He responded with a story. He said that some months earlier he had been called out by the pastor of a church to insure the large valuable window in the chapel. When it came to signing the contract the pastor asked ‘Would you mind if we back-dated the policy by a day?’. ‘Why would you want to do that?’ asked the agent. “Because, the window actually got broken yesterday and we would like to put in a claim’. “What do you think of that Charles?” he asked. “In all my years in the insurance business I never got asked to do such a thing before. And by a Christian of all things!” I was ashamed but not taken altogether by surprise. I had heard of similar things before which had turned me off too at the time. I noted sadly that he was another case of someone who had been gradually immunized against Christianity for decades for one reason or another. How does one combat that?  Therefore, as followers of Jesus Christ, we wish to make it plain to all that religious office or public show of piety does not necessarily make a Christian.

So what is a Christian? I got varied responses when I asked close Christian friends, “a person who believes in and follows Jesus, or received something from Jesus, or a person who is ‘born again’, or someone who does good deeds, loves people and walks by faith, someone who reads the Bible and has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin, etc. etc.” Such attributes are certainly part and parcel of being a practicing Christian, but surely, I thought, none of that can be sufficient because Jesus will distance Himself from nominal believers on Judgment Day who expect to be received with outstretched arms. Yet He will call them ‘lawless’ and claim that He never knew them (Matthew 7:23).

Perhaps it is that a genuine disciple of Jesus is humble and teachable, worships and serves the Father’s will, and delights to gather regularly and fellowship in the Word of God. But more than that, he or she desires to obey the Word and those God appoints accountable over them rather than serving their own agenda. Christians have a certain way about them. In fact, they used to be known as people of The Way (Acts 9:2; Acts 19:23). People of The Way first became known as Christians in Antioch Syria about 50-60 years after the resurrection of Christ.

Charles Pallaghy

“Sunday” I said “I’ll go to your church …and see what happens.”

I enjoyed the meeting immensely, felt completely at home and very comfortable but nothing happened. I went again the next week and again nothing.

On the third week the minister did something different.  He invited everyone to come to the front of the church to take communion.  When a chap prayed the words, “Thank you Jesus for Calvary”, the roof fell in on me.  I heard nothing else. I suddenly realised that a man had died to save me. When everyone returned to their seats I just stood there.  I felt the heat of my tears as I knew that someone had saved my life.  My confession of  Jesus as my Saviour was no longer a secret but very public.

When I was a child my mother often talked about God but not Jesus. I now know Him and for many years have confessed Him to be a Saviour who died for us all.  More than that He is the “author and finisher” of my life.

Ray Eldridge

I guess you could say that I am finding it difficult to commit to the body of Christ. I was quiet surprised when I was asked to write an article for this magazine on commitment when I am finding it difficult to commit. I am always amused with how the Lord works in my life and tests me.

In my opinion the purpose of testing commitment is to strengthen our character and deepen our relationship with God. Through this difficult time, I am strengthening my commitment to obey God. I am also learning about God’s ability to provide. I believe God refines us through difficult circumstances, if we allow Him. When we are being tested we can either complain, or we can try to see how God is strengthening us to develop our character.

Until just recently I realised that all I had done was complain and ask “Why me?” Why did I have to get caught in this mess when everyone around me was doing the same thing? As I think back about that time in my life, I can’t even imagine where I would be if I hadn’t committed to Christ.

The fact does not elude me that there are ones committed and have a faith towards me. This is demonstrated by the invitation to write this article. As I thought about commitment I started thinking about things we commit to. There can be many things like sports, work, clubs and many interest groups like helping with good causes.

It is my opinion the most important commitment we can enter in to is a relationship with the LORD. In making the commitment to the LORD you make a commitment to relationship.

Craig Reaks

When I became a Christian and gave my heart to the Lord, I came out of a lifestyle where I had never known God and so lived as I pleased. I had moved around a bit, living in different cities, travelling overseas, shifting jobs and at the time of my salvation, was actively seeking a career as a musician as the lead guitarist in a pub rock band. As you could imagine, my lifestyle was pretty wild, but started to feel very empty too. Becoming a Christian really changed something in me and a lot of the anger and emotions that I felt had lifted and I loved being a part of the Church. However, when difficult times in my early journey washed over me, I would often turn to what I knew out of frustration; comfort in alcohol and other longings of my past life. I found that on my own I wasn’t strong enough to fight these things and often would stumble in familiar ways. But, as I sought out some of my friends in the Church, I found I wasn’t condemned or made to feel ashamed, but that by fellowship, and honestly facing these things and seeking God’s help with the help of my brothers (as I like to refer to them), I was able to put off these things and grow and move forward in Christ. I was able to find a place where I could meet as an equal and find direction from the ones that cared and loved me. I often still thank God for the ones He has placed me with as I continue to walk out this journey of faith.

