This has added more carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere, which in turn has caused global average temperatures to have risen to around 1C above the 19th Century average, and they are projected to rise at least a further 1-2C by the end of this century unless worldwide action is taken.

The purpose of this blog post isn’t to go into great detail on the science of climate change (some general details can be found here) or indeed on the tricky political situation of trying to get hundreds of nations to all agree to measures which may well not be popular in the short term.

Let’s just say for now that without a coordinated and concerted global effort to dramatically cut CO2 output, there is a real threat of catastrophic changes happening to our established way of life.

We’ve already seen in the past decade an increase in extreme weather events across the world such as extreme temperatures, droughts and wildfires on one hand, and then severe storms, flooding and crop destruction as a result of that on the other hand.

Whilst to a certain extent, these sorts of events have been happening throughout history, the evidence points to this happening a lot more regularly in the past 20 years, threatening the eventual loss of some low-lying places to rising sea levels, as well as the loss of entire ecosystems.

Christian principles about the home we all share

The most important thing to say is that Christadelphians are all agreed in our belief that the future of mankind is on this planet. God’s plan and purpose is fixed on what happens here, and we all have a part to play, however small, in filling the earth with God’s glory. Clearly, this is primarily a spiritual act, but the physical acts we do also have a bearing on how much the world in its current state glorifies the creator.

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!

Isaiah 72 v 18-19

Right from the origin story of both humanity and the planet itself in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we read that God intended mankind to look after their home. We also get a warning in Revelation, the last book of the Bible, that God doesn’t look kindly on those who cause destruction to the world.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Genesis 2 v 15

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was…for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

Revelation 11 v 17-18

Many Christians believe that God’s ultimate plan for mankind is centred in heaven rather than on earth. Some actually expect God to destroy the earth at some future time!

It could therefore be easy to lessen just how much our world actually matters.

It’s important to state that I’m sure most Christians wouldn’t want to deliberately mistreat the world purely as a result of that belief, but there is an inherent danger of perhaps taking less care of something if we don’t think it necessarily has much of a long term future in God’s eyes anyway.

Christadelphians believe that Jesus will one day return to earth from heaven, and that the resurrection of humans will be on earth, not in heaven. Planet Earth, therefore, is the focus of God’s plan.

“…why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Acts 1 v 11

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12 v 2

Furthermore, the promise at this time is that eventually the hardships of mortal life will be done away with.

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21 v 3-4

Essentially, whilst we may expect many difficulties to come on earth both now and in the future, we don’t believe that God will allow Earth to become uninhabitable, he will intervene when the time is right to bring about a restoration likened to the Garden of Eden, and this is a sure hope for those who look forward to return of Jesus.

That’s all well and good, but what about now?

This promised future time promised to those who respond to God’s call for salvation is both exciting and reassuring, it gives us hope as we see so much destruction, suffering and hopelessness all around us. That is especially the case as so often we see worldwide political efforts to make the world a better place fall very far short of being a success.

Yet, as much as it feels like the time for Jesus to return is getting close, we cannot just abandon all efforts to be good custodians of the world we live in. As individuals, we might feel like what we do in the here and now can’t make any noticeable difference, and yet those of us who have a faith in God to restore the world in the future, also have a responsibility to at least try to treat our home now with the respect deserved.

Small things we can do include reducing the amount we throw away and ensuring we make an effort to recycle more.

• Can we buy more local goods to avoid so much shipping around the world?
• Can we travel less, especially by plane?
• Can we do more of our local travel using less polluting forms of transport such as cycling, walking and public transport?
• Can we change our car to a smaller and less polluting model?
• Can we get more energy efficient devices at home, or install solar panels to generate more of our own clean energy?
• Can we consider eating less meat? Even if we all pledged to eat 1 less meat meal per week, then this would collectively have a big impact on the climate.
• Can we plant more trees in our gardens?

We will all have things we can do well, as well as things we will struggle with, for all sorts of reasons.

And the purpose of this blog isn’t to make anyone feel guilty.

But if we can all make a few small changes then collectively this makes a significant difference.

