Friday, 26 December 2014
The 21st Century Church - Part Two Being Christ Centred
For any
Christian believer, it is imperative that their life and faith are centred
around Christ and all that He has wrought on the cross. This is the subject
that we ultimately term Christology and would have to be one of the most
comprehensive subjects studied by scholars and students today. I will therefore
not attempt to take into account all of the aspects of this study but simply
wish to focus this short study on being Christ centred in our lives.
Paul and
Peter alike encourage the body of Christ to “be holy” and go on to explain that
holiness can only be compared to Him who is Holy that is The Lord God of Israel
and every aspect of the Godhead including the Son who is the Christ.
Holiness
therefore is not something that is obtained by action or even words but by
being and being in particular in relationship with the Father through the works
that Christ has wrought on the cross.
Often we
attribute Christians to those people who attend a particular church or those
who attend mass or observe other sacraments. Yet the book of James and Romans
explains to us that it is neither by our works or indeed any actions of our own
that give us our state or standing in Christ. It is being in Christ and having
Christ in us that bring us to this place of Holiness.
What does
it therefore mean to be in Christ? The book of Corinthians explains that we are
seated in Christ in heavenly places, and indeed Christ himself rose to be
seated at the right hand of the Father. Being in Christ is about understanding
our state and our standing in him and that w in turn are with Christ in
heavenly places.
Naturally
the state of any individual is dynamic which fluctuates depending on our
circumstances and situation, often we see the result of this in what we call
conditional covenant. That is covenants or promises that were written between
God the Father and His creation which came with certain conditions. An example
of this can be seen in the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus explains “forgive us our
sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Often we think that God’s grace
give us a “get out of jail” free card, that is Christ is always ready and
willing to forgive us all our sins. Yet this promise comes with a condition
that is that we in turn forgive others who sin against us this can be seen in a
number of parables used.
Our
Standing in Christ is static, that is unchanging and is the eternal hope that
every Christian leans on to secure a future as promised by the Father. Once
again this is based covenant, but this time on unconditional covenant as
opposed to conditional. One such covenant can be seen in God’s promise to never
again flood the earth and to continually remind us of this promise He gave us a
sign which is the rainbow.
When we understand that we are seated with
Christ and either live according to his conditional or unconditional promises
we can than begin to live out in our own lives that which Christ wrought in us
on the cross. Philippians encourages us to “live out our salvation with fear
and trembling” and it is done with an understanding of who we are in Christ.
Every blessing, privilege, position and reign that Christ upholds within
himself can and should be for all who are in Christ.
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
The 21st Century Church - Part One
When we think about the church today, that is the Christian Church, there are many images that come to mind. Some see the church as an institution, one of values and standards and morals that is mostly out of touch with society. At least that’s how those not part of it often see it. Some will say the church is simply another organisation which adheres to a certain moral code, mainly existing to establish a social structure. In fact most people, because of the churches high profile in society, will have an opinion of the church. But the real question is how does God and in particular Jesus view his church?
When Jesus
in Matthew 16:18 states to Peter previously known as Simon, and pronounces him
Petrus meaning rock he declares “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” This amazing declaration not only
of Peter and the transformation of a weak and feeble fisherman into an
immovable force but also the declaration of the church which Jesus would himself
build as an unstoppable force to be reckoned with begins what has to be a
different church than what we see today.
The early
church not only was unstoppable but literally turned the known world upside down
and scripture along with secular reports from writers such as Josephus tell us
that thousands began flocking to the church or the movement as it was also
known. Reports of people being healed by simply passing under the shadow of the
disciples or being set free of demonic bondage by a spoken command was common
practise. The church was on its way and yet this was merely the beginning and
start of what God had planned for his bride in waiting.
And so two
thousand years have passed and we the church of today must ask the question,
are we who Christ intended us to be? Do we within the walls of our fine
cathedrals and lofty office places portray the image of Christ in all that we do?
Would Jesus, if walking amongst today, say “well done good and faithful servant”
or would he cringe and turn away saying “I do not know you”. Although harsh and
unthinkable to someone who knows of the incredible love that God has for his
creation and especially his church, this must always be at the forefront of our
hearts and minds in wanting to continually please God and not man.
It is this
difficult question that I would like to ask, not only of the church as a whole
but even as myself, a part of the incredible body of Christ on this earth.
Knowing that He, Christ is returning to a bride that is “without spot or wrinkle”
as scripture tells us.
Friday, 14 November 2014
The Responsibility of Leaders
As a leader within the church, it is often spoken about the influence we have over our congregations or greater audience. Indeed due to the very nature of our work it is easy to see how this influence can go to our heads and it is then and there that we often hear of leaders falling in shame.
But what is not often spoken of is the responsibility that leadership carries within the body of Christ. It is this responsibility that I have been examining as I have studied scripture in recent days and in particular Malachi and the minor prophets.
The minor prophets, in my opinion, give incredible insight into God's reaction to man's sins whether they be of Israel, the greater community of believers and in particular those who are called to give leadership He has intrusted with care.
Throughout these books God gives his response to our wickedness and sinful ways, and whilst it is easy to say that Christ brought us a new way through our faith in Christ and all he did on the cross, a way which we would define as grace, we must also remember that sin carries consequences.
Just as James reminds us that "faith without works is dead", so too is grace without holiness. Over and over again we see the Lord both in the old and new testaments admonishing his people to "be holy as He is Holy". The message of grace that we often preach in Romans and elsewhere in scripture comes to us as a double edged sword that is grace gives us the ability to live and be holy. This message I believe has been distorted in recent years. We often see grace as a get out of jail free card which can be pulled at any moment when the sense of guilt and shame arise.
As leaders we have a responsibility to teach the whole word and truth as it appears and not sugar coat it so as to fill church pews and by it make ourselves look good. Indeed I believe this is the very message that Malachi brings to priests which could be interpreted to of those leading the church today.
Malachi chapter 1 speaks of blemished sacrifices and as we examine this scripture we immediately say "we are no longer under the old covenant but the new" and therefore these scriptures do not relate to us, especially if we are gentiles who have been grafted into the vine. Yet, I sense the warnings of Malachi are just as relevant today then when they were written.
Paul commends us to give ourselves as "living sacrifices" and it is during his time in Ephesus in particular that we see this workout in his life the most graphically as we read in Acts 18:18-23. It is here that Paul takes a vow and finally completes this vow by shaving off his facial hair and brings it to the temple as an offering.
