Connecting Sydney Christadelphian Young People
Influences Shaping Jesus Is the media messing with your mind? Is getting drunk wrong? Are you an inuential friend?
April 2007
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take control of your life!
rom the moment we are born we are all influenced by the people, places and the environment surrounding us. The people we turn out to be are directly related to what we have experienced in our past and how we have responded to situations and people in our lives. Sometimes we are influenced by situations that are out of our control, and often we can be unknowingly influenced positively and negatively. But in many instances we can have control over what we expose ourselves to and what we are influenced by. Through the media we are bombarded by images, music, television shows and movies which promote premarital sex, drunkenness, drug use and degrading behaviour. We have to make a choice - will we be influenced by what the world promotes as acceptable behaviour, or will we be influenced by what our Creator says is behaviour worthy of his children? Thankfully, God kept His own piece of media for us - the Bible. There is no argument over what the right behaviour is on many issues: Is it okay to drink a little too much and get drunk? “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Is it okay to fool around with your boyfriend or girlfriend and be sexually active outside of marriage? “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust...” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Jesus knows how hard these issues are - he experienced all the temptations we do. To highlight how serious they are he said “...if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell” (Matt 5:30). If we are being influenced by things in our lives in a way that is leading us away from the life God has called us to live, we need to cut the sources of the influences off from our lives. If it is your television, throw it out or limit the time you watch it. If it is friends influencing you negatively, limit the amount of time you spend with them. If it is alcohol or drugs, don’t allow yourself to be in a situation where you know you are going to be influenced to do the wrong thing, and seek help if you have trouble controlling yourself. It’s not easy, but if you are seriously committed to living a Christ-like life, then you have to have an active role in putting away bad influences and striving to be influenced by the good, pure and pleasing things God has given all of us in our lives. You can’t always blame others for your behaviour – there is a time everyone has to take responsibilty for their own lives. With love in the Lord, The Editorial Team
Cover artwork: Dreamstime
The Vine is published every two months by the Sydney Christadelphian Young People Editorial Team: Jenny Galbraith, Tim Mogg, Jenni Sawell, Katie Shields, Leah Sawell Masthead design: Alisa Thompson Layout: Jenny Galbraith
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Contributors: Rob Hyndman, Juhee Seo, Tim Creighton, Luke Thurlby, Jodie Errington, Ian Sawell, Doug Mogg, Chris Pooley, Peter Hardy, Mel Kingston, Cara Morgan, Samee Lapham The Vine is published to the glory of our Heavenly Father, through whom all things are made possible. Opinions expressed in The Vine are the authors’ and not necessarily held by the Editorial Team.
thevinescyp@hotmail.com
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CONTENTS JES
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3 Shaping Jesus
11 Photo Spread!
How was Jesus inuenced when he was young?
Photos from Easter Camp!
5 Seeking God in South
13 Is getting drunk wrong?
Korea
Our brothers and sisters in South Korea, though small in number, are big in heart.
Drinking alcohol isn’t wrong, but is getting drunk godly behaviour?
6 Easter Camp in review
15 Conscription shock!
Tim Creighton relives the highs and lows of our awesome Easter weekend.
What would happen if we were conscripted to the army today?
7 Shifrah and Puah
21 Reviews
These two godly women are barely remembered, but their courage saved a nation.
Review of a Christadelphian album from the UK: Refuge. The Vine
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Shaping Jesus
We sometimes forget Jesus was once a young person just like us, with his surroundings shaping the person he would become.
