Over the past four Sundays, the leadership team at Christ Community Church have been preaching on the vision of our church. Please feel free to listen to any or all of the sessions...
We believe that God has called us to 'dare to believe him for the large in the small'
Wk1 - A vision led people (Adam Bradley) - Click Here
Wk2 - A Church of Size (Roy Lincoln) - Click Here
Wk3 - A Church of Substance (Rob Tervet) - Click Here
Wk4 -A Church of Significance (Adam Bradley) - Click Here
Thursday 31 January 2008
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Adrian Warnock's Blog
Adrian's blog is mine of wonderful resources. I don't know how he does it! Can I strongly encourage you to visit ...http://adrianwarnock.com/
Terry Virgo's Blog
As many of you will know Terry Virgo set up a blog in 2007. Although the site is still very new the content is fantastic! Can I encourage you to visit the site at ...
http://www.terryvirgo.org/
Wednesday 23 January 2008
Books to read before you die (part 2)
As I just love reading books and have benefited so much from a huge range of books, here are another 10 that would seriously bless you ...
11) When I don't desire God (John Piper)
12) Power healing (John Wimber)
13) Brothers we are not professionals (John Piper)
14) Everybody's normal till you get to know hem (John Ortberg)
15) Wild at heart (John Eldredge)
16) Biblical Eldership (Strauch)
17) Convergence (Sam Storms)
18) The pleasures of loving God (Mike Bickle)
19) Does the future have a church? (Terry Virgo)
20)The heart of success (Rob Parsons)
11) When I don't desire God (John Piper)
12) Power healing (John Wimber)
13) Brothers we are not professionals (John Piper)
14) Everybody's normal till you get to know hem (John Ortberg)
15) Wild at heart (John Eldredge)
16) Biblical Eldership (Strauch)
17) Convergence (Sam Storms)
18) The pleasures of loving God (Mike Bickle)
19) Does the future have a church? (Terry Virgo)
20)The heart of success (Rob Parsons)
Saturday 19 January 2008
Serbia 2007
Just before Christmas (2007) James Oyeniyi and I had the privilege of visiting Serbia on a missions trip. Here are a few pictures!
Adam & James
Adam Preaching
Friday 18 January 2008
In the day of thy power (Arthur Wallis)
I've just started to read one of those classic books that I should have read many, many years ago. Arthur Wallis' book titled "In the day of they power" is an excellent book on the subject of revival.
Chapter Headings:
1. What is Revival?
2. A sign spoken against
3. The latter rain of promise
4. This is the purpose
5. Distinctive features (p1)
6. Distinctive features (p2)
7. The prepared heart
8. The praying heart
9. Lifting up Holy hands
10. The dynamics of prayer
11. Wielding the weapon
12. Preparing the way
13. Paying the price
14. The sound of marching
15. The solemn alternative
Conclusion
Chapter Headings:
1. What is Revival?
2. A sign spoken against
3. The latter rain of promise
4. This is the purpose
5. Distinctive features (p1)
6. Distinctive features (p2)
7. The prepared heart
8. The praying heart
9. Lifting up Holy hands
10. The dynamics of prayer
11. Wielding the weapon
12. Preparing the way
13. Paying the price
14. The sound of marching
15. The solemn alternative
Conclusion
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Books to read before you die
After yesterday's post, I thought I would publish a list of 10 Christian books which I have found extremely helpful in my Christian walk.
1. The mission of God (Christopher J. H. Wright)
2. Let the nations be glad (John Piper)
3. No well-worn paths (Terry Virgo)
4. Knowing God (J. I. Packer)
5. The gospel-driven church (Ian Stackhouse)
6. Surprised by the power of the Spirit (Jack Deere)
7. Once saved always saved (R T Kendall)
8. Desiring God (John Piper)
9. What on earth is the church for? (David Devenish)
10. Just Love (R T Kendall)
1. The mission of God (Christopher J. H. Wright)
2. Let the nations be glad (John Piper)
3. No well-worn paths (Terry Virgo)
4. Knowing God (J. I. Packer)
5. The gospel-driven church (Ian Stackhouse)
6. Surprised by the power of the Spirit (Jack Deere)
7. Once saved always saved (R T Kendall)
8. Desiring God (John Piper)
9. What on earth is the church for? (David Devenish)
10. Just Love (R T Kendall)
Tuesday 15 January 2008
No Well Worn Paths (Terry Virgo)
By Jon Beardon
Kingsway 2001 £9.99 346pgs.
Kingsway 2001 £9.99 346pgs.
"Newfrontiers is 'an international family of churches on a mission together' and speaking for myself I thank God for the privilege of being part of such an vibrant family. Maybe you are like me though in wanting to know something of how a group has gathered together. What mix of influences have led to where they are today? No Well Worn Paths tells the story of Terry Virgo who leads the Newfrontiers family of Churches. His story weaves the history of the Newfrontiers into the wider picture of the fresh move of the Spirit of God that began in the 1970's and continues today. Along the way the reader learns about the origins of the Restoration movement which Newfrontiers would claim to be part of. Key prophetic words over Newfrontiers mingle with biblical convictions about church, ministry, mission, leadership and other contentious subjects as well. All in all the book is inspiring at a personal level, and as a personal reflection of what God has been doing by his Spirit in the churches in recent decades but more than that it acts as a thorough introduction to Newfrontiers. I've found myself reading it twice so far!"
Summary
An autobiography by Terry Virgo, and the story of New Frontiers International . This fascinating account tells of Terry's conversion as a teenager, his subsequent baptism in the Spirit and his call from God to serve him as a Bible teacher and church leader.
This is the personal and enlightening story of one man's journey to follow Christ wherever he leads, even on paths few have taken before. Much more than history, this is a behind-the-scenes perspective full of gracious reflection on events and fresh insight for the future.
The fruit of Terry's journey has been nothing less than the formation of a new stream of churches worldwide in the form of New Frontiers International, including its long run of Downs and Stoneleigh Bible Weeks which have helped hundreds of thousands to see church differently.
To purchase this book, please click here to go to the Newfrontiers Resources Website.
Summary
An autobiography by Terry Virgo, and the story of New Frontiers International . This fascinating account tells of Terry's conversion as a teenager, his subsequent baptism in the Spirit and his call from God to serve him as a Bible teacher and church leader.
