Jim came to believe in Jesus Christ through the youth group he attended. His love for the Lord grew through the teaching he received. In his late teens he committed to use the talents God had given him in service and so started a journey, which led him to the mission field after university. Unlike many of that era, rather than heading to Africa or countries in the 10:40 window, Jim moved to North America where he was heavily involved for over twenty years.

At the beginning of the 90′s Jim returned to Australia to look after his ageing parents. Having been out of the country for so long he found it very difficult to get a position in his chosen career. After a while Jim managed to find a role that somewhat suited him, and so, for the next ten years, he felt fulfilled in gainful employment.

Sadly, Jim’s parents passed away, leaving him without family. His feeling of isolation was compounded because the friends of his youth had moved on. Jim was now alone and vulnerable.

On reaching the age of 65, Jim was made redundant, not because he couldn’t do the work required of him, but because a person higher up the chain thought it expedient when the budget cuts came through. Sadly, people of his age don’t seem to be valued these days.

With only a meager pension and no support, Jim was forced to seek low-cost accommodation in a small rural town, close by to a major city. He’s now isolated with limited transport, few social outlets, and no resident pastors or ministers to care for his spiritual needs.

As we sat chatting over a cup of coffee and a slice of Boston bun I could see the pain of loneliness on Jim’s face. He lives trapped in this space and there isn’t much that can be done. At that moment I was thankful he could listen to Chuck Swindoll’s daily radio program as a source of nourishment for his life.

Shortly I’ll be 56 years old, and I’m acutely aware of the pressure many men face at my age, as they consider the difficulty they’d be in if they lost their jobs. Jim’s predicament is dire as he has no employment prospects in the town that’s become his prison.

So, what can be done?

Firstly, as we get older we should check our attitudes. My wife, Cornelia, keeps warning me not to become a grumpy old man. Yes, I do listen to her because we can get that way as nothing seems right any more:  the world’s falling down around us . . . the government’s wrecking the place . . . young people are out of control. . . . no one has the answers like I do . . . etc. We need to look introspectively at times and ensure we don’t become the voice of doom and gloom that nobody wants to be around. We can be our own worst enemy if we let our attitudes get in the way. Be on your guard.

Secondly, if you need companionship then join a group, but ease into it. You can be assured that it will not be as good as you want it to be.  Hang back and apply some of that old fashioned wisdom as you make a space for yourself. When counselling troubled people who are seeking a new church I caution them not to vomit their problems onto others. The analogy is quite graphic but I’m sure you’ve seen people do this. It is always wise to get to know a group first before you share your troubles. If you go there with a me attitude you’ll be in for a rude awakening . . . and will probably find yourself in a very lonely position.

Lastly, churches should consider giving a more balanced focus to their older members. The Baby Boomer generation is moving into the bracket in which they will need special consideration. With 1 in 6 Australians already being in this group, we need to consider their unique financial needs, health issues, relationship requirements and social concerns. Generally the Baby Boomer era has had the influence of strong Bible teaching and worship styles, ranging from traditional liturgical to contemporary evangelical. The National Church Life Survey 2001 made this comment:

“It appears that denominations that have assisted post-war generations to express their faith in ways that are culturally relevant to them have fared better in the retention of attenders in their twenties and thirties than those that haven´t.” [1]

This is good news for the church as research suggests they can have it both ways; supporting the oldies and retaining the young ones. The problem is that if we only have a focus on the seeker style format without a balanced focus on all generations, many of our ageing folk will quietly disappear, just like Jim.

When Jesus was on his way to Jericho with his disciples (Mark 10:46-52) a large crowd followed him. Sitting by the side of the road was a blind man who could sense by the commotion that Jesus was nearby. He called out but the crowd yelled at him to be quiet. So he called out again. Once more they tried to hush him. But Jesus’ ear was so attuned to all around that he stopped, spoke to Bartimaeus and subsequently healed him.

This is a wonderful example of how we should be. People who can’t help themselves are crying out. I pray that you will be sensitive enough to discern the need from the noise, and help someone like Jim.

Peter

Photo: Leroy Skalstad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States  from http://www.sxc.hu

The multi-coloured foil covered eggs, rabbits, hens, and bilbies lure our senses into desiring the contents within. I admit to being a bit of a chocoholic and that my mouth is watering even now with thoughts of the taste that only an Easter egg can bring.

