Narrabri Anglican Church in Narrabri, New South Wales | Religious organisation

Narrabri Anglican Church

Locality: Narrabri, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 6792 2151

Address: 13 Dewhurst St 2390 Narrabri, NSW, Australia

Website: https://narrabrianglican.org

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24.01.2022 Genesis 16 The ending of this episode seems pretty tame - look at verses 15-16... But, the reality is far from tame. Let me point out some features of this closing scene that strike home...... First, Abram remains 'righteous by faith' because the LORD remains faithful by nature. Nothing in this episode has revoked Genesis 15:6, or the commitment of the LORD to his covenant with Abram. There is great comfort here (it reminds me of 1 Corinthians - how can such a church be described as 'holy' and full of 'saints'? Well, because our position as righteous depends upon the intervention of God!!) Second, the LORD is not soft on sin or its consequences. In case we get a sense of false-pride or a misunderstanding that the LORD's faithfulness gives a blank cheque for immorality, be aware that Abram, Sarai, Hagar and Ishmael are now living back together, in daily life, and will do so for the next 13 years. The LORD might intervene to roll back sin's impact but that does not mean sinners avoid sin's consequences. Third, the work of the LORD is long-term. Please note closely the way in which we are given time-markers here. At the start of the chapter, Abram is 85; by the end, he is 86 - these 16 verses cover 12 months. And in this time, the promises and intervention of the LORD are working in daily life. Fourth, the promises of the LORD, the lives of his people, the growth of faith and godliness - these all take place within the real world. The LORD does not work in a vacuum, with ciphers and strawmen - the LORD works in this world, in its brokenness, with real sinners, who need his intervention. Prayer: Father, thank you that you deal in reality - my real need, this real world, your real promises, and the real fulfilment in the real Jesus. Thank you! Amen.

23.01.2022 Reformation Yesterday was Reformation Day - traditionally the last day in October each year. That means that last Sunday, and/or this Sunday, many meetings of God's mob would be celebrating this day. That means that I should probably post something deep, meaningful, insightful and informative. That being said, here are some unscripted thoughts... First, the Reformation was that great formative event sparked by an Augustinian monk, Martin Luther, grappling with his assurance ...of forgiveness before God. As he wrestled with Romans (especially Romans 1:16-17), Luther came to understand that he was saved by God's grace alone, received by faith alone, through the work of Christ alone, revealed in the Scriptures alone, all to the glory of God alone! Second, Luther's wrestling sparked a massive change - well, let's call it a return - in the church. He posted 95 Theses on the door of the cathedral in Wittenberg in 1517. These Theses were his effort to encourage debate about the way in which God's people, as the church, dealt with sin, forgiveness, assurance. The key was going public - and a lot unfolded! Third, Luther was changed through the working of God on him through the Scriptures, and through an awareness of history. The return to the Scriptures was crucial - God's word alone is living and active - understood within the faithful community of God's people, it transforms and changes, as it is applied by the Holy Spirit. There is no other book like it. Fourth, Luther remained a deeply flawed man. I love this truth - God works through deeply flawed humans because his Son without flaws - Jesus Christ - is everything we are not! So, here are some take-home questions out of this... Do you know the Reformation? Do you know the Scriptures? Do you know the impact these have had on this world? Do you know the man without flaws, Jesus? Prayer: Father, there is so much I do not know. Please expand my mind through your word, change my heart through your word, open my eyes through your word, so that I might proclaim your word: Jesus is alive! Amen

23.01.2022 Genesis 16 Abram and Sarai have a problem: the promise of a large family - a nation - from them looks dead in the water, in the face of Sarai's barrenness. The solution is obvious - knowing the problem, acknowledging the problem, Sarai uses accepted cultural practice to help God in his promises - look at verse 2... The way in which this is phrased is so enlightening. Let's work through it step-by-step...... First, the issue is stated: the LORD is 'preventing' Sarai from having children. It is a double-edged acknowledgment. On the one hand, it acknowledges God's sovereignty; on another hand, it exposes the seed of doubt about God's goodness (that is, God might promise it but does God really have my best interests at heart? Moreover, is God able to deliver?). Second, Sarai shows initiative - she steps in and finds the solution - for the LORD, and for Abram. Third, the solution is socially acceptable (at that time!). The solution involves Abram sleeping with Sarai's maidservant and producing a child for Sarai. It will pan out in such a way that 'an heir from your own body' (Gen.15:4) will look like being fulfilled. Fourth, 'Abram agreed to what Sarai said'... It looks messy. It sounds messy. But, it shows admirable initiative, and solves the issue! The issue lies in that last phrase. It repeats, almost word-for-word, the very same phrase from Genesis 3:17 - in fact, it is the only other occurrence of such a phrase in the whole Old Testament! The author means for us to get the drift... Just as Adam stood by and was silent, and 'obeyed' his wife (that is literally what this phrase means), so, too, Abram. And just as Adam's silence and Eve's initiative led to the Fall, so, too, Abram's silence and Sarai's initiative replicates that moment in their instant. The root lies up in the way Sarai dealt with the problem - and it sounds remarkably like Eve as she listened to the lie of Satan about God's goodness, and God's purpose. The start of the Fall lay in the doubting of God's goodness and God's ability to do as he said. In light of that, Eve stepped in, took charge and Adam silently followed. How similar to what we see here with Sarai and Abram... the Fall lies at the heart of this fall. And sin remains the same - the doubting of the goodness and ability of God to do as he says, and we step in and think we can do a better job than God. Does that sound familiar?? Collect: (Psalm 19:12-14) Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent, and cleansed from blatant rebellion. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

