The Christian Placebo

Following is an exert from Tear Fund's Blog:

Have you read the article that’s circulating at the moment in which self proclaimed atheist, Matthew Parris argues cogently that Africa needs God?

“Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa, Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.” (Matthew Parris from TIMES ONLINE 27/12/08)

Parris goes on to argue that tribalism and traditional beliefs stunt the individualism and initiative of African people, leading to passivity and inaction. Christianity, Parris states, liberates and energizes its African adherents, allowing them to be more confident, and proactive, enabling them to stand tall.

To read the rest of the post, click HERE.

What were your thoughts?

Leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Godspeed & Kaizan

Clive

Jesus Our High Priest

I've been pondering about the thought of Jesus being our High Priest, like it discusses in Hebrews 7.

Rather fascinating the way it all came about and what goes on....

Firstly in Hebrews 7:12 is says "For when there is a change of priesthood, there must also be a change of the law."

The rule of thumb stated by the law was that all priests had to come from the line of Aaron....

however Jesus came from the line of Judah. Therefore Jesus became a priest "not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the Power of an indestructible life (vs16). ......"The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (For the law made nothing perfect) and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God (18,19). He changed everything!!!

How he came was not religiously, he made a way that was unconventional! A way to freedom! He also crushed the need for day to day animal sacrificing that the priests did by sacrificing his own life, once and for all. Paying our debt, where he stands in the gap as he petitions his father on our behalf. How amazing Jesus is.....he's the ultimate Box Breaker.

Don't be bound by rules and region but find Christ in a personal way and see the boxes in your life that he want's to break you out of!

Just a thought.....Jesus is our High Priest.....and there will be no other!

Naomi Moore

If You Had 30 Days To Live

It's easy to loose your focus in life... get caught up in the mundane and just blur through life in a vapid existence.

In the video below (taken from a series called 30 Days To Live at Lifechurch.tv) a young woman who is terminal gives some wisdom on living.


Staci Mcauley Interview - Part 2 from LifeChurch.tv on Vimeo.



I'd love to hear your thoughts, please leave a comment and lets get the conversation going.

Godspeed & Kaizan
Clive

You Live With God's Presence!

Hi from Jan...

One of my favourite passages of Scripture is Psalm 139.

It’s totally amazing how God knows EVERYTHING about us!...

He even knows what we’re going to say before we say it! (verse 4)

In verse 7 it says we can never get away from God’s presence... He will never leave us! Wow!

If you’re going through a tough time – don’t forget God will never leave you and His strength will support you (verse 10).

His love for you is never-ending and unconditional – that means no matter what you’ve done – He will love you always!

Be encouraged that you live with God’s presence, His strength and His never-ending love!

Pursuing Christ

I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of people who have told me that they are planning to read through the Bible this year.

In an age of Biblical ignorance... there is nothing sweeter to my ears!
As Jerome said, "To be ignorant of the Scriptures is to be ignorant of Christ."

I have personally taken up a challenge to read the 4 Gospels weekly for 3 months.

How are you going to step up your pursuit of Christ in 09?

Matthew 7:22-24 (New International Version)

22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

May we never hear those words from Jesus!

If you do decide to try something like reading the Bible in a year... may I suggest these 2 great on-line tools:

1) E Word Today... a one year Bible reading plan that offers 5 ways of reading the Bible including chronologically and historically. Click HERE to go and check it out.

2) You Version. This site offers the ability to organize, share, contribute and have community in your Bible study as well as a one year reading plan. (I have signed up with Youversion... and use it especially on my iphone). Click HERE to go and check it out.

Let us know how you are planning to increase your pursuit of Christ by leaving a comment.

Godspeed & Kaizan

Clive

Hi From Jan

Women’s Conference is only 7 weeks away!! J Fri & Sat 27^th & 28^th March.

If you’re at Eastside this weekend, make sure you grab a brochure!

It is so exciting for me to be planning my first Eastside Women’s Conference – it’s going to be great!

Our theme is ‘Unique’... it’s incredible how diverse we all are... many different talents and abilities, shapes and sizes! J

God created us to be confident in who we are – not trying to be like someone else. So let’s encourage each other to rise up in our ‘unique-ness’!

We’ll have loads of fun too – with an opportunity to design a ‘unique’ garment or ‘wearable art’ to be paraded at Conference... or create your own ‘unique’ piece of art or craft to be displayed. We’ll also have a ‘What Not to Wear’ Parade!

Gather your girlfriends – I hope to see you there! J

Bless ya lots!

Jan Rodgers

To Life Group or Not To Life Group...

Welcome back to Eastside's blogoshere. I trust that you had a phenomenal summer break and that you're ready and excited for all that 09 has in store for you.

In this first post I really wanted to encourage you to consider finding a life group that you can be apart of.
Christianity is meant to be lived out in the context of community. (The truth is... you just don't want to end up like the fellow in the video below!)




If you'd like to know more then click HERE to send an e-mail to Brett Bennett (brett@apo.org.nz) who oversees the life groups at Eastside.

If you had some great feedback about your life group experiences please leave a comment... as it will really encourage others to step out and experience the joy of a life group.

Until next time...

Godspeed & Kaizan
Clive