One of the results of last Sunday's sermon on Immigration and Nationhood was the continuing conversation it generated and because other people continued to be engaged it continued my thinking as well. The story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey is quite comical, a living parable, which in itself has much to say about his view of nations and people who are different from us and how we treat them.
But what has exercised my thinking since Sunday is that strange moment with the fig tree that Mark puts in his account (Mark 11:1-18) between Jesus going to the temple and him acting decisively against the system. Jesus sees a fig tree from a distance, it has leaves on it and looks healthy but when he gets closer he sees no figs - not that it should have had any because it wasn't the season for figs! Not fair!! As Jesus looked at the temple from a distance it seemed that everything was going well. The Temple courts were full of people coming to worship God and there was noise and excitement, sacrifice and celebration - it was Passover. But as he got closer and looked at everything he saw no fruit, nothing to show for all the activity. Plenty of leaves but no figs. It was the season for fruit in the Temple, but nothing was there. He cursed the fig tree, he overturned the tables and halted the sacrifices that were going on. The purpose of the Temple had been forgotten, instead of welcome he found exclusion and exploitation. On Friday he hung on a cross to open the way for all people for all time - well, until there is no more time!
As Jesus looks at my life from a distance what does he see? Activity, noise, busy-ness. As he gets closer....
Perhaps it's time for him to come in and clear out the outer court of my heart, the part of my life where motives get a bit mixed up, where prejudice can linger a little too long, where sin can take hold and become a habit. It should be the place for fruitfulness, but all he mat find is leaves.
What needs clearing out? Will Jesus find fruit growing in my life as he gets closer? Paul writes, 'your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you.' (1 Corinthians 6:19) Does He have access to all areas? Has the curtain been torn in two yet?
I'd love to hear what you think about this, so please join in the conversation. I've got so much more to learn.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
I have had what I can only describe as one of the best weekends of ministry in my life! Quite a claim I know after 22 years of being involved in church leadership, but I think it is not an exaggeration.
On Saturday we launched our Business Breakfast and the Hampshire Christian Business Forum (www.hantscbf.org) at the Solent Hotel. This was the culmination of 2 years work with other people from the church with a vision to support, encourage and inspire people in the workplace. It was a lot of hard work but 81 people turned up and we were certainly inspired and challenged by a big breakfast and a great talk from Steve Gates, MD of Denplan. Great feedback and a great launchpad for future events. Visit the website and find out more.
Sunday was my preach and I had to tackle the issue of Immigration and Nationhood! We are running a series called 'Voting Matters' as we all head towards the election and want to stir up clear biblical thinking on certain big issues. I learnt a lot about the issue but perhaps more about preaching on that day. I had heard Rob Bell say many times that 'the sermon should not be the last word' but I always want it to be. Preparing for Sunday I was frustrated because I couldn't come to a conclusion as I usually do, but after Sunday I felt the effects of not having the final word. The post-sermon conversations were the most animated, involved, passionate, that I have known and it was great to see and hear what had been stirred up. People wanting to understand the issue not only from the party angle but from God's view as well. If you want to listen to what I said then visit www.lhfc.org.uk and click on podcasts.
Then Sunday afternoon we had the Awards ceremony for the latest Faith and Football season we have just finished. This is a scheme whereby children sign up to play football for one hour every fortnight. It's free, mixed ability and we run it with a volunteer team from the church. It has been very cold this season, but 30 children have turned up and their parents have stood and watched. It has been a great opportunity to reach into the community, people we wouldn't reach otherwise. Sunday we gave medals and trophies to all the children, cheered on by their families. It was great fun. We even had a surprise guest - Linvoy Primus (he plays for Portsmouth FC) so the children and their mums were thrilled! Linvoy and Mick Mellows started this scheme in Portsmouth and it now has many Leagues in this area and in Birmingham and Plymouth. It was a great opportunity to celebrate, share the Easter story and engage in conversation about why we do it. (www.faithandfootball.org.uk)
Then yesterday, it was Kerry's birthday (my wife).
