God's Garage Community

The complete photographic progress on God's Garage Community from they day Dale and I visited for the first time to what it's like now.

“The Jesus Message”

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: 

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 

‘Prepare the way for the Lord, 

make straight paths for him. 

Every valley shall be filled in, 

every mountain and hill made low. 

The crooked roads shall become straight, 

the rough ways smooth. 

And all people will see God’s salvation.’ 

Luke 3:1-6

Contextual Application: The Luke 3: 1-6 Passage: 

The Luke 3 passage starts with those that rule and govern for the care and benefit of others, 

Roman Political and Military Rule 

• Tiberius Caesar – Supreme Ruler and Emperor who Was in coalition with Augustus Caesar, they Co-ruled together for a while. 
• Pontius Pilate – Military Ruler and the Collector of Taxes 

Jewish Political Rule 

• Herod, Philip, and Lysanias. 
• Herod – Antipas – Son of Herod the great, a Jewish leader, not a King as he ruled a quarter of Herod the great's kingdom after his death. 
• Philip – Son of Herod the great and Half brother to Antipas, and again not a King, but a Jewish leader who again divided a quarter of Herod's original kingdom. 
• Lysanias – Little known Jewish Leader. 

Jewish Religious Rule

• Annas who was removed from office as high priest. - Was a severe High priest and was removed from office by Roman authority. 
• Caiaphas who official high priest. (High priests only left office usually when they died) this is why both are stated as high priest at the same time. 

Luke who writes the gospel has an unstated dig at the failures of such impotent political and religious authorities. Impotent because the social situation was still in decline. The land of the first century Palestine was directly or indirectly under the control of Caesar or the people of the Rome. 

The Roman taxation on the colonies plundered the economy of the native population, Under the colonial powers the privileges and the rights of the native population were negated, however, the elite groups who supported the colonial powers enjoyed certain amount of rights and privileges. It's only Luke that takes the time to mention leaders in power at various political levels when John the Baptizer appeared 

It is into this situation that the Jesus message comes to John in the wilderness and he becomes that message from the margins of that rule and power. A message of hope amid distress of political turmoil. For Luke this message is a Jesus message of “A RADICAL NEW WAY TO LIVE” as well as a Message of “HOPE IN THE HERE AND NOW” 

Contemporary Application: The Luke 3: 1-6 Passage: 

We too start with those that rule or govern for the care and benefit of others. We too know the failings and the successes of those who fill political and religious office. This week in the chancellors autumn statement spending cuts, benefits slashed, cuts to housing allowance was announced. A lot of ordinary families on low incomes are going to feel the pain and none of the gain over the next 6 years as austerity plans are extended to 2018. We hear the squabbling of political commentators as well as politicians themselves as we face the future. It's into this arena that we hear “the Jesus message” of Isaiah. 

Make straight paths for him. 

Every valley shall be filled in, 

every mountain and hill made low. 

The crooked roads shall become straight, 

the rough ways smooth. 

And all people will see God’s salvation.’ 

This is what Luke is getting and this surely is the promise of Advent. We too hear this Jesus message of Isaiah. a message that comes from God today, perhaps like John the baptist it is heard from the wilderness or the margins of rule and power, It's a message of “TURNING” as well as “HOPE” and we like John the Baptizer have the opportunity to become that Jesus message and embody that “HOPE”, and live as an example of that “TURNING” before the community in which we live. 

Conclusion:

In the sixtith year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when Prime Minister David Cameron, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg governed England, Councillor Ann Castle was The Lord Mayor of Leeds, when Fabian Hamilton was MP for North Leeds and the leader of Leeds council is Keith Wakefield. During the the days of the one hundred and fourth Archbishop of Canterbury Rev Dr Rowan Williams the word of God came to the sons and daughters of the church, exiled in the wilderness. They went into all the community and became the Jesus message of “HOPE” in the here and now and of a “RADICAL NEW WAY TO LIVE” that was all written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet. 

A son finds faith and a father........