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ometimes we imagine that Jesus’ life was so different from ours that there is nothing we can learn from his experiences. True, he had no television, iPod, internet or car, he never went to movies or sporting events, and he had no overseas holidays. But he was human and so must have experienced many of the same temptations, difficulties and choices that any young person has to make. Although he lived most of his life in an obscure village in an isolated part of the world, he would also have seen much of what his world had to offer. For several years during Jesus’ childhood, he was a refugee living in Egypt (Matthew 2:13–23). Maybe he saw the pyramids and the Sphinx as a young toddler. When Joseph and Mary returned to
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Nazareth to live, Jesus may have been around four or five years old and ready to go to school. For young Jewish boys, formal education began at five years of age in the local synagogue where they studied the written Torah (our Old Testament). For seven years Jesus would have memorized the Old Testament scriptures, and possibly some of the rabbinical commentaries. He must have learned much more than usual because the Jewish teachers were “amazed at his understanding” (Luke 2:47). Next time you’re struggling to memorize some information for an exam, just think how hard it would be to memorize Leviticus! At around age 12, Jesus probably went to work with his step-father Joseph in the family business. Any education after that was done in his spare time when he wasn’t working. Yet he did manage to learn a lot—so much that “the Jews were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having studied?’ ” (John 7:15). Of course, he learned through spending time with his Father in prayer and in the scriptures. We are told that Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3) and a carpenter’s son (Matthew 13:55). So presumably Jesus and his step-father Joseph worked together. The word translated “carpenter” is the Greek word tekton, which means any kind of builder rather
than only those who work with wood. Since most buildings were made of stone in that area, it is actually much more likely that Jesus and Joseph were stone masons than carpenters. There wouldn’t have been much work for Jesus in Nazareth as it was a very small village with few houses. However, about six kilometres from Nazareth was Sepphoris, a city of 30,000 people and the capital of Galilee until AD 19. It had been destroyed, and Herod Antipas financed a complete reconstruction of the city during the time Jesus was living in Nazareth and working as a builder. Almost certainly, Jesus and Joseph would have found work in the rebuilding program. Consequently, Jesus may have worked on building the 4000 seat amphitheatre or one of the magnificent mosaic floors in the Roman
said “those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces” (Luke 7:25). Seeing how the rich lived while he had very little must have had a big impact on him. Most of us in Australia have money to spend on leisure and pleasure, whereas Jesus would have had only enough for food and simple clothing. Jesus’ family life was difficult. It seems that Joseph died some time before Jesus was 30. So Jesus may have become the main wage-earner for his mother, four brothers and at least three sisters (Matthew 13:55–56). His brothers came to reject his claims to be the Son of God and thought he had gone mad (Mark 3:21; John 7:5). Presumably this means that his brothers did not believe the story of the virgin birth and thought that their mother was lying. There must have been
True, he had no television, iPod, internet or car, he never went to movies or sporting events, and he had no overseas holidays. But he was human and so must have experienced many of the same temptations, difficulties and choices that any young person has to make. mansions. The experience of working in Sepphoris influenced Jesus’ teaching. For example, he often alludes to the actors in the theatre. The word “hypocrite” literally means “stage actor”. When he criticizes the Pharisees, he is saying they are acting as if they are religious without it being from the heart. Jesus may even have seen some of the theatre productions while he was working in Sepphoris. A builder’s wages were small—about 2 sesterces per day, or about half a denarius. That is, enough to buy food, but there wouldn’t have been much left over after paying for a meal or two. Yet he would have seen the rich lifestyle of the wealthy in the palaces of Sepphoris. Perhaps he was thinking of them when he
considerable tension between Jesus and his family because he virtually disowns them (including Mary) in Mark 3:31–35. This made his relationship with his Father even more precious to him. Jesus knew what it was to be a refugee, to live in poverty, to have family problems, to see things he could never have, and to work hard to earn a living. After all, he was human and he experienced all the temptations and influences that come with being human. But he learned through his experiences (Hebrews 5:8) and didn’t give in to the temptations (Hebrews 4:15). He promises to help us do the same. Rob Hyndman
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Seeking God in...
South Korea
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ear young people in Sydney, Hi! I’m so thrilled to introduce to you the young people in Korea. I guess I need to tell you a little about the ecclesia in South Korea before I start; there are two ecclesias in the country, one in Seoul and the other in Daegu. Since they are located in two different cities which are far from each other, and many of the brethren and sisters live some distance from the ecclesias, our young people don’t have the opportunity to see each other very often. We have 14 young people including those currently studying abroad; there are six boys and eight girls in total and one boy and three girls are currently studying in Sydney. The age range is from 13 to 33. Half of us live in Seoul area and the other half live in Daegu, Busan and other places near those two cities. Even though we live far away from each other, we feel very close to each other.