23.01.2022 Genesis 13 A family squabble. Some significant obstacles to the promises of God. A remarkable change in one man because he returned to the encampment of the promises of the LORD. And how will it all pan out? Well, look at verses 10-13... ... The 'looking' language abounds in this section. As so often is made clear in the Bible, 'looking' reveals the state of our hearts and our then displays our actions. Lot looks. Lot chooses. Lot gets the lot! As Lot looks out, the Jordan Valley is described in three terms. The first is wonderful - 'like the LORD's garden'. On the surface, it is spectacular. But the next two descriptors take us into warning territory - it is also like 'the land of Egypt' (and remember what just happened there?). Moreover, it houses 'Sodom and Gomorrah', and everyone knows that even at this point, that is a place renowned for 'evil' and 'great sin' (look at verse 13). And yet, Lot chooses the Jordan Valley. Moreover, out of the whole Valley, where does he end up setting up camp? He sets his tent up in the shadow of Sodom, 'living in the cities' (see verse 12). His eyes reveal his heart. On the surface, this was a move that the bank manager applauded, that his peers admired, that spoke to a solid future for his budding empire. But, but... in the eyes of the author, this was foolish: he had set up camp in the shadow of Sodom, the place where rebellion against the LORD abounded. What might a man win or lose, if he gets the best pastoral land but sleeps in the shadow of great sin? Under what promise has Lot set up his camp? The contrast with Abram is expressed tersely and tellingly in verse 12: 'Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived...'. Put simply, Abram lived under the promise of God, but Lot lived under the shadow of Sodom. Does that sound familiar? Collect: Father, you see all, know all, provide all. You know my heart, you see my camp, and you provide what I need. Please enable me to encamp under the promise of Jesus - that in him, I have full forgiveness and restoration. Please forgive me when I look at other camp-grounds. Please open my eyes to the sufficient goodness of camping under your promises. Amen.

22.01.2022 Genesis 37 One of the most famous passages in the Old Testament, the beginning of the account of Joseph's life is well-known. In fact, many older people would be able to tell you some of the details off the top of their head! But, please look closely and make note of some key points.... First, this is actually not Joseph's account - the first two verses remind us that this is Jacob's account - and that is very important. It keeps us within the 'toledot' formula of the book of Genesis. It keeps us within the structure of the promise of God to Abraham, passed to Isaac and now with Jacob. The focus is the promise of God! Second, there are a number of links here to previous stories and events that we are reminded that this is not an event in a vacuum. The discriminating love of Jacob for Joseph (vs.3) should remind us of the disastrous events of Isaac and Rebekah's discriminating loves. The reference to Joseph's (vs.3) should take us back to Genesis 29-30 where the tension-filled 'marriages' of Jacob were played out in childbirth. The reference to Bilhah and Zilpah (vs.2) should cast our minds back to the trickery that Jacob was subjected to, and his own name as 'deceiver'. All these connections lay out before us the stench of sin in this family, the way it damages people and relationships, and the real need for the promise of God. Perhaps we could go on, but these two points make my point. The events of Joseph's life are not so much about a glaring and wonderful life-example as the progression of the promise of God, played out in the muck of this desperate world, through the family of Abraham. And close and careful reading of God's word bears this out! Collect: Father, thank you that you committed to dealing with the sin of this world. My hope is built on nothing less than your fulfilment of this promise in Jesus. Amen.

22.01.2022 Luke 1:1-4 Due to commitments in Armidale (hence no posts tomorrow or Tuesday), I want to start our Advent series early. This year, in the lead-up to Christmas, we will be looking at 'Christmas basics: Luke 1-2'. In our world, at least as you listen to the advertising of the big supermarkets, such a title ('Christmas basics') covers everything from ham to pork to lamb to dressings to crackers. And it is so easy to get sept up in that view - and all the things that come with i...t (like the importance of family gathering, and the pleasure of gifts, and the time away from work...). But they are no 'Christmas basics' - they are 'Christmas add-ons'. In this time, we need to pause and consider the guts of Christmas. And what better way than by returning to the birth narrative of the biography of Jesus written by Luke. Luke's aim is to compose, for a purpose, and in a certain context, an account of 'the events that have been fulfilled among us'. As a doctor, he is investigative and precise and considered and purposeful. His desire is to lay out the basics so that 'Theophilus' (and we will get to him soon) can have reassurance about what he has believed - and that is what we always need! Prayer: Father, thank you that your actions are never hidden and always public - you do not work in the shadows. Give us understanding and certainty through the revelation of the birth of Jesus in this world. Amen.

