The Paris Olympics 100 years ago

The Olympics are here. Paris was also the venue for the Olympics 100 years ago.  

In 1924 Scotsman, Eric Liddell won gold in the 400 metres. Chosen to represent the UK at the Olympics, his strength was the 100 metres for which he was favourite. When the schedule of events was published, Liddell was dismayed to discover that the 100 metres final would be on a Sunday.

Liddell’s Christian faith was foremost in his life and he held a particular view on Sabbath observance.  He believed that his sporting prowess was a gift from God (he was also a Scottish international rugby player) but he wanted to honour the giver (God) more than the gift.  So it was, that he declined to run the 100 metres and offered himself to run the 200 and 400 metres, which wouldn’t compromise his personal convictions. He came under pressure as many attempted to dissuade him – he had no experience of 400 metres competitions. To everyone’s surprise, he returned from Paris with gold and bronze Olympic medals.

What would this 24 year old do next? He had a degree in pure science and opportunities lay before him in the sporting world. Yet, in 1925, he chose to return to his country of birth – China – where his parents were missionaries.

Liddell’s personal faith had matured and he wanted to serve the Christian community in China. With the onset of war, Liddell was interned by the Japanese. He died of cancer in 1945, whilst still an internee.

We don’t know precisely what Liddell taught in those 20 years, but it would have been consistent with the Christian faith which we find explained in the New Testament paraphrased here:

‘God gives all people life and breath and everything else. He did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. In previous times, he patiently bore with our ignorance. Now since he has shown us himself in Jesus, he both invites and commands all people everywhere to turn to him.’

Like Liddell, may we have the humility to see our gifts and strengths as first coming from a good God and then use them for his pleasure and honour. This way is likely to bring joy to us and others also. 

Fourth July - the curse of independence

Thursday 4th July is the date of the moment: the General Election. It is unlikely, however, to retain its significance in the same way as America’s 4th July, which looks back to that nation’s Declaration of Independence from British rule back in 1776.

History is shot through with nations wanting to be independent of other nations and coveting sovereignty and autonomy. In our own Great Britain, recent decades have witnessed former colonies wanting and gaining independence, our leaving the EU and the perceived yoke of Brussels, whilst devolved governments at home are a step in this direction also.

All of this stems from our desire to be free, to be independent and master of our own lives both corporately and individually. With all of these millions of lives, each having a personal agenda, politicians have a dilemma when appealing for our vote.

The solution to this human dilemma is to be found in God and yet that is the last place we think we need to go, because we see him as the biggest threat to our independence. Yet Jesus tells us that is as silly as a branch wishing to be independent of the tree from which it gets all of its nourishment. Give the branch independence and it will sooner or later wither and dry up – dead wood.

The Christian message contains many paradoxes. One such tells us that whilst we hold back from God and choose our own independence in the name of freedom we are actually enslaved. Jesus, on the other hand, says he has come to set captives free and this because he is the only one who can bring us close to God. Close to God? Yes, contrary to our expectations this is where freedom really lies. It makes perfect sense, if you believe that God made us - made us to live in relationship with himself. Christian teaching is that independence from God is the last thing we need, because our hearts are restless until they find their home in God.

We need our politicians to govern us well but the ultimate solutions lie elsewhere. May I suggest you check out the promises and credentials of Jesus found in the Bible?

A man named Adam

Most people probably know that, according to the Bible, the first man is named Adam. Less people, however, will know that the same Bible refers to Jesus as the last (or second) Adam. It is to this second Adam – Jesus, that the Bible strives to draw our attention.

A contributor to the letters column in the Birmingham Mail (May 14) says that the Christian message of salvation makes no sense as it is based on the opening chapters of the book of Genesis which includes reference to a man named Adam. This is because he thinks that science renders such religious scripts and faith void.

My dictionary says science is, ‘a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws’. I boil a kettle of water and once it gets to 100°C it refuses to go hotter and starts to evaporate. This is an observable fact that can be proved.

I know of no fact that proves life exists without intelligent design. To say, as some do, that life started by chance is bizarre, since ‘chance’ is not a thing it is a nothing.

On a number of occasions we read that various groups sought to catch Jesus out and make him look ridiculous. One such group was called the Sadducees. They gave a long-winded ‘foolproof’ argument in order to prove that resurrection from the dead made no sense. Jesus’ riposte was, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.’

Many educated people have found that it is harder to believe in a godless universe than it is to deny a divinely-designed creation. These same people (of whom I am one) would also say it is equally hard to dismiss the reality of our consciences along with our innate sense of justice. How does the atheist explain such things without reference to a good, creator God?

Anyone who wishes to dismiss the Christian message on the basis of the opening chapters of Genesis might do better to start with Jesus Christ himself. Irrespective of what one thinks about Genesis, it is Jesus with whom we must deal first and foremost. Try disproving Jesus’ existence, his claims and his resurrection if you dare. Alternatively, simply trust him!