Wisdom... Colin style.

Laughing Ganesha Indian Restaurant, Alex Archer, 2012

This is my first post in 2012! Happy New Year!

It comes at a time of great change and anxiety. I woke up this morning feeling incredibly uneasy, and an hour and a bit later the feelings aren't entirely quenched, but after reading some James and 1 Peter, the angst is a bit better directed.

As I've been dealing with my anxieties of late, I praise God that He has provided wisdom for me over the last few months in the most bizarre ways. For example, Colin Buchanan music...

I know, it's for kids right? The thing is, the message of each song is carefully and truthfully compounded into simple and easy to understand concepts. Sometimes in our Christian walk we are so overloaded with Biblical knowledge and trickier (yet very relevant) concepts like predestination and total depravation etc etc, that we forget the simple truths. And so I've been considering the lyrics of two Colin songs in particular:

Remember the Lord:

"Remember the Lord, Oh, Oh.

Remember that he is in control.

Remember the Lord, Oh, Oh.

He's watching, His children, He cares,

Oh, Oh.

Remember the Lord,

Oh Oh, Oh Oh"

Practice Being Godly

"Have you seen those big and healthy guys,

always doing their excercise,

Well its better to work for a Heavenly prize!

SO practice being godly.

Never give up, make it your aim.

Practice being godly.

If you've been forgiven in Jesus' name.

Practice being godly.

He paid the price for all our sin,

His Holy Spirit dwells within,

So centre all you do on Him.

Practice being godly."

We can learn a LOT from songs designed for kids...

Isaiah 12

In that day you will say:

"I will praise you, O Lord.

Although you were angry with me,

your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, The Lord is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation."

In that day you will say:

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done,

and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;

let this be known to all the world.

Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,

for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

Is reading worth it?

I suppose in some way it's ironic that one would have to "read" this blog in order to understand the purpose of this blog...

I've recently been watching the televised speeches, debates and such from the Sydney Writer's Festival. There was a man, he was a critic and he was discussing the idea of whether reading's really worth anything along with two other on the panel.

He happened to bring up a quote from C.S Lewis, a famed writer of Christian faith. In my own experience of C.S Lewis i can bear witness to what a beautiful and gifted mind God bestowed on Him, but then again i am entirely aware that this is of my own perspective.

"We read to know that we are not alone"

The critic questioned this statement as he had with the quotes of others authors. The topic that arose and as i could see, could be detrimental to the Christian way of life is the question of "What about those who cannot read".

As a Christian with the Word of God readily available, i could give an answer from scripture. When looking at Romans 1:18-20

"¹⁸ The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

But say i couldn't read? Say i didn't have the bible to go from? Theoretically speaking, say i was a person with faith yet no Word. I have been affected by creation, and it has led to a wonder whether there is something beyond my own existence, the existence of a greater divine and intelligent being, but that's where it would end. God could work in many ways from here so that i might know Him, revelation, direct appearance (which only through provision of the word we can udnerstand would lead to death) so that i might know him more, but there's no way i could expect this to happen.

So if we do not withold the ability to read, are we alone? If i had no ability to read the word of God could i ever understand and know truly that i am not alone? How does this affect our understanding that God is a good and loving God? Up until the point where faith is consolidated in the word, faith takes on the appearance of "feeling". i "feel" like theres something more than my own existence here on this land. Therein lies another issue, from the word we understand that feelings are deceptive, but without the word our feelings take on the purpose of pure faith.

Is that what we're truly trying to question? The idea of faith? Lately through much thought in many different arenas i've been openly confessing the idea that faith is reasonable. That assumption lies on the precedent that we have the bible to relate to. Take the bible out of the picture, one could say that faith is then unreasonable however there is no denying that it is faith all the same.

But is this unreasonable faith, without the Word of the Bible, a faith that can save? From creation we can certainly wonder if there is more, or even find truth in that for ourselves, but without the Word there is no Jesus (i say this in consideration of ancient tribes hidden away in the furthest ends of the earth).

I think at this point i've reached an end in my thought process where we need to consider that this is within God's jurisdiction and He will choose to affect those people or He won't. How He will do that and whether He intends to do it is not something we can't know.

I hope some of you followed and understood. This is a battle, and i'm just trying to reconcile how a faith in God and an academic philosophy can go hand-in-hand.

Peace and blessings

Serious service..

I write this in a mood of frustration and at the same time a mood of great disorientation. In recent time's God's blessed me with a number of people who have really challenged my idea of church and mission. Through many recent encounters and conversations, as well as the amazing opportunity to serve on Parish Council i've come to consider the reasons why i find myself so frustrated with my own generation. On a broader scale i've been also considering how to get people into the doors of church, how to share with them the love of Christ, ultimately so that we might be Christ's tools in the bid to grow a church of disciples who love and serve Christ.

