Category All Saints Necton

Is it sensible to believe in the Resurrection?

Stephen Thorp Leave a comment

‘How can you be a Vicar?’ someone once asked me. ‘You seem to be far too sensible to believe in all that mumbo-jumbo!’ On the one hand I was quite pleased to think that someone thought I was sensible, but on the other hand, I was quite perturbed to think that anyone might think that I wasn’t! So I enquired further, to which they replied, ‘Oh, I’m quite happy to believe that Jesus lived and was a good teacher and did a lot of good while he was alive – but raised from death? That’s just impossible!’ And of course, at first glance she was quite right! Normally speaking, people don’t come back to life after they have died. Anyone who has suffered a bereavement or been involved in a fatal car accident or fought in a war can tell you that! People die all the time and sadly with the state of the world in which we live, death is only too common an occurrence. But of course, it was just the same in Jesus’ day. If people didn’t die of poverty, sickness or malnutrition, they too could die in conflict or as in Jesus’ case, by painful execution. Indeed, the Romans were a master of their craft. They knew precisely how to murder people.

So how can we possibly believe in the resurrection?

Well firstly, because there were witnesses – people who knew Jesus well and saw him die; who also saw the empty tomb and he himself wonderfully alive. Firstly, to Mary Magdalene, and then to Mary the mother of James with Salome and Joanna – all of which is very strange, because if you wanted to ‘invent’ a resurrection story you wouldn’t use women as your principal voices who wouldn’t even be deemed as credible witnesses inside a court of law! So, were they mistaken? Had they hallucinated or simply suffered from grief stricken, over active imaginations? No, because the next witness to the living Lord was Peter, who had previously run to the empty tomb with his fellow disciple, John. They’d seen the empty tomb just as the women had described, with its huge entrance stone rolled away (the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb had to subsequently be bribed by the Pharisees to say that they had fallen asleep on duty). Yet it was not quite empty because the graves clothes which had monetary value were still inside, proving that the tomb hadn’t been struck by grave robbers. But this was not the end of the matter. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus reported that they had seen the risen Lord, and then he appeared to the disciples not once but twice (once without and then with Thomas). Thomas had declared that he wouldn’t believe that Jesus was alive until he’d touched the nail marks in his hands and placed his hand in the wound caused by the centurion’s spear in his side – and he was invited to do so with the admonishment, ‘Stop doubting and believe’. But even then, this was not the end of the story, because apart from joining the disciples once again for a fish breakfast on the side of the Sea of Galilee (proving that he was tangible and real and not a ghost), he also appeared to a group of 500 men all at once, as well as his own physical brother James (who subsequently became the leader of the church in Jerusalem), before finally appearing to a man call Saul who was so totally transformed by the experience that he ceased to be the great persecutor of Christians, and became its greatest advocate, the Apostle Paul.

All of this was topped by the simple truth, that not once did the Roman or Jewish authorities ever produce the body. That would have quashed the resurrection story once and for all, but they couldn’t because the tomb was empty, and Jesus was alive!

Yes, of course in the normal run of things, ordinary people live and die, but despite the fact that Jesus was fully human, that’s not all he was – he was also the Son of God, who lived, died and rose again. His resurrection proves it! This was a resurrection gospel that turned a rag-tag bunch of Jewish fishermen into fearless disciples, willing to live and die on the basis of what they had seen and heard for themselves and knew to be true. There is so much more that could be said about the resurrection that we don’t have time nor space to consider it here, other than to note the incredible growth of the church, and to rejoice in the wonderful transformation that it has brought to so many peoples’ lives with its huge implications for their future and the world in which we live – even for the creation.    

In the light of all this I simply don’t have the time, space or faith to be an atheist or even agnostic, for I delight in my rational understanding, and my joyful sense of identity and purpose – and my profoundly rewarding, satisfying and sensible Christian faith.

May I wish you all a very HAPPY EASTER!

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Philippians 3.10–11

What can ‘Mr Bates v The Post Office’ teach us about Lent?