The blemished sacrifices we read about in Malachi represent our response to our sin. As discussed earlier, we often sugar coat sin by waving the wand of grace and calling all good, but as we read in Malachi all sin carries consequence and all leadership carry the responsibility to ensure the church lives out their "salvation with fear and trembling" as Philippians indicates.
Leaders therefore carry a heavy responsibility to lead the church in righteousness, holiness and in such a way that sees The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit honoured and glorified. It is this role which I believe the Lord Jesus would call those who wish to serve the body as ministers back to. Remembering that in the last days only a remnant will remain.
But what is not often spoken of is the responsibility that leadership carries within the body of Christ. It is this responsibility that I have been examining as I have studied scripture in recent days and in particular Malachi and the minor prophets.
The minor prophets, in my opinion, give incredible insight into God's reaction to man's sins whether they be of Israel, the greater community of believers and in particular those who are called to give leadership He has intrusted with care.
Throughout these books God gives his response to our wickedness and sinful ways, and whilst it is easy to say that Christ brought us a new way through our faith in Christ and all he did on the cross, a way which we would define as grace, we must also remember that sin carries consequences.
Just as James reminds us that "faith without works is dead", so too is grace without holiness. Over and over again we see the Lord both in the old and new testaments admonishing his people to "be holy as He is Holy". The message of grace that we often preach in Romans and elsewhere in scripture comes to us as a double edged sword that is grace gives us the ability to live and be holy. This message I believe has been distorted in recent years. We often see grace as a get out of jail free card which can be pulled at any moment when the sense of guilt and shame arise.
As leaders we have a responsibility to teach the whole word and truth as it appears and not sugar coat it so as to fill church pews and by it make ourselves look good. Indeed I believe this is the very message that Malachi brings to priests which could be interpreted to of those leading the church today.
Malachi chapter 1 speaks of blemished sacrifices and as we examine this scripture we immediately say "we are no longer under the old covenant but the new" and therefore these scriptures do not relate to us, especially if we are gentiles who have been grafted into the vine. Yet, I sense the warnings of Malachi are just as relevant today then when they were written.
Paul commends us to give ourselves as "living sacrifices" and it is during his time in Ephesus in particular that we see this workout in his life the most graphically as we read in Acts 18:18-23. It is here that Paul takes a vow and finally completes this vow by shaving off his facial hair and brings it to the temple as an offering.
The blemished sacrifices we read about in Malachi represent our response to our sin. As discussed earlier, we often sugar coat sin by waving the wand of grace and calling all good, but as we read in Malachi all sin carries consequence and all leadership carry the responsibility to ensure the church lives out their "salvation with fear and trembling" as Philippians indicates.
Leaders therefore carry a heavy responsibility to lead the church in righteousness, holiness and in such a way that sees The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit honoured and glorified. It is this role which I believe the Lord Jesus would call those who wish to serve the body as ministers back to. Remembering that in the last days only a remnant will remain.
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Love Those Who Hate You
Over and over again, we are told in the gospels ‘Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Be good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute or mistreat you to show you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven, for He makes His sun rise on the good and the wicked, and sends rain to fall on the righteous and sinner. If you only love those who love you, what reward can you have? Even the wicked do that’ (Matthew 5:44 to 46). Might I say that this message is the same today even as it was during the time of the Roman Imperium which controlled and dictated to the lives of millions of people when this message was first written.
As a Christian and therefore follower of Christ, it is easy to be put off by what we hear in media. In a world which seems to be growing in hate and discord, as we have recently seen by the actions of a few in the form of ISIS, it's easy to become hard and even hateful towards those who would try to take peace from us. Yet the message of Christ and throughout the New Testament continues to sing aloud as it did thousands of years before. Love those that hate you!
As we draw near to the return of Christ, Jesus himself warns us in Matthew 24:9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
It is during these times, such as we see today, that every Christian believer must hold to the truth and Christ's calling to "go into all the world" with a message of love and grace especially to those that hate us. It is through their hatred towards us and our response to continue in love that the world will see Christ in us and ultimately more come to the knowledge of God's love towards them.
It is not enough for us to say we love them, we must always display this love in action. As we begin a new day, let's pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us to someone somewhere that we can display Christ's love for them. Remembering one of the most recognised scriptures of all time John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
As a Christian and therefore follower of Christ, it is easy to be put off by what we hear in media. In a world which seems to be growing in hate and discord, as we have recently seen by the actions of a few in the form of ISIS, it's easy to become hard and even hateful towards those who would try to take peace from us. Yet the message of Christ and throughout the New Testament continues to sing aloud as it did thousands of years before. Love those that hate you!
As we draw near to the return of Christ, Jesus himself warns us in Matthew 24:9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
It is during these times, such as we see today, that every Christian believer must hold to the truth and Christ's calling to "go into all the world" with a message of love and grace especially to those that hate us. It is through their hatred towards us and our response to continue in love that the world will see Christ in us and ultimately more come to the knowledge of God's love towards them.
It is not enough for us to say we love them, we must always display this love in action. As we begin a new day, let's pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us to someone somewhere that we can display Christ's love for them. Remembering one of the most recognised scriptures of all time John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Friday, 17 October 2014
2021
Whilst in prayer and study of Ezekiel two weeks ago, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me about things to come in the future. In particular it was regarding the year 2021 and a time of great testing and trial for the Christian Church.
As I was reading the book of Ezekiel and how the Lord had previously warned Israel of their sin and as they had not obeyed him would come under pending judgement, the Lord spoke to me by His Spirit that the Church too would come under great tribulation and persecution beginning the year 2021.
This is naturally not to say the church in many nations is not already under tribulation, as we can see in many third world nations. And indeed it is these Christians that I believe will be best prepared for such events.
Why you might ask this year? We see in the natural what is happening in Iraq and Syria in 2014 not only with Christians but all who withstand the new Islamic rule of Isal. As a result we see in the natural the affliction of not just a few but literally thousands of people. Whilst this in itself sounds terrible, I believe the spiritual attack against the church in coming years beginning 2021 will be far greater.
How this will start I am unsure, nor do I by any means proclaim to be a prophet or would I dare to call this a prophecy, but merely a warning for the Church to be aware of pending tribulation and to prepare itself.
