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Partnership

September 16, 2007

Think about the partnerships around us; families, marriages and friendships; between organisations such as schools and businesses. Then there are partnerships between governments and even between nations such as the European Union, Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation - APEC, Association of South East Asian Nations - ASEAN and the United Nations etc. Partnerships are all around us. They function for the benefit of all involved. They require trust and co-operation.

As Christians we are in a special partnership – one that involves not only humans but the divine. Our partnership is with God the 3 in one – the role model of all partnerships where the Father, Son and Spirit work for the benefit of all with full trust and co-operation. What a great and amazing privilege that we- sinful and frail humans are able to work in partnership with the God of the universe and the Lord of history. This should make us aware of how gracious and generous God is and how much he values us. How often do you think about this and how often do you thank him?

What is the purpose of this partnership with God? Our partnership between God and ourselves is expressed in the bible in many ways but in the New Testament it is a partnership in the gospel. It is about living godly lives that bring honour to our heavenly partners and it is about us sharing the good news to those outside the partnership, so that they may join us in the divine enterprise by following Jesus.

In the letter to the Philippian church the partnership is a very positive one. Paul is joyous even though he is chained up, imprisoned with his death before him and that is because of his trust in God and his evidence of the firm partnership with the church. Philippi had helped Paul spread the good news of Jesus around the world. They supplied prayer, people, support, encouragement and finances.  Have a read of Philippians 1.

All Saints has had a proud history of being involved the work of the gospel in Indonesia and amongst English speaking people. But our partnership needs to be expressed in every generation. Our partnership needs to be active now. How are we individually participating in the partnership? How is our church? How can we be like the Philippian church? As Narelle, Beth and I join you in this heavenly partnership, we look forward to getting to know you and working together with each other and with God.

Ian Hadfield

Comments

Partnership is not just about have somebody to accompany us, but it's more about sharing our lives, giving love and sacrificing our ego. All the countries in APEC, ASEAN or UN would never be in partnerships if they do not have a guarantee that they will get any benefit from the partnerships. Christ has given, even though He knew that He would get nothing but suffer and pain. Christ has died for us; He has totally given His life so we could have relationship with God. We have received all the good things from our Holy Partner, Jesus Christ; there's nothing less. The question is what would we give to Him? Would we live for Christ? Would we be a light by become a good partner in every relationship? Remember that we are the partners of God; so do not make Him embarrassed.
I also would like to say welcome to Ian, Narelle and Beth. God bless you.

Posted by Lidia on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 12:01:54

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