Mark Conner's Space

Centre for Public Christianity

 

 

Click here to visit the web site of the newly launched Centre for Public Christianity, a research and media organisation dedicated to promoting a public understanding of the Christian faith.It contains an extensive library on a range of subjects and also a blog. Worth checking out.

The Story of Stuff

Click here to visit an interesting web site called The Story of Stuff.

Click play, then sit back and watch a 20-minute engaging, fast-paced, fact-filled  look at the underside of our world's production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.

Watching this is definitely worth your time. It will teach you something, it will make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

World Missions

The internet has a wealth of information on a wide variety of topics. This includes material that is helpful for those people who are passionate about spreading the love and good news of Jesus Christ to our global village.

I asked our World Impact director, Andrew Chisholm, for a list of the best web sites he uses in relation to world mission.

Here is his list:

The Joshua Project - comprehensive information on the world's unreached peoples

William Carey Library - missions related books

Brigada -a weekly missions related e-zine and networking

Perspectives - a great course on the world Christian movement that runs around Australia

US Center for World Missions - resources and links related to global missions

Global Prayer Digest - daily prayer focus for world missions

International Bulletin of Missionary Research - articles and analysis of missions issues

World Christian Database - subscription database of information on world Christianity

Global Mapping International - research and mapping tools for the missions community

Thanks Andrew!

Global Issues

This last weekend we began our annual World Impact week where we take time as a church community to focus on our calling and mission to impact nations.

Have you taken time recently to think about how things are going in our global village?

If we could shrink the earth’s population to a village of exactly 100 people it would look like this:

1 of the villagers would have a college/university education 

1 of the villagers would own a computer

70 villagers would be unable to read

20 of the villagers would earn more than 12,000 AUD a year

80 villagers would live in sub-standard housing

9 of the villagers would possess 50 percent of the wealth

50 of the villagers would suffer from malnutrition

60 villagers would live where torture and ill-treatment by the authorities is common

Only 30 of the villagers would be Christian

28 of the villagers would not have a Christian friend

[Source: Modified from Go Fourth Quarter 2000, Published by Interserve Australia]

As you can clearly see, most of are part of the privileged few and the wealthy minority in our global village. Most of us have a computer, many of us have post-secondary school education, and most of us would earn more than $12,000 AUD a year.  Very few of us have been victims of institutional, legitimised governmental violence. Almost all of us have had the chance to hear the Christian message and respond to it.

The challenge to reach the unreached, the poor, and the persecuted can be overwhelming. However, we must not be lulled into sleep or paralysis. Jesus has given us the power of his Spirit to make a difference in our world. As we demonstrate the values of the kingdom, proclaim the message of the kingdom, and trust in God's power, we will see God's work continue to be an unstoppable force of love, mercy and justice in our generation.

For an excellent web site with up-to-date information on a variety of global issues, click here.

When Being Cool Hinders Ministry

Craig Groeschel is the senior pastor of lifechurch.tv in the USA. I had the privilege of speaking at a conference with him in Chicago a few years ago. I love his heart and spirit. His church is setting an example in the free sharing of resources for the wider church.

Craig's recent article entitled 'Cool is No Longer Cool' posted on his blog is very good. It highlights the need for us to always avoid allowing style to replace substance or hype to replace the Holy Spirit.

Using the Bible to Justify War

Here is a scary article about the use of Biblical texts to justify a recent war. It clearly illustrates the thinking of extreme right-wing fundamentalism at its worst. It sure doesn't represent the heart of Christ or the message of God's kingdom.

Click here to read.

Money-Wise: Principles of Financial Management from Proverbs (Pt.2)

Here are three more principles ...

