GOD, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16
As the Cosmos/heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
To find hope in the Ten Commandments may seem a vain one. But God is described as being a jealous God: which implies that as your Creator He is passionate in His love for you, and strongly desires you to be a member of His family. There are two very frightening things about being Human: being made in the image of God, we have been given the responsibility to choose our beliefs - to respond to God's mercy, or not; and we are eternal beings. (A Synagogue Symbol of the Ten Commandments, Wikipedia)
What is often called the Bible in one verse, which was spoken by Jesus:
WE SHOULD, FIRST OF ALL, BE SURE THAT WE ARE SAVED BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST THROUGH HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS.
WE SHOULD THEN BE BAPTIZED IN WATER, RECEIVE THE LORD THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND THEN SEEK TO KNOW WHICH GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN TO US, SO FAR.
Please circulate a link to my Blogs: to your social network, and Church Members. It would be helpful to share with non-Interneters! Occasionally work on the Internet deteriorates - sorry.
Detailed notes follow the chart.
The Browser "Microsoft Edge" gives a right click menu offering an audible reading of all Blogs. Please have a look at the second and third parts of this first Blog; also see my selection of other important subjects.
This is rather long, and in three parts – 174 pages at the last count. You may wish to save it: Click on Edit, Select All, COPY, Open a new My Documents file, Paste, and Save.
Please pray for this mission on the Internet, critique items via my email address – found on Profile, and introduce others to my current Blogs – I do long to reach more people: could you please recommend my Blog to someone, perhaps in another country.
Cf. St Martin's Church Castleton
1. Each member to have printed copy of the notes - suitable for the first meeting or so
2. Members to be asked for their own thoughts on the subject to be studied, and to read Bible references, and the next part of the notes
3. Ask for any interesting experiences, which are related to the subject
4. Encourage any quiet participants to take part, if appropriate
5. The Leader should try to retire into the background
6 Announce the title in advance of the meeting, if possible
7 Each person to have a Bible
At the end or start, of a particular Blog, there are other titles to be immediately accessed.
Control/Ctrl button and f key, will bring up a search rectangle at the foot of the screen to help you find words and subjects in the Blog. Please be free to print copies, and use for Bible Studies, House Groups, sermons, and private study. You will be able to advise and improve on my work. I know there are those who disagree with my findings, but I trust that God will guide us into His glorious truth.
For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose/counsel of God. Acts 20:27, Paul the apostle to the Ephesian Elders.
The Holy Spirit – His gifts to the Church
The chart of the Gifts has been widely circulated over many years, and it should be possible to enlarge and clarify it by left clicking.It is important that we read this list carefully, to see which Gifts the Lord the Holy Spirit has given us, in His sovereign will; also that He expects us to use them earnestly, in an informed way. As disciples of the Messiah, we have a duty to minister to other Believers, and we will be dependent on their services through Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Tucano T1 turboprop training aircraft were coming in to land, one by one – the single powerful headlights sharp in the gloom. The low cloud base would mean the end of flying for the day, for both students and instructors. Suddenly came the roaring crackle of an engine that turned back the pages of history. At a height of just a few hundred feet came a World War II Spitfire fighter aircraft – on its way to a commemorative event. Here was an apt illustration for me: in warfare against modern combat planes, with complete avionics, precision attack and defence systems – the old Spitfire would have been history, in both senses. So for the Christian: the Holy Spirit has brought to the New Testament Church a set of gifts, which today give us supreme tactical advantages.
INTRODUCTION
The curtain is raised
The Church, as a whole, struggles to come to terms with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The different understandings, throughout the Church’s history, would prove a fascinating study in itself; it has never been totally without the gifts. There is much more to the spiritual life besides the gifts – we must try to keep them in perspective; but we are ill equipped for our spiritual warfare, if we ignore them. Even at the beginning of the so-called Pentecostal Movement, there was talk of only “the nine gifts of the Spirit”, and not the twenty listed in the Scriptures. In the following pages I hope you will look at the full range of the ‘Charismata’, and some of the related problems, which face us in the church, because of them! Of course, they are intended to be of help to us, both for one's self and corporately; but essentially to bring glory to God. Derek Prince lists 22 Gifts. Canon David White sees 27: which include Martyrdom, and I think Celibacy. What are the other five? Answers in an email!
2 Corinthians 2:9-13:6 The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
8:8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
13:6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
2Timothy 2:5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.
1 Chronicles 13 tells how King David attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem; but because the details were not followed correctly there was great anger from God!
“Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.” (Genesis 26:18)
This verse has stood-out for me, over many years apropos this subject.
1 Chronicles 13:9 ff; 15:13-15 Keep to the instructions apropos carrying the Ark of the Covenant.
We need to watch, and examine, our use of terms and attitudes in our Christian walk: to see that they conform to the Apostles’ Doctrine and New Testament usage. In my Blog work I will show how the current church use of terms and formulae, does not follow Scripture close enough!
Rev John Wesley wrote in his published ‘Journal’, for Wednesday August 15th 1760:
“By reflecting on an odd book which I had read in this journey, ‘The General Delusion of Christians with regard to Prophecy”, I was fully convinced of what I had long suspected, …. That the grand reason why the miraculous gifts were so soon withdrawn, was not only that faith and holiness were well nigh lost; but that dry, formal, orthodox men began even then to ridicule whatever gifts they had not themselves, and to decry them all as either madness or imposture.”
There is a good current usage for many of the terms employed for the gifts, but in the other instances, I have attempted to project, into the language of our time, the meaning of the original word. To do this, I have born in mind the context, the relationship and possible differences with similar words, and a my own selection of the possibilities suggested by scholars of New Testament Greek. For this, I obviously must take responsibility. If history runs true to form, research can only provide a stepping-stone for others.
In particular, I long respected and have enjoyed the writing of The Rev Canon, Professor Leon Morris, one time Principal of Ridley College Melbourne. He has written admirably, and with great foresight on the subject – especially considering the date of publication (1964), in his book “Ministers of God”, presumably long out of print. He writes:
“But some things are clear. First, we can certainly say that there is no evidence that Jesus ever instituted an official priesthood. There is no record of any ordination conducted by Him. There is no occasion on which He is said to have set up an official ministry to which His followers must give due honour. On the contrary He said specifically ‘All of you are brothers’, and He forbade His followers to call one another ‘father’ or ‘master’ Matthew 23:8-10. The implication of these instructions seems clearly to be that the Christian Church was to be a society of equals, a fellowship in which all are brothers and none has special privileges. But the story does not end there” (p.18).
He looks squarely, and at some length, at apostles; and also devotes a chapter to “The ‘Gifts’ of Ministry”. A truly remarkable theological survey of “Offices” and “Gifts” in the Church; two terms which should be considered definitive.
The illustrations are from my own limited collection. Main biblical passages are referred to; but numerous vignettes are found throughout the New Testament – especially for the Charisms, and the Kerugma (the Gospel Message).
No member of our congregations will be perfect, however great their gifts.
The producer speaks.
Jesus taught us that the spectacular nature of the gifts, should not hide from us something far more important:
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
Similarly, we are reminded in 1 Corinthians 13, that without love, the gifts amount to nothing, and that at best they are transient.
The Giver is always more important than the gift.
The popular modern chorus gives a fine perspective:
“Thank you, O my Father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit –
‘Till the work on earth is done.”
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:10 and 11) Here the main purpose of the grace of God is underlined: to glorify Him. The range of gifts is divided into speaking, and serving. See also: (2 Thessalonians 2:17) “…in every good deed and word,” “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed” (Colossians 3:17).
There is a curious ‘triangular’ connection between the letters that deal with the gifts: 1 Corinthians was written from Ephesus, Romans was written from Korinthos, and Ephesians from Rome – in that order.
The following list is obtained by adding gifts, as they appear sequentially in the four New Testament passages, listed above. The letters of the alphabet indicate the order, in which we shall look at them. Ctrl/f produces a search facility at the bottom left.
We need Character as well as Charisms (Gifts), fruit of the Holy Spirit alongside fullness.
CONSIDERATIONS ORDER [A], ETC. AND APPEARANCE IN THE LISTS:
The last two are the most widely recognised and accepted today: to the point, sometimes, of using them as titles for people!
As I hinted earlier, we have the problem that, because translators and commentators have rarely had a knowledgeable experience of the gifts, there are limitations within the English translations of the Bible, and certainly in theological books and commentaries. For instance, one influential professor of a northern university in the UK, explained Old Testament prophecy in terms of raving Arabic “holy men”. Presumably, this was all he had encountered in his travels and reading.
The “Theological Dictionary of the New Testament”, edited by Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich, translated from the German by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, proves a useful asset – either in the full ten volumes, or as the abridged single volume. Well-worn copies of the full version may be best found in a university or college library. It is affectionately known as ‘Kittel’. Apropos Professor F. F. Bruce: he gave “valuable suggestions and corrections in the course of laborious proof reading… there is some consolation that Dr Bruce in particular has been able to correct not a few errors in the original German”[page x, Vol 1, Editor’s Preface].
Because we are returning to ground rarely studied openly, since the birth of the Church, let us make it our aim to be patient with those of differing opinions and ideas. It is inevitable that some members of the Church Family will have varying views from our own, and travel along different paths; pray that we may listen to what they say, and be willing to change – which is the essential mark of true wisdom (James chapter 3).
There is the question of supporting Christians financially in their work: we need to be very clear about whom we are funding, and why; and who we are appointing, and why. It is the wrong to call people “pastors”, “vicars”, or whatever, and expect them to be apostles, teachers, prophets, and evangelists – in fact with all the gifts times ten to the power of six – and expecting them do all the work. I understand our Lord’s remarks on this subject to imply that there must be no titles, that is, other than Elders, Deacons, and Saints (this latter, being the word for every believer, see: Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 6:10, 13:24; Jude:3 and 14; Revelation 13:7; Paul is not very impressed with the Galatian Church, and does not use the term ‘saints’ – sanctified).
Our Lord’s words on the use of titles: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father’, for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher’, for you have one Teacher, the Christ.” Matthew 23:8-10 (NIV) To require people to use such a title is to compel them to sin, by acting against Christ's teaching. We will answer to God for this.
To require people to address us with titles could well be asking them to act against the Messiah’s teaching: in other words to sin. Secular, academic, or courtesy address, such as: Doctor, Sir, Ma’am, or Professor, are not being referred to by our LORD.
For this reason, in my opinion, none of the gifts should give people a title; indeed, in some situations of outreach, they are a hindrance, both within a friendly country – with religious freedom, but even more so in a hostile nation of another faith (I am thinking of the use of the terms ‘evangelist’ if used in schools’ work, and ‘Pastor’, which makes a person vulnerable to persecution, and a Fellowship easily made leaderless by its enemies).
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Just as the gifts are used as outward signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit – particularly tongues and prophecy, as we see in The Book of Acts – so they are not normally given, until we have first been born again of the Spirit (converted, made a new person in Christ, had our eyes opened, been turned from the power of Satan to the power of God, turned from darkness to the kingdom of light, received forgiveness of sins, and been sanctified by faith in Christ – to use a few of the many terms found in the New Testament).
When King David prayed:
Psalm 51:11 Do not ...take your Holy Spirit from me.
This implies that the Holy Spirit can be given. Jesus is concerned here also: on the Cross He prayed:
Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
For Jesus, God would be Father and Spirit; hence we have a separation of the Persons of the Divinity: a rupture of the Godhead at Calvary.
We are well advised to know what gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us: and what have not been given. In part: what are our responsibilities; and what we need to rely on fellow Christians for! We should be very concerned, as was Paul the apostle, about how we shall need the help of our Brothers and Sisters for the blessing of their gifts upon our lives and work (1 Corinthians 3:5-17; Romans 1:11, and 12, I think Paul was actually referring to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit here, the term being "spirituals" in the Greek, text). Believers may have several gifts – but not all the gifts of course. All believers have gifts: Ephesians 4:7 (GNB), “Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given.”
Some charismata are given with prophecies and the laying on of hands, with numinous experiences, such as visions or dreams, and many without any kind of announcement – other than a growing awareness. At any time, God may sovereignly choose to give a new gift. Dr Billy Graham, when asked why God had used him so greatly, replied: “Shear sovereignty!” Hebrews 2:4 “…gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.”
He will never take them away: “For God’s gifts and call are irrevocable,” (Romans 11:29). This explains the following kind of situation: I heard a fine, accurate and polished teaching sermon given by a man who, although he lived a middle-class lifestyle and served God travelling widely, had failed to repay a loan of many thousands of pounds lent to him by an old man now living in penury – originally to be repaid over ten years. “A man can preach like an angel and live like a devil; and that is the most dangerous kind of man to have around.” (Derek Prince, in a sermon on: “Appoint Elders in every place”) Men and women of very questionable moral character may still find that God blesses their work. Of course, it is the duty of the Church to discipline them, for their own good, and for the general good of the Ekklesia. King Saul still prophesied even when far from God (1 Samuel 18:10-12).
There may also be “seasons” of the soul: when times of great activity are followed by quieter harbours of rest (Psalm 1).
Holiness is closely linked with strong leadership. One only has to look at passages such as Leviticus chapters 19, 20 and 21. This was the great theme of the Methodist Revival. We must not be partakers in people’s sins, by being accessories – in not trying to make them face up to reality. The Paraclete is called the ‘Holy’ Spirit.
The Elders may identify a gift; it is in fact one of the duties of their position. They must instruct about, and encourage, their use. The gifts of one may be employed in making another aware of their anointing. We must talk to God Himself regarding our gifts. His peace in our hearts may make things clear. Paul, even, had to argue fiercely that he did indeed have the calling of an apostle.
With every recognition of a gift, there is the important issue of Dimension. One Believer will serve millions of people, globally: many will minister to one person, individually. When both these men were nearing the end of their lives, I wrote this observation: “Evangelists are a good example of dimension: Dr William Franklin (Billy) Graham has preached to a crowd of a million at one event in Seoul, and to millions at one time via satellite. William Thomason has been a dedicated personal worker, talking to small groups of teenagers in Lancashire mill towns. Both men have been evangelists aiming to use their gift from God, to the full.”
To pastor, may be caring for a third former in the school Christian Union, or serving a senior executive in the House of Commons or in Industry. Such variation may fit almost all the gifts; and of course we should expect to grow, within our limits.
The dimension of our experience of gifts, may relate to our innate, or inborn abilities – not quite the same as our Education – some very clever people have never been to university; and it is nevertheless true that “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (NIV). The variety of ways a gift may be used is also brought out in the passage: 1 Corinthians 12:4-5. This implies that there will be quite different individual and cultural styles and applications; some loud and flamboyant, others quiet and face-to-face. It may be true to say that no limits are set. In the realm of miracles, for example, we may sometimes be greatly surprised by new realms of greatness, and the New Testament is merely indicative. The miracles from Peter’s shadow, or Paul’s sweatbands, are not limiting precedents. As I suggested a few lines earlier, our innate ability will relate to the dimension and our use of the gifts. We are not given an anointing beyond our physical, intellectual, or individual capabilities – of a scale, which would break us. Something rather the converse is true: even if we have been to university to obtain degrees in Theology, there is no guarantee of any particular gift of the Spirit.
