Local Discovery
Recently a friend of mine said that during these four months of lock down he has discovered something new! It is the local countryside just a few minutes from where he lives.
He has not gone too far on his bike down rural lanes and farmland tracks which have revealed stunning scenes of local natural beauty.
Of course, these fields, plants and views have been there for many years, but for him it was all new...you could say it was a revelation!
I found this quite profound: Right on his doorstep was something that in ‘normal’ or ‘pre-coronavirus’ life he would never have seen or experienced.
It reminded me of a few verses in the letter to the Roman Christians written by Paul in the New Testament...
““God’s teaching is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” That is the teaching of faith that we tell. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from death, then you will be saved.”
In this part of the letter Paul reminded his readers that knowing God is not a far-off thing. Quite the opposite, it’s very close!
The Bible tells us that evidence of God’s existence is seen in His creation. When one ‘sees’ this then Paul wrote that to know the God behind it all starts with two steps: First, to state ‘Jesus is Lord’, in other words acknowledging that Jesus the Boss, the Master, the King. And secondly believing what the Bible says that Jesus is not dead but alive.
Here’s the thing...you don’t have to go anywhere special, dress up, get permission or wait until a certain age to do this! It can be done right in your living room. God has always been there and is there for you!
Like my cycling friend, this begins with that moment of ‘revelation’. For him, the discovery of what has always been there just moments from his house was life changing. You can know God today. He is and always been right there...have you discovered Him yet?
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader