The Challenge of Holiness

"Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or
swear by a false God.  Such a one will receive blessing from the Lord... "
Psalm 24: 3-5

These verses have always been a personal challenge.  While some commentators suggest that the Psalmist had in mind life beyond our natural life on earth, I have always taken them as bearing an important truth if we wish to experience the close presence of God in our daily lives.  John Eaves, the man of God who gave me the gospel tract that opened my eyes to the fact that I could come to God just as I was (See John 6:37) also wrote a small booklet called "Purity Before Power".  John was part of a Christian tradition that taught  personal sanctification or holiness, and he taught in the Nazarene College in Birkenhead.

John's premise was that, having accepted the invitation to come as we are to the one who forgives and makes clean, to really experience the presence and power of the Lord it was necessary to deliberately seek to separate oneself from all that is contrary to holiness.  Some see this as a kind of spiritual crisis.  I remember a young man and son of a well known evangelist once telling me that he had sanctified his life and would be living a holy life in victory from now on.  I didn't want to discourage him but feared how he might feel when he would inevitably fail.  The next week when we met again he was clearly depressed and felt a failure.

I thank God for grace that met me first as an unbelieving sinner and which still meets me as an occasionally sinning saint.  But how should I respond to the words of Psalm 24?  We need to remember, and remind others, that God loves us as we are but too much to want us to stay that way.  But it is all too easy to take grace for granted.  God is holy and longs that we should get to know him and draw ever closer to him.  Is that possible if we are careless about the holiness of our own mind and soul?

One of the mysteries of my life is that I worked with a colleague who secretly was deliberately sinning but whose ministry seemed to be blessed by God.  But I too fall short of what I would wish to be and thank God that he blesses my ministry.  Stand up the preacher who can claim to be perfect!  God uses us despite our frailty and will always honour his word when it is proclaimed.  At the same time we cannot bargain with God for blessing on the grounds that we have given up an unholy practise of some kind.  God's blessings are by grace and that cannot be gained or purchased by works.

The question we need to ask is how much do we know of his presence rather than hisblessing on our service for him?  Can we honestly say that we actually feel his pleasure as we spend time together?  Is there deep communion between us?  How sensitive am I to his feelings at any point in time.  And this is not about moments when we feel that closeness but rather a closeness that permeates every moment of our lives and that we miss the moment we grieve him such that we hurry back in repentance until we can almost feel his breath on our cheek.

In my prison work I often see my Muslim colleagues preparing for their daily prayers in the ablutions room, washing their face, hair, hands, arms and feet.  While this part of the law of their religion to which we are not subject, what might they think of any Christian who thinks he or she can come before God without some consideration to our state of heart and mind? For a Christian to claim a relationship with a holy God but to use unholy language, to feed our minds on that which is not pure or to engage in acts that are unrighteous might be perceived as almost blasphemous to a devout Muslim.

I want first to revel in God's unmerited favour and the blessings he lavishes on me despite my failings.  But I also want a far closer relationship with him - not earned by being good but enjoyed because I don't want anything to hinder or spoil his enjoyment of me and mine of him

Image and Reputation of Your Church
In Acts 2:47 we find the Church described as enjoying the favour of all the people or, as the Message puts it, "People liked what they saw".  Sadly, in the UK these days the image and reputation of the church among most of the non-Christian public is not what it ought to be.  I have recently written a resource paper on the topic of our image and reputation as this is relevant in our sharing in God's mission.  You can see and/or download the article here.  Please let me know if you find it helpful or otherwise.

How is the work supported?
This is a question I am asked occasionally.  The 'spiritual' answer is to say that we trust in God to meet our needs.  While this is true, his faithfulness is seen in the faithfulness of God's people.  When I started out in full time ministry I needed only £4.50 per week (well it was along time ago!) and In order to raise that I found 36 relatives and friends who each gave two shillings and six pence per week (12 1/2 p).  At present Doreen and I have our personal needs met through the part time ministry at the church at Yelvertoft plus pension income.  But my colleague, Monica Cook is employed by our Charity (Sunrise Ministries which includes Rural Mission Solutions), and we are continuing to keep her on stipend during her illness.  But the income to Sunrise Ministries both for Monica's support (via the Sussex Office) and to cover my operational costs from the East Midlands is currently short of what is needed.