As Paul points out that there are not only varied services, but different kinds of “working”: we might think of people who use their gifts in academic circles, in flamboyant television programmes, an isolated primitive village community, a dilapidated urban parish, or in the atmosphere of the upper class and the diplomatic corps. One Christian Brethren Elder always travelled First Class: that was the Evangelist’s calling he had received.
The gifts are not given so that we can show off to our friends, or hammer people we do not like, or even embarrass the Congregation: they are given to help those around us. All charisms are given for the service of the Fellowship – they are dependent on our gifts. Paul uses the analogy, in the first Corinthian letter, of the Church being like a human body: to show that each part is vital to the rest. He may have had in mind two features of Korinthos at the time. On the north side of the city, against the inner wall, was the large open area of the Gymnasium, where the city’s finest athletes could be seen each day developing their prowess. Immediately to its east, was the Asklepieion (the Medical Centre). Here there was the curious practice of votive offerings: as a form of prayer, or of thanksgiving, very accurately sculptured models of the sickly parts were hung in the portico – some rather frank and embarrassing. Today they are displayed in a special room in the Main Museum at Ancient Korinthos. What a contrast between the lifeless dismembered parts in the Asklepieion: and the highly developed living bodies in the Gymnasium!
Numerous gifts have common areas, for example: the anointings for healing, miracles and faith. Unless you had additional information, you would not necessarily know which the Lord had employed in the healing of a sick person. Counselling could mean the use of almost any one, of the twenty!
With our gift, or gifts, we will need educating, through study of the Scriptures, experience, and teaching. A very angry lady once told a Bible Study group, that with her gifts she had received full instructions; fortunately, she was quick to correct herself and apologize, from home over the phone. It is our duty to learn through the careful study of the whole Bible, and available teaching – within the local Church, study books, or attending further education. All members should have access to constant in-service training and instruction; so that there is no such thing as a separation between trained and un-trained Christians.
A close walk with God is vital; in order to know His sovereign will in the using of our anointing. However wonderful the power may be, God is still Sovereign. In conjunction with this, we can always rely on His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-24).
Each of us must know how to seek God’s will in everything. The primary guidance is Scripture, common sense is often the obvious – but not worldly wisdom, or we may be required to turn to the gifts themselves. When all else fails, there is the importance of His peace ruling in your heart: “Let the peace of Christ rule [umpire] in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”(NIV) It was appropriate for me that his truth was taught by Wing Commander Anderson of the Royal Air Force, and the Officers Christian Union, in Wimbledon – the home of Lawn Tennis, with its umpires and line judges (my boss played in the opening round of the Championships, each year). God’s peace in our hearts being a means of guidance relates quite closely to the Urim and Thummim of the High Priest’s equipment – in the times of the Tabernacle and the Temple. A small pouch, carried by the High Priest over the heart, probably contained two stones: one meaning “Yes”, the other standing for “No”. Even the King would seek the will of God, through the High Priest, using this method. Questions had to be asked to obtain “Yes” or “No” answers – unless, for some good reason, no answer was given at all. It was a binary system, if you like. The first enquiry in this “binary logic” would seem to be: “May I ask for guidance?” It is amazing to find quite mature Christians who are sometimes quite at sea regarding God’s will for their lives. (Colossians 3:15; 1 Samuel, 30:3-8; 2 Samuel, 2:1, 5:19)
Natural ability, or occupation, may confuse us slightly. Two men I knew, who certainly did not have the gift of “pastor”, were skilled sheep rearers. A bank manager may not have the anointing of administration; a schoolteacher may not be called to teach doctrine within the Congregation.
Spiritual callings should, however, be used in all aspects of life: including secular occupation (if there is such a thing for a Believer, because all is done for God), as well as in the special life of the Ekklesia. Notice how the gifts of the Spirit are used in Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner, in the closing chapters of Acts.
There are those in the Church today who believe, on the basis of an unlikely interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, that the gifts are now finished with – apart from a few, such as evangelist, pastor, and Giving, which they still, with a show of irrationality, happen to believe in. Firstly, the passage portrays two states of human experience, one imperfect and the other perfect: clearly referring to this present life, and then to the perfection of the Kingdom of Heaven in its fulfilment – at the Lord’s Coming in Glory. Surely there can be no misunderstanding: this life has the sub-standard prophetic witness, tongues, and knowledge of this present world; we look, however, for the perfect: when “we shall see face to face” and “I shall know fully, even as I am known (by God)”. This false argument suggests, however, that the Scriptures – about to be completed within a few years of 1 Corinthians being written – are the “perfection”; but we can hardly claim to “know fully, even as I am known”, yet. Romans 8:24-26
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Secondly, there is a self-destructing argument here. If the Bible is seen as “that which is perfect”, and prophecy, tongues and knowledge, will immediately become obsolete, huge passages of the New Testament would also be rendered obsolete, and by definition imperfect: because they deal in considerable detail with these three aspects of Church life!
Several passages in Revelation make it quite clear that more is still to be made known at Christ’s return.
In the year 55 AD – or sometime in the period 53-56AD, when Paul wrote to the Corinthians from Ephesus, the Old Testament had been written for over four hundred years: four fifths of the Scriptures were available to Paul and the Church.
Finally, there is a misunderstanding of the legal nature of Scripture. Scripture is called “the Law of God”, “statutes”, and “the precepts” (Deuteronomy 8:11); as I understand this, only God Himself can amend these Laws, and only in the most formal, overt and obvious way. At one time, I worked in an office, which was responsible for placing amendments to military law. There were deletions and additions, but all changes were clearly announced. The Bible is no less important. We see the solemnity of our Lord’s amendments to the Law, in the Sermon on the Mount. This leaves no place for those who want abrogations in the NT like the two hundred or so found in the Qur’an during its mere twenty years of production. Some scholars attempt to create a complex matrix of an evolving theology, built on the time of writing along the lines: that because Paul wrote Romans after Thessalonians, we can therefore expect some kind of hidden amendment. This style of argument is an insult to the Mind of God: as though He were slowly thinking out The Truth, during the sixty years of New Testament production. The point of chronology is never a major issue in the Letters of the New Testament – it only vaguely becomes apparent after careful study, and is useful only in apologetics, and not as a basis for changing Doctrine. When I had responsibility for a military legal document, it was amended only on the highest authority.
A person’s calling may be limited for very good reasons: Paul was not to baptize converts (even though he believed in the correctness of it), Philip did not pray for the Holy Spirit to fall on the new Believers at Samaria (1 Corinthians 1:13-17, Acts 8:14-25).
THE MOST ACCEPTED GIFTS
DETAILED NOTES ON EVANGELISM AND EVANGELISTS
See also Romans 10:8-13; 2 Timothy 2:8; and Hebrews 6:1-2.
Suffering for our Faith may range from discrimination at work, and hostility from family, neighbours, law enforcement, judiciary, media and the arts, to Martyrdom. Martyrs are to expect special grace, and great joy - as has been observed. The moment after death, there is rapturous entry into Heaven, and the Martyr is the envy of all the faithful in Glory.
18. An experience of the Holy Spirit - sealing, down payment, baptism in the Spirit, accompanied by some outward and obvious sign. This is not an optional extra! Accepting and believing the Good News is our part; the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is God's part - AND A GREAT SOURCE OF ASSURANCE. The First Epistle of John is well-worth studying for its teaching on the grounds for certainty.
19. Water baptism by immersion
THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY, OBVIOUSLY
Christians are not saved because they are good: they are good because they are first saved.
Here is a simple diagram which can be enlarged and printed. It forms an exercise for you to complete!
Acts 20:21-24 Paul stresses repentance and faith, and three times “serious presentation” in the gospel of grace.
Canon David White (cf St Andrew's Chorleywood, Archive) stresses the main meaning of Sanctification: the continuing work of the Holy Spirit after Conversion; but there is, I think, this special setting apart as the Spirit vitally leads us to faith in the Saviour.
Ladies are particularly mentioned apropos this gift: Psalm 68:11 The Lord gives the word [of power]; the women who bear and publish [the news] are a great host. (Amplified Bible)
POST CONVERSION CARE
1. Talk to God our Heavenly Father about everything – “casting all your care on him, for he cares for you”. Prayer
2. Have regular times of reading the Bible – keep a chart to make certain you read the whole book. Start in several places, to have a ‘balanced diet’. Learn key passages by heart, as the first Christians did. Psalm 117 is a good place to start – the shortest Psalm.
3. Remember Jesus death in taking ‘bread and wine’ – food and drink; prayerfully.
4. Find a good church: Bible believing, and where you can serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus Christ gave His summary, just before His Ascension:
Luke 24:44-49
“This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Gerhard Friedrich writes of Jesus: "His whole life was proclamation of the gospel." Paul is the main user of the term "good news". It is "absolute": the only good news, and an observation with which his readers would be so familiar, as to require no further definition.
"The imperial cult [Emperor worship in the Roman Empire] and the Bible share the view that accession to the throne, which introduces a new era and brings peace to the world, is a gospel for men." (p 725, Vol 2, Kittel) In the New Testament the Lord Jesus is the content of the message, elsewhere this would only be found in the imperial cult.
2 Corinthians 5:(19) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (20)
Think about this: Leviticus 5:1 If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible....
A good exercise is to list the points of departure, or common ground, in Scripture (mainly in Acts), and in our own and contemporary experience.
Matthew 4:23-25, 11:5, 9:35-38, 11:5, 28:18-20
THE
RESURRECTION
The Father,
Son and Holy Spirit all used their power in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
The
Father: Romans 6:4, Galatians 1:1; and in the context by implication: Acts
2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30,33-34; 17:31; 26:8; Romans 5:11; 10:9; 1
Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 2:12; 1
Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 3:20; 1 Peter 1:21
The Son:
John 2:19
The Holy
Spirit: Romans 1:4, 8:11; 1Peter 3:18
[1] MY REPORT ON A LATEST MISSION VENTURE
- Are you over 21? [I skip this one, if the answer is obvious!]
- Did you have Religious Education lessons at school? [Surprisingly, most East Europeans and Albanians did.]
- Do you have a Bible, which you can read easily? [If not, I have bought £200’s worth of Good News Bibles from the Bible Society - on condition that I give them away. An Albanian New Testament for an ice cream man was rather expensive – you can guess his token of thanks.]
- Do you have any questions about religion? [The idea here is to leave the door open for further discussions.
Some people like to claim that they are neither Atheists nor Evangelical Christians – they are sitting on the fence; I told one man, “There is no fence!”
It is like: “Have you claimed the £1 million you have won on the Lottery?” “No, I’m sitting on the fence.”
A LONGER QUESTIONNAIRE
Two good questions
1. Are you certain you are saved, and going to Heaven?
2. If someone asked you, “How do I become a Christian, now?” what would your answer be?
CAUGHT OUT
My friend John Isherwood knew that I valued the book:”The Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul”, so he kindly presented me with his copy. The author, James Smith FRS, was an accomplish yachtsman, who lived at the end of the time when merchant ships were powered by sail – he held conversations with sea captains before writing his book.
And so I found myself on a flight to Malta. The leader of our foursome believed in arriving at checkout at the last moment – hence, we were spread out down the aircraft. I was by the aisle of the Boeing 737, next to a tall young chap, whose wife had the window seat. In our conversation I explained to him the research of James Smith into Paul the apostle’s shipwreck on Malta, fully supporting Luke’s description in the Book of Acts. There is a large bay named after the apostle, a huge statue, a church on the site of the famous bonfire, and an impressive annual celebration of the event – which we attended.
“You must have a high regard for the Bible,” came at the end of my “lecture”.
“Yes, it’s like the Instrument Panel of an aircraft, in a way.”
“What sort of work do you do?”
“I’m a Junior Officer on the Irish Ferries;” so much for my chat about a sea voyage!
[On the return flight, similarly, the gentleman in the next seat told me: The last time I flew over Trieste (as we were doing) I was in the rear gun turret of an air force Halifax heavy bomber.]
WITNESS FOR THE DEFENCE
Rebecca Pippert had taken her seat on the flight. A quick prayer apropos talking about Jesus to the lady in the next seat: Sue loved travel and meeting new cultures too. But a conversation stopper was that Sue was fluid about gender - "If I want to be a man on Monday, and a woman on Wednesday, who cares?" She believed in Karma, but thought the World was falling apart, it's a mess. People either need recovery programmes for addictions, or psychological therapy for being wounded. "Who in the World has the power to heal the heart?"
Rebecca told how she had come from Agnosticism to becoming a Christian.
At luggage retrieval: "Becky, I am embarrassed to say this, but if I emailed you, would you write back?" Then the real witness for the Lord Jesus Christ began.
[pages 24 and 25, "Idea" magazine, and Rebecca Pippert's book, "Stay Salt"]
If there is truly a Divinity, then He is greater than the Cosmos and the complexity of Genetics. We are wise to respect such a Person, and find out what He has communicated to us in the Scriptures of Jews and Christians. To believe that the Big Bang and Evolution created all from nothing - all the energy, matter and information, is to believe in convenient fairy tales.
[4]
The Story of a Toy Yacht
In a fishing town, a small boy built a fine model yacht, with a little help from his Dad. He sailed it on the sea: from the sands, or from the steps of the harbour: using a ball of strong cord, to prevent its loss. One sad day, however, it somehow came loose,, and he lost his prized possession. Three months later he saw it being offered for sale, in a second hand shop in the high street. The shopkeeper told him it would cost him £25 GBP, but he would reserve it until the boy had found enough money.
When eventually he regained his boat, he reflected: "Its mine, because I made it, and also because I paid the price for it."
The two factors governing the sailing of yachts are: the keel (stopping the vessel from keeling over), and the action of the wind in the sails: giving momentum. In the Believer's life, we have the power of the Holy Spirit, and the stabilizing effect of the Word of God.
5 Crosses
1. When a military airfield is shut down, the runways are marked with a cross at each end. They are no-longer working; just as keeping God’s law no-longer is a way of being saved. We are saved by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ to save us, and forgive all our sins.
2. In adventure stories, X marks the spot where the Treasure is buried – Jesus’s Cross is the place of the Greatest Treasure.
3. When children and adults want to end a letter with the assurance of their love, they finish with a row of Crosses. Here is the sign of the wonder of God’s love for each one of us.
4. Marking sums wrong. Grandma asked how the little boy liked going to school. “My teacher really thinks a lot of me – she has put crosses right down the page of me arithmetic answers.” The Cross of Jesus shows the sinfulness of sin in God’s sight.
5. On a map it is the demarcation of Cross roads: we have three possibilities: turn right or left, go straight on; so it is with the message of Salvation by the Lord Jesus: accept, reject, or do nothing to make a change (which amounts to a rejection).
Before leaving to start Post Graduate Studies, I attended a church and heard Arnold Pickering, a Pharmacist, tell these two stories.