What a weekend to remember. I've learnt a lot of lessons, been encouraged, surprised, invigorated and excited. It's always great when a plan comes together! Praise God! What's next!
On Saturday we launched our Business Breakfast and the Hampshire Christian Business Forum (www.hantscbf.org) at the Solent Hotel. This was the culmination of 2 years work with other people from the church with a vision to support, encourage and inspire people in the workplace. It was a lot of hard work but 81 people turned up and we were certainly inspired and challenged by a big breakfast and a great talk from Steve Gates, MD of Denplan. Great feedback and a great launchpad for future events. Visit the website and find out more.
Sunday was my preach and I had to tackle the issue of Immigration and Nationhood! We are running a series called 'Voting Matters' as we all head towards the election and want to stir up clear biblical thinking on certain big issues. I learnt a lot about the issue but perhaps more about preaching on that day. I had heard Rob Bell say many times that 'the sermon should not be the last word' but I always want it to be. Preparing for Sunday I was frustrated because I couldn't come to a conclusion as I usually do, but after Sunday I felt the effects of not having the final word. The post-sermon conversations were the most animated, involved, passionate, that I have known and it was great to see and hear what had been stirred up. People wanting to understand the issue not only from the party angle but from God's view as well. If you want to listen to what I said then visit www.lhfc.org.uk and click on podcasts.
Then Sunday afternoon we had the Awards ceremony for the latest Faith and Football season we have just finished. This is a scheme whereby children sign up to play football for one hour every fortnight. It's free, mixed ability and we run it with a volunteer team from the church. It has been very cold this season, but 30 children have turned up and their parents have stood and watched. It has been a great opportunity to reach into the community, people we wouldn't reach otherwise. Sunday we gave medals and trophies to all the children, cheered on by their families. It was great fun. We even had a surprise guest - Linvoy Primus (he plays for Portsmouth FC) so the children and their mums were thrilled! Linvoy and Mick Mellows started this scheme in Portsmouth and it now has many Leagues in this area and in Birmingham and Plymouth. It was a great opportunity to celebrate, share the Easter story and engage in conversation about why we do it. (www.faithandfootball.org.uk)
Then yesterday, it was Kerry's birthday (my wife).
What a weekend to remember. I've learnt a lot of lessons, been encouraged, surprised, invigorated and excited. It's always great when a plan comes together! Praise God! What's next!
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
BREAKFASTS AND BUSINESS
So what does egg and bacon have to do with business? Well, this Saturday we are putting the two together - along with sausages, beans etc - as we host our first Business Breakfast at The Solent Hotel in Whiteley. This is something new and has been the work of a number of business people from the church.
Most people spend an hour a week in church and the rest working. It is in those places that Christians can make the most difference and transform society from the inside. It's not the only place to make a difference but it is a vital one that has for too long been neglected. Sermons seek to be relevant to people's lives and applicable to many personal situations, but the workplace is a peculiar place for many and people need encouraging, inspiring, resourcing and empowering.
That's my hope for Saturday's breakfast. That those who come will begin to feel that they are not alone. That the event will say, you are not forgotten and there is a connection between church and work, everything is spiritual and we have to join it all up again.
I'm looking forward to hearing Steve Gates speak, I'm definitely looking forward to the breakfast but most of all, I'm looking forward to seeing people network together and walk out knowing that people care and that God cares as well.
This is only the start. Many more breakfasts to come, I hope!
Most people spend an hour a week in church and the rest working. It is in those places that Christians can make the most difference and transform society from the inside. It's not the only place to make a difference but it is a vital one that has for too long been neglected. Sermons seek to be relevant to people's lives and applicable to many personal situations, but the workplace is a peculiar place for many and people need encouraging, inspiring, resourcing and empowering.
That's my hope for Saturday's breakfast. That those who come will begin to feel that they are not alone. That the event will say, you are not forgotten and there is a connection between church and work, everything is spiritual and we have to join it all up again.
I'm looking forward to hearing Steve Gates speak, I'm definitely looking forward to the breakfast but most of all, I'm looking forward to seeing people network together and walk out knowing that people care and that God cares as well.
