Grace Assembly 09 8

We have now reached the final day of Assembly. We had a short question time last night but there weren't too many questions. The most interesting being former GP and pastor John Hall from Westerleigh who spoke first, on small group work. First, using Luke 16, John outlined the gospel for us, reminding us of the realities of heaven and hell. He spoke also of the great difficulties of winning people to Christ. How do you survive so many failures? We find comfort in the Scriptures and the examples of Paul and others. Small group work is one way of seeking to do biblical evangelism. Paul was energetic in using various methods including discussions in a lecture hall and from house to house. Small group work is useful in preparing people to get more from the regular preaching. It has been used in the history of the church and can be used in all sorts of ways today.

Available courses. The biggest and best known is the Alpha Course. Some 2 million in the UK have attended courses. The problem is not so much the style but the content. The use of manipulation cannot be denied. A better one is Christianity Explored (formerly Christianity Explained). This Anglican course is again Anglican and does not say anything about who God is. It is Arminian and uses a prayer to pray. John has his own course that has gone through various incarnations being simplified on the way. This is now available in booklet form as Christian Basics. It is a systematic presentation (unlike the Biblical theology approach) in 12 lessons. It is available online here. Small group work can be difficult for a small church. There are dangers - psychological pressure, their not coming to church, etc. It is dishonest to use a course you do not agree with. If you are a real Reformed Baptist use that sort of material. The need is obvious. We are living in an age of biblical ignorance. People who don't read especially need help. You may want to do your own course but this is a means. Once again this was a very personal, moving and honest message given with great enthusiasm. One of his best anecdotes was about giving Pink's Sovereignty of God to a woman who went ballistic but was willing to believe what the Bible says. At the close John spoke briefly and warmly of the faith of Christians he knows in Sri Lanka, despite their many troubles.