I Can't Get My Head Around This One...

Someone recently mentioned that we are to celebrate soon in the UK (apparently it was a couple of weeks ago in the US...so we are not 10 years behind..) the event 'Back to Church Sunday'. I choked.

Google is so useful. I discovered that the CofE, Baptist and Methodist denominations jointly sponsor this event in an attempt to get people to attend a church service near their home, perhaps for the first time ever, or for the first time for a long time. Sometimes I just cannot believe what I hear and read. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it sounds.

How can you 'go back to church'? You are either in it, or not. The Church is a people who have been gathered together in His Name. Sure, you can opt out. And sure, a decision is made on joining. But you don't 'go' anywhere. So you can't 'leave' anywhere. So you can't 'go back' anywhere!

When are we going to see that we don't 'go to church'? Ever. We 'are' church. Always.

What a difference it will make. Instead of 2 or 3 hours a week. 24/7. 52.

On a Mission...

This past week I set myself a discipline. Not in a bad way! I do not respond well to programmes and legalistic schemes, these days. In fact, never did. But particularly as I get older. But I decided to read Acts in a week. Not quickly, in a rushed way, but slowly and reflectively. And I used 'The Message'. This is a 'translation' I am becoming increasingly comfortable with. As you know, I am not clever enough to judge it's 'accuracy' - but I find it stimulates my thinking. I feel this is because all the other versions (including my beloved 'JND' version) make the teaching seem archaic and therefore not relevant. 'The Message' reads in such an up-to-date way, it sounds as if it happened yesterday..and is being reported by Sky, CNN or John Simpson...therefore relevant..now. It works for me!

I can recommend this exercise. The over-riding impact of this reading was to challenge me again about the vast gulf in experience between 1st century church and what we have today. They are so different. It almost seems like a 'different faith'. It's like 'Champions League' compared to park football. Concorde to Tiger Moth. Ferrari to Austin 7. I think you have my point! Recognisably similar, but poles apart in experience.

Gosh, it was dangerous then. Imprisonment, torture even death lurked around every corner. Theological debates were hotly fought. Relationships were tested. Decisions made. But in everything, Jesus was central, fellowship was vital, leading by the Spirit daily and the fear of the Lord evident. Tough times for those who lived at such a time, but underneath it all, forgive me the words don't seem right, but there was a sense of joy, excitement...even, dare I say it, ...fun!

Can we re-capture this? Of course we can. In fact we must. And if we don't do it soon, it will be forced upon us by God's great persuader...'persecution'. If the church corporate does not give up it's agenda (often called 'vision'...a word I am becomming increasingly uncomfortable with, in the current useage) and become a biblical expression of His body, it will be forced upon us by a divine parent who wants what is best for us. Not a pale, weak, childish man-made imitation.

We must leave the muddy messy mindless game on the local park, and make our way to the Neu Camp.

Has Anyone Noticed...?

Chatting about church life last night with a friend of mine, he commented that there seems to be so little spiritual gift activity in meetings these days. What he meant, I believe, was that tongues, interpretation, prophecy, word of knowledge and suchlike, do not seem to be as evident as they were, say 25 years ago. My brain has been examining this statement....as you can imagine!

He is absolutely right. Our memory does not play tricks, nor are we harking back to 'the good old days'. The average church service is devoid of much that could be described as supernatural. Mostly pretty straight stuff and most services could be mistaken in style with a political party meeting or a slick sparkly product launch.

WHY?

Because god is moving again and we haven't. Simple. As with the children of Israel in the wilderness led by the cloud and fire, He has moved on and we have hung on to what we know. I am reminded of the verse 'and Samson did not know that the spirit had departed'. Now I know that the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and we are 'sealed'. OK no problem. But when we gather corporately we have things so organised, polished, practised and beautifull presented that there is no need for the Holy Spirit to attend, so he slips away...un-noticed and un-missed.

We have attended 5 different church services in the past 2 months. All pleasant, neat, welcoming, friendly, even inspiring and stimulating. But only one had any evidence of spiritual gifting in any obviously supernatural way, and even that was not at all 'edgy', if you know what I mean!

We need to move. To catch up. God is waiting and the Holy Spirit is ready to ignite again.

Personally, I can't wait. My impatience is becoming unbearable. But individually we cannot do it. Moving the camp is a corporate event!

He is Risen!

I have been challenged by a book I have been reading lately which is a serious book, outlining the importance of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, to our faith and preaching. The writer asserts that in the early church and in subsequent revivals of the christian faith throughout the world, the preaching of the resurrection was the main theme of all public teaching.

He goes on to say that in these days of 'popular preaching', there is much about the life, birth and death of Jesus, but little is mentioned about His rising from the dead. Even though we all would nod our heads in agreement that the 'Lord is Risen Indeed', we just don't preach it!

