Pentecost Myths?

I am writing this on the eve of Trinity Sunday.  In my own Christian tradition this is not a calendar event we would normally celebrate, but it's a time of year I enjoy.  Last week we had a great Pentecost Sunday.  But there are aspects about both these Sundays that cause me some concern.  At the risk of seeming a grumpy old man perhaps I will share these with you.  You might or might not agree with me, and I do not wish to offend.  But I do want us to be careful how we teach from Scripture.

Let's start with Trinity Sunday.  I fear that in the UK most regular church goers have only a weak understanding of what the Trinity means.  Creating an occasion at least once a year when some attempt can be made to describe the Trinity and how there can be three persons that remain essentially one is not a bad idea.  However, there is a risk that some will be left more confused by our attempts to explain a mystery for which there is no comparison.  Certainly the explanation of how something can exist as solid, liquid or gas is not appropriate.  For a start the state depends upon the environment in which it exists and that is not true of God.  Nor is the Holy Spirit a gas!

Rather than trying to explain the Trinity there is probably better mileage in focussing on the divine nature of Jesus as God the Son or on the Holy Spirit as he (or she) makes actual in our lives all that the Father has purposed and the Son has made possible. Again, I fear that many regular church-goers have a weak grasp of the nature of Jesus Christ and the person of the Holy Spirit.

This brings me to what I see as three myths that relate to Pentecost.  The first of these is presenting the first Pentecost as the 'birthday of the Church'. One of my concerns regarding this myth has to do with how we define the Church.  My understanding of this is that it is primarily about our commitment to be followers of Jesus and our experience of salvation through his atoning work. Using that criteria Jesus had a Church before the Day of Pentecost.  His disciples had been declared cleansed, had received authority from God, had performed miracles, proclaimed the gospel, and had divine revelation, and the assurance of heaven.  In Acts 1 there are at least 120 'believers' whom Peter calls 'brothers and sisters'.  All of this, in the light of Jesus' comment to Nicodemus in John 3:3 leads me to infer that his followers must have been born again.

Of course, some might want to quote 1Corinthians 12: 13 but we need to be careful not to confuse being baptised into the Body of Christ (i.e. the Church) with the personal baptism in or with the Holy Spirit.

The experience of the disciples on the Day of Pentecost was not a once for all experience.  The record of Acts refers to other occasions at Samaria andEphesus and in the home of Cornelius for example.  Then there was Saul's experience at Damascus.  Furthermore history records countless other occasions when individual Christians have had an initial experience of being filled with or baptised with the Holy Spirit just as Peter declared would happen (see Acts 2: 39).

The second common myth is that on the Day of Pentecost lots of the disciples were preaching the gospel using different languages or tongues.  But only Peter is recorded as preaching to the crowd.  What people from various countries testified to was hearing believers proclaiming the wonders of God.  Writing to the church at Corinth Paul makes clear that when someone speaks in a Spirit-given language they speak to God and not to other people (1 Corinthians 14:2).  While the words of Peter were clearly sensible, the utterances in various languages were accompanied with such ecstasy that people thought they were drunk.  They were lost in love, worship and praise expressed in languages they had never learned, but which the Spirit enabled them to use.

The third (and my final) myth relates to how people speak about the Holy Spirit as if it is not God himself (or herself).  Yes, there are descriptions of the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit as a gift (see Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Acts 10: 45).  We clearly receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a charism or gift but the gift is God himself.  This is profound and to present it otherwise is to do a great disservice to God.

For the days in which we live we need the fullness of God in our lives.  As Paul exhorts the Christians at Ephesus we need to be continually being filled with the Holy Spirit for our lives to be holy, our relationships to be right, and our witness to be with power.  Let us never fall short of such an ideal for success in our services for God come not from overworking but from overflowing.

In the News for Praise & Prayer
Last Thursday I had a routine colonoscopy, the third in a series since the removal of a large polyp in 2008.  All three have proved clear and they have now taken me off a critical watch list.  This follows an amazing gastroscopy a few weeks ago which revealed that a condition of Barrett's Oesophagus had disappeared. Barretts can develop into Oesophagul cancer in some cases and for several years I have been part of a national trial combining esomeprazole with asprin.  Various levels and combinations are being tested and I have been on the maximum dosage.  While I am delighted in the outcome so far I am more delighted if my part in the trial offers better hope for others with Barretts.