Stephen Thorp 2 Comments

The recent ITV drama ‘Mr Bates v The Post Office’ has highlighted for many the dreadful plight that many subpostmasters found themselves in, following the installation of a faulty software accounting system called Horizon. The drama vividly portrayed the pain and anguish inflicted upon these sub-postmasters, who suddenly found their lives torn apart as the Horizon software frequently and falsely reported shortfalls for many thousands of pounds. This led the Post Office to accuse the subpostmasters of alleged theft, fraud and false accounting. The drama highlights the terrible burden, weight and consequences these accusations had on people lives and the enormous stress they were under. Between 1999 and 2015, 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office and 283 other cases were brought by the Crown Prosecution Service resulting in many people going to prison and many more receiving criminal convictions. Most lost their homes, livelihoods and savings and sadly four people committed suicide. The drama went on to portray the immense struggle that Alan Bates and his campaign group, the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, had over many years fighting for justice, culminating in their incredible victory at the High Court in 2019 when it was proved that the Horizon Post Office software had been at fault and that the sub-postmasters were innocent. The drama raised such public awareness and concern that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced in Parliament that all criminal convictions will be duly overturned and each person fairly compensated. This news has been warmly welcomed and received by all.

However, many people will find themselves reflecting upon the morals and ethics of this sordid episode. How can a trusted business and brand like The Post Office allow itself to treat so many innocent people so badly for so long? Why should it be more important to maintain the integrity of the Horizon software system than trust the integrity of their employees? Why was it so hard for the Post Office to admit the failings of its system and say sorry?

Christians will know that with Easter soon upon us, Lent is a great time for personal reflection and repentance, because it encourages us to consider our own lives and possible failings in the light of a God who loves us despite the fact that we are sinners. It encourages us to reflect upon how much we live up to the biblical command of loving God and ‘our neighbours as ourselves’ (Matthew 22.39), treating others with honesty and respect ‘as we ourselves would like to be treated’ (Luke 6.31). It also encourages us to reflect upon all those times when we have accidentally or deliberately fallen short, and sin has got the better of us, the consequences of which may be highly significant and impactful upon us and the lives of others. As we consider the events leading up to the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross, this season of Lent gives us another chance to reassess our lives, repent of our sins and reset the clock when we sincerely put our faith and trust in him, knowing that Christ died so that we might be forgiven.

We may not be able to change the misfortunes or immoralities of the world (or even the Post Office), but we can make things better where we are as we take responsibility for our own lives – words, deeds and actions – and as always, genuine moral change always starts with repentance!    

“I tell you … there will be much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15.7

What are YOU celebrating this Christmas?

Stephen Thorp 2 Comments

What are you celebrating this Christmas – and what do you hope for?

For many, Christmas is simply an opportunity to take a break from work and spend time with the family; an opportunity to rest and relax after the giving of presents and the eating of Christmas dinner. For others it’s an opportunity to ‘catch up’, and perhaps visit distant relatives and friends. However, as nice as these things may be, the deeply Christian nature of Christmas is lost on many who don’t really know, understand or appreciate it. Which is such a shame, because it’s the significance of Christmas, which gives it so much of its meaning, magic and sparkle!  A few years ago, it was reported that one third of children between the ages of 10 and 13 did not know that Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ and I doubt if that figure has gone down (although I’m discounting Necton School from this comment as I know they do a terrific job teaching the children about Jesus). But the point remains, Christmas tinsel and wrapping paper may be very pretty but they become rather useless without the present, and celebrating Christmas without Christ is rather similar! Most adults will have some recollection from school Nativity plays that Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey, so that she could ultimately give birth to the baby Jesus in a stable – but even so, do they truly understand the significance of the baby?

The Bible tells us that apart from the baby being called Jesus he is also called Immanuel – which means ‘God with us’ – and this is the first most amazing point of Christmas, that God does not remain abstract or aloof, an idea or philosophy hovering somewhere out in space or the ether, but becomes intimately involved with our world, by stepping into it by becoming a baby, a child, a human person just like us – and so God really does understand us from the inside out as it were.  

The second point is that God did not step into the world because the world was so good, but precisely because it is not! This is why Jesus is often called the ‘light of the world’ because his presence shines a light into the darkness of our surroundings and even our own hearts. Yes, the world is beautiful, but the wars in Ukraine and Gaza / Israel demonstrate only too well that our world isn’t perfect, and neither are our own lives, for we all carry imperfections and have sometimes suffered misfortunes in consequence either directly because of our own actions, or those of others – and occasionally just because ‘life has been unkind to us’. These things break our heart, but they also break God’s heart too, which is why knowing that ‘God is with us’ can be so joyful and comforting, because we know that we are not alone. God cares for us in our bleakest moments as well as our happiest.