19.01.2022 Our new sermon series, for Advent... starting Sunday, 29 November...

18.01.2022 Colossians 4:7-18 We have finally reached the close of this marvellous little letter to God's mob in Colossae. It has been full of memorable reassurances (transfer and transform), wonderful delights ('his story is now your story'), and confronting change ('live as you are'). As we move into this closing section, we might assume that what closes the letter is a list of personal contacts none of us are familiar with. On the one hand, that is true (at least in a face-to-face se...nse). On the other hand, this remains the word of God, given to prepare us to walk in righteousness, so why is this section here? On a surface reading, I want us to grasp at least this - the community of God's people is larger than just the people we hang out with. And that community is about relationship, not about what I get (although that is part of community). In this way, it is a useful corrective for the way we view community. Community as God's people is other-person focussed, and outwardly-prioritised. It looks to the needs and growth and edification of others in the community, and not just what we think should be happening through my prism. As we move back to some sense of normalcy, this is a reminder that the community of God is about God's community - and God at the heart. And that can be wonderfully discomforting! Collect: Father, you have welcomed me into community with yourself, and your mob. Change my desires to be other-person centred, and outwardly-prioritised. Work this change for the growth of your mob, and the glorification of your name. Amen.

18.01.2022 Psalm 141:3 It is always tricky taking one verse out of a Psalm, and reflecting on it... but here goes! One of the insights out of Colossians that has continually worked on me over the last few weeks has been its comments on speaking, conduct, and relationship, and the way in which Colossians ties these to right and continual expressions of grace - for example, Colossians 3:13: 'Just as the Lord has forgiven you, also you must forgive'. ... In this sense, the Lordship of Jesus has the hallmark of grace - it is the defining feature of his kingdom. Now, don't worry about justice or righteousness - wherever grace is, these lurk nearby (after all, look at the whole cross!). Yet, for a bloke like me, perhaps even for you, intemperate language, poorly thought through observation, unguarded thoughts, relaxed conversation amongst friends can stray from the realms of grace into the darklands of... This verse, then, speaks into that kind of realm, doesn't it? It is a prayer that people like us should be praying daily - that our lips and mouths be so guarded that all that leaves reflects the nature of our identity - we reside in the kingdom of the Son whose hallmark is grace. Collect (cf. Ps.141:3; Col.4:6): LORD, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Bring forth language of grace, salty in such a way that life is preserved, made richer. Amen

18.01.2022 Luke 1:1-4 One of the wonderful things about this opening section of Luke's Gospel is the clarity with which the author sets down his recipient and purpose - if only everything was so clear!!! The author's name, however, is not stated (and that is no unusual for the gospels!). By the time of the early church being established, it was accepted that Luke the Greek physician was the author. One of the key giveaways is the way in which, in Acts, after Acts 15/16, the author descr...ibes events from the first person plural perspective: he is part of the history. The most likely person is Luke, one of Paul's constant companions towards the end of his life, and certainly a participant in some of his missions. The recipient is 'Theophilus'. Now, this could be anyone who describes themselves as a Christian (after all, it means 'God-lover') - and there is certainly strong evidence to suggest that this 'Paul's gospel' for all who believe. However, Theophilus is described as 'most excellent'. This adjective is only used by Luke in the Bible. And it is only used three other times, in Acts - 23:26, 24:3, 26:25. Each time it is used to describe a high-ranking Roman official. Luke is not careless with his words, nor anything less than meticulous with his research. I think Theophilus is a high-ranking Roman official who has become a Christian. And this leads to the purpose - Theophilus is shaken in his faith. He is having doubts about its certainty, even its advisability. We do not know why, but it could be due to social pressure, professional risk, even personal livelihood. So, Luke has written to reassure him that he has believed the right stuff, about Jesus, and that there is certainty in trusting Jesus for who he is. Now, in many ways, Theophilus is a lot like us. Being a Christian, albeit without the risks to our health in Australia, can bring pressures that push us to doubt the wisdom and certainty of trusting Jesus. In this sense, what better book to read!? Prayer: Father, thank you for your work in history. It is not just work, but your self-revelation across the pages of the world. Thank you for Luke, and Theophilus, and for what lies in front of us. Please convict me yet again of the certainty of your work in Jesus. Amen.

17.01.2022 We are very excited about returning to weekly gathering for church! From Sunday, December 6, we will be returning to weekly gathering for church each Sunday. We will be meeting at 9am on the front lawn of the Town church. ... All are welcome! You will need to bring your own Bible, your own chair/rug, and a prayer book ('Common Prayer', available from the Vicarage for $20). All the usual COVID restrictions apply, so if you or anyone in your household has displayed cold/flu symptoms in the 14 days previous to the service, please care for the vulnerable by staying home. We look forward to seeing you for church!

17.01.2022 Genesis 13 A family conflict. Two growing agricultural empires. A promise of God under threat. Your future is under siege. You have a reputation for cunning and canny business decisions, as well as being a man of considerable resources. What do you do? Abram is in exactly this situation. This is the scene that greets us in Genesis 13:1-7. His most recent effort was one of the misses of his life, in Egypt, when his cunning plan spectacularly backfired. What will he do now?... Look at verses 8-9... Is this the same Abram from Genesis 12:10ff? Is this the same man known for his business acumen, his cunning plans, his ability to engineer a good outcome through strategy? To be blunt, it isn't! This is a man who is keen to save relationships in family, who is generous and humble, who could play the 'age-seniority-wealthy' card but doesn't, who looks to others before himself. He gives Lot first pick, not because he knows what Lot is like (although I am sure he did), not because he has crafted a cunning plan, not because he has an 'ace-in-the-hole'. Abram gives Lot first pick of the land because Abram has camped under the promise of God. It is at this point that we begin to see the significance of verse 4... Abram has recommitted himself to the promise of God because God has not wavered and because he has been cared for consistently by God, even as God has rebuked and exposed his sin. Confident in, assured in, relaxed in the promise of God, Abram is generous and humble and kind and other-person-centred. The promise of God will do that - the character of God will do that - to sinners who have had to realise that God is faithful, as we are not. Collect: Father, your word is faithful because it reflects your faithful character. In Christ, we see this greatest. Place my life in your word, and change my character to reflect your's. Amen.

