Beyond the carnal and the usual there is a spiritual warfare

 The weapons of spiritual warfare are not carnal and there is wickedness in high places. Evil exists and it thrives when good people do nothing, look the other way and pass on by without care or concern. 

When Jeffery Epstein's properties were raided it was well known that tapes, videos, films and surveillance footage were in many places.  All the files have not been released. Lame excuses have been given and it is suspected that powerful people are being protected. They are no doubt wealthy, influential, wily worldly individuals with immense power.  Darkness and dastardly deeds are expected to be revealed on the films and in the files etc. But will they ever see the light of day? Probably not because the dark ones have the power and influence to prevent the exposure. Powerful people in high places are not allowing the truth to come out. Their reach is far, wide and deep.

Some properties associated with Epstein have not been fully investigated and neither have key associates who worked closely with his sex trafficking operation been arrested or revealed.  

It is amazing that such a sophisticated sexual criminal enterprise has yielded so few perpetrators.

I sense that there is something diabolical behind the whole Epstein criminal affair.

So which Charles do we believe? Both are adulterers and probably liars too.

King Charles III, his majesty, and Charles Spencer,  formerly Viscount Althorp now 9th Earl, see details of the death of dear Diana very differently.  Both are now reaping the serious consequences of adultery and immorality. We reap what we sow, and when we sow seeds of carnal sins, such as adultery, then we shall reap corruption. Galatians 6: 7-8 teaches us that sin, heinous sins, have dire consequences.  They are both reaping a harvest of corruption and unhappiness, without blessing and peace. There is no peace for them in their present condition. Roots of bitterness are continuing to grow within their souls. Hebrews 12:15 applies. 

The Madness of Sarah Mullally ?

There are calls for the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, to resign over her disastrous decision to give the Hubert Walter award to a prominent Muslim cleric from Pakistan who supports sharia law and vile blasphemy laws which are used to persecute Christians in Pakistan. He also supported Bin Laden. The treatment and persecutions of Christians in Pakistan are horrendous. They have been well documented by Open Doors and Barnabas Aid. The Pakistan legal system is woefully corrupt, and mobs have killed Christians.

The appearance of the wife of this Muslim leader dressed in a fully covered body by Burka is an insult to Lambeth Palace's Christian values and tradition.

This award to the Bin Laden supporter was at the time of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He has not been known for acts of reconciliation and building bridges. He has never condemned jihadism, Islamic terrorism. On his watch Christians have been suffering painful persecution. His track record is dreadful.

 

What a failure of judgment. 

Does Hell exist?

 I have been thinking about death recently and what happens when we die. Memento mori. It is poignant in view of those dear friends and colleagues from my youth and student days who are no longer here, being dead and in eternity. Some have died recently.

There are those who claim to have had experiences of the afterlife, glimpses of paradise and heavenly encounters, angelic visitations.  I have reservations about these claims, but hope that folk have their reservations in a mansion prepared by the Lord, as mentioned in John 14:2-3. These abodes must be magnificent. Another relevant passage would be 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.  Deep mysteries above and beyond our pay grade?

So do those who are lost, those rejected by God, (who says Depart from Me, you cursed), send folk to hell?  It would appear so, according to Jesus' teaching on Gehenna in the Gospel. It is a place of torment, Luke 16:33, weeping and wailing, gnashing of teeth, (Matthew 13:32) deep regret and separation from God. Jesus spoke uncomfortable words about eternal fire, unquenchable fire, outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).  

How could there be outer darkness if there is eternal fire? Well if you are blind you would know that there could be darkness even when there could be fire all around you. The spiritually blind in hell would be aware of their torment in the eternal fire in that dreadful darkness.

Some years ago I wrote in a journal, Hell exists.  It is not a torture chamber constructed by a despot. It is a place of regret, of weeping and wailing, of sadness and despair. It is a place where sins and the consequences of sins are felt, experienced and painfully known. It is a place where the sinner understands and realizes their folly, stupidity and failure. The people of Hell gnash their teeth when they see their sins and selfishness destroying them. Hell is hopelessness, existing without God.

Now I may be wrong about Hell. I may see this important issue incorrectly. But I believe that it is in the Gospel message,  that we are all  hell deserving sinners that Christ has come to seek and to seek, to redeem us and keep us away from the dreadful end. By His grace He has brought salvation, eternal life to all who respond to Him in repentance and regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:8-10. John 3:16.

For me, the crucial question is, where will you spend eternity?

What happens when Christians die?

