I used to be quite fundamental in my beliefs - everything was either black or white! But sometimes that isn't always the case. We can be in danger of limiting God's grace by taking a stance either way without considering the context on which we base our stance!
Let me give you an example. I believe that life is precious and that we have no right to take a life! However, there are exceptions to this rule as found in God's word. Self-defence, I believe, is one, and soldiers fighting in a just war is another. There are many instances in the bible where God called His people to fight and granted them victory. Peace is always the priority, but when faced with oppressors, dictators and evil military junta, sometimes there is no other option to save the oppressed. To coin a phrase in a recent movie, soldiers are needed for when politicians fail!
In recent days our Parliament has debated hybrid embryo research and lowering the limit on abortion. That throws up all sorts of discussions on whether we should be doing such things . I have to say that I would have preferred a lowering of the abortion limit, not just because of the viability argument, but because I believe that the embryo becomes a person when it settles in the womb. It is at that point it becomes a viable pregnancy. I know that many people will disagree with my view, but it is my view.
There are circumstances where a late abortion is the right option: my wife had to have a termination during her second pregnancy due to an infection and bleeding that threatened both her and the baby's life. The options were, carry on and lose both, or terminate the pregnancy and save my wife! So to take a clear-cut stance that ALL abortion is wrong is, in itself, wrong!
My father suffered from Parkinson's disease, and I too struggled with the dilemma that it is likely that an effective treatment could be found using stem cells. However, is stem cell research in contradiction to God's word? We could debate other sensitive subjects such as IVF, adoption by same-sex partners, etc., but unless it affects you personally, I would err on the side of caution before jumping into the debate.
The reason for mentioning these issues is because it is easy to take a stance either way until it affects you personally. Where God's word does not specifically rule on a particular thing we need to look at the 'spirit' of His word on the broader subject. This is where Christians can disagree in the interpretation of how the 'broader ruling' should be applied. I would ask that you consider it carefully and prayerfully remembering God's grace and love before making your judgment!
29 May 2008
24 May 2008
Fast or slow!
If you want something bad enough, you will do almost anything to get it! Think of something you were desperate to have and consider what you were prepared to do to get it. Did it work?
Sometimes, God likes us to demonstrate how important certain prayers are to us by seeing what we are prepared to do. Fasting demonstrates to God that we mean business about our prayer subject/request, but not only that, but by going without food for a period of time (and I am not talking about skipping a meal!) allows us to control our natural cravings and bring the body under the control of the spirit! Easier said than done!!
When I recently fasted I found that just about the whole day was taken up with food! Everywhere I went, the smell of delicious food was there! If I read a magazine, or watched some tv, there were adverts of gorgeous food to remind me what my body was craving for!
Another benefit is that the time you normally spend in the preparation and eating food is spare time to spend reading God's word and praying to Him. And so the whole fasting experience draws you closer to God. It is not a guarantee that God will answer your prayers the way you want, but you certainly become more aware of God and what He wants you to do! It is not a miracle cure for losing weight either, and if not done properly, can even damage your health.
A few common sense guidelines before fasting:-
1) What is my motive to fast? If it is not primarily to draw closer to God, then you probably am not going to get much out of it.
2) How long should I fast? This is one of those personal questions which vary from situation to situation. If you have never fasted before, I would suggest a 12-hour or 24-hour fast. Once you have managed that a few times, try a 2 or 3-day fast. You will find it an amazing experience!
3) Whatever the outcome, praise God for His drawing near to you.
It may seem that God doesn't answer you in the way you expected, but remember, God will never let you down, because He loves you.
God bless
Pete.
Sometimes, God likes us to demonstrate how important certain prayers are to us by seeing what we are prepared to do. Fasting demonstrates to God that we mean business about our prayer subject/request, but not only that, but by going without food for a period of time (and I am not talking about skipping a meal!) allows us to control our natural cravings and bring the body under the control of the spirit! Easier said than done!!
When I recently fasted I found that just about the whole day was taken up with food! Everywhere I went, the smell of delicious food was there! If I read a magazine, or watched some tv, there were adverts of gorgeous food to remind me what my body was craving for!
Another benefit is that the time you normally spend in the preparation and eating food is spare time to spend reading God's word and praying to Him. And so the whole fasting experience draws you closer to God. It is not a guarantee that God will answer your prayers the way you want, but you certainly become more aware of God and what He wants you to do! It is not a miracle cure for losing weight either, and if not done properly, can even damage your health.
A few common sense guidelines before fasting:-
1) What is my motive to fast? If it is not primarily to draw closer to God, then you probably am not going to get much out of it.
2) How long should I fast? This is one of those personal questions which vary from situation to situation. If you have never fasted before, I would suggest a 12-hour or 24-hour fast. Once you have managed that a few times, try a 2 or 3-day fast. You will find it an amazing experience!
3) Whatever the outcome, praise God for His drawing near to you.
It may seem that God doesn't answer you in the way you expected, but remember, God will never let you down, because He loves you.
God bless
Pete.
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