This latest act of brutality by Islamic State in killing an aid worker, who was involved in acts of kindness and charity, will increase British resolve to contend against these forces of darkness. More funds, effort and energy will be employed in the fight to defeat this evil foe. The death of Mr Henning has been widely and rightly condemned by Muslim leaders. Many had been appealing for his life to be spared and for compassion to be shown to this good man. This latest act of barbarism will increase and strengthen the opposition to their cause.
Friday 3 October 2014
Friday 19 September 2014
Best practice for Baptist ministers on retirement
A Baptist minister told me that when he retired he would follow the example of those ministers who when they retired would keep well away from the area where they last ministered. This is best practice. It is not right to hang around and to be in a position to interfere with the newly appointed ministry. This happened, in fact, at least twice in Essex, as retired ministers still remained active in those areas where they worked. It is right to keep well away, to put some distance from the former flock.
Those who made efforts to carry out appropriate actions and put certain procedures in place were commended. A former regional minister and a well known former Baptist Union president were praised for their ways.
And did the retiring minister put much distance from his former flock? He agreed to engage in ministerial duties just a few miles away, in the same borough, where some members live right in his former area of ministry!
Those who made efforts to carry out appropriate actions and put certain procedures in place were commended. A former regional minister and a well known former Baptist Union president were praised for their ways.
And did the retiring minister put much distance from his former flock? He agreed to engage in ministerial duties just a few miles away, in the same borough, where some members live right in his former area of ministry!
Andy Murray lives in Surrey
Yes folks, the keen supporter of Scottish independence does not have a vote in the referendum!
And why is that? It is because he does not live in Scotland and he is not registered to vote there at all. He lives in Surrey, England!
I wonder if Miss Sears, the English rose in Andy's life, would prefer to be north of the border. I doubt it, as Surrey suits her just fine.
And why is that? It is because he does not live in Scotland and he is not registered to vote there at all. He lives in Surrey, England!
I wonder if Miss Sears, the English rose in Andy's life, would prefer to be north of the border. I doubt it, as Surrey suits her just fine.
Saturday 13 September 2014
ISIL is not islamic???
President Obama boldly asserts that ISIL, also known as Islamic State, is not islamic.
I find this very hard to swallow in the light of the evidence. Why are young muslims from the UK and around the world so eager to join Islamic State and engage in jihad, violent jihad? Surely they follow the teaching of Islam and believe that they are practising their religion, Islam, as fighters for Islamic State, ISIS, or ISIL.
There are passages in the Quran that are used to justify the actions of Islamic State. They claim that they are true to Islam and the teaching of Muhammad. Is this not an established fact? Are they not purists and fundamentalists, but nevertheless Islamic?
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2014/09/10/maher_vs_charlie_rose_to_claim_islam_is_like_other_religions_is_naive_and_plain_wrong.html
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2014/09/10/maher_vs_charlie_rose_to_claim_islam_is_like_other_religions_is_naive_and_plain_wrong.html
Friday 12 September 2014
Joel Osteen is still peddling cheap grace
It does concern me that Joel Osteen still preaches cheap grace, a message of religion without true repentance from sin, which he does not mention, and without true discipleship, taking up the cross to follow Jesus. Has he ever preached on true repentance?
My question for Joel and his fellow travellers is this: how does Osteenism, the teaching of Joel Osteen, fare where Christians are persecuted and suffer hardship for their faith? Jesus taught His disciples that they would face tribulation. Paul the Apostle taught that those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12. Paul himself faced trials, tribulations, troubles, problems, prison and persecution for his faithful ministry. The experiences of Christians outlined in Hebrews 11 do not accord with Osteenism, Joel's brand of religion.
Joel Osteen ignores vast chunks of the Bible and preaches a sickly sweet message that has no relevance to the persecuted and suffering saints in Syria and throughout the world.
Yes, Jesus said that in the world you shall have tribulation. John 16:33. It is not a text that Joel preaches on. It is obvious why when you understand Joel's sugary sayings and worldly materialistic religion.