Jesus spent most of his life teaching his disciples and therefore us, not only about God but a better way of being, how to live a better life. His life and ministry was therefore through his teaching, and the power of the Holy Spirit about transformation making us more ‘Christlike’ when we recognise precisely who he is and put our faith and trust in him. Yet, the consequences of our broken world still had to be dealt with, which is why Jesus’ ministry ultimately took him to the cross, where he performs the most gracious act of loving self-sacrifice, dying for us upon the cross and taking upon himself the consequences of our sin. This is an act of atonement which pardons us and frees us from all guilt, sin and shame when we personally appreciate, trust and believe that he died for us, each one of us – because he loved us. This transforms our sense of identity, self-worth and purpose as we look out into the world and our place within it. It fills our hearts with life, ‘eternal life’ and peace – which is everlasting.

Merely summarising these things means nothing without personal thought and contemplation, but genuine appreciation and acceptance is a real cause of joy and celebration. I hope that you will know something of God’s love, joy and peace for you and your families as you accept the free gift of Christ this Christmas. So, on behalf of the parishes I represent, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2.11

Celebrating Harvest – against all the odds!

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Many of us will be familiar with the story Jesus told his disciples known as the ‘parable of the sower’ (Matthew 13.1-9,18-23), which demonstrated the spiritual reality that sadly not every heart would be open to the ‘Word of God’ like seed sown on good soil – but rather, like seed that was eaten by birds on a path, scorched by the sun in rocky places or choked by thorns and thistles, would be destroyed and rejected by those whose hearts were influenced, shaped and hardened by the worries, cares and problems of the world,  resulting in what appears to be at first glance, a massive 75% failure rate!

But even if we put the spiritual metaphors to one side for a moment, and take the parable ‘literally’, it still speaks to us, because it chimes with what we understand and see going on around us at the present time. The ongoing war in Ukraine has been a disaster for the world’s food store. Because of damage to fields and farms, 40% fewer crops have been planted in 2023 than the year before. The lack of fertiliser has literally left many crops struggling to grow against thorns, thistles, and weeds. Many farmers have therefore switched to growing easier oil-based crops such as sunflowers, resulting in the fact that this year’s grain harvest is even smaller than before. The ‘rocky ground’ left by an overabundance of military ordinance, such as landmines, has left a deadly legacy so that many fear to gather the crops, and now that Russia has pulled out of its Black Sea crop exporting deal, the worries, cares and pressures of the world are exasperated for many. In other parts of the world, climate change and excessive heat waves literally scorch the seed sown for food. All of this reduces supply, forces up prices, fuels inflation and cements the cost of living crisis, leaving 20% of people on the lowest incomes in the UK with not enough money to feed themselves after two weeks.

The situation is no doubt even more complicated than this, but it is why we need to celebrate harvest and be grateful for what we have, supporting those who through no fault of their own are less fortunate than ourselves. So as many of our churches begin to look forward towards the harvest season, may I encourage you to join us. This year our harvest charity will be Ripple Effect (formerly known as Send a Cow), helping poorer African nations learn how to farm and feed themselves sustainably, and we will be using our dry provisions and harvest gifts to support our local foodbank. Kindness and generosity are great spiritual values whether you consider yourself to be Christian or not, and just as the ‘Word of God’ teaches us, seed that is sown into good soil ‘can produce a crop a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown’ (Matthew 13.8). Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our kind, generous and thankful hearts had a similar effect this harvest season?!      

Well done England’s Lionesses. Let’s go again!

Stephen Thorp 3 Comments

No doubt like me, many of you are disappointed that England’s Lionesses failed to win the Women’s Football World Cup 2023! But what a wonderful tournament it has been, and what excitement! Who can forget Chloe Kelly’s incredible winning penalty strike against Nigeria which at 69 mph was more powerful than any goal scored in the Premier League last season – or young Lauren James announcing herself on the world stage with 2 wonderful goals against China and an incredible strike against Denmark – or finally Mary Earps’ sensational penalty save against Spain in the Final which rightfully won her the ‘golden glove’ award and confirmed her place as one of the world’s top female goalkeepers admired by millions (whatever Nike might say by not producing a copy of her shirt for fans to buy). Not forgetting the rest of the team who all did so very well under the wonderful management of Sarina Wiegman. It’s such a shame that the final proved to be ‘one game too far’, but their skill and dedication has brought us all a lot of joy and entertainment over the last few days and we can as a nation take great pride in what they have accomplished, and they have certainly inspired many other ‘little boys and girls’ to play football and be the ‘lions and lionesses’ of the future.