While visiting the Insight for Living office in Dallas USA a few years ago I ventured into Tom Thumb, one of the large supermarket chains. To my surprise I noticed they only had a small section of Easter confectionery, no more that 20% of what you’d see in Australia. We are the champion Easter egg eaters of the world, consuming over 220 million in this, the largest chocolate festival on earth, creating a $2.7 billion dollar industry.[1]

During many Easters I remember nights huddled around the TV watching the annual reruns of movies like Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments. Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” always brings a new focus to the brutal death of Jesus Christ, and His rightful position as the Son of God, and is now being used in churches world-wide during this time of remembrance.

In the prologue of Chuck Swindoll’s book “Behold … the Man! The Pathway of His Passion” he writes:

“Since you are reading this book, chances are you want to encounter the Man who suffered punishment few could imagine, much less endure. Perhaps you heard the story long ago, but the details fogged over with time. Maybe you’ve recently seen a dramatic portrayal of the events. Deep down you wonder what really happened.” (emphasis added)[2]

Each of us has an innate desire to discover the truth. The problem is that those with skewed versions often use devious ways to divert us to their line of thinking.

When Paul wrote to the church in Galatia he understood how human nature can seek to supersede God’s divinity in the presentation of His Word. There were those in Galatia who began interpreting the gospel as they saw fit, causing new Christians to fall away from their faith, and confuse those searching:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel– which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:6-9 NIV)

To some it may seem that Paul is over-reacting but he knows that false teachers who proclaim to be teachers of fact and truth, will divert people from their original understandings.

In 2003 Dan Brown published his book, The Da Vinci Code, which has sold over 81 million copies and was made into a blockbuster movie by Ron Howard, released on 18^th May 2006.

Since the release of this book Christians and non-Christians have entered into rigorous debate over the factual validity of its plot. In an interview with Dan Brown, Matt Lauer, co-host of the Today Show on the NBC (USA), sought greater clarity of the writer’s perspective on the balance of fact and fiction within the novel.

“And I–I approached it with some skepticism and became a believer the more time we spent in Europe in these museums.” [3]

“My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.” [4]

This is an important distinction as it shows the writer’s motives. But nevertheless, the clever telling of the story transports it up the genre scale to midway between fiction and fact. It is for this reason that those who know the truth must be ready to intervene with those who seek it.

Although he has an opposing view of the main assertions expressed in The Da Vinci Code, Dr. Darrell Bock, scholar and research professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas, USA, agrees with Dan Brown that the controversy provides us with an opportunity to openly converse about spiritual matters. In an interview with Christianity Today, Dr Bock stated:

“But the popularity of both the book and the special (ABC television) points to our culture’s continuing fascination with Jesus. And even when that curiosity borders on the perverse, we need to be engaged in the conversation—if not on TV specials, certainly in our neighbourhoods, schools, and offices, wherever the topic of conversation comes up—talking about the real Jesus in a constructive way.” [5]

While the Easter Bunny and his eggs are now all but gone, it won’t be long before Father Christmas starts to appear. Be on your guard at all times, and be ready to reacquaint people with the truth. Each of us has a role to play in helping others sort the facts from the fiction.

Peter

1          http://www.candy.net.au/cma/

2          Behold … the Man! The Pathway of His Passion by Charles R. Swindoll, Pg ix  W Publish Group © 2004.

3          Copyright © 2003 National Broadcasting Co. Inc. June 9, 2003

4          http://www.danbrown.com/novels/davinci_code/faqs.html

5          The Good News of Da Vinci – How a ludicrous book can become an opportunity to engage the culture by Darrell Bock – posted 01/05/2004 <a href=\”http://www.christianitytoday.com\”>www.christianitytoday.com</a>

Every year of February 14th you’ll see the local florist blossom with red roses in preparation for the stampede of men, most of who are on their annual pilgrimage to show their wives, partners and girlfriends that they really do care.

For some couples it’s too little,  too late. Just this week I learned that four more marriages in my street have crashed and burned. This continual downward spiral in relationships has reached epidemic proportions in our society, where there are no solutions or antidotes to impede this destruction.

Back in 2007 (1) the vast majority of Australians believed that their ‘try before you buy’ and ‘you have to make sure you’re compatible’ philosophies would be the answer to true, life-long love. Sadly though, Australia still ranks in the top six world-wide for the highest divorce rates.

If living together is not the answer to true love, then what is?

Throughout my 28 year journey with Cornelia I’ve come to understand that there are two important elements for creating a strong marriage.

The first element focuses us on unity.

