Certainty in an uncertain world

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

On Thursday this week the outcome of the referendum has shaken the world for many people in the UK.  Some have been celebrating; others have felt filled with despair Whatever our response to what has happened, one thing is certain: we have entered a time of uncertainty.  It reminds me of the first time I experienced a significant earthquake.  It was night time and, although I was still in the UK, I was many miles from home and it was before the days of mobile phones.  In the nearest town people had rushed from their homes and the phone lines to emergency services were overwhelmed.  What, I wondered, was the consequence back at my home?

As it happened, those back home were oblivious to the fact that another part of the world had been shaken.  But my earthquake was relatively small compared to the major impact made when tectonic plates heave by metres rather than a few centimetres. The day after the referendum we cannot be sure what the consequences of the decision will be.  By how much or how little has the ground moved? 

The pound in my pocket may have become worth only ninety pence, but there will be no immediate sign of that when I go to the shops where I live. Imports from other European countries remain tariff-free for the moment, so no change there.  But will that situation continue. However confident those who supported the decision may sound, the fact is that there is considerable uncertainty.

What is certain is that what has happened in the UK is indicative of what is also happening not only in other European countries but also in the USA as they approach an election.  There is a spirit of dis-establishment loose in the world. 

Many who voted ‘leave’ did so simply to take a stand against the ‘big boys’ both at home and abroad and were told by some political leaders that this was what needed to be done.  There seems to be a desire to dismantle structures that have lasted the test of time, without being sure what will take their place.

So, for Christians, where do we stand in such times of uncertainty?  Perhaps, like Elijah, facing (as he thought) a dangerous and uncertain future, we need to discover that still small voice of God (1Kings 19:11-13).  We need to remind ourselves that God does not change and whatever happens in the affairs of humankind, God’s character and purposes cannot be altered. 

For those who might be particularly anxious at this time, the words of hymn writer Anna Waring carry deep truth and consolation.

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear.

And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here.

The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,

But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

But there will be many whose hope for the future political life of the UK will overwhelm any possible anxiety about the future.  Those who have helped to bring about this change are likely to feel elated.  But such confidence will count for little if the consequences are not what they have dreamed.  Right now nothing – but nothing – is certain in this life.

So my hope is that friends divided by political opinion will join together around the person of Jesus.  Truly mature spirit led people will be aware that our citizenship is of heaven (Philippians 3:20)   When the apostle Paul penned those words, he did so to people who had dual national identity.  The people of Philippi lived in Macedonia but as Philippi was a Roman colony, they proudly enjoyed citizenship of Rome. 

We may live in this world, divided by nationhood and ethnicity but God’s grace places us in his kingdom, and that knows no bounds beyond God’s own love and grace.  Realising our true city-home should lift us above narrow secular politics, calling us to live by a better standard.  It is from heaven that the real Saviour comes, and from heaven alone.

From the diary

It now looks hopeful that the prison where I work as a part-time voluntary chaplain will soon have a full time Anglican Chaplain.  This will lift from my shoulders, and from other Free Church Chaplains extra responsibilities we have had to take on.  Please pray for God’s hand to rest on these developments.

This Sunday, 26^th June, will be my last Sunday as Minister of Yelvertoft Congregational Church.  While this has been a very blessed period of ministry, and one in which I have sensed God’s leading, I will now be free to invest more time in promoting appropriate and effective rural evangelism.  I thank God for Jim (and his wife Jan) who came back into the life of this church a few years ago and who is a good person to take on the responsibility of leadership.

Please pray for Katrina who works part-time for Rural Mission Solutions.  She and I had plans to undertake various tasks in May and June as she settles into her role as Children and Families Adviser.  Unfortunately, Doreen’s (my wife’s) diagnosis with cancer and the subsequent surgery and follow on put everything on hold.  Doreen is healing well and we hope to pick up these tasks in July.

Please pray for the webinar this Saturday morning (25^th June) from 9.00 to 9.45.  The topic is Summer Outreach Ideas and Gordon Banks and I have prepared a comprehensive presentation full of ideas that even small churches can manage. If you haven’t already registered to attend please register at

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3039662942308702468

Please also email me to let me know you would like to attend.

If you are reading this after the webinar, please pray for those who have attended and who might now be considering how this summer they could shine more brightly for Jesus.

Sunday 26^th – Yelvertoft

Monday 27^th – School Assembly, Lubenham, Leicestershire

Tuesday 28^th – HMP Gartree

I will be busy helping to finalise details for the Harborough Holiday at Home programme, and planning the re-launch of Katrina’s ministry.  I am also involved in a complicated legal issue as a trustee under a will, for which I would value prayer for wisdom.

Thank you for your prayerful support.

