Peter Fished for a Living

When Jesus told Peter that he would be made into”a fisher of men” he was using language that Peter understood. Peter was a fisherman, not the casual kind, but the type who caught fish for a living. Peter did not wake up in the morning and wonder whether he would go to the lake and catch a fish or two for pleasure. Fishing was his job.

When Jesus invited  Peter to join His group of twelve disciples or close followers, Peter’s job description changed. Although he would still fish, his main purpose was to be a “fisher of men”.

Jesus Taught Peter How To Fish For Men

Peter did not become a really effective evangelist overnight. He spent three years with Jesus learning first hand what it looked like for God to heal and to perform all sorts of miracles, as Jesus drew people to Himself so that they would hear His message of repentance and salvation.

In the first chapters in Acts we see Peter earnestly seeking the lost, preaching a message of tremendous hope for those who became followers of Jesus. By this time he has witnessed Jesus rising from the dead and at Pentecost he had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had made Him a fisher of men.

Jesus had given him an object lesson when Peter and other disciples were out fishing. They spent all night trying to catch fish without any success (John 21: 1-6). On their own they could catch nothing. After a frustrating night Jesus told them to cast the net on the other side and the net was immediately full of fish.

The lesson applies to us too. Catching fish in Peter’s life is a metaphor for bringing people to a life saving knowledge of Jesus. We cannot do this without Jesus’ help. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit. Pray, seek, go!

We Can Be Fishers Of Men

Yesterday I went to my daughter’s middle school. For the last seven years I have gone there to teach a Bible club. Before we discuss the Bible we sit at the picnic table and eat cookies while kids walk past. When an encouraging number of kids came to the club, my focus was to talk with them. Now that the numbers have dwindled, I look beyond the three or four kids who now attend and focus on the kids who walk by.

The kids who pass by are in many respects like fish. They move along swiftly but they pause when they see the cookies! They are hungry by the end of the school day and cookies are like bait for hungry fish. Some ask for cookies and we tell them what our club is about. We invite others to find out about how much God loves them.

We cannot predict the responses. Some move on quickly explaining that they have no interest in religion. Others say that they attend church and a few stop and say that they really want to find out about Jesus!

As We Fish, Jesus Does Most Of The Work.

Our job is to cast the net. Jesus does the rest. In the last couple of weeks three kids have received Bibles and I have prayed for them as they have expressed an interest in Jesus. This is a crucial beginning. The seeds have been planted.

The few remaining Bible club members are witnessing some of what Peter witnessed when he was Jesus’ disciple. They are seeing Jesus at work and one of them has started calling out to kids as they pass: ” Are you interested in God?” Danny who is twelve or thirteen is now becoming a fisher of men too.

Do you take Jesus’ call to be a “fisher of men” casually or seriously? Are we praying for opportunities to draw people to Jesus or are we like recreational fishermen seeking a quiet life? I promise you that there is nothing more exciting than realizing that Jesus has already started working in some of these kids’ hearts. We need to cast the net and see who Jesus brings to life. We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to learn when we need to cast the net in a different place.

How many youth pastors are so busy focusing on the kids who show up in their youth rooms that they fail to notice the fish in another part of the lake . It is not just pastors who have a responsibility to cast their nets wider.  Jesus can make all of us into “fishers of men”. Are we willing to learn? Are we willing to join with someone who is already a “fisher of men” so that we can be encouraged to carry out the Great Comission?

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Peter Was A Fisher of Men- Are You?

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Studying at Cambridge

As a student at Cambridge University I became a Christian and I got involved in all sorts of fascinating debates. When evolution came up in discussion, I rather naively incorporated it into my world view. I assumed that God initiated and controlled evolution. Without much thought I had a confused picture of creation, trying to combine two ways of looking at the beginning of life and unsuccessfully knitting them together in an attempt to respect both God and science. This did not affect my faith and it did not seem to be a hot topic in the UK, although evolution was an important aspect of science, an arena that I avoided. I taught young school children, in both public and private schools, about the creation of the world according to Genesis, and this was perfectly permissible.

Arriving in the USA – Christmas banned. Evolution portrayed as fact

When Martyn and I arrived in The States with our children in the late nineties we were culture shocked. One of the shocks was that Christmas was a forbidden word and had been replaced with “the holidays”. Evolution was an even dirtier word for many American Christians and “creationism” was taboo for many non Christians, so much so that creation was not even mentioned in schools.

