What we're learning

Each month, since September 2011, we have been learning about a different aspect of Being A Christian and Being Church. Recent themes have been being thankful, being called, continuing to learn, finding God's presence and worship.

In February 2012 we are seeking to follow more faithfully the way of Purity and Righteousness. By doing so we will be different and separate from much of what we have done in the past – we will be Holy

● The book of Isaiah in general, and chapter 35 (Thursday 2nd) in particular, contains many comforting words: “Strengthen the feeble hands … Be strong, do not fear, your God will come … then will the lame leap like a deer”. However this is alongside the challenge that “a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.”

● In Matthew 5 we are challenged to encounter the God who is present where someone is hurting (either because they messed up, or they loved and lost, or because others hurt them, or because the system has failed them) and to respond to this God by treating others as he has treated us, with a passion for purity and peace, whatever the consequences.

● The book of Job in general, and chapter 33 in particular (Thursday 9th) is a helpful reminder that there are limits to what I can know about God, particularly regarding the link between purity and suffering, and that I must be careful how I talk to others about such matters.

● In Romans 12 we encouraged to be pure, or holy (12:1) "Because of God’s merciful justice shown in Jesus’ faithfulness which leads to faithfulness" (1:17). This purity is a purity of mind, in which we know God's will, have a self assessment based on sober judgement, and an attitude to others in which we belong to each other. This purity is a purity of action, in which we overcome evil with good (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and honour).

● 3000 years ago David wrote a Psalm (18: 20-33 – Thursday 16th) saying that the strength to be pure comes from God: for “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect”

● James (chapter 3 – Sunday 19th) reminds me of how important it is to desire to be pure in speech, and that our righteousness does not spring forth from what we say, but from the wisdom that comes from heaven

● Finally Jesus (in Luke 18:9-14 – Sunday 26th) reminds me to desire both purity and humility, lest I become confident of my own righteousness and look down on everybody else