Ramblings along the narrow way

Went round Sarah’s this evening to watch Robin Hood on DVD. It’s been a while since I’d seen it, but as soon as it started, it all came flooding back – a great little Disney classic. OK, so the film has very tenuous links to any semblance of the real story of Robin Hood (if indeed, there is a true story), with the soundtrack placing various American rooted music forms in the heart of the story! Saying that, the film is great fun to watch, with very pleasing visuals, and a good evening of entertainment.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

Quite an appropriate sermon (from a visiting speaker) given the week I’ve just had. From the very beginning of the Christian church, the words of God were of prime importance. At the time they would’ve had the Old Testament, as well as the teachings of the apostles. Today, the apostles teaching is contained within the New Testament, and if we are to maintain a vibrant living church we need to study the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments that we might know the word of God.

As well as the word of God, the early church devoted themselves to each other, caring for one another, sharing material possessions as each had need. This was the outward workings of the family of God, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, whilst the culture might be slightly different, the principal is the same and we must seek to address the needs of all those in the church. (Note, needs, not whims)

They also ate together, both informally and formally. They had fellowship together over a meal, as well as remembering their Lord and Saviour through bread and wine. Today, we should continue to nurture relationships with both each other and our Lord through meals and holy communion.

Finally they prayed. As God’s people today, we need to constantly seek him in prayer. Only through all these things can a church be alive in Christ.

Another trip to Wales for a week! This time for the annual EMW Aberystwyth conference. As always, the conference didn’t seem to be long enough – come Friday I wanted to stay just a little longer, to hear more of the word of God being preached, to spend more time with other Christians and to spend time chilling out. However, the theme of the week was walking as Jesus walked, to live a life of service before God according to his word. Not only in times of ease, but at all times – even in the real world, so a return to reality is necessary, rather than living in an isolated haven. From bearing our cross, to fulfilling our office, to weeping, through to persevering to the end. The challenge now is to live the life I am called to live, through the Spirit who enables me. Am I going to be the man who looked in a mirror and forgot what he saw?

Wandered along to the Vue cinema in Staines this afternoon to see Cars. I’ve enjoyed Pixar‘s finely crafted works so far, so my expectations were high. As has become traditional, there was a short film before the main feature which, as a budding violinist, I watched with glee – a little treat, I shall say no more.

As the main film started, it became apparent that the imagery was going to be stunning – as always. It’s hard to believe it’s all generated within the confines of silicon – from the basic lighting, through to the very convincing physical modelling. Even more astounding is the stories they come up with. Despite the fact this film is suitable for children, the stories are quite mature in their thinking – Pixar’s films always have an underlying morality to them. So both children and adults come out happy. Not sure the teenagers in the audience appreciate it though – possibly too old for the brightly coloured animation, possibly too young to appreciate the slightly meatier themes in the story and not enough teenage iconography to capture their imagination/consumerism. A thoroughly enjoyable film from my point of view though.

Q: What doth every sin deserve?
A: Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.

Q: What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?
A: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

(Questions LXXXIV and LXXXV from the Westminster Shorter Catechism.)

Watched The River King this evening with some of the usual suspects. The cinematography and attention to detail was fantastic. It’s a shame the story wasn’t up to much. This level of film-making should be reserved for films which are true stories, and not merely the pure fictional concoction of a writer. A very long one and a half hours of film telling a story which is very simple. Worth watching? I don’t know.

There are all sorts of understandings of what love is, but in his letter, John tells us what the author of love has demonstrated it to be. For Jesus Christ laid down his life for his people. If we consider how unworthy we are in the sight of God, not only unworthy, but rebellious sinners, it amazes us that he would do such a thing. This love carried out what was necessary, and without condition. This love was self-sacrificing, it involved the sacrifice of almighty God himself for sinful humanity.

If we are Christians, our love for others should mirror that of our Saviour, for his love should flow into us and through us to others. We should love others in an unconditional self-sacrificial way, seeing when they have a need. We should not be all words and no actions, if anything we should be all action and no words. Saying that, our sacrifice should have a purpose, and be for the good of others.

If our lives are a reflection of Christ’s, we can assurance we are his. If our lives bear no resemblance at all, we should wonder if we are his at all, for we can only know this love if we have faith in him, and we can only love as he did if his Spirit is working in us.

