January 2008

The Bible begins with seven Hebrew words (translated into ten English words).

Introductions are very important.

The first words of last year's big publishing event, the last of the Harry Potter novels, read: The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow moonlit lane.

The Bible's introductory summary reads: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Here is a book about God and people. God is the creator of all that is–the heavens and the earth. He is uncreated, he is the subject of the verb and we are part of his creation.

The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews says that God made what was seen from that which was not seen (Heb 11:3). Genesis 1:2 tells us there was a dark, formless void to begin with and then God, with a word, spoke creation into existence.

He is the powerful creator God, the God who brings order out of chaos, the God who cares for his creation, he names and he blesses. There is no place for atheism, pantheism, polytheism, dualism, materialism or fatalism.

In Romans 1:20, Paul tells us the proper, right response to the creator God is to glorify and give him thanks.

A good start to the New Year is to echo the words of Psalm 100:

   Know that the Lord is God indeed
   Without our aid he did us make
   We are his flock he doth us feed,
   And for his sheep he doth us take.

David Cook
Principal

December 2007

The clichés can roll off the tongue: Put Christ back into Christmas or, He's the reason for the season or, The Christ of Christmas makes all the difference. All these statements are true.

However, it is better to ask the question: Why did Jesus come into the world?

He has existed for all eternity with his Father in the heavenlies. Coming to earth was not a particularly attractive alternative. He must have had a big reason for coming—since his coming was at great personal cost. It involved his suffering, his death and separation from his Father.

The apostle Paul, (repeating a saying familiar within the life of the first century church) says – ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...’ (1Timothy 1:15). That's why he came—to rescue us from the coming and just wrath of his Father.

It is not as though God the Son represents love and God the Father represents wrath. No. Here, in the coming of the Son into the world, we see the combination of God's love and God's justice. The scripture says, ‘God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself’ (2 Corinthians 5:9).

The reason for the season is therefore, salvation: God's rescue operation whereby in love he satisfies his own justice by pouring out his wrath on the Son he loves so that his grace and mercy can be offered to us.

Therefore, the way to celebrate Christmas, is to come to trust in, rely upon and have faith in Jesus! (John 1:12-13)

David Cook
Principal

November 2007

In the main grassy area of the Croydon College campus stands a magnificent jacaranda tree. At this time of the year it begins to flower in a spectacular show of purple blooms. To all of us here, it means that examinations and the end of the academic year are drawing near.

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter tells us to be aware that the end of all things is near, and four instructions follow from this:

1. Be clear minded and disciplined so that you can be prayerful (v7).
2. Love the believers deeply with a love that does not hold onto resentment (v8).
3. Be hospitable without resentment (v9).
4. Use your giftedness to serve Jesus Christ in the days we have left (v10-11).

These are the activities and characteristics we are to cultivate in the light of the end.

We don't know when Christ will come, but we do know that every day is one day nearer.

David Cook
Principal

October 2007

On five occasions in the book of Haggai, God calls on his people, the returned exiles from Babylon, to ‘give careful thought’ to their ways.

What was the problem with the people?

It was not gross sin. They had been in exile for fifty years and had been back in Jerusalem for twenty years. God had not blessed them. In fact their expectations were unrealised (Haggai 1:6). Why? The reason is given in Haggai Chapter 1:2 and 1:4. Although back from exile for twenty years, they were living in luxury houses, while the Lord's house remained a ruin.

The way the people treated the temple was indicative of the way they treated God. Their neglect of rebuilding the temple indicated neglect of God himself. God tells them to start rebuilding (1:8) ‘so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured’.

The true temple of God is where God meets people: it is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus referred to his body as the temple (John 2:21), because Jesus is where we meet God.

God dwells in his people and in this sense the apostle Paul could say, ‘we are the temple of the living God’ (2 Corinthians 6:16).

Today, to honour God's temple is to come by repentance and faith to the Lord Jesus and then to respect his people, among whom he dwells by his Spirit.

David Cook
Principal

September 2007

We all recognise a dysfunctional relationship when we see or hear of it. For example, when the St George-Illawarra Rugby League coach, ran to the sideline during a recent match and called his captain over to berate him and slap him across the face in front of thousands, it was clear this is not the way coaches should relate to team captains.

God spoke to Adam and like a newly created adolescent, Adam disregarded God’s word. However, a few chapters later in Genesis, God spoke to Abram and Abram believed the Lord and God credited it to him as righteousness. Here is the relationship of God and man that receives God’s ‘tick of approval’: God speaks and man has faith.

