All People are Equal.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”. John 3: 16-17

Charles Darwin was a brilliant and observant man. He was a conventional Christian for much of his life and studied at the University of Cambridge to become an Anglican clergyman. But later in life, he described himself as an agnostic, never an atheist. He and his wife had 10 children, but three of them died at young ages. Darwin was known to be quite devoted to his marriage and children. I believe he was a sincere man with an articulate enquiring mind. His life was a relentless search for answers. His 1859 book “The Origin of Species by natural selection on the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life” was to change the world forever, far beyond what he could have comprehended.

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Sincere Love

While preparing for the Heritage tours across Australia last week, I came across some archive photographs. This one was taken in 1981 just after Kerrie and I were married. My 1966 Ford pickup and my 1972 Honda 750/4 were my pride possessions. A few years later my truck was stolen, never to be seen again. I remember being challenged to forgive those who had done this. It was hard at the time but I do know that when we hold on to unforgiveness it becomes a bitter seed in our spirit. It hinders our ability to give, to grow and to live by faith. These words from Paul inspire me.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. Romans 12: 9 – 18

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Real Mates.

A real mate will lay down his life for you. He’ll travel long distances to help you out when you’re in trouble. He will always be there when you are broken down in the wilderness, when you have made some wrong decisions and you are lost. Without a word, he’ll cover the cost of a bill you cannot pay. A good mate will always speak the hard truth and build you up when you have no hope. He will never speak bad of you to others, he is dedicated to fighting for your cause and helping you finish well. That’s just who he is. He’ll charge at the enemy with bayonet fixed firm and sacrifice himself so that you get through. That’s real mate ship.

The best mate you will ever have is Jesus. Whether you ignore His presence in your life or embrace it he is there. He is Love. His perfect love casts out all fear as he exchanges it for the gift of faith. I love what Jesus brings to my life. He calls me to lay down my life and allow Him to live in and through me, that way I can achieve what I was born for in this world and in His kingdom.

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