Rural mission work does not have wide appeal so we value your prayers for an increase in income.  If you or your church are in a position to help practically as well as in prayer please let me know.  If you already support financially and could do this under Gift Aid please also let me know.  We still have much to do and thank God for those who share with us in intercession and practical support.

It is likely that you already have calls on your funds and we always encourage people to act responsibly.  In 2010 I wrote a leaflet on 21st Century Stewardship setting out biblical principles.  If you haven't seen it before and would like to read it, you can read or download it here.

The Diary

The past week has involved a lot of writing - articles for magazines and constitutional papers for a village church.  Some of this will continue into the coming week.  I also took part in a planning meeting for an outreach in Market Harborough and attended a day on Child Friendly Church at Ashby de la Zouche, Leics.

Sunday 26th - Yelvertoft
Tuesday 28th - HMP Gartree
Thursday 30th - Village Bible Discussion Meeting
Friday 1st May - Committee Meeting at Ashby de la Zouche

There is also work to be done preparing for the various activities the following week.

People and Prayer
Monica Cook has finished her first set of radiotherapy.  More information.
John Bradley (a former trustee) and Jim Mullin (a current trustee) both have cancer.
Simon Martin (a great colleague from the Arthur Rank Centre) has also been another bravely battling this disease.  God is able.

Thank you very much for your kind fellowship with us.

Barry

Thank God for Women

It would be all too easy to imagine that the apostle Paul did not have much time for women but nothing could be further from the truth.  Just as Jesus had significant women disciples a similar record in scripture exists for Paul.  In both his letter to the Christians in Rome and the Christians in Philippi he commends women who have worked alongside him in the gospel.  His many greetings and commendations in Romans 16 commences with a woman.  Several other feminine names can also be found afterwards.  I especially love verse 12 which mentions three women who worked hard for the Lord.  The Greek word used here implies working until their energies were spent.

Paul's praise of women came to mind during this week, firstly when clearing the contents of the Action for Christ office in East Sussex.  I gladly commend Elizabeth and Heather who did much of the hard work and carried on long after many would have collapsed.  Also this week I called upon Monica Cook, currently off work because of a brain tumour but still doing her best with limited resources to serve the Lord.  What she has achieved in her ministry among children in the UK and abroad leaves me amazed.  I could go on but I hope you have grasped the fact that I have probably more appreciation for the labours, faithfulness and spiritual depths of most Christian women than I do of many of my own gender, though there are good and bad in both.

It saddens me when I come across bad attitudes among Christian men towards women that limits their God-given potential.  I am also saddened by women who allow their potential to be limited.  It would be hard to find any aspect of ministry for which women are not able.  Jesus certainly never put women down.  When the church burst into courageous life on the Day of Pentecost Peter took as his mandate the prophecy of Joel 2: 28, 29 which is so wonderfully inclusive.  However, I hate bossy women who lord it over men just as much as I hate bossy men who lord it over women!

It has been my privilege to serve in ministry in four churches and in each I have thanked God for the women.  We are all members of one body having gifts given according to the will of God for the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom.  Like Paul, let's give honour to those to whom it is due.

Rural Mission Webinar
Fifteen people attended the online seminar last Saturday and I am greatly encouraged by comments received afterwards.  This is particularly encouraging as I failed to activate the view of the screen with the slides I had so carefully prepared in advance!  A good friend and colleague was to have monitored questions during the session but exhausted from attending a four day conference and the journey back home he fell asleep and was left in that state by a loving wife who did not know of his commitment early Saturday morning.  It was only at the end of the seminar that I managed to look at the questions only to see a long list of "Why can't I see the slides?"

We will run this particular Rural Mission Webinar in a few weeks’ time but we are also looking for topics that people would find helpful.  Please send me your suggestions.

Action for Christ Office Closure
The office at Bodiam, East Sussex has been closed as there are now no staff employed there and the work of the mission (formerly Mission for Christ) is being managed efficiently from home offices.  Rent and other office occupancy costs now saved will be channelled into actual rural evangelism  The office has closed but the mission goes on.  Almost all the equipment has gone to good homes to be used in God's service.

