Sunday 21 December 2008

Gospel For Lost Not Church


Many well meaning Christians are inviting non-Christians to come to their church activites over Christmas. I am sure their heart motive is right but what we should be doing is inviting people to come to Christ not church. Church is for the saved, the gospel is for the lost. We just need to be faithful with the gospel message. Jesus said "I will build my church" so lets stop trying to do his job and just get on with ours.

Monday 8 December 2008

St Stephens Church Exeter


On Saturday a small group of us stood beside St Stephens Church in the centre of Exeter to witness and proclaim Christ crucified. One of the team was handing out tracts and was approached from someone in authority from within the building and politely asked to stand aside as "We wouldn't want people to think you are associated with us!"

Friday 5 December 2008

Faith and Hope Separated


It was with sadness we learnt of the death of the separated twin Hope. Her sister Faith is recovering from the eleven hour operation which separated the conjoined twins. London's Great Ormond Street Hospital said week-old Hope Williams had died shortly after the procedure to divide her from her sister Faith.
As Christians we are admonished to "Continue in the Faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel." Colossians 1:20. Faith and Hope must stand together because when they are separated death often occurs. Hope died at the expense of Faith. However Faith continues and where there is Faith can Hope ever truly die?

Friday 28 November 2008

Lie for a season


As Christmas approaches millions of parents will lie to their children. Mothers and Fathers will encourage their children to make lists of gifts they want from a false god called Santa. The ninth commandment is "Though shalt not lie" However many will overlook this commandment during the festive season. Jesus understood this well when he said "You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition" Mark 7:9. To the visible disgust of many we never told this lie to our daughter but told her plainly the presents come from us. She has in no way 'missed' out and I feel God has blessed us in that. To encourage worship of Santa is to incite covetness, materialism and greed. Interestingly Santa is an anagram of Satan. The second commandment forbids us to bow down to anything other than God and the first commandment to always put God first. In millions of homes the God of the Bible will be the last thing on many peoples minds. The false god Santa will be exalted amongst the unregenerate and the real God will receive no thanks for life, family, food and all the other common blessings he has made available to all.

Friday 14 November 2008

Defender Of Faith


Charles has once again expressed his desire to drop the 'The' from 'Defender of the faith' when and if he becomes King. I suppose he would also wish to drop the the 'The' from "I am the way" and replace it with 'a.' I do not believe we need another defender of faiths in this country, we are allready awash with them. However pseudo religious groups across the country will see it as welcome news and embrace him I'm sure. And there is the problem. Charles is a people pleaser not a God pleaser and more importantly a pleaser of self, as his past life testifies to. Hundreds of thousands of men and women have laid down there lives to uphold the truth of God's word and more particulary to proclaim 'Jesus is the only way to find peace with God.' It would seem that Charles will not soil his clothes with such a matter. God help us.

Tuesday 11 November 2008

To pray or not to pray?


What follows is an excellent point made recently by a viewer of The Way Of The Master television programme.

"I've noticed that sometimes after you witness to people you encourage them to pray a prayer of repentance and faith later. Is this because you discern that they aren't ready to truly give their life to Jesus right then? I see the wisdom in not rushing a person to make a decision (we don't want to make a false convert), but wouldn't it be good to have them pray right then (if they have acknowledged their sin and understand the gospel) as long as we don't follow that prayer by saying, 'Congratulations, you're saved'? Shouldn't we have them pray before the conviction wears off? What if the actual verbalizing of a prayer makes something 'click' in their heart? Isn't waiting potentially as dangerous as rushing the person?"

Our methodology reveals our theology. If the conviction is there, it's only because the Holy Spirit is doing the convicting. That means that God's hand is on him, and he will come to Christ in God's timing. I don't ever want to interfere with a work of God. Another reason I ask if they would like to pray later (on TV) is that there is something a little awkward about surrendering to Christ on-camera. This is because I don't pray a "sinner's prayer" with him, but instead ask if he wants to pray a prayer of repentance, then I pray for him. Confessing and forsaking your sins is very personal, and I don't want to push someone into something they don't want to do. Remember, people aren't saved by verbalizing a prayer, but by their heartfelt repentance and surrender to Christ. God knows their heart.

Monday 10 November 2008

Real or not so real?


Imagine your holding a twenty pound note. What percentage of changes must be on it to make it counterfeit? 5%? 3%? 1%. I believe the smallest ammount will cause that twenty pound note to be a fake. That is why counter-fitters work with microscopes because they know 'Its in the detail.' The majority of us wouldn't know if we had handled a counterfeit note because we've never studied it enough. However as Christians we are called to study God's word with great care and precision. When we do this we will be able to spot the odd addition or odd subtraction as a counterfeit work and reject it. "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2Timothy 2:15. Let us encourage one another to spend more time in the word of God so that our faith in it and our obedience to it may wax exeedingly.

Friday 7 November 2008

Male Rape


Last year over a thousand men went to the police after being raped. It’s believed than many more don’t report their attack because of shame and the fear they won’t be believed. Police believe they are only seeing about 8-10% of rape victims. All agency's report a substantial increase in those coming forward for help. Survivors UK a charity which works with victims say they are getting thousands of calls asking for help. A family friend told me last year how his step-son had been homosexually date raped by a gang of men. He woke up in a field. The last thing he remembered was drinking in a club. The pain then kicked in and the awful reality of what happened came flooding back. Eight months after the event he is still unable to leave his home.

