years ago. I particularly remember the university years and I wonder sometimes what message I left with my good friends Lloyd and Charles about what Christianity is. What is done, is done and I just want to be a believer who’s real – not up in the clouds, or hidden in the crowd.

What does concern me in this day and age, however, is the diversity of messages being sent as to what the gospel is. Only because these messages are mixed with the various lifestyles that reflect that message. Not to say that there’s something wrong with diversity but it becomes a concern when the core message – and there is a core message – gets heavily compromised or goes missing. Hence the need to be sure of the message and share it without compromise. Here’s an interesting site to check with that in mind. Please note these links that I give from article to article don’t necessarily reflect EVERYTHING that I believe, but makes for thought-provoking opportunities which for me is good enough.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Praise For Example

This is not the church that I go to, but the format is fairly familiar in terms of the enthusiastic method of service.

Worth checking.

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Available To You

Another pivotal song from my growing up days - good to hear a version of this after so long looking.

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The Gospel

Check this out. I agree with it.

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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Great Plans

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

It is imperative that we help people to see that they can be greater than what they are today.

People are only worth something if they buy certain products or follow particular trends. From God’s perspective, however, there is no need to be under this pressure. Being made in His image He offers a plan for fullness of life beyond what we’ve ever experienced. It is to engage with this plan and move knowing there is so much more to life. As we travel encourage others who may feel defeated by various circumstances to come on the journey.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: See Things As They Really Are

Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17)

Many young people have a very limited worldview and giving people as broad and experience will help them to aspire.

It is amazing what seeing things from another perspective can do to attitudes. Often people behave and speak negatively because that is all that they have ever seen. In this episode Elisha’s young helper could only see potential disaster, but once he saw things from God’s perspective, his attitude could change from fear to faith. Seeing things God’s way encourages movement from past failures to future victories through a present that sees good opportunities in even the most trying situation.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

The Simpsons - Star-Spangled Banner

Now am I the only person to have noticed that the singer here is Daryl Coley? Perhaps someone should expose him right now and get him kicked out of the church for being associated with such almost blasphemous programming as the Simpsons!

Seriously though, I did laugh out loud when I first came across this and it's still funny! Funny, funny, funny.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
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Jesus is Love - The Commodores

Oh my days.

I grew up in the kind of home where I heard these tracks playing and would fall in love them and not have a clue who actually recorded them.

Even when I became a bit of a music buff and got into Lionel Richie's track like 'Hello' and 'All Night Long' it never clicked that the same brother sang this song.

I tell you the truth before I had any inkling of spiritual affinity with God Almighty this song meant heaps to me and I'd love to listen to it.

At one point I had it on CD fairly recently, but I've lost it or leant it.

Anyway to discover that some blessed soul actually slapped it up on YouTube almost made me weep.

Not sure if Lionel would now confess that Jesus is Love and the only way of salvation, but I'm still grateful for this contribution to my spiritual development.

Oh yeah, and thanks to the rest of the Commodores as well. You may not have come out with awesome computers, but you did a great job on this track. Waddaya mean they didn't do computers - back in the 80's it was these guys wasn't it?

Next you're gonna tell me the Beatles are not the people behind the Apple Mac computers! Hey hold on a minute ...

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
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Barry White Just the way you are

This is for my longsuffering wife. I get the impression for every step forward I make in life, whatever state she's in, she still deserves me to be a couple of steps further forward.

I love her so dearly and she's enduring living with a husband who's mind is always on aspects of teaching and sharing the word and understanding more of the things of God, when sometimes all she wants is someone to rub her back at night and spend some time with our babies and our dear son.

Now I'm not saying I want my wife to stay the same, but I'm glad that it's God that's changing her! I know I'd mess things up.

I don't say it often enough to my beloved and I have said it to her whilst we listened to this together that I love her just the way she is ... in the eyes of God!!!!

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Opportunities For All

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (Matthew 25:15)

As a provider of services … we have offer as many opportunities as possible.

Valuing others recognises that everyone has something positive to offer. What is often the case is that because of various circumstances opportunities are not given for these offerings to be made known to others. In the parable of the talents one thing clear is that opportunities are given for the servants to make the most of what they have been given. As a service – as a body of people who respect the worth in others giving them the opportunity to realise this reflects that value.