So I give thanks to God for such a measure of good health.  I still have a problem with plantar fasciitis which makes walking or standing for long periods painful.  But that's getting noticeably better also.

I value prayer for Doreen, my wife.  Over recent months she has had digestive problems and appointments to see specialist are a long way off.  It is difficult to see her in daily distress.  However, despite this and the problem she has with peripheral neuropathology she continues to be very active.  Please also continue your prayers for my colleague, Monica (news updates are here).

Last Thursday I led the Communion Service at HMP Gartree attended by 30 men.  With a prison population of under 700 the prison is in many ways like a small village.  Many small villages would be surprised to get a mid-week attendance of that size.  Please pray for the Chaplaincy team.  We are still praying for a replacement Anglican chaplain.

Sunday 31st May I will be taking the Sunday Service at HMP Gartree when we will be exploring how God draws us into a relationship with himself.

I have been busy over recent days preparing for a meeting of Sunrise Ministries Trustees on Monday 8th June.  I also have a considerable amount of work still to do for Action for Christ.  There are several other requests that have come in so i value your prayers on managing the diary.

Other activities coming up include HMP Gartree on Tuesday, a Bible Discussion Meeting on Thursday and an Area Executive Meeting for the Congregational Federation on Friday.  I am at Yelvertoft on Sunday 7th and expect to be in Northern Ireland for much of the following week.

Thank you sincerely for your fellowship and support.
Barry

Contemporary Lessons from Nehemiah

I have always found the account of Nehemiah and the re-building the walls of Jerusalem inspiring.  There seems so many important lessons to learn from it that it is difficult to know exactly where to begin. I just love using it for a Bible teaching series or using it as conference material.

It seems to me that it speaks into our current political situation in the UK and there are two aspects that I would like to comment on here.  The first of these is the rapid turnaround in the situation and how that was achieved.  The other aspect is Nehemiah's concern for justice.  That both these aspects are well documented together in one narrative is also significant.

The fact that the walls were re-built and all the gates completed and hung within just 52  days seems more amazing than the team of experts on the TV programme DIY SOS manage to achieve. It is a testament to sheer hard work but I love the fact that everyone rolled up their sleeves including people who would not normally do manual work such as silversmiths and priests.  See Nehemiah Ch. 4) They were committed to a common purpose, recognised that the task was urgent and got on with it.  There is probably significance in the way in which the task was delegated so that there was personal vested interest and possibly some competitiveness in pressing on.

UK productivity levels are still disturbingly low.  We are unlikely to see the economic situation improve without real commitment by employers and employees in industry working hard together.  Some already do so but clearly there is a need for more willingness to work.  We have a common problem and we all need to roll up our sleeves.  In what ways might this also apply to the task of evangelism and winning your neighbourhood for God?

While some of my friends are delighted that the Conservatives won the election, others are deeply concerned that some of the governments decisions could leave others in economic and/or welfare crisis.  It would be difficult to find anyone more single-minded than Nehemiah.  He had a task to complete and he wasn't going to be distracted by those who opposed him.  However, when he discovered situations of injustice he took time out to deal with them. See Nehemiah Ch  5.

It would indeed be a tragedy if, in the pursuit of economic targets, individuals and their needs get overlooked or, worse still, ignored.  In God's economy people matter.  Tragically, there are some churches and Christian organisations where while pursuing certain aims the pastoral care of individuals has suffered.

Both the example of getting on with the task unitedly, and the example of justice and caring have much to teach us about society and church society today.  But the fact that both co-exist  is also a valuable lesson.  In the life of any Christian church or organisation we need focus and commitment in our mission but also compassion and compassionate action.  Feeding the hungry and providing refreshment at a party might not seem to be priorities in the ministry of Jesus but there were situations where this was what was needed at that time.  On an urgent task to get to Jairus' home as quickly as possible, Jesus took time out to respond to the needs of a woman with a haemorrhage. 

We all need to keep purposefulness and pastoral care in balance.

In the News for Praise & Prayer
It has been just over two weeks since I last wrote to you.  The reason for this is that both weeks have been very busy with engagements and on the days between engagements there has been pressure of work administratively and pastorally.  Here is a brief summary.