Christianity and politics

Christianity and politics were inseparable in the US whereas in the UK the Christian voice was mostly silent amongst politicians. In the US there was inflammatory division about issues such as abortion and evolution and in the UK there was ignorance and apathy. Neither situation was great, but comparing the two responses encouraged us to question our presuppositions which was a positive development. Now we understand both perspectives and we think that awareness of others’ views is valuable.

Recently at a meet the teachers night at the local high school, I spoke to a biology teacher. I suggested that it would be more academically honest for schools to teach various approaches regarding the origins and development of life. As none of us were actually present when the world began much is open to debate, speculation and faith.  If evolution is taught as fact, students are not given permission to discuss alternative theories. He was a very engaging guy but the teacher was surprised by my suggestion. Surely educators should encourage students  to look for evidence and discuss world views especially when there is still much to discover?

I am reluctant to go into details here about evolution because I am not a scientist and I am in danger of annoying someone who is. However, as a Christian I do think that it is important to take the first three books of Genesis seriously. If we dismiss the creation account as myth, why not dismiss the rest of the Bible too? Certainly the Bible is not a science text book and does not contain all the details, but God was certainly capable of creating the world in six days, instead of there being a series of mutations taking millions of years. While He could have chosen to use evolution to make living things, much scientific discovery as well as the Biblical text suggest otherwise.

An important Biblical principle in the first book of Genesis is that God made the living creatures “according to their kinds”. This strongly suggests that we are not all (animals and humans) descended from a common primeval ancestor. Also, Genesis 1 does not indicate that we are a sophisticated animal, for it is written that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him…” If we are merely refined animals, euthanasia and abortion would be possible; but God has a much higher regard for people and killing others for convenience is out of the question.

Being created in the image of God rather than evolving as a result of a series of mutations from an ape, means that we are highly valued. Human life is very precious and we were designed by God to have responsibility for the animals but not to be like them. If we seek a relationship with God (Jesus) he will make us like Him and He will give us God given compassion to love,  leading us away from wrong to do what is right and He will give us mercy and justice as we care for others and for God’s creation.

I believe that it is possible for Christians to both believe in Jesus and to believe in evolution. It is not a salvation issue. However I think that it is important for Christians to consider the important principles of Genesis and to take them seriously. I think that it is essential that we have an educational arena that encourages debate, and that scientists, Christians or otherwise, should have the freedom to investigate all theories using the scientific method. I have read information recently that has caused me to question the evidence for evolution. www.AnswersInGenesis.org provides much valuable information regarding the pros and cons of evolution and I recommend that you read some of their extensive written material. I want to encourage you to open mindedly consider the arguments against evolution as well as those in its favor. Perhaps it requires more faith to believe in evolution than to oppose it. Most importantly, please don’t let this debate prevent you from believing and worshiping the creator and Savior: Jesus.

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Evolution: Different Views

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Lou Engel conceived the idea of having a focus on corporate prayer and fasting in key cities, a number of years ago. Many Christians were present and they came and went through the day as it lasted for 12 hours. The atmosphere was one of wholehearted focus on God. Martyn commented afterwards that a half hearted response to Jesus was not acceptable. Being part of such a gathering provoked us to want lives that are more fully given over to Jesus. A nineteen year old girl who spoke had consecrated her life to Jesus at a similar prayer gathering 7 years ago. She gave her teenage years to Christ and her words radiated passion for Jesus. I am considered passionate but this girl shook and quivered with the pulse of Jesus. This reminded me that we will reap what we sow. She had given up the “rights” that teenagers expect but God had blessed her mightily. Let’s remember that Jesus gives us so much more than we can ever give. We will not miss out if we focus our lives on pleasing Him.

Prayer focused on Prop 8 and marriage, and also on abortion. James Dobson was one of the speakers and he reminded us how important marriage of one man to one woman is for the health of this nation. He canceled all his previous commitments to be there with his wife Shirley. His commitment to the prayer meeting was of great encouragement to us. My only concern was that more local Christians were not there. Understandably we all have busy lives but it would have been great to have seen the stadium as full as it is when the San Diego Chargers play football games there.

Repentance and prayer might not sound exciting, but they are way more significant than supporting a team or staying home to clean the house …… Football fans support their teams with a mighty clamor. The noise generated by a half empty stadium of Christians generated even more enthusiasm, cheering and worshiping than the football fans. As God is so much more significant than the defeat or victory of our local team, I was satisfied.