Barry

The Choice is Yours

In a few days’ time citizens of the UK have to make an important decision. Some will have made up their minds a long time ago, but probably many more will still be uncertain, and probably confused. Around 3,500 years ago a similar situation confronted the People of Israel.  Many years before, under the leadership of Joshua, they had entered the Promised Land.  Now, as Joshua is coming towards the end of his life he asks the nation to make a choice as to what kind of people they wanted to be.

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:13)

While this was essentially an issue of faith, it would also determine the political nature of the nation. On 23^rd June 2016 a political decision has to be made but, I suggest, Christians need to reflect on how this relates to the kingdom of God.  But care is needed to avoid misunderstanding.

We should be careful about applying issues that related to the nation of Israel to those that affect us in the UK. Only under the old covenant do we see God dealing in the affairs if a nation.  Nowhere in the teaching of Jesus or the apostles do I see any emphasis on nationalism.  In Christ all are made one, whether Jew or Gentile.  There is a new order that transcends national interest.

We should be careful about applying apocalyptic passages of the Bible to contemporary political life.  Throughout history various people have been quick to identify the times in which they were living with prophetic passages of scripture, only to be proved wrong.  Such a practice does not characterise either the life of Jesus or the teaching of the apostles.  It will distract us from the heart of the gospel and who God has called us to be if we are not careful.

The Bible does teach that whatever the political context, we are called to live by the principles of the kingdom of God.  These should express God’s love for all peoples, generosity of spirit, sacrificial love, and preferring others at the expense of self-interest.  Of course, it is wonderful if we live under a political system that also expresses these values.  But a great deal of the rhetoric of recent weeks has been more about what is going to be best for us and our interest.

I deeply regret the deliberate publication of distorted and inaccurate information.  I regret the fact that independent advice has been called rubbish.  I regret the use of slogans such as “being governed by faceless bureaucrats”, which is so far from true.  I regret that both sides have tended to present arguments based on fear, or hold out promises that they have no authority or power to deliver.

I would have liked to have heard more about how our relative wealth as a country can help poorer nations, and better respond to the misery of the millions fleeing from warfare, oppression and poverty.  Arguments about keeping the money in our pockets and pulling up the drawbridge fail to impress me.

If we learn nothing else from the events of 2008 it is that the actions of a few self-interested people have a deep impact across the world.  It is these that led to the global financial crisis and such austerity as we and our neighbours might have experienced (though many classed as poor in the UK live extravagant and wasteful lives).  So this week our decisions will have an impact on others.  Doing nothing is not an option, as it gives power to others keen to promote their particular cause or advance their political careers.

Whatever the outcome, we will continue to live in an imperfect world.  But we can make some difference through what we say and do, by how we live, and by how we vote.

The issue that faced the Israelites was not a political one, but about what faith and philosophy would underpin their politics and economics.  Choosing to worship idols was about self-interest; choosing to serve the Lord was about becoming a blessing to others, for that has always been God’s agenda for his people.

The choice is yours.

Items for Praise and Prayer

Meanwhile, the daily routine of ministry and service continues.

Give thanks for a recent encouraging meeting of the Mission Support Group, planning and undertaking activities to support some 30 churches in the East Midlands.

Give thanks for the overwhelming support given to Doreen and me from so many friends during the past few weeks as she underwent surgery for breast cancer. I am pleased to say that she continues to make progress and only requires a daily tablet.  The breast care nurses continue to give support when needed.

This week’s main point for prayer is the Webinar planned for nest Saturday 25^th June at 9.00am.  This online seminar explores ideas for outreach and mission activity through the summer months.  Please do not miss the opportunity to sit in on this occasion.  It is completely free.  You need an internet connection with sound as well as vision. Pray for Gordon Banks and me as we put the final touches to the presentation.  You do need to register in advance so that you can receive the log in information.  You can do this by clicking here. Alternatively put https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3039662942308702468  into your web browser.

Pray for the people of the UK as we vote on Thursday.

Every blessing,

Barry

The Point and Pointlessness of Prayer

One of the earliest tasks I was given when I joined a mission organisation in my teens was to write the monthly prayer letter that was sent out to prayer groups around the country.  Each month I focused on a different aspect of prayer with a short reflection.  It made me familiar with the many amazing promises we have in scripture regarding the privilege and power of prayer.  Recently I have ministered on situations where prayer made a difference in what seemed impossible.

We looked at the account of Peter in prison pending almost certain death, where the whole church gathered in prayer meetings. I love the “BUT” in Acts 12 verse 5.  Then we looked at 1Samuel 1 and noticed how Hannah poured out her heart and soul in prayer, which led to the birth of a great prophet. Finally, we looked at 1Kings 18 where we noticed one prayer that was instantly answered, and one that seemed to take some time.  What we noted particularly was that Elijah persisted in prayer until the evidence was visible.  Even where there is faith there is often a need for persistence.