This is the personal and enlightening story of one man's journey to follow Christ wherever he leads, even on paths few have taken before. Much more than history, this is a behind-the-scenes perspective full of gracious reflection on events and fresh insight for the future.
The fruit of Terry's journey has been nothing less than the formation of a new stream of churches worldwide in the form of New Frontiers International, including its long run of Downs and Stoneleigh Bible Weeks which have helped hundreds of thousands to see church differently.
To purchase this book, please click here to go to the Newfrontiers Resources Website.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (p5)
In light of all that has been discovered so far about the creativity, it’s source and operation in a person’s life, what outlook should an artist have who happens to be a Christian? The following bullet points will give an overview:
- The artist who is a Christian, should be amongst the very best at what they do, as they have the giver of creativity dwelling on the inside of them.
- In the same way a banker wouldn’t slap an “I love Jesus” sticker on a report he has just written, so an artist shouldn’t feel pressured into ‘cheeseifying’ their work, to conform to expectations from within the established church. Their work, should by it source, and channel (i.e. God through them) speak something of God’s character, just by itself.
- I believe an artist will only truly understand the creative in general and their creative ability specifically, as they draw near to God.
- There is a great danger when a person has created anything, to move from taking pleasure in it, to worshipping the created thing. As an artist who is a Christian it is important to firmly have your focus on the giver of the creative, not the created thing.
- The artist should use the gifts to the very best of their ability, as it is a reflection of the creative God they serve.
- Create as a gift to give to the creative God – knowing that He loves the work of your hands.
- I believe that the creative Christian’s have an important role in helping more scientific or ‘logical’ Christians experience the wonder and beauty of God.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (p4)
Other people will say, ‘well if the creative comes from God, why is so much evil created? I believe this question simply boils down to the fact that God has given responsibility in the way we use the gifts he has given us. One day we will stand before God and account for what we have done with the gifts he has given us (like the parable of the talents). In the same way God has given us responsibility of how we use our bodies, either for good, or bad (for example pounding another human being!), so it is with the creative. Just because someone chooses to use the creative gift that God has blessed him or her with to make a degrading pornographic image, does not mean that the giver (God) of the gift wanted it to be used that way. This is where the argument over the devils ability to create re-emerges. Many people will point to the horrific creations of ‘art’ and say these are the work of the devil. It is important to go back to scripture to view the tactics of the devil and to see how he operates in this type of situation.
"“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (Jn 10:10, NKJV)
This verse contrasts the actions of the devil with those of God. The devil is the one breaking and destroying and dismantling, it’s God who gives life. So it is with the creative. God is the source of all creativity, but it is the devil that comes in and destroys, mutates, twists, and perverts things. Take for example a musician. God has given the gift of musicianship, but the devil works in the persons life, twists and mutes the persons thinking, so they start to create songs glorifying anything but God.
"“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (Jn 10:10, NKJV)
This verse contrasts the actions of the devil with those of God. The devil is the one breaking and destroying and dismantling, it’s God who gives life. So it is with the creative. God is the source of all creativity, but it is the devil that comes in and destroys, mutates, twists, and perverts things. Take for example a musician. God has given the gift of musicianship, but the devil works in the persons life, twists and mutes the persons thinking, so they start to create songs glorifying anything but God.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (p3)
Some people will object to the notion that all mankind is creative, using phases like “I haven’t got a creative bone in my body”. I believe this is due to a misunderstanding of the word creative. When we hear the word creative, many of us, automatically think of painters, sculptures, dancers, actors, and even graphic designers. However I would like to rebalance that understanding of the creative, by stating that in a general sense the creative is the expression of some form of thought or idea. The expression (or outlet) may be through the more conventional type of creative fields, but it may also be ‘a work of creative genius on the football field, the design of some breath-taking building, the invention of some microscopic-robot, an orchestral composer weaving umpteen lines of music together into one glorious harmony or even a ‘simple’ poem written on the back of a napkin by the hand of a child. The creative is simply one of the most amazing gifts given to mankind!
In James 1:16 there is a wonderful passage, which expresses the wonder of gifts from God:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (Jas 1:17, NKJV)
This verse needs to be unpacked a little more to understand the true wonder of God given gifts. In this verse the English word “gift” is used twice. However, in the Greek it is two different words. The first use of the word is dosis (the act of giving), the second being dorema (bounty/bountifully, perfectly perfect). This shows us that God’s gift are both well given to us, but are also perfectly perfect in quality.
In James 1:16 there is a wonderful passage, which expresses the wonder of gifts from God:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (Jas 1:17, NKJV)
This verse needs to be unpacked a little more to understand the true wonder of God given gifts. In this verse the English word “gift” is used twice. However, in the Greek it is two different words. The first use of the word is dosis (the act of giving), the second being dorema (bounty/bountifully, perfectly perfect). This shows us that God’s gift are both well given to us, but are also perfectly perfect in quality.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (p2)
Is the creative restricted to God alone? No. The bible clearly teaches us that man, was created in the likeness of God:
"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle,
over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”" (Ge 1:26, NKJV)
Theologians call the attributes of man, which are in someway ‘like’ that of God’s the communicable attributes of God. These are attributes such as, mental reasoning, morality, love, will, and freedom. Even though we are made in the likeness of God we do not share these attributes in the ‘fullness’, but just in the ‘likeness’. So I believe it is with the creative. I believe it is one of the communicable attributes of God, which we ‘share’. God has released into every human being a level of creativity. An example of this ‘general’ creativity can be seen in the life of Adam and Eve. Even after sinning, they used their God given creativity to ‘make’ a covering for themselves out of leaves. That takes quite a high level of creativity!
"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle,
over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”" (Ge 1:26, NKJV)
Theologians call the attributes of man, which are in someway ‘like’ that of God’s the communicable attributes of God. These are attributes such as, mental reasoning, morality, love, will, and freedom. Even though we are made in the likeness of God we do not share these attributes in the ‘fullness’, but just in the ‘likeness’. So I believe it is with the creative. I believe it is one of the communicable attributes of God, which we ‘share’. God has released into every human being a level of creativity. An example of this ‘general’ creativity can be seen in the life of Adam and Eve. Even after sinning, they used their God given creativity to ‘make’ a covering for themselves out of leaves. That takes quite a high level of creativity!