overview of our faith. We also played games and sports activities on the beach. We held our second camp quite recently, which was for three days. We stayed in a cabin near a ski resort North of Seoul and had a great time studying the Word as well as skiing and snowboarding. On this occasion we covered a number of proofs for the existence of God (The reason why we chose these topics for the camp is that most of our young people haven’t really had the opportunity to do much Bible study and hence have very little understanding of God.) We achieved a lot through both camps; although the amount of knowledge we gained might not have been much, importantly our young people learned that they can build up friendships as well as encourage each other spiritually. Even though we have only experienced two camps so far, we were surprised to see how our minds and thoughts can be spiritually uplifted at these
“We are so blessed that we can come together to learn God’s Word as we know that there are many people who don’t have such a chance in other countries.” It is not easy for us to get together due to problems of distance and time. However, we try to as much as possible because we really understand how important it is to share fellowship in Christ, as well as learn about the Word of God together in order to grow spiritually. That’s why we decided to plan regular Youth Camps recently. We have had two camps so far, which were very successful; at the first camp, we spent two days near the beach where we studied a general
camps. The best news is that after our last camp, two boys decided to prepare for baptism! We are so blessed that we can come together to learn God’s Word as we know that there are many people who don’t have such a chance in other countries. I hope I have given you some idea about the young people in Korea. If you would like to visit Korea or to know more about us, please feel free to write an email to me at seojuhee@hotmail.com or Bro. Matthew Jamieson at mkjamieson@gmail.com. We don’t know most of you, however, we do know we share the same faith and hope in Christ. We also look forward to the Kingdom as you do. God bless. Love in Christ, Juhee Seo
Thinking of visiting South Korea? Korean Bible School August 11-19th, 2007 Contact Helen Hindmarsh: bigshed2@bigpond.net.au 5
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Easter Camp 2007 ... in review No sleep, freezing conditions, bad poetry... as Tim Creighton found out, there’s nothing more could you ask for in a weekend!
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aster Camp 2007 was held at picturesque Mt Victoria and attended by approximately 100 people. The weekend was based around the studies of various parables of Jesus and their practical relevance to the life of a disciple of Christ. Combining humour with sound Biblical expositionTJ Redding captured the attention of those present from his first talk to the very last despite the ever wearying eyes of those present after consecutive nights without enough sleep. A popular feature during relaxation time was the renaissance of the game of handball. Passion flowed as men acted like boys as they sought to become ‘ace’ in a very amateurish sport. The Pooley clan were particularly vicious and fought their way consistently to the top by eliminating those younger, and generally female, than themselves. On the flip side, Belinda Pherrington consistently sought to eliminate her husband but unfortunately David usually eliminated himself. Every dinner
we were tortured with hearing particularly bad poetry written by talentless poets who had recently mastered the rhyming couplet. The subject matter was tacky – ‘I Lurve you – You know I do –Your eyes are so blue – And your hair white like glue - and combined with the bile produced by dinner brought on feelings of nausea and the ever threat of a technicoloured yawn…perhaps it was just me though. On the subject of food it is good to report that it was present in abundance. The soup Nazi of last year’s Easter Camp was not present.The meals were large enough to satisfy and of good camp quality. For the standard troglodyte who only consumes McDonalds et al it would have been like eating at a five star restaurant every meal. Overall, like always, the camp was a good experience with everyone enjoying themselves and people coming away with practical knowledge about not only the parables, but how to knit, tie knots, study the Bible and how not to write poetry.
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Shifrah and Puah: Rebels with a cause
“And the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, and the name of one was Shifrah, and the name of the other Puah; And he said, When you do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.” (Exodus 1:15-17)
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ere is a story that encourages you to NOT do what you are told! Now before you get all excited, I’m not encouraging you to disrespect authority and forget everything your parents taught you. As always there is a little bit of fine print. Taking a lesson from two Hebrew midwives I’d like you to think about your decision making process. When you have to make a tough decision what motivates you? Do you look at your options and choose the one that seems the easiest? Choosing between easy and hard is not what being a follower of Christ is all about. It’s about choosing God. When this decree came along Shifra and Puah could have taken an easy way out. They could have resigned from their jobs. If they resigned they would either be risking the wrath of Pharaoh by not following his directions, or be faced with the distasteful task of killing babies. But they stayed in their jobs, defied Pharaoh’s orders, and saved countless babies, including Moses. Why did they take this risk? Verse 17 says that they did this because they feared God. You can be afraid of feeling awkward or embarrassed, of being persecuted or even of hard work. This is the fear that Shifrah and 7
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Puah had to overcome in order to do what they knew was right. There is another kind of fear: one that comes from recognising God’s awesome power and majesty, and having faith in his plan for this earth; and as Shifrah and Puah have shown, the result of this fear is loving obedience. If Shifrah and Puah had simply followed orders and done their job, then Moses would have been killed as soon as he was born. To fear God means you put God before every other aspect of your life. When faced with a decision, when you are at a crossroads, you choose God’s way. The next time you are faced with a tough decision, remember this.The destiny of the Jews would have been profoundly different if two midwives had been a little less afraid and had just done what they were told to do. Tim Mogg
My Dad because of his connection to anything emotional, and my mum for her stoicism. - Tim Creighton
Josh Lawrie, because he’s beautiful. - Ellie Tregenza
What has been your greatest influence?