We know from the Bible accounts of Lot and Noah that God acts quickly when these kind of violent acts are prevalent. Jesus warned that homosexual perversion and violence would increase prior to judgement coming upon the earth. Let the preachers of righteousness go forth and sound the trumpet for the wrath of God is at hand.

Thursday 6 November 2008

Unbelievable!


What on earth is the church coming to? A friend of mine was waiting for a bus at 1.45 pm besides St Andrews Church Plymouth when having 10 minutes to spare decided to have a look at their bookshop. Imagine his amazement to find the Church full to the rafters and playing the song (from the film Life of Brian) 'always look on the bright side of life.' A song which mocks the crucifixion! Apparently it was a funeral and that was the chosen 'hymn!' Jesus was correct when he doubted upon his return whether there would be any faith left! I can bet my bottom dollar the person in the coffin is not singing 'look on the bright side of life.' He isn't singing period. If we believe the words of Jesus the lost are languishing in Hell with great torment. May the real bride of Christ stand up and reveal the usurper for who she really is!

Friday 31 October 2008

Happy Reformation Day


On October 31st 1517 a young German monk nailed his 95 listed objections to the claims of the Roman Catholic church to the church door. His name was Martin Luther and from this single act the Protestant reformation was birthed. What followed was the execution of many Bible Christians who belived in the doctrine of justification through faith alone by grace alone because of Christ alone. Meanwhile the Catholics were selling indulgences to buy your way into heaven. William Tyndale who translated the first English Bible was burnt at the stake for heresy by the Catholics. Thanks to him and others like him the Bible can now be freely read however forsaking the light now available to them many Christians are getting into bed with the Catholics through the ecumenical movement. They are without excuse as the truth of Gods word is clearly and substantially available to them. Paul instructed Timothy to "Fight the good fight" the enemies are clear. They are all those who take away the final work of the cross and usurp Christs headship of his church. In Roman Catholic churches all over the world through the mass Christ is sacrificed again, and again and again. It is called the unbloody sacrifice and yet the Scriptures say "There is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood" Hebrews 9:28 and in verse 28 of the same chapter "Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many." The apostacy of the Roman Catholic church is clear to all those who have seen the light and walk no longer in darkness. So today of all days remember that great cloud of winesses who took a stand of faith "Even unto death" and make a commitment to do the same.

Thursday 30 October 2008

Gross Lapse of Taste or a Bridge To Far?


Many, myself included will be pleased to hear of the recent disiplinery action being taken against Jonathon Ross. As the saying goes 'Give someone enough rope and they will hang themselves!' I have found Ross' constant blashphemy disturbing and offensive to say the least. He uses the name of our Lord to express disgust in a way unrivalled by any other TV presenter. However his gutter humour apparently is enjoyed by millions who regulary tune into to his radio and TV show to get another dose of Ross' depraved banter. I would pretty much guess they were not part of the 27,000 complainers who have officialy voiced their concerns over his latests folly with Andrew Sachs. It is becoming clear that the BBC policy of allowing cultural divercity into its programming has really only opened a door to allow the profane and obscene into every family home in Britian.

Monday 6 October 2008

Credit Crunch


Often times what's realy important doesn't become apparent until there's a threat that it may be taken away. We know that many people have put their confidence and future assurance in their bank balances, only to have that security shaken by the recent credit crunch. The best antidote to the fear being generated is this "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal, But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and were thieves do not break through to steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew:19-21. Jesus issued an even starker warning "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul" Mark 8:36. The message that runs throughout the Bible is that man is more than the substance of what he owns. Tragically 'Things' is all the unregenerate man can cling on to. The Church is called to recognise the basic needs of mankind but more importantly to recognise that which is temporal and that which is eternal. As Christians we are called into the department of eternal affairs. It is better to be eternally saved and poor, than temporarily rich but lost. This is the message the church must proclaim in a time when many are looking for future security and comfort from their present financial trials. The sacrifice of Jesus, Gods only Son proves the seriousness of Gods investment to save a world of lost sinners, and in that the price has been paid in full.

Thursday 25 September 2008

Blowing Ones Trumpet


Most will notice in the media the exhaltation of charitable giving. In fact the bigger the cheque held the more prominent position is given. Jesus told us to give to the poor and help the needy but knowing the heart and motives of man gave this advice. "Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your father in heaven. Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synogogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men. Verily I say to you they have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does; That your alms may be in SECRET:and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly." Matthew 6:1-4. I wonder how many would continue in this line of work if they never got a mention, or where recognised by anyone? An interesting thought.

Commerce within the house of God


I read with interest an article in my local paper concerning a raffle that was held during a church service to raise funds for local charities. Matthew 21:12 came to mind. "And Jesus went into the Temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves." However you would wish to interpret this verse the message of Jesus was clear, it angers God when you use his house inappropriately. Jesus went on to say "My house shall become a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." He further illustrated the correct use of Gods house when "The blind, and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them."

Interestingly I had a conversation with a local Methodist outraged that her local church would not permit raffles within the walls of the church. She reasoned they where old fashioned and out dated. Perhaps it is much simpler than that. Could it be they fear God more than they fear man? Tragically a healthy fear of God is a essential Christian character trait in many places you would be hard pushed to find!

Monday 22 September 2008

Unmasking The Pope & The Catholic System


I highly recommend this audio teaching by John MacAurthur. Cd copies can be obtained from us by e-mailing your request.


Listen/Download online from:
http://www.bereanbeacon.org/audio_video/UnmaskingThePope.mp3


"If you have the truth then you have nothing to fear."

