Last week, our family went to the city and we bought each of the kids a treat. Callum, our 3 year old, got a doughnut. When I asked him if I could have a little bite, he responded, ‘No Dad. I’ll just tell you what it tastes like.’ (!!!)

We have a friend whose family recently experienced a major tragedy. She knows many Christians, but, thus far, she hasn’t seemed that responsive to Jesus. When I last saw her, she talked about their tragedy. As I was leaving, I asked if I could pray with her. She said that many people had told her that they were praying for her, but no one had asked to pray with her. She said that it would be a first for her. After I prayed for her and her family, she teared-up, thanked me and gave me a hug. I believe that she experienced some more of God’s grace and comfort as we prayed.

Following Jesus Is not primarily a philosophy or belief system, which we espouse. Instead, following Jesus is about being in a relationship and a lifestyle with Jesus. And this is something people can experience. Talking about Jesus is so important. Interceding for people is so important. But with these things, we need to help people experience Jesus by bringing them into our relationship with him. Don’t just tell people what following Jesus is like. Give them a taste. Let them experience your spirituality in tangible ways.

How do you taste and experience the LORD’s goodness?

Consider some of the people in your sphere, who don’t follow Jesus. How could you help them experience Jesus and your relationship with Jesus?

Throughout our conversations I would reflect on the global strategy of TWR. Our work is about bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to women and children and young people around the world; even though they face terrible abuses such as brutality, war, starvation, slavery, forced prostitution, and often state sponsored abortion. Our work is to help them in these terrible circumstances. We also work among HIV/AIDS suffering communities.

During my discussions with Philip it brought home again that a common denominator is male behaviour; and, inadequate fathering over generations.

Philip asked me if I had ever had a conversation with my children about the failures of my fathering techniques and style. His question set me aback. It’s a challenge worth overcoming in order to strengthen the relationship between me and my daughter and son.

Our conversations became broader. What impact would beautiful fathering have on our prison populations? And, what impact would beautiful fathering have on families, both rich and poor? What impact would beautiful fathering have on the Church? Where could this start in the church?

And, “Where does the answer to beautiful fathering lie?”

I’ll give you a hint. If it’s about relationship, it won’t come through Church or State sponsored programs.

‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…’ (Matt 28.19-20)

Jesus gave his disciples instructions and commands. ‘Do this…’ ‘Don’t do that.’ Jesus’ commands are full of God’s grace, and they’re life-bringing, but only if we actually obey them.

A while back, I wrote down every one of Jesus’ direct commands, recorded in the Gospels, and then grouped similar commands together into a list. Here it is.

Love God!

Repent! Stop sinning! Deal decisively with sin!

Turn to God! Believe the Good News about God’s Kingdom!

Follow me! Give up your life for me!

Remain with me!

Have faith! Believe in me!

Listen to me!

Pray – persistently and faith-fully.

Seek God’s Kingdom and do his will!

Obey my teaching & commands!

Live in God’s peace!

Be pure in your heart! Moreso than in your actions.

Don’t fear!

Don’t worry!

Don’t set your heart on accumulating material wealth.

Don’t fear persecution!

Endure.

Constantly watch for my return!

Go & announce & demonstrate God’s Kingdom & power. Be witnesses about me!

Make disciples!

Love your neighbour (everyone)!

Love each other! Care for other Christians.

Welcome & care for vulnerable people.

Be a servant. (Especially Christian leaders.)

Be humble.

Love your enemies.

Forgive.

Don’t judge!

Don’t divorce!

Don’t get angry!

Be merciful!

As Jesus’ disciples, he wants us to obey him. As you look through this list, the Holy Spirit might be encouraging you, reminding you that you’re growing in obeying one of these commands. Perhaps there is something the Holy Spirit is prompting you to obey Jesus in.

As you obey Jesus’ command to make more disciples, make sure you teach them Jesus’ commands and show them how to live obediently.

How should Christians respond? What thoughts should we have for the dead ‘unborn living soul’, and mother and father? What about health workers?

Jesus message is clear. Suffering people should turn to God in their time of need and acknowledge their own wrongdoing. He knew they would find forgiveness and love from God. His followers are to bring grace, forgiveness and love to everyone in these troubled situations.

Judgment belongs to God; and God alone.

How does evil weave its’ evil? Does it cause poor parenting? Is it behind sexualisation of children and young people for manipulation and profit? What about spiritually destructive beliefs and ideas? Evil works both in and out of the Church?

How should Christians confront evil people? Be very alert and astute! Yet, remember Jesus’ plea from the Cross. “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.”

In a Christian worldview, government is responsible for good social order before God; serving the people through laws it enacts. Just treatment by government of people’s wrongdoing helps create civil society.

If killing an ‘unborn living soul’ is murder, then people who commit abortions should be fairly tried for that crime. Also, government must generate merciful treatment towards everybody in the society.

This creates two challenges for Christian leadership! The first is to prophetically hold government accountable for ‘godly’ government. The second is to equip Christians to bring into our society the fruits of God’s Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

These are examples for our society. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they would help to change personal and community beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviour.

But, addiction just doesn’t work!

Then I thought about the amazing beauty of Heaven disclosed in the Bible; and the fact that God loves us and wants to share with us, everything that is within God’s power to give us.

In the face of terrible destruction of lives through addiction, even in our own families and communities, why aren’t churches shouting the message of Heaven from every street corner?

If you think Heaven is a vital part of Jesus’ message, join me in a conversation! We might get lots of Australians thinking about it.