James Duff May 1st 2016 ~ Most important

What is the most important thing in your life?Why is it the most important?On Monday night this week, with some apprehension, I sat down to watch the ABC’s Q&A program.  I often watch Q&A but rarely watch it right through.  There are several reasons for this, ranging from falling asleep, through to feelings of exasperation, causing me to turn it off.  This Monday’s episode caught my attention as it involved five Christian panelists who were discussing the role of Christianity in Australian culture, politics and decision-making.Some of what was said and discussed was very good and I must admit it wasn’t as bad as I feared it might be.  It seems to me that the media often pick a few radical Christians to talk, who, when pressed, would not be able to say a Christian creed with any sense of integrity.  Then the ultra conservative is trundled out, to ensure there are some fireworks.  It was easy to identify these caricatures on the panel.  Now not for a minute am I saying that all Christians have to agree on all points but I do take seriously the Bible’s emphatic teaching on guarding sound doctrine.  I was not shocked to hear some of the views from some high profile Christians who are representing Jesus to a watching world.  Interestingly, what caused me the most disappointment was not what was said but what wasn’t.This was a great opportunity for the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ but the words “Jesus” and “Christ” were only mentioned six times throughout the 67 minute program.  With a panel of five Christians, the crux of the Christian faith, the gospel, was never mentioned.  The greatest and obvious chance to hear it came when Julia Baird, lamenting some of the social problems in Australia, asked the panel, “Is it down to God’s grace or human endeavour?”  I was hoping for at least one to answer, “With God’s grace,” but this did not happen.  The question was hijacked and a thorough answer was never given.  What an opportunity for the five panelists to testify to God’s grace to us through Jesus and to explain why Jesus is so compelling to them.  I think this was a huge missed opportunity, as often these discussions are when debating whether the Christian faith is true; but this discussion was to do with whether Christianity is a force for good.Christianity has done much good and will continue doing so.  Why?  Because Jesus is the head of it; he rules it and the gates of hell can’t prevent its goodness.  I think Monday’s Q&A was a missed opportunity to hear what is of first importance for all Christians and the good news our country so desperately needs to hear.  Maybe I’m just a young fired-up evangelist but, honestly, I think Paul was right when he reminded the church what is of first importance for us all (1 Cor. 15:3-5):3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the TwelveBlessings,James