Go Preach


Jesus commanded his followers to "Go into ALL the world and preach" Mark 16:15. What are we to preach? Jesus said we are to preach "Repentance and forgivness of sins in His name, among all nations Luke" 24:47. Repentance because without it "You shall perish" Luke 13: 3,5; in His name because the "Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins" Matthew 9:6 and because "There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" Acts 4:12.

Tuesday 16 September 2008

Church apologises to Darwin


The Church of England will tomorrow formally apologise to Charles Darwin for misunderstanding the theory of evolution! What's to misunderstand! Darwin put forward a theory which denied God as ultimate creator and mankind as created in God's image. In practice his denial of Genesis 1 would lead one to discredited the whole Bible as a trustworthy account, Something a true believer cannot do. Gods word is clear "ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God" 2Timothy 3:16. Apparently the real motive behind this move is that the C of E wants to publically distance itself from fundamental Christians who actually believe God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, in six days. When will someone please stand up and apologise for the Church of England!

Tuesday 9 September 2008

The Vicar of Baghdad


Listened to a wonderful interview with Anglican Canon Andrew White this morning on Radio Four. His faith in God is awe inspiring. He told of an occassion when he was called into a meeting with Iraqi officials and looked down on the table to find recently severed fingers and toes. He was asked if he was afraid. "No" he said quite emphatically. He went on to explain that the Bible says perfect love cast out all fear and and spoke of his love for the Iraqi people. Andrew suffers from MS a wasting disease and has been declared unfit to work in the UK. If you're ever feeling sorry for yourself or having a crisis of faith then this mans life is your tonic. He is like an oak tree, supernaturally grounded and steadfast in his calling. He is adamant there is no one else that can do the work he is currently undertaking, and I believe him.

Thursday 4 September 2008

TRUE REVIVAL

REVIVAL: THE MANIFEST PRESENCE OF GOD
Author Unknown

I. Appetizers

By way of an appetizer, here’s an eyewitness account of something that happened at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1906, as told by the pastor. “It was at a late prayer meeting, held in the evening at 9:30 that the fire of God fell. There was nothing, humanly speaking, to account for what happened. Quite suddenly, upon one and another came an overwhelming sense of the reality and awfulness of His presence and of eternal things. Life, death, and eternity seemed suddenly laid bare. Prayer and weeping began, and gained in intensity every moment...One was overwhelmed before the sudden bursting of the bounds.... Friends who were gathered sank on their knees. Each seemed to sing, and each seemed to pray, oblivious of one another. Then the prayer broke out again, waves and waves of prayer; and the midnight hour was reached. The hours had passed like minutes... One who was present says, ‘I cannot tell you what Christ was to me last night. My heart was full to overflowing. If ever my Lord was near to me, it was last night.’”[1]

Let me read you some descriptions and definitions of revival both from those who have studied it, and from some who were involved in a revival.

“When you read the history of the past, you find that there have been periods in the history of the Church when she has been full of life, and vigour, and power. The statistics prove that people crowded to the house of God, whole numbers of people who were anxious and eager to belong to the Christian Church. Then the Church was filled with life, and she had great power; the Gospel was preached with authority, large numbers of people were converted regularly.... Christian people delighted in prayer. You did not have to whip them up to prayer meetings; you could not keep them away. They did not want to go home, they would stay all night praying. The whole Church was alive and full of power, and of vigour, and of might. And men and women were able to tell of rich experiences of the grace of God, visitations of His Spirit, a knowledge of the love of God that thrilled them, and moved them, and made them feel that it was more precious than the whole world. And as a consequence of all that, the whole life of the country was affected and changed.”[2]

“You hear of people talking about these communications, and about their dealings with God and with the Lord Jesus Christ, the realisations of his presence, the manifestations of his love; of being almost overwhelmed by a sense of the nearness of the Lord Jesus Christ, of being filled with a sense of God’s glory and of his love.”[3]

“Revival is not when the churches exchange members, but when the Holy Spirit changes lives.”[4]

“Revival is a going of God among His people, and an awareness of God laying hold of the community...moving men and women who until then had no concern for spiritual things, to seek after God.”[5]

The end result of revival is, “a community saturated with God.”[6]

Wouldn’t you like to see something like that? I read those things, and my heart just yearns within me: O Lord, do it again! It’s been over 100 years since God visited this state with that kind of revival, and my prayer is that of Habakkuk 3:2, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

Revival is not a program; it’s not a series of meetings or a special speaker. It is something only God can do. We can prepare the way, but we cannot produce it. If there is any other explanation for it, it is not revival. In Germany in 1727, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf described it this way, “Hitherto we had been the leaders and helpers. Now the Holy Spirit himself took full control of everything and everybody.”[7]

During revival, nothing really new happens – it usually includes all the same elements that should be a part of normal church life–prayer, worship, preaching, evangelism, etc. But they happen more suddenly, spiritual growth is accelerated, and there is much greater intensity to everything.

Revivals are often known for their effects in the broader community, but they always start in the church. A revival implies that there is some life there to begin with. Once God’s people begin to be changed by the Lord, it then spreads to affect the whole community or nation, as it did after Pentecost.



II. The Manifest Presence of God Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:1-4

We believe that whenever Christians meet together, in church, or in homes, or at work, God is there. Jesus promised us, Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” So we can say confidently that Jesus Christ Himself is right here this morning in our sanctuary. But in Acts 2, the Spirit of Christ came among the disciples in a way that everyone knew it. They experienced His presence, rather than simply affirmed it as a point of doctrine like I just did. The same kind of thing happens in revival.

