…waiting…

I received some great encouragement in my email inbox this morning. Not a personal note, or a forwarded message, but one of those ‘daily devotional’-type messages. I subscribe to a few, but this particular one came courtesy of Ravi Zecharias Ministries.

You can read the whole email here – but here’s a ‘teaser’…

…I was astounded at the number of passages that talk about waiting on God. It is not just one biblical writer who speaks of waiting on God in positive terms; the blessings of waiting are extolled throughout the entire canon of Scripture… Lately I have been wondering why God so often sends us into the school of waiting. Does He send us there so that we will learn our lesson and never have to wait again? Or does He send us there to learn to savor times of waiting (times that will inevitably come again and again), to learn to look at them as opportunities to draw close to the heart of God?

Well worth a read if you sometimes feel as though you’re stuck in limbo. Be encouraged!

Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
- Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)

In or Out?

A bit of a challenge if anyone fancies it…

Here are some church practices that we know and … love.

www.housechurch.org.uk carries this list as part of an article arguing that to really give Jesus His church back, we need to dispose of these unBiblical ideas.

I reckon some of these need to be debated, so the challenge is to find a passage or passages of New Testament Scripture that either directly justifies their existence, or can at least be used to build a convincing case. Although if you can find a scripture that backs up dog collars and vestments I’ll supply a special prize!

A list of church traditions which go against the New Testament. Discuss!

I’ve numbered them, purely to make it easier to post a comment, eg ‘re. No.3, I think…’ – They’re not in any particular order of importance.

1. Priesthood and any form of clergy/laity divide, including Bishop, Archbishop, Pope, Cardinal, Vicar, Rector and the like.
2. Special titles such as Reverend so and so, Right Reverend so and so, Pastor so and so, Apostle so and so, Prophet so and so, Evangelist so and so, Elder so and so, and so on and so forth.
3. Dog collars, clerical vestments or special religious dress of any kind.
4. Sacred buildings or holy places.
5. Pulpits and the sermons that go with them.
6. Leadership structures that put one man at the top, either locally, nationally or internationally, and which include the notion of hierarchy in any form.
7. Sunday ’services’ or any form of worship led from the front.
8. Bread and wine ‘communion services’.
9. Infant baptism or pre-baptismal instruction involving a period of delay.
10. Any form of church membership or ’signing on dotted line’.
11. Denominations

Thank you

Just a very quick post to thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this blog. As well as the published comments, I’ve received personal emails from many who want to encourage me to continue exploring the nature of church.

It’s a fine line between unecessary argument and reasoned debate and the Bible has quite a bit to say on the subject. I’ve always loved Proverbs 27:7 , “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” If this blog leaves us just a little bit sharper when we close our web browsers, then that can only be a good thing.

Meeting in Eachother’s Homes

I’ve read the history of some churches and chapels. They invariably begin as a group of believers gathering in houses. There’s something very appealing about that sort of fellowship.

The history usually goes on to say how they grew in numbers and felt the need to set up a ‘proper’ church. So they buy some land or property. When I get to that bit I invariably think, ‘Did they know what they were letting themselves in for!?’.

This side of glory we’ll never find perfect fellowship, but are house churches nearer to Jesus’ plan for His church? Or am I just attracted to them because of years of church ‘politics’?

I’ve been reading some stuff at housechurch.co.uk which is certainly food for thought. Here’s an intro…

“We firstly demonstrate that the apostles of Jesus, at His direction, established and set up churches to function and operate in a particular way. Further, it is shown that this pattern, or blueprint, was intended to be universal, and that all churches should be fundamentally the same when it comes to how they meet and are organised.

We then proceed to address the reasons as to why churches are so different from the biblical pattern, and examine the historical influences which actually overruled the teaching of the New Testament and became the Christian Church’s ultimate authority. We believe that the ground we cover here will truly amaze you!”

If that’s whetted your apetite, go here to read more. Then come back and post your thoughts using the ‘comment’ option at the bottom of this blog post. I’d like to know what you think.

Study Links

While I remember it, here are some REALLY useful study links. I’ll try to add more as and when. If you have any suggestions, drop me a line.

Bible Gateway - Instead of leafing through multiple translations, discovering long-forgotten bookmarks, pencil scribbles, old petrol receipts, sermon notes and funeral orders-of-services … why not go here. It’s a great way to look up a scripture sharpish and cross-ref other translations. If only there was a way to take it to church without having to open up a laptop!!

Oneplace – Very useful indeed. Commentaries, concordances, lexicons, encyclopedia and other terms that I can’t spell without the aid of a spell-checker.