 I recently saw the funeral service and thanksgiving for the life of Dr Max Turner on YouTube. I remember Max when he was strict librarian at London Bible College in the 1970s, when I was an undergraduate.

I read much later his theological writings on Luke/Acts, the Holy Spirit and charismatic issues. Spendid scholarship.

As a New Testament scholar Max was magnificent, so I was particularly interested to hear his views on the afterlife when they were shared at the service on 3 September. His daughter read from his message given at a funeral for a relative.

Max believed that when a Christian dies they go to paradise, "the Eden garden of peace...all awaiting our resurrection...before that explosive day of resurrection. "  Quoting from Martin Luther, Max believed that we shall rise in a moment and be with Him for ever...not knowing how we came into death in that glorious peace.

Deep serene sleep, that wondrous sleep, total rest would therefore be experienced.  Some would call this soul sleep until the Great Day of the Lord, Yom Yahweh.

27.09.26. Yet the thief in paradise with Jesus would have been conscious and in fellowship with Jesus. Absent from the body on the cross but present with the Lord, enjoying His presence?

Did the Charismatic Movement of the late 20th Century fail?

 I once discussed this question with an elderly Canon of the Cof E. His answer at that time was that the charismatic movement failed to be charismatic enough, in failing to allow the Holy Spirit to bring more charisma, more spiritual gifts and graces. It failed at times to be genuinely charismatic and truly manifest the power and the provision of God.

Sadly the charismatic movement produced some leaders who were self serving and self aggrandizing. It is also produced some Word of Faith hucksters who preached prosperity theology and also some tele-evangelists who made false claims about healings, miracles and how wealth should be acquired.  Some leaders associated with the charismatic movement abused their positions of authority and influence. There were sexual scandals, false prophecies and wicked manipulation of young people. The horror stories and evidence of these sad scandals and sexual sins are recorded on YouTube videos.  These vile acts were perpetrated by well established preachers and prophets.

Some people began to identify as post charismatic because they had been harmed by their experience of charismatic Christianity. They were clearly scarred emotionally and spiritually. The wounds were deep and devastating.  It spelt disaster for some of these high profile preachers and prophets.  There is still a lot of fall out and ongoing problems as a result of these malignant ministries.

Despite the damage and these disasters in the charismatic movement, there are thousands of Christians throughout the world who can testify to the value, benefits and blessings of charismatic renewal, genuine charismatic experience.  They would say that the Holy Spirit has led them in spiritual realms, into a deeper reality of Christian living. This may be manifested in spiritual gifts, in healing, in holiness and a closer walk with the Lord, and often a new boldness in sharing and declaring their faith, power to live the Christian life as God intended. 

Holy Communion is more than a remembrance

 Holy Communion, also known as the blessed sacrament, the Lord's supper, is more than remembering that Jesus Christ died for us. It is far more than reflecting on what he accomplished on the cross at Calvary. 

It is fellowship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in participating in a love feast, a time of celebration.

In the Holy Communion service, the Eucharist, the giving of thanks, there should be:

confession

contrition

connection.

But there may not be because the service of Holy Communion is rushed, rapidly conducted without due care and attention, without due diligence.

According to Corinthians, the Eucharist, the Lord's supper should never be taken lightly or without discernment.  It is for God's people to participate in a holy event, a sacrament, a divine encounter, a proclamation. 1 Corinthians 11: 23-34 explains the majesty of this mystery, this sacrament of grace.

Continued on 12 September 

To expand the three points, confession, contrition and connection, I would say that they come together in communion, in fellowship, in koinonia with the triune God. His children are welcome to the table of blessing. It is a time of worship and wonder, when we are able to participate in a holy event, a divine encounter.

God is holy and almighty, a consuming fire and faithful Lord. Therefore He should be approached with reverence and awe. Confession is appropriate. We should confess our sins and seek His forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful and just in cleansing us from all unrighteousness through Christ Jesus. 1 John 1:9 applies. Some find the words of the General Confession helpful, even necessary.

That brings us to contrition. This is more than being sorry for our sins. Criminals in prison are sorry for the mess that they have done and the pain that it has caused family, friends and fellow criminals, but there is no repentance or contrition. And this can be true of people at church, who may have no intention of changing their lives, habits, harmful devices and desires. Contrition means a commitment to change and putting away everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1.

So the third point is connection. Do we in Holy Communion connect with God? Are we in fellowship with Him? Do we find intimacy and enjoy the amazing grace, hesed, abundance and benefits of His love. 

