This was the scene from my window yesterday
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Showing posts with label High Leigh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High Leigh. Show all posts
Grace Assembly 09 9
Our final address was given by Phil Arthur from Lancaster. He began by referring to the case of Dr Lloyd-Jones and his 'crazy' move to Aberafan. Phil can identify having left teaching for a northern backwater. Has he too thrown his life away? It all depends on your view of the local church.He then took us to 1 Timothy 3:14-16. After putting things in context he spoke appropriately on what the church is and what it is for. No doubt much of it was based on what he has preached in Lancaster in the past. Phil's audio sermons on 1 Timothy can be found here.
The church is, of course, God's household, the church of the living God and the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). Phil was eloquent on the importance of the local church. When one is absent from a community the impact is devastating.
was vindicated by the Spirit at many points but especially in the resurrection
was seen by angels, as he ascended, especially
was preached among the nations, beginning at Jerusalem
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory probably not the ascension but the return of Christ.
It was good to be reminded of these vital truths stressing the importance of the local church and calling us to press on in proclaiming the gospel for the honour of Jesus Christ.
The church is, of course, God's household, the church of the living God and the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). Phil was eloquent on the importance of the local church. When one is absent from a community the impact is devastating.
As for what the church is for we turn to verse 16. Paul speaks of the mystery of godliness being great. Mystery here is, of course, God's revealed plan of salvation. In Ephesus they spoke of Diana being great but the really great message to hold up is the gospel, summed up here in six short statements. There is some debate about how the statements for together but the main point is clear - proclaim Christ.
He appeared in a body the incarnation was vindicated by the Spirit at many points but especially in the resurrection
was seen by angels, as he ascended, especially
was preached among the nations, beginning at Jerusalem
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory probably not the ascension but the return of Christ.
It was good to be reminded of these vital truths stressing the importance of the local church and calling us to press on in proclaiming the gospel for the honour of Jesus Christ.
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.
Grace Assembly 09 7
In his second message (on Wednesday night) Martin Grubb looked at the question: What do we long to see God do through our endeavours and what does God need to do to us in order to make us effective in his hands? His answer (looking at Luke 5): We need to learn to break people's hearts from the experience of being broken hearted ourselves.
The story of evangelism in the early church is dominated by two very different men - Peter and Paul. Luke (expanding on other accounts) tells us that Peter began his career of evangelism by being shattered by Christ. This is exactly how Paul began. If we are to break people's hearts, we need to be broken men ourselves. We are talking about conviction of sin.
Here we see Peter's piety. It is an example to us. Martin made six main points about Peter
1. His experience began with trusting Jesus in the face of death
We need to get a biblical idea of death.
2. His experience showed itself by serving the cause of Christ
It's great when people are eager to do something. Will you serve Christ?
3. His experience involved a crisis in obedience
It often affects the areas where we are most competent. It's not easy but we must obey.
4. His experience involved falling on his knees in shame and utter confusion and astonishment
5. His experience involved a fearful forgetting
6. His experience involved trusting Jesus for the future and following him
Such experiences prepare great evangelists,which is what we need. Once again it was a great message full of wonderful anecdotes that we have only sketched rather generally here. It stirred you to evangelise. One of the best was the fear of the Bible shown by people who have seen an atheist Martin knows reading one.
The story of evangelism in the early church is dominated by two very different men - Peter and Paul. Luke (expanding on other accounts) tells us that Peter began his career of evangelism by being shattered by Christ. This is exactly how Paul began. If we are to break people's hearts, we need to be broken men ourselves. We are talking about conviction of sin.
Here we see Peter's piety. It is an example to us. Martin made six main points about Peter
1. His experience began with trusting Jesus in the face of death
We need to get a biblical idea of death.
2. His experience showed itself by serving the cause of Christ
It's great when people are eager to do something. Will you serve Christ?
3. His experience involved a crisis in obedience
It often affects the areas where we are most competent. It's not easy but we must obey.
4. His experience involved falling on his knees in shame and utter confusion and astonishment
5. His experience involved a fearful forgetting
6. His experience involved trusting Jesus for the future and following him
Such experiences prepare great evangelists,which is what we need. Once again it was a great message full of wonderful anecdotes that we have only sketched rather generally here. It stirred you to evangelise. One of the best was the fear of the Bible shown by people who have seen an atheist Martin knows reading one.
