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

Beware Entanglement

A week or so ago Doreen emerged from doing some laundry to ask whether I had inadvertently left a tissue in a pocket of an item in the wash.  The reason for the question was that everything in the wash (including several dark items) was now smothered with tiny bits of white mulched paper.  Of course, I declared myself to be innocent, but it immediately brought to mind Hebrews 12:1.  In the Authorised Version this is rendered:

“… lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”

The word beset means something that is stubbornly persistent in its affect.  Hence the illustrate white balls of tissue that was persistently clinging to the laundry and proving hard to remove.

I normally use the latest NIV translation which renders the same verse:

“… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”

Clearly there seems significant difference in how the Greek has been translated.  So I studied further and found that the word translated “easily entangles” or “easily besets” (euperistatos) only occurs in this one place in the New Testament.  More study suggests this to mean easily encircling or ensnaring.  The context of this word is in the illustration of faith being lived out like running a race.  In order to run effectively we need to shed unnecessary weight and take care not to be hindered or entangled in anything.

This verse has often brought to mind a famous race in the 1984 Olympics in which a collision between Zola Budd and Mary Decker Slaney resulted in Mary being unable to finish the 3000 metre final and Zola never seeming to shake off the controversy which then seems to have blighted her career. It seems that at two separate points in the race, each had collided with the other.  About a year after that race, Mary, having got over the emotional hurt of the incident, stated that the real problem was that she was not used to running in a pack.  In other words, her progress was impeded by that which surrounded her.

Clearly, if we do not take care, any sin could entangle us.  But the write of this letter to Hebrew Christians speaks about a specific sin.  In days gone by preachers often referred to ‘besetting sins’ as a particular sin that affected an individual.  One person’s besetting sin might differ from another. Unfortunately, some Christians excuse their weakness by attributing it to their ‘besetting sin’ over which they seemed unable to get the victory.  But it seems to me that the write had a specific sin in mind.

Given the context of this verse, and the general content of the preceding chapters, excess burdensome weight and entanglement most likely refers to the practice of some Jewish Christians who, at that time, taught the need to keep the Law as well as putting faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning work.  The grace of God that brings salvation needs nothing added, and to teach otherwise is a grievous error, as the last part of chapter 10 makes clear. As the Gospel hymn says, “I need no other argument, I need no other please; It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me”

Let’s keep running the race with our gaze unswervingly fixed on Jesus, and shun anything that hinders or complicates the simplicity of trusting in the finished work of the cross.

Items for Praise

Many will know that just four weeks ago Doreen, my wife, was discovered to have breast cancer. As I write this she has just been sent home from hospital following surgery.  Already the wound is beginning to heal well, and through the past moth she has experienced wonderful peace and remained joyful.  We give thanks for an observant nurse, and the quick response an quality care experienced from the NHS.

Katrina Thomas, the new part-time Children and Family Adviser in Rural Mission Solutions has commenced work.  We give thanks for this new team members and also for those who supported Monica Cook and have continued that support to enable Katrina’s appointment.  Please pray for Katrina and her family.

This week the trustees of Rural Mission Solutions (Sunrise Ministry) met and were introduced to Katrina.  It was an excellent and productive meeting.  We thank God for each of the trustees.  The list is published on the website.  One retiring trustee, Tim Woodward, has been a colleague in rural evangelism since the seventies.  Although he is stepping down from the Board he has offered continuing support.  Tim is an Anglican Lay Reader and we commend him and his ministry to your prayers.

A Rural Mission Solutions stand at the recent Annual Assembly of the Congregational Federation attracted quite a lot of interest.  The CF has many rural churches that could benefit from our services.

Following that Assembly, I travelled to Stirling in Scotland to teach on the Salvation Army’s Safeguarding Course. One of those on the course was a senior officer whose husband is about to take up a post which, among other things, should link him into the Rural Evangelism Network. Pray as he takes up this post and for the Salvation Army in the UK as they process changes.