It Must Be Small

When he left Rivendell, Frodo didn't head out with a thousand Elves. He had eight companions. Jesus didn't march around backed by legions of angels, either. He had twelve men - knuckleheads, every last one of them, but they were a band of brothers. This is the way of the kingdom of God. Though we are part of a great company, we are meant to live in little platoons. The little companies we form must be small enough for each of the members to know one another as friends and allies.

Who will fight for your heart?

How can we offer the stream of counseling to one another, unless we actually know one another, know each other's stories? The reason counseling became a hired relationship between two people was largely because we couldn't find it anywhere else; we haven't formed the sort of small fellowships that would allow the stream to flow quite naturally. Is it possible to offer rich and penetrating words to someone you barely know, in the lobby of your church, as you dash to pick up the kids?

Where will you find the Four Streams?

The Four Streams are something we learn, and grow into, and offer one another, within a small fellowship. We hear each other's stories. We discover each other's glories. We learn to walk with God together. We pray for each other's healing. We cover each other's back. This small core fellowship is the essential ingredient for the Christian life. Jesus modeled it for us for a reason. Sure, he spoke to the masses. But he lived in a little platoon, a small fellowship of friends and allies. His followers took his example and lived this way, too. "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts" (2:46). "Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house" (1 Cor 16:19). "Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house" (Col 4:15).

Taken from John Eldridge - Waking the Dead.

Waiting at the airport......

I have styed with Cath and Micro in Rose Street Melbourne for the last few days. I'm now at Melbourne Tullamarine waiting for the flight back to blighty. This morning I preached at St Martins in Collingwood. (The Home of God's Squad Melbourne Chapter) and then went out to lunch with the Saliba's and a few others. Amazing Hospitality. Looking forward to getting home. Thanks to those who have travelled with me via the blog and for those who have prayed. I'll be updating the blog with more photo's after the jetlag has worn off.

Time in Glenrowan........

I arrived at Wangaratta on Sunday night and this is the first time i have been able to get to a computer with internet access. I'm staying with a wonderful family in Glenrowan.

It's a hillbilly lifestyle and it's wonderful. Monday was taken up with me helping to repair a "Hotrod" and just get used to the heat, as it's been baking hot here since I arrived. The weather inland is much hotter then that of Melbourne as there is no sea wind.

On Monday morning I went into explore the rural city of Wangaratta and look round the town. Monday night was taken up with sharing around the dinner table with people popping in from the community that Renea and Di lead. People just popped in to say hello.

Tuesday we went to an american motor vehicle wreckers yard on the on the other side of Shepperton, which is about two hours from Glenrowan. Renea my host said "Shepperton is only up the road" The reason we were their was that Renea has a passion for American cars. (He owns a V8 1960 Pontiac Parissiene, which runs on LPG) Everything is so "BIG" in Australia inluding the cars.

Monday night was the community fellowship time over a meal. 25 people came together and I shared about the life story of John the Apostle and his vision of the "True Jesus" Yesterday Andy and Kate Harrison popped in on the way back to Melbourne (Andy and Kate came across from the UK on the same flight as me) It was good to have a meal and catch up with their adventures. They return to Melbourne today. Today I'll be exploring the small town of Glenrowan which is the town where Ned Kelly took his last stand.

Tommorrow I'll be returning to Melbourne for the last of the God's Squad 40th Anniversary Gatherings.

 Saturday will be a day of picking up some last minute presents for my family. Sunday I'm preaching at The Home Church of God's Squad in Australia "St Martins Collingwood which is at the corner of Otter street and Wellington. I fly home at midnight on Sunday.

Onward journey to Wangaratta..........

Yesterday morning it was a Mens breakfast at Pakenham Baptist Church. I was the main speaker. We had 60 men present. Quite a few came on bikes, It was great to be there with brothers from the Eastern Victoria chapter of God's Squad. I spoke on my own story, "It took only one man" and the story of Jack Kelly, who took me in. 