17.01.2022 Genesis 39 I struggle with Genesis 38 - the recent Mission Encounter run by CMS Northern NSW-Queensland had talks by Wei-Han on it, so perhaps find them here: https://vimeo.com/cmsqnnsw Genesis 39 is a little more in my ballpark, at least in terms of familiarity... and theological ease!... It is a favourite passage for many. It is used to advise young men, and prisoners, and women - and everyone in between. But, the repetition of 'the LORD was with Joseph' as bookends (vs.2, 21, 23) is meant to draw our attention. The name used for God is his covenantal name (for want of another description). The context for these events is not a cheap equals sign (God looks after you = success) but the covenantal faithfulness of the LORD to his promises. In this sense, this is not an episode that sets a template for success. Rather, it is an episode that sets a focus for priorities: God is the one who remains faithful to his promises, so stay connected to him. I don't know what that looked like for Joseph but it was a reality for him - after all, it is hard to explain his response to Potiphar's wife (vs.8-9) in any other way! However, it does lay down a model for our lives as God's people - the LORD does as he promises, so stick with him. It sounds simplistic but it is crucial. There is no other bedrock for consistency in life, no other explanatory mechanism for life, no other means by which life should be lived than this: the LORD remains faithful! Collect: Father, so much in our world shifts, changes, decays and breaks. Yet, your nature, your promises, your word, and all of its fulfilment in Jesus - these remain steadfast. Enable me to cling to them! Amen.

17.01.2022 Genesis 16 What a high point to finish Genesis 15 on! The promise of heirs and the promise of land assured by the LORD, the LORD who commits himself faithfully in covenant to fulfil these promises for the man who can do nothing about the obstacles of sin and brokenness in the way! ... Such a high point raises such high expectations! How will this happen? What will the LORD do? What amazing things will unfold and take place? In such expectation, the first verse of Genesis 16 feels a little leaden, a little like some strange alternative universe... The truth of Abram and Sarai's dilemma is brought home - Sarai is barren. The truth of their family context is brought home - the reference to Egypt is a reminder of the incident in Genesis 12:11ff. In one short verse, we are brought up short. From the high points of Genesis 15, we are returned to the stark reality of living in a world broken by sin. Sarai is barren. And the shadow of Abram taking matters into his own hands to fulfil the promise of the LORD is highlighted. For the alert reader, this does not bode well. Such a start to the aftermath of the high point of Genesis 15 should remind us that the promises of the LORD play out in a broken world. These promises play out in the world broken by sin, where we humans struggle to trust that the LORD can fulfil his promises without our intervention, without our actions, without our initiative! Such a start should remind us of who we are - humans like Abram and Sarai who battle away in a broken world, knowing the promises of the LORD, knowing his complete commitment and sufficiency, and yet living with the shadow that perhaps it is our initiative, our 'know-how', our actions that are necessary for any of those promises to come to fruition! Collect: Father, thank you for your promises. In a world of broken promises, and broken character, your promises remain the bedrock of reality. Please return me to rest in your promises, fulfilled in Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Amen.

16.01.2022 Genesis 13 The change that has been wrought in Abram through the disastrous 'cunning-plan-in-Egypt' incident is important. Our attention is drawn to it in the narrative as we are told where Abram encamped - look at verse 4... It is important because we are now shown how Abram deals with a significant obstacle to the promises of God. We already know that there are some obstacles to the promises of Genesis 12:1-3 being fulfilled. The hope of a great nation when your wife is bar...ren and you are both elderly? That is a significant obstacle! The hope of possessing a land which is already occupied (just look ahead to verse 7)? That is a significant obstacle! And the next obstacle is family relationships - just look at verses 5-7... Lot is back on the scene (well, he has always been there but he is now re-introduced as a player in the drama). Like Abram, he is wealthy, although not 'very' rich. They are both trying to build their agricultural and business interests on the same patch of dirt. Conflict emerges. And the question arises - will Lot supplant his uncle? How will Abram deal with this new obstacle? It is an important question because we have seen how Abram naturally deals with such problems, in Egypt. Like all humans, his natural desire is to take matters into his own hands, to act in a cunning way, to concoct a plan. And we have seen how that went! What will happen here? Has the change in Abram - look back to verse 4 - brought an significant change in his nature, in the way he looks at the world? Will he trust in the God who promises? Collect: Father, thank you for the account of history - for the account of the way you work in the world to bring about your plans and promises. Help me to listen to it, in your word, to deeply ponder it, to apply it. Amen.

