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.

Suffering - on a Hot Day...

Our 'Sunday Service' yesterday morning was devoted to the subject 'Why does God Allow Suffering' and we were presented with a series of UTube-like visuals and Cartoon film clips, and a talk which was designed to help us come to terms with this question.

I sat and pondered. As I do. And on the way home I talked over my ponderings with the boss. I admitted to her that I had never, ever, in my life asked the question 'Why Does God Allow Suffering?' and therefore was there something wrong with me? She, of course, said that there was, but this issue was not particularly it. I could not believe that people should ask such an impertinent question. In my view, we are lucky toget away with the little suffering we do endure......

So last night, I left the family BBQ and wet downtown to see an openair conducted by some followers of Jesus who want to reach out a bit to people they would not normally contact. A lovely evening and I sat on a wall and listened as men stood up in turn and gave public announcement of their faith. A bit dated in language and style, but bless 'em they made an effort.

During one of the talks a big and rather drunken man shouted out that he had lost an 8 year old son recently and 'where was God in that, then?' Some of the guys there talked with him, and he calmed down. My heart went out to him. I choked back tears. He had no understanding of God at all, no sense of the love of God, no idea of the relationship that he could have with a loving Heavenly Father. He went lurching on his way. I pray he finds peace..

So there is suffering, there is hurt, and people do ask that question....May God be merciful and reveal His purposes to us....

Great BBQ! Good food and fellowship with lovely people. My family!

Another thing I can't believe.....

Before I launch into today's rant....I have decided to blog more and FB less. FB is too open and invites comment from people who can't really be bothered....I know, I've done it on other people's FB! S, avid reader, expect more....

I read the other day that some followers of Jesus find denominations a good thing. Others thought they actually helped christians to be more united. Others couldn't give a hoot one way or the other. Unbelieveable!

Search as I may, and to be honest, I haven't searched much, I cannot find a single Bible verse that suggests that denominations are helpful or desirable. Personally, I think they are contrary to any idea God ever had about church. I am dismayed that believers can see any virtue in any thing that divides the body and that they are totally man-made and probably devil inspired to keep the church from demonstrating the unity Jesus prayed for in His last hours on earth.

People say that it gives people to find and expression of church that suits them. Frankly that's nonsense. We should not be in the least interested in what suits us, purely in what suits Him! The scripture is clear about how church should be. If you are interested, read for yourself and see how your church group marries up with the Bible. Be prepared to be dismayed!

Covering. Now what was that again?

I was listening to a preacher the other day who used the word 'covering' in the sense of protecting someone from error. It took me back to the days when I believed that. We used to ask people when we met them, maybe for the first time, 'Where do you get your covering from?' and they would either mention the name of some apostle or other, or, alternatively, look a little uncomfortable and 'admit' that they hadn't the privelege of such a security. We would then, either a) extol the virtues of 'our' apostle or b) tut-tut and warn them of the imminent danger they were in of apostasy or worse.

The using of the word today astonished me, as I had genuinely thought that we had outgrown such thinking. The preacher, I think, would have seen his covering from his denomination. Most institutionalised churches see it that way. At least there is a 'safety' in an organisation covering you as opposed to an individual.

Where did it come from, this concept of covering (which I admit, I embraced 30 odd years ago)? Well, not from the Bible, that's for sure. I remembered one of our elders, who was a man who loved the scriptures, admitting that it was a concept difficult to prove from the scriptures, but it was, nevertheless, a 'good thing'. I blush as I recall accepting such an arguement for embracing a belief that was so significant at the time.

There is no Biblical basis for 'covering' by one individual or organisation over another. The very thought encourages an heirarchal view of church - a 'clergy' and 'laity' concept which is a complete nonsense, and totally discredited by even the most basic understanding of the work of Christ on the cross. Our security, in every possible way, depends on our relationship with Jesus. He and He alone is our complete security in every walk of life and every area of our existence both in time and in eternity.

Frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way, or by any other person.

....and another try at church

The house is not big as seen from the road, but parking is easy and it seems a safe area. We walk up the driveway and ring the bell. A young boy answers and hot on his heels a 30+ year old welcomes us. 'Not been before?' We are assured we will soon feel at home. There is the noise of laughter from a large room just off the hallway. We are greeted by about 20 people, all very relaxed and sitting around the room - on seats, stools and even on the floor. A couple have guitars. Room is made for us and people around the room tell us their names and welcome us again. We respond by introducing ourselves. They seem to approve! Every age group is in the room and there seems to be, though predominantly white, a mix of nationalities.

