Articles

The story that never gets old

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

We all love a good story, don’t we? Whether it’s a fun story told by a friend, a good novel full of suspense, or your favourite movie; well-told stories go deeper than merely entertainment. They warm our hearts or stir wonder and awe and excitement.

My favourite fictional story is the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. The first time I read about the peril Frodo was in with the Black Riders chasing him; that first time I saw their journey through the long dark of Moria; that first time I got to the conclusion of the story… wow! What a powerful story about friendship, courage, doing what’s right in the face of overwhelming opposition, and so much more!

What I realised is this: the very best stories are the ones you want to hear over and over again. A book you just keep taking from the shelf. That audiobook you finished only a few months ago, but just restart again. Sure, the outcome of the story is no longer a surprise. Frodo is going to make it. Or, in another story, you already know that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will marry. And yet, such stories still stir the emotions, because they’re told so well.

Now, what if there is a true story, not fiction but reality, a story which unfolds in such a way that you and I are included in it? That, I believe, is the story of the Bible: the story of God’s rescue plan for this world now broken because of our sin, with God’s Son Jesus Christ as the central character.

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A more important warning

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

For several days now, we’ve “enjoyed” hot weather. Some love it when on holiday on the beach, but for most of us, in the busyness of normal life and with the UK’s humidity, it’s not that great. Perhaps you’ve struggled too. What struck me though was the sheer number and severity of warnings we’re receiving about it all. Extra news bulletins, extra banners on websites, deep-red coloured maps. Travelling to London this week, there were posters everywhere calling everyone to bring a water bottle. Oh, and don’t do demanding work or exercise! The high temperatures are indeed difficult for some, but the warnings suggest this is our greatest danger. It’s not…

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The Ultimate Underdog?

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

The Bible story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known and favourite stories – maybe you’ve heard it too in a school assembly, or read it in your own Bible. About 1000BC, ancient Israel and the neighbouring Philistines are at war. The stakes are high, countless could get killed in a head-to-head battle between the two armies. There is an easier way forward, a battle between two champions. The Philistines’ choice is easy: they’ve got Goliath, a warrior standing 3 meters tall, heavily armoured and with powerful weapons. Who will fight for the Israelites though?

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The Belief that Makes the Difference

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

Some things that we believe in make a big difference to our lives. They are relevant and they make a clear impact. If, for example, you believe that you can trust someone and that they love you, you might end up marrying them! That’s a big impact based on belief. Other beliefs, such as whether the earth is round or flat, won’t affect you too much, unless you go on a long journey!

The other consideration is that simply believing something, doesn’t make it true. You can have a sincere, but mistaken belief. What about belief in God? Does it make a practical difference?

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The greatest love

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

One of our deepest longings and needs is that we are loved, right? Loved by those around us, close to us: family, friends, colleagues. We can face many of life’s hardships if we know we’re loved.  Yet, most important is God’s love! “Your love is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). Do you believe that? Many people think riches and success are quite satisfying, but if there’s no love, if others hate you or ignore you, what’s all that worth? More importantly, if you don’t know God’s love, what will help you when riches and success disappear through hardship or ultimately in death?

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Reliable reporting

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

One of the reasons to read the paper and check other media is to get the news: we’re interested in knowing what’s happened in town, in the country, in the world. Sometimes they’re good stories, more often reports of bad or sad things. Occasionally it’s hugely significant news, reporting on events that truly ‘write history’. In all cases, we want to read news that is accurate, reliable. If we’d want fiction or satire, we’d go to different sources. This is why journalists and editors seek to check the sources, get eye-witness reports, get input from e.g. the police or other relevant parties.

Did you know that the same is true for the Bible? It records historical events, stories, things that happened to real people in real space and time. Even when it tells us about the supernatural – indeed, even when it claims to come from God himself – still there is a great emphasis on the reliability of what’s written down.

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Last Words and A Prayer For You!

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

Famous last words and final goodbyes can be precious and painful. A former fisherman from Galilee witnessed a long ‘last words’. Along with a small crowd, John had witnessed a remarkable life and power. He had heard captivating teaching and seen a person of total integrity. No one had ever discovered any faults. By now, John and the others had become convinced that their dear leader was God’s Son and a human being! Here amongst them was the fulfilment of the prophecies: Immanuel, God with us! You can imagine, how hope for their futures were all tied up with this incredible person. However, Jesus is now saying His lengthy ‘goodbye’, preparing them for his death and their life after he has gone.

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Higher than the mountains

| Klaas-Jan Gunnink

With the holiday season coming close, I’m getting really excited to be seeing (and climbing!) mountains again. Proper mountains, in the Alps. Having grown up in the flattest of countries, the Netherlands, mountains have always amazed and intrigued me. Tall peaks so little touched by our building and landscaping. Rocks and valleys and waterfalls that have always seemed to be there.

People often say that we’re living in a rapidly changing world. Some of that change is great, but not all…

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