I shall conclude with the words of Lord in Revelation, the Apocalypse, 3:19-20

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

Look here! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come right in and I will dine with him, and he with Me.

Authority in the church: where does it come from?

 I have often pondered the question of where does authority come from in the church?

It raises the old chestnuts about male authority, leadership, eldership, bishoprics, overseers, management, hierarchy etc.

Some would argue that the main issue is biblical authority. Others would put tradition as normative. Many would say that God is the ultimate authority and we should therefore find out what His will is on all matters of authority.

So we get into the issues of interpretation, understanding texts, established rules and regulations, what is considered best practice, historical precedence or tradition.

Now I would argue that authority comes with wisdom, knowledge and ability, especially when there is evident talent, gifts (spiritual, natural and acquired through skills). Some people have charisma, a self assurance and confidence in their ability that gives them authority. Strong personalities often gravitate into leadership positions, and the loudest voices of the determined wish to control and command. This becomes a problem when status, money and influence/connections influence the church agenda. I would argue that this is unhealthy because leadership in the church should be related to spirituality and a godly life.

In some churches the control and the agenda are managed by an elite, an oligarchy.  Sometimes a diaconate or eldership can be controlled by a small group of like minded people, usually dominated by men, who ensure that only those who agree with their views have any say or influence in the church. In some case this leadership could be mainly under the control of a few family members and relatives. 

In some non-conformist leadership teams the positions of authority are in practice only open to folk in certain professions and positions in the community.  The diaconate would be the preserve of the senior managers, the solicitors, professional middle classes and above, officer class and people who have high status or standing in the community. Some church livings were in the gift of the local or even far away lord and lady of the manor, the dean of a college, a guild or some generous benefactor, as I understand it.  Worldly, carnal considerations therefore contaminate the church leadership.  

I wish to argue for leadership in the church according to spirituality, lives without reproach, and with the talents, skills, abilities to move hearts and minds in and into the Kingdom of God.  Authority would come from those who possess, those who have been recognized by God's people , to have these gifts.  

Those who exercise spiritual gifts and graces have an authority from God, because their gifts and graces have the touch, power, authority and energy of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the counterfeit can occur, but the test of time and the fruits of ministry will show what is genuine, sincere, spiritual (the work of the Holy Spirit).  Jesus will be uplifted and glorified. The results may not be apparent in time but they will be revealed in eternity.  The questions is: does this ministry produce work, fruit of eternal quality?

If someone is gifted and highly talented in teaching the Word of God, with an established theological education, according to some traditions, that does not give them authority to preach or minister, especially if they are female.  I know of some churches where the men would walk out if a woman went into the pulpit. It is fine for her to give a testimony or share an experience of spiritual growth but under no circumstance should she preach or expound the Bible, even if she has written books and published papers of theological significance. So if a man as a preacher in the pulpit  read from this woman's work and passed it off as his sermon then that would be allowed, would it not?  Some would say this is unacceptable because it is in effect "sermon theft," something that CH Spurgeon was accused of when he used another man's sermon.  There have been many cases of preachers using, and abusing, the sermons of other preachers without acknowledging the fact.

So back to the questions of authority.  I contend strongly that authority in church leadership comes with spirituality, gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, manifested with wisdom, knowledge and evidence of divine blessing. Is there fruit, evidence of spirituality?

It often comes with respect and integrity.  Sometimes this takes years to acquire and develop. Authority is undermined if there is mendacity, dishonesty, greed, deviance and pride. Ministries have collapsed when certain evil deeds have come to light. The position that they once held dear has been removed and their authority with their established status is taken away. Certain high profile leaders in the USA have been exposed by investigative journalists and bloggers. The hypocrisy is sometimes incredible. Certainly amazing and troubling.

In some churches they are sacked and disgraced. In other churches they can be reassigned and hidden way in some low profile position, a college library or Craggy Island (Father Ted) type situation.  Cover ups can occur and damage limitation.  It may amaze God's people how far some organizations and church groups will go to preserve reputations and ministries in which a great deal of money, time and energy have been invested.

Does authority collapse or disappear when someone has committed a serious sin, such as adultery, fornication/lascivious sex, sexual deviance such as sex with minors,  rape, fraud, unprovoked physical violence, to name some of them? It seems that when reproach, reprobate behaviour and reprimands are forthcoming then there must be removal from ministry, often indefinitely with no chance of restitution to positions and places of access to the flock. Restitution is an important issue when there is repentance and true contrition.  Can the reproach and loss of respect and reputation be restored again?  Tough question and a soul searching exercise for the church.