The Captain of a midget submarine led his two vessels out under darkness. At a given point, he opened the sealed orders. They were to anchor precisely off the coast of Normandy, pointing on a bearing, and hoist two red signal lights; he was so disappointing at such an innocuous mission! But, they were the mooring lights for the huge Mulberry Harbour, which was ready to be floated across the English Channel in the invasion, which would bring an end to the Second World War.
On delivering leaflets there are many opportunities to meet people and hold conversations about spiritual issues: in businesses, front gardens, washing cars, passing in the street, etc. Have a map of the area, and mark the streets covered, on it. An insert could give details of Church services, and contact details - with permission.
Just think of all the letterboxes in your area awaiting a gospel leaflet.
Have you evangelized your family/street, village, town, county/state, yet?
Many Christians in sport give witness by pointing to Heaven in gratitude for success, or by crossing themselves.
“Cyrille was an outstanding footballer but much more importantly an outstanding man. His courage as one of the first famous high profile black footballers meant that he became a role model which has changed the canvass of professional football. His faith in Jesus Christ, which he arrived at after the death of his close friend Laurie Cunningham, became a fantastic encouragement to many elite sportspeople to consider their relationship with the God who gave them their talents. The man was a giant in his generation.”
Neville Knox, one time Town Clerk/CEO of Harrogate (UK), a gifted evangelist, recommended being familiar with the Sports Pages, if you wanted to reach out to men.
Kirk Cameron is an American actor best known for his role as teen Mike Seaver in the US television sitcom Growing Pains (1985–1992), a role for which he won two People’s Choice awards and was nominated for two Golden Globe awards. Kirk’s acting career has included many subsequent TV roles and movies, including faith-based films such as the Left Behind series (2000–2005) and Fireproof (2008). To many, he is better known for his overt public stance on his Christian faith. See www.creation.com
A SHORT STORY
Gold Rush Double Jar
Australia c 1884
We are looking westward in an area little better than desert scrub. There is a long, decrepit wooden and stone building, left by long-gone gold prospectors. The wind-etched boards rattle in the wind, and the roofing flaps and groans.
From behind us appears the main character: Double Jar. He ties his horse to a wooden bar – intended for that purpose. He is a muscular man, untidy, in reddish face and hair. There are two theories apropos his strange name – both probably correct.... He walks to the west, along the south side of the semi-ruin, assessing the possibilities of its usefulness to him; he knows that Troopers are tracking him. Although the sun is high, it still casts a shallow shadow. The first part of the ruin was probably a general store; the far end, which he approaches, a schoolroom.
As he disappears from view, a second horse is tied-up. The owner is most unusual: tall for a woman, her slimness accentuated by her long black dress. For these parts her complexion is remarkably clear. Her long attractive face is enhanced by her dark eyes. Why such gifted women link themselves with criminals is a great mystery. Her choice could have been the largest house in a hundred square miles, seek a position In Service there, and in two decades be the Lady of the House. The barrel of her rifle matches her dress; other features are more chestnut: the rifle’s stock, her horse, and her riding boots. Her name is Abigail, which can be shortened to Abby or Gail; her late drunken father made the choice – rejecting Alice, a popular name at the time.... Her mother liked the ecclesiastical sound.
With an effusion of sound, the Troopers arrive. The sound was not only of the animals, but also the crackle of random shots from all parties. They ride fast, and close to the sides of the ruin: one on the north, two on the south. They secure the horses in the shelter of the western end. For an hour the men search tentatively among the silent rooms. Abby holds her post at the eastern wall; a stray bullet has inflicted a flesh wound in her upper left arm – the material of her sleeve is torn but she manages to stem the flow of blood from her slender arm.
The Troopers are not known in the town by their baptismal names, only as Trooper One, Two and Three.
Suddenly, many events take place within the period of a minute. Trooper Three has climbed onto the roof and has Jug in his sights; but before he can fire, Abby’s rifle, held courageously, crackles, and he falls in a curious cartwheel to the side of the north wall. In fact, he slithers a few yards: to first planks of a solid wooden bridge over the dry creek which is parallel to the building. He lies still – with his feet to the north - as a pool of blood both congeals in large dark red lumps, and soaks into the timber. Jug has stepped out of cover to stand behind Number Two – ten yards from his back.
“Raise your arms to the side and drop your weapon!”
“Move towards your horse and ride away!”
He did, and shortly, a distant cloud of dust showed the location of the fortunate man. Fortunate, because it was reckoned that Jug had killed seven men, in the pursuit of easy gold, and it was not sensible, or easy, to argue with his reputation.
Abby had concealed herself at the eastern end. Trooper One foolishly stood outside of the north wall. Jug slid off the roof like an agile cat, and stood behind him.
“March with your arms spread sideways, and drop your gun!”
Slowly the two shuffled towards the west end. As they drew level with the bridge, there was the slightest of movements. Number Three was not quite into the future life. With a last brave effort, he brought a successful end to his current duty. Steadily he aimed at Jug’s neck; and fired. The bullet brought relocation to the base of Double Jug’s skull, upper vertebra, soul, and spirit. His next appointment would not be with a Circuit Judge, but with The Judge of all.
The mother’s cottage and garden were remarkably attractive for the area. Abigail was told to rest and nurse her well-dressed wound. Her parent spoke musically with a gentle but authoritative voice. Several months of recovery had passed, and Abby was talking to her mother: “What was that favourite verse, which meant so much to you?”
The senior lady went for the old family Bible – although she knew the verse by heart. The book was the size of a small suit case, too heavy for small children to lift. In the front was a place for family records, which showed that her father had originated from Worcestershire in England. Some of the engravings were of paintings by John Martin. Unlike many examples of this kind of book, it was worn out, and ready to be made into firelighters. Her mother read the passage of two verses: “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.”
Much later, when Abby was in her eighties, she remembered that day well. In spite of her considerable sins, she had felt herself washed deeply, and thoroughly clean. It was as if a great gate had opened to a wonderful new life of hope; full of good, kind, and meaningful adventures.
Inspired and influenced by the anonymous ballad, “The Old Bark Hut”, and other works in “Classic Australian Verse”, Collected by Maggie Pinkney, The Five Mile Press, 2007, Australia
Also drawings by an Australian Artist known as Lawrence.
The town had a special significance for me: years ago I knew the Vicar of the Parish Church. He had been a Sixth Form Prefect, wearing the regulation black gown, at the Royal Grammar School. I was a student on teaching practice. The Head Master insisted that I had to put on a gown to teach Religious Studies, so he had lent me his – ten sizes too big! I remember, there was a loquacious boy in one class called Abraham. When I chided him: “If you don’t be quiet, you will have had your lot,” the class saw the joke (in the Old Testament of the Bible, Abraham had a nephew called Lot). Not many school children today would understand the quip. When the Professor came to hear me teaching, he observed: “You cannot teach on being Born Again, in John chapter three, in only one lesson.” I had to agree: the school’s syllabus allocated three lessons – this was the third. Our Professor said, that the main point in teaching Religious Studies was to bring boys and girls to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The Prefect would pray for me as he passed the classroom. At that time the school saw a spiritual awakening. Fifteen boys returned to the school, having been converted on a day trip into the countryside, organise by a local teacher. The programme had included several testimonies by scholars, a short but clear presentation of the Christian Good News, and many conversations on the return journey. These fifteen boys told there their stories in the Christian Group, and fifteen more were added to their number.
Back to the man in the Chippy: on the bus, he turned in his seat to converse. “Nobody talks to you these days.” Earlier on a bus, everybody had their mobile phones switched on, the only person who didn’t was a young woman next to him - with her head in a book. We were both happy to chat. He was a retired businessman: children’s clothing and toys, which he dealt with wholesale throughout the region. Yes, he knew the local churches; but then all churchmen are not necessarily saved disciples, who know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. With this in mind, I offered him my business card - designed for such people. In twenty minutes, we reached his village, and parted company....
[10] Santa Claus: an unusual way of telling the Christmas History and its meaning
"Chaplaincy brings a personal touch - people feel they can be listened to as individuals. If chaplaincy was established in every club, I believe it would be of huge benefit to the game as a whole"
Many kind people helped me: two Christians on RAF Basic Training, who argued with me, the pale girl via Hull Art College, who greeted me at an evangelistic rally "Nice to see you. Are you saved?" the chaplain, who let me use the station Church and his vestry, John Isherwood, who explained Justification by Faith from Romans, my Squadron Leader, who worried about me, and many more, over the years.
[14] Stories
To make the point that I am a Church Member - what do you think of the Church? etc
Trolley Token - I put mine in the collection, by mistake. Someone pinned it with a note, on the Church Notice Board.
To raise the question of the next life
I was placing an order by phone, using a Debit Card: the lady was attempting to be friendly, and instead of asking for the Expiry Date, asked "What is your Expiry Date?" My reply: "I have no idea; but I am looking forward to it!"
THE STRANGE DEATH OF SOMERSET MAUGHAM
Somerset Maughan was one of this country’s most
successful writers. He led an exotic life: he was a spy without
people knowing, he was married, but was ferociously gay … , he was fabulously
wealthy – he famously ate off silver plates, with eleven servants waiting on
him hand and foot (how unlike the home-life of a Vicar). He wrote:
“I am content that with my last breath, my soul, with its aspirations and weaknesses,
will dissolve into nothingness.”
The reality, however, was far from
that. In 1965, at the age of 81, he died. His nephew
describes what happened at his death.
“That evening, in the Drawing Room after dinner,
Willie (Somerset Maughan) flung himself down on the sofa. ‘Oh,
Robin,’ he said, ‘I am tired.’ He gulped, and buried his head in his
hands. Suddenly, Willie looked up, and his grip tightened on my
hands. He was staring at the floor, his face contorted with fear,
and he was trembling violently. His face was ashen as he stared in
horror ahead of him. He began to shriek: ‘Go away! I’m not
ready! ‘I’m not dead yet; I’m not dead yet, I tell
you!’ And his high-pitched terror-struck voice seemed to echo from
wall to wall. And he died.”
Canon David White, in a sermon (Chorleywood,2011)
I was travelling into town by bus, when I realized that the tall elderly man sitting behind me was a “Jehovah’s Witness”. I spoke: “You are a Jehovah’s Witness aren’t you? ... May I ask you a question? ... What must I do to be saved?” He hesitated for quite some time. In the end he could not answer. “But the apostle Paul, in Acts 16, had a clear answer, when asked that question: 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!'”
THE TYPING POOL
I was in the Typing Pool handing in some work. My job encouraged a discussion about all the evil in the World. Yes, I said, God would punish the wicked: Hell is for bad people and good people. Heaven is for perfect folk, like me! There were roars of laughter all round - perfectly forgiven through Jesus’s death on the Cross.
I worked with a man who was a famous rugby player and became a Head Teacher in a boys school in Batley, Yorkshire. He insisted on using the cane - in fact the boys called him: 'Instant Whip'. My friend Roger taught there. On one occasion he was faced with a case of caning a naughty boy. "I will do a deal with you, if you will agree to it. I will take your place, and you can cane me." The boy relished the idea, and made the most of it! The teacher then said,"Now, that is what Jesus did for all of us, when he died on the Cross of Calvary!"
The teacher had a chatterbox named Rodney Sugden - and a second caning was obviously going to be too much for him. His friend Arthur Milner said, "I spoke, Sir."
"No, you didn't. But will you take the cane for Rodney?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Will you let him, Rodney?"
"Oh, yes, Sir!"
The teacher then explained how Jesus took the "cane" for us all, so that we could be forgiven by God.
The story is told of a retreating SS Nazis Army Officer escaping from the Russian Red Army, towards the end of the Second World War: whilst hiding, he realised that the tattoo of his blood group under his armpit would give away his identity, and make him a target for torture and a cruel death. He took a pocketknife and carved away the tissue and the dangerous tattoo.
When the Rev Pat Ash was Vicar of Otley (Hotten in "Emmerdale"), he had a metre high banner along the railings of the church, in the main street: "This Church is for sinners only".
[15] Acts 1:8 encourages us to start where we are. Before supporting missionary work abroad, we should put money and effort, into reaching our own family.
The Gravestone quotation, initially humorous,
In a graveyard south of Dublin:
Oh
stranger pause as you go by;
As
you are, so once was I,
As
I am, so will you be,
So
be prepared to follow me.
Someone had written below:
To
follow you, I'd be content.
But
hanged if I know which way you went.
c.
e.By Julia Pascoe,
UK Director I stood next to Jacob*, an Orthodox Jewish man booked on the same flight, both of us recharging our smartphones. He told me that he was anxious to get home for work in Hendon.
“Hendon!” I exclaimed. “You’ve probably seen the shop where I work.”
“Which shop?” he asked.
“The Jews for Jesus shop.”
“Oh, that shop!” he exclaimed. “Hang on, I have to message my friend back home and tell him I’m talking with a Jew for Jesus!”
Resuming our chat, I asked him what he thought about Jesus.
“We know that Jesus was Jewish,” he said, “but what you believe is not true.”
I asked if he’d ever read what the Hebrew prophets wrote about the Messiah’s birth, life, death and resurrection. Our phones still charging, I asked him to read Isaiah 53 with me. He looked it up in Hebrew on his app, while I opened it in English.
Jacob read aloud, but I soon realised he was reading Rashi’s** comments from the Talmud, not the Hebrew Scriptures. (Rashi insists that the “he” in Isaiah 53 is Israel, while the prophet Isaiah clearly says in verse 5 that the servant is a person, not a nation.) I asked Jacob to put Rashi aside and read the text directly from his Tanakh (Hebrew Old Testament). Jacob paused at verse 5 where Isaiah says, “He would be pierced for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities…”
Jacob agreed that our sins have consequences. But he believes that we must deal with our own sin, that it is not God’s responsibility. I explained that only God can forgive us. Only He can rescue us from the punishment we deserve. Jacob strongly disagreed.
By 1 A.M. – and still no sign of boarding the plane – I decided to stay in Kiev and fly the next day. Jacob decided to stay at the airport and wait. He asked for my contact info so we could carry on our conversation. I gladly gave him my Jews for Jesus card!
I’m thankful that the Lord truly redeemed my time at the airport. Please pray that Jacob would consider the One of whom Isaiah spoke as we approach Passover, and that the Lord would redeem Jacob!
** Rashi is an acronym for Shlomo Yitzchaki, medieval French rabbi and author of commentaries on the Talmud and Tanakh.
HOT-CROSS BUNS When paying for a packet: The Cross means everything to me (explain). "The Cross" was shorthand in the New Testament for Atonement and Salvation.
Try talking to others about Jesus, as though you
had just discovered Him yourself.
A JW gentleman called at our house, we had a sympathetic chat, and he left me their current "Watchtower" magazine. It was well produced, with promising arguments on finding "Truth". They still use the obsolete translation of the Divine Name YHWH, instead of the better "Yahweh". The article on God and Christ is
A neighbour, who is not yet a Christian, makes the point that God is Love; but overlooks the fact that He loves the World, and He loves Justice.