Grace Assembly 09 7
This Wednesday afternoon we had our second news session. Simon Calvert spoke again recapping on various issues that have taken up the interest of the Christian Institute since last year. He spoke about the human embryology bill, which thankfully did not include a further liberalising of abortion laws. Other victories include the one over Google regarding advertising and the case of Pilgrim Homes in Brighton who were under pressure from the local authority over the promotion of 'gay' values. In other cases there was less encouragement including some reversals. Other cases are ongoing - the lady who fosters children and saw a child of a Muslim background converted and so was not allowed to continue, the couple in Cornwall who have policy of no double rooms for the unmarried and the pressure they are under from the homosexual lobby, etc, etc. Equality and diversity is the big thing at the moment. The question of churches needing to prove they give public benefit in order to hold charity status was raised. This should not be a problem for most but something like Jews for Jesus may have problems. More here. Ferris Lindsay spoke about the work of the Tyndale Academy. Ferris is a great enthusiast and it is always fascinating to hear him speak about his changing work among children in Newham, East London. The opportunities among Sikhs, Muslims, etc, are great. Barry King is another fascinating and gifted individual, who spoke with simplicity and power on church planting. You need a sower, some seed and some soil and most importantly God's Spirit. It also takes suffering - not an optional extra. The work spoken of last year has continued in Wood Green, the Angel and North Watford. He was able to speak of conversions (in double figures) and believers joining too. He has also been able to be involved in a replant in Halstead, Essex and another new work in Eton Bray, Bedfordshire. He has also begun to be involved in a replant in Runcorn, which begins in June. Chelmondiston and Albert Street, Oxford, are also in his sights - not to mention the growing work in Gillingham. A nice element here was that another group elsewhere in Gillingham has been started and it is planned that these two groups can be joined together and act as an independent local church. Brian Ellis spoke next on the work in the Philippines. He chose to focus not on CCM or street work but the Grace Ministerial Academy and ancillary work. He must have spoken of a score of churches being pastored by graduates and others. It is amazing what is being done. He also mentioned Carey Outreach Ministries. What opportunities there are. We briefly rounded off with John MacDonald (GBM) on China, Brazil and Kenya and Martin Leech (EMF) on Palma, Mallorca concerns over accreditation for the Bible School and the matter of persecution. Great session. Very stimulating.
Grace Assembly Business
Messengers from around 40 or so churches attended the Assembly with somewhere over 80 people present. Some 90 churches show an interest in the Assembly altogether. Seven London churches were represented, four from Yorkshire, three from Manchester, three from Suffolk and two each from Gloucester, Hants, Lancs and Wilts. Also represented were 18 other areas in England plus Dundalk and Cubao, Philippines.
We had our business meeting after lunch on the Wednesday. It was nice not to be chairing the meeting, my term as chairman now being over. Graham Field chaired. We have become more organised in recent years and so beside reports on numbers and finance, etc, we re-elected Graham, Dennis Gamston and Jack Jenner. We also agreed to have Philip Tait (Hardwick Baptist, Stockton-on-Tees) on the steering committee.
We have agreed to meet again next year in Swanwick on May 25-27, 2010.
We had our business meeting after lunch on the Wednesday. It was nice not to be chairing the meeting, my term as chairman now being over. Graham Field chaired. We have become more organised in recent years and so beside reports on numbers and finance, etc, we re-elected Graham, Dennis Gamston and Jack Jenner. We also agreed to have Philip Tait (Hardwick Baptist, Stockton-on-Tees) on the steering committee.
We have agreed to meet again next year in Swanwick on May 25-27, 2010.
Grace Assembly 09 6
The conference here is called 'Good news for a dying world'. The second morning session was led by Mick Lockwood from Haworth in Yorkshire. He had four things to say to us on reaching the unreached.
1. Motivation
1. Motivation
He spoke first of Ed converted through Hal Lindsey's Late Great Planet Earth who saw four people converted in weeks by badgering people. Why all that happened was that he knew the truth and further he was moved by the love of God and a desire to serve him. It is all about being like Jesus Christ. Love is the key here. Christ's passion for sinners is central. Without love to sinners we cannot be like Christ.