This is only the start. Many more breakfasts to come, I hope!
Thursday, 18 March 2010
VOTING MATTERS
We are just about to start a new series as we head up towards the election - probably 6th May - looking at some of the big issues that will form the battle ground for the political parties. We will be exploring; Immigration and Nationhood, The Economy, Criminal Justice, Health, Education, looking at what the Bible has to say, where God's heart lies. This is certainly not about which party to vote for, but to sharpen our interest and involvement in the political process, trying to encourage everyone to explore and vote.
I have for a long time been interested in politics and urge people to vote. I'm aware that many have disengaged for lots of reasons, but I do not want our apathy to lead to unaccountable leaders who don't care about what we think. Christians particularly should be involved and it is so good to see Christian M.P's in all parties who are able to influence from the inside. I have recently heard David Lammy MP (Labour) and David Burrowes MP (Conservative) and both were passionate to make a difference, both with clear Christian conviction. That's how it should be and I hope and pray that this series will get people thinking and engaged. God's word has a lot to say. My vote is for His manifesto!
I have for a long time been interested in politics and urge people to vote. I'm aware that many have disengaged for lots of reasons, but I do not want our apathy to lead to unaccountable leaders who don't care about what we think. Christians particularly should be involved and it is so good to see Christian M.P's in all parties who are able to influence from the inside. I have recently heard David Lammy MP (Labour) and David Burrowes MP (Conservative) and both were passionate to make a difference, both with clear Christian conviction. That's how it should be and I hope and pray that this series will get people thinking and engaged. God's word has a lot to say. My vote is for His manifesto!
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
GOING PUBLIC
Well, I have taken the plunge. I am about to go public and see what happens! Here is my article that will launch my career as a blogger!!!
I have started something new, well new for me. For a while now I have wanted to start a blog and now I have done it. It doesn’t cost anything other than some time and, to be honest, I am enjoying the experience. Trouble is I have not yet shared the experience with anyone else because no one else knows about it – until now!
From a technical perspective, a blog is a contraction of the term "web log" and is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. By the way, "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. I expect most of you knew that.
My blog is more like an on-line personal diary, reflecting on events I have been to, things I have seen, heard or read. I guess it’s more for my sake than anyone else but it feels like I am leaving something. It feels permanent as it is saved somewhere and is accessible to anyone who wants to log on and read it. If they knew about it.
On the particular host I am using I am one of 110,738,193 unique bloggers. I have joined over 110 million other people who are doing what I’m doing! What’s the point? Ego? I think I’ve got something to say! Discipline? Reflecting on what is happening in my life and creating a permanent reminder of it to look back on. Everybody’s doing it? Helps me feel like I am up with the times? I’ve got too much time on my hands? I might be able to reach someone with the good news about Jesus? To be honest, I’m not sure. My motives may not all be pure and holy but it feels good to write something, make it public and think that someone, somewhere, sometime might read it – perhaps it is just ego after all!
Well, I’ve done it now and who knows. I thought it would be a good thing to do when I go on my Sabbatical, an on-line diary of what I am doing, a good discipline to record and remember what each day brings, what God is teaching me, the people I meet, and the moments that matter.
It is good to remember. Every day to stop and remember all that God has done. You don’t have to blog to remember. The children of
Remembering isn’t about getting stuck in the past, it is about providing a platform for the future, to be aware that God has been with you and will be with you. To learn lessons form what has happened and grow and deepen your relationship with God. Then, in those days when you feel alone, afraid or uncertain you can look back and remember with thanks and move forward with confidence that the One whose Presence had been with you, the One who gave His life for you, loves you enough to be with you again.
That’s why I am a blogger now. If nobody reads it, it really doesn’t matter because I will be able to remember and give thanks.
Friday, 12 March 2010
THE PRESENCE OF GOD
At the recent Alpha UK Vision Day the emphasis was very much on prayer as the powerhouse to 're-evangelise the nations and transform society'. As I have written before, it was an encouraging and challenging day with much to ponder and put into action.
