'..Thousands and Millions..': January 2006

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Because of the Angels...

God is speaking to me about the supernatural nature of our gathering together as God's people in worship and prayer in his wonderful presence. As we gather as his people on earth, there is a movement and transaction in the heavenly realms that we experience as we see the power and presence of God manifest in awesome wonder and glory.

One manifestation of this power and glory is that I believe we will see, and be aware of an increase of the appearance and workings of Angels in our midst as the people of God.

Angels are created beings made by God himself. They are ministering spirits acting on behalf of God. They are worshippers of God, and agents of God's government and declarers of his Kingdom. Angels reveal God's will to people, and also help as guides to enable us to achieve that will.

Angels respond to the call of God's people in kingdom prayer:

'While I was still in prayer, Gabriel....instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed' - Daniel 9:23-24

Angels look for the following in God's people, the Church: Authority, Unity, Distinction and Order. They look for this because they saw this violated and broken when satan was hurled from heaven from within their midst, taking with him a third of the angelic beings in rebellion

Here are some quotes from a book by Roger Aubrey on Angels. Rachel and myself were part of the 2003-2004 School of the Word Class in Cardiff under his leadership. We had a great time there. Roger is an outstanding man of God and a great teacher of God's word. I'm glad to be part of the same spiritual family as him as we advance the Kingdom of God in this time.

"Angels are present when the Church gathers together....Angels are present to observe that the authority which every believer has under God is exercised correctly in the Church: that is why Paul says a man should not cover his head when he prays or prophesies but that a woman should. We need to understand much more the supernatural nature of our meeting together as the people of God to worship, exercise the gifts of the Spirit, fellowship with God and one another at the Lord's Table, and hear the word of God" - Roger Aubrey, 1995

“At the heart of God’s Cosmic Plan is the Church, Paul presents us with a revelation of our place and purpose before the cosmic watchers of the visible and invisible worlds" Bryn Jones

'You have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven' - Hebrews 12:23-24

Labels: Angels, Bryn Jones, Quotes, Roger Aubrey

Monday, January 30, 2006

Passion, Prayer and the Kingdom

We had a great time yesterday as the King's Church family meeting together. Ezekiel Shibemba brought a powerful word on Triggers to Kingdom Prayer looking at the Kingdom of God and Prayer from the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible.

It was a powerful time together as God's people as we broke bread together, prayed for the sick to be made well, saw one person respond to the call to become a Christian, another young guy get baptised in water. In response to the word that came we cried out as a people in fervency and passionate prayer, as the blind man cried out to Jesus in Mark 10:47:

"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

God once again by his spirit revealed and spoke so clearly again how we are to be people who are passionate about the Kingdom of God. His Kingdom will know no end- it is an ever increasing kingdom that is advancing through his church in this earth in our time. 'Your Kingdom Come, on Earth as it is in Heaven'

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, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this - Isaiah 9:6-8

Labels: Ezekiel Shibemba, Kingdom of God, Prayer

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Work Life Balance

I've just watched a really interesting programme on BBC1 Panorama entitled 'Get a Life'. It was all about how we balance life, family, marriages and our work. It raised loads of good questions and interviewed parents and children to get their views on the various situations they faced.

Someone once said that no-one would ever have as their epitaph: 'I wish i'd spent more hours at the office', but the reality is that in the UK, we are working longer and longer hours, and the challenge to spin all the plates of life is becoming more and more difficult.

However, this real practical challenge is addressed by the Bible and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Bible was written 2,000 years ago, but its truth and application for our lives is timeless. It is relevant to our internet, email, broadband, blue tooth, 24/7 fast pace of life. The Kingdom of God comes and speaks into how we balance work, life, children, marriages and everything else that goes on around us.

'There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven' - Ecclesiastes 3:1

'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men' - Colossians 3:23

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well - Matthew 6:33

I believe that as Christians, as we apply the Kingdom Truth and Practical Wisdom of the Word of God we will be a good example to the world of having an excellent work:life balance. I also believe that those who 'seek first his kingdom' will be fruitful and productive for God in their time, work, home and life situations even amongst the chaos and fast pace of life that we all face.

Labels: Kingdom of God, News, Workplace

Architectural Urban Gems 02

This is URBIS, by Ian Simpson Architects This building is about 500 yards away from where I work in Manchester - it's been quite a controversial project. It went way over budget when it was initially built and the museum within the building initially failed to attract the visitors that were forecast.