I have heard it said that we should not seek religious experiences, and there is some wisdom in that, because there are so many different religions, and they all offer some kind of experience. Early in the last century, William James wrote a book called The Varieties of Religious Experience, in which he describes religious experiences from around the world that will both challenge your theology and curl your hair. But to say that Christianity or Christ is not to be experienced is a serious mistake. That leads to what we might call “dead orthodoxy”, where people have all their theological t’s crossed, and i’s dotted, but do not have a living relationship with the living Christ. Yes, we want to have right doctrine; but we also want a real relationship with the God who is here! In revival, God manifests Himself to us, He makes Himself more real to us than ever before. It’s as though the veil that separates this world from the spiritual dimension becomes translucent or even transparent, instead of opaque, and we begin to see the spiritual realities much more clearly.

Brian Edwards has written an outstanding book called Revival! (see outline) in which he analyzes some of the characteristics that have been common to revivals throughout the centuries. Here are some of the main things he says we can expect when revival comes. They are all based on the character and nature of God, because revival is essentially the manifest presence of God.



When God manifests His presence, when He makes Himself real to us,

A. His holiness convicts of sin Isaiah 6:3; 40

This is almost always the first impression people have of God when He comes in a revival. Certainly that was true for Isaiah, when he saw the Lord, high and lifted up, with the angels flying around and singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty!” (Is 6:3). The Hebrew word for holy (qadosh) comes from a root that means to cut or separate, so it means that God is separate from His creation. He is not like us. Pascal said God created man in His image, and ever since then we have been trying to return the favor by making Him in our image. But as God so pointedly asked Isaiah, Isaiah 40:25, “‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One.” No one is anything like God. He is absolutely unique in all the universe. He is set apart from all that is ordinary, or common. One of the primary things that makes Him so different is His absolute purity and righteousness. That is what strikes fear into the hearts of those who see Him in His holiness. God is holy...

A1 ...so we repent

Isaiah’s response to the holiness of God is instructive: Isaiah 6:5, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." When he saw the holiness of God, he was immediately impressed with his own unholiness. He was suddenly convicted deeply of his sin, and knew that he was in desperate trouble in the presence of such a holy one.

In revival, Christians weep over the sins that at present they casually tolerate. They see these things as the offenses that they are against a holy, pure, and righteous God, and they are deeply grieved, often to the point of tears. In January, 1907, God was moving in a powerful way in North Korea, and a western missionary recalled one particular scene: “Man after man would rise, confess his sins, break down and weep, and then throw himself to the floor and beat the floor with his fists in perfect agony of conviction...And so the meeting went on until two o’clock a.m., with confession and weeping and praying... Some threw themselves full length on the floor, hundreds stood with arms outstretched toward heaven. Every man forgot every other. Each was face to face with God. I can hear yet that fearful sound of hundreds of men pleading with God for life, for mercy.”[8] We hear something like that, and we are likely to be put off by the outward display of emotion, but folks, that wasn’t something the missionaries or the pastors drummed up; it was a completely unself-conscious and absolutely appropriate and necessary response to the holiness of God.

When God manifests His presence, we see that

B. He is glorious Isaiah 6:1-4

David Brainerd, a missionary to the American Indians in the early 1700s, wrote this in his journal: “As I was walking in a dark, thick grove, unspeakable glory seemed to open to the view and apprehension of my soul. I do not mean any external brightness, for I saw no such thing,...but it was a new inward apprehension or view that I had of God, such as I never had before.... I stood still, wondered and admired! I knew that I had never seen before anything comparable to it for excellency and beauty....it appeared to be a Divine Glory. My soul rejoiced with joy unspeakable to see such a God, such a glorious Divine Being, and I was inwardly pleased and satisfied that He should be God over all for ever and ever. My soul was so captivated and delighted with the excellency, loveliness, greatness, and other perfections of God that I was even swallowed up in Him.”[9]

Jonathan Edwards had a similar experience of God’s glory at about the same time: “I had a view that for me was extraordinary, of the glory of the Son of God as Mediator between God and man, and His wonderful, great, full, pure and sweet grace and love, and meek and gentle condescension. This grace that appeared so calm and sweet, appeared also great above the heavens. The person of Christ appeared ineffably excellent with an excellency great enough to swallow up all thought and conception....”[10]

Story after story is told of similar experiences of individuals and groups who came face to face with the glory of God. They remind us of the powerful experience Isaiah had, which he described in chapter 6, Isaiah 6:1-4, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. [2] Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. [3] And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ [4] At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.”

God is glorious,

B1 ...so we worship Him

Revival is all about the glory of God. He brings revival, not so we can have more fun as Christians, but so that He can get the glory He deserves, both from the Church, and the world, as people everywhere are forced to acknowledge who He is.

In revivals, worship services seem to go on and on, because the people don’t want to leave the beautiful presence of God. One pastor in Wales wrote in 1904, “I cannot leave the building...until twelve and even one o’clock in the morning—I have closed the service several times, and yet it would break out again quite beyond the control of human power.”[11] People often gather spontaneously at the church every night of the week. They come early, before the appointed time of the service, unlike many of us, who tend to arrive fashionably late. All the other programs of the church are put on hold because Jesus is the center of attention. The singing is usually the same songs that congregation used to sing, but now there is a special quality to the singing. People put their hearts into it; the words are more meaningful; the music moves their emotions. The manifest presence of God moves people to spontaneous worship of His glorious person.

