The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

Carey Conference 2011 04

Our first session today (Tuesday) was led by Barry King. It was my privilege to chair this session. It's always exciting when Barry shares what he's been doing.
We read from Colossians and Barry began by describing the ministry of Epaphras - an exemplary evangelist.
After describing his work briefly, he made the point that if today we could work at identifying training equipping supporting praying for and holding accountable people like Epaphras we might make more progress than we do. It is not true that such men no longer exist.
He then invited Daniel Shwe to join him on the platform as an example of one. Barry then explained how he came to London from America 9 years ago, chiefly at the beginning, as a better base for ministry in Europe. More and more, however, a burden has grown for London itself.
This involves working with others including Daniel who he introduced as the first person he baptised. Daniel is Karen and is from Burma. His grandparents came to know the Lord through the preaching of Judson. The Karen are 40% Christian but many are nominal as Daniel himself was until he came to faith. Most of his Karen acquaintance are unhappy about this.
At a certain point Daniel approached Barry about giving up his job and working full time as an evangelist. Some were sceptical about this but Barry felt that with his gifts and burden this was the way forward. He then gave examples of how Daniel's evangelism has gone forward. He had a great story of how five years ago at Christmas Daniel brought 52 (!) Chinese students along to church. Some 12 or 15 attended a course using Ultimate Questions and three were converted. The church was able to send a couple to China with these three when they returned. This little group has been growing and Daniel gives them a Bible study on skype every Sunday.
Other examples of great opportunity were given. Barry has a gift for telling his stories in a disparaging and God honouring way but clearly things are happening even in these dark and difficult days. The final story was of Daniel's work in North Watford to which he has now been set aside and where God is blessing.
So once again wonderful and amazing stuff.

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