On Sundays 3rd, 10th and 17th May I have been teaching about the life of the early Church as it began to engage with the task with which Jesus had left his followers.  This has included 'Accepting the Baton', 'Whose Authority?', and 'Breaking New Ground'.  I hope to have a summary of these topics on the website of Yelvertoft Congregational Church.

From 3rd to 5th May I was in East Sussex for various tasks connected with Action for Christ.  Some of this relates to the closure of the AfC office and I value prayers as I seek to sell various items of equipment and stationery no longer requires but in which financial resources for mission were invested.  While in East Sussex I visited Monica, my colleague.  Her initial radiotherapy for her brain tumour completed she is waiting to learn of the outcome.  She was in good spirits and thankful for the prayers.

I travelled home on the Tuesday (5th) with minutes to spare before my regular work at HMP Gartree. My musical colleague has retired and we had already had the retirement of a senior Christian chaplain.   Choir practises have gone well over the past two weeks.  I will also be helping to pick up on some extra ministry in the prison until we get a new chaplain appointed.  Prayers for the Christian chaplaincy team please.

In the evening of the same day (5th) I travelled by train to London ready to teach on the Salvation Army's Safeguarding Course.  There were 22 people attending and reading the response forms I find an encouraging response to what is always a demanding day.  I was back home on Wednesday evening preparing for a Bible Discussion on Thursday morning.  We were fewer than normal for the Discussion but it was a profitable time exploring Timothy chapter 1.

Saturday 9th was the Annual National Assembly for the Congregational Federation in which I had a very small part.  It was a good day ending a very busy and tiring week.

On Monday and Tuesday 11th and 12th May I took School Assembles in Lubenham (Leics) and Yelvertoft (Northants).  I love this aspect of ministry.  Packaging the biblical message in story telling form for children aged 5 to 11 is an challenge but as the children engage and respond it is so encouraging.  There were also nice comments from staff members.  There were two more meetings on the Tuesday.

On Wednesday I shared in a planning meeting for Holiday at Home in Market Harborough. There has been an excellent team that has planned and run this event.  However several of us have felt the need to retire. One good man has already gone and a couple will retire after this summer's event.  I have managed to recruit one very good person for the team and others who will support the event following a talk I gave at a village Parish Church.  We still need more volunteers and value prayer that God will enlarge the team before the summer. Holiday at Home is a programme that serves older people in the community.  While not overt evangelism it is evangelism nevertheless.

Last week ended with 'Get Messy' at Yelvertoft where our theme was the Wedding at Cana. This is a form of Messy Church that reaches children and parents.  I give thanks for a great team of volunteers.  One of these was Louise who is currently undertaking a training course for which I am her mentor.

And so to this week where the key activities include organisational activities for theChurches Rural Group (which I Chair until our next meeting), Bible Discussion on Thursday and a wedding on Friday (the first in our church building for many years).   Next Sunday (24th) is Pentecost and I will take the meeting at Yelvertoft.  On 31st I will be taking the morning service at HMP Gartree.  In addition to various other activities next week I have a hospital appointment on Wednesday, an early morning communion service at the prison and a meeting with other leaders from rural missions on Thursday,

Please give thanks for the Lord's enabling over the past few weeks, for safe travelling, and for blessing on the ministry.  Please pray for the various activities and aspects above.  Please continue to pray for the financial provision to keep the ministry going and for the moving of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all who sit under our ministry.

Other Information: There is a conference on Making and Growing Disciples in the Countryside during June.  For more information see the Rural Evangelism Network website.

Back to Nehemiah
All that Nehemiah accomplished has its roots in his tender heart that caused him to weep over the sad state of Jerusalem.  This then led to a season or earnest and honest prayer.  See Nehemiah 1: 4.  May God grant us hearts that can be moved by the needs of this world, a commitment to pray, and a readiness to go.

Barry

The Whole Armour of God

"Put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6: 13)
 

Most Bible commentators believe that Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome.  Paul certainly did not consider imprisonment to be defeat and we know that sometimes much blessing came from these times.  What it probably did do was give him opportunity to look closely at a Roman soldier's uniform and perhaps to discuss with a soldier what they would wear into battle.