The most challenging aspect of our time at The Call was crying out to God regarding the death of fifty million unborn babies. We shouted “help, help” to Jesus. We definitely need His help to end an era of child sacrifice when it has become acceptable to sacrifice our babies for their mothers to maintain a certain lifestyle or reputation. It is not just the mothers who are at fault. If we know the truth about abortion and do nothing to warn girls in our churches, and do not offer financial help to those who cannot afford to provide for a baby, we are guilty too. If our silence and inaction lead to a death, how can we respond, except to cry out in pain and sorrow, seeking His forgiveness and mercy.

A Focus on the Family book: Answering The Call, Saving Innocent Lives, One Woman At A Time, by John Ensor (2003) is informative and Biblical. Ensor estimates that 250,000 evangelically oriented Christians are having abortions annually. Our churches must not be silent. The author explains that he was shocked in 1989 that fully 30% of the women in his own congregation had had abortions. He describes the day that they looked at abortion for the first time, “as the day God lanced a boil”. Ensor compares the responsibility of a Christian leader with that of a doctor: “A good doctor does not withhold the lance to spare the patient pain. Nor can good physicians of the human soul beg off examining the disease and discord now festering in 40 percent of the people in their own church. It is spiritual malpractice.”

John Ensor adds: “We must lance the boil of this guilt if we are going to produce true life and health. This is painful and difficult, but it is also purifying. And it is our duty. The biggest mistake we are making in our local churches today regarding abortion is rightly sensing its destructive power but then remaining silent to spare people hurt. Some tears are medicinal. This is a case, I assure you, where godly sorrow is cleansing.”

Paul explains that godly sorrow leads to repentance and ultimately to concern and to readiness to see justice done. Please read 2 Corinthians 7: 7-9 which describes how Paul wrote a challenging letter to the people in Corinth which caused hurt for a little while but led to repentance and to godly lives- well worth the temporary pain. Paul continues: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.” (2 Corinthians 7: 10-12)

At The Call we were reminded that America is guilty of the blood of 50 million babies. (Other countries are equally guilty.) Are we ready to bring truth into our churches which will lead to healing? Are we ready to repent? Are we prepared to stand up to protect marriage between one man and one woman, whatever present or future laws dictate? We are God’s people and we are called to consecrate ourselves to Him. Are we ready to move beyond a faith that tends to be half hearted, to embrace and declare the real Jesus on His terms? When we humbly repent and pray, God will respond by forgiving our sin and healing our land. Let’s live life His way.

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The Call in San Diego: Calling Christians to Respond to Marriage and Abortion

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What we say and how we say it makes an important first impression, and I certainly appreciate the pleasantries offered here. However, it is frustrating when people do not go beyond saying friendly but empty words. In both the US and the UK when people ask you “How are you” they generally expect you to say “I’m fine.” The reality is that everyone is not fine and a reluctance to hear or to tell the truth means that many people do not receive the practical help, the prayers, the challenge or the encouragement that they need. It is important that we have friends who we can trust and from whom we can seek advice and expect an honest answer. There are times when we need to stand up and say that something is wrong because avoiding conflict, for the sake of smiling relationships, can lead to trouble and pain in the future.

In our home I tend to fluctuate between turning a blind eye to issues or over reacting. Yesterday I felt that I needed to react as my kids were watching “The Office” and there was some vulgar humor which I did not want in our home. James explained that this was mild compared to some of the jokes that his friends shared, and how could he talk about “The Office” the next day at school if he could not watch it. He also added that his friends were much better than most of the other teenagers at high school. They seem great kids. They are interested in hearing Bible talks at our home every Friday, but I knew that I needed to challenge my son regarding God’s perspective. I am pleased that I persisted and talked to him about how being a Christian does affect humor, attitudes and our thoughts and words.

I have written in other blog posts about the importance of Christians teaching the Bible to their children. What I should add is that when a sweet, ‘little darling’ grows to become 6ft 4″ it is not always easy to sit him down for a Bible “story”. Instead there are moments that become important teaching opportunities. This is also true with friends.

As a Christian mother encouraging her children to follow Jesus, I wanted James to understand that we should not be preoccupied with fitting in to please our friends. If we are God’s children we must be different and speak what is good, and avoid listening or contributing to what is rude and distasteful. The WWJD or “What would Jesus do” wrist bands are of some value if they encourage the wearer to consider whether Jesus would approve or join in an activity.

It would help if I always knew exactly where to turn in the Bible to show God’s perspective. Yesterday I struggled to know where to turn but thankfully God took control and I turned to 1 Peter 4 and I read verses 1-11. Alice, my daughter, would have wriggled away but James knew that he needed to hear God’s word and he listened and then curled up and prayed.