My parents and family because they are the people that really care about you and make sure you do the right thing. - Josh Lawrie
I’m not influenced, I influence others. - Lizzy Oldfield
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Are you an influential friend? R
ecently I had a look at a photo of my Sunday school class from when I was 15. Only three of the eight people in the photo (including myself) were still going to the meeting. I wondered where the others might be and what they might be doing. I remembered that most of those missing from the photo had been involved with people that were a bad influence on them and that the reason why they were no longer attending anything was mainly due to the friends they had made during their
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teenage years. This made me realise that mixing with people that can influence us in the wrong direction can be one of the biggest mistakes we can ever make. It has often been said that you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. I think that if we choose the right friends, they will become our family. Our spiritual family. So how do we choose the right friends? The greatest of friends will always have your best interests at heart. They will actively encourage you to participate
in activities that are spiritually, mentally and physically good for you and will discourage anything that could potentially hurt you. But it can’t all be one-sided. If your friends influence the decisions you make, chances are you influence theirs too. So how can we be a good influence on our friends and make sure we all stay together on the walk to the Kingdom so that none of us get left behind or go down the wrong path? One of the most important things we can do is be supportive of each other. At a young age we don’t always realise the importance of good friends. If you strike up good friendships with people who believe in the same thing as yourself especially early on in your teen years it will be one of the greatest life investments you ever make. A lot of people out there will try and pressure you in to doing things that you really don’t want to do or that you do want to do but know you shouldn’t. As Christadelphians we need to make sure we don’t give in to this pressure or be the ones handing it out. There is never anything worse then feeling you are being backed into a corner and feeling forced to do something outside of your comfort zone. Respect is one of the most important aspects of a friendship and respecting your friend’s wishes in this type of situation can be absolutely vital. Look beneath the surface, your friends may be acting cool but deep down they’re uncomfortable. This goes for you too; being honest is a crucial key. If you’re not feeling comfortable with things you or your friends are involved with, speak up. Chances are someone else feels the same but is too scared to say it.
Be wary of so-called friends who betray, tempt, pressure or lie to you because before you know it they could have influenced you to get yourself into trouble, or worse, to pressure someone else to do the same. I don’t blame myself personally that five of the eight people in my Sunday school class no longer attend anything but I often wonder if perhaps I had encouraged them more to come along and had kept in regular contact, maybe things might have been different. When we feel like we aren’t wanted or we’re lonely we tend to look elsewhere for acceptance, and this is something we need to be so careful about. Look out
If you’re not feeling comfortable with things you or your friends are involved with, speak up. Chances are someone else feels the same but is too scared to say it. for each other. If you feel like someone is either a bit lonely or they don’t seem to have many friends make the effort to talk to them. Be a friend to them. This can be one of the most influential and encouraging things we can do in the life of a fellow young person. The way we influence each other will in turn influence our own lives. There is no better way to influence each other than in the way that we live and the way we treat each other. Be a good example yourself, others will see it. And may it be when you come to look at your Sunday school photos in 10 years time, there’s no one missing. “As iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Prov 27:17) Luke Thurlby The Vine
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Easter Camp 2007
IS GETTING DRUNK WRONG? Drinking alcohol is not wrong (when you are over 18), but is getting drunk the right kind of behaviour for a Christian?