4.      Say “No” to Debt.

Proverbs has much to say about avoiding debt. Debt puts a person in bondage and enslaves a person to their creditor (Prov.22:7). Advertising endeavours to make people unhappy with what they have now so that they buy something new or better. This often leads to impulse buying or the purchase of things that are not really needed. Society encourages people to go into debt and tries to make it as easy as possible. Debt can put a person under great pressure as a person which can destroys their peace and their joy. All debt is to be frowned upon except debt for an appreciating asset (such as a mortgage for a home or a start up loan for a good business opportunity). A person is in trouble when they’re spending more money than they are earning. Getting out of debt may require obtaining financial advice, forming a budget, and making some lifestyle changes.

 

5.      Say “Yes” to Savings.

Wisdom says to prepare for the future by establishing a savings and investment plan (Prov.21:10). Only a fool spends all that they have earned. Saving is making provision for tomorrow and is a mark of wisdom. Savings can create freedom, reduce pressure, increase joy, be a powerful witness and enable giving. Becoming a saver requires making a decision to do so, creating a savings plan and then having the discipline to save consistently. Wisdom advises being a steady plodder when it comes to investing (Prov.21:5). If a person spends less than they earn, then saves and invests the difference over a long period of time then their wealth will grow. Consistency over the long haul is they key not just quick bursts of enthusiasm. Financial growth takes time and continued effort. If a person is faithful with what they have now, God promises to give them more.

 

6.      Be a Generous Giver.

Wisdom teaches the importance of being a generous giver both to God’s work and to people in need (Prov.3:9-10). Generous giving is the key to further financial blessing not the result of it (Prov.11:24-25; 22:9). Wisdom teaches a person not to wait until they have a lot of money to start giving, but to give now of what they already have. Wisdom also teaches that it is right and proper to give to the poor and the needy (Prov.14:21; 19:17; 21:13; 28:27; 29:7; 31:20).

 

These financial principles are very much interrelated. When a person is in debt and has no savings, they miss giving opportunities. When they are moved with compassion to help needy people, they are not able to do it. The Good Samaritan had resources to help a needy person (Lk.10:25-37). Applause should be given not just to his compassion but also to his financial management, which caused him to have discretionary funds to meet the need at hand and more.

 

God wants his people to have money, but he doesn’t want money to have them. Riches can be a threat to a person’s relationship with God. Money is not the problem. It is the attitude towards it. Money is essential for survival and the expansion of God’s kingdom. God is very interested in money matters. It’s important to Him. He wants to bless individuals and his church too. It depends on a person’s motives, priorities and values.

Money-Wise: Principles of Financial Management from Proverbs (Pt.1)

The book of Proverbs contains some excellent wisdom for managing your finances.

 

Proverbs are not absolute rules for life but rather they are general principles that usually lead to a blessed and happy life. Here are six principles that I gleaned from my reading ...

 

 

1.      Live a Righteous Life.

Wisdom teaches that God watches over those who are righteous and who walk before him in integrity (Prov.13:25; 22:4; 10:22). This does not mean that the righteous will never experience poverty, adversity or suffering (e.g. Job). Life may appear to be unfair at times, especially when righteous people are poor and suffering while ungodly people are rich and blessed. However, in the long run, the righteous will be blessed and the ungodly will be punished. Character lasts forever while wealth is transient and there is coming a day of judgment where all wrongs will be righted (Prov.11:4; 13:22; 23:4-5). There are many more important things than wealth, such as wisdom, knowledge, honour, a good name, and the fear of the Lord (Prov.3:13-16; 8:10-11, 18-21; 16:16-17; 22:1-2). Even a little with these things is better than wealth without them (Prov.15:16-17; 16:8; 17:1; 19:1, 22; 28:6). Unfortunately, our contemporary culture often sees being well off financially as more important than living a godly life. Success is determined more by what a person has than who they are. Many people assess their self-worth by their net-worth. Today’s heroes are often the rich and famous. However, as Jesus once said, “… one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Lk.12:15). Wealth and possessions are only temporal (Prov.11:28).

