Caerwent Evangelical Baptist Chapel

NEWSLETTER

September 2002

Dear Friends, In August the enormous power of the media, constantly focusing upon the experience of two families, brought their sadness into our hearts and homes. Millions identified with the plight of people that they had never met in person. There is once again an acute awareness that evil is amongst us and it threatens our children. Not only do we feel sadness - there is anger, fear and perplexity- there are many unanswered questions. But nobody can promise an end to evil in this present world and no government has the power to bring about its total elimination - yet there are good things to consider and these give some grounds for hope. The Human Conscience. We have the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong - something within us commends or condemns our thoughts and actions. No doubt in some this voice has been almost silenced - and in others it needs to be better informed- but it is there, it is present and in most people it functions to some degree or another. I was in a building recently when an alarm went off - some did not hear it - some chose to ignore it - and others responded to it - they were probably the only ones who would have survived a fire. We need to respond to the voice of conscience. Our personal response to evil whenever and wherever we encounter it is crucial. Whatever we find within ourselves that is wrong needs to be abandoned. The Local Community People need people - and at times of great crisis the support that comes from those who know you well is invaluable. There is much to be said for establishing good relationships with others, no matter how different their outlook, and making a real effort to maintain them. You only have a community where there is communication and there is nothing better in this context than a face-to-face meeting with another human being. In a safe and healthy society you could have car-free days, but recent events work against such freedom. The Wonders of Creation. To walk the mountains - to climb the hills, to listen to the sound of waves breaking' on the shore - to watch the sunset -to consioer the vastness of the heavens - to meditate upon the intricate beauty of a flower or the impressive growth of a tree ~ to listen to the sound of the birds or to watch some of their amazing patterns of flight - all these things leave you with a sense of something essentially good. Sometimes I hear the heavens rent by thunder, Or see dread lightening leap across the sky, Then in the cloud I see the promised rainbow Stilling my fears with mercy from on high. 0 mighty God, my heart cries out to thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Thy praise shall sound throughout eternity, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! The Person of Christ. Sadly there are many faults to be found in the Christian church - and there is no such person as a perfect Christian - but our faith is not in the church or its members but in Christ Himself. How can anyone read about Jesus without being impressed with the sheer goodness of His life? He lived a sinless life. He did not break any of the commandments. He resisted every kind of temptation. No unclean thoug~ever entered his mind. He was never angry without good reason. He showed compassion towards the sick. He was gentle with the weak. He hated hypocrisy. He spoke only the truth. He obeyed the will of God. His teaching was full of heavenly wisdom. His example was perfect. More than anything else Jesus demonstrated the reality of the love of God towards sinners by willingly dying on the cross of Calvary. Then he arose from the dead as the conqueror of Satan- the Evil One. There is an answer to evil ~ it is found in the message of the gospel! For further information on our church please contact 01291 423 092 (Pastor) or 01594 528 232 (Secretary) With our prayers Eddie Jones Pastor

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