John Bunyan is a great example of incarnated authority. He was not an educated man by colleges or academic intuitions, but wonderfully self educated and learned in the Word of God, in puritan theology.

He did not have a license to preach or to officiate in the established church. In fact, he fell foul of the ecclesiastical and secular authorities and was imprisoned for his non-conformity.  Religious leaders were instrumental in the crucifixion of Christ.  And religious leaders in the Anglican Church persecuted Bunyan. He suffered for his faith, his testimony to the truth of God's Word, in the face of religiosity. Yet he did not compromise and kowtow to those in authority. This authority was certainly not godly, gracious or good for our land.  

Bunyan was a Baptist preacher without formal theological training, yet he wrote magnificent literature, ministered to a small flock in the Bedford area and was recognized for his pastoral gifts, his ability to move hearts and minds.  When he preached folk were born again by the work of the Holy Spirit and brought closer to the Saviour. Bunyan advanced the Kingdom of God. He had true godly authority, an authority from God that is appreciated to this day.

Into the Hall of Shame?

 When it comes to red cards, serious vicious fouls, yellow cards, there is one football player who is the prime offender, certainly when it comes to La Liga and Champions League games.  He had been accused of employing the dark arts during tackles and physical contact on the pitch.  Dare we mention his name?  Some of his offences during games are legendary and offensive. He was a leader and won many battles, many trophies, and he was lucky, which is necessary in sport. But was he a good sport who played fair?

Public Protection is a huge concern

With violence on our streets in Middlesborough and callous criminal invaders, illegal immigrants and other dangerous dudes who should be incarcerated, the British public should be concerned about public protection. 

 The case of Ibrahim Albashir highlights the massive failures in allowing such an evil madman to commit crimes that should have never occured had the appropriate agencies been diligent, competent and careful in their duties. This dangerous individual violently and vilely carried out crimes that should have been prevented. 

 I hope that case conferences and rigorous enquiries find out exactly how these catastrophic chain of events, crime waves, in Middlesborough and in Leeds put people in danger. Lessons must be learned to avoid these dreadful incidents. Members of the British public have been badly let down.

My Word is My Bond, Dictum Meum Pactum

Dictum meum pactum is the motto of the LSE. No, not the London School of Economics but the London Stock Exchange. One stock broker, a leading partner is a firm trading on the LSE, promised his colleagues that their jobs would be safe after a takeover. Sadly he could not deliver this under the terms of the merger and management agreements. He felt that as he had broken his word, he could no longer live with himself, the shame, the ignomy of not holding to Dictum Meum Pactum. 

He took his revolver, a souvenir of WW2, and shot himself. He had helped a young office boy, who lost his father at the age of ten, who worked hard and showed great potential. When this young man was twenty one this senior partner paid for him to become a member of the London Stock Exchange, which was 1k sterling in 1961. The senior partner also mentored him as a dealer and was very generous when he got married later in the year. It was therefore a great shock when the young broker heard the news of the suicide, the death of a father figure, adviser, man of great integrity and honour. He wanted to repay, to give something back, to achieve, to do something for Bobby Shaw, of Kitchen, Baker and Shaw. 

 And he did by working hard, showing dedication, ambition and commitment above and beyond the average, the norm, the mediocrity and safety first mentality. He had a purpose. He became a highly successful stock broker. One could say it was one for the Gipper. He would keep his word, even if it cost him financially and a better deal could have been won. If he said it, then his word was enough, sure and certain. His word was his bond. This working practice, the high ethical standards, with the necessary talent and financial acumen won him valuable clients. Needless to say he became very successful, weathly and wise, trusted for his honesty, integrity and word of honour. When he died many attended his funeral. Some travelled great distances to pay their respects. He was remembered as a man of his word, who had been a success for Bobby Shaw.

Infantino, it’s time go.

Infantino has been weighed in the balances of public opinion, in the opinion of many footbal associations, leading players, football commentators, journalists, tv pundits and the Prime Minister, and found to be wanting. It was time to go, months ago. His dismissal is long over due.

Infantino fights on despite strong opposition

It is amazing how thick skinned and how relient Gianni Infantino has been in the face of strong criticism, growing opposition, discontent with his decisions and lack of confidence in his management. He is massively unpopular. Fifa would be a lot better without GI, who has brought the GI blues to Fifa, where money and profits rule and reign.

