Greetings CMA NSW/ACT members,

I trust that this communication finds you all well, and keeping faithful in your service for our Lord Jesus Christ.

This president’s chat, includes another worthwhile, important and inspirational encouragement to all of us, from our CMA brother, Richard (Kimbo) Kimball. CMA members, are continually keeping in contact with him, to offer encouragement and support.

Kimbo, often through trying circumstances, is faithfully serving our Lord, through his witness to fellow inmates, and by his bible study and recording of his thoughts and observations. Below, is another of the devotionals that he has prepared, and I would like to share this with you, the CMA membership.

JOHN THE BAPTIST – part 1

John the Baptist, was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who was an answer to prayer from God, to provide a son to them. It is interesting to note that Elizabeth was not only getting on in age, but was barren in being able to produce a child.

After John was born, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and received the following prophesy –

“And you my child, will be called a prophet of the most – high, for you will go on before the Lord, to prepare the way for him. You will provide the knowledge for all, of salvation through the forgiveness of sins”. (Luke Ch:1 vs. 76-77). John grew and became strong in spirit. He lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel for the first time.

John was different to most people. He wore odd clothing made from camel’s hair, and ate mainly locusts and wild honey. He most likely spent a lot of his youth, studying the early scriptures. John is mentioned in all 4 of the gospels, but our focus here, is on the book of Mark.

“So, John came, preaching the gospel of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and baptising in the desert region. Many from the country regions of Judea and the city of Jerusalem, came to see and hear John. Confessing their sins, many were baptised by John in the Jordan River” – Mark Ch. 1 vs. 4-6

John had no power or position within the Jewish political system, but he spoke with great authority. John was bold and spoke the truth. As the people were encouraged and moved by his words, many responded to his words, repented of their sins and were baptised. Jesus himself, was baptised by John, at the beginning of his ministry.

John was appointed by God, to be the uncompromising messenger to pave the way for the coming of Christ, and for the urgent need of people to turn from their sins. It was never John’s intention to draw attention to himself, but to promote the focus on to the one who was the Lamb of God. In John Ch. 1 vs, 15, John proclaims “This is he, of whom I said. He comes after me has already surpassed me, because he was before me!”

Some came to John to be baptised, only so that they could, in their minds, escape eternal punishment. They were not willing to repent of their sins, or to change the way that they lived. John was always bold, and never held back. “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Do not say to yourselves “We have Abraham as our father”, for I tell you that out of these stones, God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce, will be cut down and thrown in to the fire”. Luke Ch. 3 vs. 7-9

This message is just as important to us today. We need to repent of our sins, and ask for God’s forgiveness, on a regular basis. Baptism does not save us within itself, but it is a public expression to all, of our faith, trust and following of the Lord Jesus Christ. To change our ways and to faithfully follow Christ, will not be easy. We will fail time and again. To succeed in following Christ, we need to die to ourselves. “The old has gone, and the new has come”.

To paraphrase a famous theologian, PT Forsyth, “It has cost us much to find our way so far. We have yet a long way to go. A voice is ringing in our ears – follow me…… I am the way, the truth and the life”. John Ch. 14 vs. 6

Kimbo – June 2022

Thanks to Kimbo for providing us with a timely reminder, that in these days we are living in, we need to concentrate on Christ always, and to share the gospel whenever opportunities present themselves.

CMA NSW/ACT is pretty much back to normal, in what we are doing and achieving. We been active for 2023, so far, and below is a bit of a summary of what we have achieved, and what events are coming up:-

  • Jan – we had our CMA witness stand at the annual Lamb & Potato festival, in Guyra.
  • Feb – the AGM / fellowship weekend for 2023, was held in Taree.
  • April – Roy’s 4 day ride down to the Snowy region was held.
  • April – The annual memorial run for CMA members who have gone to be with our Lord, was held at Walcha / Gostwyk, in the New England area.
  • Our monthly communion on the cliff meeting, on the south coast, and meeting on the mountain, in the ACT, are well underway.
  • Area co-ordinators are busy organising events in their local areas. Please keep in contact with them for details.

More events are being organised by your committee, so please keep a check on the CMA face book page, and on the web site for details.

Blessings to you all, as you continue to serve our Lord, within CMA NSW/ACT, and in the areas that Christ has called you to. I look forward to catching up with you at an event some time.

 

Graeme Bingham – CMA NSW/ACT President