Dear sisters and brothers,
I remember the exact time and place. It was on a Wednesday afternoon in late 1972 returning to Parramatta down Windsor Rd Baulkham Hills. I was seated next to Bert, a fair bit older than I was, who loved his Mini Minor – remember those? Bert had been converted only in his 40’s and had then trained for ministry. He was very down to earth and very effective for the kingdom. “Deryck, I’ve come to realize that 90% of the Christian life is not about learning new stuff. It’s about reminding yourself of what you already know so you can do it.”
The Apostle Paul writes to the young minister he is mentoring, Timothy: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” (2 Timothy 2:8.)
While we must take every opportunity to learn more of God’s word, more of what he has said and done; while “growing in the knowledge of God” is essential; while studying the PTC or even at theological college can be life-changing and equip us much more deeply for God’s service, It’s possible to drift away from “Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David.
I’ve done it myself – not deliberately, but by not remembering to choose to remember Christ Jesus risen from the dead, descended from David.
Bert was right – we know lots if we know Christ. But constantly remembering the gospel truths about Jesus is what we need to do if we are to continue to live for him.
It’s always “Back to the gospel”
I ask you to pray for our two parish-linked schools along these lines. They have asked us to pray as follows:
For Broughton Anglican College: Continue to pray for the College as our building program continues. Give thanks for the provision of the resources to build the Junior School Teaching facility and for the impact this new building will have in teaching and learning at the College.
Pray for Year 12 as they complete their major works and prepare for their Higher School Certificate.
For St Peter’s Anglican Primary School: Pray that obstacles preventing growth would be removed and for the boldness to take necessary steps.
Give thanks for the community engagement in the school at this time. Pray for those who are keen to join our community in 2021.
Give thanks for the link with St. Peter’s Church and for the opportunity for Ministry staff and teaching staff to present the Gospel to our families each week.
Thank God for the schools and their staff and households and pray that each one will continue to remember.
And pray that we, too, will remember Christ Jesus risen from the dead, descended from David.
Sincerely in Christ,
Deryck Howell,
Acting Senior Rector