Monica Cook Health Report
It was good to visit Monica last Tuesday.  Despite some problems on Saturday 11th she is back on schedule with the radiotherapy.  Your continued prayers will be appreciated.  Full report can be seen at  this blog.

The Diary
It was a joy to meet with the Christians at Dunks Green Evangelical Free Church, near Sevenoaks, Kent last Sunday morning.  Action for Christ holds this building in trust and it is encouraging to discover new people joining. In the evening I met with women and men for prayer at my former church at Herstmonceux.

Monday, Tuesday, and part of Wednesday was spent in clearing the offices of AfC.  On Wednesday afternoon I shared in a video committee meeting for the Rural Evangelism Network which was well worthwhile.  I travelled back to Market Harborough arriving around 10.00pm.

On Thursday morning Doreen and I drove to Yelvertoft (Leics) for the regular Bible Discussion Meeting.  On Friday morning I drove to the far side of Worcestershire to meet with the mission group of a very rural and scattered Anglican benefice.  There is already good work being done in evangelism and I find it challenging to know jut how best to add value to this group of mostly scattered housing with 1200 residents.  I plan to provide some notes this coming week.

On Saturday we held "Get Messy" (Messy Church) at Yelvertoft with a small but eager bunch of children and two parents.

The week ahead
Sunday 19th - Yelvertoft
Monday 20th - Writing articles
Tuesday 21st - HMP Gartree
Thursday 23rd - Holiday at Home programme planning for Churches Together in Harborough in the morning.  Church Meeting at Yelvertoft in the evening.
Saturday 25th - attending a Child Friendly Church Coaching Day at Ashby de la Zouche, Leics.

Thank you for your prayers and also for the donations that enable us to keep serving.

Yours gladly in his service,     

   

Barry

Saturday 18^th April

The Importance of Praise

I wonder whether you have ever reflected on the importance of praise.  All Christians that  I know seem to feel that it is important to praise God.  But why?  Is it that God has feelings of insecurity and needs to be encouraged?  Of course not.  Could it be that God is an egoist, Is that how we should understand passages such as Isaiah 42: 8 where we read "...my glory I will not give to another, neither my praise to graven images"?  Again that does not seem right.  Incidentally there is a lack of biblical evidence of God asking to be praised, though there are vast numbers of reference to the importance and value of praising God.

Recently I felt moved to write to George Verwer, founder of the missionary movement,Operation Mobilisation.  I came under the influence of George's ministry when I was 17 and he was kind enough to write me a long letter with helpful advice after that encounter.  I just thought it would be right to let him know the influence he had on my life since that time and how much that had been multiplied as by God's grace I have served him these past 50 years.  In turn George gratefully and effusively give thanks for the ministry of Dr Billy Graham through whom he came to faith.

Today I received two unexpected, and certainly unsolicited, expressions of praise.  One came from a young man who spoke out openly in a meeting.  The other came in a Facebook message.  Both moved me deeply.  I am profoundly grateful as it makes me feel that my labour is not in vain in the Lord (I know the Bible tells me that but it's good to get it confirmed!)  I have written before on the practise of saying thank you to people who do the most mundane and unpleasant jobs.  I have seen faces light up and heard people say, "You're the first person who has ever thanked me".

Anyone who has undergone any management or leadership training should know how vital it is to praise those who are 'subordinate' to you in any way.  Within our families we may have experienced what happens when a parent praises a child or a child praises his or her parents.  To praise only to achieve better or committed good performance is disingenuous and unworthy,  On the other hand, isn't it sad that only one of the ten men who had leprosy returned to thank Jesus. (See Luke 17: 11-19)

But does God need to be praised.  Why doe the psalmists and others make such a big deal about it?  At a basic level, praise gives feedback of understanding and appreciation for some benefit.  If we realise how great God is and how amazing is his love for us and his saving work, his daily care and provision for us, and his answers to our prayers, then we will be unable to stop ourselves from praising him.  The strange thing is that when those moments of understanding dawn on me and praise bubbles up and finds release in words, the enjoyment of the blessing is immediately multiplied and the praise also increases.