The prophet Habakkuk demonstrates this kind of faith. It is not silent amidst the complexities of life (Habakkuk 1:2-4; 1:12-13). It waits on God for his revelation (2:1-4), it prays (3:1), it remembers what God has done (3:2-15), it rests in what he will do (3:16) and rejoices in his sovereign purpose no matter what the circumstances (3:17-19).

Without such faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

The world tells us we believe too much. The ‘Christian’ the world loves is the one who does not believe. The world clamours to hear Bishop Spong expound his unbelief and they love it.

We know that our problem is that we believe too little. Like Abraham, David and Peter our faith may fail, but we need to remember that God never does (2 Timothy 2:13).

The prayer of the father in Mark 9:24 is always an appropriate prayer for those who believe.

David Cook
Principal

August 2007

C.S. Lewis referred to pride as ‘the complete anti-God state of mind’.

Pride drives deceit. This is illustrated in the case of Jacob and Esau (see Genesis 25-27) and the ongoing relationship between Israel and Edom (see Obadiah). We see here that pride itself so deceives it causes us to trust in anything apart from God (see Obadiah verses 3-9) and to be inhumane and stand aloof from our brother or sister in the day of their need (see Obadiah verses 10-14). Worst of all, it is pride that earns the enmity of God (see Obadiah verses 15-21).

God esteems the humble and contrite (Isaiah 66:2).Foremost on the list of all the things God hates is ‘the proud look’ (Proverbs 6:17). God responds to the problem of pride in a way that makes no concession to pride.

He saves in a way that seems ridiculous to the proud – through the cross of his Son, the Lord Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-31). God will only meet us where we are most humbled, on our knees at the cross. Isaac Watts summed it up like this:
           
            When I survey the wondrous cross,
            On which the prince of glory died,
            My richest gain I count but loss
            And pour contempt on all my pride.

David Cook
Principal

July 2007

‘When I consider the magnitude of the subject which I am to bring before the House … it is impossible for me not to feel both terrified and concerned at my own inadequacy to such a task … the end of which is the total abolition of the slave trade’

Thus William Wilberforce began his four hour speech to the British House of Commons in May 1789. The speech was later printed in book form and included by Melvyn Bragg in his own publication – 12 Books That Changed the World.

For Wilberforce it was the public beginning of a struggle that he would fight for the remainder of his life. It was at times a very unpopular struggle. Wilberforce endured a great deal of opposition. He was publicly vilified, ridiculed and admonished by some of the most influential people in the country, he received threats to his life and was physically assaulted.

Yet he persevered. His Christian faith was the foundation and motivation for his lifetime of public service. It led him to not only agitate for an end to the slave trade, but to push for a fairer treatment of Britain’s own poor as well as the support of overseas mission (he was involved in the formation of both CMS and the Bible Society).

His life was a testimony to that one book which more than any book, can and does change our world – the Bible. As Paul wrote:
           
‘All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Wilberforce’s speech did make a difference. Books can shape and influence our world.
But the Bible is the one book that contains the words of eternal life.

Stuart Coulton
Vice-Principal

June 2007

‘Jesus saves’ says the tee-shirt—but with which bank does he save?

The greatness of Christian salvation is underestimated unless we see what we are saved from, what we are saved to, and at what cost.

On Anzac Day, we are thoughtful that we have been saved from totalitarian rule; saved to liberties we now so freely enjoy in Australia; and we remember the human cost that allowed such liberties —the lives of thousands of servicemen and servicewomen.  

In Christian salvation we are saved from the just, settled wrath of God against human sin (Romans1:18ff). We are saved to a relationship of God being at peace with us (Romans 5:1ff). The cost of such salvation is the perfect life of God’s dear Son (Romans 3: 24-26).

The Christian should be continually lost in wonder, love and praise that we can enjoy such a rich salvation.

Just as black velvet is the perfect backdrop to show the beauty of a diamond, so God’s judgement  is the perfect background to bring out the brilliance of God’s salvation.

Are you saved? It is only by trusting, believing, relying and depending upon God’s perfect Saviour, Jesus Christ, that you can be.

David Cook
Principal

May 2007

God is the almighty King. He is to be recognised, worshipped, adored and glorified.

It is unusual to think of God esteeming others, as he alone is the almighty one. Yet he does tell us there is one he esteems.
He does tell us there is one he esteems.
What are the characteristics which God respects?

Isaiah 66:2            

‘This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word’

This is the word of the one who is the worker and has heaven for his throne and the earth for his footstool (Isaiah 66:1).

This is consistent with the very first beatitude, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (Matt 5:3).

We often overlook the importance of humility, contrition and poverty of spirit. We don’t have categories to describe one another in this way-for example, what does it mean to be poor in spirit?

