Newsletter - March April 2002   IN FOCUS -  “The Bible: God REVEALS his message” (Sunday Service Theme) Q: Is the Bible true and reliable? For four evening services between Sunday March 10th and Sunday March 31st we aim to give a thorough and detailed answer to just that question. We will be looking at just what makes the Bible such a remarkable, historically accurate and consistent book. THOUGHT -  "Discipline" Discipline is a bit of a touchy subject these days. There seems to be two opposing schools of opinion pulling against each other. More Strict – One side says that there isn’t enough discipline in society and that people should be punished more severely. In their minds they believe people are out of control, especially “the younger generation”. More Free – The other side is against punishment and favours giving people the opportunity to make better choices. Perhaps in some of these people's minds punishment and abuse are practically the same thing. Good discipline is very difficult; there are no quick fix solutions. A great deal of strength of character is required to discipline other people. It is often apparent that a lot of the motivation to discipline can be hate, anger, annoyance and selfishness. It's easy to be quick to discipline and not to think about it in a self-controlled calm manner. A lot of legislation has been brought in to place to protect people from abuse thinly disguised as discipline. Here are two small passages from the Bible indicating what the ideals are: Proverbs 13:24 - "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." - So discipline should not be neglected and it must be motivated by love and done with great care. Romans 2:4 - "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realising that God's kindness leads you towards repentance?” - Also discipline should be carried out in humility and in the knowledge that God, being the ultimate giver of discipline, prefers to use kindness towards us to change us. So that's what the ideals are, but what can we do about it? We could spend all our time and energy complaining about the state of our society, or we could determine to change our hearts and minds and ask God to help us when we are given the responsibility of disciplining others.
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