2. Luke 10
1 It is a matter of appointment - God wants you to do this work. How humbling and what an incentive.
2 There are more than we may expect.
3 We are not to work alone but with others - ministers must do this
4 We should think in Parish terms - we are to proclaim the Word where the Lord has placed us. We go with the prayer that where we go the Lord will come.
5 The importance of prayer and dependence on God
6 There are many bleak predictions today and we can feel fearful. That's when we are ready - we are lambs among wolves.
7 We do not need mega resources
8 When we go out we look for the person of peace, the sympathetic person
9 We have a message of peace in the gospel
10 Assimilation is important
11 We cannot do miracles but we can do people what good we can
12 There is also a need to warn those who refuse to accept the gospel
of the judgement
3. The basis for our joy
There is joy in seeing gospel success but rather we should rejoice in our salvation in the world to come. Jesus himself rejoices in the sovereign choice of God. We should join in that rejoicing. To say this is not to go off topic but to see that in evangelism today we need to remember God's mysterious ways. By way of example here he told how someone had complained that they were brainwashing school children in their schools work. The upshot was that the area RE advisor (a Hindu) looked at things and recommended more Christianity leading to greater opportunities.
4. Opportunities
Rather than aping each other we need to look to the Lord and see what he would have us to do. Doors open, doors close.
Great stuff!
2. Luke 10
1 It is a matter of appointment - God wants you to do this work. How humbling and what an incentive.
2 There are more than we may expect.
3 We are not to work alone but with others - ministers must do this
4 We should think in Parish terms - we are to proclaim the Word where the Lord has placed us. We go with the prayer that where we go the Lord will come.
5 The importance of prayer and dependence on God
6 There are many bleak predictions today and we can feel fearful. That's when we are ready - we are lambs among wolves.
7 We do not need mega resources
8 When we go out we look for the person of peace, the sympathetic person
9 We have a message of peace in the gospel
10 Assimilation is important
11 We cannot do miracles but we can do people what good we can
12 There is also a need to warn those who refuse to accept the gospel
of the judgement
3. The basis for our joy
There is joy in seeing gospel success but rather we should rejoice in our salvation in the world to come. Jesus himself rejoices in the sovereign choice of God. We should join in that rejoicing. To say this is not to go off topic but to see that in evangelism today we need to remember God's mysterious ways. By way of example here he told how someone had complained that they were brainwashing school children in their schools work. The upshot was that the area RE advisor (a Hindu) looked at things and recommended more Christianity leading to greater opportunities.
4. Opportunities
Rather than aping each other we need to look to the Lord and see what he would have us to do. Doors open, doors close.
Great stuff!
Grace Assembly 09 5
After a morning prayer time and breakfast we assembled for our first session of the day 'Bunyan the Baptist'. The speaker was Oliver Allmand-Smith from Ramsbottom.After a very brief introduction touching on Bunyan's greatness he referred to the 19th Century book by William Urwick containing the essay suggesting Bunyan was not a Baptist. (Bible Truths and Church Errors). Urwick's evidence is fourfold.
1. His baptism was in infancy and not as an adult. There is no evidence of his being baptised as a believer.
2. All his treatises on the subject against Baptists rather than for.
3. The way he and his church were treated by Baptists show he was not one of them.
4. He had his infant children baptised in the C of E.
This seemingly formidable body of evidence was easily answered. There is no record of Bunyan's baptism but there are almost no records of anyone else in the church being baptised. Bunyan considers infant baptism a sin though one to which he showed great toleration. The Baptist historian Thomas Armitage tackles the question of Bunyan having baptised children and points out that where such records are found they are incorrect and spring from confusion. Bunyan was a Baptist. His anti-Anglican writings show how unlikely it might be for him to have his children baptised in the Church of England. Bunyan's church was very strict with people who had dealings with the Church of England.
Having said this it is clear from Erwick that Bunyan was not in line with the Baptist view that links baptism and church membership. He refuse to believe that baptism was required for church membership. It, indeed, has nothing to do with the church, according to Bunyan. At one point Bunyan refused to release a Mrs Tilney from membership who wanted to join a church that required baptism for membership and even threatened excommunication.