I often wonder what we would do if Jesus appeared in a visible way to us here in church. If the president walked in, we would all stand as a sign of respect for his office. But if Jesus manifested Himself, I suspect we might find ourselves on our faces in worship. That is certainly what has happened time and again in revivals. People are overwhelmed with the sense of God’s glory, and they have to express that in some physical way.



When God manifests His presence, we realize

C. He is available and real Genesis 28:16-17

When revival comes, everyone is impressed with the fact that God is here, and He is real. The reality of God makes all the difference. They are like Jacob when he awoke from his sleep and thought, Genesis 28:16-17, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” [17] He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” We know God is here now; but when we know it experientially, we will pray as never before.

C1 ...so we pray

Here’s a report from Ulster, Ireland in 1859, “Our congregational prayer meeting was attended by some fifty persons ordinarily. During the three months past, whether held four times or seven times a week, it is attended by more than twenty times that number.”[12] That would be a thousand people at a prayer meeting! Our Sunday evening prayer meeting averages about 20 people, so if we were to see twenty times that, we would have more like 400 each week. In revival, prayer becomes a delight and a joy, rather than a burden. That’s not to say it is easy; there is a spiritual battle to be waged in prayer. But the reality of God’s presence makes it obvious to everyone that we can, and should, pray.

Sometimes, a burden of prayer has so overwhelmed a congregation that everyone prayed at once. “In Korea in 1907, the missionaries felt a tension as if everyone longed to pray. One of them said, ‘If it helps you to all pray together, then pray in that way.’ Then a tide began to sweep through the church. There was no confusion; it was a single harmony of prayer, as if all the voices of all the praying congregation merged together to form a single cry to God. There was not the slightest disorder.”[13]



When God manifests His presence,

D. He speaks through His Word

Every revival in history has included powerful preaching of God’s word. The men who preach in revivals are always unafraid and urgent. They are conscious of the fact that the eternal destinies of their hearers hang in the balance, and are passionate about pressing people to get right with God. The cross of Christ is always at the center of revival preaching, because this is at the center of the good news that God has for mankind. Christ died for you—that’s the central message.

But beyond that gospel message, believers hear God speaking through His Word addressing all sorts of areas of their lives, and they get serious about their obedience.

D1 ...so we obey

The repentance that I mentioned earlier is followed by a compulsion to obey God in the smallest matters. People who have tolerated and even joked about their sins are now horrified that they would do so, and go to great lengths to make things right. In 1953, in what was then the Belgian Congo, a revival had this remarkable effect: “Many had stolen from the state, and the Christians...wanted to make restitution. So many things were being returned to the Belgian Office that an embarrassed official wrote to [the missionary], “Mr Davies, I’ve no time to handle all this. Tell them to come to your mission and fill a truck and you bring a load down.”[14]



When God manifests His presence,

E. His sacrifice for us becomes precious

The message of the gospel becomes something entirely different from dry doctrine. It literally becomes “good news”, which is what the word gospel means. We’ve all heard the story so many times that it becomes “old hat”. Our emotional response to it is virtually nil. But in revival, it becomes much more meaningful. Then we realize in a powerful way that Christ died for us! It’s like a cancer victim reading of a cure for cancer that is available to everyone. It’s the news for drought victims in Africa that a water tanker is coming, and they can drink all they want. It’s a last-minute reprieve for a convicted murderer on death row. This is really good news!

E1 ...so we spread the good news

The result is that people want to spread the good news to everyone they know, and even people they don’t know who need to hear it. So now the nuclear reaction that has been building in the church explodes outward, and the entire community is affected. Stories abound of the town drunk, or the hardest man in the village, coming weeping to the altar, begging people to pray for them. People that no one ever thought would darken the door of the church are there every night, seeking mercy.

Evangelism in our local community, with our friends and family, is the weakest part of our church life right now. But in a revival, it won’t be a burden, or something that the leadership has to try to push, pull, and drag people into; it will be a desperate concern on the part of everyone. We will be passionate about telling people this good news. There’s a contemporary Christian song out now that has the line in it, “Wake the neighbors, get the word out!” and that is pretty much what happens in revival. We’ll no longer be so concerned about what people may think of us, because we will be much more concerned about what they think of Jesus. In revival, both those who are sharing and their hearers feel the horrors of hell and the glories of heaven, and it results in many people being saved.

E2 ...so people are saved

First, in the church. People who have attended church all their lives are brought face to face with the fact that they do not have a saving relationship with Christ. They know the stories; they memorized the Apostle’s Creed; they have been active in the life of the church. But they are lost! In a revival, this realization dawns on many church-goers.

Then it spreads outside the church, and hundreds of thousands, even millions of new believers, pour into the churches. In Wales in 1904, over 100,000 were converted and brought into the churches in a three month period of time; in the Great Awakening in New England, perhaps 7% of the total population was saved. Think what it would be like if that happened today —7% of the current U.S. population of 296 million is 20,700,000 people who would be converted. Do you think that would affect the social and spiritual climate of the country?