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What does God require? Do I have to surrender all?

I like these kinda videos - just believers sharing their understanding of the requirements of scripture and again thought provoking material to consider on our spiritual journey.

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Evolution Story

Very funny stuff.

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Justice & Fairness – In Ship Shape

But let justice and fairness flow like a river that never runs dry. (Amos 5:24)

Justice and Fairness are very powerful principles that if applied to the best of our ability will provide stability to face the challenges that are inevitable.

Nobody is perfect – we don’t always get it right. There is a difference between the odd mistake and an unstable life based on shifting moods and selfish requirements. Good decisions are based on foundations of what is fair – what is just. Such consistency and integrity may not always be pleasant or allow us to be popular, but such an approach will bring stability and success even in the most trying times of life.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: All In Life Is Fair

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Fairness has to be seen

‘That’s not fair’. This sense of right and wrong is evident from when speech is first learnt. Consider if these are fair.

·

2500 children die daily in Africa because of lack of basic needs
· There are roughly 143 million orphaned children worldwide.
· 13 million people in the UK live below the low income threshold
· Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in poverty, twice the rate for White people.

Not all unfairness can be addressed individually, but a difference can be made in considering the needs of others before our own.

For His Name’s Sake
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: And Justice For All

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. (Psalm 112:5)

Justice has to be seen

Justice – the image of a law court, that statue of the woman with the weights is seen. Hope that the decision will likewise be balanced – mercy or reprimand where needed. The biblical idea of justice is about what is right. Justice then is not about favouring the majority or pleasing the powerful. Justice searches far deeper to what is right in each circumstance. Founded on love and truth justice goes to the heart of all those relational values – trust, honour and mutual respect. Right flows from these for the sake of healthy relationships.

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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Relational Bricks – Trust

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15)

Trust has to be built in order for meaningful changes to take place

We see each other as God sees us; we place weight in relating. What makes a difference in relationships is being open and vulnerable while investing in others. With such hurt caused by the brokenness of humanity it’s the hardest thing to do to actually trust someone. We’re often told, trust no one. Yet the worth of another seen by God leads to placing confidence that the God-given character and ability of the person can be produced, against all odds, for their fulfilment and benefit to others.

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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Relational Bricks – Honour

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. (Romans 12:10)

Honour has to be built in order for meaningful changes to take place

In building relationships seeing each other as God sees us is important. From there it makes sense to attach certain weight to our actions and words to people that we see as precious. This weighty matter – not treating people lightly – is what is meant by giving honour. It’s not just about seeing each other it’s about acting accordingly in the light of what we see. This characteristic is encouraged from childhood with parents, so in adulthood always remember that people really are worth their weight in gold.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Come On You Potters

The football season is upon us and so with great excitement I had the opportunity to take a small crew to watch a pre-season friendly at the Britannia Stadium last Wednesday between Championship side Stoke City and Premier League side Aston Villa.

It’s a good time to introduce you to some of the people that play a part in da man cd’s world. First and foremost is my partner in crime in the work I do at the YMCA – Ray Feeney. I came across this dude a year ago through a Friday night community prayer meeting at the COG Centre. This guy’s love for God and devotion to Him remains an inspiration to anyone who meets him. Among other things he’s devoted to is the city of Stoke-on-Trent and so as a result, being a keen football fan, he’s a devoted Stoke City fan. As opposed to the God issue, his devotion to Stoke City can at times be somewhat misguided. Yet it is infectious and so as a result of that and our blossoming friendship I have allowed the Potters to be team in the Championship. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean I won’t be critical, but I do want the team to do well this season.

On the basis of the friendly though that might mean attaining mid-table mediocrity. Aston Villa are hardly world-beaters and despite having a charismatic, effective and motivational genius in Martin O’Neill they are headed for mid-table misery themselves – albeit in a division higher than Stoke. That showed on tonight’s performance.

Sure it’s only a friendly, but for a side like Stoke City who need to be up for it and ready for the season ahead, it was somewhat frustrating. The first half was dire in terms of Stoke’s performance. Villa looked to be taking it as a training session strolling around the pitch without a care in the world or a decent challenge coming in from their opponents. And in the unlikely circumstance that Stoke ever had the ball the Villains could shut their eyes and guarantee that the spherical object would return to them in a matter of seconds. City were truly shocking with possession. The only reason why they were not battered was their opponents were not clinical up front and truly could not be bothered to play attacking penetrative football to test the keeper more than they did. Yet their first half domination was reflected in a one goal lead after Patrick Berger – who was on loan at the Potters last season – came back to score a sweet goal in the top left hand corner.