Bunyan clearly saw baptism as a minor issue. Why? It was not out of weakness or any idea that the NT is unclear on baptism or some sort of ecumenism. Three reasons were proposed:
1. Because of his own conversion and spiritual pilgrimage.
2. Because of his determination to fight what he believed to be the battle of his day against dead religion.
3. Because of his determination to be united with all who were also seeking to fight the same battle.
It was his fear that baptism could promote dead religion that really drove him.
This was a most interesting paper not from a simply antiquarian point of view but raised vital issues for us to consider.
Oliver himself closed with three points
1. To exalt the individual's Christian experience over the corporate life of the visible local church is wrong. Bunyan's mistake is being repeated today minus the depth of experience and commitment that marked him.
2. We must follow the biblical pattern that is seen in Scripture where baptism and local church membership are taught and insisted upon.
3. To promote opposition to dead religion and broader unity at the expense of following the patterns laid down in Scripture for unity among God's people we are in error.
1. His baptism was in infancy and not as an adult. There is no evidence of his being baptised as a believer.
2. All his treatises on the subject against Baptists rather than for.
3. The way he and his church were treated by Baptists show he was not one of them.
4. He had his infant children baptised in the C of E.
This seemingly formidable body of evidence was easily answered. There is no record of Bunyan's baptism but there are almost no records of anyone else in the church being baptised. Bunyan considers infant baptism a sin though one to which he showed great toleration. The Baptist historian Thomas Armitage tackles the question of Bunyan having baptised children and points out that where such records are found they are incorrect and spring from confusion. Bunyan was a Baptist. His anti-Anglican writings show how unlikely it might be for him to have his children baptised in the Church of England. Bunyan's church was very strict with people who had dealings with the Church of England.
Having said this it is clear from Erwick that Bunyan was not in line with the Baptist view that links baptism and church membership. He refuse to believe that baptism was required for church membership. It, indeed, has nothing to do with the church, according to Bunyan. At one point Bunyan refused to release a Mrs Tilney from membership who wanted to join a church that required baptism for membership and even threatened excommunication.
Bunyan clearly saw baptism as a minor issue. Why? It was not out of weakness or any idea that the NT is unclear on baptism or some sort of ecumenism. Three reasons were proposed:
1. Because of his own conversion and spiritual pilgrimage.
2. Because of his determination to fight what he believed to be the battle of his day against dead religion.
3. Because of his determination to be united with all who were also seeking to fight the same battle.
It was his fear that baptism could promote dead religion that really drove him.
This was a most interesting paper not from a simply antiquarian point of view but raised vital issues for us to consider.
Oliver himself closed with three points
1. To exalt the individual's Christian experience over the corporate life of the visible local church is wrong. Bunyan's mistake is being repeated today minus the depth of experience and commitment that marked him.
2. We must follow the biblical pattern that is seen in Scripture where baptism and local church membership are taught and insisted upon.
3. To promote opposition to dead religion and broader unity at the expense of following the patterns laid down in Scripture for unity among God's people we are in error.
Grace Assembly 09 4
Our final session for the first day was led by Simon Calvert from the Christian Institute who began by making remarks from Romans 1, stressing conscience and the suppression of the truth, elaborate lies. This rotting society needs us to be salt and light.He then went on to update us on various things including the issue of freedom of speech. The victory in 2006 over religious hatred has been followed by debate over the issue of incitement to sexual hatred. A free speech clause has been suggested for the bill but the government doesn't like it and want to get rid of it. It is now before the Lords. We need to be free to say that homosexual practice is wrong (just as we can about other sins).
Then the equality bill brings together laws from the last 40 years and is a massive tome. That is beginning to be debated in Parliament. This is a real battlefield for us. The government are using the bill to make things difficult for Christians. Current exemptions will no longer apply. For example, if the government has its way a church could not specify that a youth worker be heterosexual in practice.
Throughout the stress was on the need for wisdom and prayer. Simon mentioned that he had been with John Mason an SNP MP who is very positive over these things.
By way of question and answer Simon mentioned how the stance that CI takes is that followed by Peter Tatchell, Christopher Biggins and Rowan Atkinson too. There is a lot of misinformation about.