"Bridge Builders" encourage us to carry copies of the Gospels to hand out in our witness. Their help can be found via: www.bridge-builders.net
This very impressive DVD programme can be investigated at
[29] A powerful argument against the Gospel is the false idea that Evolution has disproved the Bible; I feel this in witnessing. Much of serious science is based on the assumption of an ordered Universe; many of the West's great scientists were Christians.
Here are two items offered to our Church Magazine:
RELEVANT
[30] ABBA
When as a little child, my father held me close, a common sensation was the rough stubble on his cheek, - I had his full attention - his ear.
Abba is an Aramaic word, drawn from the everyday language of Palestine – often heard on the streets, its Hebrew base is often used in the Old Testament, but rarely of God. It is also a title for rabbis and a proper name. As the first word a child might learn, it is equivalent to our word Daddy [or Papa] and is laden with a warm sense of intimacy. The word is found in our Bibles in a combined form, "Abba, Father," which links the Aramaic word with the Greek word for father (abba, ho pater). It may be that the Greek word is added to explain the unfamiliar abba to believers beyond Palestine. But even in Palestine in NT times, the combined formula was used in prayer and as a way family members addressed the head of the household. No slave or servant in the household had the privilege of using this formula to address his master.
Please pray regularly for this brave and valuable work!
[32] POSTERS
Philippians 2 verses 15-16
An extension of this, is to carry a banner, or poster on a board mounted on a pole, through the community, from time to time. This was done by someone through the university campus; the Theology Professor reckoned they changed the Gospel poster to "Be sure your sins will find you out!" when they approached his department. A man carried such a poster at a race meeting, and for many years it appeared on the news introduction on television. For a cost, posters can be displayed on railway platforms, on bus or lorry sides. If the banner is large, Police permission may be required.
[33] Born AgainA commonly misused expression.
"Whilst in that cell, one day he noticed
graffitied on the wall: the words from Matthew (’s Gospel), “What does it
profit a man, to gain the whole World, yet lose his own soul.” There
and then, Tom asked Jesus into his life. And he was filled with the
Spirit. The agent who had orchestrated and the capture of Tom went
to the prison to interview him. He said that in the first 60 seconds
he knew that something had happened – such was the change in this man. He
felt uneasy, and couldn’t work it out, and left. Within 2 weeks,
that agent had become a Christian. Eventually Tom was let out early,
and he tracked down 22 of the 26 snipers who had shot him. He
tracked them down, to go and say to them personally, face-to-face, “I am
sorry!” Such was the change in this man’s character that 21 of the
22 snipers came to faith in Jesus Christ. This life is there for us
– not just when we get to Glory; but now!"
I was sitting by myself in the corner
of a railway carriage, reading my morning portions of
Scripture. Half way through the journey, a lady with two teenagers
came and sat down opposite me. She was rather agitated, and asked
“Are you psychic?” I most certainly am not! But I wanted to
understand more about her, and the question. The night before,
staying in a YWCA, she had dreamed of entering a railway compartment, in which a
man was sitting in the corner reading a Bible. We discussed religion
– her sister annoyed her by asking: “Are you born again?” “Do you know Jesus in
a personal way?” I explained that recently my sermon at a Baptist
Church, near the route of the train, had been on Spiritual Regeneration – Being
Born Again. She was a Baptist, and a schoolteacher. My
friends think she had had a nightmare.
Quoted in the reverse order by Rev Rob Frost. "Sharing Jesus in a New Millennium". SU. UK. 2000.
[36] Old Age and Incapacity
It is said that Smith Wigglesworth, in his aged years, used to occupy a seat at a local bowling green to engage folk in spiritual conversation.
A dear local lady witnessed to fellow residents in the Residential Home, and led several to salvation in Christ. An elderly business man, Donald Daisley, in Leeds, always travelled First Class, because he saw a need to have a witness there.
Psalm 92:14 They will still bear fruit in old age…
[37] Bible read by David Suchet - GB£39.99 from church bookshops, or Amazon
Internet Daily Bible Readings by Nicky Gumble of Holy Trinity Brompton (the home of "Alpha").
World Vision and the similar TEAR Fund [The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund - both widely supported, and used, helping of the poor; including supporting individual needy children],
Mission Aviation Fellowship [fly various branches of church workers over difficult terrain,
Christian Blind Mission, Book Aid, Pilgrims’ Friend Society [gives advice and support relative to the pains of growing old],
The Leprosy Mission, Mercy Ships, Christian Aid, Christian Solidarity Worldwide,
Victory Outreach UK,
Christians Against Poverty [a widely admired source of counsel and practical help for those trapped in poverty],
Interserve - Kitab [a highly respected missionary society - and their book division],
Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) [presenting advocacy from grass-roots to Government], Christian Blind Mission (Medical),
The Hospice Movement [one of the glowing developments of recent decades, mainly initiated by church members],
Samaritan’s Purse International,
Sisters of Jesus Way (Wirrel, UK),
IJM, International Justice Mission - seeking justice, usually by locally trained professionals, helping the oppressed
Redeeming Our Communities [based in Manchester UK, working together, particularly with the Police towards, safer kinder communities].
CitizenGO is a community of active citizens that seek to defend life, the family, and fundamental rights worldwide
Missionary Ventures - personnel and short-term teams to help needy fellowships in other nations, and national offices.
TOYBOX changing the world for street children
Most of these have Web Sites and approachable offices.
The Church Army,
Bible Societies
TEE Tools to Equip and Empower - International teaching courses to train church members to be informed and competent (Interserve)
Scripture Union [encouraging private Devotional Reading, working with youngsters in schools, and Summer Camps - which are often based on specialist interests],
Church Pastoral Aid Society - including publishing,
Christian Television Association etc have joined for marketing as: the brilliant AOvision,
Premier Radio,
Baptist Missionary Society etc,
Christian Endeavour,
Regents Theological College, and numerous evangelical study centres,
True Freedom Trust, Reachout Trust [dedicated to warnings against heresies],
Reelife Recordings, United Christian Broadcasters, CBN, etc,
Evangelical Alliance [standing for Church Unity and church development and Mission],
The Mission to Seafarers,
Operation Mobilization [the huge and influential mission],
Evangelism Explosion, Children’s Ministry, Language Recordings UK,
Spring Harvest, and similar conferences etc,
Far Eastern Broadcasting Association and other broadcasters,
Bible Reading Fellowship, Torch Trust for the Blind,
Crusade for World Revival,
World Evangelisation Crusade - the missioary society started by C. T. Studd - the eminent sportsman, Church Mission Society,
Alpha [base at Holy Trinity Brompton, London, UK. This has seen International and inter-denominational influence, resulting in wonderful conversions. Decried by a few, often otherwise fine Christians.]
Word of Life (a mission to other faiths),
Bridge Builders - encouraging sharing the Scriptures,
Scripture Gift Mission - Lifewords,
Christian Enquiry Agency, Deo Gloria Trust, Release International, Christian Publicity Organisation, Agape, Prison Fellowship International [started by Charles Colson - Special Council to US President Richard Nixon, and caught-up in the Watergate Scandal],
Min-y-don, Christian Adventure Centre etc,
Youth For Christ, Youth With A Mission, National Young Life Campaign – Beach Missions, The Message Trust (The Eden Project), Urban Saints (Youth Bible Teaching), Soul Survivor,
Creation Ministries International (critiquing Evolutionary hypotheses),
Open-Air Mission, Open Air Campaigners, Faith Mission,
Agape Arabic Christian Centre, Asian Christian Books, Boys Brigade,
Day One Publications,
ODB Our Daily Bread (Originally - Radio Bible Class; Day of Discovery TV, Discovery Series booklets on many key subjects),
Sat-7 (TV to North Africa and Middle East),
Fellowship of Christian Motorcyclists, Christian Motorcylists Association
“Friends and Heroes” children’s TV cartoon films,
God TV,
Gospel for Asia,
City Missions, British Pakistani Christian Association, Canal Ministries,
Bethlehem Bible College, Cliff College etc,
Christian Medical Fellowship, Christian Police Association, Christian Resources Exhibition, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Conservative (Party) Christian Fellowship, The JESUS film Project, Christians in Library and Information Services, Creation Research, Cross Rhythms, CLC Bookshops, Christian Dental Fellowship,
Hillsong London and Sydney etc., Keswick Conventions - UK and International - Clayton TV Keswick - for the Bible Studies,
London School of Theology, Leeds Trinity University, Lee Abbey Fellowship, Maranatha Community, Moorlands College,
Messianic Testimony, Reach Beyond (radio), Riding Lights Theatre Company, Soon Ministries, Steve Legg (escapologist),
SASRA (Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association,
Storykeepers, The Pais Project,
Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF),
Trans World Radio, Veggie Tales, Wycliffe Bible Translators,
CBN - Christian Broadcasting Network - 700 Club,
Good News Broadcasting Association,
Hatikvah - Jewish and Christian concerns,
Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, talks and books by Amy Orr-Ewing, and Michael Ramsden
evangelismideas.com 70 organisations including Trans World Radio,
Christians in Sport,
Jews for Jesus (and similar organisations – they offer 365 Messianic Prophecies [there are more]),
Billy Graham on Youtube, Jay Smith on Youtube ( PfanderFilms), Derek Prince Ministries - including Youtube. Derek was wonderfully blessed in Teaching, and in most of the miraculous Gifts – so had a wide experience. Roger Carswell - Youtube, etc.
Joel Rosenberg - novelist, journalist, Jewish Christian - an authority on American politics, and the Middle East.
Reform and kindred organisations - revival of biblical Anglicanism
GAFCON - Global Anglican Future Conference
BGEA - Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, on the Internet - "Searching for Jesus" 200 finding salvation every hour
Francis McNutt - on healing - also Kathrine Khulman
Counties UK, and their Neighbourhood Chaplains
Wycliffe Bible Translators
Kensington Temple (Elim)
Recommended sites for downloading talks and sermons:
St Helen's Bishopsgate, St Andrew's Chorleywood, Holy Trinity Brompton, Christ Church Fulford Sheffield, Talking Theology Cranmer Hall Durham University, Simply Put, Church Society Sound Cloud, Anglican Unscripted, Hollybush Christian Fellowship
Most will have Web Sites, material to download, and approachable office staff
United Beach Missions at Llandudno with my little Granddaughter
Ffald-y-brenin This remarkable visitation of God and spiritual work in west Wales,UK, is worth looking into. www.ffald-y-brenin.org
A BOOK REVIEW
Taking questions from the listeners draws people into the group.
ANOTHER STRANGE WAY TO WITNESS
An important article by David Garrison – taken from the highly respected Evangelical Alliance by-monthly magazine IDEA, July/August 2015, page 30.
A recommended book: "THE WORLD ON OUR DOORSTEP" Evangelical Mission and other Faiths, by Dewi Hughes, Evangelical Alliance, London 2016
This gives a compendium of wise insights and advice.
[41]
I have ever loved you, so I have drawn you to me out of pure goodness.
Jeremiah 31, verse 3
Those with weak or bad arguments will resort to attacking the character of their opponent, and perhaps using physical force. The accusation that Religions have caused wars may be dealt with by pointing out that Stalin and Hitler, etc have also caused wars and atrocities. Claiming to be against all religions, even counting Communism as a religion, needs to be addressing: philosophies, World Views, and Ideologies.
[45] Be prepared for the Long Haul - have patience
(From Jews for Jesus)
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47. The Ascension
The Ascension was a most significant and awesome event.
you will r
John 12:15-16 “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. [This passage mentions both the donkey and the Glorification in Heaven.]
John 14: 2-4 "In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 14: 12, 28; 16:12
John 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
John 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
John 17:13 I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
Acts 1:1-2
Acts 1:9-11 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:22 "Beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Also Hebrews 8:1 ff,
Hebrews 9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The whole Book of Revelation portrays Christ in Glory: ready to return to Earth at His Second Coming – which Muslims , incidentally, believe in.
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
Although the word does not appear in the Scriptures, the revelation is clear in both Testaments. One, World Religion, at least, ridicules the Christian Faith because of the Trinity. A man-made or Satanic religion would readily go down this avenue of thought. In reality, God is probably far more complex than this, but it is given as a concept to help humans. Religions which have a simple and attractive understanding of God are suspect.
A common graphic illustrating the Theology of Trinity
After a Trinity Sunday morning service, at which I had taught on this topic, an eminent lady shared the relief she felt, that I said that most of us find it a difficult concept.
One is advised not to try analogies to explain the triune Divinity who is one. They invariably result in heresy. Private insights are best kept private.
The main Scriptures are: Genesis 1:1, and 26; Genesis 18:1-15; Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14
Humans are made in the “image of God” and we are tripartite: “Let us make man in our image.” (Genesis 1:26); 1Thessalonians 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The word for God in Genesis 1:1 is Elohim – a plural noun signifying thee or more (there is a form for dual). Newberry computes that the Hebrew word occurs about 2,500 times, and “frequently occurs with adjectives, pronouns, and verbs in the plural.”
God appears to Abraham represented as three beings in Genesis 18:1 ff. 1 The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
In the Great Commission, one Name includes the thee Persons: Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Apostolic Blessing: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
In the spirit realm, one being can have a plural manifestation also: the unclean spirits in the demoniac: Mark 5:9, 'Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”'
Even the pagan King of Nineveh knew of the Triune God, through the preaching of Jonah bringing a message from Elohim. (Jonah 3:8-10)
Every use of the noun Elohim indicates the tripartite Godhead.
The Eternal Divinity of the Lord Jesus the Messiah and the Holy Spirit is firmly linked to this subject. Our Lord’s full title in the NT is THE LORD JESUS CHRIST; Christ is actually a title: The Christ - Messiah, the Anointed, King, Emperor, and Caesar. “Lord” is therefore Divinity – God, Deity.
A List of Scriptures partly taken from T. C. Hammond’s, “In Understanding be Men”, looking at various aspects: plurality, persons, and relationships.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (plural – three or more) created (as one single act) the heavens(the two) and the earth (single).
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
Genesis 18:1 and 2, The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
Exodus 31:3, ... and I (YHWH) have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts ….
Exodus 35:31 … and he (YHWH) has filled him with the Spirit of God (Elohim), with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD (YHWH) our God (Elohim), the LORD (YHWH) is one.
Judges 13:25 ff … and the Spirit of the LORD (YHWH) began to stir him (Samson) while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
1 Samuel 10:10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him (King Saul); the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.
Psalm 104:30 When you send your (addressed to YHWH my Elohim) Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
Psalm 110:1, (the whole Psalm, in fact)
The LORD says to my Lord (in the NT this is shown to be the Father speaking to the Son):
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”
Proverbs 30:4 c (Talking of God) What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know.
Isaiah 6:3 and 8, And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord (Elohim) saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
7:14, Therefore the Lord (Elohim) himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).
9:6, For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Peace. Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
11:1-4, A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD—
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
35:4 c-6 a “Be strong, do not fear;
your God (Elohim) will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
42:1, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.”
48:16, “Come near me and listen to this:
“From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret;
at the time it happens, I am there.”
And now the Sovereign LORD has sent me,
with his Spirit.
61:1, The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.