Finally, just as Christians encourage each other to be better people through prayer and setting an example for others to follow, we likewise should aim to live our lives in a way that shows that we do care for this planet and want to ensure that it will still be a good home for future generations yet to be born.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13 v 34-35

The post A Christian reaction to climate change appeared first on Search for Hope.

We are living through something just now that is a new experience for many Brits. It has been a couple of generations for me since the government restricted movement of the general public.

I’ve never known a situation (other than light snowfall if you count those in my town) to cause panic buying of everyday staple items.

It is, quite frankly, a worrying time. 

Reassurance or platitude?

How should we react in times like this? As readers of, and believers in, the Bible, we do have a sure and certain hope. It can be very reassuring to think that we know there are better times to come, we are certain that God’s plan for the world will come to fruition. 

“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4 v 7

However, this internal peace we have reigning in our hearts doesn’t translate very well.  We are in danger of coming across as ‘we know best’. At worst, it can sound like we don’t think we need to react to world news because we know the end of the story.

I know this is not how the majority of my fellow believers feel, but it can certainly come across that way. What we need to try and do is let the peace of God guide our thoughts and intentions, guide the actions we put out into the world during times of crisis.

Love in Action

So, where is God in all this turmoil? Well, its quite simple really.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”

Hebrews 13 v 16

God is in our helping of those who are more vulnerable. When we choose to help others, we show God to them in a very effective way. When we choose to not panic buy and only take what we need, we show God’s love to our fellow man.

“not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others”

Philippians 2 v 4

We can also show love for others by following government and WHO guidelines.

Staying at home if we are showing symptoms. Not deciding that we know best and we are just going to nip to the supermarket or to a cafe for lunch. Look after others by limiting contact. Set up FaceTime calls with friends, family and church members in isolation. Arrange to cook or shop for those who are most vulnerable, our elderly and those who have underlying illnesses.

Matthew 25 verse 31 to the end is a parable Christ told of the things we will answer for when the Kingdom comes. It should be really easy, but our own self interest often wins out. We must fight against this every day to share what we have.

Actions, not just words

The current crisis has highlighted need that has not been faced by many of us before.

There is terror and uncertainty worldwide like has not been seen since 9/11, possibly even as far as the last world war.

We don’t like feeling restricted, we don’t like being told what to do.

Please, let’s turn that fear into hope by showing God’s love in action with everyday offers of help. It’s in our hands to share the light we have in a way that helps people and doesn’t belittle them.

“in the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.”

Matthew 5 v 16

The post God is in control… appeared first on Search for Hope.

The post Who is God? What is He Like? appeared first on Search for Hope.

The presentation below accompanies Iain’s talk

The post The Foolishness Of God appeared first on Search for Hope.

The post God’s Kingdom – in heaven or on earth? appeared first on Search for Hope.

Have you ever met a Christian who seems to have it all figured out? They seem to have the perfect life, their job fulfils them, friends and family never let them down, they keep themselves in perfect health. It can be so disheartening and can make us feel like there is something missing in ourselves.

Let me tell you something, everybody has doubts. At some point in our lives, we all have seasons of doubt in our faith, our family, our colleagues, even God. We do ourselves a great disservice if we think that we must always be strong in our faith in order for our lives to be right with God.

God does not want robots serving and praising him, he created us with a brain that questions, surmises and debates. If we see doubts as bad then we don’t allow ourselves to grow in our faith and relationships. We will live our lives out in a little cocoon of what we have been told by other people, never knowing the full joy of a faith that’s seen us through adversity and brought us out the other side stronger than ever.

A Righteous Doubter

There are so many examples of people who doubt God in the bible. Abraham and his wife Sarah were incredulous when told that they would be the couple through whom the nation of Israel would be born. The two of them laughed in the face of Gods promise. A visiting angel was not enough to convince them that God still had plans for the latter years of their life.