Then the equality bill brings together laws from the last 40 years and is a massive tome. That is beginning to be debated in Parliament. This is a real battlefield for us. The government are using the bill to make things difficult for Christians. Current exemptions will no longer apply. For example, if the government has its way a church could not specify that a youth worker be heterosexual in practice.
Throughout the stress was on the need for wisdom and prayer. Simon mentioned that he had been with John Mason an SNP MP who is very positive over these things.
By way of question and answer Simon mentioned how the stance that CI takes is that followed by Peter Tatchell, Christopher Biggins and Rowan Atkinson too. There is a lot of misinformation about.
Grace Assembly 09 3
After a sumptuous evening meal we assembled again for out third session. On both evenings we are set to hear Martin Grubb who is now in his fifth year of church planting in Charlesworth in Derbyshire near Glossop (based on an old Gadsby chapel). He sought to give us seven encouragements in evangelism that are not dependent on our skill or on our success. Slightly abrasive in style but very warm he gave us seven encouragements. They were:1. The message of the gospel.
The message of the kingdom is a great message as seen in the pictures used in Scripture and the message itself. What a message we have!
2. The example of the first evangelists.
Jesus himself. He was a great preacher who everyone wanted to hear. Peter and Paul and others preached in similar ways. We belong to the same family. He used the illustration of wearing the rugby shirt of a successful side. The heroic age of evangelism should inspire us. We are in that line.
3. The need of the crowd is as great as ever.
Christ had compassion on the people as being like sheep without a shepherd. Who cares for people today? Politicians? Some of his anecdotes were very humorous.
4. The urgency of Christ.
This is seen in Matthew 10 the passage we read. The horizon grows and the urgency continues. Urgency or lack of it is contagious. He again gave a wonderful illustration of lack of urgency. He also spoke of the needs of the gospel here and beyond.
5. The prospect of harvest.
Jesus speaks openly of it. This is the thing to fear not something else. Do I really believe in heaven and hell? Do we really believe he is the Saviour of sinners?
7. The promised rewards.
Even giving a cup of cold water will be rewarded.
This was a really encouraging message.
2. The example of the first evangelists.
Jesus himself. He was a great preacher who everyone wanted to hear. Peter and Paul and others preached in similar ways. We belong to the same family. He used the illustration of wearing the rugby shirt of a successful side. The heroic age of evangelism should inspire us. We are in that line.
3. The need of the crowd is as great as ever.
Christ had compassion on the people as being like sheep without a shepherd. Who cares for people today? Politicians? Some of his anecdotes were very humorous.
4. The urgency of Christ.
This is seen in Matthew 10 the passage we read. The horizon grows and the urgency continues. Urgency or lack of it is contagious. He again gave a wonderful illustration of lack of urgency. He also spoke of the needs of the gospel here and beyond.
5. The prospect of harvest.
It is here in Matthew 10 and in many other places. Sowing, watering, etc, is all fine but we want a harvest. He gave examples of people beginning to come to Christ who he wants to see saved. Surely there ought to be something happening every year. We ought to be more eager.
6. The great danger of hell.Jesus speaks openly of it. This is the thing to fear not something else. Do I really believe in heaven and hell? Do we really believe he is the Saviour of sinners?
7. The promised rewards.
Even giving a cup of cold water will be rewarded.
This was a really encouraging message.
Grace Assembly 09 2
Two or three other conferences are here at the centre. It was nice to bump into Gary Benfold briefly and then later Jim Webber from Lonlas, both here in an FIEC capacity.
Our second session featured Stephen Murphy from Dundalk. Stephen Rees chaired. That gave us a nice opportunity to sing 'Be thou my vision'.
Stephen spoke about the work of the gospel in Eire today. He first gave the history of Baptist work (more here) beginning with the planting of churches in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, etc by Cromwellian troops. In the 18th Century Fuller, Pearce and other English Baptists sent missionaries to Ireland to work among the very poor. In the 19th Century some progress was made also in the north although in the 1840s many of these very poor Christians died or emigrated.