A question for Muslim and Islamic Scholars

It is claimed that Muhammad is the last and the greatest prophet, and the Quran is said by Muslims that it is the true inerrant word of God. My question is: why are so many Islamic countries, who live and have the benefits of Muhammad's teaching and the Quran, barbaric, backward in several aspects, brutal (particularly to women), badly bureaucratic (with so much corruption, economic mismanagement, nepotism, fraud) and badly governed. 

 So many Muslims seem to be proud of their religion but not proud of the way it is practised in Islamic states and majority Muslim lands. They are often eager to leave these lands for Western countries. One might argue it is mainly for economic reasons, but there are others because their own countries, under Islam, are a mess, mucked up. There is high unemployment and unstable working conditions (dreadful health and safety practices). Some would even admit the the criminal justice systems of Western civilization is far superior to what they have experienced in the Islamic world. Some are here as a result of Shia/Sunni tensions and troubles.

 Life is far preferable in England, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada because they have a much greater freedom from forms of persecution, and they can live a better life, a prosperous life, one with a much higher standard of living. The treatment of women is some Islamic countries is beyond the comprehension of Western women. FGM, oppressive dress codes, restrictions in movement and travel, driving and employment, status (being taught that women are inferior and of less value than men) and a whole host of difficulties results in women coming to the West and not wanting to return home to a miserable Islamic way of life. Now I know that not all Muslims agree with the restrictions and these regimes, but the track record of violence, jihadism etc. should be addressed. No mainstream Islamic school of the religion has to my knowledge ever condemned jihad, though Muslims may have condemned certain acts of terrorism. But the prevalance of Islamic terrorism or terrorism in the name of Islam needs to be addressed.

Making a difference

i was deeply moved by Matthew Syed's artcle in his Sunday Times column. in talking about his sister Rebecca, MS writes: whose talents were given wings by a guy from our church called Derek, who could see she was struggling in a complacent system, and who came around to give her free private lessons. He then saw her nail her GCSEs, A-levels, gain a medical degree from Oxford doing research and clinical work. Wow Derek you made a difference.

It’s a grim life under the Taliban

Life is brutish, bleak and miserable in Afghanistan today, especially if you are a woman with the terrible Taliban calling the shots. Seeing on hidden movie cameras the conditions of women and girls trying to be educated secretly in this backward, repressive country is pathetic but even worse are the neo natal hospital care experiences and midwifery provision in Afghanistan. Employment prospects, particularly for females, must be among the worst in the world. This is a prison state. In fact many prisons have better regimes. The future looks grim for many. The present reality is horrendously grim.

Law enforcement has let us down

We see today that the police and the criminal justice system have failed to protect the public from lawless Levy, serial rapist and murderer. His victims are already serving a life sentence of pain and grief. Levy's criminal record, his crimes and rate of offending will go down in history as an enormous failure, which cost lives. There must be a thorough forensic inquiry.

Jason Arday is now on his way

 Jason Arday has resigned from his Cambridge University post. He is now regarded as a woke joke, a figure of ridicule and contempt. Some see this academic farce as a nail in the coffin for diversity, equity and inclusion culture that has plagued HR, recruitment services and education. 

In a sense Jason Arday was a professor for he professed to have qualifications and experience that were evidently false. What a pseudo intellectual!

Infantino following the ways of Blatter?

 Questions are now being asked about Infantino’s management of FIFA.  Is he feathering his own nest? Is he now following in the footsteps of Sepp Blatter? Is Infantino  a money mad Swiss businessman and bureaucrat, a merchant banker? 

Sepp Blatter was accused of corruption and squirrelling away fast funds, doing dodgy deals.

Now the crucial question being posed is whether or not the current FIFA proposals will harm football ? Will FIFA under Infantino cause scorn and contempt bringing the beautiful game into disrepute? 

The game will live on. Many hope it will be without Infantino.

Freddie Sayer RIP

 It was good to see so many people at the graveside and then inside the Hornchurch Methodist church where Freddie worshipped, preached and shared his Christian faith. The church was so full that there was an overflow area in the hall. 

Freddie was respected for his vision for the Hornchurch Passion Play, his work in constructing the cross for the performances on the green by the Queen's Theatre. 

I remember him driving the van down the alleyway at the back of his house, near where I once lived, working into his seventies having lost his pension as the result of someone's wicked act of fraud and greed.

I remember Freddie's sincere commitment to biblical truth and his firm faith which he shared so willingly and winsomely.

I remember his fascinating accounts of working as a welder, even for Stanley Kubrick filming Full Metal Jacket on location in docklands before the Banks and financial services moved in.

Freddie was a lovely man , who with Jenty, moved hearts and minds in Hornchurch.