Justin Parnall

I’m getting lost in sporting memories which is not the point of this article. My drifting into nostalgia was meant to highlight that the single-day, record attendance at the MCG was not a sporting event. In fact, the record for the biggest crowd is reserved for a man called Billy Graham when over 130,000 people came to hear him speak. He was called an evangelist – meaning one who speaks good news and, could he speak! His delivery was as fiery as a desperate coach seeking to inspire his players to turn defeat into victory. Indeed he was at the ‘G’ to kick goals not in the football sense, but to amass points in how many would commit their lives to Jesus Christ. Of that crowd of over 130,000 many did commit their lives to Christ. In fact, over the four months that Billy Graham was speaking throughout Australia, thousands of so called Christians and non-Christians responded to the word of Christ that he spoke and they became followers of Jesus Christ.

Many still ponder about those few months in the summer of 1959. What created such a phenomenon? How could Aussies be so public in committing their lives to God? Were people caught up in an emotional moment that caused them to make hasty decisions that would not last? At that time, we Aussies prided ourselves in keeping visible responses of faith to ourselves. The adage of the day was never talk about religion, politics or sex.

I think the message Billy Graham spoke came in its season. What I mean by this is that we were at a time in our history where the normal was not doing it for us. We were seeking after something, yet unsure of what that was. His message was the word of God breaking into our world of uncertainty, and opening our hearts to hear something that the heart of God had for us. For some, it was a moment in time. For others, it was a new beginning. Down through the years since that visit, I have met many believers from various denominations who found Christ through the preaching of Billy Graham. These same believers have maintained a determination to serve the Lord over many years. It was more than an emotional experience. It was life-changing.

In 1959, Australia was considered a Christian nation and indeed many attended church but without a personal commitment to God. Billy Graham spoke about Christ being a personal saviour. He also exhorted individuals to be born again. At that time, many with church backgrounds felt compelled to respond to his altar calls even though they considered themselves to be a Christian. It became apparent that a nominal Christian and a practising Christian were not the same. To bring home how crucial a commitment to Christ was, Billy Graham asked people to leave their seats and come and stand in the front of the stage where he spoke. He put it to them that this public response on their part was indication that they wanted to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. It was as if he was inviting the lost to find a home or to come home. He spoke of repenting from our evil deeds and finding forgiveness for sin. I found it also significant that those who came to the front were met by counsellors who spoke with them and invited them to join a fellowship of believers.

As we look back over the past 50 years since Graham first preached in Melbourne, it is clear that we have made significant advances in health and science and many like me will have observed the growing trend toward racial tolerance and the tearing down of walls (curtains) that have suppressed basic human dignity. Nevertheless, there remains the ongoing challenges of natural, economic and social pressure, the shifting of populations and the capitulation to amoral standards, all leading to a growing undercurrent of uncertainty and confusion – we might suggest that today is very different to the world when Billy Graham filled the MCG; but is it?

I think it is timely that we revisit the high points of Graham’s message as I believe that there is an enduring truth and reality in his proclamation that can reach every generation. So, the heart of the articles that follow are written on this basis and we deliver them to you as a message of hope.

Ray Jackson

Since ancient times, man has searched for immortality, and today people still give much time and resources towards remaining active and fit. However, even with these concerted efforts, the average life span of 81 years in Australia is a still far cry from immortality. Reflecting on matters of aging and death can appear to be quite a morbid topic. However, being willing to engage in this type of thinking  can lead us to a place where we can see that God has so much more for us than a life that is constrained by the weakness of our flesh. God the Father’s hope is that we will be ‘born again’ as His sons. No longer limited by time, but born as ones whose lives will continue for eternity.  As John 1:12,13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become sons of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

But how do we become sons of God? Is it just a matter of making a one time commitment in calling on the name of the Lord Jesus and accepting that He has paid the price for our sins? Or is there an ongoing commitment that includes some accountability on our part?  Do we believe in the ‘once saved always saved’ statement or do we believe that there is a continuing salvation process by which we are ‘being saved’?  It is true that through the blood of Christ we know salvation and we have been brought to a ‘position’ of a son.  However, to fill out this place and gain our full inheritance we need to be ‘born’ of God. So rather than just being satisfied in our ‘position as a son’, we need to be ones who will continue on to be ‘born as a son’. That is, born as one who is God-like and lives a life whose works clearly reflect the Fathers heart.