By the 1960s the remaining Baptist churches were all very small. Today, however, a church like Cork is not only thriving but has planted three other churches and wants to plant more. How has this happened? Two unrelated things happened in the sixties that had their impact. Vatican II meant a change in people's attitudes. At the same time the advent of TV showed a world outside where things were different and Catholicism did not predominate.
In 1979 the Pope came to Dublin and 1 million of the three and a half million population gathered for mass. This was the high watermark for Catholicism. Since then various scandals have had their effect and church going is much less than it was. Against this background things have changed. The Charismatic movement within Catholicism has had an impact in leading people to see the importance of experience and reading the Bible. Similarly ecumenism (again not something we would see as wholly positive) has had a significant impact.
Another significant but mixed blessing has been an influx of American fundamentalists (not always the most culturally sensitive folk).
All this has led eventually to an indigenous Irish evangelicalism, some of whom are Reformed Baptists. In Dundalk this happened around seven years ago. Others are still working through these things.
Of course, there is still much opposition. The continuing institutionalised power of the Catholic church is one obvious example.
The description was fascinating and here we have given only a summary. What opportunities there are. Questions followed touching on the weakness of the Catholic church, opportunities with radio broadcasting (free!), Kilkenny, Waterford, Clonmel, Aontas, etc.
Our second session featured Stephen Murphy from Dundalk. Stephen Rees chaired. That gave us a nice opportunity to sing 'Be thou my vision'.
Stephen spoke about the work of the gospel in Eire today. He first gave the history of Baptist work (more here) beginning with the planting of churches in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, etc by Cromwellian troops. In the 18th Century Fuller, Pearce and other English Baptists sent missionaries to Ireland to work among the very poor. In the 19th Century some progress was made also in the north although in the 1840s many of these very poor Christians died or emigrated.
By the 1960s the remaining Baptist churches were all very small. Today, however, a church like Cork is not only thriving but has planted three other churches and wants to plant more. How has this happened? Two unrelated things happened in the sixties that had their impact. Vatican II meant a change in people's attitudes. At the same time the advent of TV showed a world outside where things were different and Catholicism did not predominate.
In 1979 the Pope came to Dublin and 1 million of the three and a half million population gathered for mass. This was the high watermark for Catholicism. Since then various scandals have had their effect and church going is much less than it was. Against this background things have changed. The Charismatic movement within Catholicism has had an impact in leading people to see the importance of experience and reading the Bible. Similarly ecumenism (again not something we would see as wholly positive) has had a significant impact.
Another significant but mixed blessing has been an influx of American fundamentalists (not always the most culturally sensitive folk).
All this has led eventually to an indigenous Irish evangelicalism, some of whom are Reformed Baptists. In Dundalk this happened around seven years ago. Others are still working through these things.
Of course, there is still much opposition. The continuing institutionalised power of the Catholic church is one obvious example.
The description was fascinating and here we have given only a summary. What opportunities there are. Questions followed touching on the weakness of the Catholic church, opportunities with radio broadcasting (free!), Kilkenny, Waterford, Clonmel, Aontas, etc.
Grace Assembly 09 1
So here we are back in High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon. This time it is the Grace Assembly Conference. We have been having residential assemblies for some time now and it seems to work well although numbers are slightly down this year. I took the train to Broxbourne via Tottenham Hale then walked to the centre. They say it's two miles but it felt more like four. John and Jean MacDonald gave me a lift the last 5000 yards or so. We began with lunch so it was nice to have time together. I sat next to Philip Tait from Stockton on Tees and Gearoid Marley from Birmingham. There are lots of other familiar and unfamiliar faces here. We also met briefly as a steering committee before the first meeting. Our hosts are Mark and Chris Richards from Chesham. Mark kicked off for us preaching from Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honoured his name. He gave us some background and then made the following points1. The character of the people of God - They fear the LORD. The fear of the LORD was thoroughly with lovely references to the minister visiting the dance in the Lewis Revival of 1959, to Polycarp and to the modern martyr Mehdi Dibaj of Iran. He used that famous quote of Anselm about his devotion to the Lord even to going to hell.
2. The logic or reflex of the people of God - they talk with one another. He interestingly raised the question of whether we should put more time into our marriages given the prevalence of divorce. The people in Malachi's day knew their times and so saw the need to spend time with other believers. We are not in danger most of us of turning into a holy huddle. There is an argument for spending more time with Christians than ever. Obviously this includes things like assembly. Perhaps these are days for special measures such as these.