The question that remains is how does the church prepare for something like this? The only answer I can give at this time is to continue to develop a sincere and close relationship with our heavenly father be it through our Lord and the work he has achieved on the cross for us and an obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Zechariah 4:6 tells us "It is not by might, nor by power but by my Holy Spirit says the Lord.." The Holy Spirit remains today as the leading influencer of the body of Christ and it is only through our sensitivity to his promptings and soft voice that we can truly walk as sons of God as Romans indicates.
I have just returned from a brunch date with some pastors we know nearby, conversation quickly began to centre around Isal and what is happening in Iraq. As we speak they tell me the Lord spoke to them back in 2011 that they had 10 years in which they were to prepare the church for a time of trials and tribulation. Interesting to note that 10 years from 2011 is 2021. This confirmed to me that 2021 will be an important time for the church especially in the Western World.
In closing let me re-iterate, that I am not a prophet nor proclaim this to be a prophecy but sense this is what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me. I am therefore open to correction and interpretation by other men and women of God who may have greater spiritual insight to these issues and welcome such replies.
God Bless
As I was reading the book of Ezekiel and how the Lord had previously warned Israel of their sin and as they had not obeyed him would come under pending judgement, the Lord spoke to me by His Spirit that the Church too would come under great tribulation and persecution beginning the year 2021.
This is naturally not to say the church in many nations is not already under tribulation, as we can see in many third world nations. And indeed it is these Christians that I believe will be best prepared for such events.
Why you might ask this year? We see in the natural what is happening in Iraq and Syria in 2014 not only with Christians but all who withstand the new Islamic rule of Isal. As a result we see in the natural the affliction of not just a few but literally thousands of people. Whilst this in itself sounds terrible, I believe the spiritual attack against the church in coming years beginning 2021 will be far greater.
How this will start I am unsure, nor do I by any means proclaim to be a prophet or would I dare to call this a prophecy, but merely a warning for the Church to be aware of pending tribulation and to prepare itself.
The question that remains is how does the church prepare for something like this? The only answer I can give at this time is to continue to develop a sincere and close relationship with our heavenly father be it through our Lord and the work he has achieved on the cross for us and an obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Zechariah 4:6 tells us "It is not by might, nor by power but by my Holy Spirit says the Lord.." The Holy Spirit remains today as the leading influencer of the body of Christ and it is only through our sensitivity to his promptings and soft voice that we can truly walk as sons of God as Romans indicates.
I have just returned from a brunch date with some pastors we know nearby, conversation quickly began to centre around Isal and what is happening in Iraq. As we speak they tell me the Lord spoke to them back in 2011 that they had 10 years in which they were to prepare the church for a time of trials and tribulation. Interesting to note that 10 years from 2011 is 2021. This confirmed to me that 2021 will be an important time for the church especially in the Western World.
In closing let me re-iterate, that I am not a prophet nor proclaim this to be a prophecy but sense this is what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me. I am therefore open to correction and interpretation by other men and women of God who may have greater spiritual insight to these issues and welcome such replies.
God Bless
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
The Dilemma of Leadership
It's been sometime since my last blog and therefore a lot has been going through my mind. I hope then that this blog is not too confusing...
As a pastor of many years now and therefore a leader, I have for a long time battled with what I call the dilemma of leadership. A strange title I know, but let me explain. As pastors the book of Ephesians instructs us to "train the saints for ministry...". I can honestly say this has been my heart and desire and would almost proudly confess to doing this for the period of my ministry. I have become aware though, self preservation often gets in the way of being true to this calling.
As pastors and leaders within the body of Christ, our very existence relies on the body of Christ (the church) needing and wanting us. Indeed you could argue that some of the salaries that pastors receive almost mandates this as we often need to validate these enormous sums. Not that I have ever been the recipient of such wages in my time, but I do know of some pastors, who will remain nameless, who are on CEO or corporate type remuneration packages. And this is not for me to judge whether or not this is right or wrong, but the question still remains, when we are on so high wages is there then a need to validate these wages. I would argue YES there is!
This then creates a dilemma. If pastors feel the need to validate their wages and therefore their very existence within the body of Christ, are we the body who employ them creating monsters of our own demise? Why is this you might ask? Well, if the body of Christ in general are the very ones who are called to be doing the ministry, in effect pastors and leaders should be doing themselves out of a job.
In a world of big budgets and high pressure roles it is easy to forget why we are here. Peter calls the church to be a "Royal Priesthood..." and indeed when we examine God's original plan for mankind it is obvious he wanted all to be ministers and not just a chosen few. It is easy though as pastors and leaders to budget for our various departments and objectives when we know we have the body contributing to the income based on a tithe or 10% giving. Yet this was never God's intention to lower the body of Christ to a place where our only contribution was through our giving at the offering time. Indeed His plan was that we would be doing the very things that Jesus did when He walked the earth.
I believe we have gotten things confused or even back the front, the real role is for the believers of Christ to be in every way fulfilling the great commission of Christ and the role of pastors and leadership to help and support the body in this mission. In the same way, our programs have taken pre-eminence over people, yet it was the programs that were created to help and reach out to the people. Perhaps it is time to put things right and give the body of Christ the mantel and platform it should really have and ask the leadership to serve as we were once called.
As a pastor of many years now and therefore a leader, I have for a long time battled with what I call the dilemma of leadership. A strange title I know, but let me explain. As pastors the book of Ephesians instructs us to "train the saints for ministry...". I can honestly say this has been my heart and desire and would almost proudly confess to doing this for the period of my ministry. I have become aware though, self preservation often gets in the way of being true to this calling.
As pastors and leaders within the body of Christ, our very existence relies on the body of Christ (the church) needing and wanting us. Indeed you could argue that some of the salaries that pastors receive almost mandates this as we often need to validate these enormous sums. Not that I have ever been the recipient of such wages in my time, but I do know of some pastors, who will remain nameless, who are on CEO or corporate type remuneration packages. And this is not for me to judge whether or not this is right or wrong, but the question still remains, when we are on so high wages is there then a need to validate these wages. I would argue YES there is!
This then creates a dilemma. If pastors feel the need to validate their wages and therefore their very existence within the body of Christ, are we the body who employ them creating monsters of our own demise? Why is this you might ask? Well, if the body of Christ in general are the very ones who are called to be doing the ministry, in effect pastors and leaders should be doing themselves out of a job.
