Church bulletin:<\/p>\n
Just over a month ago, English comedian Russell Brand was baptised in response to his profession of faith. I don\u2019t know much about him other than the bits and pieces I have picked up through the media over the years. I know that he has had drug and alcohol problems; I know that his behaviour has been consistent with someone who has had drug and alcohol problems; I know that he has a reputation for womanising; I know that several women recently came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct; I know that he has often made remarks about searching for deeper meaning.<\/p>\n
Apparently, he has found that deeper meaning in the person of Jesus Christ. It has been suggested, however, that his newfound faith is just a response to the allegations. Is it a case of someone flashing a \u201cget out of jail free\u201d card or at least, \u201cgo easy on me Your Honour, I am a Christian now and won\u2019t reoffend\u201d? No one can know for sure. The apostles did not know the heart of Simon Magus when they baptised him (Acts 8). People make professions of faith and receive baptism for all kinds of reasons \u2013 family and cultural expectations, ignorance, false teaching, wrong understanding, to curry favour, and obviously as an outworking of genuine faith in obedience to the command in scripture.<\/p>\n
Celebrities who make professions of faith tend to polarize Christians. In one corner are those who jump up and down with glee and in the other corner are those who see it as a publicity stunt. When TV tattoo artist Katherine von Drachenberg was baptised last year, I recall in particular the vitriol that came her way from both Christians and non-Christians. Yet, as I watched her being interviewed, she seemed to me to be very sincere. I feel the same way watching Russell Brand. I can\u2019t be certain either are converted, but neither can I be certain that anyone is converted. A few thoughts \u2013<\/p>\n
* Christian conversion does not mean that someone is free of all baggage. People who have led very worldly lives bring into the kingdom of God ideas and practices which need to be transformed. This takes time. It is not where we start that matters but where we end up (Ecc 7:8). The journey must start somewhere.<\/p>\n
* Unless there are obvious red flags, we should take people at face value. Listening to Katherine and Russell discuss their faith and the changes that have occurred in their lives, there is nothing to indicate they are manipulating the general public for self-gain. On the contrary, they have received criticism from all sides.<\/p>\n
* It is fitting to express generosity and hope. \u201cTo the pure all things are pure,\u201d said the Apostle Paul. In the world of some Christians the opposite is true \u2013 \u201cto the pure all things should be treated with suspicion.\u201d I am not suggesting we put aside discernment or caution, but neither should we be looking for faults while hoping for failure. There are people in the New Testament like this \u2013 the Pharisees.<\/p>\n
* As Christians we have a responsibility to pray for one another. When it comes to the Russell Brands of this world, rather than rushing to one corner or the other \u2013 excitement or disdain, why not pray for them. Rejoice and give thanks that there seems to be a work of grace, at the same time leaving no room for presumption. They, like the rest of us, need the Spirit to work in their lives through the Word.<\/p>\n
Let us remember that the Kingdom of God is filled with all kinds of people. Thank God for that! Was Russell Barnd\u2019s baptism the real deal? I certainly hope so and the signs are positive. Russell (and Katherine), if you have believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, welcome to the fold. May the Lord bless you beyond measure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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