But how can we be like God? Isn’t God perfect? Yes it is true that God is perfect and it is also true that in our own strength we could never become like God. However, the Father hasn’t just given us the command to ‘be holy as I am holy’ (1 Pet 1:16) and then left us to get on with it as best we can. He has placed into our hearts the Spirit of His Son which is the very life of God Himself. As Galatians 4:6.7 says “…because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying ‘Abba Father’.” And just as in the natural, where we are born into a family; in the spiritual, He has placed us into a family, the church, to be nourished on the word of God and encouraged to grow from being a babe into mature sons of God. It is in this context that we discover the unique word that the Father has for us. This ‘word’ is the seed of sonship, which contains within it all that we need to be a son of God. As 1Peter 1:23 says  “for you have been born again … of seed `which is …imperishable…through the living and abiding word of God.” So to be born as a son of God is more than having a title of ‘Christian’. It is an exciting journey where we daily discover more of the Father’s heart and His plan for us. It is a journey that at times includes sorrow and difficulty, but is also a journey that has much joy and peace as we continue to grow in maturity and fill out our inheritance.

And what a rich inheritance it is.  As sons we are heirs of the Father and co-heirs with Christ.  And so there are many exciting promises and rewards for our sonship. But that’s for another time.

Adele Parkinson

If we trace the theme of lost sheep we note that Isaiah wrote “we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Is 53:6). Similarly, the Psalmist records “I have strayed like a sheep”. This theme continues when we reach the New Testament where Jesus Christ makes a number of significant references to sheep being scattered, lost, or straying. A key reference is actually referred to as the parable of the Lost Sheep that is recorded in Luke 15. The Gospel of John also records that Christ referred to Himself in the following way “I am the gate for the sheep… anyone who enters by me will be saved” and then soon after; “I am the good shepherd” another clear reference to the care of sheep.

So, let’s connect some dots here. It is by no means a coincidence that the Scripture consistently uses sheep as a reference to those who are led by God, and to straying sheep as those who have been lost from God’s plan. Clearly, when we “turn to our own ways” we have in fact strayed because I cannot shepherd myself. Thus ‘our own ways’ are by their very nature describing the very action of straying. However, if we are going to come into the full measure of what God has for us, then we must see and understand that there is a shepherding principle which protects us and guards us from the straying principle of our own ways.  We know also that sheep are a herd animal; they live in flocks and this is important for their overall survival as they have little in the way of natural defences if isolated, and predators abound. So their greatest protection is to remain within the flock under the watchful eye and care of their shepherd. A community of believers is not dissimilar to a flock of sheep; there are people from different families of varying ages all under the care of one shepherd.  An important characteristic of a shepherd is that He knows His sheep and the sheep know Him. Likewise the shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. There is such a security under the care of the shepherd.

So what does it mean to be lost? Firstly, it’s important to define what it is to be lost. The very word lost denotes that the location or whereabouts of the object (in this case sheep) was known at a previous point in time. But when the location of an object or animal is no longer known then it must be considered lost. So it is important that we understand that there is a context in which every one of us can be considered lost or indeed found. It reminds me of the story of Jesus as a young boy when His parents were anxiously searching for him after a visit to Jerusalem. He was, according to them – lost. But as we know from the story, He was actually in a very safe place (studying in the synagogue). It is interesting to note that as a 12 year old, Jesus knew where He should be found as evidenced by His reply to His parents ^“Why were you searching for me?” he asked, surprised that they had assumed He might be lost. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49-50). His location was unknown to His parents and for a nervous three days, His parents searched to find Him. But when we understand the background and see how the story unfolds, we see with great clarity that Jesus was only lost from their perspective. But to the Father He was right on track, at home, in His temple. Perspective is so important when we are determining whether something or someone is lost and in this respect it is God’s perspective which matters most. If, from God’s perspective, I am lost then I can be certain that I have turned to my own ways and strayed from His care.

For us, the Scripture is clear that the only safe place for us is to live is within the context of a community which is under the care of the shepherding principle of Christ. There we are known by the shepherd and know the shepherd’s voice, and as we remain obedient to His command and put off “our own ways” we remain safe. Outside of this context, we become vulnerable and defenceless to the many pitfalls and dangers that desire to ensnare and devour us.

Perhaps you are someone who has made a beginning with Christ but ‘turned to you own ways’ and accordingly, strayed from Christ the good shepherd and the security of the flock. Or maybe you have never made a beginning with Christ and remain lost to His plan. Whatever the case, let me invite you to come to Christ, and return to the safety of His flock under the care of the Shepherd.