16.01.2022 Genesis 13 Lot has the lot, or so it seems from an earthly, worldly perspective. He has the best agricultural land, the best of the 'cities'. He seems to have won hands-down. Abram's 'win them with kindness' policy seems to have failed dramatically. Or has it? Look at verses 14-18...... The LORD reaffirms his promise to Abram - this land is his, for his family, for the nation that will come from him. Well, in fact, there are two promises reaffirmed there, aren't there... Abram will have the security and legacy of a massive nation - and they will dwell in this land, the land that the LORD had promised him. I think we are meant to see that camping under the promises of the LORD provides all we need for life. It is a constant reminder that the people of God need - and a constant reminder that we forget. As we face life, we must remember to remain encamped under what the LORD has committed to, and nothing else - and that is enough! Jesus seems to have constantly reaffirmed this in his actions throughout his life, or at least the record of his active recorded public ministry. At the start, when the devil tempts him (Matthew 4; Luke 4), he camps under the promises of the LORD, rebuffing the temptation by restating the promises of the LORD from Deuteronomy. At strategic moments in his ministry, as fame spread and alternative 'campsites' were presented, Jesus withdrew and prayed (see Luke 5:16). And, at the end, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed that memorable prayer that what unfolded would be under the will of his Father (Matt.26:36ff; Luke 22:39ff). Jesus ensured that he camped under the promise of the LORD - and I am so thankful that he did. It means that we have the complete demonstration of the sufficiency of the promises of the LORD in his resurrection and ascension and enthronement (Phil. 2:5-11). And we have the complete assurance that we, as we might wander from the right 'campsite', have the complete forgiveness, restoration, and remaking that we need as fallen image-bearers of God. Collect (Psalm 3:3-4): But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Amen.

16.01.2022 Colossians 4:7-18 I think that there is probably a wacky and whimsical cartoon that could be drawn and produced about the life of a letter - its genesis, its context, its delivery, its reception. I am not the person to do it, but we get some form of that here, in verses 7-9... We are introduced to the letter delivery system Paul and Timothy are using - it is Tychicus and Onesimus. Tychicus is described as a compatriot of Paul and Timothy is the work of the Gospel ('a faithful... servant and fellow slave in the Lord'). He will share all that the Colossians need to know about Paul, and Timothy. In fact, alongside delivering the letter, this seems to be his main role - to be a sharer of news and an encourager. His presence in Acts 20:4 and Titus 3:12 suggest that this role of Paul's confidant and messenger is one that he had played before. His delivery companion is Onesimus. And this one adds some tension and excitement to the air. After all, he is a Colossian, he is a 'faithful and loved brother', and he is the escaped slave returning to Philemon's home, of Philemon the letter's fame! Imagine the murmur and discussion and surprise when Onesimus turned up in town, and church, that Sunday with Tychicus and with this letter! So, more than a template for a whimsical cartoon, this is the evidence of the remarkable community that emerges out of all the truths that have been laid bare in this small letter. This is the type of real and transforming and radical community that emerges when Jesus is Lord, and that is enough; when 'his story is now your story'; when we have been 'transferred and transformed'; when we 'live as you are'. Is that the community of God's people that you live in? Collect: Father, in your household are people - saved image-bearers of you, made new. We are from all skin colours, all education backgrounds, all sorts of family types, with different languages and different lives and different histories. But our Lord is Jesus, and so we live by grace. Enable us to be such a community. Equip us to welcome others into this community as they meet Jesus as Lord. And give us a great delight in such a community, representing you. Amen.

14.01.2022 Colossians 4:7-18 In verses 12-14, we meet a second group of three men. This time, as far as we can work out, they are Gentiles. The first, Epaphras, is a someone familiar to us. He was the one who brought the Gospel to Colossae - a native of the town, he was converted in Ephesus and has now gone to Paul with a report of the progress of the church in Colossae (1:7-8). He labours for the Christians in Colossae - and not only for them, but for those in the other towns in the Ly...chus Valley. The second is Luke, the 'loved physician'. He is the author of the largest amount of the New Testament (Luke and Acts), a travel companion of Paul, and obviously a treasured member of the fellowship. And, the third is Dema, mentioned a number of times in Paul's letters and in Acts. Standing back, we get another glimpse of the close nature of this community of God's people - they love each other, they labour for each other, and their priority is the good of the whole community (even if they haven't ever met them!). Moreover, we have a glimpse into the social history of the early church. Imagine the Bible-study group at Paul's place - Luke (author of Luke and Acts), Mark (author of Mark), Tychicus (one of Paul's 'go-to' men), Demas (a constant in the literature of the early church), and Paul and Timothy! Please just pause and grasp the goodness and significance of such a community. Out of this small group, gathered around a man under house-arrest, God changed the world! Collect: Father, you work through imperfect people because you saved them through the perfect man, Jesus. Help us to submit to your work in us so that you can work through us - for the growth of your mob, and the spread of the Gospel. Amen.

12.01.2022 The Gabbotts are having a break... that means, unfortunately, that I won't be posting a small reflection each day for the next two weeks... Let me encourage you to keep daily time in God's word, daily praying in dependence, and daily delight in God's goodness in Christ and by the Spirit.