Just before we were married in 1983 we were given a piece of wisdom from a long married couple in their seventies. The counsel was based on Genesis 2: 24, where we are told that … “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2: 24 NIV (emphasis added)

How true it is that those who have strong marriages have a oneness about them. As an old aunt said, remember that ‘we’ comes before ‘I’ in wedding. Where two are entwined together as one, their strength is multiplied. Acting and thinking in concert is not easy and takes a lot of commitment, give and take. Having a mindset of putting the other first is Christ-like and the basis on which this oneness grows.

The second lesson must follow the first; to understand that marriage has seasons.

Let me warn you first that this does not mean that you only experience one of each of the seasons of marriage. In fact the climate of marriage is characterised by us moving from one season to another and back again.  A strong marriage learns from each season and prepares the couple for the next.

Summer is the hot season in your marriage. It’s the time of great emotion, physically it’s exhausting and it’s wonderfully passionate. That’s the way God intended it to be. Just read the book Song of Solomon and you will see that passion should be a key part of your relationship. It’s during your summer marriage that you explore new things together, learning and stretching yourselves. It’s a time to release your passions, to focus on a vision for the future and begin laying the foundations for a life of God’s purposes.

Autumn heralds a new time when your relationship is buffeted by children or changed circumstances. Work pressures build up and finding time together is more difficult. And while many homes become afflicted with the swinging door syndrome, it is in these times that your family’s relationship with Christ should be strongly nurtured. As you experience the kaleidoscope of colours in your relationship, it is the extent to which Christ is given centre stage in your relationship that will provide you with the resilience you need when times are tough.

Winter is inevitable. In marriage there are times when you sense a loss of intimacy, when you seem to do nothing more than chase your tail, or your world becomes an isolated island in a social landscape. Although this is the most difficult of seasons it’s also the season that gives us the greatest opportunities to use the gift of oneness that God gave us.

Strong marriages are characterised by one person helping the other during these times. Jesus sent his disciples out in twos for this very reason. When one is down, the other supports. It’s a simple concept and very effective, but requires a joint commitment.

For a moment think of the rings of growth on a tree. The dense rings that grow during winter will define the strength of the tree. With guidance from God’s Word, and a willingness from both of you, your winter periods can give your marriage a much stronger base from which to grow.

Spring is the time of new beginnings. When we start to feel the warmth of summer approaching, we are revitalised and refreshed. And while the memories of tough times might linger, it is the promise of a new day and new opportunities that causes us to come out of our cocoons, shedding the dreary and becoming all that the Lord has predetermined us to be. For many marriages the rut of winter has become the grave. For those who have welcomed Spring together, their love will flourish and the impact of their relationship will pollinate others.

Marriage is the most important union on earth, given by God for His glory. But, being human, we know that relationships don’t always work this simply.

When I’ve met with troubled couples over the years I’ve found that the oneness with which they started in marriage has been broken. Often their combined commitment to work through the seasons of marriage has been eroded for a range of reasons.

Be strong, encourage and support one another. Remember the WE in wedding, and have fun on the journey. Your enjoyment is your God’s pleasure.

And . . . by the way . . . Chuck Swindoll’s teaching series on marriage begins on February 17th. It’s called Strike the Original Match. You can download it for free via podcast or listen on our website.

Peter Tyrrell

1   http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3306.0.55.001

John is ever watchful for opportunities to challenge modern culture so he asked the attendant why he spoke of the holiday, rather than Christmas. To John’s surprise the attendant told him that he used to say Merry Christmas until he was berated for using this non-inclusive term.

John pressed the attendant for more information and was surprised by how his preferred greeting at Christmas-time had been changed through the pressure of a vocal minority. During their ensuing discussion John encouraged him to speak his mind and not allow his values to be closeted by those who wish to deny that Jesus Christ ever existed.

As they parted, with passion in his voice, John said, “Merry Christmas.” The attendant echoed, “Merry Christmas.”

When Paul spoke to the developing church in Corinth he knew they faced a culture that was significantly different to values they held. The people of this large town were immoral, rich and influential and yet the new church had been established there to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and to lead them into spiritual and moral renewal. In 1 Corinthians 9 and 10, Paul shows us how to undertake our roles as disciples of Jesus Christ while living in a culture that openly rejects Christian values – probably very similar to what we experience in 2012.

1.         Be visible

“I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor 9-22)

Paul encourages us to interact with, and relate to, our culture. He encourages us to be ‘where the action is’ so we will understand the people, and have opportunities to present God’s principles and precepts as alternatives. The Lord wants us to use our resources and skills in developing His kingdom, rather than secreting them away.

