Do you even want to be saved anyway ?

Do you want to be saved from sin ? Do you want to go to heaven ? Do you even believe in that stuff anyway ?

It’s your choice what you choose to believe in or not believe in, however every choice has a consequence and so this blog entry, is a little about the consequences of life, the feelings that I have had and am having and maybe you also. 

What is it you believe about life and death  ? Have you ever thought about it ? 

Many of us were taught in our childhood about Jesus and the Christian ways. And many of us, well maybe just me, have had those teachings blown out of the water by the way that others have treated us over the years. 

And some of us have found that much of our faith and belief was centred around “doing” and not “being”.  

Some may understand this, but in many years of my life it was all about “duty”…and some very bad teaching backed it up… (by the pathway of duty, flows the river of Gods grace) that's actually not true, 

Gods grace is free and we can’t earn it by what do out of duty. 

Not going to delve into the theology of that, but just to say, that I have a different understanding of some of this stuff now. 

Anyway, it draws me back to the very foundations of faith as a Christian…what do I truly believe ? 

Do I want to be saved ?  Do you ?  

Is there a heaven ? Is there a hell ? And where do I want to go after I die ?

There is much pain in this world, and I have felt it, and do still feel it, and I know that many others also feel this pain and deep deep hurt in the very core of their/our lives. 

(I truly hope I have not caused any of this for you, and if I have done that for you, I apologize to you…perhaps make a confidential comment and some contact details (that wont be published) so I know who you are and I can try and make things right between us)

SO..... What causes hurt ? Pain ?

In a lot of cases, pain and hurt is caused for us by the ways in which others treat us. Or in fact the way they ignore us, or don't even see us, or reject us. 

When we feel forgotten and misunderstood, unnoticed...looked down upon, seen as inferior or of little worth. 

All of this, plus much much more, adds to our feeling of pain and hurt, and it is not the way of the Kingdom of God, and yet often ...in the church is where we can experience this the most, and what it does, ultimately, is turns people off  "faith and belief".

It is common to hear, " if that's the way in which the church treats me, I don't want anything to do with that ". and so many go on their merry way ... away from God, because simply we were treated badly by His people.  and fair enough.

So it leads me back to the original question, what is it that you believe about life, death, heaven and hell the existence of God or nothing at all. ????

My understanding of Jesus is He treated all people with fairness and justice and mercy, He had compassion on them, He forgave them... and suggested that they turn from their sinful ways. 

It  is what I still believe, that Jesus is my truth and that at times His people (the church) just get it wrong. 

We all do at times.  It's not a cop out or defence of the church, it is just that humans are flawed and we hurt each other at times, and I want to encourage you to look at Jesus and put your trust and hope in Him.

I recall one time when Jesus asked a bloke  in His day...." do you want to be healed ? ".....the question remains, do we want to be healed ? do we want to be saved ? do we want to go to heaven ?  

The church and humans cannot get you there...only Jesus can do that.

Finally...I was reading this quote the other day from a  Christian organisation... it is helpful and also not helpful all in the same breath. 

" We don't care where you have been and what you have done, we care about where you are going ".

Whilst the premise of this is great and is all about our future.... there is also a sense of  whatever you have done previously doesn't count for anything.  

Sadly that is how I feel at times, and others around me.

That my experience and achievements count for little.... my leadership and church planting, my ministry, my faith, my hopes and dreams all shattered because some human some place discounted me and all of that I have done in my 60 plus years so far.

Do you know what I mean ?  Do you also feel that ? 

Thanks be to God, that He knows all about me....He loves me for who I am and for what I attempted in His name over 30 plus years

AND...He knows YOU.  And He remembers the faith you lived out, He remembers the things you did in His name and He is grateful and whilst you may feel hurt by the world and even the church, He wants to give you healing, set you free from the pain and hurt.  

That is just who Jesus is.

So, do you want to be saved ?  

Do you want to be healed ?

Look past human failure...

look to Jesus. 

He is the Key.

This song may help you ....it has helped me many many times.