It certainly has in other times and places when revival came. In Wales in 1904, the judges were presented with white gloves: they had no cases to try. No rapes, no robberies, no murders, no burglaries, no embezzlements, nothing. The District Consuls held emergency meetings to discuss what to do with the police, now that they were unemployed. Drunkenness was cut in half. The illegitimate birth rate dropped 44% in two counties within a year of the beginning of the revival.[15]

Born-again Christians comprise maybe 40% of the United States population, but we have a minuscule effect on the culture. In a revival, the Church becomes God’s agent of cultural transformation. How do you change the culture? Not through legislation, or getting the right person on the Supreme Court, but by one person at a time coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



III. What Will You Do?

In a revival, God makes His presence felt in a powerful way. It is no longer just an affirmation of faith, but a real, life-changing experience. People become aware of His holiness, and are moved to genuinely repent of things they usually don’t even think about. A vision of His glory moves them to heartfelt, enthusiastic worship. The reality of His presence calls people to pray like never before. God speaks through His Word, calling His people to a more conscientious and instantaneous obedience. And the blessed hope of the gospel, the good news of God, grips their hearts and moves them to spread the good news, with the result that hundreds, thousands, and even millions are saved.

Oh, friends! I want this! I need it for myself; I want it for us; I want it for Loveland. Will you join me in this quest? Will you seek His face until you find Him? You may not be the up-front leader; you might be the person who lays hold of the throne of God and calls down the power of the Spirit. Will you be the one who believes and prays and seeks until God pours out His Spirit on our church and our city?

http://www.faithepc.org/Sermons/2005/20050807.htm

Thursday 28 August 2008

Roy Fields UK Tour

Roy fields definition of Revival is when Christians fall in love with Jesus all over again and have the joy of their salvation restored. He will be in the UK for a tour in September. Go to his web-site for further details. www.runwithfire.com
Roy's first date on his UK We Are The Generation Live tour will be on 14th September in Maidenhead at 6.30pm. For more info see www.riverevents.org.uk

Sunday 24 August 2008

Cornwall Pride 2008

A parade was held in Truro yesterday to celebrate Cornwalls diversity. Unfortunatley the premise that all diversity is good and should be celebrated is incorrect. It turned out to be a very low key event with crowds visibly absent. Interestingly the Bible views human pride in the negative. Most have heard of the saying "Pride before a fall." Many might not have heard that "God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud" and "A mans pride shall bring him low" and "When pride comes, then comes shame." Moreover as believers we are instructed "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, and arrogance." The events main puropose was to promote the Gay lifestyle interestingly that fact was carefully ommitted from all public promotion of the event. You may draw your own conclusion.

Wednesday 13 August 2008

Sex can take your mind of your infirmities

The heading on the front page of the Cornish Guardian today reads 'A little bit of what you fancy does you good'! The dreams of four men affected by Huntingdons disease where fulfilled when their care home took them on a trip to a lapdance club in Newquay. The night out was organised by mental health nurse Katie Uglow. Could this be stretching 'care in the community' a little two far?

This has to be seen to be believed. There's also a disturbing photo of the four disabled men sorrounded by the lapdancers. This is obvioulsy a P.A stunt to conteract the bad publicity the club has recently been receiving. Could their slogan be "Sex can take your mind of your infirmities"!

Friday 16 May 2008

Can Anyone Save Him?

8 am, two days out of rehab and Paul Gascoigne shambles across the road, a bottle of gin and a piggy bank in his tatty holdall, Can ANYONE save him? This is the headline to a story running in the Daily Mail today. The answer is a RESOUNDING YES. Jesus can save him. Jesus can reach down to the deepest pit we could ever dig ourselves into and pull us out. Millions of born-again believers can testify to the transforming power of Gods Holy Spirit when we first put our trust in Gods only Son Jesus Christ. Demons must flee, addictions must go. He is a restorer of our souls and a lifter of our heads. Todd Bentley leader of the current Florida out pouring being aired every night at 7:00pm on God TV is a living example of a changed life. Watch it and be encouraged.

Wednesday 7 May 2008

Dont Ask Jesus Into Your Heart!

Many disilussioned false converts confess that they have "Asked Jesus into thier heart" many times. This term is often used by modern day preachers. Dont ask him into your heart it isn't biblical. He gave his life for you so he wants more than your heart. Instead do what the Bible says. Repent,turn from all sin and 'Give Him Your life' Then receive him as your Lord and Saviour trusting in Him and Him alone for your salvation.

Tuesday 29 April 2008

Pushy Christians

Someone said as Christians we shouldn't be pushy. I agree we should be PULLY. The writer of Judes v 23 instructs us "And others save with fear, PULLING them out of the fire." Some are so close to the eternal fire of torment you can smell the singeing. So dont push them, PULL them. Get verbal, use the Gospel. "For unto us which are saved it is the power of God unto salvation."

Once Again

As in the days of Noah the earth was filled with violence and corruption. And God decreed to wipe the wicked from the earth, yet provided a means of escape for the righteous, The Ark. And in these last days the earth is once again filled with violence and corruption and God has decreed once again to wipe all wickedness from the earth. Because of his mercy and faithfulness he has once again provided a means of escape for the righteous, his Son Jesus Christ. All the promises of safety, and a future are to be found IN him. Just as they where for Noah and his family IN The Ark. Are you IN The Ark of Christ?

Wednesday 23 April 2008

The Relevant Gospel

I've been hearing allot lately that the gospel needs to be 'Relevant.' I looked up relevant in the dictionary...Relevant;Applying to the matter in hand, to the point! It would seem an odd thing to say. Surely whilst there are lost sinners the Gospel is ALWAYS RELEVANT! However I have a sneeking feeling this is not what the proclaimers of relevancy really mean! Relevant is often used alongside 'Modernism.' I think what they are truly saying is the Gospel needs to be changed. The Gospel needs to be modernised. This is my proclamation "I am not ashamed of the gospel. The gospel is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. Until Jesus returns the Gospel stands. It cuts across culture & history it does not need to be modernised."