However, it is ground breaking and certainly a work of innovation. Anyone who ever takes a risk and does something different is always going to be open to criticism in this country. It takes a nice photograph, and the view from the top of Manchester is hard to beat - so for me I like it. If you are ever in Manchester, it is well worth a visit!

OK, that's enough of Architecture for this week for you all!

Labels: Architecture, Cities, Urban Gems

Saturday, January 28, 2006

People of God 08 - A People of Pilgrimage Pt.2

Further to my post on this earlier this week, have a look at this excellent post on the Bible Tour Blog set up and run by fellow blogging friend, Trevor Lloyd

Labels: Bible Tour, People of God, Trevor Lloyd

Quality Quotes for the Weekend - Foundations

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit - Ephesians 2:20

During January 2006, Keri Jones has encouraged people in various gatherings to be sure we know what are true distinctives are as the people of God. He has encouraged us to look at the writings again of Arthur Wallis, Ern Baxter and Bryn Jones - (See Post and Comment by Roger Aubrey) - to see what these foundational ministries stood for and proclaimed in their day and generation.

I've really enjoyed doing this recently and God has been speaking like a trumpet call into my heart. As a family here in King's Church, Manchester, we have been going through Arthur Wallis's, 'Living God's Way' as cell groups across the City. This book is key to making sure we have good foundations, especially when you are a new christian. We are going through the book as a prophetic statement that we believe, and are beginning to see new christians being born again in our midst. This book is, and will be a great tool to help with the discipleship of these new people. We would like every member of the Church to be able to go through the book with a new christian to help them be established on good foundations in their faith.

As an architect, I know the importance of good foundations. Foundations are the most costly, time consuming, and lengthy part of the construction process - but they are the most important part. When builders we work with don't follow our drawings and plans, and the foundations go wrong - it is a nightmare! - In the same way as Churches, we can never spend too much time getting our foundations right and established in us as a people. We have to follow the heavenly pattern, plans and blueprints that is Jesus Christ. Apostles and Prophets in our time continue to help this foundation be established in us as his people - here a few quotes for you for the weekend:

‘Find out what God is doing in your generation and throw yourself into it’ - Arthur Wallis

'The bottom line is that you don't experience the fulness of Christ until you allow that He went back to send the Spirit' - Ern Baxter

'It is my conviction that recognising apostles and prophets and letting them function will yet prove the most important restoration breakthrough of our time' - Arthur Walls, 1981

'The mandate given to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:27-28) is a concise summation of the process of restoration - the process that God is using to bring everything into order. Within that order, everything advances toward its full creation intention. Adam and Eve’s commission to rule was never meant to express dictatorship or authoritarianism. Rather, it was meant to be the continued outworking of the father-heart of God - leading by example, governing by love - which would bring to fullness that which was infant' - Bryn Jones

'Our concern is to see that we are a people willing in the day of His power' - Arthur Wallis

Labels: Arthur Wallis, Bryn Jones, Keri Jones

Friday, January 27, 2006

People of God 09 - A People of Prayer and Purpose

Well, I've really enjoyed thinking, praying, reading, meditating and writing on the whole topic of the people of God - there is so much more I could have written, A People of Health, Prophetic People, Giving People, Anointed People, People of Blessing, People of Justice, People of Holiness etc..maybe I will return to this in the future.

Anyway, my final post on this is in relation to prayer and purpose. I believe that these areas are inextricably linked in the divine workings of God. As we pray more we understand his purposes clearer, as we then come into a fuller revelation of his purpose, it causes us to pray more and more!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land - 2 Chronicles 7:14

God is God, we are his people and he dwells amongst us by his Holy Spirit. Our identity, name and purpose is found in our creator and sustainer. As we humble ourselves in his presence, as we pray and call on his name - he hears and responds in his grace and mercy - Healing our land, saving the lost and pouring out his love and power.

Our purpose as his people is to advance the kingdom of heaven. To preach the message of the kingdom whenever and wherever we can, both in word and deed, preaching and proclamation, signs and wonders. Prayer is the engine and fuel that drives this purpose, Prayer keeps us focussed, Prayer keeps us energised and Prayer keeps us in a position of faith to declare his purposes in our time and generation.