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=He+Knows+My+Name&&mid=B91F524276EB75157327B91F524276EB75157327&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUCEJCcmlXpYNzWA0fKVMezUw&mmscn=vdct&plid=fef2e3ec5db45e69481887d7815db295&FORM=VCGVRP

Changing My Mind ! (seriously not trying to upset anyone)

 

Is it ok to change your mind ? 

I was drawn to re read a few of my old blog posts here today, and it gave me some interesting thoughts. Some of the things I have said in the past, are not exactly what I hold to any longer.

I think as we go through life we all change our minds on things from time to time. Things we once held true and firm, are challenged by varying circumstances that might cause us to re evaluate our stand on certain things.

That is not always bad…. And it is not always good either.

The things I have written in my blog over the years were true for me at those times, and I stand by them for those times…but my life and view of life has changed and so now, I see things quite differently.

I don't want to be a critic of my past, for my past was what it was, and it cant be changed. It’s the future that can be changed, by the choices we each make in the present.

Many churches, and organisations have an end date. It is governed by the age of the demographic of those attending. 

I want you to seriously think about this, if you are a reader of my blog and think I may have lost my way.

Take this pretend (?) scenario....

There is a little church in the suburbs of Melbourne, it doesn't matter what denomination it is. It has sat there for 50 +years. It once was a thriving church, with a lot of families and it was vibrant and alive in its tradition.  However over time, with some church politics, and families growing up and moving away the church started to diminish in attendance.  Nothing was really ever done about it, because they all felt that the church would regain its strength over time. It kept going through the motions, every weekend…and sadly those who attend there today are all over the age of 65.  

A small faithful group of people around 25 of them, who turn up each week to worship God with their every breath. While that is fine, and those older people need that ….as we all do, the church will only grow if new people start attending. 

If those older people invite their friends, then it could potentially grow with new 65 year olds attending.

Younger family’s wont come to this church as the church cant provide anything for their children. The worship style of this church is just a bit dated because it has been geared around suiting the 65 year olds. (Nothing wrong with that ) however it doesn't appeal to the younger generation. So they simply dont come. 

Now track forwards with me, 15 years from now and everyone who is left in this church is in their 80’s. 

Slowly they pass away and leave for heaven. And the church slowly passes away also. 

It has an end date, based on its age….and inability to attract new generations into the life of the church.   Churches have a life cycle, just like humans do…. If we dont re-invent ourselves in the church, and reach the current generation in relevant ways, with a truth and foundation that is centuries old, we simply will lose opportunity to grow the church. 

And your church, any church going for that matter, will  simply pass away as everyone gets old.

If you think I may be off my tree, take a drive through a little regional country town and see the closed churches , take a look through the suburbs, take a look through your denomination and think about those once thriving places of worship that are no longer active.  And its all because of an end date, and the lack of vision to see a need to start a new lifecycle in the life of that church.

And all the while we are critical of those churches that are growing through the roof. Because of their style ....the lights, the media, the songs.

Yes I did change my mind on a few things, because I had to. For self preservation in my own personal faith and keeping that faith vibrant and alive … only those very close to me would be super aware of all the stuff behind that.

I am not trying to be critical, but rather to open our eyes. We have a tremendous opportunity to lead people to Jesus, it is our responsibility. It is our privilege. 

Yet very often we are self serving. 

Making ourselves happy with what we do …. Living it all out for our own benefit and not for those who don't yet know who Jesus is, other than a curse word.

Have I changed my mind about God  ? Not a chance. He is my God, Jesus is My Saviour. the Holy Spirit my supernatural strength and helper. 

Have I changed my mind about how we worship God and what needs to be done in the church ?

I absolutely have.

When I see people getting saved in church, when I see people taking the next step in discipleship by being baptised etc…when I see hundreds of youth and children in church, You betcha I have changed my mind.

When I see a church with multi generations and different race's and cultures, and the church is firm in its biblical view and teaching, a church that doesn't pander to the world’s views, but stands true…. 

Well you can be sure that Gary Grant would align myself with that kind of church and most likely change my mind about a few things I once held as true and absolute.

There certainly was a place for that in my life and I will never forget it as part of my formative years as a Christian, it was super important and I used to love it.  AND I loved the people who helped me form my spiritual life along the way…..and I still do love them.