We give thanks to God for faithful prayer partners and faithful supporters that enable us to continue to offer our ministry to rural churches free of charge.  Many village churches have limited income and could not afford the full cost of all we provide.

Sunday 29^th May I took the morning service at Gartree Prison Sunday Service, which proved to be a very special time.

Items for Prayer

That Doreen will make a full and speedy recovery following her operation.

For ‘J’ who has been in contact as he seeks God’s guidance and explores whether this might be within Rural Mission Solutions.

For the trustees and me as we set out the strategic plan for the next few years.  This links with my ability to give more time to the rural mission work.

For the members of Yelvertoft Congregational Church as I bring to an end my ministry with them over the past ten years.  We pray that the Lord will lead them into new and fruitful aspects of service in the village community.

I am currently looking for churches that would be interested in developing their own bespoke mission strategy.  Release from Yelvertoft means I can now offer ministry to other churches.

While Doreen is recovering my priority is to care for her for the next few weeks.  There will be plenty of mission work I can do from home.  However, there are some activities I expect to undertake, including:

Tuesday 31^st May 1.15 to 3.00 HMP Gartree (working with the choir)

Wednesday 1^st June Holiday at Home Planning Meeting

Sunday 4^th June 10.45 Yelvertoft Congregational Church; 6.00pm Newton United Church (near Rugby).

Barry

Managing to Do Better

Regular readers of the letters and blog may be aware of my fascination with the use of the word oikonomos in the Greek New Testament.  It occurs ten times.  Four of the times it is used by Jesus in teaching about faithfulness. Five times it is used by Paul and once by Peter.  Older versions of the Bible translate it as steward, but more contemporary versions translate it as manager. 

In my university studies in management I was taught three important facts about a manager.  Firstly, a manager is entrusted with resources or assets that belong to someone else.  Secondly, in order to manage a manager will be delegated some degree of autonomy.  Thirdly, the manager will have to give an account of his or her performance.

Both Paul and Peter use the word in connection with the exercise of gifts and ministries.  Since the Bible makes clear that every Christian has a part in these, then it follows that we also have a duty to manage efficiently those things with which we have been entrusted.  One frequently misused passage of scripture is 1 Corinthians 4:2 which states that it is required that managers are found faithful.  The misuse comes from those who say that God does not expect us to be successful; just faithful.  The correct interpretation of this verse is that managers have to demonstrate that they are worthy of being entrusted.  That is, we are expected to be effective managers, and that implies a degree of success.

On the Rural Mission Solutions website (www.ruralmissionsolutions.org.uk) you can find a free paper and free booklet exploring how we could manage better in our service for God.  It draws on biblical principles, good management practise, and the fact that my old school reports frequently said “Could do better”!

Re-Launching Children and Family Ministry

In Rural Mission Solutions we are excited to have re-started our children and family ministry.  We welcome Katrina Thomas who is now working with us part time.  Katrina is based close to the borders of Kent and East and West Sussex, but we can also work with churches further afield.  Find out more at www.ruralmissionsolutions.org.uk/children-and-families

Over the next few months we will be re-establishing links previously set up by the late Monica Cook.  While she is based in the Southeast, Katrina will be available to provide advice and guidance to help make children’s and families’ ministry effective and sustainable in rural churches in other parts of the country.  After 3^rd May she can be emailed on children@ruralmissions.org.uk.  More contact details will be released soon.

We are planning three launch events in the Southeast.  We are also about to bring the website up to date and make information leaflets available.  Please pray for Katrina, her family and the RMS team as we move into this encouraging phase.

How is this to be funded?

Our trustees have set aside money that had previously been donated to support Monica.  We are very grateful to the small but faithful band of continuing supporters of that ministry, which gives us hope that we will be able to sustain this aspect of our ministry.  Furthermore, we would love to develop a network of competent children’s workers across the country if funds allow.  To help achieve this we are looking for people who would be willing to give at least £5 per month to the Monica Cook Memorial Fund.  It takes 100 such supporters to enable someone to work with us for one day a week.  Please take a look at “Could you be 1 in 100?”