According to Bonhoeffer:
Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession. … Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
My question for Joel and his fellow travellers is this: how does Osteenism, the teaching of Joel Osteen, fare where Christians are persecuted and suffer hardship for their faith? Jesus taught His disciples that they would face tribulation. Paul the Apostle taught that those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12. Paul himself faced trials, tribulations, troubles, problems, prison and persecution for his faithful ministry. The experiences of Christians outlined in Hebrews 11 do not accord with Osteenism, Joel's brand of religion.
Joel Osteen ignores vast chunks of the Bible and preaches a sickly sweet message that has no relevance to the persecuted and suffering saints in Syria and throughout the world.
Yes, Jesus said that in the world you shall have tribulation. John 16:33. It is not a text that Joel preaches on. It is obvious why when you understand Joel's sugary sayings and worldly materialistic religion.
According to Bonhoeffer:
Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession. … Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Thursday 11 September 2014
The Jesus Bus along the Oregon Coast on Highway 101
If you have travelled regularly on Highway 101 in Oregon there is a good chance that you have spotted the Jesus Bus.
Travelling evangelist Cas Sowinski and his dog are often seen at coastal viewpoints and beauty spots.
Cas plays his guitar, shares his faith, sells t-shirts and sings Christian and Gospel songs. He is supported by donations from friendly folk who wish to help his ministry.
Travelling evangelist Cas Sowinski and his dog are often seen at coastal viewpoints and beauty spots.
Cas plays his guitar, shares his faith, sells t-shirts and sings Christian and Gospel songs. He is supported by donations from friendly folk who wish to help his ministry.
Tuesday 26 August 2014
Seascapes
It is a joy to relax by the sea. I have selected some of my favourite seascapes which I hope you enjoy.
Friday 1 August 2014
The Priesthood of All Believers
Throughout church history we can find Christians who embraced the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. I would argue that it was held by the early church and applied by groups of Christians in many ages and communities. The Apostle Peter writing to exiles, chosen sojourners, of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, shared the following words:
But you are a chosen race,a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His possession, so that you proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
Ὑμεῖς δὲ γένος ἐκλεκτόν, βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, ἔθνος ἅγιον, λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν, ὅπως τὰς ἀρετὰς ἐξαγγείλητε τοῦ ἐκ σκότους ὑμᾶς καλέσαντος εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς·
These words, found in 1 Peter 2:9, have been the basis for the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. And it is now understood in evangelical churches to mean that all Christians exercise a priesthood and a ministry to God, their brothers and sisters in Christ, and those outside of the Kingdom of God. We, Christians, are all servants of the Most High God and we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This does not mean, however, that all are called to preach from the pulpit or teach others in the church. Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 teach us about ministries and offices in the church according to the Lord's gifts, gracious calling and good pleasure.
I would strongly argue that we do not find within the New Testament a clearly defined group of professional clergymen and/or priests who had special authority to preside at the Eucharist/Holy Communion and conduct baptisms. It seems to me that the early Christians shared communion regularly in homes and probably, in times of persecution and hardship, among themselves whenever they could meet and worship the Lord. It is interesting that Philip, the evangelist and deacon, conducted the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. The division of church leaders into clergy and laity comes much later, and was, to my way of thinking, a human institutional procedure, an act of organized religion. These arguably bureaucratic and hierarchical procedures led to titles, dress codes, clerical collars, vestments and all sorts of religious paraphernalia.
The unhelpful split between clergy and laity has harmed and hindered the application of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. In some traditions and faith communities they insist that Holy Communion is only valid when a priest, some say a male priest, conducts the service and consecrates the element(s). Only clergy are allowed in certain areas and wear special vestments according to the time in the Christian year. Only clergy can baptize, hear confessions, and administer the sacraments according to these traditions. Baptists believe in two sacraments: baptism of believers and Holy Communion/the Lord's Supper. Roman Catholics believe in many more sacraments, and only priests can administer them.
