BH Bulletin - Monday 20 September 2021

Thought for the Day by Rich Arnold ​(Youth and Families Minister Holy Cross Church)

We have the ‘New City Catechism for kids ‘at home that we have used in our family bible times now and again.  Based on the Westminster and Heidelberg catechisms, the first question asks:  
 
“What is our only hope in life and death.”   The answer is simple: “We are not our own, we belong to God”.   
 
The apostle Paul agrees: 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:7-8) 
 
On the one hand, there is something challenging about that.  We no longer belong to ourselves, so true discipleship must mean no longer living for ourselves.  That involves submitting to God’s word rather than deciding for ourselves what is right and wrong.  It involves putting what God wants before what we want.  It involves loving God and others before ourselves.  It involves giving our whole selves completely so that every area of life is lived for the glory of God.   
 
On the other hand, how wonderful this is!  We now belong to God!  We don’t deserve it.  We haven’t earnt it.  Yet God, by his grace, through the death of our Lord Jesus, has made us his own.  He has forgiven our sin.  He has saved us from judgement.  He has made us his children.  He has brought us at the highest of prices- his own Son’s precious blood.  We now belong in the arms of an incredibly loving heavenly Father.   
 
If we have a God who has given himself completely for us, how could we not give ourselves completely to him?  
 
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. (When I survey the Wondrous Cross, Isaac watts)