The truly humble person will tremble at God’s word and hold its content in great respect-such are those whom God esteems.

We need to bear this in mind with those we view as outstanding Christians or most influential or successful Christians. It is good to listen again as God speaks about the quality he esteems.

David Cook
Principal  

The Apostle Paul said that one person dying for another is rare, though for a good man someone may possibly die (Rom 5:7).

But God publicly demonstrates his love for us in that Christ dies for us when we are sinners (Rom 5:8), powerless (Rom 5:6), and his enemies (Rom 5:10). Such love is unheard of.

‘Christ died for us’, is central to the message of the gospel. He substitutes for us, taking on, and paying for our sin so that we might be clothed with the righteousness of God.
This is the gospel. It is the basis of a person’s forgiveness and the same basis of an assured eternal relationship with God.

Do you know that God is at peace with you, that your sin has been paid for by Jesus - that you have a perfect substitute?

Here is a great old Easter Hymn:

‘What language shall I borrow
To praise thee, heavenly friend,
For this thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
Oh make me thine forever,
And, should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
Outlive my love to Thee’ 

David Cook
Principal  

March 2007

March is usually ‘Mission’ month at SMBC, the month when all the faculty and students participate in College Mission.

This year we have teams in Coonabarrabran, Wee Waa, Ballina, Gungahlin (ACT), Geraldton (WA), Townsville, Belrose, Moorebank, Waitara, Glenwood, Eagle Vale, Central Australia and Thailand.

This is an opportunity for output in the midst of a year of learning and input.

In many ways evangelism is the life-blood of the Christian life. Prayer and Bible study are vital components of Christian living, but sharing the gospel is a very good way of energising the Christian life - it gets the ‘blood flowing’.

I remember the Baptist evangelist, Ernest Watson, speaking on radio 2CH, countering criticism of Billy Graham’s method of evangelism, saying, ‘I prefer Billy Graham’s method of evangelism compared to his critics’ method of non-evangelism’.

We can easily be armchair critics of evangelistic method, the question is how are we participating in God’s worldwide harvest.

God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11), neither therefore should we.

What are you doing to encourage the wicked to turn to Him and live?

David Cook
Principal  

February 2007

On Monday 1 January 2007, it was estimated that four million Australians resolved to lose weight in the New Year. Television advertising was dominated by weight loss organisations seeking to benefit from this new resolve.

For many, the New Year is a time for reflection and fresh commitment. It is also a good reminder for the Christian that in addition to the stewardship of our bodies, so too, we need to have good stewardship of our souls.

What have you resolved to do about the health of your soul in 2007?

Here are some suggestions:

• To read through the Bible this year
• To meet weekly and to read the Bible with another person from Church
• To set aside daily time to pray and develop a prayer list of concerns
• To join a Bible study group
• To be a more active servant in the local church
• To sign up for a part-time course at Bible College
• To intentionally open up conversations on the bus, train, hairdressers, shops etc to share the gospel
• To allocate a more generous amount of income to the support of Christian enterprise

J.I Packer in his book, Knowing God, reminds us of the Christian identity.
He says:
‘I am a child of God
God is my Father
Heaven is my home
Everyday is one day nearer
My Saviour is my brother
Every Christian is my brother (or sister) too.’

This year, is one year nearer home. We are pilgrims on our way to heaven. Look to the health of your soul and your eternal investments-what a great resolution!

David Cook  
Principal  

January 2007

Integrity is what we think, what we are, when nobody is watching. When Jesus said, ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’, he was challenging his people to have integrity. Maintaining our integrity is difficult and sometimes costly, but it is always attractive. Often integrity is invisible, behind-the-scenes; but when we see it – whether in politicians, in families, in church leaders, or in one another – we admire it.

Why is integrity important for Christians? God urges us to live lives worthy of Christ (Eph 4:1), and if we take that seriously it will encompass even the small things in life, including obedience to the governing authorities God has set over us (Rom 13:5). Our integrity honours God, because we are now dead to sin. Integrity will also commend the gospel to others (1 Thess 4:12). As Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount show, our Father uses our integrity to draw unsaved people to himself.

Where is the gospel in all this, you might ask? In a believer’s life, integrity carries gospel weight. Proclaiming the truth of the gospel is vital, and a matching life of integrity to confirm the gospel’s reality and power is crucial. Unbelievers see through Christian hypocrisy, just as children see through their parents’ hypocrisy.

God said of his servant Job, ‘He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity...’ (Job 2:3).

God has given us his powerful Spirit, to bear much fruit. Make this new year one of integrity, as we speak the gospel of Christ within lives that match it.

Anthony Brammall
Academic Vice-Principal