I once attended a large gathering of Laestudians in Finland who wanted Lutheran priests to preside over the Eucharist. They did not allow their preachers and leaders to conduct this part of the event. ( My friend was a local Lutheran priest who had been specially invited to take the Holy Communion service.) I was surprised by the tears and emotional responses by the Laestudian men when they came forward as communicants. (Finns, in my experience, rarely show much emotion. I was also amazed to see so many pregnant women in the congregation! They believe in having very large families.) Finland claims to be the most Lutheran country in the world and among the churches there is a very strong belief in the teaching of Martin Luther. His writings are an established authority and it can be unwise to question them in certain Lutheran assemblies (forsamlingen).
Luther was a strong advocate of the priesthood of all believers, although he never used this exact phrase. I was surprised to learn that he did not say it or write it, even during his lengthy table talks. (Rick never said, in Casablanca, "Play it again, Sam" and Sherlock Holmes never said, in any Conan Doyle book, "Elementary, my dear Watson" and Martin Luther never said or wrote the exact words, the priesthood of all believers.) However, Luther did write:
Luther saw how bad was the sad stranglehold of religious traditions and vain doctrines, which led to vile and superstitious practices such as the sale of indulgences and false relics. The clergy were deliberately keeping people in ignorance, especially of the Word of God. The use of Latin hindered rather than helped the German people to learn about the Gospel.
In England, before the Reformation, the clergy opposed the translation of the Bible into the common tongue.
People were burnt for handling translations of the Bible in English. William Hunter is still remembered in Brentwood, Essex, for his martyrdom in the 17th century.
I praise God that we have been liberated from such clerical control. I praise God that in the Baptist church the communion does not need a man or mediator to conduct the service. We have fellowship with the Lord Christ during the Eucharist. He comes to us by His grace when we receive the elements, both bread and wine. The Eucharist is intrinsically holy and does not need the blessing or intervention of any priest, prelate, presbyter, pope, parson or even a pastor. The Lord's people may share together in this fellowship around the Lord's table, as I believe they did in early Christian times (Acts 2:42).
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.
ἦσαν δὲ προσκαρτεροῦντες τῇ διδαχῇ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ, τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς.
I would contend that the division of God's people into clergy and laity has led to spiritual inertia, failures in church growth and very unhealthy church practices.
Some clergy and ministers have become insecure and precious about their status. They quibble about their roles, special ministries, titles and positions. Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, Priests and Scribes, they invent and invoke human traditions, man-made rules and regulations to enhance and maintain their status, position and pride in their profession. They are precious about the title Reverend, Archdeacon, Rural Dean, Canon, or other designations.
There is no mention of the term reverend in the Bible, and the other titles are not used as they are today. It was never used by the Early Church Fathers and it is even deprecated in some Christian fellowships, as it smacks of institutional man-made religion and vain tradition.
Some wish to use the term reverend as being specific to ordained ministry. Now where does that come from? In some traditions it seems that reverend is synonymous with pastor or minister (ordained or with church ministerial recognition). Some do reserve it for accredited ministers, but this accreditation may cease if the minister leaves the ministry or if the ministry/chaplaincy/church position ceases. But where does this come from? What is the basis for this doctrine, this institutional and arguably bureaucratic regulation???
It seems to me this is a very artificial and contrived state of affairs.
Certainly in the USA the term reverend can be obtained through an internet website for money. You can arrange to be a minister through an electronic cyber ministry. The term seems to be loosely used, as in the case of a whole host of prosperity/Word faith preachers, and other controversial clergymen, ministers and televangelists. There are charlatans, hireling pastors and heretical preachers who would not be regarded, in mainline Christian fellowships and faith communities, as true ministers or reverent servants of the Gospel. Some clearly self apply the title Reverend when they start a ministry, whether it is in a church, in a radio station or television studio.