However, we all know that it is the possibility of winning or losing which makes football and so many other sports, so enthralling. It is embracing the idea and stepping up to the challenge which makes sport such a wonderful metaphor for the stresses and strains and challenges of life. It’s been 57 years since England last won the football world cup and perhaps for many it may seem like we will never win it, but still it’s a challenge which inspires.

The Christian will know that when it comes to earning our place in heaven, we are all doomed to fail, because as frail, fallen, sinful human beings we can never make the grade or live up to God’s standards – we have all fallen short! (Romans 3.23) But fortunately, God’s love for us means that we are not abandoned or left to our own devices; God steps into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, so that he might take upon himself all the terrible consequences of our fallen nature by dying for us upon a cross. His death paid the price of our sins and so now we can enjoy a new forgiven life and a new relationship with God when we put our faith and trust in him. The Apostle Paul sums it up so well, when he says ‘forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 3.12-14).

So, let’s be thankful for all that Christ has accomplished, and like England’s lionesses, pick ourselves up and grab that second chance ‘to go again’.      

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15.57

Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Millie Bright, Mary Earps, Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, Jess Carter, Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood

Cultivating a friendship which inspires

Stephen Thorp 2 Comments

You don’t need to be a fan of Rugby League to appreciate and be inspired by the tremendous friendship between Kevin Sinfield and his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow. When Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in late 2019, Kevin stuck by his friend and was inspired to do whatever he could to raise money for MND charities. In 2020 he ran seven marathons in seven days and in 2021 he completed a run of 101 miles in 24 hours. Last year he completed an Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge when he ran seven back to back ultra-marathons (an ultra marathon being a run longer than the standard marathon length). His latest triumph was on Sunday 14th May 2023 when he completed the first inaugural Rob Burrow’s Leeds Marathon when he actually pushed Rob the 26.2 miles in a specially adapted wheelchair, lifting him out of the chair as they finally crossed the finish line together. So far Kevin Sinfield has raised well over £8 million for charity, which is not only a remarkable story about good coming out of adversity, but a wonderful celebration of their friendship.

The Bible has a lot to say about ‘running the race’ and ‘going the extra mile’, just as it does about friendship, with such examples as those of David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi whose love, compassion and loyalty bound them together through ‘thick and thin’ as good friends regardless of what life and dire circumstances had brought them. The Christian will be aware that this was modelled in Jesus’ own life and taught by him when he told his disciples that they and all who put their faith in him could be his friends if they did what he commanded – and what was it that he commanded? It was that they should ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15.12) in other words selflessly, sacrificially and completely, often putting the needs of the other person first, and before themselves. This was ultimately demonstrated by Jesus himself when he died upon the cross.

There is so much sadness and suffering in the world that it often weighs us down and depresses us but let us also lift up our heads and be inspired by the good examples of love and friendship that we see and be inspired to cultivate such qualities and friendships in our own life and the people we meet.  

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17.17

No Greater Love Than This …..

Stephen Thorp 1 Comment

The First World War (1914-18) has often been described as ‘The Great War’ and ‘the war to end all wars.’ It is given such accolades because despite the many brave and heroic actions that took place, it’s also recognised as being one of the most tragically painful episodes of human history with immense suffering, as no-one can be certain how many lives were actually lost on the battlefield. Historians estimate that it may be as many as 10 million people killed with another 20 million people wounded. It was therefore hoped that the world would never see such a conflict again, but sadly within a few short years not only did we have the Second World War but there have been many other conflicts since. It’s no wonder that the Christian poet, Steve Turner, was inspired to write ‘History repeats itself. It has to – no one listens.’

To those of us who have, thankfully, only ever known peace, the current war in Ukraine with all its evidence of mass graves, torture chambers and deportations reminds us of just how dirty, depraved, and brutal war can be, causing much damage to people’s lives, infrastructure and society. We can therefore only hope and pray that the innocent will find peace; the good will prevail; and that the wicked will be brought both to heel and to justice.