In a world of big budgets and high pressure roles it is easy to forget why we are here. Peter calls the church to be a "Royal Priesthood..." and indeed when we examine God's original plan for mankind it is obvious he wanted all to be ministers and not just a chosen few. It is easy though as pastors and leaders to budget for our various departments and objectives when we know we have the body contributing to the income based on a tithe or 10% giving. Yet this was never God's intention to lower the body of Christ to a place where our only contribution was through our giving at the offering time. Indeed His plan was that we would be doing the very things that Jesus did when He walked the earth.
I believe we have gotten things confused or even back the front, the real role is for the believers of Christ to be in every way fulfilling the great commission of Christ and the role of pastors and leadership to help and support the body in this mission. In the same way, our programs have taken pre-eminence over people, yet it was the programs that were created to help and reach out to the people. Perhaps it is time to put things right and give the body of Christ the mantel and platform it should really have and ask the leadership to serve as we were once called.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Wait Upon The Lord
One of my most favourite scriptures has to be Isaiah 40:31 which says, "But they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not fait."
Waiting is not one thing I do well, as a choleric personality, I often want to take things into my own hands. Doing, is something I live by, but learning to trust The Lord and in His promises is what I need to remind myself of continually.
What exactly does this waiting really mean? Strongs concordance says it comes from the Hebrew verb "qavah" which means to stretch, then for tension. Waiting is therefore not a passive word indicating someone who is in a relaxed state twiddling their thumbs, but someone who is pursuing The Lord and all His promises for their lives.
The pursuing or stretching in this case however, is having a trust and hopeful expectation of what The Lord is going to do, not an attempt on our own parts to make things happen but to have faith that The Lord has an answer to all circumstances.
I wonder if this is what the Israelites were thinking in Exodus 32 as they were waiting for Moses to come down the mountain after receiving the Ten Commandments? Unlikely not, as in their inpatients they crafted through Aaron the golden calf. This inpatients, I think is often repeated in our own lives when we need answers. Whether it be a miracle or simply direction for the ensuing year, we grow weary of waiting and often take things into our own hands, not trusting The Lord is able.
Ephesians 3:20 tells us "now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us". As we learn to trust The Lord that He has all things in hand, I believe this is when we ultimately begin to see what The Lord really is able to do in us and through us.
God bless and Shalom!
Waiting is not one thing I do well, as a choleric personality, I often want to take things into my own hands. Doing, is something I live by, but learning to trust The Lord and in His promises is what I need to remind myself of continually.
What exactly does this waiting really mean? Strongs concordance says it comes from the Hebrew verb "qavah" which means to stretch, then for tension. Waiting is therefore not a passive word indicating someone who is in a relaxed state twiddling their thumbs, but someone who is pursuing The Lord and all His promises for their lives.
The pursuing or stretching in this case however, is having a trust and hopeful expectation of what The Lord is going to do, not an attempt on our own parts to make things happen but to have faith that The Lord has an answer to all circumstances.
I wonder if this is what the Israelites were thinking in Exodus 32 as they were waiting for Moses to come down the mountain after receiving the Ten Commandments? Unlikely not, as in their inpatients they crafted through Aaron the golden calf. This inpatients, I think is often repeated in our own lives when we need answers. Whether it be a miracle or simply direction for the ensuing year, we grow weary of waiting and often take things into our own hands, not trusting The Lord is able.
Ephesians 3:20 tells us "now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us". As we learn to trust The Lord that He has all things in hand, I believe this is when we ultimately begin to see what The Lord really is able to do in us and through us.
God bless and Shalom!
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Go into all the World and make disciples
Jesus in his last command to the church from Matthew 28 said "Go into all the world and make disciples...". Today I was contemplating this scripture and started to think, what does this ultimately look like. Naturally we know what a disciple of Jesus looks like, someone who in turn is producing the same sort of fruit that Jesus produced in his life, that is doing the very things that Jesus did when he walked the earth. Healing the sick, making the blind to see, the lame to walk and proclaiming the year of the Lords favour. This is not limited to the natural but also the spiritual.
So we know what disciples look like, but what does the making of disciples look like, how do we practically engage in the making of disciples? Is their a formula or program or even flow chart that can demonstrate how this takes place? I doubt there is and if there were I am confident that everyone would know about it.
In no way am I going to claim to have THE answer, but I would like to share a simple observation I have made in my own life.
Whilst at home today, I decided to start a fire in our combustion fire to warm the house up. Naturally when we start fires there are a few elements necessary to make a good fire. Firstly, we need fuel, something that can burn and in turn can sustain the flame. Secondly, we need heat or at least a flame as a source of ignition. Thirdly we need oxygen, for when there is no oxygen the flame cannot be sustained. When all of these elements are in place, we can make fire, but naturally it also requires something or someone to bring all these things together. There are potentially many ways in which these elements can come together, for example in nature, especially in warm dry climates like Australia where many fires are ignited from lightning setting aflame many of the grasses and dry branches that are found across this parched landscape.
What is interesting about fires or flames is that when they come into contact with materials such as tried up branches it takes very little for them to catch alight. In deed scientist tells us that it is the simple transference of heat to these items that see them catch fire. This was displayed when I finally got my own fire place alight, to continue to see my home maintain it's heat, all I needed to do was place more logs on the already burning fire, they inturn began to burn.
This I believe is a way in which we ourselves make disciples of Jesus. When we are alive, alight and inflamed with the very Spirit of God and the presence of Jesus, it takes very little for those around us to also become alive. Proverbs 27 in the bible also speaks of this, "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This I would say is a very organic or natural way in which we can make disciples but of cause it is not the only and limited way to do so.
The pre-requisite for others to be inflamed by the power of Jesus within each of us is that we must first be full of his love, power and presence. I pray that I can be this person every day of my life and when I am not, that I can be full of His grace.
So we know what disciples look like, but what does the making of disciples look like, how do we practically engage in the making of disciples? Is their a formula or program or even flow chart that can demonstrate how this takes place? I doubt there is and if there were I am confident that everyone would know about it.
In no way am I going to claim to have THE answer, but I would like to share a simple observation I have made in my own life.
Whilst at home today, I decided to start a fire in our combustion fire to warm the house up. Naturally when we start fires there are a few elements necessary to make a good fire. Firstly, we need fuel, something that can burn and in turn can sustain the flame. Secondly, we need heat or at least a flame as a source of ignition. Thirdly we need oxygen, for when there is no oxygen the flame cannot be sustained. When all of these elements are in place, we can make fire, but naturally it also requires something or someone to bring all these things together. There are potentially many ways in which these elements can come together, for example in nature, especially in warm dry climates like Australia where many fires are ignited from lightning setting aflame many of the grasses and dry branches that are found across this parched landscape.