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’m not going to tell you that alcohol is all bad. But just as surely as there are lots of people responsibly enjoying alcohol out there, there are lots of people who are suffering from it as well. While you’re young and fit it seems harmless but as you get older you realise how many people are harmed by alcohol use. You have all seen the statistics at school and heard the horror stories. It is impossible to get a driver’s license without knowing that alcohol can have an influence on you. But what you may not have thought about is God’s perspective on alcohol. God said to Aaron, “Do not drink
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wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.” For Aaron, being sober was more than keeping his license. It was a matter of life and death. It was to apply to him and his descendants forever. It was very important that the priests understood what was holy and what
was not. I find it very interesting that God chose abstinence from alcohol for the priests as a special sign of what was holy. Jesus used wine, one of the symbols of the Passover, as a beautiful symbol of his blood. When we want to remember Jesus we drink wine, usually alcoholic, with grateful thanks. When we do this we share a special
Don’t fool yourself - drinking yourself drunk is NOT acceptable behavior. Not only is it seriously dangerous to your physical health but by sedating your conscience you risk your spiritual health and the spiritual health of your friends as well. Next time you are out drinking, ask yourself, would Jesus enjoy the company and conversation if he was
“What do we and our friends use alcohol for? Are you drinking it with friends and family to celebrate the joy of life responsibly and in moderation? Or are we using alcohol to loosen our inhibitions, to please our own senses and getting carried away altogether? Do we really think that this is holy behaviour?” relationship with him. We remember what he has done for us in giving his life in service to God and as a sacrifice for our sins. What do we and our friends use alcohol for? Are you drinking it with friends and family to celebrate the joy of life - responsibly and in moderation? Or are we using alcohol to loosen our inhibitions, to please our own senses and getting carried away altogether? Do we really think that this is holy behaviour?
here? Or would Jesus say, “Let’s get out of here, I don’t recognise anyone here.” Would I be too drunk to recognise my Saviour? In Titus 2:11 we read; “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Ian Sawell
Alcohol is a potentially addictive and influential drug. If you are worried you or anyone you know has a problem with it please talk to someone about it.Call the Christadelphian Support Service on 0407 558 819 or email our Welfare coordinator at katieannegeorgette@gmail.com to talk about getting help. The Vine
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el ntha at w eosrpldo p r y a l n i d I b o w t e c i v to reeat ser al h n t o i t s a i r d N l g y o e n c i t r h n la t alel r1ge8 yea hat will poesescda by rld idpdeleace seeem t n do l l i o M b w e e w m c i e o v n o w r t e sn and e e of the s i m r old e r h n t a a i e s s ’ y y r A b a 8 e 1 y d l E l e sleeeasat one e l Eapstos / S ew M t d a d i do n e e h t m , o e n w c . d n e e a n c h i i litearnyaserv e year’s mioliftarty all SE deAraslian mim e on / F t s t a s e n a l a i E l t a a r t Aus the , e c n e. a c i i l l v r a e s y r y a r t i a l t i i m l mil a r e d e F Australian by Doug Mogg
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he scenario is not out of the bounds of possibility! The world’s political situation is capable of rapid change. Think 9/11 USA! On a trip to Israel in January, we became very used to groups of armed 18-year-old national service trainees, male and female walking the streets. Many other countries also have compulsory National Service e.g. South Africa, Switzerland, Eastern European states. In some there is no process for exemption! Conscription was last introduced in Australia during the Vietnam War in 1964-1972. A task force of up to 8000 Australian national service men was maintained in the war zone. In all 423 were killed and 2400 wounded. 15
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A partial conscription system was used, nicknamed the “birthday ballot”. Dates were drawn at random and any male turning 18 on that date was called up for military service. In 1964 as I began my first year of teaching, my call up papers arrived. I made an application for exemption and eventually my hearing was set down for August 24, 1965 at the Magistrates Court in Newcastle. Mr Cooper SM was hearing exemption application cases (He was an ex-army colonel!) A Mr Halliday for the Commonwealth cross-examined with many questions; often posing very hypothetical situations. ‘If the enemy was at the door and they are threatening your mother and family – are you going to stand aside and let
them be killed?” In his summary, after admitting that he believed I held religious conscientious beliefs – he determined that I should register as a non-combatant (be in the army in a non-fighting role). We made an appeal as allowed under the act – and almost 12 months later I appeared before Judge McIntosh at the Newcastle district court. Mr Small QC, wig and all, appeared for the crown. His cross examination lasted a couple of hours – I remember
sincerely held a conscientious objection – not to judge or evaluate the beliefs I held). He referred to precedent cases – he had obviously read the history of Christadelphian objection – and granted me full exemption. It was interesting that on the way out, the QC who had badgered me around the courtroom, shook my hand and said with a smile, ‘Fellows like you would only be a nuisance in the army anyway!’ For him it had all just been a day’s work. I remember feeling exhausted and
Looking back now I can actually see the experience as a blessing! It was a God given opportunity for me to really examine where I stood, to make God’s way a real resolve in my life. it was pretty grueling. The questioning was often intended to make you appear unsure of yourself or to trap you into saying something that would sound contradictory. e.g. You believe killing is evil? So the army must be evil? You previously stated that Christ commanded you not to resist evil. Why are you resisting the army? In his summation, the judge reviewed his obligations under the act (which was to basically to determine only if I
relieved that it was finally over, but I never felt scared or nervous. There were obviously times when I could have given better answers; but my resolve had been to tell the truth as best I could – and be respectful to the court. Looking back now I can actually see the experience as a blessing! It was a God given opportunity for me to really examine where I stood, to make God’s way a real resolve in my life.