12.01.2022 Colossians 4:7-18 This closing section is pretty structured, for the end of a letter. It seems random, but it isn't... Verses 7-9 deal with the mailmen; verses 10-14 have two sets of three men (three Jews, three Gentiles); and, then, in verses 15-17, there are three closing commands, before the final sign-off in verse 18. Verses 10-11 introduces us to three men of 'the circumcision' who are the only converted Jews working with Paul in the Gospel. One, Aristarchus, is a fellow...-prisoner. Another, Mark is a young man who had caused some rift in Paul's ministry group in Acts (Acts 15:36ff) but now seems restored in fellowship (remember Colossians 3:13?). In fact, he seems to be someone charged with certain ministry responsibilities in the region. And Justus - well, we know nothing about him! But it is worth capturing the sense of community here - these men 'have been a comfort' to Paul. And that is a lovely, and warm word. In no other community would you have prisoners fellowshipping with restored brothers and 'nobodies' in such a way that comfort is imparted to each other. The only answer, as we will see time and again here, is that these men (and women) have been bound into a unique community by the sufficient Lordship of Jesus. This community is unlike any other that the world has seen. It poses a very simple question for us as God's mob. Is the community of God's people we are part of known for the 'comfort' it imparts to each other? Collect: Father, there is no other comfort that endures in this world than your regard for the fallen and broken and rebellious. Please bring me to know that comfort more deeply, to share it more sincerely, and to proclaim it more widely. Amen.

12.01.2022 Colossians 4:2-6 'Walking in wisdom towards outsiders' - 'making most of the time' - they do sound like Christian truisms, don't they? But what do they look like practically? Well, verse 6 helps us understand their application. And it is worth walking through this clause, step-by-step...... First, God's mob should be known for their constantly 'gracious' conversation. In this sense, the conversation and words and language of God's people displays all the hallmarks of how God has treated us in Jesus. Second, this means that it is 'seasoned with salt'. The tense of this participle (and it is a participle in the Greek - 'having been seasoned with salt') is perfect and the voice is passive. This helps us understand that this is the result of a period of preparation, not an immediate effect. It ties in with being wise which, when you look at Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 19:9, is connected with marinating in God's word. Having language 'seasoned with with salt' (which is a preservative and flavour-enhancer) is the product of a long marinating process, in God's word and in prayer. The combination of 'grace' and long-prepared 'salt' leads to the desired outcome of being able to 'know how you should answer each person'. In essence, we are in relationships of life and language each day which pose us questions about the purpose. These are with 'outsiders' - do we know how to speak into such opportunities? Are we intentionally prepared for them, looking for them, seeking them? The result will be speaking the truth about Jesus to outsiders, as we live in finite times, so that they have hope! Collect: Father, your word is the source of life - it preserves and flavours. Marinate me in it constantly, so that I speak of the Word to the outsiders. Amen.

11.01.2022 Colossians 4:7-18 Before he signs off, Paul makes sure that the Colossians are very clear on a number of ministry issues - he closes with three clear commands, in verses 15, 16 and 17... The commands are very clear - unambiguous, and really are not the stuff of great debate or theological disputation.... But they do raise two very important issues for us as God's mob in the place where we live. First, God's community is separated by geography and time, but they remain ONE community, under one Lord Jesus, and united by one Gospel. This means that they share a common life, a common obedience and encouragement, and a common goal - even if they do not know each other. Second, this also means that they share a common responsibility for each other. For example, the community of God's mob in Narrabri - blessed as we have been with resources and people - shares a responsibility for the encouraging and supporting God's mob in Wee Waa and Boggabri and Tambar Springs and Baradine, and further! There is such an encouragement here - and we have only scratched the surface - for us to take the community of God's mob seriously and joyously. Collect: (AAPB, 25th ordinary Sunday: 'duty to neighbour') Almighty and eternal God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the church is governed and sanctified: receive our prayer which we offer before you for the many different members of your holy church; that every one of them in their vocation and ministry may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

11.01.2022 Colossians 4:2-6 In verses 3-4, we have another subordinate clause unpacking the command in verse 2 - 'be devoted to/in prayer' - and this time Paul and Timothy are the focus. The Colossians are exhorted to pray for Paul and Timothy - in jail (at least Paul is). The request is not release, comfort, or an easing of the imprisonment. The prayer request is for the 'opening of the door' for 'the mystery of the Messiah' to go through. ... Did you get that? This is a prayer request that is focussed on the necessity - and that idea is there in verse 4 - for the good news of Jesus to be spoken, and for it to be able to go through 'doors', to people who desperately need to hear it! There is an 'other-person-centred priority here, isn't there? There is a deep desire for people to meet Jesus here. There is a passion for the priority to remain the priority - tell people about Jesus. And that is because Paul and Timothy know the times, know the message, and know the need. Let me ask you - when was the last time you prayed for the door to be opened, for the good news of Jesus to go through? Collect: Father, you are in charge of all things. Please open a door for me today for the message of Jesus to be spoken and go through. Amen.

11.01.2022 Psalm 4:7-8 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, LORD, make me live in safety. ... I read this this morning, and it got me thinking... Do I? Collect: Father, you provide me with all I need for a sufficient, joyful and peaceful life. In Christ alone my hope is found. Please work this more deeply and more abidingly through your Spirit. Amen

09.01.2022 Colossians 4:2-6 In verse 5, we come to the second command of this small closing section, and it almost seems a way to close out a large section that started way back in Colossians 2:6-7, with 'walk'! In verse 5, the command is to 'walk in wisdom towards outsiders'. ... 'Outsiders' is a reference to those who are not part of God's mob - the people who remain in the 'domain of darkness' (1:13), who have not been transferred and transformed, who do not have the sufficient Lordship of Jesus, who are not 'new'. It is a confronting term for those who are not Christians, but a true term (especially when we remember 1:21-22!). To walk wisely towards them is to live in a way that displays our citizenship in the kingdom of God's son, their plight, and the bridge between the two. It is to live in such a way that Jesus is presented openly, normally, winsomely and constantly. It is to live in a way that displays grace constantly (because that is at the heart of who we are). It is to live in a way that is both thoughtful and natural, that is gentle and immovable, that is both friendly and clear (and it will be unpacked more clearly in the next few lines...). Such a walk is not easy. It can only happen wrapped in prayer and rooted in the word. Are we walking in such a way? Collect: (AAPB, collect for the seventh ordinary Sunday: 'love and forgiveness') Grant us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we who cannot do anything that is good without you, may in your strength be able to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

08.01.2022 Genesis 16 The aftermath of sin - doubting the goodness/character/capacity of God and deciding to be God instead - is never good! Just look at verses 3-6...... The timeframe in verse 3 is helpful because it places us firmly in the story. After all, how many of us would wait for ten years for a significant, life-changing promise to be fulfilled? Would we be any different to these women and man? But the aftermath of this sin-induced initiative is horrible and horrific. The order of the world is upturned. The responsibility for actions and sin is avoided. The relationships breakdown. The treatment of image-bearers of God is abhorrent. The nature of relationship is abused. Intimacy is torn. And safe places are violated. The flurry of blame-shifting in verses 5 and 6 are meant, I think, to return us to the episode of the Fall. Remember when Adam and Eve blamed others then, under the gaze of God? It is a horrible picture - and we are meant to catch the stench of the damage of sin here. After all, we know - as sinful humans - the exact same result, don't we? Sin never works. Sin always destroys. Sin leaves a trail of destruction and damage. Prayer: (Psalm 20:7-8) Some take pride in a chariot, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. Amen

08.01.2022 Genesis 36 I wonder how interested you are in the world around you. Against the backdrop of Colossians 4:2-6, and now Genesis 36, I want to encourage you to be interested in the world around you - in fact, I think it is a must for a thoughtful Christian wanting to speak grace into the world. I say this with Genesis 36 in mind because I struggle to see its place otherwise. You see, the focus of the narrative is on the promise of God passed down - Abraham to Isaac to Jacob. Wha...t place, then, for Esau? Why a whole chapter for this man, who, although reconciled to his brother, now moves away to avoid conflict? I think that there are three reasons. First, God's promise to roll back sin and bring blessing is not just for God's people - it is for the world, and its benefit. In this sense, God's people must always be outward-looking. Their reconciliation with God - by God's grace and initiative alone, mind you! - is for the benefit of the world. And this is the world. Second, God's promise to roll back sin and bring blessing to the world is the best interpretive tool we have, as humans, for understanding the world we live. It explains both human nature, and national interaction. It explains the seeming paradoxes of the world, and the solution. Only yesterday, without realising it, a non-Christian, in conversation, stated the tendency of everything to evil - that is the doctrine of sin (in a form), and we need to identify it as such, and speak to it. Third, God's promise, and all the background that goes with it, establishes the right foundation for human relationships. We relate not as enemies, but as relatives caught in the same brokenness and broken world. And we need the same solution. So, this week, get interested in the world. Lift your gaze a little to those around you, and those further out. Listen to the news, because it isn't about you, but about this broken world. And pray for the door to be opened for you to speak the good news of Jesus into it. Collect: Father, all humans bear your image. All humans are mired in sin. And Jesus' life, death and resurrection can restore all, and forgive all. Please grant me such an interest in the world around me that I speak, with grace, of the Lord of this world so that many are saved. Amen.

06.01.2022 Genesis 16 'Intervention' is an idea that we often struggle with in our world. It implies our weakness, our need, our dependency, our inability - and none of us like to be described in those terms! But, to be blunt, humans need intervention! The situation in Abram's camp at the end of verse 6 is horrible and horrific. Hagar leaves - she is out of there, and we can sympathise.... What follows, through until the end of verse 14, is intervention. And it starts with a question - look at verse 8... Do you think that the LORD, and his messenger, did not know what was happening? But, in echoes of Genesis 3:9 and Genesis 4:9, the LORD's whereabouts question is his mode of intervention. It exposes the situation, the need, and the intervention of the LORD. The LORD's intervention brings judgement - none of these actors will escape the consequences of their sin (look at verse 9). The LORD's intervention brings grace and mercy - the words of verse 10 echo the significant blessings the LORD has already bestowed on Abram and Sarai. The LORD's intervention is into the lives of people who are in need - he hears the cry of affliction and desperation, even if we don't know we are crying out! (just look at verse 11). The LORD's intervention affects people - how else do you explain Hagar's bewildered response in verses 13-14 (although we cannot go further in assessing her spiritual state than the text!) When the LORD intervenes in this broken world, into the lives of broken people, he brings right judgement and undeserved mercy (grace). Think of another whereabouts question ('My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' (Matthew 27:46)). Uttered by the great-descendant of Abram, it is the fulfilment of all intervention, the moment of the greatest mercy and judgement, the instance when the LORD's promise to Abram is fulfilled. And we need that intervention! Prayer: Father, you are the great interventionist. Thank you that you have intervened in my life, through Christ. Please enable me to proclaim this intervention today to those around me. Amen.