Monday 14 January 2008
UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (p1)
UNDERSTANDING THE CREATIVE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
Over the centuries the church (both institutionally and individually) have had a fickle relationship with the creative and artists. In some centuries the artist has been highly exonerated; on the other hand in other centuries they have been viewed with suspicion and mistrust. The purpose of this article is to try and layout the clear biblical viewpoint of both the creative and then as a progression, artists who are Christians.
The starting point for any understanding on the creative, must be that God is the author of all creativity, as He is the ultimate creator:
" In the beginning God created …" (Ge 1:1a, NKJV)
If we as Christians took more time to appreciate the intrinsically complex and breath-taking universe that God has created (even in it’s fallen state), we would come to have a much greater appreciation of the creative. Why, because in some small way it is a reflection of the God who is the source of all creativity. Just to ponder on that thought for a moment is important. A true Christian (who are often known as Creationists) view of God is not that God is the ‘best’ or superior creator, amongst many. Instead it is that He is the author or source of all creativity. In the same way that a river or stream has one source; so all creativity has one beginning/source – God. The statement, which has just been made if followed through, has far reaching theological implications. If God is the source of all creativity, then that means the devil has no creative originality (this point will be expanded later in the article).
Over the centuries the church (both institutionally and individually) have had a fickle relationship with the creative and artists. In some centuries the artist has been highly exonerated; on the other hand in other centuries they have been viewed with suspicion and mistrust. The purpose of this article is to try and layout the clear biblical viewpoint of both the creative and then as a progression, artists who are Christians.
The starting point for any understanding on the creative, must be that God is the author of all creativity, as He is the ultimate creator:
" In the beginning God created …" (Ge 1:1a, NKJV)
If we as Christians took more time to appreciate the intrinsically complex and breath-taking universe that God has created (even in it’s fallen state), we would come to have a much greater appreciation of the creative. Why, because in some small way it is a reflection of the God who is the source of all creativity. Just to ponder on that thought for a moment is important. A true Christian (who are often known as Creationists) view of God is not that God is the ‘best’ or superior creator, amongst many. Instead it is that He is the author or source of all creativity. In the same way that a river or stream has one source; so all creativity has one beginning/source – God. The statement, which has just been made if followed through, has far reaching theological implications. If God is the source of all creativity, then that means the devil has no creative originality (this point will be expanded later in the article).
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p7)
Date: 2005
Bibliography
Bowater, Chris. (1986). The Believer’s guide to worship. Eastbourne, England. Kingsway Publications
Bridges, R. F., & Weigle, L. A. (1997, c1994). King James Bible word book (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Dye, Colin. (1999). Worship in Spirit and Truth. Tonbridge, England. Sovereign World Ltd
Nelson, Thomas. (1979). Nelson’s Topical Bible Index. Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Nelson Inc.
Swanson, J. (1994). New Nave's (Revised and expanded; electronic edition.). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems.
Bibliography
Bowater, Chris. (1986). The Believer’s guide to worship. Eastbourne, England. Kingsway Publications
Bridges, R. F., & Weigle, L. A. (1997, c1994). King James Bible word book (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Dye, Colin. (1999). Worship in Spirit and Truth. Tonbridge, England. Sovereign World Ltd
Nelson, Thomas. (1979). Nelson’s Topical Bible Index. Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Nelson Inc.
Swanson, J. (1994). New Nave's (Revised and expanded; electronic edition.). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems.
Sunday 13 January 2008
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p6)
Yes - there is so must more!
Real worship is unashamedly a feast of God’s presence. It is focused totally upon our God and Saviour. Worship is also a heart matter. It is so much more than a cerebral recital of doctrinal truths. It is the passionate overflow of a grateful and thankful heart to the King who has drawn near. However, heart matters must always overflow into actions. True New Testament worship should be vibrant and expressive. And finally, worship is about lifestyle, offering worship and praise in every moment of every day. Basically living a God-ward pointed life.
"My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Ps 84:2, NKJV)
Real worship is unashamedly a feast of God’s presence. It is focused totally upon our God and Saviour. Worship is also a heart matter. It is so much more than a cerebral recital of doctrinal truths. It is the passionate overflow of a grateful and thankful heart to the King who has drawn near. However, heart matters must always overflow into actions. True New Testament worship should be vibrant and expressive. And finally, worship is about lifestyle, offering worship and praise in every moment of every day. Basically living a God-ward pointed life.
"My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Ps 84:2, NKJV)
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p5)
The Lifestyle of Worship
The final section of this essay looks at the importance of having a lifestyle of worship. Again two biblical words will help highlight this point. The Hebrew word Abodah and Greek word Latreia are both translated either worship or service. Probably the most famous example of this duplicity of meaning can be found in Romans 12:1:
" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." (Ro 12:1, NKJV)
The word service is the Greek word Latreia. Here we see that worship is not only to do with a deep longing for God in the heart, and then an overflow into actions. But this verse shows us the deep importance of the totality of how we live. Words and actions can be cheap, but a lifestyle truly expresses what is inside. For example if you are singing a song of worship “Lord I love you, have your way in me”, and then go out and deliberately abuse your body, and use it to bring dishonour to God’s name, then it shows a fake, superficial understanding of worship. Worship can never be disconnected from the whole ‘you’. When you come to God in times of worship He not only looks at the words we speak and sing, but he looks at the ‘words’ our lives speak throughout every minute of the day. Now a cautionary note; God is not looking for ‘perfect’ worshippers, because who is perfect? But he is looking for honest worshippers. Those who are seeking Him with all that they have (even when they fail and stumble).
The final section of this essay looks at the importance of having a lifestyle of worship. Again two biblical words will help highlight this point. The Hebrew word Abodah and Greek word Latreia are both translated either worship or service. Probably the most famous example of this duplicity of meaning can be found in Romans 12:1:
" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." (Ro 12:1, NKJV)
The word service is the Greek word Latreia. Here we see that worship is not only to do with a deep longing for God in the heart, and then an overflow into actions. But this verse shows us the deep importance of the totality of how we live. Words and actions can be cheap, but a lifestyle truly expresses what is inside. For example if you are singing a song of worship “Lord I love you, have your way in me”, and then go out and deliberately abuse your body, and use it to bring dishonour to God’s name, then it shows a fake, superficial understanding of worship. Worship can never be disconnected from the whole ‘you’. When you come to God in times of worship He not only looks at the words we speak and sing, but he looks at the ‘words’ our lives speak throughout every minute of the day. Now a cautionary note; God is not looking for ‘perfect’ worshippers, because who is perfect? But he is looking for honest worshippers. Those who are seeking Him with all that they have (even when they fail and stumble).