I want to share the following verses that were particularly relevant to our discussion:

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer too.” (verse 1) In short, life is on a much deeper level for a Christian than pleasing ourselves, and it will involve suffering. Christ is our role model, (and our Savior) and we should seek to please him.

“You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy-their immorality and lust….” (verses 2-3 ) This is a call to be different, to put off the old sinful life and to be a new creation in Jesus.

‘”Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead.” (verses 4-5) Avoiding participating in vulgar jokes, and standing up for what is godly, will result in opposition but we must be more concerned about pleasing God. A changed life will show friends something about Jesus. Some will believe and change too, others will laugh at us.

The final verse that seemed so helpful was 1 Peter 4: 11: ” Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.” James is aware that he has this gift and the challenge was appropriate. We can do a lot of damage with our words but we can choose to speak in a godly way and make a positive impact.

These verses are from the New Living Translation in a New Testament entitled “How to Find God” . The sub title is “Living Water for Those Who Thirst.” It is intended for new Christians or not yet Christians and the commentary can be helpful. This is what is written next to the verses in the first book of Peter that I read to James: ” One thing that should certainly change when we come to Christ is the way we talk. If we continue using God’s name in vain or keep telling dirty jokes, something is not right. Proverbs 8:13 says, “All who fear the Lord will hate evil.” That includes vulgar speech. But when we become indifferent to the way we speak (or the way others speak around us), we are downplaying the destructiveness of sin and doing a disservice to the Lord.” This added further insight and the timing was perfect!

God will give us the wisdom to know when we need to react, using His words. We must do this gently, but we must not avoid encouraging others to learn from God’s truth (especially our children). James is a good role model to his friends, but it is clear that Jesus wants him to go to the next level in his relationship with God and with others. We are not alone when we seek to help people learn God’s will by teaching the Bible. God cares more about our kids and our friends than we do. I hope that I have made it clear how Jesus showed me, an ordinary Christian mother, how to speak His words to my child. He will help you too as you encourage others to follow Him.

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Challenge others with God’s truth

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As a Christian I am concerned about the exclusion of Christianity in public schools. Like technology, if kids are not familiar with the Bible, they are likely to avoid it. If school shuns Christianity, where they spend most of their time, inevitably many will not consider picking up a Bible and reading it. If students are taught evolution as fact rather than as a theory, it is confusing to read the first few chapters of the Bible where it is taught that God created the world. Unless parents and churches teach the Biblical world view conscientiously school kids will assume that science contradicts faith.

I am not expecting public schools to exclusively teach a Biblical world view. However, the avoidance of any mention of God will have more serious consequences than failing to teach appropriate technology. The latter will cause us to potentially lag behind international competitors. Avoiding Jesus is resulting in many being ignorant of the meaning of life. We have been created by an all powerful, loving God, for a significant purpose. We are not a higher form of animal with instincts that need to be satisfied. We are made in God’s image to live godly lives responsibly reaching out in love to help others and to serve God. Sex education at school may suggest that satisfying our instincts is fine with appropriate protection. Christians need to teach a different message.

I appreciate that it is unlikely that schools will reintroduce the Bible and return to a pre-1960′s educational mind set. However, in my opinion good education should involve kids investigating different perspectives and opinions. Evolution should be taught as one approach and creation as another. In the same way that a biology teacher teaches evolutionary theory, it would be great if a Bible teacher could present the Christian world view. No one should be forced to believe, but good education requires an understanding of different perspectives. George Washington’s speeches should be read and discussed and his Christian perspective should not be eradicated by text book writers. Even if Christianity is not promoted, the kids should at least be encouraged to respect it and to understand how faith shaped American values and the constitution. Parents need to tell their kids about how Christians shaped this nation.

My husband could have made sure that all of our children were technically proficient making up for the inconsistent approach to technology at school. He chose not to push them to learn as they were already busy with homework and activities. It is easy to avoid making our children learn useful skills when they show little interest and start complaining. This is a greater problem when our children are not interested in finding out about Jesus. It is easier to leave them to sleep on Sunday mornings rather than take them to church against their will. Helping children to complete homework is bad enough but we may feel that encouraging them to read the Bible is yet one more battle. However if schools are no longer teaching about Jesus it is essential that we persevere.

I believe that despite our kids’ attitudes we must teach them about Jesus from the Bible and take them to church or to a meeting where they will learn from the Bible. My family is aware that many kids are not familiar with the Bible or church. Consequently we have been providing opportunities for our son James to ask his friends to come to our home to eat, play sports, “hang out” and to read the Bible. He invites lots of friends on Facebook and those who are interested come along. There is no pressure. They can walk from school in less than ten minutes. Most of the 8-12 kids who come have no church background but they are in a safe, comfortable place to ask questions. This has also boosted James’ faith. If it was not for him noone would come, and as a junior at high school he is learning the joy and the challenge of following Jesus. He is realizing that following is an active response and he is moving beyond just sitting and listening.