What is interesting about fires or flames is that when they come into contact with materials such as tried up branches it takes very little for them to catch alight. In deed scientist tells us that it is the simple transference of heat to these items that see them catch fire. This was displayed when I finally got my own fire place alight, to continue to see my home maintain it's heat, all I needed to do was place more logs on the already burning fire, they inturn began to burn.
This I believe is a way in which we ourselves make disciples of Jesus. When we are alive, alight and inflamed with the very Spirit of God and the presence of Jesus, it takes very little for those around us to also become alive. Proverbs 27 in the bible also speaks of this, "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This I would say is a very organic or natural way in which we can make disciples but of cause it is not the only and limited way to do so.
The pre-requisite for others to be inflamed by the power of Jesus within each of us is that we must first be full of his love, power and presence. I pray that I can be this person every day of my life and when I am not, that I can be full of His grace.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Treasure in Heaven
The bible is clear that our treasure needs to be in heaven rather than on earth as Matthew 6:19 says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." As it were, this very scripture became evident last week, when we had our home broken into. We are so grateful to God that no great damage was done to the house and that all that was taken were a few things of little value.
But it was this event that made me start to contemplate man's ever increasing need to lay up for himself things that ultimately will not and cannot last. These things I refer are naturally physical items which over time will eventually decay and erode.
The main thing we should ask in this world is what then are things we should be doing with our time and energy and resources? I remember an advertisement that Mercedes Benz ran a few years ago, it showed a younger man driving a new car, obviously a benz, and stated that life should begin how it often ends, with all the fine things in life and therefore time to enjoy them. And whilst this sounds nice, to live your life in enjoying the finer things it is often not these things that bring real enjoyment. Statistics show us, the things that bring most pleasure in life are relationships with family, not houses, cars and money.
Yet time and time again, the emphasis, especially in our western world, is on the gaining of more and more riches. A fact that we in the western world often forgot is almost two thirds of the worlds population live on less than one dollar per day. Less than 10% of the worlds population control 90% of it's assets. Staggering figures when we think of it. I have had the opportunity to travel several times to Vanuatu. A Country that has very little resources and which has been in years gone by dominated by Western rulers, namely the English & French. It wasn't until the 80's that rule was handed back to this Island Nation. Despite the low income and lack of resources that we are so used to in the Western world, Vanuatu has been voted time and time again as the happiest people on earth.
I recently invested some money into a long term savings account only to find that we would only receive 4% interest on our return and whilst some would say this is fine for a bank which is low risk, it at the end of the day will take a very long time before we can do anything significant with these returns. If however, we are able to invest this money into the lives and well being of others, we see an instant return on our investment whilst at the same time having the opportunity to help someone else out of poverty or even slavery.
Naturally at this point, I could say we need to learn to give of what we have and share some of the wealth that we so enjoy. The reality though, is it is unlikely this will happen. Mammon rules our society. But as Christians, we are encourage not to be of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Perhaps if we were to spend half as much time in accumulating things, to developing meaningful and loving relationships, such as the Neevans in Vanuatu do, perhaps our world would be a better place to live.
But it was this event that made me start to contemplate man's ever increasing need to lay up for himself things that ultimately will not and cannot last. These things I refer are naturally physical items which over time will eventually decay and erode.
The main thing we should ask in this world is what then are things we should be doing with our time and energy and resources? I remember an advertisement that Mercedes Benz ran a few years ago, it showed a younger man driving a new car, obviously a benz, and stated that life should begin how it often ends, with all the fine things in life and therefore time to enjoy them. And whilst this sounds nice, to live your life in enjoying the finer things it is often not these things that bring real enjoyment. Statistics show us, the things that bring most pleasure in life are relationships with family, not houses, cars and money.
Yet time and time again, the emphasis, especially in our western world, is on the gaining of more and more riches. A fact that we in the western world often forgot is almost two thirds of the worlds population live on less than one dollar per day. Less than 10% of the worlds population control 90% of it's assets. Staggering figures when we think of it. I have had the opportunity to travel several times to Vanuatu. A Country that has very little resources and which has been in years gone by dominated by Western rulers, namely the English & French. It wasn't until the 80's that rule was handed back to this Island Nation. Despite the low income and lack of resources that we are so used to in the Western world, Vanuatu has been voted time and time again as the happiest people on earth.
I recently invested some money into a long term savings account only to find that we would only receive 4% interest on our return and whilst some would say this is fine for a bank which is low risk, it at the end of the day will take a very long time before we can do anything significant with these returns. If however, we are able to invest this money into the lives and well being of others, we see an instant return on our investment whilst at the same time having the opportunity to help someone else out of poverty or even slavery.
Naturally at this point, I could say we need to learn to give of what we have and share some of the wealth that we so enjoy. The reality though, is it is unlikely this will happen. Mammon rules our society. But as Christians, we are encourage not to be of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Perhaps if we were to spend half as much time in accumulating things, to developing meaningful and loving relationships, such as the Neevans in Vanuatu do, perhaps our world would be a better place to live.
Thursday, 14 August 2014
The Power of Prayer
Today I have read how the Christians in northern Iraq, who had been attacked, killed and persecuted by ISIS, the Muslim extremist group, have found some relief and a safe haven in a Kurdish city. This I believe has been an answer to prayer, it was Wednesday evening here in Australia, that a large group of Christians in Western Sydney but also all over the country decided to pray for these Iraqi Christians.
In fact, the U.S. and Europe are now agreeing that the imminent threat of ISIS in this region has been greatly diminished. By no means does this mean ISIS will give up nor should we as Christians stop praying for the situation in Iraq, but it is wonderful to know that God hears the prayers of believers when we come out of our slumber and activate our faith in him.
James tells us, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much". The pre-requisite here naturally being three fold, that is our prayers must be effectual, fervent and come from the lips of the righteous. What then are these three characteristics?
The greek word effectual comes from the word ENERGEO which basically means "having vitality as opposed to deadness. You could say it means to be alive and at work, and it brings to mind where Paul says in Phillipians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling". When I first read this scripture, I thought as a new Christian that I needed to work at being a Christian, that is through works I am saved. This however is far from the truth, when studying this verse we now know that Paul was instructing us to let that which Christ has wrought in you, be worked out of you in your life. I therefore don't need to and indeed cannot do anything in my own strength to be saved, but am expected to let Christ shine in my life and the way I live.