Some useful books

Monica Cook’s accumulated wisdom in children’s ministry and in training leaders was distilled into two publications that have been very well received both in the UK and in other countries where she worked.  We have a small stock of these and are making them available at a special price as part of the re-launch of our children and family work.

The Training Manual is a valuable tool for anyone already active in children’s ministry or considering this pathway.  There are 120 pages full of helpful advice based upon our vision for helping Christian children grow in their faith and releasing their potential within churches.

Fun and Creative Programmes contain a collection of 40 interactive teaching sessions jam packed with great ideas.

We are making these available for just £5 each (plus £1.50 p&p). Whether or not you want either titles for yourself, would you consider sponsoring copies for our partners in developing countries?  You can order copies from the website or simply email me.

From the Diary

Thank you for your prayers over the past two weeks.  There has been a range of activities with accompanying blessing for which we thank God.  I will not take up space here with details. If you are on Facebook, you can keep up with my activities.

Sunday 8^th May – Services at HMP Gartree, and Yelvertoft Congregational

Monday 9^th – School Assembly, Lubenham, Leics.

Tuesday 10^th – HMP Gartree

Wednesday 11^th – CTBI AGM in London

Thursday 12^th -Preparation day (hospital appointment for Doreen)

Friday 13^th – travel to Oldham

Saturday 14^th – Congregational Federation Annual Assembly

Sunday 15^th -Free time (Preston, Lancs.)

Monday 16^th – Travel to Stirling, Scotland

Tuesday 17^th -  Stirling - Teaching on Safeguarding for the salvation Army

Wednesday 18^th  – Free time or travel home.

Saturday 21^st Messy Church, Yelvertoft.

What the Bible says about Social Networking

Well, I wonder whether you have started to read this because of the title.  Indeed, I wonder whether if, like me you use social networking (in my case Facebook and Twitter) you have ever considered that the Bible does have something to say about it.  If you have already realised this fact, then has it been affecting what and how you write?

The main passage addressing this topic can be found in James chapter three, but Paul also had something to say about it in his letter to the Colossians, (chapter four verse six).  Of course both James and Paul were writing before the days of the internet, but what they have to say is perfectly appropriate to how we use social networking today.  In their day the main tool for communicating was speech.  I invite you to take a few moments before reading further, to click the links and read what they wrote.  After that consider what they might have written if social networking had existed and people could be ‘heard’ by so many other people.

In the early days of emailing some rules were introduced.  For example, we were encouraged not to SHOUT (i.e. put some words in capitals).  This was several years before social networking was developed but it would be good if, as Christians, we gave some thought to what the rules ought to be. When and how should we communicate on matters of common concern and about which we might have strong opinions?  I can think of several aspects where this might apply, such as political issues – especially at election times, or in the current EU debate within the UK.  Friends reading this in other countries will be able to identify their own times of risk.

Several weeks ago I wrote about the power of rumours and referred to the occasion in the story of Nehemiah when those opposed to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem employed rumour as a weapon, recognising its power of influence.  I wrote this in the context of the EU debate because I knew well that much would be spoken and written that would be prejudiced (for or against leaving) and in which the language would be deliberately manipulative.

Frankly, the issue is too important for us to join the bandwagons or to allow ourselves to be caught up or influenced.  We need facts and we also need to evaluate what they are and where they come from as we seek to make a rational decision.  You may have heard about the novice preacher who wrote against part of his sermon notes, “Weak argument; shout here”.  Strong, loud and passionate comments certainly will contain risk.  We need to be careful that we are not unhealthily swayed, or worse, seek to sway others in the same way.  Does truth need amplification?