Jesus, in John 7:37 “cried in a loud voice, ‘if any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!’ ” We know that a drink is more vital than anything else. Are we receiving what we need from Jesus? Are we offering Him to others knowing that without Him they are spiritually thirsty and in great need? Encouraging kids to discover Jesus is not adding an extra burden to pressurized lives. We need to demonstrate that Jesus deals with our worries, refreshes us and loves us. He is not an extra activity but He is what life is all about and he offers life to the full. Kids are not hearing this at school, so we need to make sure that they are being offered the drink that Jesus offers. They may refuse to receive it now, but we can pray and we can offer opportunities for kids to find out more about Jesus.

As Christian women we can make a difference. If you are not yet a Christian Jesus will satisfy your thirst. Keep finding out about Him.

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Biblical illiteracy

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People are inclined to forget that they are also vulnerable especially when they are behind the wheel of a strong looking car or sporting varsity football gear or a very impressive suit. There is a tendency to baby young kids, driving them everywhere and allowing them little freedom, until suddenly they are able to drive and their freedom apparently has few limits. As my two oldest kids are 18 and nearly 16, I am well aware of the potential hazards in and beyond the car. It seems that we need to train kids not only to drive well but to make good decisions. Once they can take passengers in the car, freedom is rather open ended. Arriving at a dance in a well cut suit or a beautiful dress at fifteen, must also be accompanied by a strong sense of right and wrong to ensure that the evening does not end in trouble. There are so many potential hazards.

Parents may spend many hours helping their kids learn to drive or investing money in various lessons to ensure that their children are accomplished in sports, music or ready to do well in the SAT test. However, I am not so sure that the same investment is always made to help them develop a good, responsible attitude. In my opinion, it cannot be assumed that either we or our kids can develop a godly response to life without help. According to the Bible, we are naturally inclined to make the wrong decisions. Ecclesiastes 7:20 illustrates this: “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.”

If we are honest, we are all capable of thinking, saying and doing terrible things. Of course we need to protect girls and kids especially, from human predators but we also need to learn how to avoid foolish decisions that lead to awful consequences. This is particularly true for teenagers who are experiencing driving and dances for the first time, but it is also true for people of every age. We are generally careful to protect young, innocent children as we are more aware than animals that they are vulnerable. However, as they grow up do we train children to become aware of God’s wisdom that can help them make the right choices? As adults do we know and follow Biblical wisdom as we deal with life’s challenges? If we do not, how can we expect our kids or less mature people to take Jesus seriously?

We cannot be truly wise unless we submit our lives to Jesus, seek His mercy and forgiveness and study and follow Biblical truth. Proverbs 2:6 explains that “the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” We are well advised to seek these great qualities and we can find out about them in God’s Word, the Bible. The book of Proverbs is filled with wise, godly advice. It is very clear that there are two paths: one is following God’s lead, obeying His commandments and willingly living life with His help. The other path is the alternative, turning our backs on God and living our lives with no reference to Him. God calls out to us to turn and follow Him. He does not want any of us to walk away from His love, His guidance and His forgiveness.

The words in Proverbs are insistent that we should “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” (Proverbs 4: 13-15). The Bible teaches about temptation, good, evil and the amazing love of Jesus who can forgive us even when we have wandered down the wrong path. I hear people say that they have not got time to read the Bible, but I would argue that we do not have time to ignore God’s Word. Despite our age, our abilities or our wealth, without God we are defenseless. We must not only teach children the right way to go but we must also pay attention ourselves. We can only be changed from being hopelessly bad to become righteous when God takes hold of our lives, and these words express the beautiful potential of transformed lives: “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” The next sentence is a reminder that we should avoid the alternative path: “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18-19)

In John chapter 8 verse 12 Jesus proclaims,”I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Are you following Jesus? If you feel that you are struggling in the darkness, call out to Him, seek Him and humbly follow Him. Without Jesus we are in great danger, but with Him we are in a very safe place. He is waiting for you, reaching out like a shepherd rescuing a small lamb lost in a dark cave. All of us are lost until we respond to Jesus. Reach out to Him and thank Him for His compassion and His mission to seek and to save the lost. He can transform your life.

God is calling Christian women to respond: Help others to seek God’s protection.