Saturday 12 January 2008
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p4)
The actions of worship
I have deliberately left any form of ‘action’ until the later stage of the essay, as I wanted to clearly show that any form of action must be the direct overflow of the heart, directed totally and wholeheartedly towards God.
Like faith, true worship without any form of action is dead. Two Biblical words, which are normally translated as worship in the English Bible, show clearly the importance of ‘action driven by desire’. The words are Shachah (Hebrew) and Proskuneo (Greek).
Shachah is used to describe the ‘act’ of the people of God bowing or prostrating themselves before God. For example (Gen 24:26, 48; 1 Chron 29:20; 2 Chron 20:18; Ps 95:6.
Proskuneo literally means to “to kneel or prostrate oneself in honour or supplication” (Bridges, R. F., & Weigle, L. A. 1997,Pg 387). It also portrays the image of "kissing towards" (Dye, C. 1999, 25).
These words show us the two different but important sides to true, biblical worship. On the one hand worship should express itself in actions used to show honour, reverence and submission to a king or emperor. On the other hand worship must express the deep intimacy and closeness that is expressed through the kiss of lovers. In light of these simple word studies we can see that worship should be highly ‘charged’, filled with passion and zeal – a far cry from so much of what we call worship!
I have deliberately left any form of ‘action’ until the later stage of the essay, as I wanted to clearly show that any form of action must be the direct overflow of the heart, directed totally and wholeheartedly towards God.
Like faith, true worship without any form of action is dead. Two Biblical words, which are normally translated as worship in the English Bible, show clearly the importance of ‘action driven by desire’. The words are Shachah (Hebrew) and Proskuneo (Greek).
Shachah is used to describe the ‘act’ of the people of God bowing or prostrating themselves before God. For example (Gen 24:26, 48; 1 Chron 29:20; 2 Chron 20:18; Ps 95:6.
Proskuneo literally means to “to kneel or prostrate oneself in honour or supplication” (Bridges, R. F., & Weigle, L. A. 1997,Pg 387). It also portrays the image of "kissing towards" (Dye, C. 1999, 25).
These words show us the two different but important sides to true, biblical worship. On the one hand worship should express itself in actions used to show honour, reverence and submission to a king or emperor. On the other hand worship must express the deep intimacy and closeness that is expressed through the kiss of lovers. In light of these simple word studies we can see that worship should be highly ‘charged’, filled with passion and zeal – a far cry from so much of what we call worship!
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p3)
The heart of worship
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Ps 42:1-2, NKJV)
It is so important to understand the ‘active’ nature of worship. Not active in the sense of singing or clapping (although these do have a place in worship and will be looked at latter), but in the sense of desiring, thirsting, or longing. Christ Bowater (1986, pg 20) described this longing as “A desire to know God, to meet with him. This is the key to Spirit-filled worship of God. Without this desire to stand in his presence, worship becomes a fruitless experience”. Psalm 42:1-2 (as quoted above) and Matt 5:6 shows the intensity of true biblical worship - a longing and need for God. How different this is from focusing on the superficial veneer of style and technique.
In essence worship is the deep desire and longing for God. The following are just a few examples: Ps 27:8, 14; Ps 63:1; Prov 8:17; Jer 29:13; Deu 4:29; Lk 10:42.
This understanding of worship as a deep hunger, leads onto the most famous scripture relating to worship, John 4:20-24 (esp v24):
"“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”" (Jn 4:24, NKJV)
What does it mean to worship in “spirit and truth”? In the light of what has just been stated about worship; to worship in spirit is to express that deep yearning for God, always remembering that it is a response to the love of the Father towards us (John 3:16). Worship is not the expression of an intellectual agreement “I must worship”, or even an emotional desire to worship “I feel like worship”. True worship, that which God desires comes from the depth of a man’s being – the spirit. To worship in truth is to long for a ‘true’ understanding and knowledge of God. This is one of the defining principals of Biblical worship that separates it from an emotional high or euphoria. True worship is a deep longing to ‘really’ know God.
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Ps 42:1-2, NKJV)
It is so important to understand the ‘active’ nature of worship. Not active in the sense of singing or clapping (although these do have a place in worship and will be looked at latter), but in the sense of desiring, thirsting, or longing. Christ Bowater (1986, pg 20) described this longing as “A desire to know God, to meet with him. This is the key to Spirit-filled worship of God. Without this desire to stand in his presence, worship becomes a fruitless experience”. Psalm 42:1-2 (as quoted above) and Matt 5:6 shows the intensity of true biblical worship - a longing and need for God. How different this is from focusing on the superficial veneer of style and technique.
In essence worship is the deep desire and longing for God. The following are just a few examples: Ps 27:8, 14; Ps 63:1; Prov 8:17; Jer 29:13; Deu 4:29; Lk 10:42.
This understanding of worship as a deep hunger, leads onto the most famous scripture relating to worship, John 4:20-24 (esp v24):
"“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”" (Jn 4:24, NKJV)
What does it mean to worship in “spirit and truth”? In the light of what has just been stated about worship; to worship in spirit is to express that deep yearning for God, always remembering that it is a response to the love of the Father towards us (John 3:16). Worship is not the expression of an intellectual agreement “I must worship”, or even an emotional desire to worship “I feel like worship”. True worship, that which God desires comes from the depth of a man’s being – the spirit. To worship in truth is to long for a ‘true’ understanding and knowledge of God. This is one of the defining principals of Biblical worship that separates it from an emotional high or euphoria. True worship is a deep longing to ‘really’ know God.
Friday 11 January 2008
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p2)
The focus of worship
The focus of worship can clearly be seen in both the Old Testament, Ten commandments and the New Testament, Christ’ New Commandment.
"…“You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me," (Ex 20:1-5, NKJV)
"Jesus said to him, “ ‘ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind .’ “This is the first and great commandment." (Mt 22:37-38, NKJV)
In both of these passages we clearly see that the focus of worship is God. The verses from Exodus highlight the negative; whereas the passage from Matthew uses positive language. Both portray the same message – the focus of ALL true worship is God.
