Shine Like Stars

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has been said “the unbelieving world is a dangerous place, but separation is not an option for the Christian”. This somewhat highlights the tension between the ‘now’ and ‘not yet’ aspects of our lives as Jesus’ followers in this world. We are saved into his kingdom, and ‘now’ enjoy the certainty of all that Jesus promises and guarantees on his own life, but we are ’not yet’ in heaven. We still live in this world that is stained by sin, and in need of redemption through the good news of Jesus Christ, the saviour. As Jesus’ followers, we are not called to separate ourselves from the world and avoid the mess that we so often see. We are to shine like stars in the darkness as we hold out the words of life.

​If we were to flip through the book of Acts we would see people working in gospel partnership. As they undertake Jesus’ mission of taking the good news out to the world they very often do so in groups of more than one. Paul and Barnabas go on mission together, when they go in different directions, each takes another with them. Even towards the end of the book we see the description of a group travelling together as they seek to spread the good news in new areas. But this idea of people working together is earlier than Acts, right from the start Jesus gathered a group to work together in mission. When he sends out the 70 on their first mini-mission, they are sent in pairs and given instructions on how they are to go together.

When we apply our minds to it, we see the wisdom. There is power in partnership. As we work together, we are more effective in making and growing more disciples for Jesus Christ. Yes, there are temptations and obstacles, dangers and pitfalls all around us in the world in which we live. However these are not impediments to the good news going forth. Jesus says “I will build my church” and he tells us that nothing will stand against it. The end of the story is quite clear, we know what happens. On the last day we will see that there are followers of Jesus from every nation, tribe and tongue. It won’t be a catastrophic failure, but a tremendous celebration. So we bring our minds back to the present and see the opportunities before us.

Who are we as God’s people? What has he given us to do here in Baulkham Hills and surrounds? There were encouraging intentions when we polled the entire church at the end of last year. What our church wanted to see over a 5 years cycle was community engagement, youth involvement, growth and expansion, more staff to reach more people groups, multicultural congregations, and spiritual growth. Please continue to pray as we work towards these wonderful outcomes, and ask that God might do more than we hope or imagine amongst us.

In Christ’s Love,

Craig Olliffe, Senior minister