Sunday 13 April 2008

Christ Brings Division

"Suppose that I come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division" Luke 12:51. In a world which prefers shades of grey rather than black and white Jesus reminds us sitting on the fence is not an option. Jesus' coming, death and resurrection installed a line of division which shall forever remain. The father shall be divided against the son,the son against the father, the mother against the daughter, the daughter against the mother. Unbelievers against believers. The conversion to Christ so powerfuly life changing it effects our most intimate relationships. For some in the world conversion means certain death. But this only reminds us that life is temporal our focus must be on 'thing's above.' We must see the bigger picture. Jesus knows are sufferings, he himself suffered persection from those closest to him. Comfort one another with his words "In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 17:33

Friday 11 April 2008

The Great Falling Away

Many Christians are believing for an end-time revival just before Christ returns. However this can only be see as wishful thinking. The scriptures are clear "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." 2Thessalonians 2:3.Jesus said "When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8. Faith he may well find but not much faith in him. How few true believers will be found upon earth! Jesus said we must work while it is day because when night comes no one shall be able to work. The dark skies of apostasy have overshadowed our land this really is the time to obey the Gospel command "And of some have compassion making a difference. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire." Jude 23

Monday 7 April 2008

Live Radio Slot Update

Had a fantastic time at radio Cornwall yesterday (though somewhat nerve racking). The staff and presenters were friendly and very professional. Josephine a lady from Liskeard was very brave and phoned in to do the 'Good Person' test live on air. It went well and highlighted the reason we do the test beautifully. No one is 'Good' we have all broken God's law and are all in need of forgivness and a Saviour. Thank God he has provided us with both, through the sacrificial work of the cross by His obedient Son Jesus. An enjoyable morning proclaiming the Gospel over the airwaves of Cornwall.

Saturday 5 April 2008

Invitation To Go On air

Radio Cornwall has invited Cornwall Mission to do a fifteen minute interview this Sunday from eight to eight fifteen as part of the local 'Faith' programme. We will be talking about what Cornwall Mission does and explaining the 'Good Person' test which we use on the streets of Truro. You will be able to listen online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall/local_radio/

Wednesday 2 April 2008

Great Men Of Faith

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses..." Hebrews 12:1. Today in the post I received from Amazon 'Expository thoughts on Luke' by J.C Ryle. It got me thinking. Where are all the great men of faith today? Men who will stand on God's word no matter what the world thinks. Men who are willing to 'contend for the faith.' J.C Ryle was one, noted for his 'plain and pointed' words. He stands with many others of his time. Great men of faith who stood up against the modernism of the late 19th century to proclaim 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever' Hebrews 13:8. Today the church faces the same battle with the same enemy.."Yeah, has God said...? Genesis 3:1. The never changing desire to undermine the word of God is relentless. The central verse of the whole Bible is not there by accident 'It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man' Psalm 118:8.

Tuesday 1 April 2008

April Fool

Many will be going about playing practical jokes and fooling others. However fooling others isn't reserved just for April 1st. There are literally billions of people all over the world fooled into believing they are 'safe' and have 'been made right' with God through their organisation, denomination or religious philosophy. The Bible says this to the Atheist "The fool has said in his heart. There is no God" Proverbs 14:1. To the apathetic "They knew God, they glorified him not, neither were thankful, professing themselves wise, they became fools" Romans 1:21-22. To the self-centered and arrogant "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes" Proverbs 12:15. To the rebellious descenter "A fools lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes" Proverbs 18:6. To the materialist "You fool this night your soul shall be required of you" Luke 12:20. The biggest April fools joke of all time will be in the first few seconds after death. Dont be a fool any longer. Listen to wisdom. Jesus said "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock" Matthew 7:24-25. Jesus is the Rock. The only foundation for our salvation.

Strive To Enter

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24 The strait gate is the way of salvation, Jesus Christ. "For there is no name given under heaven by which men must be saved" Acts 4:12. There is no side door we must enter in strait."I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" John 10:9. All other means to connect with God are futile "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" John 14:6Jesus knew many will try another way hence the abundance of 'other' religions. However the Bible is clear "There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" Proverbs 14:12. Have you entered in through the strait gate If not I beseech you today to 'strive' to enter in. "Now is the day of salvation" 2Cor 6:2. Do not tarry. Jesus warns there will come a day when the offer of salvation will cease, and the door will be closed (Luke 13:25).Dont be left outside knocking!

Wednesday 26 March 2008

Unbiblical vs Biblical Evangelism

Version 0ne "Go into all the world and make nonconfrontational relationships with all people. Esteem the relationship higher than sharing the Gospel with them. You don't want to offend people. You must earn the right to share with a spiritually dead person, how would feel if you told them about hell. Be considerate, and most importantly, don't share the Gospel." Version two "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 Which Bible version will you obey?

Saturday 22 March 2008

Easter Outreach

Spent yesterday in Wadebridge and today in Truro witnessing to the lost. Yesterday we joined other Christians in a 'Silent Witness' walking behind a large wooden cross through the town. It was a very windy day with not many people around and yet we handed out some one hundred tracts and we know many people were challenged. Today in Truro very windy yet more people. Preached an easter message by the cathedral with the usual ostrich reaction from passers by. However Gods word went out and in that I was obedient. We then went over to the Plazza and took a few people through the 'Good Person Test.' Some two hundred tracts were handed out and including 'Are you a good person?' to two on duty police officers! An observer shouted out 'Creep' seeing us approaching the police officers not realising what we were giving out, so he got one too! God is good and never wastes an opportunity.