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Seek God’s protection

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I struggle to simply follow the published curriculum or program. My teacher training in England encouraged us to develop our own teaching materials and games and I am very grateful that I could apply this approach to teaching the Bible to kids. It is too easy to read something about the Bible to the kids, rather than getting into the Bible itself. There are lots of enjoyable teaching methods that can help the kids have fun while learning, without distracting from the message. I am not suggesting that everyone should abandon teaching aids or curriculum. Rather, if we are teaching the Bible to anyone we should ensure that the curriculum is Biblical and that we do not rely on the program rather than the Word of God.

Adults are capable of listening to a sermon and leaving with a confused picture of the truth. It is even more likely that children jump to inaccurate conclusions. For example, if we refer to Bible “stories” they may assume that David and Goliath and the feeding of the five thousand are works of fiction. It is tempting to teach certain episodes over and over again but to avoid teaching doctrine. Children need to know that they were born sinful and cannot earn their salvation. They must be taught that we deserve the wrath of God but Jesus in His mercy took the punishment in our place. If we do not teach these truths, neither children nor adults will understand why we need Jesus. Other truths that must be taught include the reality that we can’t earn our salvation by being good but instead we are saved by God’s grace: a gift that we do not deserve.

Our lives are changed radically when we receive the Holy Spirit, God, who lives in us when we repent of our sins, confess that Jesus is Lord and start to follow Him. Our words, thoughts and actions will show that Christ is our Lord but they can never be the reason that we can go to Heaven. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is our reason and His resurrection is the proof that our hope is not in vain.

I remember attending a church when we had just arrived in the US when our kids were 4, 6 and 8. They obviously believed that children should understand these important principles of Christianity but they taught large chunks of the book of Romans to young children in a way that they struggled to understand. The approach must be age appropriate and this was not!

I was teaching teenage girls this summer and wanted them to understand the reality of sin and the need for forgiveness. I made a game, writing questions on cards and Bible verses on different cards. The goal was to find the answers from verses from Romans that I had pre-selected. Of course, ultimately we want everyone to be able to discover these truths from the Blble, but the teacher needs to make it relatively easy to understand the main ideas when working with young people. The tendency is either to avoid teaching anything difficult or inundating the youth with material that is over their heads.

In general, our expectations of young people, regarding their ability to understand and learn from the Bible, can be rather low. If a teenager is doing a number of high level classes at high school we should assume that he is capable of learning the Bible at a similar level. Parents are ultimately responsible for the Christian education that their children receive. The challenge is to study the Bible ourselves so that we can encourage our kids. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us why the Bible is more valuable than any other book. It is unique and deserves our focused attention. The Amplified Bible explains that “Every Scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, (and) for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose and action.) So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This means that the Scriptures clearly show God’s standards and expectations for man. I am so thankful that God has made His will clear and, like a bad child, I know that I can come back to Him whenever I go against His will because He will always forgive me. Without this standard I would be lost and I would not know right from wrong.

As a parent, teacher, or anyone seeking to follow Jesus, we are well advised to read the Bible regularly, recognizing that it is God’s Word. It is not an ancient, outdated commentary; rather it is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12) and Jesus, when tempted by Satan, quotes a passage in Deuteronomy saying, ” It is written , ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) If we base our lives on God’s Word we will be much better off than struggling to satisfy the ever changing and confusing standards of the world. The Bible is even more important than food. We can’t live a fulfilled life without it. All of us at some time in our lives take on the role of teacher when we explain a concept to someone. When we are handling the Word of God, let’s make sure that we do not pull verses out of context but rather present our friends or children with an accurate picture of who God is and how He wants to change us.

Christian women respond: teach the Bible accurately and encourage other women to trust Jesus.

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Teaching the Bible

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Abortion, in my opinion, is also a terrible tragedy that is ongoing. Sadly it is not a past atrocity like the concentration camps designed by the Nazis to destroy those they considered sub-human, notably the Jews. They killed about 4 million within a few years. There are approximately 4 million births in the US and at least 1.3 million abortions annually. 1.3 million is a huge number and should get our attention now.

When I was 16 and studying French at school, the French assistant was selling badges with the words, “A woman’s right to choose.” Of course as a young woman this seemed very reasonable and, typically, as a British teenager I had not heard much about abortion. I pinned the badge on my sweater and within minutes a Catholic friend asked me what on earth I was doing. He explained that abortion was not the removal of a small piece of tissue from a woman’s body but rather the killing of a baby created by God.