One of the big things that have really stuck out to me is the subtle yet toxic temptation for people to rest back into their Christian circles. I've observed, and been guilty of this very thing myself that we delight in fellowship to the extent that all we do is be with our Christian brothers and sisters. The issue is not that our churches are necessarily inward focussed, but that we get so hyped on the beauty of the church and in awe of the great gifts God has bestowed upon its people that we forget that we have those connections within the church so that we might be doing His work. Fellowship is a beautiful gift from God however it is useless if not through edification and encouragement, we are building up a united front for the fight in which the winning of souls for the sake of Christ should be our prime objective, as Jesus told us to do in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:16-20, to the glory of God!

God's word does not promise a comfortable life for Christians. One the contrary, Jesus said in John 15:18-25 that the world would hate the disciples, because the world hated Christ Jesus, and as He explains, therefore also God the Father. We cannot shy away from our ultimate mission because of discomfort. Things will happen in life, unexpected things that will have a great impact on us. They will truly be a test of character, but what we live in as Christians is the certain hope that we have a guaranteed inheritance of an eternity under God's rule in His kingdom. Let us continue to pray with humility that we might place the needs of others first, and that especially includes those who yet do not know Christ's love. This means leaving our insecurities at the door, not focussing on the personal loss of boldly speaking the gospel as in comparison to the larger scheme of the winning of souls this is merely a foolish act of selfishness. Amen?

Peace and blessings

2011what?

(Newtown, Sydney, photograph by Alex Archer, 2008)

Well it sure has been a while.

I'm sitting here this sunday morning looking onto a grey sydney day, the mist fogging my view of the city. I've been thinking what i could write for this post, and to be honest, i'm a little stumped.

So much has been happening, my life is moving on, but what's harder to keep up with? Everyone else's lives are moving on.

It's a massive time of change, the transition isn't fun at all, but here's some simple truths that are pulling me through:

> God is in control

> He has a plan for His people

> Although we may feel useless and hopeless, God will use us at our lowest

> Pride and selfishness are like sunglasses.. they polarise your view of everything (that was a joke; yes it was)

I really don't know what else to say, my head feels empty. Maybe i need to get back into some form of education? my brain needs some stimulation.. deeper thoughts are on their way!

Peace and blessings

So, God's like BAM!!!

It's been a while very small amount of followers :) But today is a particularly good and encouraging day.

(Caves Beach, Swansea. Photograph, 2010, Alex Archer.)

Let me give some context. I'm currently in the library, sitting in my study period, not studying because its week 8 of the last term of my high schooled life, EVER! At the moment its mostly revision and the likes and i feel confident and composed towards my HSC. Things are going pretty sweet.

Today in particular has been particularly great though. Today is thursday, which mean Tim and i met at "Roma on Watts" for our regular chat and occasional bible reading sesh. Today we were sitting talking about a number of things when a man greeted us and asked if our day was blessed.

This man is not entirely a stranger, although i couldn't tell you his name as i don't know it... yet. A few weeks ago we were sitting and having our coffee and this excitable kid ran up to us and began talking to us. This kid was intense! But he was awesome, full of life and absolutely no pretences. A reasonably tall and business looking man wearing a suit watched us, it was his Dad. He came over and to be honest the man was a little intimidating (and had a very shiny head, but thats irrelevant). The man came over making sure his son wasn't peskering us. Before he could say anything, he looked on the table and enthusiastically and with some surprise enquired "Are you guys reading Bibles?"

We responded with a "we're supposed to be reading our Bibles, that's the purpose but we often just get carried away with the talking". He went on to describe our actions as "radical" and said how he'd never seen such young people so openly and actively going about their faith. We asked him if he believed and he explained how he was newly a Christian, recently baptised and attending Hillsong.

Today we saw that man again, only this time he didn't have his son with him.

He joined us and both Tim and i had a great conversation with him. He talked to us about his life and we discussed how the different circumstances of our lives affect our faith. For us, we're 18, young and as he described "finding meaning" which he compared to those of his generation "making meaning for themselves".

We asked about his family. He has a wife and two sons. The eldest is 11 and is currently battling with an agressive form of cancer that attacks flesh and bone. He's been battling with it since June last year, and the man informed us that his son had been on the brink on a few occassions. I can only try to imagine the emotion we didn't see, yet could feel through his words. His younger son he expressed his delight in. Full of life and just a joy. He didn't talk much about his wife, but i feel its something we should leave for him to bring up in his own time.

(Caves Beach, Swansea. Photograph, 2010, Alex Archer)

We asked about his profession. He explained that he is a self employed consultant. He specialises in helping people in businesses help themselves. He imparted his wisdom, explaining how business starters are usually very entrepreneurial and not always good with the pragmatics. He deals with HR, Human Resources, showing people how to lead from the back, pushing and directing as opposed to leading from the front, pulling which is less constructive. He used a really great analogy as well as shared with us some life experiences. He was in the army, a Platoon Seargeant or something of the like. Essentially he was responsible for a platoon. If he lead from the front of the platoon there's no time to inform his platoon of impending danger, he has to turn around and say heads up... when most gunfire lasts on average 45 seconds to 1 minute and 15 seconds, thats a short period of time, where lots of bullets are fired and it only takes one of those bullets for any one of those men to die.