But for me, I see the world differently these days and it was time for me to start a new lifecycle in my own spiritual life. 

Churches need to build a new lifecycle from time to time before they start to rapidly move to towards the end date of the cycle of life.  

We each need to find our place in the Christian journey where we can gain maximum spiritual growth and life.  Now, if that is where you are positioned right now , all well and good…go for it. AND Go hard at it.

However….

If we just hang onto the things that once were, and will most likely never be again, we simply will die a slow painful death in the church.

If what we are doing in the church is all about “us”, “me and my thing” and not about being a church reaching those who don't yet know who Jesus is, and finding ways to reinvent itself so that it is reaching this new generation arising, well then, it has an END Date.  (Sorry)

*just my thoughts, friends. 

...................................................................................................................................................................

*** Also, take a look and study of how your church is doing... are people being saved and added in ? regularly ?  frequently ?  if not... why not ? be brave and sincere in answering that question.

Are people growing in discipleship for Jesus ?     Or are we more concerned in form vs function ?

Form = what it looks like !!  Function = what it is and does !!

I am not suggesting that everyone leaves their church, I am hinting though, that we all need to find new ways of reaching others with the Love of Jesus, and re invent ourselves so that we can reach a generation that still needs reaching.  ***

Church ? What is it actually ?

When we say the word church most people get this kind of image in their mindset. An old fashioned antiquated, or quant building.  They are beautiful structures, and yes they are churches, but in reality the church is in fact, the gathering of people in these buildings. 

I have just finished at our Easter celebration weekend at our church, and it was amazing.

5 services at our site over the weekend, (that I was involved in), there were 3 other worship services, on site as well in other languages, as well as kids church…..as well as online church, ....... and I am a bit weary….however, can I say that it was just simply the most amazing, life giving and inspiring weekend ever. 

Thousands of people attended our church on Good Friday and Easter Saturday/Sunday… 30 people were baptized, one of them a very good friend…a stack of first time decisions for Jesus….cars everywhere in the carpark….people everywhere.

For me, that's what I have always thought church should be like. People flocking to worship Jesus.

I just love it.  I have always loved it when the church is full to overflowing. 

Our worship teams and production teams did an outstanding  job of presenting Jesus and reminding people that church….the gathering of people in any facility, is all about Jesus.

Our Pastors… leading people closer to Jesus..  Our preachers speaking with genuine integrity and truth and clarity around what it is all about. 

Whether it is a modern building or a traditional structure, it is still all about the gathering of Gods people to worship Him. Regardless of worship style, songs chosen, clothing that is worn, or religious practices.

For me,  I have seen a fair bit of different types of church.  Very small church gatherings, very large  and mega size gatherings.

I have been in traditional settings, modern settings and small group style church gatherings.  

They are all church and their primary purpose is to worship  Jesus and to help people to get to know Him in every and any way possible.

Over the years I have seen many people get all of this muddled up. Critical of style of traditions or various theological differences.  It is so disappointing when  people make a fuss over the issues that don't actually matter in the long run.

What matters most for me, at least, - is that Jesus is the number 1 focus and that the church in fact helps people to grow closer to HIM.

A few more comments around Easter especially.

Many people just don't believe in Jesus.. and that is their right.... however, it amazes me though, that a tradition in our society is to only eat white meat (fish) on Good Friday, yet I ask why ? 

If you don't believe in the foundations of Christian faith, why practice those traditions at all ? And so what happens in society is criticism of the church, but practice and celebration of the Christians traditions anyway.  Its kind of a paradox. I mean why even celebrate Easter and Christmas if you don't actually believe in those events and what they actually stand for. ????

The other things I find mystifying, is when the church is critical of the church. Also when the church is envious or jealous or threatened by other churches. It's dumb.

If its a tiny small church, that is living out their faith as best as they can, gathering to worship GOD...or if it is a mega church with thousands gathering to do the same, why would we be critical of each other ?

At the very core of our faith is the common truth that we each believe that one day Jesus Christ will return and His church ( the people, not the buildings) will together unite in heaven, no matter whether it is Anglican, Salvo, Pentecostal, Baptist, Church of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic,  or any other style of Christian tradition.

