ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT

Time with Jesus - Friday, 10 February 2012

Hi all,

Eleven years ago, Phyllida and I were in Syria. We lived in Homs and formed a close attachment with a number of people. This accounts for our interest in what is happening in Syria and Homs at present.

The vast majority of the Syrians are Muslim. There is a small number of Greek Orthodox Christians and a few Jews, all of whom were more or less integrated into the population. There was also a number of Palestinians among the inhabitants. People who claimed they were displaced from the land of Israel when it was established as a country in 1948. Strangely enough these people were not anti-Jewish. Their “beef” was with the state of Israel.

Living in a Muslim country was a fascinating experience. We found the people hospitable and very welcoming. They also introduced us to concepts that were strange to us. Among them was their concept that anyone who came from UK or America was a Christian. Of course, we knew better. But we all make assumptions about what other people are like in foreign lands. Phyllida and I were never asked whether or not we were Christians. There was no need for them to do so. We were from a Christian country so we were Christians. So we were all “lumped together” as Christians regardless of our denominational or non-denominational preferences.

This is a very common error; one which we tend to make ourselves. Saying “Syria is a Muslim Nation” does not take into consideration the many different Muslim sects found there. It follows that when we say we are living in a Christian country, some errors immediately spring into the conversation. The biggest error is to say that a country is Christian. By definition that is impossible. Only an individual can be a Christian. There is no such thing as a Christian horse. Likewise, there is no such thing as a Christian country. A piece of real estate may belong to a Christian. But the real estate can never be Christian.

Taking this a little further, we must understand that within Christianity there is a plethora of different belief systems. To gather everyone into one belief system is foolish. A Roman Catholic and a Baptist are not the same. Fundamentally, they may share a number of beliefs. But they are very different.

Sadly, the word “Christian” is misunderstood and is hated in some quarters. Too many wicked things have been done in the name of Christianity. That’s why Phyllida and I have dropped the word in favour of “Christ Follower”. It is more descriptive of a life style. Perhaps we should go back to the original expression, followers of “the Way”?

In today’s meditation, I’ve contrasted the beliefs of followers of “the way” with those of a typical modern Liberal Christian, New Age Believer, agnostic or atheist. These views and opinions are very different. Sadly, “Christ Followers” are seen as fundamental extremists. But if the cap fits ……….?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Ask The Holy Spirit

We’re told the human body, is mainly H2O. Another word for water, for those who do not know. And water is essential, for those who want to live. For people who are thirsty, its essential that we give, Water that is drinkable and largely free of salt. If you do not give it, they’ll die and it’s your fault! Back there in the wilderness, Moses got it right. “Strike the rock” God told him and they beheld the sight, Of water flowing freely, from a rock that looked so dry! Their thirst was quenched completely and so they didn’t die. For forty years it happened. They dined on heaven’s food. We’re told it had the flavour, according to the mood, Of everyone who tasted, the water and the bread. About two million people would drink and they were fed. We wonder why God did it. He’d sentenced them to death. So why not kill them quickly? Why let them waste their breath? But that is not the method, which God would ever choose. Forever He’s compassionate and wouldn’t hold such views. This happened in the physical, while they were on the earth. Then Jesus made His visit and spoke of second birth. He spoke of “living” water. His “body” was the bread. It may sound very strange to us, but that is what He said. His Spirit would be in us and we would overflow, In ways that only God above could understand and know. This special kind of water, we’d get from Him for free. An undeserved gift of grace, He’d grant to you and me. It never could or never would, be based on what we’d done, But only on the Master; God’s One and only Son. But people want to work for it. They think that they can earn, The gift of Christ the Saviour. Some folk will never learn. They think that by self effort they’ll get to God Most High. They keep on working desperately for somewhere in the sky. They do not want the Spirit. “It must be done my way!” Is what this kind of person will think about and say. They think that the atonement is immoral and is wrong! They think that they are good enough and they will join the throng Of those who are developing into divinity. That Jesus Christ was just a man Who looks like you and me. They’re on their way to godhood. Religion’s all the same; That we are fundamentalists and that our silly claim, That Jesus Christ is God most High. They say it is “hate speech”. That all the “god’s” are equal and all within our reach. But they have been deluded by, humanistic aims. And so refuse to tolerate God’s realistic claims. So what is the solution? What can God’s people do? Let God’s Holy Spirit speak from deep inside of you! Jim Strickland – Written Friday 10th February 2012