This Lent, Common Grace and Bible Society Australia invite us to rediscover Jesus's profound teachings veiled in everyday stories. As we come together, we're praying for ears to hear these teachings of Jesus afresh, to let them get past our defences and under our skin, as they transform us to make things right in this world.
The Rich Man and Lazarus is a Lent teaching by Rev Keith Jobberns
This series has been produced by Common Grace and Bible Society Australia.
This April, as you prepare your heart and mind to celebrate Easter, we pray that you'll be encouraged and draw closer to our Saviour through this special devotion series "Before the Cross". Every week, we'll feature inspiring messages from BUV leaders and this week, you'll hear from Rev Gayle Hill, who shares with us about the impossible and at times for some, incomprehensible forgiveness that the cross represents.
Week 2: Impossible Forgiveness by Rev Gayle Hill, Head of Mission Catalyst, BUV
In preparing for our Sunday evening gathering at our community of faith* this week I wrestled with giving a very concise and simplistic (not necessarily simple) summary of the Easter story – something that would relate to pre-believers who are undoubtedly under-resourced, and often over-burdened. My reading was from John 8:1-11, the story of the woman caught in adultery. It is the story of audacious and radical forgiveness, so unexpected and impudent that it raises the hackles of the pious and righteous and brings reprieve and freedom for the guilty. This story raised a conversation full of pathos that was truly representative of all that Easter means.
My usual questioner asked: – “How can God forgive paedophiles?” (knowing there is a deeper issue there that is yet to be disclosed). “Will God punish me if I can’t forgive? (understandably missing the point that forgiveness is a journey alongside the revelation of the love of a merciful and gracious God).
Other questions arose; “How do I forgive the abuser of my daughters”?, “How do I forgive the murderer of my mother?”, “How do I forgive my brother who physically and sexually abused me?” “How do I forgive my family for abandoning me after I contracted HIV?” “How do I forgive a God who let my son die last year?” “How do I forgive my son who has continued to take drugs after coming clean and regaining custody of his son?”
Quite simply there was a sense of being in the presence of breath-taking sacredness where people trusted enough to share their innermost pain and confusion. No glib or definitive answer was able to be given for the deep suffering experienced in that room, but it was clear that the God we love and serve, loved us enough to enter into the sorrows of life, yes even our lives, and bring about reconciliation of heart, soul and mind through forgiveness. What does Easter mean? Many things – but in that room for that night, the overwhelming gift of impossible forgiveness.
*My community of faith is held within a social housing precinct.
Source: BUV News
Why would a great and innocent man willingly die? As Easter approaches we ask a number of guests some big questions about the central event of that first Easter week – the death of Jesus. A fresh exploration of the week that changed the world.
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Consider the heart of the Christian story and how it makes the world a better place
Easter is the week that changed the world. As Easter approaches we ask a number of guests some big questions about the events and circumstances of that first Easter week. A conversation with poetry, parables and a fresh exploration of the week that changed the world.
Money Management
How could anyone be against love? Did you know Jesus taught that love can destroy you?
This Lent, Common Grace and Bible Society Australia invite us to rediscover Jesus's profound teachings veiled in everyday stories. As we come together, we're praying for ears to hear these teachings of Jesus afresh, to let them get past our defences and under our skin, as they transform us to make things right in this world.
In today’s video teaching, Professor Neil Ormerod reflects on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this story, Jesus tells us about two sons: the younger one leaves home and squanders his inheritance. When he returns and is met with grace, love and welcome from his father, the older brother is jealous and hurt.
Who has never felt the sting of missing out on a gift you see someone else receive?
It is easy to sympathise and identify with the older brother. As we examine the idea of justice in this parable, we discover a deeper truth about mercy, responsibility and healing. Our natural inclination may well be toward a version of justice which is black and white. If you do the crime, you do the time. The justice Jesus invites us to take part in, however, is steeped in mercy and forgiveness.
It would be easy (and perhaps logical) to expect that once the younger son repents, he then receives grace and mercy. This parable demonstrates that mercy and grace are often first, with repentance and taking of responsibility the fruit. Undeserved grace does not mean ignoring issues. It does mean, however, a recognition that all fall short and all receive undeserved mercy. In this context, taking responsibility for our actions and repenting are about healing and growth, instead of an action which is rooted in a punitive system of earning acceptance. God welcomes us into his richer economy of mercy, forgiveness and grace.
The justice Jesus teaches us about challenges us to truly live a merciful life: towards others as well as ourselves. Justice is not about punishment: it’s about healing. When we can stand freely in our own shortcomings and receive healing, we are free to truly extend this to others thus reflecting the face of Jesus.
This series has been produced by Common Grace and Bible Society Australia.