63:10 ff 10 Yet they rebelled
and grieved his (YHWH) Holy Spirit.
So he turned and became their enemy
and he himself fought against them. ….
Jeremiah 7:11 (NT Cleansing of the Temple) Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! Declares the LORD.
23:5-6, “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The LORD (YHWH) Our Righteousness.
Ezekiel 3:14, The Spirit then lifted me up and took me (Ezekiel) away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.
11:24 and 25, The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the exiles in Babylonia in the vision given by the Spirit of God.
Then the vision I had seen went up from me, 25 and I told the exiles everything the LORD had shown me.
37:1, The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.
Hosea 11:1, “When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.” Found as a NT quotation as the Father speaking to the Son.
Joel 2:27-28, Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
“And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy …”
Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times (margin, from days of eternity).”
Zechariah 4:6, So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
14:3-4 a, Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle.
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem …. (This links with Luke’s details of the Ascension)
Malachi 3:1-2, “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
Mal 3:2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.
Matthew 1:20, and 23, 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” (Quotation from Isaiah 9:6)
2:11, On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
2:15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (quote from Hosea 11:1)
3:3, 11, 16-17, 29
3:3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’ ” (Isaiah 40:3 has both YHWH, and Elohim)
11, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
16 – 17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (The three persons of the Godhead are clearly identified.)
4:1, Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted ….
8:26, He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (This supernatural act is attributed to YHWH in the following Psalms, and to Elohim also in the first two: Psalm 65:7, 89:9, 107:29)
10:20 (notice the particle ‘of’) Jesus said, “For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
12:18-21, 18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.” (This passage from Isaiah is spoken by YHWH)
12:28, But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
14:33, Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
16:16, Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God.” – at Caesarea Philippi.
17:2, 5, 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
18:20, For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
22:43-45 (Jesus quoting Psalm 110 to the Pharisees), 43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
44 “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.” ’
45 If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”
24:36, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Jesus’s words)
28:18-20 (referred to at the start) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 1:10-12, As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert.
3:11, 29, 11 Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”
:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”
Luke 1:32-33, 35, 43, He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
43 But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
2:49, (Jesus, aged 12, in the Temple, speaking to Mary and Joseph) “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
3:22 ...and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
4:14, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
4:17-19 (The reading of Isaiah 61:1 in the Synagogue at Nazareth – see above)
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
9:35, A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (the Transfiguration).
24:49, I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Jesus promising the Holy Spirit)
John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
1:14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1:18, No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.
1:32-34, 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”
3:34-35, For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
The “I Am” sayings This is a reflection of the meaning of YHWH: THE I AM; the Divine name of the OT.
6:35, Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (Also: 6:32-33, 48, 51)
8:12, When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Also: 9:5)
10:7 and 9, Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture
10:11, and 14, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
11:25, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
15:1, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
8:58, “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
10:30, 36, I and the Father are one.”
What about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?
11:27, “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
13:3, Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;
14:23-24, 26, 28, 23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
26 But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
15:26, “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
16:13-15, But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
16:28, I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
17:1, 3-5, After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
17:8, For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
17:11 and 12, I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. (Cf Deuteronomy 28:58)
17:18, As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
17:21-26, ... that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
John 20:28, Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Acts 2:33, Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
5:32, We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
9:5, (Saul/Paul’s Heavenly call and vision)“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
10:38, … how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
20:28, Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
26:15, “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” (Cf, on the Road to Damascus)
Romans 1:4, Who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
8:9 (notice the particle ‘of’), You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
8:11, 16, and 34,
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 15:15-19, I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done — by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
15:30, I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
1 Corinthians 1:30, It is because of him [God] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
1 Corinthians 2:10 - 16, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?”
3:23, you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
6:11, And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
8:6, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
11:3, Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
12:3, And I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
12:4-6, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
15:24, Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
15:27 and 28,
For he (Jesus) “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
2 Corinthians 1:2, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
13:14, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Ephesians 1:1, 4, 7,
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
4 For he [God] chose us in him [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Ephesians 1:9 - 11,
And he made known to us the mystery of his [God’s] will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
Ephesians 2:18 and 22, For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
And in him Jesus) you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 4:4-6, As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Philippians 1:6 and 10,
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
2:5-11 with Isaiah 45:22-23,
Phil 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Phil 2:6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
Phil 2:7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
Phil 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Phil 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
Phil 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Phil 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Isa 45:22 “Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.
23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear
3:3, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Colossians 1:15-23,
He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
2:9, For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
3:3, For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
2 Thessalonians 2:13, But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
1 Timothy 2:5, For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
3:16, Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
2 Timothy 4:1, In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:
Titus 2:13, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
3:4-6, But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Hebrews 1:2-6 (the whole chapter is relevant), In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son;
today I have become your Father’” ?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son” ?
And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.” (quotations from: Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 104:4; Psalm 45:6; ****
3:7, So, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
9:14, How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Hebrews 10:7-16 (selected; quoting Psalm 40:6-8),
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, O God.’ ”
9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.
10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
12 But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, [Psalm 110]
14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
1 Peter 1:2 and 3, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:10-12, Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
2 Peter1:1, 17 (above), and 21,
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
17 (Peter the Apostle, reflects on his experience at the Transfiguration) For he (Jesus) received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:3, We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:4-5, John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
5:13, Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
7:17, For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
12:10 a, Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.”
21:22-23, I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
22:1, and 3, 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
It is sometimes perplexing as to Whom we should be praying to! But with careful prayer, thought and study it will eventually become clear.
48. Titles and achievements of the Lord Jesus Christ: Second Adam, Adoption by the Perfect Father comes through Him, Advocate, Almighty, Alpha and Omega, Amen, Anointed, Apostle, Arm of the Lord, Atoning sacrifice, Author of life, Author of salvation, Author and perfecter of our faith, Banner for the peoples, Beginning and End, Blameless, Blessed and only Ruler, The Branch, Bread of life. Bridegroom, Bright Morning Star, Brother, Capstone, Carpenter, Carpenter's son, Chief Shepherd, Chosen one, Chosen by God, Chosen and precious cornerstone, The Christ - Messiah, Christ Jesus, Christ Jesus our Lord, Christ of God, Christ of God, the Chosen One, Christ the Lord, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God, Christ, the Son of God, Christ, the Son of the Blessed One, Commander, Commander of the LORD's army, Consolation of Israel, Cornerstone, Counsellor, Covenant for the people, Crowned with many Crowns, David, King David's descendant, Deliverer, Desired of all nations, Doctor, Eternal life, Everlasting Father, Exact representation of God's being, Exalted above the Heavens, Faithful and True, Faithful witness, Faithful and true witness, The First and the Last, Firstborn, Firstborn from the dead, Foundation, Fountain, Personal Perfect Friend of His disciples - and all that this means, Friend of tax collectors and sinners, Gate, Gift of God, Glorious Lord Jesus Christ, Glory of Israel, God, God and Saviour of Israel, God of all the earth, God over all - forever praised, God the One and Only, God with us, Good Shepherd, Good Teacher, Great God and Saviour, Great high priest, Great Shepherd of the sheep, Guarantee, Head of all Authorities, Head of every man, Head of the body - the church, Head of the church, Heir of all things, High priest, Holiness, Holy One, Holy One of God, Holy One of Israel, Holy and Righteous One, Holy servant Jesus, Our Hope, Horn of salvation, the I am, Immanuel, Indescribable gift, Innocent man, Israel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ our Lord, Jesus Christ our Saviour, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus of Nazareth - King of the Jews, Jesus the Son of God, Jesus, the Son of Joseph, Judge, Righteous Judge, King, King of Israel, King of kings, King of glory, King of the ages, King over the whole earth, Lamb, Lamb of God, Lawgiver, Leader, Life, Light everlasting, Light of the world, Light for the Gentiles, Light - true, Living bread, Living Stone, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Lord, Lord Almighty, Lord of all, Lord of lords, LORD Our Righteousness, Lord God Almighty, Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Lord Christ, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, LORD mighty in battle, Lord of the dead and the living, Lord of the Sabbath, Lord's Christ, LORD - your holy one, LORD - your redeemer, the Man Christ Jesus, Man of sorrows, Man who is close to Me [the LORD], Master, Mediator, Meets our needs, Messenger of the covenant, Mighty God, Mighty One of Israel, Mighty one of Jacob, Mighty to save, Morning star, Nazarene, has a Name which is Secret, Offspring of David, Offspring of the woman, The One and Only, One and only Son, One He [the Father] loves, Only God our Saviour, Overseer, Passover -Pascal Lamb, Perfecter of faith, Perfect for ever, Power of God, Physician, Precious cornerstone, Priest, Prince, Prince of Peace, Prince of Life, Prophet, Pure, Rabbi, Rabboni, Radiance of God's glory, Ransom. Redeemer, Resurrection and life, Redemption, Revealed to his people, Righteous Branch, Righteous Judge, Righteous One, Righteous Servant, Righteousness, Rising Sun, Rock, Rock that makes them fall, Root of David, Root of Jesse, Rose of Sharon, Ruler, Ruler of God's creation, Ruler of the kings of the earth, Ruler of Nations, Ruler over Israel, Sacrifice, Salvation, Sanctuary, Sanctifier, Saviour, Saviour Christ Jesus, Saviour Jesus Christ, Saviour of the body, Saviour of the world, Holder of Eternal Sceptres, Seed of Abraham, Suffering Servant, Servant of rulers, Serves in the sanctuary, Set apart from Sinners, Shepherd, Shepherd and Overseer of souls, Chief Shepherd, Good Shepherd, Great Shepherd, Shepherd of Israel, Shiloh, Son God loves, Son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of God, Tempted in all points as we are - yet without sin,
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.
Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 7:1-3 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.
Assessments of Jesus by those who met Him:
The Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate - Luke 23:4 and 14 "I find no basis for a charge against this man" "Neither has Herod" Luke 23:15
The repentant Criminal at Calvary Luke 23:41: "But this man has done nothing wrong."
The Centurion at the Crucifixion Luke 23:47: "Surely this was a righteous man."
Judas Iscariot Matthew 27:4: "I have betrayed innocent blood."
We cannot pray for God to force people into the Kingdom: we must pray that they will hear the Gospel clearly.
50. THE CROSS
As an artist, I made the following observations: many “Crucifixion” paintings portray little of the real suffering: Christ Jesus is seen as uninjured, swooning figure, as in those by Sir Peter Paul Rubens (Painter and Ambassador), and El Greco, although Rembrandt did make studies in an abattoir before painting the Crucifixion.
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Ephesians 2:16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
On which the Prince of Glory dy'd,
My richest Gain I count but Loss,
And pour Contempt on all my Pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the Death of Christ my God:
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his Blood.
3. See from his Head, his Hands, his Feet,
Sorrow and Love flow mingled down!
Did ever such Love and Sorrow meet?
Or Thorns compose so rich a Crown?
4. His dying Crimson, like a Robe,
Spreads o'er his Body on the Tree;
Then am I dead to all the Globe,
And all the Globe is dead to me.
5. Were the whole Realm of Nature mine,
That were a Present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my Soul, my Life, my
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
John 20:19-20 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Revelation 5:6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.
Acts 8:25 When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
13:44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
13:49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
15:36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”
16:32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
19:10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
19:20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
[1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.]
52. Harry Brearley, BEM
Written up by Douglas Wilkinson
In about 1960, attending Bridge Street Church, in the centre of Leeds, I was concerned to purchase a vehicle to use in open air preaching around Yorkshire, and to find someone to teach me to drive; I praise the Lord that both were accomplished. Harry Brearley became a good friend and driving instructor, and we worked together for many years.
When he was eighty-two, we met in October 1986, at his home at Prestatyn, North Wales, to record his autobiography, for the Cassette library I worked for as MD. We had not met for some twenty-two years.
The night before travelling, I noticed Psalm 66:16, “Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” The very quotation he normally chose to introduce his testimony - he needed little prompting on this occasion. Although limited in eyesight and mobility, he still witnessed on the beaches, in market places and churches of the area. Often, as he told this story, tears ran down his cheeks.
He was born in 1904, in a rough quarter of Leeds, called “Little Hell”. There was no school for him … and at the age of 12, he turned to crime, caught by the police for petty theft, he was sent to a Reformatory School. It had little effect, and he was apprehended for gambling in the street and swearing. Court and a fine, led to bigger things. He watched neighbours’ houses so that he could burgle them. People and the police were on the look-out for him, and he hid in various lodging houses. Finally, in 1922, it was a case of join the Army. The Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment proved too strict for Harry – so he robbed the canteen and went AWOL. With his mates he robbed a shop on Crown Point Bridge, was arrested, sentenced to Armley Jail, before being transferred to a military prison, and Discharge with Ignominy. Even without a prison record, work was hard to find; home life was miserable, not helped with his parents being Spiritists.
Again he joined the Army, using his mother’s maiden name – the West Yorkshire Regiment. In trouble again he was placed in the very hard York Prison. By using his brother’s name, and a forged Birth Certificate, he yet again enlisted in the Army – the Eighth King’s Irish Hussars, at Canterbury. More trouble with the Police and a Discharge with Ignominy. In 1929 after much difficulty, he found work with Leeds Cleansing Department emptying trash bins. His mother told him to find a girl and settle down, so he drank in the “White Swan” pub, where all the lads and lasses went. Here he met Clara Winifred – Clara one night to his mum, Winifred the next night. Father was sent to spy on her to assess her: “My, he’s got a girl all right – she’s a real one; she’s a blond, and can drink him under the table!” When she became pregnant, they had to get married in 1930. They fought like a cat and dog – not caring for each other. They went down to his mother’s house to play cards, gamble, and drink. One night they caught the last tramcar home. At 6.15 the next morning someone knocked them up, to say his mother had collapsed and died of heart failure. The mother had a brother called Herbert, who was a Christian, so Harry asked him to arrange a funeral service at his church. “Have you ever been to church? Have you ever opened a Bible? Has your mother ever been to church? You just can’t treat God like a convenience. Well I’ll arrange a Memorial Service.”
At the Methodist Church they had Communion during the Memorial Service, and when the bread came round, his wife said, “Don’t touch it, we don’t know what it is!” Uncle Herbert said they were having a Campaign in a few weeks, would he come; Harry said he’d have nothing to do with it, but his wife promised to attend and bring Harry. When she told him, he slapped her across the face, “Don’t you promise to take me anywhere, where I don’t want to go! If it lasts after 8 o’clock, when I want to go for a drink, there will be trouble.” They were Cliff College Students on Trek, who made the Gospel plain from the words of the Bible: that Jesus had died for our sins. Before the end of the meeting, Harry and his wife went forward to the Communion Rail, and gave their hearts to the Lord. They could not hold themselves back. Harry said he could not go for a drink, because he had given his heart to the Lord. They had been heavy smokers, but on the way home their cigarettes would not light. They decided that it was wrong for them to smoke. Living for the Lord became their passion, with a particular call to preaching in the open air. Debts were paid off, and they were introduced to Bridge Street Four Square Church in Leeds (where I met Harry and Winifred).