One appalling example recently were the ways in which folk that are keen that the UK leaves the EU, used the issues of the Prime Minister’s benefit from overseas investments made by his father as a reason for “Not trusting Cameron on the EU”.  If a person has to have a spotless life before we are prepared to listen to them or trust them, then you might as well stop reading, as my past isn’t perfect (and I still mess up from time to time).

A few weeks ago, I had a dilemma.  I have a friend who is an Anglican priest with a rural benefice nearby.  I discovered that he used to be the priest of a church in Brussels and that one of his church wardens was the senior civil servant in the European Commission.  He is British and he has since been trained and ordained and serves in a UK parish.  This man, Richard, has a unique and accurate understanding of the relationship between the UK and the EU.  Understandably, before the date of the referendum was announced and the conversation started to heat up, he wrote a short paper from his experience.

I found this personally helpful but have been hesitant about passing it on to others, only because I am trying to shun influencing others through argument, and it might easily be seen that I was trying to persuade others by espousing a one sided view.  However, his paper is significant and you might prefer that I shared this with you.  So I am making it available for you to read, should you wish.  I would not want to publish an argument on either side, or both.  You will see that it does present information in a way that might lead you to a particular conclusion, but you must make up your own mind, and do so dispassionately if possible, and certainly prayerfully and graciously.  Click this link if you would like to read it.

Meanwhile let us all remember what James and Paul had to say, seek to tame our typing, and ensure that our postings are always full of grace. (Hopefully this one is???)

From the Diary

As usual I start by thanking you for your prayers.  Please do not think that this is a polite formality; I really do need and value your prayers.

The past few days have included planning meetings: one for school assemblies and the other for an outreach programme for the summer.  I also attended the Churches Rural Group Meeting (part of Churches Together in England) which proved a helpful meeting.  CRG is an important and useful networking body.  Last Sunday I took the service in the prison on the theme of doubt and faith.  This seemed to be very effective from the comments heard afterwards.

This weekend (15-17 April) I will be attending a Training Weekend run by the Congregational Federation.  My function is as the representative from the Pastoral Care Board which has responsibilities regarding the pathway to ministerial accreditation.  The PCB also has a pastoral caring role towards those in training (whether vocationally or otherwise).

Dr Gordon Temple, CEO of Torch Trust for the Blind, will take the Sunday meeting at Yelvertoft.  Please support him in your prayers.

This week Doreen has a follow-up meeting with the doctor.  It seems as if a gastric problem, from which she has suffered for well over a year, may have finally cleared up.  I am also having a tooth pulled, which makes it impossible for me to do my usual half day in the prison.

On Thursday I shall be speaking at a Mothers Union meeting.  Next Sunday I will be back at Yelvertoft.

Please pray for our new Children and Families Adviser, Katrina and for me as, together, we develop publicity and set up three ‘launch events’ in the southeast. Katrina starts on May 3^rd.

Please also pray as I plan my diary.  I am trying to keep space to undertake particular duties so planning is important.  I have been nominated for a role which, if elected I would serve wholeheartedly, and would see this as an indication of God’s will.  Voting takes place up to the end of April.  Please pray that those who are voting will be wise and Spirit led.  Whatever the outcome, this will not immediately affect my plans to put more time into promoting rural mission and evangelism.

So, once more heartfelt thanks for your prayers.  May the Lord be praised for wonderful blessings received and the privilege of fruitful service during the past week.

Barry

Hallmarks of a Real Christian

Hallmarks of a Real Christian

Most Christians seem to have heard the question, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”  But such a question raises the issue of what would be the appropriate evidence?  A few weeks past, the Pope raised questions concerning whether there was appropriate evidence for Donald Trump’s claim to be a Christian in the light of statements he has made.