Pete Greig, Holy Trinity, Brompton's 'Director of Prayer' spoke in the afternoon session from Exodus 33. In verse 3 God says, 'Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you,' asking the provocative question, 'Would you rather have answered prayer or the presence of God?' It sounded a bit like a Harry Hill moment and I expected Pete to call a fight to sort it out, Promised Land or Living in God's Presence! What would you choose?
Pete then went on to talk about how we ensure the presence of God goes with us.
Exodus 33:6 - Deny Distractions. Don't settle for second best!
Exodus 33:11 - Prioritise Prayer. I can't afford to lose the presence of God. Talk face to face.
Exodus 33:13 - Love Learning. Cannot rest on the past success, keep growing
This deliberate, focused life results in verse 14, 'The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."' (I think Jesus said that as well! - Matthew 11:28; 28:20)
Is it really that difficult? The answer is no and yes because the pressure is always not to do it. The pressure is to be distracted, to pray as a last resort, to stop learning because you think you know enough. I'm asking God to give me the strength, power, courage, resolve to put Him first in everything because I want His Presence with me. And if He is with me, who or what can be against me? Then His Kingdom will come and I'll be able to see amazing things happen as lives are transformed by His power, families will be changed, neighbourhoods will be changed, workplaces, churches, nations willbe changed, because God will be with us.
It's the presence of God every time for me.
If you want to see Pete's Talk go to:
http://www.alphafriends.org/video/uk-vision-day-2010-prayer-talk-video
Pete Greig, Holy Trinity, Brompton's 'Director of Prayer' spoke in the afternoon session from Exodus 33. In verse 3 God says, 'Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you,' asking the provocative question, 'Would you rather have answered prayer or the presence of God?' It sounded a bit like a Harry Hill moment and I expected Pete to call a fight to sort it out, Promised Land or Living in God's Presence! What would you choose?
Pete then went on to talk about how we ensure the presence of God goes with us.
Exodus 33:6 - Deny Distractions. Don't settle for second best!
Exodus 33:11 - Prioritise Prayer. I can't afford to lose the presence of God. Talk face to face.
Exodus 33:13 - Love Learning. Cannot rest on the past success, keep growing
This deliberate, focused life results in verse 14, 'The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."' (I think Jesus said that as well! - Matthew 11:28; 28:20)
Is it really that difficult? The answer is no and yes because the pressure is always not to do it. The pressure is to be distracted, to pray as a last resort, to stop learning because you think you know enough. I'm asking God to give me the strength, power, courage, resolve to put Him first in everything because I want His Presence with me. And if He is with me, who or what can be against me? Then His Kingdom will come and I'll be able to see amazing things happen as lives are transformed by His power, families will be changed, neighbourhoods will be changed, workplaces, churches, nations willbe changed, because God will be with us.
It's the presence of God every time for me.
If you want to see Pete's Talk go to:
http://www.alphafriends.org/video/uk-vision-day-2010-prayer-talk-video
Monday, 8 March 2010
BLOGGING WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO SAY
Today highlights the challenge of blogging. What do you blog when you can't think of anything to say? Do you just waffle, make something up or just give up? Is a few words enough or no words? Perhaps pictures or a link to a sermon? I'm just not sure!
It is a beautiful day, the sun is shining through my office window, the horses are grazing in the field and I can see the Isle of Wight peaking above the tree line. Yesterday was a great day - two baptisms, two great conversations with two guys striving to follow Jesus in every aspect of their lives. One a new Christian who is trying to understand how he tells his friends, another a brought-up Christian trying to understand what God's will is for him having just resigned from his job. Is there anything I can blog?
It all reminds me that I sense God's presence all around me, that I believe that God made all I see and that Jesus Christ came and lived and died and rose again so that I might be set free and have life in all its fullness. And it compels me onwards to do all I can to help others to feel his presence, love and forgiveness as well.
So this week, in every opportunity, I will lift Jesus higher so that the world might see and believe. Is that enough to blog about?