This morning I was the speaker at Melbourne Welsh Church which is right in the heart of the city sandwiched between two multistory car parks. (A strange sight to see)

I spoke on Philippians 2:1-11 "OTHERS" This was about the Others-ness of God. People were glad to have heard the sermon, or so they said. One 17 yr old girl said "Graeme, your COOL" 

I'm now sitting at Melbourne Southern Cross railway station waiting for a train to Wangeratta, from there I'll be going to Glenrowan until Friday. I'll keep you posted.

Christmas Trees and 28 Degrees.....

Its a strange thing seeing Christmas trees in the shops and it's 28 degrees, the sun is hot and it's only 9.00am in the morning.

According to the Australian news its going to get hotter still over the weekend.  I was able to work on two sermons yesterday sitting out on the veranda of Docs house in Healsville. What a treat. This coming sunday im going to preach Phil 2:1-11 on the subject of "OTHERS" and Im taking devotions on Friday night in the city of Melbourne, in going to share about John the Apostle and his life. Today after lunch i'll be riding to Marysville. Marysville was one of the places that the bush fires tore through leaving the town and nearby houses in flames, tragic loss of lives. It will be interesting to see the progress that people have made in trying to rebuild there lives in this area. Healsville (Where im staying) is a town that neighbours the Yarra Valley which is famous for it's wines. It's a very lovely part of Victoria, made even more so by the good weather. 

Casey Chambers......I still pray

I was shown this during my visit to Hobart. I really like the Australian Hillbilly feel to it.
Kasey Chambers website HERE

Postcard from Australia......

After arriving back in Melbourne, I stayed the night with Bubba and Ruth in Croydon Hills, just outside in the suburbs of Melbourne. Yesterday was hot and Ive got sunburn on the top of my head. Last night i picked up a Harley Davidson Softail and headed out to Healsville to stay with "Doc" this is the brother who put me up on my first visit to Australia in 2011. We sat out on Doc's decking and had a good ol chat. Today it's down to some study as im speaking at a men's breakfast at Packenham Baptist Church on Saturday and then im preaching at the Welsh church in Melbourne on Sunday. On Monday im hoping to head out on the Harley to Glenrowan which is 3 hours ride from Melbourne. Glenrowan is famous for "Ned Kelly" so there will be opportunity to see some  sights. Im leading a study on Tuesday 20th in Glenrowan in one ofthe communities of faith that I was able to visit in 2011 when i was passing through to go to Yass -NSW. Please continue to pray.

Harley, Triumph, Ducati, Buell........

The sun has been fantastic we rode to Cygnet for lunch. A town on the very south coast of Tasmania. Any further south and it is the Antartic. The scenery on the ride was breathtaking a road full of tight bends so cornering was exillirating. I was riding a Buell for most of the journey,, although I had started out on a Harley Davidson Custom Twin Cam. Tassie is a wonderful state and combining  this with the sun it was a great day of riding. After lunch we headed  back on the highway to Hobart, which was a different kind of riding altogether. We have just got back its 3.27pm on Sunday afternoon (4.27 am UK time) Tonight Howie will be giving a presentation on the history and ethos of Gods Garage in Manchester. There will be sharing of testimonies and time to discuss together around Gods word.

Last day in Hobart......

Today the sun is out, not a cloud in the sky....it going to be a hot one. Going out on a bike ride this morning with the guys. Riding up the coast in Tas and having lunch at a tourist spot. Then back for God's Garage Hobart style...with food and bible study, sharing and praying together. Tommorow i return to Melbourne before heading up country. Melbourne will be good the brothers from uk return tommorow to Manchester and then i'll be going solo. 2 weeks of preaching and teaching coming up, it,s not full on, ive got some space in between to reflect and also to catch up with people. I'm really looking forward to speaking at the Welsh church in Melboune and also at St Martins.

Tornado in Hobart............

