John's Gospel tells of a rich young ruler who had kept all the commandments and he asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, but first he had to understand that life is for giving and loving, not for taking and hoarding. Jesus told him to give up his wealth and follow him, and it seems that the price was too high.
Rev. Peter Richmond, pastor of Hesed, spoke about eternal life at the service on Sunday afternoon. "Eternal life is not just about heaven - it's about here and now; it's not a reward for good deeds, but a relationship with God," he said.
He quoted Dr. Mickey Anders: "Faith is not something to rest on... but it beckons us to the frontiers of life," and recalled a book that had made a big impression on him: 'Disciple' by Juan Carlos Ortiz.
In the book, Juan explains that Jesus offers happiness, joy, peace, healing, security, eternity, everything - but the cost of discipleship is very high: bank balance, house, car, wife and children - everything becomes the property of Jesus, even the disciple himself.
"I will allow you to use all these things for the time being. But don't forget that they are mine, just as you are. And whenever I need any of them you must give them up, because now I am the owner." Peter related how in Juan's Buenos Aires church, many people had donated their homes and apartments to the church, and the pastors were discussing whether to sell them all and build a big church in the city.
After six months' prayer, however, they decided to return all the property to the original owners saying, "The Lord has showed us that He doesn't want your empty houses. He wants a house with you inside taking care of it... Just remember that it all still belongs to Him."
As a result, these houses became places where visitors could be sure of a welcome, and their owners were more than happy to be told whom to invite.
Eternal life is well summed-up in the hymn 'All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live." Jesus said: "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Hesed meet every Sunday afternoon at 4.15 in Carringtons Restaurant, below the Atlantic Hotel in Tenby. All are welcome to attend the informal service featuring lively music and opportunities for prayer. Refreshments are served afterwards. For details of other meetings, please telephone Peter on 01646 681805.