Monday 17 March 2008

Cornish Bridges

I am currently working on a new project called 'Bridges of Cornwall County.' I'm travelling around photographing Cornish Bridges and compiling information about them. If you know of a bridge you feel should be included please e-mail with your reasons and the bridge location. Some photos can be viewed at the bottom of this page. Many Thanks.

Another Jesus

Deeply disappionted with the BBC's Passion. Could only watch the first 20 minutes and wont be watching anymore episodes. Why? It was historically incorrect and portrayed another Jesus. The purchasing of the colt by Jesus from two passers by so he could ride into jerusalem was not scriptural. He sent two of his disciples into Bethpage were they would find a colt tied up which they were to loose and bring back Matthew 21:1-3. This alteration heavily implied Jesus was trying to make his actions fit Biblical prophecy. The scene with Jesus and a disciple mopping the brow of the sick man by the pool was awful. Jesus never mopped brows, he healed the sick were ever he went. I much preferred Mel Gibsons portrayal of Jesus because it stuck to scripture. I wonder if others would be so sympathetic if incorrect historical facts were put forward of other great world events. I think not.

Friday 14 March 2008

Witnessing Tip

The next time you encounter Jehovah Witnesses try this great tip. Ask them to read from their Bible translation (New World Translation) Revelation 1:8...ask them who is the Alpha and Omega? Then ask them to read from Revelation 22:13 and ask them who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and last? Finally ask them to read from Revelation 1:17-18 and ask them when did God die? Absolute scriptural proof that Jesus was God, come in the flesh.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Popes New Sins

The Pope has updated the original seven deadly sins to make them more contemporary. Many Bible Christians including myself protest at the Papacies claims to infallibilty and supreme spiritual authority of the church. Interestingly the term Vicar of Christ has only been used since the late four hundreds. Previously it was a term reserved solely for the Holy Spirit! God in his wisdom gave us the Ten Commandments which are eternally sufficient. Interestingly Jesus said "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law." I know who I would rather take notice of!

Thursday 6 March 2008

Mission To Truro

Had a wonderful time witnessing in Truro Saturday 1st March. Peter and I took many lost souls through the 'Good Person Test' with good results. I really felt many were close to the Kingdom. It's so encouraging to see the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of the unconverted. Using the law in evangelism hits the target right were its needed most, in the conscience. Jesus promised us that when the Holy Spirit comes "he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement..." John 16:8. Reprove means to convict and convince. We are witnessing with our own eyes people who are convicted and convinced of thier wrong standing before God and their need to put that right through repentance and faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. May God grant us many more oppurtunities to carry out His Royal Commission to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel."

Thursday 28 February 2008

Cameron Supports 20 Week Abortions

Cameron the Tory Leader has voiced his support to the reduction of the current 24 week threshold for abortions. I remember hearing a story about of a group of U.S.A pastors speer heading the same who prayed and fasted for weeks imploring the Lord to stand with thier desire to see the time limit lowered. The Bill failed. The Pastor saddened by God's lack of support saught the Lord for an answer. He received one. "Murder is Murder." Therefore all are best intentions are fruitless if they do not line up with God's word.

Saturday 23 February 2008

Follower of Jesus?

"And he said to them, Follow me , and I will make you fishers of men" Matthew 4:18.
Ask most Christians if they would consider themselves to be followers of Jesus and they would answer yes. However if you asked them if they were activaly seeking out the lost they would probally answer no. Interestingly studies show only 2% of Christians regulary share their faith. Here lies the dilemma. A sign of a true follower of Jesus was their passion and dedication in the work of fishing for men.
If you have no burden for the lost or any real concern for thier eternal welfare can you truly say you are following Jesus?

Friday 15 February 2008

Defiled Earth

News continues to filter out concerning the state of our planet. Many are genuinley concerned and fear for the future. In a survey amongst primary school children it was one of the top three concerns they had. Isaiah the prophet wrote "The earth mourns and fades away, the worlds languishes and fades away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof..." (Isaiah 24:4-5). The Bible is clear when the people become defiled so does the earth. However God knows the beginning from the end and has put a plan in place. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth...Behold I make alll things new" (Revelation 21 1-5). God is in control. For me a Christian, a very reassuring thought. Sadly many children are not taught to trust The Lord God Allmighty and are living in fear, what a tragedy.

Friday 8 February 2008

Unbelieving Believers!

There would seem to be a new class of Christian. Unbelieving Believers! They annoumce faith in Jesus and then dilly daddle on key doctrinal issues. Someone aptly said "They speak out of both sides of the mouth." It so hard to get a difinitive answer out of anyone these days for fear of offending someone. As Christians we are called to defend Biblical truth in a world that isn't interested in what God has to say. Jesus said let your 'yes' mean 'yes' and your 'no' mean 'no.' Excellent advice!

Wednesday 23 January 2008

Church but not as we know it!

My local fellowship has recently undergone a major change. We no longer meet together as a full congregration on Sundays but in individual house churches instead. More interestingly our house church consists of just four people! There is a mixed bag of opinion amongst us all. Some are for it some are against it. Whatever ones feeling's often we find change forced upon us by others. This is inevitable as there are so many things we are just not in control of. I suppose I would be called a traditionalist in that I enjoy the good old fashioned Sunday Church Service. Its good to meet with the larger body once a week to worship God and draw on the unity we share in Christ. My husband and I have decided to give it a go and see what transpires. As a believer we can all agree that human beings make mistakes but God never can. Ultimately God is in charge and if we keep focused on him we shall not fail.