But you are a chosen race,a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His possession, so that you proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
Ὑμεῖς δὲ γένος ἐκλεκτόν, βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, ἔθνος ἅγιον, λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν, ὅπως τὰς ἀρετὰς ἐξαγγείλητε τοῦ ἐκ σκότους ὑμᾶς καλέσαντος εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς·
These words, found in 1 Peter 2:9, have been the basis for the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. And it is now understood in evangelical churches to mean that all Christians exercise a priesthood and a ministry to God, their brothers and sisters in Christ, and those outside of the Kingdom of God. We, Christians, are all servants of the Most High God and we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This does not mean, however, that all are called to preach from the pulpit or teach others in the church. Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 teach us about ministries and offices in the church according to the Lord's gifts, gracious calling and good pleasure.
I would strongly argue that we do not find within the New Testament a clearly defined group of professional clergymen and/or priests who had special authority to preside at the Eucharist/Holy Communion and conduct baptisms. It seems to me that the early Christians shared communion regularly in homes and probably, in times of persecution and hardship, among themselves whenever they could meet and worship the Lord. It is interesting that Philip, the evangelist and deacon, conducted the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. The division of church leaders into clergy and laity comes much later, and was, to my way of thinking, a human institutional procedure, an act of organized religion. These arguably bureaucratic and hierarchical procedures led to titles, dress codes, clerical collars, vestments and all sorts of religious paraphernalia.
The unhelpful split between clergy and laity has harmed and hindered the application of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. In some traditions and faith communities they insist that Holy Communion is only valid when a priest, some say a male priest, conducts the service and consecrates the element(s). Only clergy are allowed in certain areas and wear special vestments according to the time in the Christian year. Only clergy can baptize, hear confessions, and administer the sacraments according to these traditions. Baptists believe in two sacraments: baptism of believers and Holy Communion/the Lord's Supper. Roman Catholics believe in many more sacraments, and only priests can administer them.
I once attended a large gathering of Laestudians in Finland who wanted Lutheran priests to preside over the Eucharist. They did not allow their preachers and leaders to conduct this part of the event. ( My friend was a local Lutheran priest who had been specially invited to take the Holy Communion service.) I was surprised by the tears and emotional responses by the Laestudian men when they came forward as communicants. (Finns, in my experience, rarely show much emotion. I was also amazed to see so many pregnant women in the congregation! They believe in having very large families.) Finland claims to be the most Lutheran country in the world and among the churches there is a very strong belief in the teaching of Martin Luther. His writings are an established authority and it can be unwise to question them in certain Lutheran assemblies (forsamlingen).
Luther was a strong advocate of the priesthood of all believers, although he never used this exact phrase. I was surprised to learn that he did not say it or write it, even during his lengthy table talks. (Rick never said, in Casablanca, "Play it again, Sam" and Sherlock Holmes never said, in any Conan Doyle book, "Elementary, my dear Watson" and Martin Luther never said or wrote the exact words, the priesthood of all believers.) However, Luther did write:
That the pope or bishop anoints, makes tonsures, ordains, consecrates, or dresses differently from the laity, may make a hypocrite or an idolatrous oil-painted icon, but it in no way makes a Christian or spiritual human being. In fact, we are all consecrated priests through Baptism, as St. Peter in 1 Peter 2[:9] says, "You are a royal priesthood and a priestly kingdom," and Revelation [5:10], "Through your blood you have made us into priests and kings."
How then if they are forced to admit that we are all equally priests, as many of us as are baptized, and by this way we truly are; while to them is committed only the Ministry (ministerium Predigtamt) and consented to by us (nostro consensu)? If they recognize this they would know that they have no right to exercise power over us (ius imperii, in what has not been committed to them) except insofar as we may have granted it to them, for thus it says in 1 Peter 2, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a priestly kingdom." In this way we are all priests, as many of us as are Christians. There are indeed priests whom we call ministers. They are chosen from among us, and who do everything in our name. That is a priesthood which is nothing else than the Ministry. Thus 1 Corinthians 4:1: "No one should regard us as anything else than ministers of Christ and dispensers of the mysteries of God."