 

2.      Work Diligently.

Proverbs praises diligent hard. Hard work leads to God’s blessing. Diligence brings wealth and profit, as well as personal satisfaction and promotion (Prov.10:4; 13:4; 14:23). Proverbs also condemns and ridicules laziness. Slothfulness frequently results in poverty and scarcity, slavery and bondage, and it never satisfies. Proverbs rebukes the lazy person, often referred to as the “lazybones” (Prov.6:6-11; 20:4; 21:25-26; 24:30-34; 26:14). From the beginning, human work is the God-ordained means by which a person can generate the income necessary to live their life (see Gen. 2:5, 15; Ex.20:9-11). God has given each individual person skills and abilities so that they can use them to serve others in exchange for income (Deut.8:17-18). Christians today should work diligently as unto the Lord, doing their very best to the glory of God (Col.3:23-24). They should develop their skills and abilities, taking responsibility for their own growth and development so that they maximise their God-given potential. Work done well and with a good attitude is rewarded and often leads to promotion (Prov.22:19). When a believer excels in their work, God is honoured. However, work holism and striving to be rich should be avoided (see Prov.23:4-5).

 

3.      Avoid Trying to Get Rich Quickly.

Wisdom teaches avoidance of the pursuit of any activity that promises quick riches (Prov.12:11; 28:20-22; 20:21; 13:11). Wisdom seeks to help a person grow in maturity as their income increases. People who want something for nothing don’t always develop the character necessary to handle it wisely. This can be observed by considering what happens to a person after they win a lot of money through gambling.  Usually within a few years, they are back to where they were before. Getting rich quickly seems to be diametrically opposed to God’s financial plan as he connects the acquisition of money to hard work. As they work diligently, their income grows and they can handle it because they’re growing in character and maturity. There are a plethora of schemes today that promise a quick dollar, yet often result in disappointment and financial loss. Believers would do well to exercise wisdom and caution in all their financial dealings and seek to generate income through hard work and wise investments not through get rich quick pursuits.

 

More tomorrow ...

An Interview with Rick Warren

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in California, was recently named by TIME magazine as one of the Top 100 influential people in the world today. Rick is the author of the best-selling book 'The Purpose Driven Life' and was also asked to pray at President Obama's recent inauguration.

Below is a transcript of a recent interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren. He has some insightful things to say.

In the interview, Rick said:

"People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.

God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife getting cancer.

Australian Federal Charter of Rights

The Commonwealth Government is examining the proposed introduction of a Federal “Charter Of Human Rights” and has appointed Fr. Frank Brennan as Chairperson along with Mary Kostakidis, Mick Palmer and Tammy Williams. They have been tasked with asking the following questions and reporting to the Government.

• Which human rights and responsibilities should be protected and promoted?
• Are human rights sufficiently protected and promoted?
• How could Australia better protect and promote human rights?

Many Christians are concerned that such a Charter could limit Christian freedom. As a service to the Christian community, a special event has been organised for those who live in Melbourne by The Australian Christian Lobby, The Melbourne Archdiocese of the Catholic Church and the Church & Nation Committee, Presbyterian Church of Victoria. This event will include a panel based Q &A session with questions submitted in writing on the night.

Date: Wednesday 27th May 2009
Venue: The Chapel, Crossway Baptist Church, Vision Drive, Burwood East
Time: 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Enquires: (03) 9018 1782

For full details click here.

Mothers - Love Them While You Can!

To all the mums (or 'moms' as my American friends say) out there, Happy Mother's Day!

We wouldn't be here without you. What amazing people you are.

My mother passed away almost 19 years ago and I still miss her.

Nicole's mother, affectionately known as 'Oma' passed away almost 18 months and we are really missing her. Mothers are very special people!

[The photo to the left (click to open) is an old one of my dad and mum (in the red top), and Nicole's dad and mum (light blue top)] 

Here are the lyrics to a song I heard many years ago called Love Them While You Can by Chris Christian (available from the iTunes store) ...