It is a beautiful day, the sun is shining through my office window, the horses are grazing in the field and I can see the Isle of Wight peaking above the tree line. Yesterday was a great day - two baptisms, two great conversations with two guys striving to follow Jesus in every aspect of their lives. One a new Christian who is trying to understand how he tells his friends, another a brought-up Christian trying to understand what God's will is for him having just resigned from his job. Is there anything I can blog?
It all reminds me that I sense God's presence all around me, that I believe that God made all I see and that Jesus Christ came and lived and died and rose again so that I might be set free and have life in all its fullness. And it compels me onwards to do all I can to help others to feel his presence, love and forgiveness as well.
So this week, in every opportunity, I will lift Jesus higher so that the world might see and believe. Is that enough to blog about?
Thursday, 4 March 2010
AMAZING ALPHA
Today is the morning after the night before! A whole day at Holy Trinity, Brompton, the home of Alpha has left me inebriated and speaking far too much about it to everyone at work. What a day to once again be encouraged, inspired and provoked through the ministry of HTB and their generous, humble, honest love for everyone they meet and share with.
The Alpha UK Vision Day was an opportunity to hear stories, be inspired, worship and pray for the re-evangelisation of the nation and the transformation of society. From the first greeting at 10.00am to the good-bye at 9.00pm we were in God's presence aware that he is still doing something special through the passionate people who work and worship in this pretty non-descript Central London old church building. It is never about the building, it is always about the heart!
Story after story of life transformation from across the UK and the World. A couple who live in a rough estate in Staffordshire who built a conservatory on their house and re-fitted their kitchen so they could have 20 guests on their Alpha course - and feed them well. And one of their guests was there testifying to God's power changing his life completely. Leeds churches getting together for the Alpha Invitation in 2009 and seeing hundreds of people come and sign up for Alpha. Scotland getting together to pray every hour of 2010 for revival. And on it goes.
So what am I doing here with Alpha? Why does it just tick over? Why not more impact? We have seen life change on every course, but there is so much more. New ways of advertising, new ways to mobilise people to get involved serving and inviting, new venues for it, new types of Alpha, telling the stories, envisioning the crowd, stirring passion for the name of Jesus to be released over the lives of everyone here. Can we get excited? Can I share the excitement? God please pour out your Spirit on this community and let us see lives changed, many lives changed so that the community can't fail to recognise that you are God.
The Alpha UK Vision Day was an opportunity to hear stories, be inspired, worship and pray for the re-evangelisation of the nation and the transformation of society. From the first greeting at 10.00am to the good-bye at 9.00pm we were in God's presence aware that he is still doing something special through the passionate people who work and worship in this pretty non-descript Central London old church building. It is never about the building, it is always about the heart!
Story after story of life transformation from across the UK and the World. A couple who live in a rough estate in Staffordshire who built a conservatory on their house and re-fitted their kitchen so they could have 20 guests on their Alpha course - and feed them well. And one of their guests was there testifying to God's power changing his life completely. Leeds churches getting together for the Alpha Invitation in 2009 and seeing hundreds of people come and sign up for Alpha. Scotland getting together to pray every hour of 2010 for revival. And on it goes.
So what am I doing here with Alpha? Why does it just tick over? Why not more impact? We have seen life change on every course, but there is so much more. New ways of advertising, new ways to mobilise people to get involved serving and inviting, new venues for it, new types of Alpha, telling the stories, envisioning the crowd, stirring passion for the name of Jesus to be released over the lives of everyone here. Can we get excited? Can I share the excitement? God please pour out your Spirit on this community and let us see lives changed, many lives changed so that the community can't fail to recognise that you are God.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
EVEN THE TOAST QUEUES UP
Are you someone who likes the ordered, routine and certain that you can control and prepare for or the random, haphazard and unexpected events that seem random? I have moments in both camps but I am aware that it is the unplanned that impact me more and help me see God at work and cause me to wonder more.
At the Faithworks conference last weekend, the academic, theologian Robert Beckford challenged us by asking, 'Have we got the message for this moment? He was talking about the kairos moment rather than the chronos moment. When something breaks in suddenly are we ready to respond and react?