So, me being me, on Sunday as we sat in a congregation here in Leicester for about 2 hours, I listened for a mention of the resurrection. Although I wasn't listening all the time (my mind does wander - and wonder!), I must confess I don't remember the resurrection mentioned once. Whilst Jesus was central to much of what was done and said, and that is commendable of course, the one event that distinguishes us from all other 'faiths' ie that our Lord rose from the dead, was not mentioned at all. Interesting, eh?

A belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith. We cannot become a disciple of Jesus until we acknowledge that fact. The ultimate victory - as well as others along the way - depends on that event being an historical fact. Surely it deserves a mention?

If I Had a £m?.....

Seems ages since I wrote about the Watchman Nee book. That's because I've only just finished it. Normally I get through a book in about 3 days...but this one has taken nearly a month...and I need to read it again! All I could manage was a paragraph or two and then I had to lay it aside, ponder...read something else....and then pick it up for another dose.

It was written in the '30s. But it is as up to date in it's message as tomorow's newspaper (as Billy Graham used to say). Quite simply it is a biblical strategy for a 'Jesus Centred Church'. Most churches are activity centred, pastor centred, denomination centred, revival centred, growth centred. Let me illustrate. Recently I attended a church service and the song we majored on truly exalted Jesus. Lots about Him - centred on His life, work and ministry. Lovely - really moving and energising - and, more importantly, Jesus exalting. Then I picked up the 'bulletin' - the publication which listed all the church was doing for that month. The name of Jesus was mentioned once. The name of the church (in full) 14 times. Get the idea?

Oh, the title? 'If I Had a £m?' Have you often wondered what you would do? Narrow it down a bit and forget about family, house, holiday, car whatever. If you had a £m - which you had to spend on something/someone else - what would you do with it? Right now, I'd buy as many copies of this book and send it to as many church leaders as I could, requesting that they read it.

The church as it is today in the UK, bears little or no resemblance to the church of the Lord Jesus and and the 1st century. And, frankly, it breaks my heart after 63 years of church life to see what we (yes, me and you and others) have done to it. I'm not just blaming others, I'm blaming me as well. I've contributed either directly, or by allowing things to happen.

Jean and I visited a church we used to belong to 25 years ago. It had it all then. Apostolic input, a stategy, a spirit of worship, community, more and much more. We hadn't been back for over 20 years. It was so very sad. Whatever we had then, has gone, IMO, and replaced by 'nice'. We walked away with a heavy heart. The main reason for that weighty organ, was that they didn't know it had happened. We shall, as far as I can see, never go back. Life is too short, now.

I would love to find a group of people who really want to experience 'Jesus Centered Spirituality' and not 'Church Centered Spirituality'. Are you wondering what I mean? A year ago, so was I. I think they idea is beginning to dawn.....more later.

Rediscovered Treasure....

I've rediscovered Watchman Nee. I first read his stuff when I was a young Christian and wanted to explore and learn quickly. It was too much, then. I was too young to appreciate him and his work. I also didn't like Red Wine and Stilton, bought that's changed too. Something to do with growing up.

The book I'm reading at present is 'The Normal Christian Church Life'. It is simply stunning. No words I can use can amply portray my appreciation of this book. And I'm only a third-way through. It is awesome. All my life I have sought to find, and contribute to, biblical church. I have read millions of words and explored many an avenue. I am now at the point of near despair and frustration. I am a thirsty man in a dry and arid land. So God by His grace, brought me to the metaphorical feet of Frank Viola. His writing on the church is wonderful, almost too good to read. He has recommended I read this book by Watchman Nee, and he is absolutely right.

Ifthis book were to be read by all believers who love their Bibles a lot, and their Lord a lot more, and laid down their preconceived notions, we would have a church on our hands which would change this nation.

More will come from my dancing fingers.

I watched, very moved, the service from Whitehaven yesterday. Sky News, bless 'em, gave the whole hour at 6-00 to broadcasting this without any comment. Respect. No BBC broadcast at all.

This morning I was reflecting on this church activity and began to see that this brief hour represented a picture of the church and her engagement with a needy world.

About 300 people gathered in the town square. There were a few seats, but most stood, watching. There was a canvass gazebo-like construction for the church dignitaries so they could shelter from the rain. They sat on a raised platform facing the congregation. One by one church leaders did their bit. Readings, poems, prayers, homily from the Bishop, hymns sung, musical solo and recital, candles lit. Very British, reassuringly amateurish. After one hour precisely, they finished their service. Trooped off the platform and disappeared into the nearby church building. The people, wandered off, holding onto one another, huddled in groups, solemn and tearful. Their faces strained and expressions fixed. Sad and despondent. I wanted the religious leaders to go and meet people. To shake hands, hug, embrace, individually pray with folk, cry a little - engage! It didn't happen.

Sunday by Sunday, we meeting in our buildings sheltered from the elements. People sit and stand and watch as religious rituals take place. Music, recitals, prayers, readings, talks. The people listen. The religious leaders peel off and go home. A handshake at the door. The audience returns to the business of the week.

It's going to change, folks. It has to. The church cannot go on doing what it does.