It is said that Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a famous and effective Baptist preacher attributed his effectiveness to the twelve men who prayed in a room below the pulpit as he preached. The point of prayer is that it changes things.

But there are also times when prayer is pointless. Many years ago, as a young, foolish and newly married man, both my wife and I worked in a Mission organisation and lived in community.  My wife became very ill as a result of the amount of work she was expected to undertake seven days a week.  The director of the Mission and head of the community was autocratic and had developed a culture of self-denial and obedience. A favourite saying was that it is better to burn out than rust out. Time and again I brought her heath issue to the attention of the governing body where the members expressed genuine sympathy and prayed about it.  But nothing changed.

One night, I lay in bed next to my wife who had cried herself to sleep.  I was angry with God and, in my mind, I shouted at God.  “When are you going to do something?”. To my amazement I heard an immediate reply.  Whether the voice was aloud or only in my head I do not know. “When are YOU going to do something? I heard.  Surprised by a prayer that had developed into a conversation, I asked, “Are you saying that it’s my responsibility?” To which I received a two-word reply, “Isn’t it?”. The organisation’s culture and my own stupidity had blinded me to my duty of love and care for my wife.  I also realised I had been asking God to do for me what he had asked me to do for him.

I immediately made my decision and the following morning gave notice that we would be moving out of the community and would reduce the hours we would work. Within two weeks we received an application from a younger couple looking for Christian work, and my wife’s health began to recover.

God calls all of us to share in his mission in the world today.  You have a particular part in his plan.  But your own wisdom, strength, intelligence and skills will not be sufficient. We are all dependent upon God, and that is why we need prayer.  We also need to recognise that asking God to do what he has asked us to do is pointless.  If we want to see revival, people won for Jesus, and the kingdom of God growing, then we must do our part.

Why not take stock now to see what we have been praying about that seems pointless, and explore whether there are some things God is wanting us to do for him. Usually, it is when we wake up to this that we see God at work – not for us, but with us.

Personal News

Doreen and I have been immensely grateful and very moved by the love shown and the prayers offered as she has undergone surgery for cancer.  This week we were informed that the cancer had been completely removed and that there was no sign of cancer in the surrounding tissues and blood vessels.  She has to take a daily tablet for five years and have an annual check-up.  We thank God for the way Doreen and I have felt so supported and have come through this time.

Summer Mission Ideas

Please book Saturday 25^th June from 9.00am to 9.45am when Gordon Banks and I share various ideas for outreach during the summer months, in an online seminar.  Even if your church already has plans, you will find this a helpful ‘webinar’. Webinars, consist of a presentation with the option of asking questions or taking part by voting.  We also provide papers that you can download with all kinds of information. These are completely free but you need to register your intention to join us online so we can provide you with the access details.  On registering you will be asked for your name and email address, but this is for our use and will not be passed on to any third party.  You can join using a computer, a tablet, or even a smart phone. You will need sound.  To register click here.

Ministry at Yelvertoft ends

My responsibilities at Yelvertoft Congregational Church cease at the end of June. Since I gave notice of resigning the church has had a number of other challenges that have developed unexpectedly.  I ask your prayers as the members refocus under the leadership of Jim Lyon.  Jim and his wife Jan, have been valued members of the congregation.  A few years ago he moved back into the village from nearby Rugby where he was part of the leadership of another church.  It certainly looks like God’s appointment and I am encouraged by this development.

Promoting Rural Mission

Time saved as a result of laying down the responsibility at Yelvertoft will be invested in promoting rural mission and evangelism.  Some of this will involve serving rural churches and some will be spent in advocacy and education.  I have also been asked to write up the Tailored Mission approach in a workbook, and this will have priority, alongside promoting Rural Mission Consultations and encouraging networking.

I will have a number of Sundays free during the second half of this year and would be happy to hear from anyone who might appreciate a visit.

Many years ago a Christian leader used to greet Christians he met by asking, “Do I meet you praying?”.  We all have odd moments through each day when we could pray, usually with eyes open.  Let’s not waste them.

Thank you for your fellowship,

Barry

Have You Heard the Good News?

I have a dream.  It is that there will come a time in the UK when Christians will once more be so thrilled about what Jesus means to them that they will eagerly and comfortably share their faith with others.  If you are a Christian then it is almost certain that someone will have spoken to you about Jesus, or put a book or recording into your hand.  I have a string of names of people who played a part in my journey of faith in its early days. 