In such circumstances, many of us will remember the biblical verse, “Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15.13), often quoted on Remembrance Sunday. It’s true, there is no greater love than making this ultimate sacrifice. But it also needs to be remembered that that particular verse is set within a passage that not only commands us to be loving in death – but in life! This is my command says Jesus, “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15.12). War sometimes requires us to live and love sacrificially, but that same quality should also be evident in times of peace, as we endeavour to see others the same way that God sees them. Ultimately, it was this same quality of sacrificial love and purpose that drove Jesus to die for us upon the cross, taking upon himself not only the consequences of our fallen nature but offering us the forgiveness of sins when we put our faith and trust in him. The Bible reveals not only how ‘in love’ Jesus lived and died for us, but how as ‘God incarnate’ he rose again. His resurrection therefore (which is promised to all who believe) heralds not only a new way of life, but a new way of living forever as part of God’s new creation which we call heaven, where God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” for all that has passed away (Revelation 21.4). How much do we long for that!

Please join us in church this Remembrance Sunday as we commemorate all those who sacrificially gave so much serving our nation in times of war, so that we might be free to live and love in peace.  

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

1 John 3.16

The Queen Is Dead: God Save The King!

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By the time you get to read this letter, the period of mourning for our late Queen, HM Queen Elizabeth II will be over. The parades, The Queue, formal lying-in-State and the funeral will all have come to an end, although our heartfelt praise and gratitude for Her Majesty and her long and glorious reign will last for ever. There will always be a special place for her, both in our history and the heart of the nation – and yet now in this period after the funeral we have an opportunity for quiet thought and reflection.

Perhaps one of the most striking things that struck visiting Presidents, Prime Ministers and other Heads of State, was that despite their constant praise of Queen Elizabeth as being ‘a rock’, and a ‘constant and invaluable presence’ (considering that she had witnessed 15 different Prime Ministers and 14 US Presidents during her reign), was the instant and seamless flow from one Sovereign to another; the Sovereign may have died but the Monarchy lives on; the Queen is dead; God save the King! This is not to show any form of disrespect, but to ensure that the life of the nation is maintained even in periods of great sadness and difficulty. The fact that Prince Charles became King Charles III upon the death of his mother, even before there was any formal proclamation or act of accession feels extraordinary to foreign dignitaries (and a great relief to those of us who have just witnessed the latest Conservative leadership contest). It’s the monarchy which helps bring this sense of constancy so admired by others, and perhaps most poignantly summed up by the Queen’s own words that “I find that one of the sad things is that people don’t take on jobs for life”.

Inevitably the sad death of the Queen will bring a period of uncertainty and change to those who have known nothing else, but the new King’s dedication to follow his late mother’s sense of Christian service and duty has been both comforting and reassuring. It’s also comforting that the Christian and religious nature of much of the past proceedings has brought a comfort and consolation to many, regardless of their own religious faith or lack of it – all are welcome here. Elizabeth was our Queen and now Charles is our King.

However, the Christian will also have a sense of another constancy in their lives, one that is central and a bed-rock to all that they say and do, bringing much comfort, strength and peace, and that is of course in God whose eternal nature was most wonderfully demonstrated through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is both God incarnate, and ‘Sovereign Lord and King’. His majesty and eternal promise gives us strength in times of difficulty, peace in times of uncertainty, hope for the future and comfort even beyond the grave. So as we look to the future of our nation, may we all celebrate our new earthly monarch and put our faith in the one in whose name he serves.     

“And surely I am with you always …” Matthew 28.20

Cultivating a generous heart this harvest

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There can be little doubt that the ‘cost of living’ crisis is upon us. The continuing war in Ukraine, soaring energy costs and climate change (as demonstrated by the recent heatwave) have all had a devasting effect upon wholesale prices leading to a sharp rise in inflation. The impact of all this for those with limited incomes is enormous – how can the poorest and most vulnerable in society possibly feed themselves and manage their daily existence? Farmers too are struggling to ‘feed the nation’ as the lack of rain stunts their crops and forces them to feed precious winter supplies to their animals in the height of summer. Never have we been so eager and pleased to pray for rain!