Another year, another year in Tywyn (rather than Twywn, as spelled by Jonny!) with CCIW. I’m not sure what the attraction is, as I’m not particularly fond of tents, getting wet, sleeping on the floor and generally being exhausted, but the opportunity of sowing the word of God with others, to be able to glorify God in a very direct way, and the fellowship of meeting up with other Christians more than makes up for it. This year was slightly different, as I wasn’t a tent officer, but rather I was responsible for the spiritual well-being of the male kitchen staff.

Fortunately, for most of the camp, the kitchen staff were able to function without my input, and I was left to enjoy/supervise the activities the children were involved in, including an attempt to climb Cadair Idris and some fun producing ‘pom poms’, without any of the responsibility of looking after a tent of children.

The general theme of the week was the kingdom of heaven, with the parables given by Jesus in Mt 13. Starting with the parable of the sower, which spoke of the spreading of the good news of the kingdom, and then the parable of the wheat and the weeds. We looked at the parables likening the kingdom to a mustard seed, yeast, treasure hidden in a field, a merchant who find a pearl, and finally a dragnet. From something which starts small and grows into something huge, to something which grows within. From something which is worth is worth more than everything else, to something which is worth more than anything else. Ultimately, something which will be accomplished through the coming of a new order.

A good week spent sharing God’s word, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. I just need to sleep now. 🙂

Q: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
A: No mere man, since the fall, is able, in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but doth daily break them, in thought, word, and deed.

Q: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
A: Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

(Questions LXXXII and LXXXIII from the Westminster Shorter Catechism.)

Went to the Ask restaurant in Uxbridge for Beth’s birthday this evening. Most people opted for the spaghetti bolognese, but I decided to go for the ravioli with seafood stuffing – mmmmm. A nice way to wind down in the evening, catch up with friends and celebrate the birthday of a fine young lady. I think she might’ve enjoyed herself as well – bonus! 🙂

I appear to be getting better at the violin – I can actually sight read pieces I’ve never seen before (rather than those I have)! Admittedly they aren’t difficult, but a year ago, it would’ve taken me a good few days to be able to play them half competantly, but now I can play them in such a fashion as they are pleasant to listen to, and even have some dynamics and musicality in them!

“Second star to the right, and straight on till morning” Peter Pan

When Jesus came across the man possessed by demons, his power over even demons was demonstrated. Before Jesus came along, this man lived amongst the dead, for no one would associate with him. He was out of control, both by himself and others. He was dysfunctional, unable to do what he was intended to do, even so far as to be self harming. Jesus was able to take this man and cleanse him of his illness, to remove the demons from him completely, to restore him to a completely right mind.

Whilst we may not be demon possessed, we are all possessed by sin. This sin permeates everything we do. Sin makes us dead before God, because of sin we are unable to associate with a holy God. Far from being self-controlled, we are controlled by sin. Sin causes us do things which are not for our good, even to take pleasure in it. Sin ultimately stops us from being able to do what we were intended to do. Yet, in his power, Jesus is able to cleanse us from sin, to remove it from us and take it upon himself. This is not to say sin is removed completely straight away, but if our faith is in Christ, not only will he cleanse us from sin, but his Spirit will dwell in us and strengthen us that we might be able to do his will. Through the power of the Spirit, we are able to do what we are intended to do – to glorify God, and through that, we find our chief enjoyment.

Woke up this morning slightly earlier than usual – for a Saturday anyway – it had rained during the night and now it was really, really warm and humid! Ah well, good thing I guess, as it meant I got up, did my food shopping and then trundled into London with Sam to do some wandering. The plan was to meet up with others later on to go to a Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and it seemed a long way to go just for a concert, so I thought I’d make a day of it.

The afternoon was spent attempting to do lots of little chores in Chinatown, some of which I succeeded and some just fell flat on its face. The remainder of the time was spent perusing masterpieces in the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. I hadn’t realised so many works of art were on display there!

A quick hop on the tube and we were sitting under the Albert Memorial, with the others, eating sandwiches before the concert.

The concert itself was superb, although I wasn’t keen on the Janacek – my favourite being the Mozart Piano Concerto in E flat for two pianos, followed by the Dvorak Symphony no. 7. I was surprised that some preferred the Janacek over the Mozart. I guess I’m just a fan of Baroque/early classical music. 🙂