graham blog

by Graham MolAs inevitable as the sun rising in the morning, we're going to commit some kind of sin at some stage. Even the most dedicated and mature Christians get it wrong at times, we are not yet perfect and if we think we are, then our pride betrays us. What this means is that every time we sin we have a choice. How will this affect my relationship with the Lord? Do I let it push me away from Him, or do I swallow my pride and come humbly before Him, just as I am? The classic hymn: "Just as I am" contains wonderful truths about coming to the Lord "just as we are," acknowledging that we are not worthy, that we are sinners, but that He is good and merciful.So let's take a moment to look at each verse and appreciate the wisdom and truth contained in the lyrics.Just as I am, without one plea,But that Thy blood was shed for me,And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,O Lamb of God, I come! I come!We come to the Lord "without one plea," that is, God does not owe us anything, we have not earned His favour - BUT that Jesus shed His blood for us, giving His life to save us from our sin - AND that He has called us to come to Him. These two facts are unchangeable and no matter how we are feeling about ourselves, we can still come to Him, just as we are.Just as I am, and waiting notTo rid my soul of one dark blot;To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,O Lamb of God, I come, I come!There is such an important lesson to be learnt in this verse. So often we let the shame of our sin hold us back from coming to the Lord to be cleansed of our uncleanness. We do ourselves a disservice in this. Let us rather not wait to be cleansed of that "dark blot". The blood of Jesus that washes us white as snow is how this cleansing of our souls is often described. Allow His holiness cleanse you of the impurities you have allowed into your life through sin. Not only that, but be free of the shame. Don't delay.Just as I am, though tossed aboutWith many a conflict, many a doubt;Fightings within, and fears without,O Lamb of God, I come, I come!We don't need to have it all together to come to God. We find an internal battle going on in us between the old sinful desires and our new desires to obey the Lord. We do not have to have that battle concluded before we can come to Him. Rather, as we wrestle with such things we should go to Him our strength and refuge.Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;Sight, riches, healing of the mind;Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,O Lamb of God, I come, I come!Not many of us would describe ourselves as "poor, wretched"…

by Graham MolThere is something that will always lift my day and that is kindness. Whether I am the one experiencing the kindness of others or if I have the opportunity to be kind to another, it always puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Maybe you can relate. Even if the act of kindness is such a small thing, like slowing down to let you into the lane, small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Be kind. That is one of the core teachings of the Bible. You may be thinking, where does it say that exactly? Well it's contained in what has come to be known as the Golden Rule that Jesus taught us:"Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them."Luke 6:31 CSBYou may know the more traditional translation: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This principle is the epitome of kindness. We would all love people to be friendly and helpful, exhibiting kindness to us. We certainly don't want to be on the receiving end of rudeness, impatience or even hostility.Kindness has this incredible quality of brightening up the lives of others. It communicates to a person that they are worth your time and effort. That they are worth consideration. Everyone wants to feel significant. Even if one is "having a bad day" for whatever reason, an act of kindness, or even kind words spoken in kindness, can give that little lift to one's mood.Being kind is especially effective in an environment or society that is self-centred and preoccupied. So often the default is to expect indifference at best and outright rudeness at worst from the people around us. What a joy it is then in those moments to be surprised by kindness.So today as we begin this new week I'd like to encourage you to follow Christ's mandate: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you". Be that ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Be kind. God BlessGraham

by Graham Mol"The Body of Christ," I'm sure you have heard this term used before and many of you likely understand its meaning. Yet for the sake of all of us being on the same page let me give a brief explanation. The Body of Christ is a metaphor that is used in the Bible to describe the Church. That's not Church as in the building, but rather all the people who follow Jesus. It is everyone who has received salvation through Jesus, both past and present. The Bible makes it clear that all who believe are not isolated individuals but are all connected to one another. The following passage sums up quite nicely why and how we believers are called "The Body of Christ":The Church is called “one body in Christ” in Romans 12:5, “one body” in 1 Corinthians 10:17, “the body of Christ” in 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 4:12, and “the body” in Hebrews 13:3. The Church is clearly equated with “the body” of Christ in Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:24.When Christ entered our world, He took on a physical body “prepared” for Him (Hebrews 10:5; Philippians 2:7). Through His physical body, Jesus demonstrated the love of God clearly, tangibly, and boldly—especially through His sacrificial death on the cross (Romans 5:8). After His bodily ascension, Christ continues His work in the world through those He has redeemed—the Church now demonstrates the love of God clearly, tangibly, and boldly. In this way, the Church functions as “the Body of Christ.”~ from Got QuestionsWe, the Church, are the body while Jesus is the head. As we follow Him together we function as a whole. Yes there are many different and diverse congregations, just as there are many different and diverse people within each of those congregations. Yet despite these differences we are all united. However, because of the fallen nature of this world and that we are imperfect people who are on a journey of being sanctified (that is, becoming more like Jesus), this unity is not always as it should be. Nevertheless, how wonderful it is when we as believers love one another and work together as one body.For this to happen, we all have a role to play:From [Jesus] the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part. (Ephesians 4:16)What this means is that when we each play our part, when we fulfil the unique task given to us, the Body of Christ grows and strengthens. We will be more effective in doing Jesus' work in the world as we embody His love.What this means is that YOU have a role to play. God has created you with unique character traits, talents and abilities that will bless the Body of Christ. No one is irrelevant, no one is too unimportant to contribute. We cannot just be passive hearers of the Word, we need to be doers.What is God calling you to do or be next for…