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”

Genesis 17 v17

Abraham and Sarah obviously were proven wrong and did have their son. Stronger than ever, they brought Isaac up lovingly and to be God fearing. When, several years later, God gave Abraham a command that, according to human thinking, made no sense, he acted on it without hesitation. Abraham’s faith in God was so strong that he knew, despite his command to sacrifice his only son, that God would save him. It might be in the resurrection in years to come, but Abraham would see his son again. (Isaac wasn’t sacrificed in the end – look up Genesis 22)

Room for Growth

Even amongst Christ’s closest followers, the disciples, there were doubters. The immediate example that comes to mind is Thomas, known fondly as Doubting Thomas. He refused to believe that Christ was risen until he touched the hole in Jesus’ hands and feet. Can any of us blame him? His saviour had just been killed by the power that had oppressed their country for years, he had been put in a tomb for the dead and now they were trying to tell him he was alive?

I think I’d doubt too.

However, as soon as Thomas saw Jesus alive, his fears and doubt vanished to be replaced by joy. (John 20 v24-29)

One of my favourite characters in the story of Jesus is Peter. He’s just so human! He makes mistakes, says the wrong thing at the wrong time, leaps in without looking. He reminds me so much of me. There are times Peter doubts.

The most famous instance being when Christ invites him to walk on water with him. Peter jumps over the side of that boat in his eagerness to be with Jesus. It’s not long before the buffeting waves and rain distracts him and he starts to sink, he doubts the power of God after taking his eyes off Christ. Now this particular example is an excellent exhortation in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, but I think it also illustrates the point of this article.

IT’S OK TO HAVE DOUBTS.

We know that Peter went on to be an amazing apostle and he spread the gospel with passion.

Rest Easy

Please don’t let anyone tell you you are weak for having doubtful periods in your life.

Don’t stop questioning what you believe.

Through doubts and questions our faith grows exponentially and we learn tools that are needed for a LIFETIME in Christ. If we look to little children, they never stop asking questions, learning about the whys the wherefores to equip them for life as an adult. Jesus tells us to become ‘as little children’ to enter the Kingdom. (Matthew 18 v2-5).

Let’s open our Bibles with a questioning and inquisitive heart, and grow our faith day by day.

The post Doubting God appeared first on Search for Hope.

The post God is Speaking to You appeared first on Search for Hope.

Think of the world’s greatest philosophers and you might have the same mental picture as I do – an old guy with a long grey beard sitting on a boulder in a wood with a quill and some parchment, pondering the Meaning of Life.  It’s a question that the human race has been fascinated with for a long time, because the more you look at the world, the less it seems to make sense. Unlike animals, this lack of obvious purpose bothers humans.

What is the point in life if it ends up just being a cycle of non-existence, followed by complete dependence on our parents, then adulthood, dependence again when we are old, and finally death?  What did we actually achieve, and will it last beyond our death anyway?

The Answers

It’s questions like these that the Bible had already posed and answered long ago.  The whole book of Ecclesiastes was written by someone observing the way life runs and thinking “it’s just emptiness and grasping after the wind” (paraphrasing Ecclesiastes 1:14).  The book works through several different scenarios explored in order to find happiness and purpose, and finds none except the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Isaiah also weighs in on the discussion.  In his prophecy, God makes it very clear that He created the Earth, and that “He did not create it empty, He formed it to be inhabited” (Isaiah 45:18).  God is declaring that there is a purpose to our existence, and the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

The World Makes Sense!

You see, a belief in a God explains things that don’t make sense about our world.  Once we put God and eternity into the picture, we can see a purpose beyond our otherwise short, pointless life cycles.  We can understand that this life isn’t ‘it’; it’s just our probationary time.

It’s our time to pick a path and try our best to serve God, so that we might be part of filling the world with God’s glory in the future.  Because of this hope, we can be comforted that even if our life doesn’t work out as we wish, there’s something greater worth hoping for.

Want to hear more on this topic? Listen to the podcast below.

The post Life’s Big Questions: What is the meaning of life? appeared first on Search for Hope.

The post God’s promises DO affect your future! appeared first on Search for Hope.

The post What is the world coming to? appeared first on Search for Hope.