Verse 1

They tied our shoes, took us to school, patched our worn-out jeans

They soothed our tears and calmed our fears, and listened to our dreams

Somewhere along their golden years, their hair has lost its sheen

The notes to hymn one hundred ten crackle when they sing

And now they are alone, no children's voices fill their empty homes

 

Chorus

We must love them while we can, we must love them while we can

For time just seems to hurry by, and the days slip into years

And the moments that we have will disappear

So love them while we can

 

Verse 2

The folks that taught us our first words, still have much to say

The silver secrets of the world, lie beneath those crowns of gray

As they approach the end, we change our role from children to best friend

Bridge

We always thought they'd be around

Until the end of time

Until day we wake and find ...

Chorus

We must love them while we can, we must love them while we can

For time just seems to hurry by, and the days slip into years

And the moments that we have will disappear

So love them while we can

Think about it!

Coffee with ...

Looking for a great gift for a book-loving friend? Looking for some short interesting books for your own reading?

A while back I was given a few cool little books called 'Coffee with ...' (there are 14 books in the series so far). Each book is a fictional dramatic dialogue with a well-known person based on biographical facts. They are written by experts on that particular person. It's a fun way to have a relaxed chat with some amazing people and get inside their world a little.

This week I read 'Coffee with Plato', 'Coffee with Michelangelo', and 'Coffee with Einstein'. Hey, I even understand the theory of relativity a little bit better! :)

For a literary review, click here.

Maybe one day someone will do something similar with significant Bible characters or influential Christians throughout history. That would be great!

Some More Favourite Proverbs

Okay, so I have to have 31 favourite Proverbs.

What are yours?

Here are my final eleven:

Prov 19:2. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.

Prov 19:3. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

Prov 20:4. Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.

Prov 21:5. Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Prov 21:23. Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Prov 22:1. Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Prov 22:4. True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Prov 27:2. Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth - a stranger, not your own lips.

Prov 27:17. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Prov 27:15. A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.

Prov 28:13. People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Wise people apply knowledge. They bridge the 'knowing - doing' gap. Knowledge doesn't change the world - action does. Most Christians are educated beyond the level of their obedience. Let's be doers of God's word, not hearers only :)

More Favourite Proverbs

How are you enjoying the book of Proverbs?

I have more favourite Proverbs ...

Here are another ten: 

• Prov 15:33. The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

• Prov 16:3. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

Prov 16:32. Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Prov 17:17. A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Prov 17:22. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

Prov 17:27. A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Prov 18:10. The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 

Prov 18:12. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

Prov 18:15. Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.

Prov 18:21. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

More wise advice!

 

My Favourite Proverbs

Our church family is reading through the book of Proverbs this month - a proverb a day.

For some thoughts on Bible reading, click here and here. Click here for some links to some terrific resources for your Bible reading from our church's web site. Want to know more about Bible translations? Click here. Bible software? Click here.

As we're reading through the book of Proverbs this month, I thought I'd share a few of my favourites (all from the New Living Translation):

Prov 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Prov 4:23. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Prov 10:9. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

Prov 13:4. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

Prov 13:10. Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

Prov 13:18. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.

Prov 15:1. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Prov 15:22. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Prov 15:28. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Prov 15:31. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

Wise advice!

Proverbs: Wisdom for Life

As a teenager growing up I read the book of Proverbs through about 20 times in a period of a few years. The way I did this was to read a Proverb a day according to the date of the month. I sure gained a lot of wisdom for life through my reading and reflection. I learned about important things such as the importance of words, diligent work, handling temptation, anger, financial management, successful relationships and lots more.

During the month of May, which starts today, our church family will be doing the same – reading through the book of Proverbs. Why don’t you join us? We’ll also be sharing a new series of messages on ‘Wisdom for Life’ beginning this coming weekend.

Click here for Bible reading resources, including devotional notes.