Richie Kaa

One of the most significant teachings to my life has been hearing about what we call the Body of Christ. Essentially, this is another term for the people of God – the followers of Christ – joined together in close fellowship because of their individual connection to “the Head” who is Christ. In other words, the Body of Christ is the church, a living and growing global organism with many different parts that work together for the same purpose.

Okay, that’s the theory! We all know that the church in reality is far from this vision of a single entity: there are reportedly around 38,000 Christian denominations that are separated from each other by differing beliefs, while all proclaim to be Christian. Wouldn’t I be better off on my own? I could watch some of the Christian programs on television, read the Bible, follow the teachings of Christ……….all on my own couldn’t I?

Sadly, this has been the reasoning of many who have found Christ over the years, and while it is a completely understandable viewpoint, no one who isolates themselves from fellowship will ever come to the kind of maturity that God purposed for them. In fact, they will miss the central heart of the gospel found in John 17:21-26:

The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So they’ll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That you’ve sent me and loved them In the same way you’ve loved me.

Christ declares in this passage of scripture His passion for His followers to be united in one heart and purpose – to be as one as God (the three) is one. What an amazing calling! This is certainly not a calling we can achieve by ourselves. The reality of the present day church may look grim, but fellowship is still God’s way (the only way) of bringing us to maturity and unity. The early church that was established by Jesus’ disciples was a dynamic “organisation.” The inverted commas are used because the church wasn’t a static structure. It was more like an organism – a body working together, with every person playing a vital part, and the whole only functioned because each part was doing its bit.

The present day church is being restored by God to be the same kind of living, growing, and working organism. The early church grew as every individual committed themselves to fellowship regularly in the Word of God, and partaking of Communion and praying together. The scripture says “they had all things in common” (Acts 2:42-47.) This doesn’t mean that they all got along really well because they were similar personalities! Rather, the scriptures say that they “steadfastly persevered”, committing and devoting themselves to this fellowship because they knew that this was the way forward.

I’m convinced that the Lord is working miracles today as much as He did 2000 years ago. He is restoring the church so that it might be the living expression of His life and love toward all. In the same way as the early church, it will take steadfast perseverance, devotion and commitment from believers to join and continue in fellowship. It is not an easy way, particularly as we all have issues that God needs to deal with so that we can grow and mature in love. However, we are encouraged because the fellowship of believers is the context for all of these issues to be made right.

At MCF we are committed, as are many churches, to seeing individuals and families established in the word of God and in His purposes for our lives as we fellowship regularly. I encourage you, if you haven’t made a connection with a church, to come and hear the word and begin to build eternal relationships in this fellowship of believers.

Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13.)

Helen Holland

As I sit writing this article, I am looking at a small rectangular clay sculpture of a man, a woman, a boy and a girl.  They are all standing. The woman and the children are embraced in the arms of the man.  What is unusual about this sculpture is their faces – they have no features, no eyes, no ears, no mouths or noses.  In a sense I guess they represent every family, every man, every woman, every boy and every girl.  Is that how you think God sees you?  As a human but indistinguishable from the person that sits next to you on the train every day, or the person you work with, or go to school with or the person on the other side of the MCG high up in the Southern stand, or for that matter, from any other person on this planet of more than six billion?

Well he doesn’t see you like that at all.  Did you know that He knows your name?  Much more than that, He named you before creation, not just your creation but before the creation of the heavens and the earth.  It starts to blow your mind doesn’t it!  The Psalmist says it so eloquently “For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb….My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skilfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them”. Are you starting to see how personal God is? Did you read the part about a book where all of this was recorded?  It’s called the book of life and your name was written in it before the creation of the world. Now you might think that’s great that my name was written in the book of life, and indeed it was. But, will it stay there or has it already begun to fade away. The answer is entirely up to you!

If you will respond to the Gospel in your generation then you too can remember and know your name. The name is the name that the ‘Father of Lights’ named you.  This name represents the complete substance of who you were to be, and the complete expression and freedom of you.

As you continue to respond to his Gospel, your name will not be blotted out.

It doesn’t get more personal than that.

Peter Bienvenu

A modern musical presentation presented by Melbourne Christian Fellowship Choir and Orchestra. Throughout the ages, song has expressed man’s deepest thoughts. We have all been impacted by song in some way.
‘A new song in my mouth’ is a 3,000 year old song lyric from the Psalms that continues to draw intrigue today.
Join us as we explore the meaning of this new song, our lives and a message of hope.

Performance Dates
Sunbury Friday 20th Saturday 21st November
Wonga park Friday 27th Saturday 28th November

Please note; bookings essential – ticket bookings 03 9727 9755

Brochures: Melbourne | Sunbury

Listen:

Breaking into Now

Calling to You