05.01.2022 Luke 1:1-4 We live in a country town. I love the fact that we know stuff when stuff happens - people talk, people share. Sometimes it verges into gossip, sometimes the events become larger than life, but when something happens, people know about it. Well, something has happened - 'the events that have been fulfilled among us'. They are historical. They are here and now. And they are part of a bigger picture - they are a fulfilment.... Now, before we unpack these ideas briefly, such events are worth sharing. And that is what people are doing - they are compiling narratives about these events so that others know about them This is news worth sharing! Well, enough of the observation - let's drill down a little into these observations... What are these events? In the companion volume to Luke - Acts - they are described in Acts 1:1 as the things that Jesus began to do (Acts 1:1). Immediately we get a picture of the magnitude of these events. This Jesus is so famous that, even in those days, he had four biographies written about him! And this places the 'fulfilled' statement in its proper context: the whole of the Bible (or at least the Old Testament). This much is clear: this bloke Jesus did stuff that is connected to the history of a people called Israel. And they exist because a bloke called Abraham was spoken to by God - look at Genesis 12:1-3. Amidst all the stuff we share in our town, wouldn't it be great, in all those conversations, to talk about these events too? Prayer: Father, you are the newsmaker and the newsbreaker. Please help me to share your good news. Amen.

04.01.2022 Psalm 23 I know that taking on Psalm 23, and in such a brief and concise manner, is a risky business! But, I read Psalm 23 in my quiet-time this morning, and it is such a wonderful poem. So, let me make some observations about the poem. First, it is 'Davidic'. Now, we could get into all sorts of critical comment and investigation, but let's take it at face value: David wrote this psalm.... Second, the imagery throughout is the imagery of a man looking at his life, both forwards and backwards (to borrow off Slim Dusty!). As he looks back, he sees that the LORD has been his shepherd. As he looks now, the LORD IS his shepherd. And, as he contemplates the darkness of the 'valley of the shadow of death' (so similar to so many little valleys he had entered as a shepherd and a soldier), he is confident that the LORD will be his shepherd. In this sense, whilst we are given no historical markers, I can well imagine that David is sitting on his bed, at the end of his life, looking out over Jerusalem, and his own existence, and writing... Third, the underlying ideas are unmistakeable. David knows that he cannot deal with life without the intervention of the LORD. David knows that, like the wayward sheep he has dealt with, he too is a wayward sheep, in need of deep and tender care and loving discipline and costly protection. David knows that whoever (or whatever) he trusts in life must be able to walk him through death - and only the LORD can do this. Please make sure that you grasp the robust nature of this image of a shepherd. These men were not soft blokes who walked through vaseline-lensed life cuddling omo-washed animals. These men were robust and brave, calloused and courageous, weather-beaten and wild, tough and capable, loving and hard - they lived outside, they knew their animals by name, they protected them in all circumstances. Fourth, the imagery flows throughout the Bible - think Ezekiel 34 and John 10 - but the consistency is constant - only the LORD can fulfil this role for the benefit of broken humanity. Fifth, the great descendant of David (think Matthew 1:1, and Romans 1:1ff) is THE fulfilment of this poem of David. In fact, he embodied this poem himself, trusting in the LORD to walk him through life and death... and the LORD did!! And so Jesus walked through life, faced death, walked out of the tomb, and has been enthroned above all creation. And none of that was soft - it was all robust! Sixth, and because of this fulfilment in Jesus, we can sit in our lives, and pray the same prayer. And, in this day and age, what a question to face: 'Is what you trust in to walk you through life capable of walking you through death?' Prayer... Pray Psalm 23!!!

03.01.2022 Colossians 4:2-6 This passage hangs off two imperatives - one in verse 2 ('be busy/devoted' in prayer) and one in verse 5 ('walk' in wisdom). After each imperative are a number of subordinate clauses which both unpack and extend the command. It is a very tidy way of finishing off a long section of commands, applying what it means to 'walk with Jesus as Lord'. In this case, at the end, the tone, or feel, is walking with one eye on the world around us, knowing that this world i...s watching us. The command to 'be busy/devoted' in prayer in verse 2 is quite clear. The emphasis is not on fervency or frequency but dogged, devoted and discipline prayer (something that my morning prayer-times often don't resemble!). The command is plural so it is an instruction to the 'mob', to God's people as a community! The 'unpacking', in the rest of verse 2, gives us two aspects to this devoted prayer. First, it is to be 'watchful' - I think this means knowing the state of the world around us, and the times we live in (which is the general tenor of the rest of the time references in the section). Second, it is to be 'thankful' - to be consistently thankful for so much that has taken place in the lives of God's mob (and that tone of thanksgiving is a constant right throughout this application chunk from Colossians 3:1). Alright, we have the passage unpacked - what does that look like? First, are we communally devoted in prayer? To be blunt, when was the last time you joined the gathering of God's people for prayer? Second, when we pray communally, are we praying with an eye on the world around us, the finite times we live in? Third, does our prayer have the flavour of thanksgiving? Collect (Psalm 136:1-9): Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love is eternal. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love is eternal. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love is eternal. He alone does great wonders. His love is eternal. He made the heavens skillfully. His love is eternal. He spread the land on the waters. His love is eternal. He made the great lights: His love is eternal. the sun to rule by day, His love is eternal. the moon and stars to rule by night. His love is eternal.