I am aware that there are many women who have had abortions in their past who are still suffering the pain of a decision that dramatically affected the fate of their child. Jesus offers forgiveness and in every church women should be available to offer the support and compassion to those suffering from post abortion trauma . The Christian counsel must also make it clear that abortion is a sin and repentance is necessary.

Failing to address abortion is not helpful. Parents and kids need to be aware of the pain suffered during an abortion for both the mother and baby. Teenage pregnancy is not fixed quickly and easily by an abortion. “…and still they weep” is a book written by Melanie Symonds, illustrating personal stories of women who have experienced abortion. Their grief affected their lives dramatically and in many cases the women who tell their stories wish that they had been aware of facts before making the fateful decision. Grace was confused when she had a miscarriage years after the abortion. The doctor told her that the baby had stopped growing at 12 weeks. She wondered how he could tell the age of the baby when her mom had told her that a baby was not alive until the quickening at about 20 weeks.

Better health education today hopefully informs teenagers that babies in the womb are not just pieces of flesh but they are alive from the beginning. By twelve weeks the child is perfectly formed and looks exactly like a tiny baby because that is exactly what he is. A film “The Silent Scream” shows what happens during the abortion of a ten week old infant. As he is torn apart by suction, a scream is clearly visible as the baby reacts. The assumption that such a young baby cannot feel pain is incorrect.

The Bible makes it clear that it is God who is responsible for the creative process of making a child. When I was pregnant I did not even know the sex of my babies. It should not be a surprise that God is responsible for the process: Psalm 139:13-16 declares that “you (God) created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

I can understand how teenagers and mothers can be overwhelmed when they discover that they are pregnant at a difficult or embarrassing time in their lives. I believe that churches should teach clearly the value of human life from a Biblical perspective and the dangers of responding sexually outside marriage. Abstinence should be taught. We must also demonstrate Christ’s forgiveness and reassure women that if one of them becomes pregnant within or outside of marriage, the church members will offer practical support and love to help care for the baby.

There are all sorts of women who have had abortions for many reasons. They may not realize why they have experienced so much depression and a feeling of guilt. We need to help these women experience the love of Jesus and His forgiveness. I believe that we need to respond with love and concern to this societal tragedy. Remaining silent will help nobody.

This is a post from: WomenRespond.com

Abortion: hurting mothers and babies

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Lust is a sensual response to another person. In fairy stories such as “Cinderella”,

Cinderella - lust or love?

the prince “falls in love” with a girl who had been recently transformed by her fairy godmother. She was no longer the poor, abused stepdaughter, but rather a well dressed princess. How easy it is to be attracted to someone who appears to be well off, accomplished and beautiful. However, appearance is skin deep and we should warn our teenagers as well as our friends that “falling in love” is often no more than a fatal attraction.

Fairy tales usually have happy endings but if people in the real world assume that attraction equals love, they are in danger of committing themselves to a beautiful witch. The book of Proverbs in the Bible makes the point graphically in chapter 11 verse 22: “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”

The book of Proverbs highlights the most valuable quality of a woman: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) The word “fears” in this context means someone who takes God seriously, obeying His commands and worshiping Him with reverence.

It seems that most of the warnings regarding falling for beauty rather than judging character and faith is directed at young men. Men are in general more likely to focus on the physical and sexual than women and they need to be warned in particular. However, increasingly, it appears that many modern girls are also motivated to get into a physical relationship with the man of their dreams before they have considered marriage or even a solid friendship.

God’s Word shows the right way of living for everyone, but obeying it is only fully possible if we seek His help. The Amplified translation of the Bible helps us understand God’s will on this matter: “For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, that each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, Not (to be used) in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

Sexual purity is an important aspect of being a Christian. A true Christian is different from those who do not follow Christ and we must be self disciplined and godly in the way that we view our own and others’ bodies. We are called to be pure and honorable. Passionate lust is not the right motivation for any behavior and sex should be restricted to marriage. Sexual purity applies not just to sexual intercourse but to any act that is passionate or lustful. Even engaged couples need to avoid situations when they would be tempted to engage in premature sexual activity of any kind.

Does God tell us to remain pure because He is a kill joy? He warns us to avoid a lust driven lifestyle because the consequences cause so much damage, to our lives as well as others’, to our Christian witness and to our relationship with Christ. Controlling our bodies and our passions throughout life will bring tremendous blessing. If you have failed to live a sexually pure life, Jesus will forgive you if you approach Him in a humble and repentant manner. He can give you the power to change. Find a mature Christian who can help you and pray and read the Bible daily.