The focus of worship can clearly be seen in both the Old Testament, Ten commandments and the New Testament, Christ’ New Commandment.
"…“You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me," (Ex 20:1-5, NKJV)
"Jesus said to him, “ ‘ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind .’ “This is the first and great commandment." (Mt 22:37-38, NKJV)
In both of these passages we clearly see that the focus of worship is God. The verses from Exodus highlight the negative; whereas the passage from Matthew uses positive language. Both portray the same message – the focus of ALL true worship is God.
Wednesday 9 January 2008
THERE MUST BE MORE - TRUE WORSHIP (p1)
This is a new 6 part series looking at the whole subject of worship....
"Christian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life."
—Karl Barth
What is ‘real’ worship?
"“Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”" (Jn 4:20, NKJV)
Just under two thousand years have passed since this famous quote (sited above) by the Samaritan women (or woman at the well), however as I began to write this article I realised the heart behind the woman’s question still lingers in the air, like mist on a damp morning. What is ‘real’ worship? The Samaritan woman was concerned with the perceived importance of ‘location’. In a similar way, if you ask the majority of Christians today their answer would reveal a concept of worship, which is heavily influenced by ‘style’ or denominational approach. Both are wrong concepts of worship, because they deal with the peripheral rather than the heart.
The aim of this short article is to untangle the biblical understanding of worship from the many changing stylistic and cultural opinions of what is ‘real’ worship. Part of the problem has been the fact that the Bible itself never categorically defines worship. This then demands the ‘sewing’ together of concepts drawn from various words, which in the English language have been translated worship. This article is split into four major sections: the focus of worship, the heart of worship, the actions of worship, and the lifestyle of worship. Following these sections is a brief conclusion pulling together all that has been highlighted in the different sections, giving the bigger picture, which will hopefully give a balanced understanding of worship.
"Christian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life."
—Karl Barth
What is ‘real’ worship?
"“Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”" (Jn 4:20, NKJV)
Just under two thousand years have passed since this famous quote (sited above) by the Samaritan women (or woman at the well), however as I began to write this article I realised the heart behind the woman’s question still lingers in the air, like mist on a damp morning. What is ‘real’ worship? The Samaritan woman was concerned with the perceived importance of ‘location’. In a similar way, if you ask the majority of Christians today their answer would reveal a concept of worship, which is heavily influenced by ‘style’ or denominational approach. Both are wrong concepts of worship, because they deal with the peripheral rather than the heart.
The aim of this short article is to untangle the biblical understanding of worship from the many changing stylistic and cultural opinions of what is ‘real’ worship. Part of the problem has been the fact that the Bible itself never categorically defines worship. This then demands the ‘sewing’ together of concepts drawn from various words, which in the English language have been translated worship. This article is split into four major sections: the focus of worship, the heart of worship, the actions of worship, and the lifestyle of worship. Following these sections is a brief conclusion pulling together all that has been highlighted in the different sections, giving the bigger picture, which will hopefully give a balanced understanding of worship.
Planting Missional Churches (part 6)
6. A people who want to see amazing things!
Neh 6:15-16 says … “The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul. It had taken fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard the news and all the surrounding nations saw it, our enemies totally lost their nerve. They knew that God was behind this work.”
Yes, being part of a church planting team may be challenging, tiring and even difficult, but there is also the opportunity to be part of something great and amazing! I dream of the days when Christ Community Church is a vibrant, community transforming church! What an amazing privilege to be in at the start seeing this dream become a reality!
Don’t thinking that being part of a church planting team is all hard slog. We are having great fun in Attleborough! Church planting is an adventure not to be missed!
Yes, being part of a church planting team may be challenging, tiring and even difficult, but there is also the opportunity to be part of something great and amazing! I dream of the days when Christ Community Church is a vibrant, community transforming church! What an amazing privilege to be in at the start seeing this dream become a reality!
Don’t thinking that being part of a church planting team is all hard slog. We are having great fun in Attleborough! Church planting is an adventure not to be missed!
Planting Missional Churches (part 5)
5. Willing to live on the edge of defeat
Neh 4:1-3 says … “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: “What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?” At his side, Tobiah the ammonite jumped in and said, “That’s right! What do they think they’re building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under the weight.”
All that Sanballat and his cronies had to say about the Jews was in a natural sense true! The project which these faith-filled people set out to accomplish was a mammoth task and without God’s resources was going to fail! However, as church planting team members we don’t rely upon our own resources. We rely upon the resources of heaven!
In Attleborough and the surrounding villages we are looking to build a church a 200. I don’t think Attleborough will have seen anything like this in generations. Are we swimming with resources? Are we well equipped for the challenge ahead? Could all of this end up being serious egg on face? Certainly! Yet we know that God has called us and that is why we are taking increasing steps of faith in order to see our vision become a reality!
Church Planting team members must get use to living on the edge of defeat, but that’s also where the glorious heroes of God can be found (David and Goliath, Gideon and the Midionites, the early church and the Roman Empire)
Neh 4:1-3 says … “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: “What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?” At his side, Tobiah the ammonite jumped in and said, “That’s right! What do they think they’re building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under the weight.”
All that Sanballat and his cronies had to say about the Jews was in a natural sense true! The project which these faith-filled people set out to accomplish was a mammoth task and without God’s resources was going to fail! However, as church planting team members we don’t rely upon our own resources. We rely upon the resources of heaven!
In Attleborough and the surrounding villages we are looking to build a church a 200. I don’t think Attleborough will have seen anything like this in generations. Are we swimming with resources? Are we well equipped for the challenge ahead? Could all of this end up being serious egg on face? Certainly! Yet we know that God has called us and that is why we are taking increasing steps of faith in order to see our vision become a reality!
Church Planting team members must get use to living on the edge of defeat, but that’s also where the glorious heroes of God can be found (David and Goliath, Gideon and the Midionites, the early church and the Roman Empire)
Planting Missional Churches (part 4)
4. Team Players
Neh 4:17 says … “From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows and mail armour.”
# Midway through the building project, under increasing pressure of attack, Nehemiah organised the team in such a way that they were interdependent. The builders wouldn’t survive on their own and the men at arms couldn’t complete the vision which they were defending on their own. Different roles, but both working towards the same goal. Can I say with as much grace as possible, lone rangers don’t survive in a church plant and may even take others out with them.