I had the honour of giving commentary to Ray on the game (maybe not as exubrant as this but still quality commentary), which is a good thing as if I was left to actually endure the game either on my own or without doing the commentary it may have threatened to have turned me off the Potters.

The second half was decidedly different. Tony Pulis – the boss of the Potters – may have informed his team that it was a friendly match and not a training session of attack versus defence. (Although he perhaps should have also informed his team that perhaps to actually keep the ball in the opponents' half requires maintaining possession and playing a formation a bit more optimistic than this one.)

As a result of this and helpful substitutions by the opponents who virtually had a second team out for the second half, the Potters enjoyed a period of sustained pressure on their opponents. For the best part of twenty minutes they kept the ball in the Villa half and created a few opportunities though the cutting edge was somewhat blunt.

Then just when you thought it was safe to hope for an equaliser, with 13 minutes remaining Villa made the home side pay for not scoring and against the run of play on the break the man Gabriel Agbonlahor sweetly finished past Simonsen to make it 2-0 to the team in claret and blue. That effectively ended the match as was witnessed in the home fans making their way to the exit. The team may as well have followed as the game was as good as done.

It was a good night out because of the crew I was with. It’s good to be out doing stuff like that with class people like Ray. Alongside Mr. Feeney is a good family friend Miss Deon Wynter. Despite being from Jamaica she’s actually a good laugh and knows enough about football to help make the evening the success it was. This was down to her appropriate reprimands for the mediocrity and then remarkable turnaround of fanaticism when the Potters were doing well. Great young lady she be! Indeed it was her mobile phone that has produced these photos which she’s given me permission to use, so she must be alright! The lad who makes up the crew is the newest member of the team. I’ve known of Deon for the best part of four or five years.

Steve Alleyne (far right) is a guy who lives at the YMCA and I’ve only got to know a bit more about him over the last few months. What I have learnt about the guy is enough for me to have a great deal of respect for him, the challenges he’s overcoming by faith and his heart’s desperate desire to follow Christ – that in itself remains humbling for me. He’s also proven to be something of a handy man for the folks at church doing stuff from helping with house moves to being the walking A-Team by finding making enough tools out of nothing to virtually landscape a garden! (OK he was cleaning it and weeding it, but it sounds even grander if I say landscaping doesn’t it? Sounds as if I know what landscaping is – let’s not reveal the truth of that situation, eh?) As well as that Steve is a nominal Arsenal fan but on the night was a die-hard Stoke City fan raising his voice in support of the lads at any opportunity – which of course meant a quiet first half, but still good entertainment all the same. And he pities the fool that thinks otherwise.

In terms of atmosphere at the stadium well one side of the ground was closed but there was a fair turnout and the away end was a good turn-out for the Brummies seeing as though it was a friendly. Understandably with such a team it was hard to muster the groundswell of noise you’re looking for to keep the lads going, but they did their best and it was something when there was delirium by the fans when they earned a corner! (A bit like this actually.)

Still, with such a motley crew a good time was always assured and big thanks to Steve, Deon and Ray for a great night out, which I hope we’ll be able to do again. Perhaps with a better quality of football, but in despite that – and you read me right when I type – come on you Potters.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Relational Bricks – Mutual Respect

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)

Mutual respect has to be built in order for meaningful changes to take place

We may not always love who we see in the mirror, but we will still look after that person because we love who we see. The word respect finds its roots in two Latin words that mean to view. Understanding the importance of relationships must start with a proper view of each other. Thus when we see each other in the same way – as God sees us – it’s the beginning of beautiful, fruitful relationships based on celebrating the remarkable vision of creation that is before us.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: The Importance of Relationships

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)

The relationship between two individuals is the starting point of all meaningful activity.

Achieving something on your own can leave a certain degree of satisfaction. Yet despite the difference that an individual can make it still requires the fundamental building block of society – relationships. The most exhilarating experiences in life are in relationship – a birth, the first steps, the first words, the marriage, the sporting success, begin and end in relationship.

