Choosing My Religion

Is Christianity just one of many religions on offer - a bit like choosing shampoo at the supermarket? They all do the same job - it's just that different people have different preferences.

In my hometown of Foleshill, there are plenty to choose from (religions that is - not shampoos). We've got Muslims, Hindus, Krishnas, Sikhs . . .   and our (comparatively) small Christian community house right in the middle of it all.

We're in the minority - that's for sure. But what makes us think we're right? CS Lewis expressed some thoughts on the matter. I've used them in this poem. . . .

So many people with so many views!
How can I decide which religion to choose?
Fifty five faiths in Foleshill alone!
Twenty two temples within a mile of my home!

Krishnas and Hindus and reincarnation
Achieving good karma their way of salvation
Don't forget Buddhists - an ancient tradition
With ceasing to exist their eventual ambition.

And there's hundreds of Muslims -
Who follow Mohammed.
Then Jews and then Christians -
They can't all be valid!

How can I decide which religion to be?
Well maybe it's Jesus who holds the key.

A righteous man - of that there's no doubt.
The bread of life with nowt taken out
Said "I am the truth, the life and the way.
Trust in me - believe and obey!"

But can we believe that Jesus is Lord?
'Cause maybe that man was simply a fraud?
But if all his teaching was a terrible lie,
Then why was Jesus so ready to die?

Jesus Christ believed what he said.
So maybe he'd lost it in the head?
But if he was mad - simply one of the nutters,
Explain the wisdom in each word he utters.

The only realy choice is that Jesus is king
He calls every nation to look upon him
Whoever you are, the gospel's the same -
Salvation is found in no other name!

1426 Ways to Grow Your Church

Well, one way actually. But it's found in 1 Corinthians 14:26 (look it up). Too many Christians come to church as consumers and not as contributors. The New Testament suggests that church is more like a 'bring and share' meal, rather than a trip to a restaurant. 

I wrote the hymn below to the tune of 'We plough the fields and scatter' (an old school assembly classic)! Sing it beloved!

When Christians meet together, we all have gifts to bring

We come along to contribute – not just to stare and sing.

The body is a unit – each has a crucial part

So don’t just sit there blankly – let’s hear what’s on your heart!

All good gifts inside us are for the common good.

So bring them out! Don't fear or doubt to use them as you should!

Perhaps you’ll start a chorus or psalm a song of praise.

New tongues, interpretation – these all are Spirit ways.

And all of us can prophesy! All bring the living word!

We sheep all hear our Shepherd – so pass on what you’ve heard!

We need strength and direction– we’ve come to seek His face.

God’s got our full attention, we’re giving Him first place.

No mobile phone distractions, we’re focused and we’re sharp.

Just Holy Spirit actions, now flowing from our hearts!

Do you not feel anointed? You don't know what to do?

Then you must move the Spirit - then he will work through you.

Do not withhold the life which the Father wants to give –

Fan into flame God's gifting! Command your dry bones “Live!”

The Spirit birthed creation – He’s fertile and he’s new.

Now he lives in his temple, his body – He’s in you!

The power that raised up Jesus is welling up in us -

Our meetings must be dynamite – our churches limitless!

Social Media and God

I've written a hymn about social media. It's to the tune of 'Take my life and let it be'. Feel free to comment, react or even suggest another verse . . . 

Take my phone and Facebook use

Let them show and share good news.

Status updates show real me

"I'm a Christian!" Let friends see.

We won't follow worldly ways -

Wasting moments, hours, days.

Gossip, boasting, flirty pics

Grieve your Spirit, make you sick.

Technological advance,

To your tune, we will not dance.

Grabbing Satan's latest toys,

Pulled away from higher joys.

World is under Satan's sway

Its desires will pass away.

But we'll use these earthly tools - 

Fishing lines in worldly pools.

You Tube, Twitter and Facebook

All throw out a fishing hook

Blogs can show what God has done.

By all means, we will save some.

If you use it, hold it light.

If you don't, then that's alright.

In Christ's will we must abide.

Holy conscience, be our guide!