Luther saw how bad was the sad stranglehold of religious traditions and vain doctrines, which led to vile and superstitious practices such as the sale of indulgences and false relics. The clergy were deliberately keeping people in ignorance, especially of the Word of God. The use of Latin hindered rather than helped the German people to learn about the Gospel.
In England, before the Reformation, the clergy opposed the translation of the Bible into the common tongue.
People were burnt for handling translations of the Bible in English. William Hunter is still remembered in Brentwood, Essex, for his martyrdom in the 17th century.
I praise God that we have been liberated from such clerical control. I praise God that in the Baptist church the communion does not need a man or mediator to conduct the service. We have fellowship with the Lord Christ during the Eucharist. He comes to us by His grace when we receive the elements, both bread and wine. The Eucharist is intrinsically holy and does not need the blessing or intervention of any priest, prelate, presbyter, pope, parson or even a pastor. The Lord's people may share together in this fellowship around the Lord's table, as I believe they did in early Christian times (Acts 2:42).
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.
ἦσαν δὲ προσκαρτεροῦντες τῇ διδαχῇ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ, τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς.
I would contend that the division of God's people into clergy and laity has led to spiritual inertia, failures in church growth and very unhealthy church practices.
Some clergy and ministers have become insecure and precious about their status. They quibble about their roles, special ministries, titles and positions. Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, Priests and Scribes, they invent and invoke human traditions, man-made rules and regulations to enhance and maintain their status, position and pride in their profession. They are precious about the title Reverend, Archdeacon, Rural Dean, Canon, or other designations.
There is no mention of the term reverend in the Bible, and the other titles are not used as they are today. It was never used by the Early Church Fathers and it is even deprecated in some Christian fellowships, as it smacks of institutional man-made religion and vain tradition.
Some wish to use the term reverend as being specific to ordained ministry. Now where does that come from? In some traditions it seems that reverend is synonymous with pastor or minister (ordained or with church ministerial recognition). Some do reserve it for accredited ministers, but this accreditation may cease if the minister leaves the ministry or if the ministry/chaplaincy/church position ceases. But where does this come from? What is the basis for this doctrine, this institutional and arguably bureaucratic regulation???
It seems to me this is a very artificial and contrived state of affairs.
Certainly in the USA the term reverend can be obtained through an internet website for money. You can arrange to be a minister through an electronic cyber ministry. The term seems to be loosely used, as in the case of a whole host of prosperity/Word faith preachers, and other controversial clergymen, ministers and televangelists. There are charlatans, hireling pastors and heretical preachers who would not be regarded, in mainline Christian fellowships and faith communities, as true ministers or reverent servants of the Gospel. Some clearly self apply the title Reverend when they start a ministry, whether it is in a church, in a radio station or television studio.
Wednesday 11 June 2014
Blakeney weekend
I had a most enjoyable weekend at Blakeney, Norfolk. I stayed at the Blakeney Hotel where I spent time watching the birds, the tide ebb and flow, and the sun set over the salt marshes. This part of Norfolk, where there is a bird sanctuary, has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYIFP4vEQc&feature=youtu.be
Please click here to see my video of the sunset
Tuesday 10 June 2014
Poppies, glorious poppies on Whit Sunday morning
The sun shone so brightly as I drove through the Norfolk countryside, and then I came across these poppies, a paradise of poppies by a lovely rural church.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Gr3c4r0P4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Gr3c4r0P4
Saturday 31 May 2014
Receiving spiritual gifts
How does a Christian receive spiritual gifts and the fullness of the Holy Spirit? That question has been on my mind for nearly fifty years. I have thought about it a great deal. I have read many books on this issue. I have listened to many sermons, and discussed it with pastors, preachers, priests, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Baptists, Charismatics, Catholics, Calvinists, Dispensationalists, Episcopalians, Evangelicals, Lutherans, theologians, non-denominationalists and Quakers.
Linked to the above question often comes another question. Does reception of spiritual gifts and/or the fullness of the Holy Spirit require or depend on a post-conversion crisis experience?