It was especially great to hear how his performance in his job has not only been changed but improved by his new faith and justification in Christ. He's one who really understands people, and as he said its only now he really sees that God has really gifted him with that. Previously that skill has been so misplaced, but now its given purpose and he feels he can use it more affectively and to its full extent. He doesn't see them just with physical and psychological needs, but spiritual needs also. He also talked about before his justification, that he was self-proclaimed and full of pride, and its such a glorious thing to see how his entire life has been changed, and through sanctification is continuing to be changed.

By the end of the conversation, we were all very refreshed and encouraged by each other. He was amazed by our maturity and we were amazed by his openess to hear from his younger brothers. At the beginning of the conversation i encouraged him to find a small group to hold him accountable and help him progress in his faith, as in a church as large as hillsong its only too easy to come and go each week, not making any lifelong connections and melding into the masses. I pray he will find the support he needs to progress and support his faith. Unfortunately i had to leave for school and tim home to watch skins before CHS for the relay team.

We don't know this man's name, we don't know his age. We don't know where he lives or when we'll see him next. All we do no is that he is a true brother in Christ, and we look forward to the next time we meet with him to discuss the common good and encourage each other to continue to fight the good fight, and "set our sights Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2)

Needless to say, Tim and fist-bumped in excitement upon our leaving.

Shalom brothers and sisters!

It's time to begin, yes it's time!

Okay so the political slogan in the title hardly helps to grab attention but i'll be honest... that is one of my favourite advertisements of all time. I saw it again on the "Gruen Nation" an election edition of "The Gruen Transfer" that commentates how politicians have been and are being positioned in the media. I don't really wish to go on about the election in this post, mostly because i feel the direction of our country's government looks terribly bleak whether Labour or Liberal, Greens or Family First, Shooters' Party or even the Party Party. But hey, maybe i'll give the Fishers' Party a go!

Might i also begin by admitting my laziness. I haven't posted in, well, 7 months. Have i had nothing to say? Well nothing i could figure to put in words. Or maybe i had no time, all excuses aside i'm posting now.

"It's time". Well this is something that's been plaguing my mind a little bit. And you may wonder how i have time to talk about this at this very moment. 12:39pm on a friday afternoon. Shouldn't you be at school, Alex? And for those who are aware of my schooling timeline, "SHOULDN'T YOU BE STUDYING FOR TRIALS!!"

Well, yes... maybe.

I'm home, sick. Perfect timing. It gave me time to watch the movie "Pursuit of Happyness". I've always wanted to watch it, and finally i got the chance to. Not many, if any people read this so i'll admit i got a little emotional, but rightly so. This man, with his 5 year old, struggling just to eat, and have shelter every day. Something that i know i do myself, along with plenty of others i know. It really made me count my blessings.

(courtesy of Thomas Juggernaut after a discussion about what i wanted and how to get it..)

"Pursuit of Happyness." In the film its suggested that when ex-president Jefferson of the US said these words (albeit with the correct spelling), why did he select the word, "pursuit"? Is happiness something you can ever achieve or are we always just constantly trying to achieve it?

At the conclusion of the film i got to wondering about what I learnt at the end of it. English classes have had a severe impact on my life, clearly. So this man, gets to be a stock broker and everything will be alright for him and his son. So they finally have money. Money to buy what? Well obviously the next meal first and foremost, and then somewhere down the track somewhere to live. Then what? Well all the creature comforts of a "good" home, achieving a comfortable lifestyle.

All that is very well, but when exactly was this man Chris ever happy? He was happy before he had money just to be with his son. He was happy that he could enjoy time with his son, on the beach, without the noise of the city and not having to worry about anything, money inclusive. Burden-less.

It seems to me that it's not through "wanting" that he achieved happiness, but through the "not-wanting" that he did. What the heck do you mean, Alex? Well taking from the film he does not want money so much, but to not have to worry about money. He does not want money so much as he wants his child to grow up without being disadvantaged because of their financial situation.

Money is the end of a society. Take away money, what do you get? Without money, you don't need an education, because you don't need a job, because you don't need to pay for food or shelter. Take away money, and people share and are not competitive in some situations because there is no need to be ahead of the next person. There is nothing to feed the greed.

Okay, well let me move onto what that means for our relationship with God. I have a relationship with God, and in that relationship i know that He will provide what i need, when i need it. I don't need to want because of that fact. Do i still? yes, because ultimately i am still tempted by sinful desires that tell me to have "this next best thing" and only then will i be happy. In fact, I take most joy in my relationship with God through Christ because I feel a freedom in Him because He has cleansed me of all sin. I would like to not have to be worrying about the struggles in this life, or more importantly my salvation. By God's grace we no longer have to! Am i saying i won't struggle? No. Am i saying it's wrong to? No. What i am saying is live in the knowledge that Christ died for you, and that God is working for the good of His people always, in every situation. I have some bible references in my head but i won't write them down as i've forgotten where they're from but i'll end on this:

"I am happy, because by God's grace I do not have to want, but instead can be content that God will provide and forgive"

Amen?

(untitled, Photograph, 2009, Alex Archer)

In my head when i was thinking about all this stuff it was a little clearer, deeper and i know i've forgotten some stuff so please send any ideas this way. Peace!