# Church planting is about team work. Working together to see something come out of nothing can be one of the greatest pleasures. I was so pleased last year when we were able to pull together a diverse bunch of people to run our latest Alpha course. People with different gifts, different abilities and yet able and willing to work together to see people gathered into the Kingdom!
Neh 4:17 says … “From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows and mail armour.”
# Midway through the building project, under increasing pressure of attack, Nehemiah organised the team in such a way that they were interdependent. The builders wouldn’t survive on their own and the men at arms couldn’t complete the vision which they were defending on their own. Different roles, but both working towards the same goal. Can I say with as much grace as possible, lone rangers don’t survive in a church plant and may even take others out with them.
# Church planting is about team work. Working together to see something come out of nothing can be one of the greatest pleasures. I was so pleased last year when we were able to pull together a diverse bunch of people to run our latest Alpha course. People with different gifts, different abilities and yet able and willing to work together to see people gathered into the Kingdom!
Tuesday 8 January 2008
Planting Missional Churches (part 3)
3. Playing out of Position
Chapter 3 of Nehemiah also shows us another clear characteristic of church planting team members. It shows us that we often have to play out of position. What do I mean by that? I mean, priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, countrymen, administrators, merchants and so on all gave themselves to manual construction work! Was this their specialist trade? No. Was it essential at that time they were able to build walls? Yes.
Grounding this in day to day reality this means people who are willing to have a go! You might never have arrived early for a church meeting to set chairs out, but are you willing to have a go? You might be afraid of working with children, but are you willing to have a go? You might never have led a cell group or an Alpha course, but if asked are you willing to have a go?
Chapter 3 of Nehemiah also shows us another clear characteristic of church planting team members. It shows us that we often have to play out of position. What do I mean by that? I mean, priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, countrymen, administrators, merchants and so on all gave themselves to manual construction work! Was this their specialist trade? No. Was it essential at that time they were able to build walls? Yes.
Grounding this in day to day reality this means people who are willing to have a go! You might never have arrived early for a church meeting to set chairs out, but are you willing to have a go? You might be afraid of working with children, but are you willing to have a go? You might never have led a cell group or an Alpha course, but if asked are you willing to have a go?
Monday 7 January 2008
PLANTING MISSIONAL CHURCHES (part2)
2. Takes personal responsibility
Let’s read the whole of Nehemiah 2:18
“They said, ‘we’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.”
# Church planting teams members are people who make the connection between the big vision (the walls must be restored) and what they can do (their personal responsibility). Church planting team members are people who have their sleeves rolled up, ready to play their part!
If you flick over to Chapter 3 you will see paragraph after paragraph describing individuals and small teams who took ownership of the vision to see the walls restored and gave themselves (blood, sweat and tears) to seeing a part of that dream fulfilled!
# Don’t be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the vision, ask God what part you can play in fulfilling it, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in!
Let’s read the whole of Nehemiah 2:18
“They said, ‘we’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.”
# Church planting teams members are people who make the connection between the big vision (the walls must be restored) and what they can do (their personal responsibility). Church planting team members are people who have their sleeves rolled up, ready to play their part!
If you flick over to Chapter 3 you will see paragraph after paragraph describing individuals and small teams who took ownership of the vision to see the walls restored and gave themselves (blood, sweat and tears) to seeing a part of that dream fulfilled!
# Don’t be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the vision, ask God what part you can play in fulfilling it, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in!
Sunday 6 January 2008
PLANTING MISSIONAL CHURCHES (part1)
The following 6 part series are notes from a seminar I led in the summer of 2006 looking at missional church planting ...
Have you ever asked questions such as: -
“Could I be part of a church planting team?”
“If so what would I have to offer?”
“What should I expect if I get involved in a church plant?”
“Is there a special type of person who can be involved in a church plant?”
In order to try and address some of these questions I thought it would be fun to start by looking at a “person specification” (like in a job application pack) of a church planting team member. I want to do this by drawing on the shining example of an amazing bunch of people who often get overlooked as they sit in the shadow of one of histories greatest examples of a pioneering leader – Nehemiah. Books and books have been written on the lessons we can learn from the life and leadership of Nehemiah; however, I want us to look behind him and see the type people who made up the team who stood with him as co-worker and co-pioneers to see the God given vision of a restored Jerusalem come into reality. In 52 days these ‘ordinary’ men, women and children saw Jerusalem’s walls emerge out of the rubble of disgrace and dishonour, and with it, set us an example of what it means to be part of a pioneering church planting team.
6 essential characteristics for a church planting team member
1. Responds to God’s call
Nehemiah 2:17-18 describes the moment when Nehemiah unveils to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, his God implanted dream to see the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt. Listen to the response of the people:
“Then I gave them my report: “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come – let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up. They said, “we’re with you. Let’s get started …” (Neh 2:17-18)
# Firstly, anyone involved in a church planting team must be able to live with, and for a dream. Nehemiah called the people of God to arise and build a dream that up until that point may never have seemed remotely possible. Yet when the vision of a restored Jerusalem was shared they had to handle living with the tension of the ‘now situation’ and the ‘vision of what is to come’. The walls were burned and destroyed, but the vision was of a glorious restored city!
# Secondly, If you want to be part of a church planting team, you need to know, that you know, that God is in it! I've tried my hardest to ensure that everyone who has looked to join us at Christ Community Church are certain, in the deep parts of their heart, that God has spoken called them. Why? Because as this story shows, church planting is about being on the front line, facing opposition, and being exposed to enemy attack. If you aren’t certain that God is in the call to plant a church and secondly that you are meant to be part of it, it’s likely when pressure starts to break over your life you will feel tempted to give up!
Lorna and I have a number of prophetic words, which God has spoken over us with regard to our involvement in church planting in Norfolk. We hold these close to our hearts and when setbacks arise (and they do), we bring them to mind.
Church panting team members must feed off the bread of vision!
Have you ever asked questions such as: -
“Could I be part of a church planting team?”
“If so what would I have to offer?”
“What should I expect if I get involved in a church plant?”
“Is there a special type of person who can be involved in a church plant?”