Look out! A new Australian publication “A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE” has just been published and is now in the process of being distributed. It tells the history and personal stories of believers who, because of their conscience towards God, were willing to suffer the consequences of refusing their army call up. Talk to the librarian at your ecclesia for a copy. The Vine
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Is the media messing with your mind? The media’s significant influence calls us to remodel our lives in order to achieve happiness, but modeling our lives on Jesus Christ will ensure this happiness will last for ever.
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s members of Generation Y, we have grown up in a society that claims it has empowered us to question the consensus view and promote individualism. This has seen the development of movements such as alternate rock and the creation of concepts such as multiculturalism. However, despite this supposed empowerment the media continues to play a huge part in our lives as it compels us to remodel our lives in order to achieve materialistic or social benefits. Throughout the day we are bombarded by the media through TV, newspapers, magazines, the radio and the internet. We are told what we should desire, how we should dress and ultimately how we should live. The central focus of media outlets is to promote personal renovation that will guarantee a greater quality of life. These can often have positive implications as research is released that can improve our quality of life through exercise and diet, and has also been a source of preaching as we seek to offer others the chance to improve their life by developing a love for God. However, the media has many negative implications and it is these that are affecting our lives and draw us away from God. The media promotes that individual happiness is essential and that we should look after number one. However God calls us to place the needs of others above our own. The media also endorses the policy ‘If it feels good, do it’. However God calls us to not 17
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become entangled in temptation and give into our human desire to sin. Due to the force of the media it is difficult to ignore these principles, especially since they often bring momentary pleasure. Guitarist and singer Jack Johnson identified the negative hold the media has over our generation in his song ‘Gone’, singing, “Look at all those fancy clothes, But these could keep us warm just like those. And what about your soul? Is it cold? Is it straight from the mould, and ready to be sold?”. We should not seek to clothe ourselves in the ideals promoted by society, but rather those endorsed by God. Ephesians 6 records how you can clothe yourself in God by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes prepared to preach the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Holy Spirit. We should not let ourselves become a part of the mould formulated by the media. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:16-17, “you should no longer walk as the rest of the gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart”. We should mould ourselves on the ultimate trendsetter, our friend and saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus places the cares of the world in perspective for us in Matthew 6:25-26, saying, “If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” (The Message). God has given us his son as a trendsetter, so that we might follow in his footsteps. Hebrews 12:1-2 says “let us run with endurance the race that is set
We should mould ourselves on the ultimate trendsetter, our friend and saviour, Jesus Christ. before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”.. We should constantly renovate our own lives in order to follow Jesus and through the use of the Bible we can gain things no medium, despite their claims, can offer. Happiness: “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! (Psalm 144:15). Satisfaction: “I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). Gift ideas: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”, (1 Peter 4:10). And ultimately love: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39). Chris Pooley
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Kingdom
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eace. What I look forward to in the Kingdom is having the complete peace that comes from a pure and perfect connection with my creator. I look forward to having a mind free of distraction, free of cares, free of wondering what is going to happen next. I will be free forever, of wondering why I keep making the same mistakes and disappointing my Lord. I will be free of ALL doubt and fear and guilt, free of tiredness, free of sickness, free of insecurities, free of criticism, free of apprehension, free of arguments, free of hate, free to love, and most of all, free of the burden of sin.