Please understand this: if you do not frequently find yourself lost in praise and unable to hold back from speaking it out, then you are not normal!  For praising God is not important for God; it is immensely important for the recipients of his grace and goodness.  It also follows that if you do not appreciate being praised your are not normal.  We all like to feel that we are appreciated and that what we do for others is important.  So please do not withhold praise because you fear someone might become proud.  One of the best sermons I have ever preached was on humility!  The fund was speaking with people afterwards who had clearly appreciated the message but felt confused as to whether or not they should say so!

So bags of praise upwards to God, and bags of praise to others who deserve your encouragement.  And while we are at it, lets follow the examples of the disciples in the upper room when the Spirit fell on them and could not help speaking out his praise - the wonderful works of God.  Pray God it will have the same impact on others amazed at our Spirit-inspired praise who will then hear an explanation that will bring then to share both our faith and our joy.

Monica Cook
Monica has started her course of radiotherapy.  She informed she did not feel anxious when going for the fist session and side effects have so far not been too bad.

Rural Mission Webinar
I am running a free online seminar this Saturday 11th April 9.00 am to 9.45 at the latest.  We will be looking at why and how to develop sustainable bespoke rural mission strategies for village churches.  The challenge I am finding is how to say enough and maintain focus.  There is so much more I would love to share but this will provide material for further webinars.  If you want to take part please click on this link to register (you will be asked to give your name and email address) and you will then be sent by return the access information.  If you are reading this before the webinar ends please also pray for its effectiveness.

The Diary
We had a wonderful Easter Sunday Family Service.  Some mature Christians described it as the best they had experienced.  It was clear to me that God was in our midst.  We give him the glory.

My routine (!) visit to HMP Gartree on Tuesday was a useful time.  Numbers in the choir have fallen partly because of behavioural problems from newer members who have ADHD.  We are now managing this far better and pray that past members will return.

Doreen and I spent Tuesday afternoon to Friday afternoon at the Congregational Federation's Leadership Conference at Hothorpe Hall.  It was a real blessing.

On Sunday, together with two other trustees I will be attending the morning service atDunks Green Evangelical Church near Sevenoaks.  After lunch together we will be discussing constitutional issues with the members.  I will then travel on to Herstmonceux to share in their evening prayer meeting.

On Monday, with my fellow trustees we will continue the process of closing down the Action for Christ offices at Bodiam.  Already quite a lot of the office equipment has been sold.  We hope to sell more on the Monday and will be moving archived material to store at Dunks Green.

On Tuesday I have various other duties in East Sussex and the day will include a visit to Monica at Battle and some office work at her home.  I will be returning home on Wednesday.   On Wednesday I will take past in a Committee Meeting for the Rural Evangelism Network.

Please pray for Doreen while I am away, that she will be kept safe from falls.

On Thursday we are starting a new term of Bible Discussion Meetings at Yelvertoft.

On Friday I expect to travel to Worcestershire for a short mission consultation with an Anglican Benefice.

On Saturday morning it will be Get Messy (Messy Church) at Yelvertoft, and ministry there on Sunday.

Pray for safe travelling, wisdom in business activities, grace in all things and for Jesus to be glorified by deeds and words.

Thank you.

Yours, still praising!

Barry

Easter Op[portunities

I pray with all my heart that this Easter will be a time of great blessing in your life and that many more will come to know the risen Saviour.

I wonder whether you have noticed that there are two key moments in the account of the journey on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13-35).  The two travellers had obviously left their journey until the afternoon.  It might have taken them three or four hours and they needed to get there before nightfall  Dusk would have come around 6.00pm.  Luke tells us that Cleopas and his companion are deep in conversation as they are walking.  It is clear that they are confused, disturbed and distressed.  Their expectation concerning Jesus seem to now be shattered.  

It is here that the first of the two key moments takes place:"Jesus himself came up and walked along with them" (Luke 24: 15).  I love that Luke puts it that way: "Jesus himself...."  We cannot be sure exactly who Cleopas was and we certainly do not know who his companion was.  We could say that in the ranks of disciples they are not particularly significant.  But it is Jesus himself who is to brighten their day and change their lives.  He could have sent an angel but he came himself.  At that moment they are unable to recognise him; he was just a stranger on the road.  There is no suggestion of their inviting him to join them.  Jesus has taken the initiative.  But as he enters into their situation they could have ignored him.  What would they have missed had they done so!