In order to try and address some of these questions I thought it would be fun to start by looking at a “person specification” (like in a job application pack) of a church planting team member. I want to do this by drawing on the shining example of an amazing bunch of people who often get overlooked as they sit in the shadow of one of histories greatest examples of a pioneering leader – Nehemiah. Books and books have been written on the lessons we can learn from the life and leadership of Nehemiah; however, I want us to look behind him and see the type people who made up the team who stood with him as co-worker and co-pioneers to see the God given vision of a restored Jerusalem come into reality. In 52 days these ‘ordinary’ men, women and children saw Jerusalem’s walls emerge out of the rubble of disgrace and dishonour, and with it, set us an example of what it means to be part of a pioneering church planting team.
6 essential characteristics for a church planting team member
1. Responds to God’s call
Nehemiah 2:17-18 describes the moment when Nehemiah unveils to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, his God implanted dream to see the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt. Listen to the response of the people:
“Then I gave them my report: “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come – let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up. They said, “we’re with you. Let’s get started …” (Neh 2:17-18)
# Firstly, anyone involved in a church planting team must be able to live with, and for a dream. Nehemiah called the people of God to arise and build a dream that up until that point may never have seemed remotely possible. Yet when the vision of a restored Jerusalem was shared they had to handle living with the tension of the ‘now situation’ and the ‘vision of what is to come’. The walls were burned and destroyed, but the vision was of a glorious restored city!
# Secondly, If you want to be part of a church planting team, you need to know, that you know, that God is in it! I've tried my hardest to ensure that everyone who has looked to join us at Christ Community Church are certain, in the deep parts of their heart, that God has spoken called them. Why? Because as this story shows, church planting is about being on the front line, facing opposition, and being exposed to enemy attack. If you aren’t certain that God is in the call to plant a church and secondly that you are meant to be part of it, it’s likely when pressure starts to break over your life you will feel tempted to give up!
Lorna and I have a number of prophetic words, which God has spoken over us with regard to our involvement in church planting in Norfolk. We hold these close to our hearts and when setbacks arise (and they do), we bring them to mind.
Church panting team members must feed off the bread of vision!
Saturday 5 January 2008
DAVID BRAINERD: THE FATHER OF MODERN MISSIONARY WORK (part 2)
David Brainerd’s “Indian affair”In the short space of five years, Brainerd had not only accepted the call to minister amongst the native Indians of America, but he had also ‘trail blazed’ a path into the very heart and community of the Indians, bringing the very life of Jesus to them. He saw many Indian’s lives touched by the gospel (approximately 85 converts); he started a church (Bethel), raised up native evangelists, and pioneered a work of God in some of the most demanding and hostile conditions imaginable. Pioneers rarely see the mass harvest, but often see only the first fruit of a bountiful harvest. This is true with Brainerd. However I believe David Brainerd’s overriding achievement was that of inspiring countless other missionaries and ‘pioneers’ from that day until now. At the end of five years of tireless ministry at the tender age of 29, Brainerd died in the house of good friend Jonathan Edwards, fulfilling his desire to “wear out my life in his service and for his glory”.
An 'over-comer' at heart
As I’ve researched the life and ministry of Brainerd, it reads like a modern day account of the life of the Apostle Paul. He seemed to encounter such tremendous setbacks, difficulties and outright hardships, but in all these things he found a way to continue his ministry and calling. The following bullet points outline a number of the major problems he faced:
• In his early ministry He had a real inferiority complex about his preaching ability. However he didn’t let this deter him, he just kept on preaching.
• One of the most prolonged and difficult obstacles he faced in his ministry was the loneliness and lack of companionship. He spent many days and months alone, toiling in the ministry. If one reads his Journal one will see that this was huge struggle for him. At one point in his ministry he travelled 600 miles, searching for suitable ministry colleagues, but not one person was found who was “qualified or disposed for this good work”. Constant, and sustained loneliness is not something many of us will have to endure, but I believe this was one of the hardest struggles he faced. This also resulted in him really cherishing the few friendships he did make.
• Brainerd also faced almost unbearable hardships. For a time he lived in a hay shed. He spent a number of months travelling a tremendous distance to collect bread and supplies, and by the time he had returned to his place of ministry, the bread had gone mouldy. His whole ministry is ‘shot through’ with great amounts of travelling, often on foot, sometimes on horseback, but always in difficult terrain.
• Brainerd also had to overcome the language / cultural barriers. Early on in his ministry amongst the Indians, he was spending the day in prayer and fasting, and unknown to him a group of Indians were approaching with the intent of killing him. As they drew near they saw him on his knees praying and a rattlesnake drew up alongside him ready to strike. It opened it’s mouth and it’s forked tongue almost touched his face, then all of a sudden it disappeared into the undergrowth. This divine protection, gave Brainerd high standing amongst the Indians as they said, “the Great Spirit is with the paleface!”
• Brainerd also had to overcome the temptation of a ‘more comfortable call’. A number of times, churches requested that he abandon his ministry amongst the Indians, and become their pastor. These requests were a great test for him, as the work was often so hard and the request seemed so pleasant’.
• He also had to face the problem of long periods of seeing no or little fruit. This is quite characteristic of pioneer type ministries.
• However above all the problems and hardships Brainerd faced, sickness was probably the greatest. Much of his short ministry was spent in great pain and agony from tuberculosis. There were times when he would spend whole weeks, incapacitated by the pain. There is one account of a ministry trip he took, where he was in such pain and agony, that as he rode he was covered in perspiration, and at times due to the pain he would fall off his horse. As one reads the problems that Brainerd overcame (or persevered), one could ask, “What made him continue with the ministry?” As I have researched his life I have found both the ‘engine’ and ‘fuel’ of his ministry:
The engine
Brainerd had an unquenchable desire to preach to the un-preached, reach the un-reached, and win the lost. This is what relentlessly drove him forward in to unknown. Near the end of his five years of ministry, he established a church (Bethel), but never wanted to pastor it, as he was always looking to the frontier, and areas where the gospel had not yet made an impact. There were a number of times he had to make three attempts at establishing a work before he saw any impact at all. However he was always driven by the fact, people were living and dieing not hearing the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ!
The fuel
If a person reads any material on the life of Brainerd, it wont be long before one sees that he whole life and ministry was fuelled by a deep and passionate prayer life. He would spend many days in prayer and fasting. He often recounted in his journal that many tears were poured out for the Indians. His prayer life was the very fuel that kept the engine of passion for the lost alive and moving.