As I was leaving the Premier Inn on Sunday, I walked out of my room and bumped into Brian McLaren, one of the speakers for the weekend - and brilliant he was too. As I queued up for breakfast at the restaurant, Jeff Lucas, another of the main speakers queued up next to me (I only needed to bump into Steve Chalke and I would have had the trinity!) Kairos moments. What message did I have? Some silly quip that is too embarrassing to write here. Then, at the end of the breakfast queue was the toaster. Not your bog standard toaster, but a conveyor belt toaster. You had to release the slices of bread one at a time and wait whilst each one went into the machine, out of sight, seemingly lost, until it slid gracefully out again, toasted on both sides. I was ready for the toast, I knew it would come in time (chronos), but I wasn't ready for the kairos moment when I met Brian and Jeff.
Am I going to queue up with the toast or be ready for bumping into people with a message that is relevant? I guess it is both/and not either/or, but what I must be is ready for both. God uses chronos and kairos and he can use me. Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope you have. You never know when the moment will come!
At the Faithworks conference last weekend, the academic, theologian Robert Beckford challenged us by asking, 'Have we got the message for this moment? He was talking about the kairos moment rather than the chronos moment. When something breaks in suddenly are we ready to respond and react?
As I was leaving the Premier Inn on Sunday, I walked out of my room and bumped into Brian McLaren, one of the speakers for the weekend - and brilliant he was too. As I queued up for breakfast at the restaurant, Jeff Lucas, another of the main speakers queued up next to me (I only needed to bump into Steve Chalke and I would have had the trinity!) Kairos moments. What message did I have? Some silly quip that is too embarrassing to write here. Then, at the end of the breakfast queue was the toaster. Not your bog standard toaster, but a conveyor belt toaster. You had to release the slices of bread one at a time and wait whilst each one went into the machine, out of sight, seemingly lost, until it slid gracefully out again, toasted on both sides. I was ready for the toast, I knew it would come in time (chronos), but I wasn't ready for the kairos moment when I met Brian and Jeff.
Am I going to queue up with the toast or be ready for bumping into people with a message that is relevant? I guess it is both/and not either/or, but what I must be is ready for both. God uses chronos and kairos and he can use me. Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope you have. You never know when the moment will come!
Monday, 1 March 2010
THE SMILE OF REMEMBERING
I was away at the weekend, travelling to Enfield for the Faithworks conference. I love travelling by train, it gives me time to read, sleep and watch other people. I was on the final stage of my journey, from Liverpool Street to Turkey Street (yes there is a train station called that). At one particular stop a man got on clutching a packet of photographs he must have just picked up from the developers - yes people do still get them developed! As he sat down and settled in for his journey, he opened the packet and started flicking through the photos. Each photo had images of people against the background of a hill, every picture looked as if it had been taken in the same place. As he flicked through you could see that he was remembering exactly the moment the photo was taken, the smell, the sounds and the sights and each photo came alive for him, sat on that train maybe a million miles away from where they were taken.
As he put them away, he got himself comfortable, closed his eyes and as he did that a smile came across his face which got wider and wider. He remembered exactly the moments of those photographs, no longer stuck on a page but now living, real and enlivening. The train became the memory and the smile was one of remembering.
It was a good conference, full of challenge and provocation and remembering. Remembering that God's Kingdom is real and it is coming as people all around the country are reminding people of Jesus by serving them with love and grace. As we break bread together we are called to remember with thanks all that Jesus has done on the cross. It makes me smile every time I remember that Jesus loved me enough.
As he put them away, he got himself comfortable, closed his eyes and as he did that a smile came across his face which got wider and wider. He remembered exactly the moments of those photographs, no longer stuck on a page but now living, real and enlivening. The train became the memory and the smile was one of remembering.
It was a good conference, full of challenge and provocation and remembering. Remembering that God's Kingdom is real and it is coming as people all around the country are reminding people of Jesus by serving them with love and grace. As we break bread together we are called to remember with thanks all that Jesus has done on the cross. It makes me smile every time I remember that Jesus loved me enough.
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