These have been important questions for the Evangelical and Charismatic community of believers. There have been disputes, divisions and discord as well as benefits and blessing. One of the dangers, that I have seen at close quarters, is basing doctrine and theology on personal experience, and then believing that the experience is normative and binding on all Christians. Our personal experience can never be the measure!
It may well testify to the work of the Holy Spirit, but it is wrong to assume that personal experience should be used to establish doctrine. Some claim "The Lord told me..." so it must be true. If we naively believed all such assertions then the Church would be tossed to and fro by many winds of doctrine and strange teachings. Christians have been deceived and duped by confident claims of special revelations and messages, which in time prove false and completely erroneous. The really dangerous ones have elements of truth that resonate and strike certain chords but they do not keep in step with the Spirit of God.
On the positive side these questions are asked by Christians who hunger for spiritual reality. The Apostle Paul enjoins us, in 1 Corinthians 14:1, to:
Make love your aim, and desire earnestly the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
Διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην, ζηλοῦτε δὲ τὰ πνευματικά, μᾶλλον δὲ ἵνα προφητεύητε.
When we desire to live in a loving way and we are sincere and open to God's gracious gifts, then God will hear our heartfelt prayers. But they may not be answered in ways that we desire. The Holy Spirit moves as He wishes. Please see John 3:8.
τὸ πνεῦμα ὅπου θέλει πνεῖ, καὶ τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ ἀκούεις, ἀλλ’ οὐκ οἶδας πόθεν ἔρχεται καὶ ποῦ ὑπάγει· οὕτως ἐστὶν πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ πνεύματος.
He is sovereign. He works wonders, mighty deeds and signs that amaze and move people. The Holy Spirit has come through "the laying on of hands" in Acts 8:17 ff. This is one experience and it seems to be post conversion, but that does not mean that it is always post-conversion. In Acts 13:52 we read that Christians, evidently young in their faith, were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. This experience could have been at conversion or around the time of conversion.
Max Turner in The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts argues that it is a mistake and a misunderstanding of the New Testament teaching to insist that receiving the Spirit is a discernible experience and to assume that the moment of the Spirit's coming upon a person must be consciously perceived. Max Turner contends that the actual need for a second crisis experience of appropriation of the Spirit (under whatever name) rests on a misunderstanding. He sees, in essence, the creation of a set of false experiential dualism and the absolutizing of one of them. Such an experience, MT believes, is by no means the only way to spiritual empowering. For many this comes instead as a gradual series of growth experiences, nor is this experience a paradigmatic and normative way for Christians.
It is the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives that counts. We cannot always explain and prove how He moves, but like the wind we know when He does. He leaves a trail of construction!
For me, I find this prayer helpful:
Lord, I may have been filled with the Holy Spirit, but I leak. I leak frequently. O Lord, fill me again, and keep me wanting to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Keep me aglow and willing to see Your gifts of grace manifest in the Church of God, among Your people, united by the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace. Lord, I wish to see Your goodness and loving kindness in many ways and in mighty acts that bring You glory, honour and praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Linked to the above question often comes another question. Does reception of spiritual gifts and/or the fullness of the Holy Spirit require or depend on a post-conversion crisis experience?
These have been important questions for the Evangelical and Charismatic community of believers. There have been disputes, divisions and discord as well as benefits and blessing. One of the dangers, that I have seen at close quarters, is basing doctrine and theology on personal experience, and then believing that the experience is normative and binding on all Christians. Our personal experience can never be the measure!
It may well testify to the work of the Holy Spirit, but it is wrong to assume that personal experience should be used to establish doctrine. Some claim "The Lord told me..." so it must be true. If we naively believed all such assertions then the Church would be tossed to and fro by many winds of doctrine and strange teachings. Christians have been deceived and duped by confident claims of special revelations and messages, which in time prove false and completely erroneous. The really dangerous ones have elements of truth that resonate and strike certain chords but they do not keep in step with the Spirit of God.