This is what I believe ENERGEO is all about, effectual prayer is rising up to the plate as believers and allowing our faith to be activated and seen.
The second word Fervent comes from the greek word EKTENOS which literally means to boil or even burn in our spirits. That is to be passionate about what we want and need in our prayers. It also means to strive and stretch forth, not for our salvation but as one who is in a race to win. It reminds me of my favourite verse Isaiah 40:31 which states "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...". Once again the prophet here was not implying that we simply hang around and wait for something to happen, but this actually means to pursue the Lord and his plans rather than our own desires.
The third word used is naturally one of the most powerful, the word righteous. The greek word for righteous come from the word DIKAIOS. This word speaks nothing more than one of the characteristics of the Lord Jesus himself. Righteousness is not something that can be exhibited in people unless they themselves are righteous from the outset, there is therefore only one who can make us righteous and that is the Lord Jesus! Scripture tells us "what fellowship does light have with darkness?" as 2 Corinthians tells us. When we walk in the light and truth of Christ He through his blood on the cross of Calvary grants us his righteousness. It is therefore the believer in Christ who through the appropriation of faith is able to pray prayers which are righteous.
It was these prayers, the effectual fervent prayers of righteous men and women of God around the world, which I believe, saw the dramatic changes to those persecuted in Iraq. It therefore begs the question, if Christians would continue to pray in unity around the world when situations like these arise, what an amazing potential and impact we could have on our world?
I hope this inspires you to pray prayers like this.
In fact, the U.S. and Europe are now agreeing that the imminent threat of ISIS in this region has been greatly diminished. By no means does this mean ISIS will give up nor should we as Christians stop praying for the situation in Iraq, but it is wonderful to know that God hears the prayers of believers when we come out of our slumber and activate our faith in him.
James tells us, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much". The pre-requisite here naturally being three fold, that is our prayers must be effectual, fervent and come from the lips of the righteous. What then are these three characteristics?
The greek word effectual comes from the word ENERGEO which basically means "having vitality as opposed to deadness. You could say it means to be alive and at work, and it brings to mind where Paul says in Phillipians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling". When I first read this scripture, I thought as a new Christian that I needed to work at being a Christian, that is through works I am saved. This however is far from the truth, when studying this verse we now know that Paul was instructing us to let that which Christ has wrought in you, be worked out of you in your life. I therefore don't need to and indeed cannot do anything in my own strength to be saved, but am expected to let Christ shine in my life and the way I live.
This is what I believe ENERGEO is all about, effectual prayer is rising up to the plate as believers and allowing our faith to be activated and seen.
The second word Fervent comes from the greek word EKTENOS which literally means to boil or even burn in our spirits. That is to be passionate about what we want and need in our prayers. It also means to strive and stretch forth, not for our salvation but as one who is in a race to win. It reminds me of my favourite verse Isaiah 40:31 which states "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...". Once again the prophet here was not implying that we simply hang around and wait for something to happen, but this actually means to pursue the Lord and his plans rather than our own desires.
The third word used is naturally one of the most powerful, the word righteous. The greek word for righteous come from the word DIKAIOS. This word speaks nothing more than one of the characteristics of the Lord Jesus himself. Righteousness is not something that can be exhibited in people unless they themselves are righteous from the outset, there is therefore only one who can make us righteous and that is the Lord Jesus! Scripture tells us "what fellowship does light have with darkness?" as 2 Corinthians tells us. When we walk in the light and truth of Christ He through his blood on the cross of Calvary grants us his righteousness. It is therefore the believer in Christ who through the appropriation of faith is able to pray prayers which are righteous.
It was these prayers, the effectual fervent prayers of righteous men and women of God around the world, which I believe, saw the dramatic changes to those persecuted in Iraq. It therefore begs the question, if Christians would continue to pray in unity around the world when situations like these arise, what an amazing potential and impact we could have on our world?
I hope this inspires you to pray prayers like this.
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Ellel Ministries
Had the opportunity yesterday to attend a pastors and leaders day held at Ellel Ministries in Menangle NSW Australia. It was a real pleasure to finally attend such a day, as I have had an association through various friends who have been a part of this ministry for many years.
Ellel Ministries which can be found in over 20 countries offers a place of prayer and healing and abides by Luke 9:11 that Jesus Welcomed them, shared his love and healed them.
As pastors, it is easy to think that we must have all the answers, Paul the apostle said to be "all things to all men" but I don't think he was wanting us to do everything for everyone, but rather to relate to all people at their level and where they are at. He goes on to say that to Jews, he is a Jew and to slaves, he is a slave. It is therefore refreshing to know that there are ministries around the world which are able to compliment that which cannot be done within the framework of the local church.
Which when I think about this, I Corinthians 12 comes to mind. The body, speaking of the body of Christ and the church is made up of many parts. Each of these parts play a vital role to ensure the body is functioning as it should. Yes, some of us may get by without a leg or arm or perhaps even most of our lower limbs. But none of us can survive without our vital organs and certainly the body is most effective when all parts are working together to see the great commission as stated in Mathew 28:18 fulfilled. That is to "Go into all the world..." with the love and good news of Jesus Christ.
This naturally happens not just at a macro level but also on a micro level. That is to say that when we are not living in love and compassion and forgiveness towards those around us on a daily basis, we somehow get out of sync with the world in which we live. I was once asked by someone why my wife and I had such a great relationship. I responded by saying that I made a commitment at the altar to love her until she died. The person who had asked this question was horrified at my answer stating "you cannot commit to love another person until they first love you". At hearing this response I was horrified and said that if this is the case with everyone then you would have a stale mate, that is everyone waiting for the next person to make a move. Scripture tells us that Jesus demonstrated his love for us that "while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. I went on to explain that whilst I had made this commitment to my wife, she in turn made the same commitment to me. However, even if she decides not to love me, I would always love her.
Over and over again in history we can see how the church has grown when ordinary believers in Christ lay down their lives for those around them. Holding a grudge or being offended with another person, especially those in whom we have relationship, can be one of the most crippling and debilitating things we can experience. I believe it is through Christ's example of dying to self for others that God's love can be truly released into the world in which we live.