Of all the different parts of armour  mentioned in the next two verses, one is more difficult to understand. It is "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:13 NIV)  Some commentators imagine that Paul was referring to the greaves or metal shin protectors.  While this is an important piece of armour, for a sword blow to the legs could immobilise a soldier leaving him vulnerable, it does not fit well with the New Testament Greek.  Paul is specific about feet not shins.  The term for fitted also appears in the New Testament referring to putting on sandals.  Roman soldiers wore sandals (sometimes with metal studs).  These needed to be well fitted if the soldier was to stand firm in a fight.

Over the last few months I have suffered with a condition called Plantar Fasciliitis.  It is a painful condition in the heel, making it very uncomfortable to walk any distance or even to stand sometimes.  More than ever before I am being very careful to wear appropriate padded shoes.  I feel I now understand Paul's concern about footwear!  Any soldier with restricted mobility could be easily cut down and would become a point of weakness in the ranks.

The remainder of the verse is also difficult.  It isn't so much a readiness to proclaim the gospel, but a readiness that results from the gospel, to withstand the enemy's cunning attacks,  If we have confidence in this wonderful message of God's divine intervention on our behalf, bringing forgiveness for our sin and assurance of eternal life, then it will be hard indeed for the enemy to knock us off such a firm footing.

One aspect of our ministry is to help those who profess faith in Christ to understand and have confidence in the gospel of Christ.  I am saddened by the fact that many who attend church regularly seem to lack a deep, joyful grasp of the gospel that brings us peace with God and peace in God.  Our "No Ordinary Man" project has been one way in which we have sought to address that.

Hopefully, you are standing, well fitted as a result of this good news of Jesus so that you can stand firm under attack.

Looking Ahead Through May
In his letters to the churches Paul repeatedly encourages prayer.  Looking at how busy this month is going to be I certainly encourage your prayers please.  This Sunday after the morning meeting at Yelvertoft Congregational Church (Northants)  I hope to set off for East Sussex in time for the Prayer Meeting at Herstmonceux.  The main reason for this trip is to collect the final car load of stationery and other items from the former offices of Action for Christ.  A large amount of the items in the office found new homes with other Christian organisations and churches and we are mostly left with archived material and stationery which is being stored temporarily in our home.

I have to remain in Sussex to attend an early morning appointment in Buxted before returning home.  I am a trustee of a property and land left in a will to Mission for Christ.  Both the house and the land have been neglected and there are no funds in the estate to maintain them.   If anyone knows a Christian entrepreneur or developer in the south-east of England and who might be interested in a project I would love to hear from them.

I return to the East Midlands on Tuesday in time for my regular work in HMP Gartree, following which I will take the train to London, ready for a day teaching on safeguarding at the Salvation Army Training College on Wednesday'

On Thursday 7th Doreen and I will be back in Yelvertoft for our inter-church Bible Discussion meeting. On Saturday 9th  Doreen and I will travel to Peterborough where I will take part in the Congregational Federation's National Assembly.  Back home that evening ready for ministry in Yelvertoft on Sunday morning.  As you will see it is an intensive week.

For the rest of the month every Sunday is booked including a service at HMP Gartree.  In the week commencing Sunday 10th May there are two days of school visits and a Fresh Expressions Rural Round Table in London, and a Messy Church on the Saturday.

Among other activities of the week commencing 17th May there is a meeting of the Churches Rural Group and a wedding to take.  The pattern continues to the end of the month.  Being this busy is not wise but sometimes hard to avoid.  I value your prayers that I will make/find time for quality time with God and also with Doreen.  Pray for safety in travelling, wisdom in all my dealings, and God's blessing on ministry in his name.

Also towards the end of the month my colleague Monica will have further tests following the initial course of radiotherapy.  Click here for more details.

Requests for help from rural and small churches come in regularly and at the present time we have been working with four churches on mission and evangelism.

Image and Reputation of Your Church
This Resource Paper I mentioned in the last Blog post has been well received.  You can see and/or download the article here.  Thank you to all who provided feedback.

How is the work supported?
There has been some response already to what was written last week, for which I am very grateful.  Our main concern at this time is for Monica as she is off work because of the brain tumour.  Over the years she has had a strong band of supporters, but while Monica has focused a lot of her time on work in Obambo, Kenya, her own support  for her ministry in the UK has declined.  The trustees are seeking to keep her on full stipend but this will only be possible if there is growth in her support base.  We value your prayers.Click here for more information.

Thank you very much for your kind fellowship with us.

Barry