Sunday 29 September 2013

Let's start at the beginning

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

This verse (and even more so the chapter that follows it) gives us a context for our lives.  We, as inhabitants of the earth, are part of the stuff that God created.  God chose to create us - he didn't have to, but he did - along with the stars and the "creatures that move along the ground".  This means that, in God's economy, we have a purpose - our lives and existence have meaning.  The Bible is quick to tell us what that purpose is...

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over [the rest of the animal kingdom]."  (Genesis 1:28)

We are image-bearers.  Our purpose is to reflect what God is like to the rest of the created order.  Can there be a more honourable task?  Could there ever be a greater privilege?

For reflection:
  1. Read from Genesis 1:1 up to 2:3.  Does the passage raise any questions for you?  What does it tell you about God?
  2. What does the fact that you have been created by God tell you about your relationship with him?
  3. How are you doing with your God-appointed purpose?  What would help you with this?

Thursday 19 September 2013

What?

Movember has transformed the top lips of men all over the world and raised huge sums for prostate cancer research.  Decembeard promises to alleviate the suffering of bowel-cancer patients, whilst intensely irritating many a wife and girlfriend.  Stoptober has helped thousands quit the smoking habit.

Exploretumn is a new season for us all to enjoy.  And, as is the case with the "months" mentioned above, there's a serious purpose to it too.  As the year grows dark and cold and the trees and plants die back, so we human beings often retreat into our homes and our hearts begin longing for the new life of spring.  This time of year presents a great opportunity to us all to reflect on life; on relationships, on past regrets and on future hopes.  How do we make sense of it all?  What is it all about?

Christianity claims to be a framework which helps us make sense of life - through all the seasons and all the experiences.  Exploretumn is a chance to see where we fit with God, and what the implications of this might be for our lives (our relationships, our past regrets and future hopes amongst other things).

The official beginning of Exploretumn this year is 29th September 2013.  I hope you can join us!