As fighting in the middle east continues and thousands of people, both Christian and Muslims alike are losing their lives, perhaps we can begin to think how we can share some of Christ's mandate for the church to our world and release forgiveness to those nearest to us.
God Bless
Ellel Ministries which can be found in over 20 countries offers a place of prayer and healing and abides by Luke 9:11 that Jesus Welcomed them, shared his love and healed them.
As pastors, it is easy to think that we must have all the answers, Paul the apostle said to be "all things to all men" but I don't think he was wanting us to do everything for everyone, but rather to relate to all people at their level and where they are at. He goes on to say that to Jews, he is a Jew and to slaves, he is a slave. It is therefore refreshing to know that there are ministries around the world which are able to compliment that which cannot be done within the framework of the local church.
Which when I think about this, I Corinthians 12 comes to mind. The body, speaking of the body of Christ and the church is made up of many parts. Each of these parts play a vital role to ensure the body is functioning as it should. Yes, some of us may get by without a leg or arm or perhaps even most of our lower limbs. But none of us can survive without our vital organs and certainly the body is most effective when all parts are working together to see the great commission as stated in Mathew 28:18 fulfilled. That is to "Go into all the world..." with the love and good news of Jesus Christ.
This naturally happens not just at a macro level but also on a micro level. That is to say that when we are not living in love and compassion and forgiveness towards those around us on a daily basis, we somehow get out of sync with the world in which we live. I was once asked by someone why my wife and I had such a great relationship. I responded by saying that I made a commitment at the altar to love her until she died. The person who had asked this question was horrified at my answer stating "you cannot commit to love another person until they first love you". At hearing this response I was horrified and said that if this is the case with everyone then you would have a stale mate, that is everyone waiting for the next person to make a move. Scripture tells us that Jesus demonstrated his love for us that "while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. I went on to explain that whilst I had made this commitment to my wife, she in turn made the same commitment to me. However, even if she decides not to love me, I would always love her.
Over and over again in history we can see how the church has grown when ordinary believers in Christ lay down their lives for those around them. Holding a grudge or being offended with another person, especially those in whom we have relationship, can be one of the most crippling and debilitating things we can experience. I believe it is through Christ's example of dying to self for others that God's love can be truly released into the world in which we live.
As fighting in the middle east continues and thousands of people, both Christian and Muslims alike are losing their lives, perhaps we can begin to think how we can share some of Christ's mandate for the church to our world and release forgiveness to those nearest to us.
God Bless
Sunday, 3 August 2014
There is nothing new under the Sun
Was reading Ecclesiastes today and notably read the famous passage from Solomon that "there is nothing new under the Sun". Solomon's opening view upon life would seem a little bleak and unexciting, simply a chasing after the wind he says. Of cause as we read further he points out some positives as well, but doesn't leave us in his opening with the greatest of expectations.
Yet, it is this chasing after the wind that I find most interesting. Jesus in John chapter three gives us his impression of the wind, stating "we know not from where it comes". The wind it would seem can be very elusive and it is this very fact that makes the wind something to be sought.
What then is this wind that Jesus spoke about? Well, theologians all tell us that the wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit being the third person of the triune God head being God the Father, God the Son and God The Holy Spirit. Whilst for some this may seem strange that the God head is represented in this way, it does indeed make the world of sense when we consider the very make up of mankind.
Man, the bible says in Genesis, is made in the very image of God. At this point we could go off on many different tangents that could lead us down a confusing lane. But I wish to stay on the narrow path and simply consider what we know of what constitutes mankind. All of us will agree that we have a physical body and most would agree we have a soul. Some even agree that there is a spiritual aspect of man that truly makes us who we are.
Greek and Hebrew teaching on this subject do have their different understandings, one stating the soul is part of the spirit of man, whilst the other that they are separate. Taking into account Genesis, that we are indeed made in the image of God and using this as our example than I would argue for man having a separate distinct spirit which scripture imply was breathed into us at creation. It was this action of breathing the spirit in us that brought what was once clay to life.
It is a rather easy concept therefore, to conclude that the Spirit gives life, just as we read in scripture. Jesus himself in John explained this to his followers and later breathed upon them in what can only be described as the regenerating of their spirits.
Jesus set the example for you and I who believe, that it is God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit that regenerates and gives spiritual life back to those who are lost in their sin. As we read in Romans, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and therefore everyone who is made in God's image is in need of this life giving Spirit. If something can be gained then we can assume it can also be lost and as time goes on, I believe it is possible to lose that which has been given and is therefore imperative that those who have been regenerated by God's Spirit continue their fellowship with him. Paul the apostle spoke on this many times in his writings one such example can be seen in 2Corintians 13:14.
What then is the chasing after the wind as Solomon speaks about which I believe can be a greater motivation to life and living? It is the chasing after the sweat presence and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. It is not a format or program in our lives that will bring the satisfaction and success that we all seems to strive after, but the gentle whisperings and leading of God's Spirit.
Have a wonderful Day!
Monday, 21 July 2014
A New Day
Today I awoke to find, for the first time in three weeks since the kids have been on school holidays, an opportunity. An opportunity for what you may ask? Well, to do something new, something I had never done before. And what was this new thing that I did you are wondering? It was to write this blog about a new Day.
As I have never had a blog before, I thought that it was worth trying and to see what comes of it. I was recently inspired of writing a blog by reading a blog of a wonderful man I know in Sweden. I know lots of wonderful people in Sweden but this man is a little more special to me for his incredible courage and faith he has shown in Jesus his saviour. His name is Hakan Sunnliden and you can see the link to his blog in the side column. Unfortunately it is in Swedish and a little difficult to read for most non Swedes but I encourage you to have a go.
Let me tell you the story of Hakan. Earlier this year I was invited to attend a prayer meeting which I had been told was made up of pastors and priests. Growing up in the Pentecostal Church I didn't have great expectations for this gathering as I expected it to be subdued. How wrong I was and indeed shocked to meet Hakan and some of his colleagues from the Lutheran Church from a small town called Värnamo in the south of Sweden. As we began to pray together and indeed sing in the Spirit I started to see and sense how the Holy Spirit moved in their lives. If anything from that first encounter with Hakan and his friends, I learnt just how wrong we can be about people. I believe from this first encounter the Holy Spirit was saying to me to "expect the unexpected" and from that day, this is exactly what I have been trying to do, to see How God might move by His Spirit in the most unexpected ways.
