Teapot Theology

“And the winner for the grayest, grimmest, most violent post-apocalyptic thriller of 2010 involving the Bible goes to…..The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington.” This dark movie is not for the light-hearted or weak-stomached. It paints a very dark picture of humanity in all it’s unfettered barbarism, celebrating the survival of the fittest in all it’s glory and gory.

In a post-apocalyptic world, Eli walks west, carrying with him a book that can save the world. The evil Carnegie also wants to get his hands on Eli’s book, though not at all for the same purposes. Both men know the power of the words contained in the book, but one intends it to heal the nations, while the other wants to twist them to serve is own desires. While this movie is certainly not for everybody, it is a must for those who like examining the themes of the human depravity, sin and evil, the power of faith and particularly the influence the Bible over human history and civilizations.

In this we find poignantly played out truths such as:-

The Bible is truly a “two-edged sword”!

We owe infinite gratitude to God and his human agents who, like Eli laboured to preserve, protect and pass down Scriptures faithfully, fearlessly and accurately throughout the centuries. The main storyline reminded me of Thomas Cahill’s bestselling book How The Irish Saved Civilization.

This movie paints a painful and ugly picture of the potential of human beings for ill.

Eli is a shining example of bold, faithful obedience to God’s unique calling and assignment for his life. He trusts God’s promises to protect and carry him through all forms of opposition that comes his way. I love the admission;- “In all these years I’ve been carrying it and reading it every day, I got so caught up in keeping it safe that I forgot to live by what I learned from it.”

Eli remains faithful to the end as does the One who called Him to this task. Here’s Washingtons’ inspiring closing prayer:- ” Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me the strength and the conviction to complete the task you entrusted to me. Thank you for guiding me straight and true through the many obstacles in my path. And for keeping me resolute when all around seemed lost. Thank you for your protection and your many signs along the way. Thank you for any good that I may have done, I’m so sorry about the bad. Thank you for the friend I made. Please watch over her as you watched over me. Thank you for finally allowing me to rest. I’m so very tired, but I go now to my rest at peace. I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.” Stunning and challenging viewing.

God says, I want you to realize that I never underestimated how thoroughly you’d mess up your life or how painfully you would struggle and suffer and I don’t want you to underestimate your failures or struggles either. They’re all part of the story I’m telling.

But neither have I underestimated My determination or ability to enter the mess you’ve made and the pain you feel and turn everything around.

I can, and I will, make everything good again. (More than just pass-ably good, but exceedingly great!) Never, never underestimate Me. I have a plan, a very good one, and it will move ahead to completion. Guaranteed! …. so continue to Trust Me!

Why? Because I love you even when you’re messing up badly. I love you in the middle of your pain even though I don’t relieve it as quickly as you wish. I am worthy of your trust, no matter what happens in your life. I have a good plan, and nothing will stop Me from carrying it to completion.

You must live now in the tension between anguish and hope. This is trust: this is Lent.

God is not absent.
Not distracted.
He sees.
He knows.
He cares.
And He’s doing something about it.

Today I had great fun, preaching from Nehemiah 2 v 1-10 and I didn’t even set the passage! Most of you know I’ve been brought back to this book, time-after-time….. I took a different tack to the passage, and resisted checking over previous preaches from this passage!

I contend that it’s often the hardest thing to  turn intention into action! Yetwithal making it happen is vital! My original thought is this:- Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace!

1. Be patient; Passionately pray and responsibly serve. v.1b

2. Be bold; Let your fears feed your faith! v. 2-3

3. Be dependent. v. 4

4. Be prepared. v. 5-8a

5. Be expectant. v. 8b

“I would rather walk in the dark with God than go alone in the light. I would rather walk with Him by faith than walk alone by sight.” Mary Gardner Brainard

annoyance, gets irritating…..!!

I’d thought some stuff and had a private rant (obviously being fair, clear, merciful and wise!!) Then when I tried to go to bed:

God spoke to me about it, and told me it didn’t pass the THINK test,…. is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?

I told Him I thought it was okay…… He didn’t agree!

Ever tried telling God he’s wrong?!!

So here I am tired, not-afraid of wrestling, still-learning, growing….. and groaning too! Thank you for your grace Lord Jesus.

….what would you say is ‘wisdom for living’: within a maximum of three (short) sentences and 30-seconds notice??! Here was my quick offering….!
* stay alive; be and enjoy your healthy best,
* seek God always and speak out prayers throughout the day,
* trust God fully, give your best now and plan for tomorrow….

What would you say….?!

“When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.”
Charles L Allen

How did you experience God today? where did you find God this week?

Lord Jesus, you kept your promise. You came to us.

You departed, yet you stayed. You were present, and are present still to the senses of faith.

You are Immanuel, our God who is with us.

Having you, our only fear would be to have you no longer.

But you have promised never to leave. Thank you for that promise, Jesus.

Lord, forgive us for we hunger to see your face with our eyes,

to hear your voice with human ears, to feel your hand in ours.

Are we hungry because our faith is weak and too feeble to see you in the present?

Or is our hunger for you because of our faith, is it your gift to us?

Is our longing to see you a part of seeing you?

Do we seek you because we have already been found by you?

Speak, touch, appear – come, Lord Jesus!

Make yourself fully known as Immanuel to us!

From “The Promise” © 1991 by Michael Card.

“The wonder of grace is that God meets our infidelity with friendship; our shame with love.”
Pete Greig