3. The conduct of the people of God - they respond to their situation by talking with one another He referred to Ephesians 4, Acts 2:42, Acts 12, etc, etc and also to Spurgeon's first sermon on how precious Jesus is to believers.
4. The Lord pays close attention to what they say and records it and does so much more. Moving on to the rest of the verse and beyond Mark then spoke of the blessings God brigs on his people who fear him.
Grace Assembly 09
The programmes for the next Grace Assembly, May 19-21, are now out. Hope you can read some of the detail. (Try double clicking pics).
Grace Assembly 07 Pt 1
It was my privilege to be at the Grace Assembly in High Leigh near Hoddesdon in Hertfrodshire last week. I must confess that I was not over looking forward to it as I've been away quite a bit recently and the numbers attending were lower than expected and it was my duty to lead a business session half way through, a session that has been criticised in the past some (understandably) disliking my muddle through style of approach.
Anyway my father-in-law, Geoff Thomas kicked us off with an appropriate and gentle introductory sermon drawn from Romans 16. After a break in the sunshine and a chance to chat, this was followed by a reports session. This is always a good feature in the programme. Martin Leech spoke about London and Palma, Mallorca, where there has been something of a spurt due chiefly to people coming in from elsewhere. Andrew Murray spoke about the work in Soho and Covent Garden, including the recent baptism. To know of someone slogging away faithfully in a difficult situation can be a real tonic. Different again was the report from Keith Johns at Caterham where over the 24 years, with baptisms practically every year, they have seen steady but sure growth. I've been at Childs Hill about the same length of time and we have seen less growth (barely a baptism a year and lots of barren patches) so I was particularly impressed by Keith's eagerness to give the glory to God and stress that they had done nothing out of the ordinary. Encouraging.
In the evening session Conrad Mbewe from Lusaka, Zambia spoke from Matthew 5 on switching on the light. This was straight preaching of the old fashioned sort and good to hear. There was a late evening session with Mike Judge from Christian Institute but I confess that I headed to bed before that feeling rather tired. At least it meant I was able to be up for the prayer meeting the next morning.
The Thursday morning was divided between Nigel Lacey now in East London speaking (as a Baptist) on the importance of baptism and Robert Oliver, Bradford on Avon, on the importance of being a confessional church and yet uniting with others. it was clear from discussion that these topics were appreciated. There are few fora where such matters can be freely discussed.
By now I was feeling a lot less discouraged and looking forward (almost) to the rest of the time.
More to follow.
Anyway my father-in-law, Geoff Thomas kicked us off with an appropriate and gentle introductory sermon drawn from Romans 16. After a break in the sunshine and a chance to chat, this was followed by a reports session. This is always a good feature in the programme. Martin Leech spoke about London and Palma, Mallorca, where there has been something of a spurt due chiefly to people coming in from elsewhere. Andrew Murray spoke about the work in Soho and Covent Garden, including the recent baptism. To know of someone slogging away faithfully in a difficult situation can be a real tonic. Different again was the report from Keith Johns at Caterham where over the 24 years, with baptisms practically every year, they have seen steady but sure growth. I've been at Childs Hill about the same length of time and we have seen less growth (barely a baptism a year and lots of barren patches) so I was particularly impressed by Keith's eagerness to give the glory to God and stress that they had done nothing out of the ordinary. Encouraging.
In the evening session Conrad Mbewe from Lusaka, Zambia spoke from Matthew 5 on switching on the light. This was straight preaching of the old fashioned sort and good to hear. There was a late evening session with Mike Judge from Christian Institute but I confess that I headed to bed before that feeling rather tired. At least it meant I was able to be up for the prayer meeting the next morning.
The Thursday morning was divided between Nigel Lacey now in East London speaking (as a Baptist) on the importance of baptism and Robert Oliver, Bradford on Avon, on the importance of being a confessional church and yet uniting with others. it was clear from discussion that these topics were appreciated. There are few fora where such matters can be freely discussed.
By now I was feeling a lot less discouraged and looking forward (almost) to the rest of the time.
More to follow.
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