The Richmond Briefing

A Weekly Bible Reading for Bridge Builders

The Richmond Briefing has been a weekly feature of the Reachout web site for five years and is now available on the blog. To find out more and read earlier briefings go here

Reading – Greatness and Servanthood (Mark 9:33-50)

During his ministry in Galilee Jesus lived in Capernaum (Mt.4:13), probably in the house belonging to Peter and Andrew (Mk.1:29) and in this passage we witness the small talk and speculations people indulge in on their way home after a busy time. The subject under discussion had been who was the greatest among the disciples. Jesus knew this but still asked the question, “What were you arguing about on the road?” In this way he invited discussion and created a teaching opportunity. How often do we ask questions as we witness? Or do we rush in to tell the other person how we see things? Questions serve to demonstrate our interest and not just our ignorance and can create all sorts of opportunities to discuss the kingdom of God.

Jesus answered this burning question emphasising three things essential to discipleship:

1. Servanthood

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all”

A little child illustrates well how a disciple’s attitude should be in their role as servant. A child is the least consequential member of any society, totally dependent on adults for everything and incapable of bringing acclaim or granting great position to anyone. Yet Jesus’ concern for “little ones” seemed paramount because they were so dependent and vulnerable. To serve the weak and those least able to offer reward is the mark of a true servant of God.

2. Nonjudgementalism

“Whoever is for us is not against us”

Our human nature causes us all-too-easily to divide into parties and choose loyalties according to our own flawed standards. Of course there are absolutes of right and wrong, both in conduct and in doctrine, and we are called to repent of the sin in our lives and to combat error but it is wrong to look at the good that people do and disapprove just because they don’t go by our name (Baptist, Pentecostal, etc), or agree with us on every point of doctrine (charismatic, cessationist, Calvinist, Arminian, etc). There are those in this world who counterfeit the truths of God and present an entirely different Jesus to that found in the Bible but there are many who do great good in His true name and we recognise and pray for them because in this way the kingdom of God advances.

3. Sensitivity

“If your hand causes you to sin cut it off”

As disciples we are not called simply to be saved and gain some great reward in the great by-and-by. We are called to be salt and light to others in this world and sinning or causing sin brings darkness and makes us ineffectual as witnesses. Jesus’ words here are sobering in our age where so much of the world has entered into the church:

Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other”

How often are we the only barrier between the sinner and their Savour? As we witness we need to be servants to those to whom we speak and not judges. We need to care about the least among them as much as we might the prominent people we may meet. We need to celebrate the good done by others not of our party but who are true followers of Jesus in order to show the lost that in Jesus’ kingdom there is harmony, or at least a real striving for harmony and goodwill that is natural and not imposed. We must remember that he who would be greatest must be servant of all and that includes all who are lost in this world and in need of a Saviour. We must be prepared to cut off everything from our lives that hinders and that must include the way we think of others, speak to others and live before the world.

Obama's mother posthumously baptized into LDS Church - Salt Lake Tribune

In the wake of his remarkable success it seemed that the world and his wife wanted to claim President Obama as their own with even an Irish connection being dug up. Now the Mormons have got in on the act by posthumously baptising his mother. They have in the past upset the Jewish community, the Catholic Church and now the American President with this wacky and unbiblical practice but there is no indication that they will review it. And, of course, it is always someone else’s fault and they promise a thorough inquiry to uncover the real culprits. Maybe they should try looking in the mirror. President Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, who died in 1995, was baptized posthumously into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints last year during her son's campaign, according to Salt Lake City-based researcher Helen Radkey. The ritual, known as “baptism for the dead,” was done June 4 in the Provo temple, and another LDS temple rite, known as the “endowment,” was...

Mormon Christians? Whats in a Name?

The Mormon Church, disturbed by the continuing identifying of polygamus sects in the news with the name Mormon, recently issued a press statement aimed at "clarifying" issues. It is interesting to note that if you substitute the name "Christian" where they use the name "Mormon" it makes a very good argument for us against the claims of the Mormon Church. The full press release is reproduced below in italics with each paragraph rewritten in ordinary text to present it from a Christian perspective. SALT LAKE CITY 10 July 2008 On 26 June, Newsroom published a package of information featuring profiles of ordinary Latter-day Saints in Texas. With no other intention but to define themselves, these members provided a tangible depiction of what their faith is all about. They serve as the best distinction between the lifestyles and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Texas-based polygamous group that has recently attracted media attent...

Is atheism an intolerant belief?

The Big Questions , Sunday 2 August 2009, third question. A growing number of Britons say they are certain there is no God - but how do they know? Professor John Adams of the North Yorkshire Humanist Association begins by asking theists what evidence they have for their beliefs. Paul Woolley of Theos continues by pointing out Richard Dawkins description of faith as a 'virus', and the appalling track record of atheism in the 20th Century, as spearheaded by Pol Pot and Stalin. Chloe Clifford-Frith of the Humanist and Secular Students Society contends that Stalin did not do the things he did because he was an atheist, but because he was evil. Paul Woolley rejoins that atheists are trying to have it both ways when they claim that religion is the cause of evil, but refuse to acknowledge the ideological impetus of atheism when it comes to many evil acts. Mao and Stalin both replaced God with the State - a 'religious' manoeuvre. Rev Alistair Rycroft of St Michael Le Belfrey Ch...

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