Today in Hobart we had a tornado, and the weather here was heavy rain and big winds. Tonight we are going out on mission visits to a few clubs. I give thanks for the opportunities that we have been given. Tonight will be a late one, we will be getting back in the early hours of the morning. Im missing my family, you dont realise the sacrifice it has been for them to have enabled me to go to the other side of the world. Thanks to my lovely wife Rachel, My oldest son James who I miss, my daughter who is growing up so fast, and my younger son, who is so full of life. We will be having a lie in in the morning and then going on some more visits. On Sunday we will be attending the community evening that Dale and Claire have started in Hobart, Howie will be speaking and there will be opportunities for people to share.  Im praying that our visit to Hobart will bring blessing to the guys down here.

In Hobart at the sametime as Camilla and Charles

Hi Everyone

I'm now in Hobart in Tasmania. I arrived today. Staying with friends, we will be here for a week.  Chilling out this evening, after a great chicken dinner. Be good to get some rest after a hectic week in  Melbourne. I'm here till Monday the 12th of November.  Hobart is an amazing city, if you trace a line to the left, the next island is the south island of New Zealand.  It was 24 degree when we got here. Charles and Camilla arrived as well today.

Melbourne cup day.

Hi and Happy Melbourne Cup Day.  It's been good weather so far, 25 degrees at the moment. Today is the last of the party days for the GSCMC International run. We had a great party which went well.  Many conversations and opportunities to share with brothers and friends. I'm going to Hobart in Tasmania tomorrow to spend some time with good friends. I'll be there till the 12th of November.  Then I'll be returning to Melbourne. I'm speaking at a men's group on Saturday 17th, preaching at the Melbourne Welsh church on Sunday 18th. On the 19th I'll be traveling to Glen Rowan to see other friends and to speak at a Community Bible Study on Tuesday the 20th. I'm traveling back to Melbourne on the 24th and then preaching at St Martins on th's 25th.

Sunday Worship as an international community...

Sunday worship today was electric. We heard some preaching from God's Word, some wonderful worship leading and a full band. A number of styles of music were part  of our worship, Blues, Bluegrass, Rock....It was good to have communion as an international community, with people from all ages, traditions, genders etc.... serving communion to the GSCMC community.  Today we ridde back to Collingwood for some tea and then we will be returning to Mitcham for a rest.

Listening, Story telling and Giving Thanks.

Today has been a day of celebration for 40 years of God Squad ministry. We had some great sessions from our international president Rev Dr John Smith. The history of GSCMC was highlighted, pain spoken of,  and succeses marked.  We heard from various presidents world wide from Finland to New Zealand and we able to catch up  with progress worldwide, we were also treated by people who came and took the staff in order to tell a story or two.

Heading for Mt Evelyn Christian Centre.....

Today we headed out for the International run site at Mt Evelyn. We rode there from Collingwood in the city. We stopped for a break at Bayswater. There was 70-80 bikes in convoy. This was a great sight and was a head turner as well. We arrived at the run site just after 8.00pm and were shown to our rooms. Mt Evelyn Christian centre is a lovely place and is very peaceful. Tonight is a social night for caatching up with people and an opportunity to purchase GSCMC merchandise.

A World Away.....

Well here I am...in OZ. It's been a tiring few days. I'm hopefully now beyond the jetlag and looking forward to some famous australian hospitality. I'm missing my family. The weather here is good (ish) 24 degrees today, but with sun on the way.  I've already met some people who I met when i was here in 2011. Also met some new friends and through the next few days will get to meet a whole lot more. I'm going to try and get some photos up here on the next short while. One disaster happened my ipad has stopped working, but im sure i can get it going again, i just need to hook it up to itunes and respring it.

I'm heading to St Martin's today to meet up with the rest of the folks from all over the world. I'll keep you posted on the progress of my trip over the coming few days. We arrived and were shortly on the road again with the rest of worldwide squad.

Arrival in Australia.....

Well here we are in Australia via a one hour stop over in Doha. It's eleven o'clock at night and  we have  been picked up at the airport and are staying in Mitcham for the next few days with "Magoo" we are going to get some bikes in the morning so that we can ride. I'm here with two other UK brothers and for the next two weeks i'll share their company. On friday we will be riding to the GSCMC International run and 40th Anniversary. Tommorow we will be out and about visiting people.

When love crosses the great divide