The bottom line is .... making sure it is about Jesus, in our gatherings and in our private living. That who we say we are in public, is who we actually are in private.   ( this is a challenge for us all..)

That we are not in fact trying to compete with one another, or compare ourselves to each other, but rather doing our bit where we are placed, and making it real and relevant in every way we can, to those still seeking truth about Jesus Christ.

Not forcing Christianity or the bible down another persons throat, but living in such a way as people might in fact want, what we have.  Peace. Grace. Mercy living, love, compassion and integrity.

The next time you might be tempted to be envious, jealous, critical or even feeling a need to justify something about your particular church tradition, stop and think it through....we are all in this together with a hope and purpose to lift Jesus Christ and His message of forgiveness of sin and hope for a place in heaven to everyone who doesn't yet know about it.

So...what is the big deal ?

The deep theology can be complicated, and the church sometimes uses jargon that is weird, and very hard to actually understand... but the message is not... the story is very simple.

Each of us, everyone of us actually, are separated from God because of the wrong things in our lives. Jesus was given as a sacrifice for those wrong things, a bridge if you like, so that if we were to believe in Him and trust Him with our lives, we would not be separated any longer from God.

Christians are just people who have decided that Jesus is for real, and they have put their trust in Him and decided to follow HIM.

That is it, in a nutshell.

It is true that some churchy people are a bit hard to handle and can be seen as a freaks... (hopefully I am not one of them) but overall... we see it as freaky when we don't fully understand it all.

So... if you are curious. if you want to know why you only eat fish on Good Friday, and what those hot cross buns are really all about, and what actually happens in a church on a Sunday... if you are slightly interested, then send me a message and we can have a coffee and a chat  or an online conversation if that's easier, and I can help you to get a few answers to your questions.

You can do that by leaving a comment on this blog.... and I will get back to you (if you leave your contact details)

And if you already attend a church ?  why not celebrate your church and start letting people know about it and inviting a few along  to hopefully meet with Jesus alongside you.

all I ask of anyone... and all churches...is keep it about Jesus.

Church ? Christianity ?  ITSALLABOUTJESUS.  

always has been and always will be !!!

Does it all mean nothing ??? Think I will buy a bike !!!!

 

Retirement… what does it all mean ? Does it mean nothing ? I wonder what everyone else who has ever retired before me has felt ? (Maybe you could put your thoughts in the comments) but as I have semi retired I am faced with a whole pile of questions that I have no answers for as yet.

I am still actively supporting CityLife church in coordinating their weekend volunteers, an awesome bunch of people, a few hundred of them….and now face the really big question of my life, has everything I have done in my life counted for anything ?

Now before everyone preaches at me, Yes I know it has been for the Lord and I really believe that during my ministry life I have tried to serve Him to the best of my ability and capacity. And I may never know the eternal effects of that, however I still feel this sense of …”so what” in my heart and mind, and thats really hard to come to terms with.  (It kind of follows on from my last blog entry)

So what now…??? Looking at the state of the world right now, with wars escalating, fuel security in our own nation at risk, which of course will flow into food supply and everything else…the whole world feels really quite stuffed up right now.

And then I look at my life, new job opportunities on the horizon, full retirement age fast approaching, meaning that end of human life also fast approaches and watching everything going on around me, with people around me making “interesting” choices… and I find myself wondering….what is the point of everything ? Or anything ? Will the choices we each make, have any serious consequence for our own lives and for those we dearly love around us ?

The writer in the bible …states it as everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. He might have been onto something hey ? Perhaps he was feeling what I am feeling.

We seem to prioritize stuff that really has no future or sense of anything ! We live for the here and now and when the here and now is disrupted by some crazy people doing crazy things overseas by starting wars. One must question why even do that ? What has it achieved ? 

I am not a doomsday person, in fact I still have my whole hope in Jesus Christ and His kingdom…however on this earth …apart from worshipping Him and serving Him and helping others to serve Him and honour Him, what is the point ? We save our money to buy nice things, and we all do, and I do, but when I am gone, what then ? Who will even want my model car collection ?  Lol.

