SPEACO delegates joined us in worship

What an international group of worshippers we had in our congregation this morning. The delegates to SPEACO (South Pacific and East Asia College of Officers) joined us in worship. They came from every territory and command in this zone.

We had a good meeting. Our Corps Officer (pastor) preached on Salvation Army Doctrine No. 6 "We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved." Good to hear the emphasis she placed on the cross of Jesus Christ and the availabilty of salvation to the 'whosoever.'

I've been reflecting on the simple gospel message the Major gave. The cross is certainly crucial to Christianity. Come to think of it every time we use the word 'crucial' we are referring to the cross. We use the expression 'the crucial point is...' or 'the crux of the matter' we are are using biblical language - just as the cross is central to our faith, so is this point central to the argument. 'Crux ' is the Latin word for cross and the word 'crucial' is derived from it. What about 'crucible' - 'a vessel usually of earthernware, made to endure great heat used for fusing metals etc, a melting pot' the Oxford dictionary tells me. This word is used to describe some severe trial or testing in life - the crucible of suffering. Our Lord went through great pain and suffering to bring us salvation. O how I love to sing "The old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame. "

We were blessed as we sang the old songs - "To God be the glory" "O what a wonderful, wonderful day," "Man of sorrows, what name." "There is a green hill far away," "All have need of God's salvation." Yes, we do use the contemporary songs and we enjoy singing them, but we do not forget the old hymns which are still relevant to our day and generation. In our Corps (church) we keep a healthy balance of the old and the new.

I thank God for the freedom of worship in our land. Every Sunday I meet with fellow believers for a day of rejoicing, to sing unto the Lord and to worship Him. It is also a day of reflection. The curse of our age is speed, everyone seems to be in a hurry. Thank God we can stop and reflect on the greatness, the goodness and graciousness of God Almighty. It is also a day of restoration. We all need a day of rest and restoration.