The Bible reverberates with the message of redemption from the book of Genesis in the beginning to Revelations at the end. This is because Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and break relationship with Him in favour of self-determination and self-governance. They chose to listen to the devil who ‘comes to kill, steal and destroy’ (John 10:10) instead of listening to their creator and Father. As a result they came under the curse of sin and death and eternal separation from God. They were doomed to die unless God stepped in to save and redeem.

I recently returned from Thailand, a country of rich diversity, unique foods and unusual smells.  Never have I been so aware of the impact of worldview on a nation than during this visit.  Where more than 95% of the population consider themselves to be Buddhist, Thailand have entwined cultural Thai and Buddhism, which effects every part of their daily life.  It seemed as though the spectacles they were wearing were significantly different to mine, and it was obvious that the way they view life shaped the way they eat, sleep and drink (and everything else), which has resulted in a life very different to mine. 

What is man by nature? Most Christians who know how to speak 'Christianese' will quickly raise their hand, and like a modern day Pharisee, coldly exclaim: "A sinner!" while feeling comforted by the fact that they are not going to hell and no longer view themselves in this way. While this answer is not untrue, it assumes too much understanding and agreement. It would be better to go a little more 101 on the answer. Man is by nature lost, outside of the environment he was created for, infected with a killer disease inherited by our first parents. Our response to this determines a lot. There are innumerable ways of responding, which have created cultures and sub-cultures within societies all over the world. These all stem from the sin of pride - finding a way to live, without the Creator of life. The only way that heals the disease, is to accept the finished substitutionary work achieved for man by Jesus Christ on the cross i.e. receive the gospel. Accepting his gracious gift of life, undoes the disease of sin running rampant through our bodies, minds, and feelings. We are essentially uninfected. Healed by his blood. Humility is our right response to this magnificent gift, and is therefore something that is natural and can be nurtured. 

How is humility nurtured?

1. Kingdom Culture

Values can be written on a document and one can even know them by heart but culture is the way people behave. Culture is the way visitors, newcomers and the city experience the KingsCross community. Giving is an important kingdom culture and is part of the KingsCross DNA, where people are generous and worship God with their treasures, time and talents.

Whilst sitting in my study on a cold wintery morning, I can only marvel at the beauty, and the power of the gospel. Having been wooed by the Holy Spirit, through His word, fetched from an inevitable death, I have personally experienced the redeeming power of the word of God.