The European Question

Should Britain continue in the European Union? 

UKIP and others say 'No!' 

David Cameron seems to be sitting uncomfortably on the fence.

Today, the CBI has stated the case in favour. 

Apparently, if their research and analysis is to be believed, the benefits of membership far outweigh the costs.

Obviously, our history and Europe's history have been intertwined for thousands of years. Our links and our differences have shaped us on both sides of the Channel. But our shared history has had an astonishing impact on the rest of the world. It was the European nations, for instance, which took the lead in colonising the rest of the world, with all the good and bad that has flowed from that enterprise.

St. Paul faced the European question while on his second missionary journey. Following his initial travels in what is now south east Turkey, he set off again, travelling north west, and finds himself at the port of Troas. Then something astonishing happens. 'That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.' (Acts 16.9-12)

For Paul and his colleagues, going from east to west meant they were going towards the very centre of the Roman Empire, and the perceived source of all their hardships. But by taking the Gospel into the heart of the Roman empire, they were also bringing the light of Christ into the heart of darkness. For them, the European Question was one of whether Caesar is Lord, or whether Jesus is Lord.

We face the same question. 

Are we prepared to get involved in our own culture and communities, in the name of Jesus, in order to bring his light, hope and love to those who are in darkness, fear and brokenness?

We can try to keep ourselves separate and safe, but we would then fail to make a difference in the name of Jesus.

I am so grateful to those who took the time and trouble to help me, and others like me, to understand and experience the love of Jesus. It seems to me this is the only way to live. Do you agree?
Best wishes,

Richard