A person is a person through other persons. We affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others. (Ubuntu Philosophy)

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Supporting People

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

We provide the appropriate levels of support and guidance to help people sustain their live choices.

Doing good is one thing – maintaining good-doing is another. It is not easy for people to continue doing good when it’s easier to do bad. Often people are expected to continue doing the right thing, when there are so many convincing forces at work suggesting it easier to slip into bad habits. It is important then, in realising we’re not islands on our own, to have the framework in place to ensure that however we’re feeling we are encouraged in well-doing.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Change in Lifestyle

The other day – by which I mean not today, the other one – I was conversing with me London mentor all too briefly via Messenger. He obviously had other pressing commitments … like watching films in the Bourne movie series online. Being the generous and gracious dude that I am I didn’t hold it against him at all. (The assassin sent to his house the following day was a mere coincidence. That he failed in his given task has been dealt with appropriately … err … I mean … I’m glad the mentor’s made it.)

Anyway it was clear that the internet was becoming more of a primary source of entertainment meaning no need for the telly. Well I was almost there meself, as you’ll see there are only a few programmes that I bother watching on the television. So the opportunity to watch more than a few clips on the ever so useful Dailymotion and YouTube was something that was intriguing to me.

So today, finally, I got the chance to check this site out. Well, well, well if it wasn’t indeed what it said on the tin.

I’m glad to say I’ve started and may continue to use this site to further move me away from the television as a form of entertainment and reinforcing the use of the laptop. This now means that I’m in the really cool position of watching the movie ‘The US vs. John Lennon’ whilst typing out the notes to the blog, knowing that at the same time I can find the pictures for the entry, post the entry and do all that whilst still watching the movie! Neat, eh? I reckon it’s neat and an interesting way of life.

I don’t want to give the impression that this further separates me from time with the family as the more these things come about, the more I’m determined not to focus on depending on modern technology for the core issues of life. So I love spending time messing about with the children, chatting with my son, reading, walking, etc. Indeed given time later on this month I’m looking forward to perhaps a weekend, maybe a few more days out in the country just chilling.

With all that though, still gotta acknowledge the latest development in how I do life. I mean already when it comes to bible study preparation it’s not unusual for me to be typing up notes for a study presentation on Hebrews whilst simultaneously listening to a sermon on the same issue and getting pictures online to support the presentation – and that’s such a cool way of working, especially how I do the work that I do.

By the way, the movie is rather intriguing in how they depict John Lennon in the context of the American political issues of the day and ensure that the focus is on Lennon the man, with little real highlighting on Lennon the Beatle. Good stuff and makes for fascinating viewing as a documentary.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Diversity

Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. (1 Peter 4:10)

People have different abilities, roles and functions and we need to help each other to discover those individual abilities.

Creation is enriched with such variety – see the different climates, scenery, landscape and animals – it is no surprise that humans also come with a wide range of abilities. The tragedy is when life’s challenges inside and outside threaten to disrupt the opportunity for us to benefit from the individual’s gift. That which is within the individual – created in the image of God – is so valuable it is worth investing in ways to discover it and celebrate its use for the common good.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - Core Values: People

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

People are made in the image of God and have an intrinsic value in themselves. No one has any higher value than another.

Stressing our differences can sometimes lead to hostility and division. Recognition of what makes us the same can be the base for flourishing relationships. The Creator establishes that as you are human you have the image of the One who created. This is a good reason to value life. It is knowing this that brings peace not only in valuing each other, but also seeing that Someone far greater than us considered us creatures worth creating.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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Daily Thoughts - An Introduction

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23)

Daily Thoughts – words and images for you in the busyness of life. Thoughts for reflection, comfort and encouragement. Thoughts to challenge, provoke and motivate.

As God is interested in every aspect of life His words are able to give insight, this is why each thought is inspired by them. Also at heart is that the daily thought maybe the right word for you as you go through a challenging or exhilarating time of life – a word in season.

This feature should be up daily - well at least every week day not necessarily every weekend. It's linked to a project that I do at work. In fact the series for August is based on the core values of the organisation, so I hope you'll find it fascinating how these values relate to the work done at the YMCA.

Feel free to respond to the thoughts if you wish or offer some suggestions, images or thoughts of your own to share.

For His Name Sake
Shalom
da man cd