Harry and Win realized that they did not have a Bible. So they prayed, and at work, he was sent to clear a house – number 8, Clarendon Avenue - of belongings piled in the yard. Among them was a large Bible with copious notes on the Return of the Lord Jesus, written by its owner – a subject which interested Brearley greatly. He then drove the horse and cart with one hand, and carried the precious book in the other, for seven hours. He was pleased to tell his workmates the reason for the prize: his conversion to Christ.
Prayer for some kind of vehicle led him to anticipate a fine car: in fact it was a tricycle built for selling ice cream from two large tubs – which were cleaned and used to carry leaflets. It was hard work, peddling up hills with this “Stop Me and Buy One” with a handy megaphone. Next, he purchased a second hand furniture van, and had texts painted on the sides. A bout of flue laid him low; the Minister traced his whereabouts via Harry Toft, a Church member, and an International Rugby Player – this led to financial help and a box of groceries – they were down to the last crust of bread. Harry was then taken ill with the child’s disease of scarlet fever and placed in an isolation hospital. Winifred was unable to draw any money to pay the bills, but Pastor T.H. Jewitt was able to visit the hospital and arrange the necessary transaction. Once well, they were back serving the Lord – and getting into many scrapes.
Preaching in a mission church on the text from Jeremiah 51:20: “Thou art My battleaxe”, he inadvertently pointed in his wife’s direction. She promptly stood up, and humorously shook her fist at him, much to everyone’s amusement.
At open air meetings they often played a popular recording of a singer called Jo Stafford, singing: “It is no secret what God can do, what He’s done for others, He can do for you”; When they returned for a second week, a lady came out of the Post Office and said, “Get that woman to sing that song again.” She pointed to Win, who had been quietly singing along with the record, and was virtually tone deaf. [The interesting story behind this song: Stuart Hamlin, a well-known radio personality, visited Billy Graham, the Evangelist, and his team in their hotel. After a long talk, he trusted the Saviour for salvation and immediately phoned his friend John Wayne, the film star. When Hamlin used these words, Wayne said, “You’ve got a song there.”]
A fellow, perhaps drunk, came up to Harry and threatened to floor him if he did not stop preaching. Starting to take his jacket off, Harry told him he had been the heavy weight champion of his regiment. The man quietly left.
A wealthy American businessman supplied them with an ample supply of extremely tasteful, well-designed leaflets.
Their pitch in Vicar Lane, Leeds, was outside Brown’s Wine Merchant’s. One Christmas the owner came out and demanded that they stopped. “Every time you start preaching my shop empties. When you stop it fills up again!” He returned with a Police Officer, but Harry showed them his police permit. Inside the shop the man drew a gun: “Get him out of this shop, or I’ll shoot him!” So Harry took the Police advice and moved further along the street. This placed them by a set of traffic lights, and every time a tramcar waited for green, there was a fine audience – sometimes folk gave them requests for hymns on the record player.
An old man would blaspheme when Winifred offered him a leaflet. Harry jokingly called him Win’s “Boyfriend”. There came a three month period with no sight of him. When he showed up it was to request a leaflet: he had been ill in Hospital. “All I could see, as I lay in bed, was your husband preaching the Gospel in rain and snow, all kinds of weather. I gave my heart to the Lord.”
One vehicle was a 15 cwt van with Bible quotations on the side, and full sized coffin surmounted with a wreath, at the back: inscribed, “Is this the end?” When he visited a friend in hospital, it caused many wry comments – such as, “The van’s come for you Brother.”
In Dewsbury, preaching to a good crowd, the Police moved him on, following a complaint. “Come on Brother, we’ll go to the cemetery and preach to the dead – they will listen to us.” They did, but there was no one in sight. Twelve years later, at a Convention at Bridge Street Church, a man approached Harry: “I know you, and you know me. Do you remember preaching at Batley Cemetery, when it was pouring down? Well me and my wife were listening behind the curtains, and we gave our hearts to the Lord, that day; we both serve as Readers in the Church.”
About this time, the Leeds City Elders realized that a centuries old law granted every Englishman the right of one square foot of ground on which to stand and express his beliefs. The answer was to place a square sectioned stone block in every park in the city. With some irony, Harry was given the task of choosing the locations, and seeing it through. I visited the one in Crossflatts Park, Dewsbury Road.
Eventually the Second World War came along, and he was conscripted into the Army. There was discussion apropos which regiment he should “return” to. The 8th King’s Irish Hussars was chosen. The posting was to France. In the retreat towards Dunkirk, they were surrounded and cut off. Thirteen of them took an Army lorry and found their way south to Marseille. An Arab cattle boat crew offered to take them home, but whilst helping with the 600 horses in the hold, Harry realized they were sailing eastwards. Six days later they disembarked at Haifa, in Palestine, and joined General Wavell’s army. This led to the campaign in Ethiopia, then Palestine, and finally Mount Olympus in Greece. On the battlefield here, they were surrounded and overwhelmed by the Germans and taken prisoner. In the Prisoner of War camp, situated at Korinthos (where the apostle Paul had founded a church), many of his friends died of dysentery; there was a lack of medical assistance. Another colleague died from consuming a large amount of hot bread, which he had stolen. The Germans said, “Leave him there, we can’t burry him, we have no Padre.” A man called Duff Cooper went to complain: “I want my friend buried.” “If you can find a man qualified to bury him, you can.” Duff said he had seen Harry preaching often in Leeds, he could take a funeral service. So the Germans made Harry the “Bible Puncher”, the Padre for the camp.
The British prisoners were marched from Greece to Austria – they were shot if they stopped for food - they were not formally registered as POW’s.
Stalag 17 A, at Wolfsburg, was the destination, where Swedish Authorities made the official register as POW’s (Prisoners of War). In charge was a man by the name of Stinker Steiner: “I hear you’re the Padre, can you preach? You’re the Padre until one is captured.” He gave Harry a copy of “Hymns Ancient and Modern” often called “Hymns Ancient and More Ancient”– the official Church of England hymn book at the time; which Harry still had. He didn’t know a lot, but God helped him, and they had some glorious times. The first sermon was on Mark 5, The Raising of Jairus’s Daughter, and the Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood. After the message one man gave his heart to the Lord. The Germans commanded him to hold a Bible Study every Wednesday. A violent man called Andrew knocked his Bible from his hand, every time they passed. One night Harry told him that if he did it again, he would forget he was a Christian, and take his coat off to him. To Harry’s amazement, Andrews agreed to attend the Bible Studies, but on condition that he could choose the passage to study. “One Chronicles, the first five chapters”, which are lists of Jewish names. Harry was stumped, but the Lord gave him a word. One midnight, Harry’s friend Pop Harley (an Australian), woke him – they were housed in three stable blocks – there was a rumpus and shouting. With the Germans threatening to shoot them, if it didn’t stop – shots were being fired. “Harry! Andrews is shouting out to the Lord.” Harry went to the Commander – being the Padre, he was the only prisoner allowed to speak to him. On being questioned, Andrews said he wanted to know the Lord. So after a chat they both knelt down, and he gave his heart to the Lord. Before he was taken away to a punishment camp, Harry gave him a scribbled note of his home address in England. There was no more news of him until after the War: Winifred received a letter from Eastbourne, where Andrews lived. It was from his mother – eighteen years a Pentecostal Believer, her husband a Baptist Lay Preacher – how thankful she was that after 18 years praying for him, to learn of his conversion.
A man arrived carrying a huge Bible. When asked where he had found it, he replied, “On the battlefield at Mount Olympus”. It was there that Harry had been wounded in the leg – for the rest of his life he suffered a weeping scar. The Bible had Harry’s Leeds address on the flyleaf. “You can have it for some cigarettes. I’ve had many blessings from it, but I’m not a Christian.” Harry did not smoke, but was to take a Bible Study with the Officers, on “Daniel’s Image”, and they often gave him some cigarettes. They did, and these he gave to the man, who was called Sanderson. Harry told him he could keep the Bible, if he came to their Bible Studies. He did, and many years later it immerged that Sanderson was the Band Leader in the Salvation Army at Basingstoke, still carrying Harry’s Bible. Pop Harley lent him his, until the people at Bridge Street Church sent him a new Schofield Bible, from which he was able to preach and take Bible Studies, and lead Prayer Meetings. At one of these, a New Zealander gave his heart to the Lord.
There was a division of barbed wire in the camp: to separate French and British POW’s. As Brearley walked by it one day, someone called his name, “Our Pastor wants to speak to you.” The German Commander was agreeable to them holding joint Bible Studies, in alternate camps, using an interpreter. They had marvelous times and men were saved. Eventually a recognized Pastor was captured, and Harry was no longer required. This was a Church of England Chaplain, a British Army Officer called Ledgerwood, but unfortunately a Modernist in his beliefs.
Harry was sent out of the Camp to do hard manual work. About this time a Red Cross parcel came for him; it contained two bars of soap – a rare commodity. When the Commandant found out, he wanted one, and when Harry refused, the German drew his gun. Another Officer came in and asked what the rumpus was about. “You’re a Christian, aren’t you? What are you doing fighting us – it’s voluntary in your country? I’ll get you out of this Camp.” At this second Camp, food was short; but a man was a good shot with a catapult. He only managed to kill sparrows – still a lovely meal. When the dog was missing there were suspicions. In the end, Harry decided to escape, and contacted the Resistance Underground Movement. A prisoner called Lock was dressed as a woman, and they escaped pretending to be a courting couple; unfortunately they were caught in a curfew, and placed in the slam-bin.
On one occasion, he had just left the toilet block, when it was blown to pieces by an Allied bomb – probably dropped by a low flying De Havilland Mosquito aircraft. He had several similar escapes, for which he thanked God for His protection.
Later, the prisoners were travelling - standing tightly packed in a cattle truck. When it stopped a guard would stick his bayonet through a knot hole near the bulkhead. The first time this happened, it pierced a man’s face, so they took turns at standing there. Harry’s turn came, and he stood reading his Bible. This time an eye looked in, and this guard asked him what he was doing in the Army, as a Christian. Christians in Germany had no option. But he kindly attended to their needs with warm soup, and visits to the toilets – the truck was awash with sewage.
They were sent to Auschwitz Extermination Camp, and were made to dig the graves for thousands of Jewish people killed in the Gas Chambers. Next they were taken to a POW Camp near the Cilician Border. The War was drawing to a close, and the advancing Russians took no prisoners – they shot the Germans, and gave the British a very hard time. Better still though; the Americans were overrunning the German forces.
When he arrived home, Harry, normally a large man, weighed only 5 stone, 9 pounds – 36 kgs. The medical diagnosis was that there was no hope of recovery; but Pastor Miles laid hands on him for the prayer for healing, and he recovered well. The Seacroft Hospital Doctor could not understand it, but discharged him on special rations. Harry resumed his work for the Lord: preaching in the open air, and joined with a young man – Stephen Fisher. They had little blessing in missions at North Shields, and Middleborough. Stephen went home and founded his own car repair centre in Horsforth. Winifred joined him, and the blessing started, with people being saved.
He found numerous occupations: Leeds City Highways Department, as a Ganger/Charge Hand; Auty Brothers, as a labourer on the Seacroft Housing Estate – when asked if he could lay a drain, he demonstrated that he could, and was quickly promoted to Foreman (he knew no Mathematics, but a man from Leeds University called at his home, and offered to bring his Maths up to scratch, for the reading of Plans); and later he worked on the Intake Estate.
In one of these jobs, as they were demolishing a house, Harry fell from scaffolding onto a sofa – which broke his fall to some extent, and may have saved his life, but he badly injured his back. He wore a steel brace, and a special collar to protect his neck. One morning as he woke, he felt that God wanted to heal him, and as he prayed his back was restored. The Doctor insisted on a small pension for Harry, who still has the brace as a souvenir.
The Labour Exchange/Job Centre found him a possible employment: working for the Government as a chauffeur, at a complex in Lawnswood. The Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture told him that people with a prison record could not be considered. When he explained his predicament – severe, but long-time-ago, incarcerations, followed by his conversion to the Lord Jesus, she advised him to write a full record of events. Firstly, he had to fulfill a Campaign in Holyhead with Evangelization Society, and another with an Assemblies of God Church. The job was to start on the 13th of October. A generous fiscal gift greatly encouraged, and helped him; a not uncommon experience, when folk saw his van with Bible quotation painted on the side. His meeting with the Chief Constable, a man by the name of Barnet, and a fine Christian, eventually resulted in a full list of his crimes, convictions, Court appearances, and imprisonments. He needed three extra sheets of paper to complete the long list; but with no convictions since 1932 until the present (1953). Harry was amazed to be offered the job. His Boss was a Believer, and told him: “Take as much time off as you need, to do your preaching.” He had missions in Rugby at the AOG Church, and at the Bible Pattern Church, Bradford. When his equipment failed, a financial gift bought him a new van. He was given an established post, on the Staff at Lawnswood, where he remained until 1960.
One morning, Christmas 1968, his wife called to him that he had a letter from the Prime Minister – he thought it was a joke. But it was to inform him that Her Majesty the Queen had awarded him a British Empire Medal. This was often given to ordinary people, who had done good work in their employment. Unfortunately, the Queen had a previously arranged engagement, but his Boss arrange for the Earl of Scarborough to make the presentation at Lawnswood, in 1969. All food, drink and photographs would be paid for. “You have to wet the medal with a strong drink.” Winifred replied, “Oh no we won’t; we’ve brought our own orange juice.”
How did he come to be recommended for the BEM? The theory was that he drove an interesting Jewish visitor to the British Government, who was a member of the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), round the Jewish sites in Leeds – mainly Synagogues. They had interesting discussions on the Book of Ezekiel the Prophet, and the Old Testament/ Jewish Bible in general. He sent Winifred a beautiful set of photographs of his country.
In retirement, Harry continued preaching at markets and Race Meetings. In 1975, Win became ill; curtailing his preaching activities, as he looked after her, until her promotion to Glory in 1981.
Harry Brearley, BEM, is a great believer in Christ Jesus’s Return, as foretold in First Thessalonians chapter four, commencing at verse thirteen:
13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Harry recommended several fictional books by Sydney Watson: “In The Twinkling of An Eye”, “Scarlet and Purple”, “The Mark of the Beast”, and “The Coming King”.
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53. THE WRATH OF GOD
Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
Colossians 3:6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
1 Thessalonians 2:16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Revelation 15:7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.
Revelation 19:15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron sceptre.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
54. Apologetics
This nothing to do with apologising; but is about giving a defence of the Faith, in the face of common criticisms.
How can we assess religious beliefs?
Here is my summary based very freely on Professor Ninian Smart’s “Criteria of Truth in Religion”:
[Fuller references are found in: "The Problems of Theology", B. L. Hebblethwaite, CUP, 1980, UK; pp 24-28, 39-43.]
1. Coherence
A religious view must make sense, in itself, and with genuine, truly proven knowledge in the World generally
2. Simplicity
Understandable, but this needs to be balanced by comprehensiveness of detail. In my days of coming towards The Faith, I reckoned that, if ever I found The Truth, it would be accessible to a child, or the most simple: yet at the same time, satisfy the great and able intellect of an Oxbridge Professor. It should also be far above full understanding by humans.