If Jesus is our focus, the joy we will receive from honoring Him and others is far superior to fulfilling the fantasies of minds that focus on the body in a lustful way. If we worship Jesus we should have the right attitude to others, offering what is good and kind and pure and self-controlled. This is love. In some cases when a man and a woman have tested one another’s Christian character, while offering appropriate Christ like love and compassion as friends, they may choose to marry, entering a life long commitment. Then they will be ready to share the gift of sexual intimacy which in the context of marriage is an important aspect of love, binding the two into one unit which no one should separate.

This is a post from: WomenRespond.com

Lust or love?

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I can click my phone and see whether Tom is online. If there is a green circle with a tick or a check in it he has been using the internet recently and there is a possibility that he is in his room and will answer. A green circle with a moon suggests that he has been away from his computer for a while: it’s dormant. Of course as a mother, recently separated from her eldest son, I am interested to see the signs of life communicated by his computer. It’s very vague and it is possible that Tom has abandoned his sloppy high school study habits and is now able to study without being repeatedly distracted by the internet!

It struck me that my trying to work out what Tom is up to by clicking a button on my Skype phone is a bit like the way many people respond to God. They have a vague understanding of who He is and they make some efforts to find out about Him based on hearsay, a TV program or the occasional Bible verse that a well meaning friend or relative sends their way. Conclusions that are drawn from this sort of information are very sketchy and are often wrong.

I do not want to call my son too often as he may soon learn to resent the interference. Similarly, many people do not want to bother God. Perhaps they feel that their problems are too small or that He is too busy.

My concern is that many people’s understanding of God and Christianity is based on a few inaccurate assumptions. One of my purposes in writing this blog www.WomenRespond.com is to make it clear how Jesus can affect every part of life and how the Bible can show us so much about Him, giving us a clear picture of who He is and how He can help us.

When I was small we used to dream of having phones with pictures.

Talking to Tom on Skype

Tom’s phone has a built in video camera so when I actually get through to him I can see him as well as hear him. This is, of course much more gratifying than looking at the little green circle, indicating whether he is online or not!

It is also possible to have a clear picture of God too. He is not a strange old man who criticizes us as he watches from Heaven. Rather, He came to earth in human form as Jesus. Although we have no portraits of Him, we can read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible and we can read eyewitness accounts about how He made the sick well, how He showed deep sorrow, weeping when his friend Lazarus died, even though Jesus was about to raise him to life. We can find out how Jesus showed compassion to a woman with a bad reputation and the way in which He spent time with those that others avoided. His teaching was not boring or politically correct: it was bold and radical. If it wasn’t for the fact that He returned from the dead three days after he had died, hanging on two pieces of wood, in the shape of a cross, we may have reason to forget Him. However, Christians for the last two thousand years have given their lives to Jesus. He proved by His words and actions that He really is God.

It is important that we move to the next level regarding our understanding of Jesus. A sketchy awareness of God is inadequate, in the same way that checking whether my son has been using the internet does not enhance our relationship! This morning Martyn and I wished Tom a happy 18th birthday on Skype and this was the next best thing to being with him. One day Jesus’s followers will be with Him in Heaven and this will be incredible. Until then, let’s draw close to Him through reading the Bible, meeting with Christians and through prayer.

There are times when a phone call is ended abruptly because one of the speakers is being unpleasant. It is typical of us to assume that we are generally right and if a conversation ends in this way we are inclined to blame the other person. When the relationship is with God and when the conversation is prayer, it is essential that we do not self righteously cling to our rights and justify ourselves. Reading the Bible helps us understand when we are proud or faithless or disobedient. We need to come before Jesus with humility asking Him to reveal to us where we need to change, yielding to His authority and asking Him to forgive us. If we do not come before Jesus with the right attitude, He warns us that He will end the conversation until we change. If we are experiencing a temporary distance in our relationship with Jesus, we must not blame Jesus, as unlike us He is incapable of wrongdoing. Instead we need to get right with Him. If you have never been close to Jesus, He is calling out to you to confess your sins and to believe in Him. He is like a wonderful, loving father who is ready to welcome His children home if we come on His terms rather than hanging on to our own agendas!

To finish, I will quote some Bible verses to show the consequences of a wrong attitude to Jesus as well as a right one. James 4:3 warns: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Another problem is illustrated in Isaiah 59:2 : “But your iniquities (bad thoughts, words and actions) have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

The great news is that “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) The consequences of responding in the right way towards God will impact our land as well as our own lives. Let’s communicate with Jesus on His terms and receive His blessing!

This is a post from: WomenRespond.com

Attitudes towards God

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