On the positive side these questions are asked by Christians who hunger for spiritual reality. The Apostle Paul enjoins us, in 1 Corinthians 14:1, to:
Make love your aim, and desire earnestly the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
Διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην, ζηλοῦτε δὲ τὰ πνευματικά, μᾶλλον δὲ ἵνα προφητεύητε.
When we desire to live in a loving way and we are sincere and open to God's gracious gifts, then God will hear our heartfelt prayers. But they may not be answered in ways that we desire. The Holy Spirit moves as He wishes. Please see John 3:8.
τὸ πνεῦμα ὅπου θέλει πνεῖ, καὶ τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ ἀκούεις, ἀλλ’ οὐκ οἶδας πόθεν ἔρχεται καὶ ποῦ ὑπάγει· οὕτως ἐστὶν πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ πνεύματος.
He is sovereign. He works wonders, mighty deeds and signs that amaze and move people. The Holy Spirit has come through "the laying on of hands" in Acts 8:17 ff. This is one experience and it seems to be post conversion, but that does not mean that it is always post-conversion. In Acts 13:52 we read that Christians, evidently young in their faith, were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. This experience could have been at conversion or around the time of conversion.
Max Turner in The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts argues that it is a mistake and a misunderstanding of the New Testament teaching to insist that receiving the Spirit is a discernible experience and to assume that the moment of the Spirit's coming upon a person must be consciously perceived. Max Turner contends that the actual need for a second crisis experience of appropriation of the Spirit (under whatever name) rests on a misunderstanding. He sees, in essence, the creation of a set of false experiential dualism and the absolutizing of one of them. Such an experience, MT believes, is by no means the only way to spiritual empowering. For many this comes instead as a gradual series of growth experiences, nor is this experience a paradigmatic and normative way for Christians.
It is the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives that counts. We cannot always explain and prove how He moves, but like the wind we know when He does. He leaves a trail of construction!
For me, I find this prayer helpful:
Lord, I may have been filled with the Holy Spirit, but I leak. I leak frequently. O Lord, fill me again, and keep me wanting to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Keep me aglow and willing to see Your gifts of grace manifest in the Church of God, among Your people, united by the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace. Lord, I wish to see Your goodness and loving kindness in many ways and in mighty acts that bring You glory, honour and praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Thursday 29 May 2014
An Away Day at the National Trust's Scotney Castle, House and Estate
May is a lovely time to visit Scotney Castle, House and Grounds in the garden of England, viz. Kent. Although it was half term week with good weather, which draws the crowds, the beautiful NT property is a pleasure to behold. The last Spring glory of nature makes the trip even more enjoyable.
I have not been to Scotney for many years. On my last visit the house was not open to the public. It was agreed that the NT should take over the extensive property and grounds in the late 1950s, but while Betty Hussey was still alive the house should remain off limits to NT members.
Since 2007 the house has been open for viewing, as Betty Hussey died in her 99th year earlier in the decade. She gave instructions that the house should be shown as she lived in it. And today it retains her personal touch and taste. It is as if she has just left for a holiday and everything is in place for her return.
Her husband,Christopher, was editor of Country Life magazine in the 1930s and during the early years of the Second World War.
I understand that Betty helped him by taking photographs of selected country houses for magazine articles.
He died in 1970, so she was a widow for well over 30 years.
I have not been to Scotney for many years. On my last visit the house was not open to the public. It was agreed that the NT should take over the extensive property and grounds in the late 1950s, but while Betty Hussey was still alive the house should remain off limits to NT members.
Since 2007 the house has been open for viewing, as Betty Hussey died in her 99th year earlier in the decade. She gave instructions that the house should be shown as she lived in it. And today it retains her personal touch and taste. It is as if she has just left for a holiday and everything is in place for her return.
Her husband,Christopher, was editor of Country Life magazine in the 1930s and during the early years of the Second World War.
I understand that Betty helped him by taking photographs of selected country houses for magazine articles.
He died in 1970, so she was a widow for well over 30 years.
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Dedham
River Stour