3. Comprehensiveness
The truth will make sense of the whole of life
4. Ethical and Spiritual Profundity – impressive in both moral and spiritual areas: its laws must be manifestly just and fair to the sensitive, uncauterised human conscience; and in its pristine form – uncluttered by a folk religion, reconstruction by its “theologians”, or its “heresies”, it must become evermore transcendent and deeply satisfying – leading to a proven, winsome, godliness of life.
5. Ability to Cope with Boundary Situations
It must stand us in good stead in times of serious suffering and hardship
6. Historical Considerations
It must take its place in a serious account of History (and Geography) – often depending on archaeology (see my Blog on Biblical Archaeology)
7. The Aesthetic Criterion
All these aspects must fit together in a supportive way
[We may wish to add: Is it honouring to its “God”, Origins, or Natural Justice, and does it have Integrity?]
"Don't judge a star by his fan club. "
May I suggest that Christianity wins hands down over all other Faiths!
50. Icthus
CHURCH LEADERSHIP, AS JESUS WOULD HAVE IT! WHAT IS A PASTOR?
[B] PASTOR, 20
In the first few years of my preaching experience, I travelled to a nearby northern wool town to take a communion service at the Baptist Church. The apparent biblical terminology seemed most impressive: it had a Pastor in charge, and Deacons to help him. The Deaconate, mainly spiritual ladies, help officiate at the Lord’s Table. At first sight, the terms “Pastor” and “Deacons” looked very correct, but the usage of the former was certainly not biblical.
“Shepherd/Pastor” is the Greek word “poimen”: 4 times it applies to the farming-shepherds of Bethlehem, 13 times to the Lord Jesus Christ – where it carries, among other connotations, the thought of Psalm 23, “The LORD is my Shepherd”; and only once to the gift in the Church, where the reference is a plural noun (Ephesians 4:11). “Pastors” is preferred to “Shepherds”, at the discretion of the translators. The infinitive of the verb is used in Acts 20:28; and second person plural in the aorist tense, is figuratively used, along with “flock”, in 1 Peter 5:2: this note is pivotal to the discussion which we are about to follow, because many English translations imply a noun, or title, where a verb is used in the original Greek. In the New Testament, “Shepherd/Pastor” is NOT found as a title for an Office in the Church. There are references, in which leaders are told, figuratively, to tend the sheep and feed the flock. Even in the Old Testament the word is used of leaders in this figurative sense: “the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people”. (1 Chronicles 17:6 c) It would be better, and more correct, to dispense with the word "pastor", and simply use "shepherd".
Different answers will be given to the question, “What is a Pastor?” by Christians of various backgrounds: some will say that every Minister or Clergyman is a Shepherd or Priest, to some it is the special title within the more progressive non-conformist denominations; but to some of us it is a designation which requires a totally new appraisal and definition.
Significantly then, a digression must be made, to clear the ground by looking at the teaching I am going to outline: that Elders are the correct form of Leadership in the Church. All too familiar, in all kinds of congregations today, is the format of a single leader, often he, or she, is under intolerable stress, and the position is vestigial of the lowest point in the historical development of the Orthodox and Roman Churches.
In secular Classical History one sees the distinction between ruling by a single Despot – a Tyrant King; and, on the other hand, by a College of Governors – called an Oligarchy. If one man, like a Despot, had ruled the Fellowship at Corinth, there might have been more order, but only at a price. The New Testament clearly teaches the alternative to a Despot (not necessarily despotic): an Oligarchy, in fact – a group of leaders – a plurality of Elders! I do want to say that we are ever grateful to hundreds of godly men who have carried these titles of Bishop, Reverend, Pastor, or Father, and been fine builders of the Church of Christ. Sadly, however, some holders of these positions, by their fruits, are seen as not yet converted. These titles often function as: legal, civic, and denominational authorities.
"Anglican Elders?", by Rev Ed Moll, Lutterworth Press, UK, a concept endorse by the Church Society in its Podcasts (Number 57) and Conference expositions. This represents a strong stream within the Church of England: "Every Member Ministry", Equipping God's People to Live God's Word, We are a Fellowship contending to Reform and Renew the Church of England in Biblical faith. This group of churches is almost alone in seeing growth in the twenty-tens (2010-2020)
From the cover of the book:
“We are used to the idea that ministry is a team effort, and many churches have ministry teams or elderships.” Page 18, “Crossway”, Number 160 (the magazine of the Church Society)
We must establish the names given to this leadership team, the qualifications to be considered for it, and its duties.
“Proistemi” in 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13 refers to plural leadership. When the word “hegeomai” stands for leaders in Hebrews 13:7,17, and 24, it is plural in each case, or implied. This chapter contains ten references to plural leadership.
But the following two important Greek words are normally used, and they are quite interchangeable – they are used synonymously:
- episcopos, ep-is-kop-os [Strong 1983, 1984, 1985], which is commonly translated in the English Versions as either “Bishop”, or “Overseer” – Acts 1:20, 20:28, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1, 2; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 2:25, and 5:2.
- presbuteros, pres-boo-ter-os [Strong 4245, 4850], which is translated as “Elder” (Presbyter) – 1 Timothy 5:1,17,19, 1 Peter 5:1,5, 2 John verse 1, 3 John verse 1, Acts 14:23, 15:2-23, 16:4, 20:17, 21:18, James 5:14, Revelation 4:4,10, 5:5-14, 7:11-13, 11:16, 14:3, and 19:4; and there are various references meaning the Sanhedrin, the Elders of the Jews (e.g. Luke 7:3).
The two mentions in which the terms are applied to the identical group of men are Acts 20:17-28, and Titus 1:5-9. Synonyms are a key element in the Hebrew poetry of the Prophets, and the Aramaic poetic form used by the Lord Jesus. This Old Testament poetic style is called Parallelism, which Luke, whose writing echoes the language of the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek, was obviously steeped in. Paul also, would be familiar with this form of expression. Indeed, all the Believers of a Jewish background, in the New Testament, would employ Parallelism in daily conversation – it would be part of their everyday speech….
There are indeed, three passages which link Overseers, or Overseer, with shepherding/pastoring the flock. The Elders in Acts 20:28, were told “to shepherd” the Church. In a second passage, Peter commands the Overseers to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:1-4), again the verb; here also Christ is called “The Chief Shepherd”. The third statement, also in 1 Peter (2:25), points to Christ: “For you were straying sheep, but now you are turned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” A most serious thought indeed: Christ alone is called: “The Pastor/Shepherd” – any other individual taking authority would be an antichrist! The idea of calling a Christian: “The Pastor”, is foreign to the Scriptures, and should be avoided at all cost. Practically speaking, where one person is seen as leader, the organization of proper Elders, even if not in name, must share the burdens of piloting.
A solution offered by some teachers is to call all the town's clergy the Elders of the town's church. But, NO, NO, NO; the characters of some would well rule them out from Eldership.
An interesting note: in the Ephesians 4 list, the spiritual anointing of Pastor is linked with Teaching; however, not all Elders have the calling of Teaching.
1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the ELDERS of the church laid their hands on you. (Paul had also laid his hands on Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.) Translators had a heyday over this Greek term: Council of Elders, English Standard Version; Presbytery, Elderhood, Body of Elders.
In the Epistle to Titus (chapter 1:5 ff) we see the apostle being instructed to appoint Elders – plural, in each city – plural. Today some would say: simply call all the church heads as the college of Elders for that town. I think not: only some qualify to be Overseers in the New Testament terms, and the concept refers to individual congregations, not a group of Churches.
The desired inner attitude of Elders
1Pe 5:1-4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds (shepherd – verb in the original Greek text) of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
When we come to the topic of Prophet, I shall argue that someone who prophesies is, by definition, a prophet; because the term, even from antiquity, has always had a narrow and specific meaning – we use such expressions as: “The expert was asked to prophesy the outcome of the Cup Final/Super Bowl.” Everyone knows that “informed guess” is really intended. “Shepherding”, on the other hand, is widely used in a metaphorical sense: “The teacher gently shepherded her class into the gym.” No one would want to argue that she was therefore the pastor of a church, or that she should have used a sheepdog! (In education, the much-used term “Pastoral” is a hated word by some, because it appears to come from the Church.)
So it is, then, that I think “Pastor” cannot be used as a title for Church Leadership. Why is it used then? Partly it has grown into a tradition – our Lord did not rate tradition highly, or, ignorance, a desire for power and self-glory, or even the “doctrines/teaching of demons”.
If we asked the congregation at Korinthos, “Who is your Shepherd?” they would have shouted back: “JESUS!”
We may sometimes note that lone leaders in society resort to evil ways for holding their authority. They may use: cunning, temper, tantrum, moods, insult, innuendo, oppression, and all kinds of underhand manipulation, to bully those under them. Some who are the sole church-leader would see their position as one to be defended at all cost. There are Church Members who so identify with their “Leader” and his authority, in an unhealthy basking-in-reflected-glory way, that they also would spill blood to keep his position intact. I have certainly seen some of these.
K.L. Schmidt, writing in Kittel, is particularly detailed and spiritual.
Acts 14:21-23 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 15 shows the original apostles and Elders working together at the Council of Jerusalem.
Let us imagine a conversation in the Church at Korinthos – one of the older Jewish Believers in Jesus is gossiping at the end of the First Day meeting. As they stand in the shade of the lime trees, and look northwards across the bay, to the far mountains near Delphi. His thoughts about the Elders were, that they should only be married men with children:
“Children are the crucial test of a man’s ability to shepherd the flock of God.”
“Do you mean by shepherd, that he must have the gift of being a pastor?” asked his friend, of similar journeyings in life.
“No, I use the verb, and not the noun. You must always allow for the imperfections, and, limitations of human language; even God Himself has that problem. If the noun was used, we would only have to identify the spiritual gift of pastor, and make all those people the team of Elders. The position of Elder is for human appointment, under God, and we must know what calibre of individual to consider.”
“How many should we have?” his friend persisted with his questions, recognizing their virtue.
“As many as it would take to handle a revolt, of all the unpleasant Brothers and Sisters in the Congregation.”
“And how many is that?”
“You cannot have too many!”
(Quoted from my novel about “A Corinthian Slave”)
Here is an interesting problem for today. A fellowship has sorted things out well, and it has a small number of Elders of high quality. Unfortunately there is a strong disagreement – let us imagine it is about: a) setting a very high standard of church life by secular standards, and b) lowering the bar to allow new members to grow in using their gifts; Doctrinal Concepts; Personality Clashes; or Reach Out styles Whatever the internal war, there is a serious division, which cannot be resolved easily. Two possible routes to take: 1) bring in folk of apostolic calibre, or simply Elders from other local Ekklesia to discuss a solution; 2) outline the state of affairs to the Congregation, offer several propositions and take a vote – in either case it may be necessary to resign the current Elders, and vote in new appointments. The number of Leaders may need to be increased!
Hermann W. Beyer, writes in Kittel: “It is significant … that there are several episkopa in one congregation, none of which takes precedence.” Commenting on the criteria for appointing Overseers, Beyer wrote: “In this respect Roman Catholic celibacy stands in direct contradiction to the Bible.” (Kittel, vol 2, p 617) We may note that there are many more inconsistencies in the Church leadership that need to be investigated!
Our Lord quotes from Isaiah, and adds His own comment: “‘For they replace God’s commands with their own man-made teachings.’ For you ignore God’s specific laws and substitute your own traditions.” (Mark 7:7-8, NLT, cf Matthew 15:3)
We ask the question: What constitutes this kind of tradition? Certainly all doctrinal alterations, and changing practices which are laid down in Scripture. Note that: one step of reasoning can lead to heresy.
An order of helpers who alleviate the pressures on Elders, are the Deacons and Deaconesses. I think the Scriptures do show that women were allowed into this strata of Official – Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:11, NIV margin/footnote; and Phoebe of Kenchreae (in Romans 16:1-2). There is the possible thought (in 1 Timothy 3:8 ff) that they should be married people. Presumably they might help in care for the poor, as in Acts 6:1 ff (the first mention of Deacons), with secretarial and accounting duties generally, and officiate in practical, logistical, and many other areas of responsibility. Here also, God requires an unbelievably high standard of Christian life, and we see that even the secondary level of office holders in Church life, are in the hands of well-accredited people – not just side-lined to hangers-on, or that ever-present danger: the volunteer.
In the Early Church – and ideally in the Body of Christ today – there was a tension between the apostles and the Elders: between the primary gift and the appointed leadership in individual Congregations. This is not unlike what occurs in the life of many Western nations: between the Government and the Judiciary. To over-simplify this: the Government writes the laws: the Judges make certain that everybody keeps them; even the Government members themselves! Similarly, Elders will need to stand against false apostles: apostles will be on the lookout for failure among the Elders.
Our current problem is that this century has seen the development of the usage of the term “Pastor” for the single, monolithic, Tyrant (in the Classical sense), Minister. It does not take much imagination to see the march of change from: the Roman Catholic Priest, to the Anglican Parish Priest, Methodist Minister, Salvation Army Officer, to the Baptist or Pentecostal Pastor. The obvious fact, that many spiritual and godly men have held such positions is not proof that this is the ideal; or that it is taught in the New Testament. One of our local Baptist Church leaders identified the issue succinctly: “Can you tell me the name of the Pastor of the Church in Ephesus, or at Rome, or Philippi?” Of course there was no such position!
The whole question is similar to the elitist Gnostic heresy confronted in the New Testament Letters ... do you have a title, have you been to a Theological College?
The title "Father" is particularly hard for me to write about. When it is used in Scripture it is either of the obvious biological relationship in genealogies, of God Himself, in His grace, or of specific relationships. Joseph spoke of himself as being a father to Pharaoh, Paul of being a father to the Corinthian believers, and of Timothy: because he had brought them to faith in Christ, and mentored them. (Genesis 45:8; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2) Here we see simile and metaphor. This kind of usage refers to one group or individual, not to everybody, not as a over-arching title, as forbidden by our Lord. At no point does anyone request to be called "Father". Who sins most: those who ask for the title to be used of an individual or rank, or those who use this form of address? I call many Christians: Brother, or Sister; but I do not use Brother as my title in correspondence.
The Rev John Coles (a leader of New Wine Conferences) made these points: when discipling a group in his home he felt a different person to the vicar in his robes on a Sunday. World War Three almost irrupted when he dispensed with the robes; but he felt much more authentic and real. Similarly, he found the huge responsibility of a clergyman, being for a limited time frame only; until he developed a team of seven around him to share the burden together: the difference was incredible (a talk at a Fresh Expressions Conference, 2011).
Sadly, the only person in the Bible who resembles our common use of the word Pastor, is an impostor named Diotrephes – who is mentioned in John’s short Third Letter. Fortunately, only a few leaders are like this.
The characteristics of Diotrephes are that he:
- Gossiped maliciously,
- Wanted to be top dog,
- Refused to receive the itinerant preachers,
- Prevented hospitality being shown to them, and
- Excommunicated those who did,
- Hated the apostles,
- He did not lead by an exemplary life
- Noted as an evil person who had not “seen God”!