As said, I met Hakan earlier in the year and in April I returned to Australia, only a few weeks after arriving I received some terrible news. Hakan had been badly hurt in a car accident whilst preaching in Nepal. His vehicle had gone over a 1000m cliff edge and the only thing that saved Hakan from certain death was that he was thrown from the vehicle after about 400m. Tragically a pastor who was travelling with him lost his life, leaving behind his wife and their one year old daughter.
When hearing of Hakan's accident, I immediately felt Hakan's pain, not his physical but his emotional anguish for the pastor who had died and family he left behind. This enabled me to begin intercessory prayer for this young pastor's wife and child. Whilst I can't imagine how terrible they must feel over losing him, I know the Lord is thinking of them and used people like myself and others to pray for them and indeed many more around them to encourage them.
Back to Hakan, whilst Hakan's accident made an impact upon my heart, it wasn't his accident that caused the incredible connection I felt with this brother in Christ. After meeting Hakan, he asked me to read a Thesis he had written earlier based on Ralf Neighbour's Book "Where do we go from here", a book which I had not read but was aware of through previous dealing with Ralf Neighbour. The book itself deals with small group meetings and in particular house church structure. Whilst I personally have not opposition to house churches, I had never seen any reason to advocate or for that reason not advocate them, in my view they were simply another way of doing things. A viewpoint which I still have today and yet can see the great benefits from small group meetings.
In his Thesis, Hakan wanted to highlight the need for relationship based churches (RBC) over program based churches (PBC). A concept which many today believe is the make or break of the formal church in today's society. In a relationship based church, the needs and aspirations of the body or congregation take precedence over the program. In other words the meeting is steered not by a schedule or program that must be met but by the needs which are identified within the make up of the congregation and it's participants. Hakan writes, without quotes, if someone within the group is hurting then it must be felt by the other members within that group they have relationship. Relationship is at the core of the group, to grow, to believe, to love, to worship in God together is what brings the spiritual and ultimately the physical growth of the group.
When Hakan was injured and felt this emotional anguish for his fellow man, I felt this same anguish, showing to me in a very vivid way what Hakan was trying to say in his Thesis. I felt his pain as I had in some way in those few weeks had become connected with him and others in this group. I am now convinced that the way ahead is through relationship based churches or even better congregations. Whilst I have not quoted any scripture relating to this concept, we all know that Christ himself had just twelve disciples and ultimately it was his relationship with this twelve that later saw the increase of the Church to what it is today.
Is this the only way in which we can do church? Obviously not, otherwise we would not see so many different groups around the world today. However, I do believe it is through these small group connections that we see not just "bums on seats" but true disciples of Jesus being made.
As I have never had a blog before, I thought that it was worth trying and to see what comes of it. I was recently inspired of writing a blog by reading a blog of a wonderful man I know in Sweden. I know lots of wonderful people in Sweden but this man is a little more special to me for his incredible courage and faith he has shown in Jesus his saviour. His name is Hakan Sunnliden and you can see the link to his blog in the side column. Unfortunately it is in Swedish and a little difficult to read for most non Swedes but I encourage you to have a go.
Let me tell you the story of Hakan. Earlier this year I was invited to attend a prayer meeting which I had been told was made up of pastors and priests. Growing up in the Pentecostal Church I didn't have great expectations for this gathering as I expected it to be subdued. How wrong I was and indeed shocked to meet Hakan and some of his colleagues from the Lutheran Church from a small town called Värnamo in the south of Sweden. As we began to pray together and indeed sing in the Spirit I started to see and sense how the Holy Spirit moved in their lives. If anything from that first encounter with Hakan and his friends, I learnt just how wrong we can be about people. I believe from this first encounter the Holy Spirit was saying to me to "expect the unexpected" and from that day, this is exactly what I have been trying to do, to see How God might move by His Spirit in the most unexpected ways.
As said, I met Hakan earlier in the year and in April I returned to Australia, only a few weeks after arriving I received some terrible news. Hakan had been badly hurt in a car accident whilst preaching in Nepal. His vehicle had gone over a 1000m cliff edge and the only thing that saved Hakan from certain death was that he was thrown from the vehicle after about 400m. Tragically a pastor who was travelling with him lost his life, leaving behind his wife and their one year old daughter.
When hearing of Hakan's accident, I immediately felt Hakan's pain, not his physical but his emotional anguish for the pastor who had died and family he left behind. This enabled me to begin intercessory prayer for this young pastor's wife and child. Whilst I can't imagine how terrible they must feel over losing him, I know the Lord is thinking of them and used people like myself and others to pray for them and indeed many more around them to encourage them.
Back to Hakan, whilst Hakan's accident made an impact upon my heart, it wasn't his accident that caused the incredible connection I felt with this brother in Christ. After meeting Hakan, he asked me to read a Thesis he had written earlier based on Ralf Neighbour's Book "Where do we go from here", a book which I had not read but was aware of through previous dealing with Ralf Neighbour. The book itself deals with small group meetings and in particular house church structure. Whilst I personally have not opposition to house churches, I had never seen any reason to advocate or for that reason not advocate them, in my view they were simply another way of doing things. A viewpoint which I still have today and yet can see the great benefits from small group meetings.
In his Thesis, Hakan wanted to highlight the need for relationship based churches (RBC) over program based churches (PBC). A concept which many today believe is the make or break of the formal church in today's society. In a relationship based church, the needs and aspirations of the body or congregation take precedence over the program. In other words the meeting is steered not by a schedule or program that must be met but by the needs which are identified within the make up of the congregation and it's participants. Hakan writes, without quotes, if someone within the group is hurting then it must be felt by the other members within that group they have relationship. Relationship is at the core of the group, to grow, to believe, to love, to worship in God together is what brings the spiritual and ultimately the physical growth of the group.
When Hakan was injured and felt this emotional anguish for his fellow man, I felt this same anguish, showing to me in a very vivid way what Hakan was trying to say in his Thesis. I felt his pain as I had in some way in those few weeks had become connected with him and others in this group. I am now convinced that the way ahead is through relationship based churches or even better congregations. Whilst I have not quoted any scripture relating to this concept, we all know that Christ himself had just twelve disciples and ultimately it was his relationship with this twelve that later saw the increase of the Church to what it is today.
Is this the only way in which we can do church? Obviously not, otherwise we would not see so many different groups around the world today. However, I do believe it is through these small group connections that we see not just "bums on seats" but true disciples of Jesus being made.
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