The epitaph of Brainerd’s gravestone is probably one of the most modest and self-effacing ever carved:
“A faithful and laborious missionary to Stockbridge, Delaware and Susquehanna tribes of Indians”
An 'over-comer' at heart
As I’ve researched the life and ministry of Brainerd, it reads like a modern day account of the life of the Apostle Paul. He seemed to encounter such tremendous setbacks, difficulties and outright hardships, but in all these things he found a way to continue his ministry and calling. The following bullet points outline a number of the major problems he faced:
• In his early ministry He had a real inferiority complex about his preaching ability. However he didn’t let this deter him, he just kept on preaching.
• One of the most prolonged and difficult obstacles he faced in his ministry was the loneliness and lack of companionship. He spent many days and months alone, toiling in the ministry. If one reads his Journal one will see that this was huge struggle for him. At one point in his ministry he travelled 600 miles, searching for suitable ministry colleagues, but not one person was found who was “qualified or disposed for this good work”. Constant, and sustained loneliness is not something many of us will have to endure, but I believe this was one of the hardest struggles he faced. This also resulted in him really cherishing the few friendships he did make.
• Brainerd also faced almost unbearable hardships. For a time he lived in a hay shed. He spent a number of months travelling a tremendous distance to collect bread and supplies, and by the time he had returned to his place of ministry, the bread had gone mouldy. His whole ministry is ‘shot through’ with great amounts of travelling, often on foot, sometimes on horseback, but always in difficult terrain.
• Brainerd also had to overcome the language / cultural barriers. Early on in his ministry amongst the Indians, he was spending the day in prayer and fasting, and unknown to him a group of Indians were approaching with the intent of killing him. As they drew near they saw him on his knees praying and a rattlesnake drew up alongside him ready to strike. It opened it’s mouth and it’s forked tongue almost touched his face, then all of a sudden it disappeared into the undergrowth. This divine protection, gave Brainerd high standing amongst the Indians as they said, “the Great Spirit is with the paleface!”
• Brainerd also had to overcome the temptation of a ‘more comfortable call’. A number of times, churches requested that he abandon his ministry amongst the Indians, and become their pastor. These requests were a great test for him, as the work was often so hard and the request seemed so pleasant’.
• He also had to face the problem of long periods of seeing no or little fruit. This is quite characteristic of pioneer type ministries.
• However above all the problems and hardships Brainerd faced, sickness was probably the greatest. Much of his short ministry was spent in great pain and agony from tuberculosis. There were times when he would spend whole weeks, incapacitated by the pain. There is one account of a ministry trip he took, where he was in such pain and agony, that as he rode he was covered in perspiration, and at times due to the pain he would fall off his horse. As one reads the problems that Brainerd overcame (or persevered), one could ask, “What made him continue with the ministry?” As I have researched his life I have found both the ‘engine’ and ‘fuel’ of his ministry:
The engine
Brainerd had an unquenchable desire to preach to the un-preached, reach the un-reached, and win the lost. This is what relentlessly drove him forward in to unknown. Near the end of his five years of ministry, he established a church (Bethel), but never wanted to pastor it, as he was always looking to the frontier, and areas where the gospel had not yet made an impact. There were a number of times he had to make three attempts at establishing a work before he saw any impact at all. However he was always driven by the fact, people were living and dieing not hearing the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ!
The fuel
If a person reads any material on the life of Brainerd, it wont be long before one sees that he whole life and ministry was fuelled by a deep and passionate prayer life. He would spend many days in prayer and fasting. He often recounted in his journal that many tears were poured out for the Indians. His prayer life was the very fuel that kept the engine of passion for the lost alive and moving.
The epitaph of Brainerd’s gravestone is probably one of the most modest and self-effacing ever carved:
“A faithful and laborious missionary to Stockbridge, Delaware and Susquehanna tribes of Indians”
DAVID BRAINERD: THE FATHER OF MODERN MISSIONARY WORK (part 1)
“…I wanted to wear out my life in his service and for his glory”
From the privileged position of hindsight David Brainerd can easily be called the father of modern missionary work. However if we had lived at the same time as him, how many of us would have given him that label? He had many things that seemed to disqualify him from the work of missions, but one thing he did have, and that was an unquenchable zeal for the work God. We in the 21st Century have much to learn from this man who God chose to use so mightily!
A bad start
David Brainerd was born in Haddam, Connecticut, USA, on April the 20th, 1718. He was the sixth of nine children. In his early life he lost both his mother and then his father. These tragedies, that no child should have to experience, left Brainerd with a melancholic outlook. This often led to times of depression.
Another experience that caused Brainerd great heartache was when in February 1742 He was expelled from Yale University.
An unquenchable desire for God
In spite all of this heartache Brainerd became an avid student of the word of God, spending whole days in prayer, fasting and study of the word of God. On the 20th April 1742 Brainerd wrote in his journal “… I hardly ever so longed to live to God and to be altogether devoted to Him; I wanted to wear out my life in his service and for his glory”. However Brainerd needed a direction, a call from the Lord. On 19th of November 1742 Brainerd received a letter from Pemberton of New York to discuss the possibility of ministry amongst the Indians. At the time Brainerd didn’t realise, but this was the door of destiny creaking open.
From the privileged position of hindsight David Brainerd can easily be called the father of modern missionary work. However if we had lived at the same time as him, how many of us would have given him that label? He had many things that seemed to disqualify him from the work of missions, but one thing he did have, and that was an unquenchable zeal for the work God. We in the 21st Century have much to learn from this man who God chose to use so mightily!
A bad start
David Brainerd was born in Haddam, Connecticut, USA, on April the 20th, 1718. He was the sixth of nine children. In his early life he lost both his mother and then his father. These tragedies, that no child should have to experience, left Brainerd with a melancholic outlook. This often led to times of depression.
Another experience that caused Brainerd great heartache was when in February 1742 He was expelled from Yale University.
An unquenchable desire for God
In spite all of this heartache Brainerd became an avid student of the word of God, spending whole days in prayer, fasting and study of the word of God. On the 20th April 1742 Brainerd wrote in his journal “… I hardly ever so longed to live to God and to be altogether devoted to Him; I wanted to wear out my life in his service and for his glory”. However Brainerd needed a direction, a call from the Lord. On 19th of November 1742 Brainerd received a letter from Pemberton of New York to discuss the possibility of ministry amongst the Indians. At the time Brainerd didn’t realise, but this was the door of destiny creaking open.
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