SUMMARY: One of the most difficult, but essential, tasks facing the Church today is the re-establishing of the original leadership concept of the Early Church, given by the Holy Spirit – sadly, after only a few hundred years there had been the radical change. Near Derbe, visited by Paul on his First Missionary Journey, an inscription was recently found, dating from the fourth or fifth century; it reads: “The most God-loving Michael, bishop of Derbe” – suggesting that a single bishop had come to rule the Church, at the city where Paul had appointed a college of Elders. Today we have one Bishop over many churches: the first Christians appointed many Bishops (Overseers-episcopos) over one church.
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
Sadly, some in leadership teams try hard to be elite and DIFFERENT. I turned to a television transmission of a seasonal service and thought the clergyman was part of a film about Robin Hood, because he was in pseudo medieval clothes. We should all note this example of Paul: in dress, communication etc.
One of the saddest comments I heard on pastoring, was apropos a very sick lady: little help was on offer, and anger was shown to the family, when an outsider notified the church of a specific need. The family’s comment was: “Out of sight: out of mind!” There was a sequel: some church members put a practical shoulder to the wheel.
The Manchester (UK) Diocese Budget for the year 2015 allocated 70.5% to “Clergy Stipends and Housing Costs (over 9 million GB pounds). True the biblical Elders were to be paid something for their ministry – alongside their secular employment, presumably. This balance would release considerable funds for the work of evangelism and care for the poor.
To continue this digression one logical stage further, here is a table of the required qualifications for Elders. The giving of this guidance by the Holy Spirit, implies that He expects the Leaders to be appointed along these lines - by other office-holders, the Congregation, or apostles.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint Elders in every town, as I directed you (Titus).”
“If anyone sets his heart on being an elder, he desires a noble task. Now an overseer must be …” Kittel points out that the use of the singular is simply referring to the bishop as a calling, not that there was only one in each Church.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-9;
- Above reproach *(Repeated in Titus)
- Husband of one wife *
- Temperate
- Self-controlled – sensible *
- Respectable – modest
- Hospitable – lover of people *
- Able to teach – to a greater or lesser degree
- Not given to much wine *no drunkenness
- Not violent. *
- Gentle – not a striker of people
- Not quarrelsome
- Not a lover of money – greedy of gain *no dishonest gain
- Must manage family well – an important reason is given
- Must see that children obey with respect *
- Not a recent convert – remember Satan’s fall
- A good reputation outside the Church
Not overbearing
Not quick tempered
Lover of good
Upright
Holy
Disciplined
Holding to the orthodox teaching, able to encourage and refute.
TOTAL: 16. *TOTAL: 16.
It may be too pedantic to isolate the special qualities in the Titus list – several are not all that different: self-controlled and disciplined, for example.
Children are an important aspect [well-behaved, believers]. 1 John 2:12 ff helps here.
Teknea = little children
Neanisoi = young men
Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:1ff have Tekna = little children
- Worthy of respect
- Not indulging in much wine
- Not pursuing dishonest gain
- Must manage household well
- Must manage children well
Holding the revealed mystery with a clear conscience
Tested first and found blameless – on probation
Wives/Deaconesses, must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, and faithful in everything.
It is defined as an Office, which, if done well, brings dignity and assurance.
There are several further rules apropos Elders:
“Let the Elders (plural) who take the lead well be counted worthy of double honour (commonly taken to mean financial reward), especially those labouring in word and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain’ – and, ‘The labourer is worthy of his pay.’”
“Do not receive an accusation against an Elder unless on the testimony of two or three witnesses. The one sinning before all rebuke; that the rest also may have fear.” (1 Timothy 5:17-20, Green) One would expect to find some of the Eldership Team who are evangelists, and some who are teachers of the Word.
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you … Greet your leaders [and all the saints].” (Hebrews 13:17-24)
“To the Elders … shepherd(s of) God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4, NIV)
All these points are relevant, and particularly so at certain times. The plurality of the leadership is clear. Finance is involved; but it must not be paramount. The servant heart is vital, as is zeal for the calling. Extreme lording over people must not be part of the picture – as sometimes happens; in the 1980’s the “Shepherding Movement” aimed to succeed where pastoral care in the traditional churches left much to be desired; but it went too far, and those who fell for it, had to repent.
The apostles made the initial appointments, but perhaps later it may have been by any suitable means – by the membership voting, or more likely by the existing body of Elders making new officers. Leadership positions in university Christian Unions were filled by the votes of membership being made first, as a guide, but the final choice was by the outgoing leaders.
Does it seem unfair that only married men, with well behaved, believing, children can be considered for the post of Elder – and possibly, by implication, Deacons? A second reason may be that single men, or those without children, are particularly valuable as people who can move about more easily in the service of Christ. Perhaps Priscilla and Aquila, who moved about the Roman Empire in pivotal service, are an example of this: Rome (Acts 18:2), Korinthos (Acts 18:1-3), Ephesus (Acts 18:19), Rome again (Romans 16:3 ff), and back in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19). When they are noted in greetings in Paul's letters, there is no mention of children ...Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19. The premises they owned, perhaps for their businesses run by slaves, were most suitable as venues for the congregations. Their practical aid was always in evidence.
How do the two gifts of deacon and pastor relate to the Offices of Deacon and Elder? The two Offices fulfil for the larger congregation – but in a totally different sense, what the gifts do at a more individual level. If the gifts were equated with the Office, there would be no need for the careful selection procedure; as I said earlier, we would simply have to identify the gifts! There is a massive difference between the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the examination of character and life required of potential Elders. We have developed human traditions; it is quite clear from the Gospels that Jesus is not in favour of Tradition, but very much against it – we do well to have this in mind. In a sense our Lord was crucified by Tradition.
In a climate of Church life where the Pastor, or individual leader, is the norm, it is very difficult to break away from that pattern; and the way out will be different in each case. But the problem must be carefully dealt with and the Congregation fully instructed. One finds various sad inconsistencies, if not non-sequiturs, being employed: “First among Equals”, “All are equal, but some are more equal than others”, “Professional Elder”, "Lead Elder", “Paid Elder”, or “Leader of the Eldership Team” – simply to avoid grasping the nettle, and bringing about the necessary change. Government laws of charitable status may create a problem to be overcome. I have known someone using the title Pastor, to avoid the strict requirements of Elder - a most devious ploy. There is the obvious danger of a dynamic person being tempted to rule-the-roost – sinful egotism and ambition, a leading businessman, a politician, a famous sportsperson. Here is a test of his true and constant humility.
In any organisation of some size there will be delegation of authority, and various people must be free to work within their calling. Finance must be found for some of them – Elders must clearly receive remuneration (1 Timothy 5:17, 18). However, all workers in a Church should be answerable to the Elders, who must take responsibility for all major decisions. In the present climate, even churches that claim to have resolved the issue of Elders, must constantly review the state of affairs to see that there is no sliding back. The denomination known as Christian Brethren, has successfully endured for well over a hundred years in the care of Elders – it probably started in Dublin, in 1829. They do not eliminate all the problems, but the machinery is in place to handle them. For most churches to develop a more biblical leadership, there will be the need for: teaching, time, humility, bravery, and wisdom.
As I said earlier: “To pastor, may be caring for a third former in the school Christian Union; or serving a senior executive in the House of Commons or in Industry.” A definition of a pastor may be something like this: a Christian man, woman, or child, who has been given the ability by the Holy Spirit to help their Brothers and Sisters grow in their spiritual life, by counsel and appropriate teaching. Their service will usually be to individuals or small numbers.
On the positive side, everyone needs someone to pastor them. If we ask the question: Who are the close friends we go to for advice? Our answer will indicate those who are own close pastors. For many years, mine have been: a senior family-friend, a medical doctor, and a college lecturer – only one has had academic theological training.
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,/ "faithful are the wounds of a friend" (KJV)
“Secret” is the first part of the word “secretary”; similarly, the commitment of the counsellor to keeping secrets is vital! The first three letters of the word “PASTOR” do not stand for Public Address System. “PASTOR” could well stand for: Private and Secure, Trustworthy – Operating Responsibly. Much of what we call counselling is pastoring – certainly where teaching is included; if support and practical help is given, other charisms will be used.
The antique communities had their city, town or village Elders – as we see in the Old Testament.
The spiritual leaders and mentors of Israel, in Ezekiel’s day, are collectively and metaphorically referred to as Shepherds. Here they are indicted for their failures: caring for themselves and neglecting their flock. “You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not care for the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for the wild animals. My sheep wondered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. “… For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so I will look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness … I will bring them out [to safety] … I will pasture them … I will tend them in a good pasture … They will lie down in good grazing land, and they will feed in a rich pasture … I myself will tend my sheep and make them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them and be their shepherd … You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, my people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.” (Ezekiel 34)
The metaphorical language of this chapter covers much more than human pastoring, there are also aspects of Divine Judgement, and of the Davidic Messiah. It shows what caring does not mean, on the one hand; and many of the key facets of the true calling to pastor God’s people, on the other. Like other gifts, it shows something of God’s nature, the Body of Christ, working for the maturation of the Ekklesia.
The Twenty-Third Psalm, also, has much to teach us. The Divine Shepherd provides: all true needs, rest, food and drink, restoration at the deepest level, righteous guidance, his comforting presence in times of danger and threat, protection and rescue, his supply of provisions – unhindered by the presence of enemies, healing to the point of good health, the assurance of goodness and love, and a stable home. We know that the eastern shepherd leads his sheep – they willing follow him to good pastures; but by far the stress here is on the Shepherd’s care and loving provision. We can also consider Psalm 28:9, and Psalm 100:3.
The uniqueness of our Lord Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who is dedicated to serving the sheep to the point of death, is seen in John 10:1-15, 27-30; in contrast with the hireling shepherds, and thieves and robbers, who run away from danger, or climb up some other way into the fold – to steal, kill and destroy. He talks of one flock and one shepherd!
We can often tell when the gift is clearly absent – where there is no searching for the straying ones, only dividing and scattering the flock of God. There is the story of a farming-shepherd who aspired to be a spiritual pastor. One day, five of his sheep escaped from his farm and ran down the village road. The husband of a Christian lady ran out and stopped their mad exodus, she telephoned the farmer, and he held them up until the farmer arrived – within four minutes. The lady attended the fellowship he pastored, but slipped away: he never visited her!
The pastoral gift means that we will always have time for the people we are given; there is always a cost – as with all the gifts, but also rewards.
The linking of “Pastors” and “Teachers” in Ephesians 4:11 should not be lost on us; the same thought is often present in other passages. We have Jesus’s words to Peter in John 21:15-19: “Feed My lambs…Take care of My sheep…. Feed My sheep.” Feeding obviously indicates teaching.
It is said that we cannot relate closely to more than ten or twelve people, or families, and there are commentators on the subject who apply this to leadership, and to pastoring relationships among Christian friends.
There is a curious little test of the picture I have given of Elders: Peter is the only apostle who is also called an Elder. We do know that he was married – but there is no mention of any children. Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, and Titus, are not spoken of as being married. (Mark 1:29-31, 1 Corinthians 7:7, 9:5, 1 Peter 5:1)
How could we change?
In my travels, I attended an Anglican church, which was facing a huge decision that would affect its work for a good half century. The vicar was under considerable pressure, so I encouraged him to allow the Church Council to share or even take the full responsibility – they would outlast the vicar’s term of office in any case. There was a huge success. This represents a gradual move away from monolithic leadership.
The term “Pastor” for a church leader should be stopped! Even though it is ubiquitous.
For example: we have moved into a new house, in a district that is strange to us, and select a promising church for worship and commitment. We discover, it is run by quite a large group of Elders, assisted by Deacons and Deaconesses, who employ several full-time workers. At the close of our first visit, someone who is slightly older than ourselves welcomes us, helps us to settle in, and over the weeks becomes our close friend and personal pastor. Miracles like this still do happen I can assure you!
In nations where persecution is rampant, having a Pastor or Vicar is often a severe weakness: the extremists who attack can easily reduce the fellowship to impotence, by taking the single leader away. A group of leaders is far more stable and practical, for many reasons. In about the year 2000, I spoke on the phone to a representative of Open Doors UK about this issue. Their attitude is to leave local doctrinal issues as they are. What do you think?
A WISE LETTER SENT TO THE EDITOR OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY (BMS) MAGAZINE “ENGAGE”, IN SPRING 2015: IN ANSWER TO AN EARLIER ARTICLE ON THE IDEA OF LONE CHURCH LEADERS – “SUPER PASTOR, DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SUPERHERO TO BE AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH LEADER? ”.
Dear Editor,
The super hero theory of leadership comes from a discredited management theory of the 1930s taken up by, among others, Adolf Hitler.
The most successful leaders are humble people drawn from within the organisation who work with a team for the benefit of the organisation and not for their own benefit.
Since leadership cannot be taught, in spite of what some management schools claim, and leaders only succeed if they have people who are prepared to be part of their team. BMS needs to look at developing people who may never be leaders themselves but could play a key role in a successful leadership team (like Andrew, Philip, Matthew etc).
John R Hudson
[I know a local Pastor who had a valued biography of Hitler on his bookshelf! He was one who threatened to thump me. An American, influential churchman started his series on this subject with a biographical reference to Hitler; and not a biblical exposition.]
The ministerial systems in many denominations are open to abuse. Church Members of leadership abilities may have been in the congregations for decades - they know the congregation, the locality, and attributes well; and then a new Minister arrives to lead, and through lack of research and wise advice, imposes himself - often damaging God's work irreparably.
Read Church History, if you are interested in seeing the sad degeneration of the Kirk in so many areas. Whilst on a military (Royal Air Force) course on spiritual leadership, a Scottish Chaplain recommended a fine book published by The St Andrew’s Press. My favourite, over many years, has been “The Story of the Church” by Professor A. M. Renwick, with additional material by A. M. Harman. [Inter-Varsity Press, ISBN 0-85111-590-X)
Mentoring has been discussed to frightening, complex proportions; far from the fine beautiful, trusting, simple, steel sharpening steel friendship, of the Holy Spirit's Gift of the biblical pastor. At one time I could draw on my four close pastors for: high-level medical advice and Eschatology, insight into Church History and New Testament Greek, blunt Yorkshire tell-it-as-it-is, and a wise Centurion (non-commissioned officer).
Let us imagine a quite large fellowship: its twenty-five Elders are sitting round a long conference table. Half way down the left-hand side is a muscular, stocky foreman of a council team of trash bin emptiers. Towards the far end of the right-hand side is a tall tanned CEO of a large firm of 1,114 employees including an R and D team of Graduates, and listed on the Stock Exchange. Beyond him is a Group Captain (RAF retired). These last two men need to make a most conscious effort to keep themselves on ground level, and never in any way, exert the dominating attitudes required by their secular positions, and frequently defer to their humbler companions.
Cf - Association of Christian Teachers
PLEASE CONTINUE READING AT PART TWO