The best part is that everyone else will be experiencing the exact same peace. I look forward to talking and being with people from the bible I have read about for years. Speaking with Jesus or speaking with someone with such courage and faith as King David, or someone with the wisdom of his son, King Solomon, would just be an amazing thing. I can’t wait to look around at the faces of everyone I love beside me, each one glowing with the radiant glory of being at peace with God... Peter Hardy and Mel Kingston
Ecclesial Profile ...Doonside
“The Doonside Christadelphians” are living their lives for the Lord!
F
irst of all I must admit that I gave a small snort of laughter when I wrote the title ‘The Doonside Christadelphians’ It sounded so incredibly formal for such a young, groovy, way out, westy, crazy, goofy, fun, fantastic and great group of young people! If you get to know us a little better you will find that we often refer to ourselves (or are referred to as) ”The Doony Gang”. This nothing like the Kelly Gang of course but just a group of people with amazing friendship, beautiful personalities and huge love for God. At present we all come together once a fortnight on a Wednesday. We meet at alternating houses to discuss various spiritual topics - or issues we face from day to day. The night allows us to delve into the precious word that God has given us and to strengthen the friendships we share. We get to try our hand at arts and crafts with the help of Sara and share a lovely supper together afterwards (hot pies and sausage rolls seem to be the favourite…they always go first!) We have a preaching committee who are working
hard to create ideas and opportunities for the community to come and share with us in learning about our God and the future He has in store for us! Doonside is going through an exciting change at the moment! We have discussed many ideas like planting trees or a garden out the front of the hall, organising social activities once a month - as well as bigger social/preaching events, like fairs, or musical days…or arts events! We have bought new sound equipment for the hall and hope to use it not only for the meetings, but for upcoming events like the praise night we are organising! We have heaps of ideas and lots of enthusiasm! But we do kindly ask that you keep your prayers with us as we grow and change together, for God! Please come and visit, we would love to see you! May God bless you and keep you ALL in His care! Stay strong and smile lots! All the Doonside young people send their love and prayers to each and every one of you! Cara Morgan
The Vine
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Reviews Refuge: UK Christadelphians
T
he album Refuge declares the Word of God in music, focusing primarily on the Psalms. Put together by UK Christadelphians, the aim was, and is, to collect proceeds for the African Youth Camp Fund with the initiative to set up annual youth camps for the young Christadelphians in Africa that promise a safe environment
tranquil music but for its powerful and beneficial message to us. As David wrote many of the Psalms he was repeatedly escaping evil men who were trying to kill him, with no one to trust and no where that was safe – so he ran to the Lord and he found refuge, truly proclaiming that there is no way but God’s way. “Our help is in the name, the name of the Lord, The maker of Heaven and Earth, Praise be to the Lord.” (Psalm 124)
The album follows the theme of having a direction and a constant protection in this world – finding refuge in our Father. to learn and be strengthened by God’s love. With this, they ask that you do not burn the CD for all your friends! The album follows the theme of having a direction and a constant protection in this world – finding refuge in our Father. I really enjoy this album not only for its continuously
(All music written and performed by John Palmer, Esther Alleyne, Suzie Purkis, Anna Ryder, Phil Ashcroft, Richard Alleyne, Sarah Thistlethwaite; Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jon Cotton.) Samee Lapham
“Our help is in the name, the name of the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth. Praise be to the Lord” (Psalm 124) 21
The Vine
Heard it on
th e.. .
Grapevine Births Arabella Colette Morgan (Bek and Daniel)
Engagements Michelle Lawrie and Sam O’Toole Hayley Williams and Murray Askin
The NSW Christadelphian Support Service It is a private and confidential service for YOU • Telephone helpline provided by trained individuals who will listen to anyone in absolute confidentiality and refer them to professional help if required. • Chat line / online counselling • Regular seminar program on topical welfare matters • Marriage enrichment and parenting courses
Weddings
Heather Rendell and Mark Stewart
Write for The Vine!
Got something that is worrying you or on your mind? Need to talk to someone confidentially about absolutely anything? Phone - 0407 558 819 (24 hours) Email: youthsupport@caring4u.org.au www.caring4u.org.au/cssyouth The Vine
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“I am the true vine...”