The second key moment takes place a few hours later.  In the intervening time Jesus has been referring to passages throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.  I wonder which Messianic prophecies he quoted and in what order.  How they must have wondered at the knowledge of this stranger.  How their hearts burned within them as truth dawned on their darkness scattering the shadows of doubt.  It all began to make sense.  But now they have reached a fork in the road.  They are turning towards the village but he looks as if he is going on another way.  Once again there is a moment of opportunity.  They could simply have thanked him and bade him goodbye.

Luke uses an interesting phrase translated from the NT Greek as "strongly urged".  They do their best to persuade him to spend more time with them.  Was it for his benefit or theirs?  I suspect while they expressed concern for the stranger continuing as darkness was about to fall, they had another motive.  They wanted more of his company.  Note that this time the initiative is with them.  They have to act.  They have to be willing to make him their honoured guest.  And by doing so they had the most fantastic experience.  Can you imagine their emotions in that moment of recognition that this was none other than Jesus risen from the dead.  No wonder they immediately retraced their steps to Jerusalem.  Do you think they left everything on the table?  I think they probably did.  There was an exciting motivation to share the good news with others and it could not wait until morning.  Darkness dangers, difficulties - nothing would impeded their mission.

How does this account relate to our own experience?  Can you recognise a moment of realisation that Jesus had drawn close to you?  You might not be able to identify the exact moment but you know he has been helping you realise the truth of his Word.  But what about that second crisis?  Has there been a deep desire to know more of his presence?  Have you made him your honoured guest, putting him before yourself?  If you have then you too will know the blessings that follow.

I pray that we will all know such a sense of his presence that our hearts burn within us and our feet run to share good news with others.

The Rural Mission Webinar
I would like to encourage you to switch on your computer and turn up the sound next Saturday 11th April at 9.00am (BST) (8.00 GMT) when I will be talking about developing sustainable bespoke strategies in mission that suit and fit whatever our church and location are like..  Bespoke strategies develop from an understanding of who we are as a local church, what we have as resources, and where we are located.  We will explore the biblical principles and the rationale for developing your own unique programmes. The webinar lasts no more than 40 minutes.  Whether you are a church leader or an ordinary member, whether lay or ordained you should find this well worth while attending.

Please register to attend as soon as possible.  Click this link to get the process started.  If you have tried to register in the past and have not received the confirmation message please register again.  You will be asked to supply your name and email address (for my benefit) and you will be supplied with information as to how to log on next Saturday.  Once you join the webinar you can either just sit back, watch and listen or you can interact if you wish.  All will be explained at the beginning. These on-line seminars are a great way to share information without the usual geographical limitations.  Please pray for this event.

From the Diary
Easter Sunday 5th April - Easter Family Service at Yelvertoft Congregational Church, Northants.
Tuesday 7th to Friday 10th Doreen and I will be attending a Leaders' Conference at Hothorpe Hall, Leics.
Tuesday 7th - the regular visit to Gartree Prison, Leics.
Wednesday 8th - Monica Cook starts radiotherapy for her brain tumour.  Please support her with your prayers.
Saturday 11th - 9.00 The Rural Mission Webinar.  In the early evening I have a meeting to attend before driving to Kent.
Sunday 12th - Dunks Green Evangelical Free Church, Kent (an Action for Christ project)
Over the next three days I will continue in East Sussex helping to close down the Action for Christ Office at Bodiam, visiting Monica and carrying out a number of other duties.
Wednesday 15th - Rural Evangelism Network Committee via video link.
Friday 17th - a rural mission consultation for an Anglican benefice in Worcestershire.
Saturday 168h - 'Get Messy' (Messy Church), Yelvertoft.

Some friends will know John Bradley, a former trustee of Sunrise Ministries and a great colleague in ministry.  John is also battling cancer and i commend him and his family to your prayers.  John almost always responds to these Praise & Prayer News and sent me a great story based on last week's theme.  Thank you John.

Thank you for your prayers and support and for the various Easter Greetings received.  Journey with Jesus and discover great blessing.

Barry