What does the Gospel REALLY mean?

Recently I’ve been learning loads courtesy of a radio programme called ‘In the Studio with Michael Card‘ (if you have iTunes you can subscribe to it using this link). A recent interview with Dr John Piper included some great insights into what the Gospel really means.

When we talk about the Gospel, the ‘good news’ we probably think of some of these…
▪ Forgiveness of sins
▪ Justification
▪ Relief from guilt
▪ Escape from Hell
▪ Entrance into Heaven
Maybe even…
▪ A Better marriage.
▪ Healing from sickness.
▪ Prosperity.

Forgiveness from sins isn’t quite it.
It’s worth asking the question, ‘why would I want my sins to be forgiven?’. To feel good?
Here’s a good story…

Suppose I start the day by picking a row with my wife and say things I shouldn’t say. Pretty soon I’ll want to seek her forgiveness. But why? Is it just that I want to clear the air and not have the day spoiled by a fight? No, it’s because I want her to turn towards me, look at me with warmth in her eyes and hug me. I want my relationship with her to be the best it can be.
The forgiveness is essential, but it’s the relationship that I need.

In the same way, the reason I need forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus … is so that I can have a restored relationship with Almighty God.

1 Peter 3:18 – For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

And what about the other stuff? Relief from guilt, joy, healing, even the more questionable ideas like financial prosperity.

Well, here’s another good question. ‘If I could have heaven, health, happiness, peace and prosperity and GOD NOT BE THERE, how would I like that?’
It’s a scary one but it highlights the danger of concentrating on the effects of the gospel instead of the cause.

God IS the gospel. Being with God, seeing God, enjoying God, communing with God. If God isn’t your joy and delight He can become simply the MEANS to the ‘get out of Hell free’ card, removing feelings of guilt and fear of death, getting healed etc.,

Every element of the gospel is important but they are all ABOUT GOD. He does thousands of good things, but they are just an effect of His presence designed to help us see more of Him. All that God does for us, all that He shows us, is for one reason. When we keep riveted on the beauty of God – not stopping to enjoy the effect (great worship, healing, fruits of the Spirit) – we are transformed by the gospel. By God.

2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

GOD, ABBA (Daddy) wants a relationship with me. Wow. That’s what I call a FULL Gospel!

Sometimes The Message gets it spot on!

I wouldn’t recommend using The Message for ‘proper’ Bible study, but occasionally Eugene Peterson pulls a blinder!

Matthew 7:13-3
Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire,
easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your
spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.
The way to life–to God!-is vigorous and requires total attention.

Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced
sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other.
Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. “Knowing the
correct password–saying “Master, Master,’ for instance–isn’t going to
get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience–doing
what my Father wills. I can see it now–at the Final Judgment thousands
strutting up to me and saying, “Master, we preached the Message, we
bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’
And do you know what I am going to say? “You missed the boat. All you
did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one
bit. You’re out of here.’

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright (c)1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

What some churches say … what the Bible says

Here are some comments I’ve heard from some churches and their leaders. Some ‘in person’, some in print and some on the telly. In comparison, I’ve added some links to the fantastic biblegateway.com so you can do your own research!

As I put this post together I suddenly realised how grateful I am to the Sunday School teachers who taught me many of these verses of scripture. I knew every one, and most from my early childhood. Memory verses stay with you! That HAS to be one of my requirements for a new church home – one that teaches scripture verses to children. Flannelgraph optional.

Meanwhile…

If a church says…

• “Come to our meeting. We’ll lay hands on you and give you a Holy Spirit anointing”

Have a look at what the Bible says…

• If you are a born again Christian, the Holy Spirit is working within you (1 Cor 12:11; 2 Thes 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2)
• The Spirit cannot be transferred “by” human hands. That’s what Simon the Sorceror thought (Acts 8:18-23). Yes, a few times in Acts the Spirit was given “at” the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6) but it seems to me that this was immediately following repentance and baptism or on people who had only been baptised ‘into the name of Jesus’. It doesn’t read to me like a ‘come and get some more as often as you want’ kind of thing.
• The Holy Spirit immediately indwells all who believe (Eph 1:13-14).

If a church says…

• “These are the last days – we’re seeing a great revival in preparation for Christ’s return for His powerful, millions-strong church”

Have a look at what the Bible says…

• Far from a great end-time revival, Scripture speaks of a great deception (Mark 13; 2 Thes 2:3; 2 Peter 2:1; Matt 24:4).
• There’ll be false prophets and teachers (2 Pet 2:1; Matt 7:15; Matt 24:24; 1 John 4:1).
• Those who believe are shown to be a little flock (Luke 12:32) with little strength (rev 3:8) who find the small gate and the narrow road (Matt 7:14). Jesus himself asked “When I come will I find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:8).