Interestingly there is one place in Scripture where a statement is made about what constitutes a real Christian as distinct from a mere professor of faith.  It appears in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi.  It is also where not much further on Paul talks about weeping over those who are false professors of faith. In the opening of Philippians chapter three Paul warns against false teachers who seem to be characterised as legalistic, imposing aspects of the Law of Moses onto the simple Christian faith based on grace.  This is how he defines what characterises real Christians:

“They worship (or serve) by the Spirit of God.”

This clearly implies the need for spiritual regeneration about which Jesus challenged Nicodemus.  Jesus also spoke about this to the woman he met by a well. Our worship and service for God must have the breath of God’s Spirit in it.  Only then is it alive and real, engaging with the living God.  This is so much more than intellectual assent that there is a God and so much more than the nominalism that besets too many of our churches.

“They glory in Christ Jesus.”

The original Greek text expresses sense of exulting or boasting.  It is well expressed in the line “Jesus is the sweetest name I know”.  Perhaps it might be described as being a ‘Jesus fan’.  It is about being excited by Jesus.  I was intrigued to note that Paul puts the word Christ before the word Jesus. It seems to suggest that our excitement over Jesus is because he is the Christ.  My experience of fans is that they cannot get enough of the object of their interest, whether it is a pop star or a football team, or whatever. They queue to attend events, spend inordinate amounts of time and money, and proudly wear anything to display their passion. Should our enthusiasm for Jesus be less than that?

“They put no confidence in their own efforts to please God, recognising their unworthiness.”

So no room for boasting about themselves.  No suggestion here of being better than others.  Human nature so often wants to be thought of as worthy.  But James and John, and their mother had to learn that you cannot earn ’brownie points’ through your own efforts.  Apart from Jesus (i.e. out of fruitful union with him) we can do nothing.

I heard of a young man who struggled to overcome pride.  He regularly prayed in prayer meetings that the Lord would “make him nothing”. Eventually an exasperated and more experienced Christian told him, “Brother, you are nothing; accept it by faith!”

So, reality check: Do we meet the criteria?  Is our worship and service for God full of the life of God?  Are we excited about Jesus?  Do we recognise our own unworthiness?  I hope so.

From the Diary

It was good to celebrate Easter.  At the prison during the week a follower of Jainism asked me why Christians are enthusiastic about Easter.  I only had enough time to say that it demonstrated that Jesus was much more than a good man and that his death had great significance.  Please pray for him.

Another celebration took place on Thursday after Easter in St Leonards-on-Sea for a service of thanksgiving for Alan Tarling, an old friend and former trustee of Sunrise Ministries (Rural Mission Solutions). Alan, I was reminded, first met me as a boy soprano singing a Christmas solo in 1958! It was good to meet other old friends and our enjoyment of the occasion was a small foreshadow of the greater gathering yet to come.

While in Sussex I met up with Katrina who will be starting work with Rural Mission Solutions on 3^rd May as a Children and Families Adviser.  We give thanks for her addition to the team.

Sunday 10^th – Yelvertoft.  Please pray as they eek God’s guidance for the future ministry as I step down from that role soon.

Monday 11^th – Please pray for Jim & Jane Currell.  Jane’s faith came alive during our ministry in Herstmonceux.  They now serve the Lord through Oasis in Kyrgyzstan.  In the evening the church at Yelvertoft holds an important Church Meeting (pray for wisdom).

I will be involved in planning our next Holiday at Home outreach in Market Harborough.

Tuesday 12^th – Planning school assemblies in the morning and working in the prison in the afternoon.

Wednesday 13^th – taking part in the Churches Rural Group meeting in Stoneleigh, Warwicks.  

Friday 15^th to Sunday 17^th – I am attending a student’s training weekend in Nottingham in my capacity as a member of the Congregational Federation’s Pastoral Care Board.

Saturday 16^th – Please pray for our Messy Church Team who will run Get Messy at Yelvertoft for the first time without me!

General Prayer Request:  Please pray as I gradually reduce my work at Yelvertoft and plan to give more time to the challenges of rural mission.

Thank you for your fellowship,

Barry