2.         Be focussed on what you are trying to achieve

“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. (1 Cor 9:26)

As you look at the year ahead do you have an understanding of the ministry that the Lord has for you? Each of us has a calling but the difference between those who will achieve, and those who won’t, will be the level of focus they have. be specific in your prayers. If you want to speak more openly of your faith…pray for boldness. Maybe you want to lead others to a decision for Christ…pray for discernment and courage. And, if you want to see your family grow spiritually stronger…pray for spiritual guidance.

3.         Prepare yourself

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” 1 Cor 9:25

Imagine starting a race without any training. Your muscles are weak, you have little lung capacity and you have no idea of a winning strategy. You know little of your opponents and you have never come first in a race before in your life. What hope do you have?

As you prepare yourself to go into your world reflect on how well you are prepared with the armour of God that Paul describes in Ephesians 6: 11-18.

4.         Maintain your Christ-like character

“Do not be idolaters…… We should not commit sexual immorality….We should not test the Lord.” (1 Cor 10: 7-10)

Interacting with a decadent society has its dangers. I’m sure you know of people who begin walking closely with the Lord, yet slowly become consumed by the very culture they were trying to impact. Consider an accountability partner. Someone you respect and would be willing to share openly with. Parents, pastors, singles, teenagers, all need someone they trust so they can share their difficulties and are willing to be asked tough questions about their character.

5.         Maintain your faith in Christ

“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Cor 10:13)

For me this verse has been one of the most important verses in the Bible. I know that no matter how tough life becomes, the Lord will only give me as much as I can take. When you undertake the Lord’s ministry, and as you navigate through life’s rocky roads, cling to this promise and maintain your faith in it

6.         Remain humble

“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” (1 Cor 10:33)

Finally, remember that whatever you undertake in 2012, the focus should be on the outcomes the Lord has already planned for you. He knows the lives He wants you to impact during this coming year but you need to seek the right path.

Even though our Australian culture is becoming more difficult for Christians, the Lord will provide opportunities for you to tell others about Him. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, God’s armour, and Paul’s wisdom, the year ahead should be an exciting one.

Peter

Perhaps you can understand why I’d been hanging out for Christmas—a chance to take a break and spend time with those I wanted to be with, a chance to unwind and escape the daily pressures.

So when one of my daughters announced that she’d invited a friend to share Christmas lunch with us, my idyllic illusion was shattered. I’d already asked two of my friends (both divorced), but for some reason I just snapped at the thought of a relative stranger joining us.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the coming of Christ, the Saviour. It’s the season when we speak of PEACE, JOY and LOVE. And, as Christians, we should lead the world in demonstrating these qualities. Well, not one of those qualities was evident in my response that night. Oh, I had no problem providing valid reasons to justify my stance; but the next morning, I knew that I had been unreasonable and that my response had been wrong.

In the book of Hebrews (13:2), the writer urges us, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Journey with me back to Bethlehem on that first Christmas. Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife Mary went from place to place in Bethlehem seeking somewhere to rest, but they were repeatedly turned away. Imagine for a moment the innkeeper and what might have happened if he’d been out of sorts that night and rejected Joseph’s request.

Surely the innkeeper had no idea that a baby would be born that very night, or that shepherds and wise men would come to his inn to worship and adore this precious new life. Importantly, the innkeeper’s motives were noble. Rather than focusing on what he could get out of the situation—or what was convenient and comfortable—he showed sympathy for the plight of this young couple. And, in doing so, he unwittingly provided the birthplace for not just an angel, but the King of Kings!

The writer of Hebrews also challenges us to put ourselves in the shoes of others. How else can we empathise with them? As we think of and pray for those in prison during Christmas, let’s place ourselves in the adjacent cell. How does it feel? What are their needs? How can we best pray for them? And what about the lonely young woman, estranged from her family and suffering from depression—what does she need most this Christmas?

That is where I went astray. I let the pressures of the moment cloud my thinking. Instead of seeing this invitation as a God-given opportunity to provide a family Christmas to someone in need, I was too concerned with the comfort and convenience of my own little world.

That Christmas was one of the best we’ve had as three more joined in the Tyrrell family celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Messiah.  I’ve learned a lesson: there’s now always room in my inn.

As followers of Christ, we should be ready to welcome others into our homes at every opportunity. It is in these times that we can spread the PEACE, JOY and LOVE that can only be experienced through Jesus.

And you never know…you might just share your Christmas lunch with an angel.