If a church says…

• “If you don’t come to the meeting, you might miss a blessing from God”

Have a look at what the Bible says…

• Christians are already experiencing blessings from God because of the gospel of Jesus (1 Cor 9:23; Eph 1:3) through the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; Galatians 3:14)

If a church says…

• “Don’t be afraid if what we are doing seems strange – Leave it with the Lord – a Christian cannot be deceived or demonised”

Have a look at what the Bible says…

• There is evidence that Christians can be deceived (Matt 24:5; Matt 24:11; Matt 24:24; Eph 5:6; 2 Thes 2:3; 1 Cor 6:9; 2 Cor 11:3; James 1:16). Christians can give the devil a foothold (Eph 4:27) shipwreck their faith (1 Tim 1:19) and fall away (Luke 8:13; Gal 5:4)

If a church says...

• “Your head is getting in the way of your anointing – God offends the mind to reveal the heart”

Have a look at what the Bible says…

• Our minds allow us to know the will of God (Rom 12:2), show God we love Him (Matt 22:37), be kept in perfect peace (Isa 26:3). The Bible tells us to fill our minds with the Word of Christ (Col 3:16).
• You won’t find ‘God offends the mind to reveal the heart’ in the Bible.

The right sort of checklist

I didn’t write this – I found it here – but I wholeheartedly endorse what’s being said!

How to Recognise a Healthy Christian Group

• The central message of a healthy Christian group is to develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Salvation is proclaimed as coming to a person on the basis of grace alone through faith, not of works. The general theology will be fairly consistent with the ancient creed of the believers down through the ages–The Apostle’s Creed.

• The church or group is not lifted up as paramount. The message of the Gospel does not include the group. The message of the Cross in central.

• The leaders of the group or church are seen as servants. They are not held to have special power, wisdom or authority simply on the basis of their position. Such leaders make no appeal to special revelations or visions as the basis of their position or spiritual knowledge.

• There will be a wide spectrum of ages represented, young and old.

• Anyone can leave a normal Christian group, surely within the blessings of the group itself, and not be castigated as being a betrayer.

• Normal Christian groups and churches see themselves as part of the worldwide church, however others may differ from them. They will work with others and will be involved in associations, councils and conferences that include believers from differing perspectives. Cults mostly stand alone, they are rarely in fellowship with others different from themselves.

• Normal believers are able to agree to disagree. Cults demand conformity on all points. Mainstream Christians realize there are many grey areas that are open to debate and that the Bible is subject to differing interpretations on many points.

• There is a natural kind of humility inherent in healthy Christian groups that can be seen in the recognition that it takes us all long years to grow into the fullness of Jesus and that that process is always somehow incomplete. Love is always covering a multitude of sins and growing pains. And growth is not measured in conformity to the groups precepts, or the gaining of knowledge or power, nor measured in zeal and energy levels. Being like Jesus is learning to be forgiving, non-judgmental, accepting and loving. Again, a process that is somehow always incomplete this side of heaven.

The wrong sort of checklist

Some of the ways I’ve assessed churches in the past – and why I was barking (up the wrong tree)…

The place was full on Sunday night –
So was Gala Bingo. Man judges by quantity and big clubs are not necessarily good clubs. Church size is no way to test a ministry.

So many people are being saved –
Only God knows who is saved but one thing is certain – when someone claims to be saved, there’ll be fruit. Fruit of the Spirit. Watch for it growing in yourself and in those you seek fellowship with.

Galatians 5: 22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The minister speaks with such authority –
Many people can speak with authority. It can be learned – try Amazon for any number of books and DVDs on the subject. True authority from God is accompanied by true teaching and the fruit of the Spirit.

So-and-so said… -
Hearsay is a dangerous thing. Usually distorted, rarely properly researched. Never take someone’s word for it. Do the work yourself. Visit, listen, question, study.

Testimonies -
Testimonies are, by their very nature, subjective. Don’t allow a good personal story – uplifting though it may be – to get in the way of opening and reading your Bible.

There was a lovely atmosphere –
When did Jesus need an atmosphere?

The worship is great –
Do you mean the music? The band?
Those are merely means to an end, ways to help us express our worship. The only worship you can judge is your own. The other stuff might sound fantastic, but that’s not the same thing.
And writing as a worship leader and musician I find this one the toughest one!