However, imagine what it is like for those in poorer countries. Tearfund reminds us that 18 million people are desperately short of food in East Africa, for not only have they been impacted by the lack of grain coming out of Ukraine, but they haven’t had any significant rain for at least four years. The land is therefore parched, and malnutrition is widespread. Oxfam’s International Executive, Gabriela Butcher, said that “competing priorities” have meant that as the world’s attention is on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, East Africa is simply not on its agenda, meaning that it is missing one of the greatest crises ever known.

Nepal is another poor country in need. Landlocked between India and China, more than 85 per cent of its population relies upon subsistence farming to feed their families, but climate change has meant that often people go hungry as their crops fail resulting in whole communities withering away.

This is why we at All Saints Necton have decided to support Tearfund, who have worked in both East Africa and Nepal for many years, as our harvest charity this year. They are teaching farmers new techniques to help them produce more crops in this changing climate; how to set up better irrigation systems to make people less dependent on the rains, and finally how to farm sustainably, protecting the land for future generations. Please join us for our harvest service – as in previous years our cash donations will go to our harvest charity (Tearfund) and we encourage you to bring dry provisions that will go to our local food bank.

Yes, our current circumstances may well be difficult, but if anything, this harvest should encourage us all to be a little more appreciative and to give thanks for what we do have – and be even more mindful, compassionate and understanding of those who have less.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

1 Timothy 2.1–2

Where is the truth and does it matter?

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I think we can all agree that today (15th June) was a bad day for the Prime Minister, for not only did the EU restart its legal proceedings against the government plans to unilaterally scrap parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, but also a fiercely heated debate took place over ‘who understood what’ at the time of signing the Brexit deal and how it should be practically interpreted – with the European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic effectively accusing the British government of lying to the general public. Secondly, Lord Geidt resigned from his position as Boris Johnson’s independent ethics advisor stating that there was a legitimate question as to whether the Prime Minister broke the ministerial rules over Partygate. Once again, the whole issue of ‘who knew what’ and who was lying came to the fore.

The problem is that we live today in a postmodern world where it is fashionable to believe that there is no such thing as absolute truth; all truth is said to be relative, depending upon your own particular point of view, which in the realm of politics (and much of society at large) tends to mean that ‘the truth’ becomes whatever suits me and is the most convenient and practically expedient. In fact, in recent years,  the most expedient thing has often been to deny the truth completely. We saw this in Donald Trump’s use of the term ‘Fake News’ to dismiss anything that he didn’t agree with, and his false accusation that the US Presidential election result was rigged, which in recent days even close family members and political advisors have dismissed as nonsense. Sadly, we have seen the most serious and blatant denial of truth coming from Russia, as President Putin conducts his ‘special military operation’ within Ukraine, which most observers would have no hesitation in calling a war, which has disastrous consequences for us all.

The problem with all this political spin, ‘fake news’ and propaganda is that it erodes trust as people lose faith in their political leaders and become disillusioned and suspicious instead. What can we believe and where can truth be found?

One’s own perspective of the world is greatly determined by one’s values and what one believes, which is why for many, Christianity offers a bedrock of security in a sea of change and relativity, for in the person of Jesus, we see a man who as the ‘Son of God’ not only had a great love and compassion for the world, but also kept his promises, living a life full of integrity and truth, backing up his words with action. Jesus had described himself as ‘the way, the truth and the life’ (John 14.6), offering his disciples not only a way to his Father in heaven but ‘life in all it’s fullness’ (John 10.10) and a ‘truth that will set you free’ (John 8.32). Despite the fact that the people were living in difficult and uncertain times, because he spoke with such authority and lived with such integrity, people were willing to embrace his words ‘do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me’ (John 14.1), and many people did trust Jesus because not only were his words trustworthy and true, but also so were his actions, as ultimately demonstrated by his life, death and resurrection.

As much as I would like everyone to enjoy a firm confidence in Christ, I’m also certain that we need to step back from a world where ‘all things are relative’ but have the confidence of one’s own convictions, for paraphrasing a comment made by Jeff Myers, a Christian commentator – ‘If something is true, then it is true whether we admit it, like it or not! May we and all our politicians live in the light of such certainty, and within it foster a high regard and appreciation for the truth.

 31 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8.31-32