All is not doom and gloom I understand that… but think about this scenario…

I have a $50,000 car sitting in my garage, it is a beautiful car, but if  I listen to the experts, there may be no fuel for it in 40 days. If there is no fuel for my car, then my car is useless and of no value whatsoever.

It will be of no value, who would even want to be able to buy a car that cant go anywhere without fuel.

Think I will buy a bike.

Maybe as I am getting older and seeing the end in sight, maybe I am becoming cynical and negative, or maybe I am just thinking the worst. It is hard when the media paints such a rotten picture of what lays ahead.  

I don't know what you think about life, I am sure grappling with it these days.

But it comes down to worldview and perspective….our perspective in Australia would be very different to those in Iran  and Israel right now. This isn’t a post about who is right or wrong, just a note about perspective. My worldview is based on what I have done, what I have seen, what I have experienced in my life so far and what I hope to still see.  I am not so worried about missiles dropping from the sky, or worried about the shortage of toilet paper…

I think what does concern me right now, is that my life has counted for something, for someone. That I have not wasted all my life chasing the wind and meaningless activity.

That the things I have lived for, and preached for over 30 years plus, have actually helped  and that in the long run, I may have contributed to something of substance for the earth and for the King of Kings.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

* Please remember, my blog is just a space for me to share my thoughts and feelings about life as I see it.

                I hope one day that Jesus might say to me… “well done Gaz, you did good “

The Battle Between My Ears.

What are we listening to ?      What are we hearing ?      What's going on in between our ears ?

Recently I have been fighting a pretty big battle inside my head.  

Whilst it is incredibly personal, this battle, I believe there are some principles we each can learn, maybe from what I am working through. 

If you never have faced inner turmoil, or conflict of values and beliefs, if you have never struggled for meaning and purpose, then maybe you would be wasting your time reading this blog entry.

The battle has caused me to feel a number of things in my mindset which I am not going to share here as I am not looking for some kind of sympathy from anyone. Neither am i trying to manipulate any situation or person.

So what does one do, when things don't add up in your mind ? When what you believe, is challenged ? When your values are tested ?  When everything you have ever thought about yourself and your life is seemingly lost in “translation” ?

Today, a close pastor friend of mine sent me a note…. Well a prophecy, spoken into my heart and mind and then put in writing for me.

This is what was spoken to me:

“Yesterday in my devotion time I was reading Genesis 39, in the story of Joseph at the point in time where he has reached Potiphar’s house (an Egyptian officer of Pharoah, the captain of the guard therefore powerful in the culture and city of Egypt).  Reading from Gen 39:2  The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, ⁴ Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. ⁵ From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.

 

The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house and over all that he hadfor Joseph’s sake. 

This reminded me how God uses both those who follow Him and those who don’t for His good purposes.

It reminds me that God is in the midst of culture, of the secular, of the worldly for He made the world and everything in it.

It reminds me that God is with you wherever we are placed, and the preceding story of Joseph beaten, imprisoned and forgotten was not the end of the story. Greater things are coming.

I think it can be really hard, when a word of hope is spoken over a person who feels hopeless.

Maybe that tells you too much, but it’s true isnt it ? When a person is low and another person speaks high ideals, it’s hard to actually believe in a new reality.

Yet I want to believe…. Don’t you ?

Anyway while I was working my way through this….the words I have spoken before flooded back into my being and mindset…. God says: “I am El Roi”  the God who sees you.  (Who sees me)

The God Who knows my battle and struggle (and yours)

And as such the battle between my ears became even more real…there is a battle for my mind, for my whole being in fact.  

Being a Christian is a costly thing, it is free, but there is no promise of a smooth easy road …maybe that’s why so many people turn away from Jesus.     Maybe.

A few questions remain in how do we respond to the battle for our mind ? For our heart ?

Who or what will actually win the battle ?

I am pretty sure that’s a personal choice…who do you want to win ? Hope ? Or Hopelessness ?

Truth ? Or deception ? God ? Or yourself ? 

And the battle continues…. I think maybe for the rest of our lives …. Maybe !?