I think of Angus McNaughton, a Baptist Minister who well supported by his wife, was passionate about telling the Jesus story.  I think of Miss Betts, the Misses Mather, Miss Osgood, Mrs Roberts, Miss Hatton, Mrs Young, Alan and Ame Tarling, and the Wayling sisters – just some of those responsible for the young people’s work at the church where my father was a deacon. I think of Robert Dingwall, who showed films about science and the Bible at my school.  I think of John Eaves who, though not a well man, came out on a damp evening to put a tract in my hand that started me on the road back to faith in Jesus after several years of ungodliness.  I think of Sylvia Smith, and evangelist who spoke at a meeting where I realised for the first time that Jesus died on the cross not only because a price had to be paid, but because he loved me.  All these and more are people who told me the Good News about Jesus.  Most would not define themselves as evangelists.

One illustration I have often used about sharing Good News is based on maths.  This works well when there are children in a church service.  I ask them to imagine that I am a very rich relative who would like to give them £5 a week for a year or 1p the first week and successively double it each week for a year. I ask them to choose. Usually the voting is evenly divided, so I up the £5 element to £50 a week. £2,600 sounds a better deal and some are swayed.  I continue to increase it by multiples of 10 until the offer is £5,000,000 per week (£260,000,000 a year) or the 1p deal.  What would you go for?

The best answer is the 1p deal, of course.  By the end of 52 weeks that would generate an income of

£45,035,996,273,705

Suppose there was an army of 5000 evangelists who each week told one person the story of Jesus.  By the end of the year they would have shared the story with 260,000 (a quarter of a million) people.  But what would happen if we started with just one Christian who tells someone about Jesus and then that person joins in the task and they both tell someone the next week, and so on.  In 44 weeks everyone in the world will have heard the message!

Of course not everyone who hears the message believes, so the maths will not work perfectly.  But, as Paul writes in his letter to the Christians in Rome, the Good News is the power of God to salvation for all who believe (Romans 1:16).  Later, he sets out some logic with a series of questions based on the promise what anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. He asks…

·       How can they call on someone in whom they do not believe?

·       How can they believe in someone they have never heard about?

·       How can they hear without someone to tell them? (Romans 10: 12-16)

A few of those who read my Praise & Prayer News do define themselves as evangelists (the word means someone who shares good news).  Some work in rural areas.  If we add them to the number of ‘professional’ rural church leaders, I estimate we might end up with a figure around no more than 3,000.  If the task of sharing the Good News is left to them… well you do the maths. Most of them are probably preaching to the converted most weeks, and possibly most will not be making the call to repentance and faith explicit.

Whoever you are, God can use you.  Sharing the Good News about Jesus does not have to be scary, nor is special training necessary.  If you have ever told someone news about a bargain you found in a shop, or about a new addition to your family, or about an enjoyable holiday or day trip, or about a book you have read or a film you have watched, then you have the skills already.

You may be thinking that I am over-simplifying it.  Where does prayer fit in?  What about the Holy Spirit?  Of course these and some other aspects are important, but I believe that God is ready to do his part.  He is waiting for us to do ours.

You do not need to learn great passages from the Bible, or use special words.  Simply tell what you know and have experienced in your own words. And the emphasis should be on the word ‘simply’.  If you would step out in faith you will be surprised that people will listen.  Don’t think you have to have the answers to awkward questions.  If people have genuine questions you could introduce them to a friend who might be able to help them, or you could lend them a book or DVD that explains the Good News clearly and winsomely.

The thing is, among all the people with whom we come into contact each week there are some who would really love to hear our stories of personal faith.  Pray that God will guide you and help you.

Let’s move from adding to multiplying.

Sharing Faith Webinar

People who have sat in on the online presentation on sharing faith with our friends have found this helpful.  It comes with supportive material and suggested practice sessions you can do with a Christian friend to gain confidence.  For more information, click here.

Sharing Faith Away Day

Away-Days are great for faith development, strategic planning, or simply for enjoyable fellowship.  Having a topic for the day is helpful and an introduction to sharing faith is ideal.  Individuals and churches benefit.  The programme breaks into several gentle inter-active sessions, and begin and end with some worship.  You could hold these on your premises but it is often helpful to find an alternative venue. More information and advice is on our website.

From the Diary

Most of the past week I have been working from home as my wife, Doreen, convalesces after surgery.  Some local meetings have been managed, and this will continue for at least one more week.  Thank you for your prayers on her behalf.

Sunday 5^th – Yelvertoft Congregational Church in the morning, and Church of the Good Shepherd, Newton near Rugby (URC/Anglican) in the evening

Tuesday 7^th – School Assembly, Yelvertoft in the morning and HMP Gartree in the afternoon.

Thursday 9^th – I would normally be attending the Group for Evangelization meeting in London but Doreen is due for a post-operation check-up.

Saturday 11^th – Mission Support Group Meeting, Narborough, Leics.

Sunday 12^th – Morning Service at HMP Gartree.  Followed by a Queen’s Birthday celebration event in Yelvertoft (organised jointly by the churches and Parish Council)

Thank you for your fellowship and prayers.

Barry