Pastor’s Message

Once again, we are witnessing another war, in addition to the ongoing ones. Many commentators, both in the media and beyond, are likening this one to the American invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Both these situations did not end well, with the former having been invaded by the Taliban again two years ago and the latter still in leadership turmoil. What is our personal and Christian response to all this? 

Today, aided by a very helpful podcast that my friend Mark Ambundo from Cashmere Presbyterian has done, I want to break down the issues at hand and offer a Christ-centered response to what is happening. Let’s start with the basics.

Why the invasion of Iran by Israel and America?

• Iran has refused to give up its nuclear enrichment programme, a danger to the whole world that must be stopped.

• Iran and Israel have been enemies, Iran wanting to eliminate Israel (and America) permanently

• Geopolitics – The USA is seeking to eliminate the regime that sponsors terror groups against Israel in the region. (Hezbollah and the likes)

• This is support for the Iranians seeking to come out of the oppressive Islamic regime that has been in power for a long time. (Leader killed in the first day of the invasion)

• This is also the spreading of the American/Western-style ideology that seeks to incapacitate other regions that operate differently.

• Economic rebalancing – America wants to open up the oil-rich region of Iran so as to compete with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), who seek to de-dollarise the world and bring more free trade that is not America-centric.

• America (mostly Trump and his ego) wants to reassert itself and its military might. This is the latest in a long line of “stunts”, beginning with imposing tariffs, abducting the Venezuelan president, killing the Mexican drug lord and conversations to annex Greenland. Critics also say it’s also an attempt to move attention away from the Epstein files. If it is, then it is a mighty big attempt, and at what cost?

These are just some of the issues, and we have not even included all the conspiracy theories, and trust me, there are many of them.

The reality is that we are at an intersection. The rules of driving on the open road, which are simple and easy to follow, i.e., drive straight, keep to the limit and stay in your lane, do not really apply here. So, at this intersection, there are ways we can respond/have responded.

• Peace at all costs – This is the school of thought that seeks peace and dialogue (led by the United Nations, of course). All war is bad war, and because in a war there is the oppressed and the oppressor, the oppressed will always suffer. Social justice advocates argue that in war, it is the peaceful majority that suffer, so maintain peace at all costs. So go back to the bargaining table. (There were also pacifists in the world wars; watch Hacksaw Ridge!)

• Then we have the prophetic timeline – What is the place of Israel in the prophetic calendar? What is the timeline? Is the stage set for Armageddon? For the antichrist to rise up? How do you see these events in view of revelation? Our eyes should be very open.

• The other theory is the "just war” theory. This theory states that there has to be war in order for lasting peace to be found, so what is happening is necessary. (An interesting note here is that most of Israel's population believes this is the best cause of action, while most of the prophetic camp see these as the indication that the end times are close.)

• Finally, we have the missional position. I like this one because it states that Christ is close to us during crisis. We tend to get closer to him during times like this. He is present in our suffering and walks with us, as well as carries us through.

Whatever your position, I encourage you to come into this intersection with a posture of humility and empowerment. This is difficult because we feel so helpless.

Humility is the realisation that there is a part of you that carries brokenness and bias. It is the ability to recognise that whatever ideology you have, especially as a Christian, Christ has it covered.

In Luke 4, we see Jesus opening the scroll in the synagogue to read about the prophecy about himself. This prophecy covers all these streams.

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. (Missional)
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners (evangelical).
and recovery of sight for the blind (charismatic)
to set the oppressed free (social justice)
19     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (This was to be continuous, not one day.)

It is empowering to remember that in these many moving pieces of the war, trusting in God’s character is core. God is not caught by surprise when humans make these decisions. In some cases, the actions of man set the stage for God to come through in ways only he can do. This should restrain us from falling into despair and anxiety because of our helplessness.

It is empowering because it reminds us of our ignorance, and powerlessness is made complete in Christ alone. Eventually, God takes control of this world, according to 1st Corinthians 13. (We know now in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.)

Have a humble and empowered week.

Church Sundays

On the pulpit this Sunday and beyond…

We are doing a study of Paul’s letters, starting with Galatians.

Last week, we looked at Galatians 2. Here is a summary.

Paul writes this letter with disappointment and anger within him because of the fallacy of the teachers coming up to Galatia to teach a contrary gospel. So he writes this section to emphasise his position. Here is a summary from last Sunday.

The how you approach something is more important than the what.

False, because they preached the right message but were deceitful, i.e., with strings (Jewish Law) attached. They had the best intentions, but the message is dangerous because it takes us back to bondage.

We concluded by looking at the contents of the Apostles' Creed that we believe in and ascribe to.

Here are some conversation questions from the message.

• How does Paul’s encounter with the other apostles here give further validation to the fact that the gospel of grace is in fact God’s gospel?

• How would the demand for Titus to be circumcised be bondage (v. 4)? 

• Have there been times in your life when you have begun to think that your performance counts toward your salvation? What caused you to think this way?

• Do you ever feel guilty or insecure in your relationship with God? What might this be telling you about how you view your acceptance with Him?

Community

One more week of this theme of contending for the next generation. We are intentional and directional in what we teach and how we raise our children as a church family. Our calling is to work alongside the parents to help the children grow in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and with man. 

We are still praying and searching for someone in a paid position to step up and co-ordinate this precious ministry. We still need all the volunteers we can get, and we are thankful for all those who volunteer every week.

You can see the full job description (or share it with someone who might be a good fit) on the CCCNZ website here.

The youth are preparing for Easter Camp. Please continue to pray with us as we plan and raise funds. There are two main ways we are doing it this year.

1. Adopt a camper – Make a pledge/donation to pay for the Easter camp fee for a camper. This can be any amount. (The current Easter camp fee is $278.)

2. Bake sale – everyone loves a bake sale. We get to bake, sell, buy and eat all at the same time. This will be on Sunday 29th March after the service.

We also need some good tents and any camping gear that you may have and are willing to give (mattresses, sleeping bags, stretchers).

Community

One final note…

Next Sunday, we get to hear from the creation ministries. What's the intersection between faith and science? Is evolution real? Are faith and science at loggerheads always?

Come and have a listen.

Giving

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering Particulars: Your Name