Will I choose blessing ? Like Joseph ? Choosing faithfulness to Jesus over popularity with those around me ? Will I choose the Lordship Of Jesus over my own feelings right now ? Or do my feelings align with Jesus’ way for my life ?

I think my story…is to be continued….  

What about you ?

I dont know if this blog entry makes any sense or not, it’s just how and what I am feeling about my life these days.

Thanks for taking a moment to read it.

They Shall Come….

I was born a Salvo and I will probably always have Salvo - yellow red and blue, flowing through my blood. However at this stage of my life I am worshipping and working in an amazing church in Victoria, Maybe one of the largest churches in Australia right now. And it is helping me in so many ways.

Today it was the strangest thing, God spoke to my heart, well He has been for a few days now about ministry  and who I am….and today as Shelley preached, my heart was touched again and this old (1986) Song came flooding into my heart and mind. 

 The words of this song have spoken to me for years and then out of the blue here they come again…

The song written by a General in The Salvation Army for one of the musicals that was produced a number of years ago, has caught the attention of Salvos for decades  and in the middle of a Pentecostal church God spoke the truth to me again.

The song words are:

1. They shall come from the east, they shall

come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Both the rich and the poor, the despised, the

distressed,

They’ll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

And none will ask what they have been

Provided that their robes are clean;

They shall come from the east, they shall

come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

2. They shall come from the east, they shall

come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

To be met by their Father and welcomed and

blessed,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

The black, the white, the dark, the fair,

Your colour will not matter there;

They shall come from the east, they shall

come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

3. They shall come from the east, they shall

come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest

They’ll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

From every tribe and every race,

All men as brothers shall embrace;

They shall come from the east, they shall

come from the west.

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

John Gowans (General)

CityLife church is exactly this.. people from every race, age and gender attend this church. It is outstanding and some of my very good friends now, in this church, call Australia “home” now, when it is not necessarily their country of origin.

in Gods eyes we are all the same. And in Gods future this is what it looks like.

That we should all as brothers and sisters, embrace and be counted as one family. 

The family of God, regardless of what church we attend, what colour our skin is, what clothes we wear, or style of worship we prefer. 

All people as brothers and sisters shall embrace.

That’s the Kingdom of God in a nutshell.

Shelley preached today (an amazing message )about the theatre’s or arena’s and idols in our lives. I guess my theatre, my arena is right here…. Does everyone agree with what I post in my blog ? I doubt it and some have been fairly critical over the years, but still this blog has had over 96,000 hits over the past years and as such, I have spoken my mind on a lot of matters and a lot of people have read it .

  

And I want my readers to know, that I am sold out on Jesus. That He is my King and my Lord and regardless of whether anyone agree’s with me or not I will not be silent and I will keep being who I am and who I was called to be, a messenger of Hope, a messenger of Jesus.

I look at  the world right now, and see conflict, violence and suffering, I see injustice and pain… I see struggle and hardship, and I still know and believe that Jesus Christ is the Hope of the world and that His Church is the vehicle to bring this hope and promise right into the middle of the mess.

Is it any worse now than it has been before ? 

Or is it that we are just hearing more about it now than ever before ? 

I am not sure… 

But I do know this, that one day, people will gather and embrace and hope will be returned and peace will rule once again. Our skin colour wont matter, and neither will anything else …with Jesus as Lord and our eyes set upon Him, 

He is our God.

Out of Great struggle we will arise and our joy will not be able to be measured.

I was distressed today to hear of the persecution and criticism that some Pastors have to wear. I recognise it, I have had my fair share over the years, often from people who have no real idea at all and hardly any experience in doing what you (I) have done as a Pastor …Officer, Preacher.

So today ..I feel energized, pumped up and ready to go again in whatever God has for me to do next. 

We have amazing people leading this church, Chloe led us today in worship, and she is outstanding as a worship leader, in my opinion…  she always blesses me with her singing and obvious heart for Jesus.

Clem hosted our service and helped us to be focused. Clem is half the reason why I am working at this church right now. Such a good man, who I respect and value highly.

So whatever is next… I am ready !!! (Justsayin)