One of the guitarists starts to play and suggests we sing some songs. For the next 20 minutes we sing songs suggested by the people there. One or two give a reason why they have requested their song, which is usually because it has been on their minds that week and has blessed them is some way. All the songs are Jesus-centred. Then a few folk pray - everyone enthusiastically commends the prayer to God with loud 'amens'. All the songs are praise and thanksgiving. There are a couple of relevant Bible readings. Then there are some stories of how God has blessed and provided that week. It seems there has been some cafe evangelism happening and there have been some contacts made. Prayer is made on their behalf and one of the men speaks in an unknown tongue which is interpreted - it is an offering of praise to God who is described as a God of 'opportunity' - something I had not considered before.

Then for about 25 minutes one of the men teaches from the scriptures on The Lord's Prayer - it would seem there is a series going on, and this week it's about forgiveness. Interesting and all use Bibles and when they are not sure about something, interrupt for an explanation. Aprayer at the end and then a lady brings a prophetic word regarding the need to take the next step in our walk with God....quite thoughtprovoking.

There is then a prayer for a family who has a virus and are not there today. Someone responds by offering an opportunity of taking a food-parcel to them....most promise a contribution. There is then an offering basket passed around - and someone says they are sending £500 to a church in Malawi with which they have a contact.

Two hours have passed....we stand and say the blessing together....and then food! In the next room is a table laden with goodies! We are encouraged to eat and drink. When we are satisfied a bottleof wine in open and a loaf of bread (tasting a bit strange - apparently it's unleavend) each drinks and eats and prayer is again made giving thanks to God.

We take our leave - we have been there for over three hours and the time has passed quickly.....we get back in the car and make our way thoughtfully home.

It was my wife (always the source of wisdom) who commented that it seemed like we had been in the presence of Jesus. There was such liberty, joy and spontenaity.....church?


What do you think?

Let's Go and Visit...

We're going to church - at least that's the mindset. We pull into the car park of a big out-of-town warehouse and are directed by some smiling waving men in bright coats to a parking bay. We lock the car and make our way through an entrance into the 'church building'. We are greeted warmly and enthusiatically by several folk and shown to a seat half-way down the auditorium. Soft rock music is playing and we make ourselves comfortable. We are a little early and the opportunity is taken to look around at where we are.

We face a stage with bright multicoloured lights illuminating it. There is a large screen to one side which bears a welcoming slogan. Neat! There are 500+ seats and they are filling up gradually. As it nears the start time people make their way quickly to seats and the place is soon 'nicely filled'. A young smiling man makes his way on to the stage closely followed by a group of musicians and singers who arrange themselves around microphones. The young man welcomes us 'particularly those here for the first time'. A 'time of worship' is announced. The music begins and the roller-coaster of music and singing begins with songwords projected on to the screen. We know some of them and join in where appropriate. This continues for about 40 minutes. No-one prays publicly and there is no prophetic word, tongue or interpretation.

The music subsides and we are encouraged to take our seats. The young man tells us what is going to happen in the upcoming week. He prays. We have an offering - and we are encouraged, if we are a tax-payer to fill in a form, so the church can get more money off the government.

The children at thsi point are ushered out and the speaker makes his way to the microphone. His face appears on the screen. He introduces himself as the 'senior pastor' and proceeds to announce what he is to be talking about that day. For the next 43 minutes we are presented with an excellent, well thought out talk on the christian life of faith and discipleship. We are encouraged to pray more, read our Bibles more and get more involved in the life of the church. It would appear there are a number of vacancies that need to be filled in the activities of the church and we are exhorted to talk to a member of the church 'staff' if we are interested. There is a closing song (very loud!) and a prayer and that is it. No Bible has been opened, the verses have appeared on the screen for us to see. Few actually carried Bibles at all...some take notes. Most do what they have done sice the service began. Simply sit and listen. Passive and unmoving and apparently unmoved.

Coffee is now served and several people engage us in conversation...very pleasant. We make our way to the car and leave for home.

There is, believe me, no particular church in mind here. This is an amalgum of several churches I have been to. In every instance it has been enjoyable, entertaining and professional.

I leave, intending to try something else next week.......


Do you think that what you have experienced above is church? If it is, in your opinion, a biblical assembling of God's people, then comment accordingly and have a look at what the NT calls church.