THE SENSE OF OUR SINFULNESS

The hallmark of a follower of Christ, is the sense of our own sinfulness. The prophet Ezra, after having brought God’s people from captivity in Babylon, and having rebuilt Jerusalem, was still dissatisfied with his achievements. He earnestly prayed “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to you”. (Ezra ch:9 vs.6). Even the greatest Saints had enough to be ashamed of.

The apostle Paul had planted a multitude of churches and suffered much for Christ, but still called himself the “chief of sinners”. (1 Timothy ch.1 vs.15). Paul considered the crimes of Nero and the betrayal by Judas, lesser sinners than himself.  In Matthew ch.1, Jesus teaches us to “judge not”. Solomon declared that “there is not a just man on earth, who does good, and does not sin”. (Ecclesiastes ch.7 vs.20). We must consider our own sins, and not the sins of others, by continually confessing our sins before God, and asking for his forgiveness. In some situations, we are required to take a stand in both word and deed, of our fellow men, through God’s direction and in his love.

The hope of salvation, is not that we might escape the realm of sin in this life, but our hope is that Jesus was “delivered up because of our offences, and was raised up because of our justification” (Romans ch.4 vs.25).

Just like the apostle Paul, we are all the “chief of sinners”, but as his children and servants, we are saved by grace. One element of this life here on earth we are guaranteed to encounter (especially as followers of Christ), is that we will all face trials. (1 Peter ch.4 vs. 12-13). Even through these trials, we must continue our work of showing the love of Christ to the world, through our personal witness, and through our CMA involvement. We need to keep our focus on the things our Lord has charged us with, and on the important things here on this earth. We look around us, and at the current state of this world, the world crying out for the love of Christ, that only we can show to others, through his love for us. Our focus needs to be totally on Christ, his church, and studying his word. Let us ensure that we are not be preoccupied with ourselves, but look outward to those around us, and growing in his love and grace every day.

CMA MATTERS

  • The 2026 CMA National Run planning, is well on the way. The NSW/ACT committee visited Ridgecrest camp site in April, and bookings have been confirmed.  Official details will be released after this year’s National at Phillip Island. The committee would really appreciate another couple of CMA members to serve on the organising committee. There is much work to be done. Please contact myself or the Secretary to advise of your willingness to come on to the committee.

While in the Central West, a visit to Col Russell, confirmed his appointment as the CMA NSW Central West Area Co-ordinator. Col is keen to work on building up the area chapter, to make it an active and vibrant area for CMA NSW/ACT. Col will be ably supported by long time CMA rider Marty Charlton, who has returned to the CMA fold, and is based in Mudgee.

 

  • Updates received from the following area co-ordinators, show that they have been busy this year with local area events.
  • David Sheath, our southern area representative has shared events with our ACT and Victorian members, attending a couple of their day rides. David hosted a church raid weekend at the Wagga Salvos.
  • Brendan Delaney our Illawarra area representative, has organised the monthly communion on the hill, day rides in the southern areas to include CMA ACT riders. He also has planned a few church raids for the future.
  • In the New England area, things have been a bit quiet, but Dan McGinty, has been involved in organising involvement for his area riders, with other biker organisations rides, as they can.
  • Our Sydney rep, Cyndie Murphy, attended the Righteous Motorcycle club 30th anniversary at Grey Gum Café, on the Putty Rd. She was also attending the Distinguished Gentlemen’s ride, and representing CMA at Greg Lunnon’s funeral (of Outlaw Leather), where Stu Woods of the Ambassadors, was officiating.
  • A small, but dedicated team, attended the Bathurst Bike show in March, shining shoes, presenting the gospel with our biker bibles, and generally representing CMA NSW/ACT. Well done team! Look forward to this becoming an annual event, that more of we CMA members can attend and support in the future.
  • Barry and Margarita Day, as the CMA Australia National Co-ordinators, will be attending the 50th anniversary of CMA International, in the next couple of months. If you can support the Days financially, to get to the USA, please send donations to our Treasurer, Doddles, indicating that it is for the Days CMA International 50th. Your prayer support is also appreciated.

There are more CMA events coming up during the second half of 2025. You will be advised and receive information in the next President’s chat.

Until then, keep on riding safely, spreading the word of CMA, attending local CMA events and supporting your Area Co-ordinators. Blessings to you all, and hope to catch up with you at a future event.

 

Graeme Bingham – CMA NSW/ACT PRESIDENT