The sermon for August 27th 2023 is now available on the New Life web-site.
In this sermon, which is based on 2 Kings 6:8-23, I talk about “A Bigger Vision.”
Click here to listen in your browser, here to download the mp3
Month: August 2023
It Seems Those Paper Straws Might Be Worse For The Environment
From Jo Nova:
Paper straws have ‘forever chemicals’ that may be worse for us and the environment than plastic
Written by Jo Nova
Would you like PFAS with that?
Wouldn’t you know — to make paper straws resistant to water, it seems we have to add Teflon type chemicals that stick around for thousands of years.
Researchers analyzed 39 brands of straws in Belgium and found two thirds contained PFAS, and the paper straws were the worst. Fully 90% of all the paper straws contained some form of PFAS. 80% of Bamboo straws did too, as did 75% of plastic straws. Even 40% of glass straws contained PFAS. The only type of straws that were free of it were steel.
The UK, Canadian, Belgium, New Zealand, and Australian governments banned plastic straws, as did some US States because “they were bad for the environment”.
Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions
Science Daily
In the first analysis of its kind in Europe, and only the second in the world, Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS were found in the majority of the straws tested and were most common in those made from paper and bamboo, the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants, found.
PFAS are used to make everyday products, from outdoor clothing to non-stick pans, resistant to water, heat and stains. They are, however, potentially harmful to people, wildlife and the environment.
They break down very slowly over time and can persist over thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as “forever chemicals.”
They have been associated with a number of health problems, including lower response to vaccines, lower birth weight, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
Maybe accidental, maybe not…
It isn’t known whether the PFAS were added to the straws by the manufacturers for waterproofing or whether were the result of contamination. Potential sources of contamination include the soil the plant-based materials were grown in and the water used in the manufacturing process.
However, the presence of the chemicals in almost every brand of paper straw means it is likely that it was, in some cases, being used as a water-repellent coating, say the researchers.
Calling these straws “paper”, 100% biodegradable and fully compostable seems like false advertising.
Quote for the Day
There is not one square inch,” Kuyper said in 1880, “in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign, does not cry ‘Mine!’ ” Eric Metaxas
Today’s Bike Ride
Lots of cattle along Culgoora Road. A beautiful morning for man and beast alike. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
What God usually asks of His people is that they actually live out their faith in all the spheres of their lives so that all of society is blessed. And when they fail to do this, they are failing to be the Church. Eric Metaxas
Reflection on Matthew 26: 69-75
Scripture
Peter swore, “A curse on me if I am lying – I don’t know the man.” Immediately, the rooster crowed.
Observation
While Jesus is undergoing a show trial, Peter is in the courtyard outside. A servant girl says to him, “You were with Jesus the Galilean.” Peter denies this.
Later, another servant girl tells the people standing around that Peter was with Jesus. Again Peter denies it.
Later still, a group of people together accuse Peter of being a disciple of Jesus. He denies this with a curse. Then the rooster crows, and Peter goes away weeping bitterly .
Application
Peter calls down a curse on himself to emphasise the fact that he is not lying – even though he is, in fact, lying.
A curse is a kind of negative prayer that invites and and empowers demons to bring misfortune, illness, and other forms of suffering into a person’s life.
It can be simple words, like a mother saying to a child, “You will never amount to anything.” It can be more elaborate, as in Peter’s self curse.
Sometimes curses spoken by our ancestors can flow down through the family tree to influence us.
The good news is that Jesus is greater than any curse. His blessings overcome the curses and the malevolence of satan.
All we need to do is break every curse in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, thank you that Jesus has broken every curse in my life. I just claim that blessing now. I break every curse in my life in the precious name of Jesus. Amen
Today’s Bike Ride
A beautiful morning for riding. No clouds, not too cold, no breeze, no wildlife… perfect! I rode down Jacks Creek and Gun Club Roads today. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
It is far easier to ignore God’s call than to acknowledge it and rise to fulfill it, but it is more difficult and painful than anything to live with the results of ignoring God’s call. Let the reader understand. Eric Metaxas
Reflection on Matthew 26:47-68
Scripture
Jesus replied,“You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Observation
Judas comes with a crowd of armed men. He kisses Jesus, according to a pre-arranged signal. The men arrest Jesus. One of the disciples waves a sword, slashing off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. Jesus tells him to put away the sword. He then meekly goes away with the guards.
Jesus is taken to the home of Caiaphas the High Priest. The priests and the high council try to find witnesses who will lie about Jesus. Finally, they find two men who declare that Jesus had said He was able to tear down the Temple and rebuild it in three days.
Jesus then tells them He is the Messiah and that he will come on the clouds of heaven. The High Priest tears his clothes and says “Blasphemy!”
They decide that Jesus is guilty and deserves to die.
Application
The phrase “coming on the clouds of heaven” is an expression that means to judge a people. In this case, Jesus is saying that these priests will recognise that He is the Messiah when He comes in judgement against the Jewish religious system. This happened in the year 70, when the whole of Jerusalem, and the Temple in particular, were destroyed by the Roman legions.
Recognising Jesus as the Messiah is not a matter of opinion or a religious preference. Jesus is, in fact, the Son of God whether we want to believe it or not. He will judge these who resist or oppose His rule .
If Jesus really is the Son of God, the only rational response is to worship Him as such an to determine to obey Him. This is called becoming a disciple or being born again.
Everyone will see the Son of Man seated the right hand of God. Those who acknowledge him as Lord will be raised to life. But those who reject him face everlasting torment.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you truly are the Son of Man. I praise you and I worship you. Amen.
The Bride
This week, my wife and I celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary. We are past the cards and flowers stage, but we did go out together for lunch the following day. I am looking forward now to the next “milestone”, the 50th.
When we were married, in our 20’s, we could not imagine that length of time. But looking back, we can see some things as if they happened just yesterday- our wedding, the births of our children, places we lived and friends we have made.
Our marriage has been 99% joyful because we share the same goals and we each put the interests of the other above our own desires. The other 1% was when one or other wanted their own way; that’s where forgiveness and unconditional love get to be practised.
The Bible tells us that when a man and a woman marry, they become “one flesh.” Two people bring their individual personalities and talents into a relationship, and over time they become so close and so knowledgeable of one another that they become almost one person.
In an individualistic society like ours that is the ultimate horror story- losing your individuality, your own sense of self-direction to another. It works out to be the opposite, because we gain far more than we give up. Less a horror story than a romantic comedy!
The Bible describes the relationship of God’s people to Christ as being like a marriage. The book of Revelation describes a big party in heaven where the church, made up of all the believers throughout history, is described as a bride being united with Jesus Christ her bridegroom.
That relationship, we are told, will last not just 43 or 50 years but for all eternity.
The good news is that the wedding is open to everyone, not just invited guests. In a funny way, Jesus’ death on the cross was like a proposal. He is asking you to join Him in the wedding of the ages, to spend eternity with Him.
Will you say “Yes”?
New Life Narrabri 