God's people are called to pray in faith and in unity, for the purposes of God to be seen, known and demonstrated in power in every nation of this world, on earth as it is in heaven

Labels: People of God, Prayer, Purpose

Conflict at Birmingham University

I came across this story whilst looking at Times Online. Whilst, there is a whole separate debate about the role of Christian Unions in the Universities of our nations in relation to local churches. The wider issue that this story raises would seem to be quite important for how we radically stand for truth as Christians, and as Churches in the UK.

The Birmingham University CU has been forced to fold and close because it refused to allow those not professing any kind of Christian Faith the right to join the CU as members. Anyone and everyone is free to come along to their meetings, events and activities but only those with a faith in Jesus Christ can become members and take on leadership roles – seems perfectly reasonable to me.

As Christians and Churches, we are a people who have distinctive values, vision and views. We are open to discuss these with anyone, meet with them, talk with them, invite them to our homes, church gatherings and discuss all that we believe. However, we cannot be forced to 'water down' or 'politically correct' our doctrine and values. The word of God is the final authority on matters of life, doctrine and our involvement in the world. If this causes conflict with the rest of society, then so be it - but don't expect the body of Christ to lie down and let this float unnoticed and unchecked over their heads.

The Church, the family of God, the bride of Christ will continue to prophetically proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom message of the gospel of Jesus Christ loud and clear in our day and generation, however politically incorrect that ultimately may be.

Have a look at a similar situation at the University of Glamorgan in 2005:

Labels: News, Prophetic, Universities

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Architectural Urban Gems 01

OK, a little bit of Architecture for you all, not too much, Rachel says it gets a bit boring if I go on too long about Architecture so I'll keep it succinct and to the point.

This is what I call 'Gorgeous Urbanism', it's the Millenium Bridge, Gateshead Quays, on the River Tyne - no fog to be seen at all!!. The Architects are Wilkinson Eyre Architects

Beautiful.

Labels: Architecture, Cities, Urban Gems

People of God 08 - A People of Pilgrimage

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs;the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion - Psalms 84:4-7

Pilgrimage can be defined as 'a journey to a sacred place'. Our lives in a sense can be described as being of one continual journey into the holy presence of God. We are eternal pilgrims, focussed on the throne of Christ, dwelling in his presence, allowing the rains of the holy spirit to saturate our lives. The Psalmist here talks about a people doing this collectively, not isolated individuals but a people of pilgrimage going into the glorious presence of God together.

Its great to think of our lives as a journey, because it means we continually live our lives moving forward, never settling or letting things get stagnate or go stale. The hearts of the pilgrim people stay fresh, as they daily enter the presence of God and enjoy his rest and power in their lives.

I love this about God - there is never a dull moment in the Kingdom of God - his presence draws us onwards and forward into his great divine purpose for his people

I'll leave you today with a few words from the amazing song by Matthew Ling - 'Pilgrim Heart':

Grant me Lord, a pilgrim heart
In this world, but set apart
On you alone I fix my eyes
Your dwelling place I make my prize

Guide my in the path I take
All distractions I forsake
The greatest treasure earth awards
Is dust compared to You my Lord

2002, Ministries Without Borders, Matthew Ling

Labels: Matthew Ling, ministries without borders, People of God

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

People of God 07 - A Covenant Community

Tonight, we hosted the cell group we are a part of at our house, it was great - although Daniel looked a bit shocked when everyone first arrived!! - We ate together, chatted, looked at the word together in relation to 'relating to one another in love' as God's people, prayed for one another and then ended by breaking bread together.

It was amazing to meet as the people of God in our home, sharing life, expressing covenant love for one another and enjoying his wonderful presence in our front room.

(The picture was on self timer - hence the slightly weird angle and my head being nearly chopped off!)

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
Acts 2:46-47

Labels: Daniel, Hospitality, People of God

People of God 06 - Jezman's Revelation

One of my great friends Jeremy Davey is also writing some amazing stuff on the people of God at the moment, have a look at his blog if you get a chance. Jez is an awesome, amazing and anointed man of God.

Labels: Blogs, Friends, People of God

People of God 05 - A People of his Presence

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" - Exodus 33:14-15

Moses knew that the most important thing for his own life and the people he was part of and led was the presence of God. It was everything to them, they didn't want to do anything or go anywhere without his presence and his approval.

This is still so true for us today, we are called to be a people of his presence. A people who worship before his throne in reverance and in awe, a people who know the life, joy and peace of the Holy Spirit that comes from the heavenly throne room of grace, and a people who live, breath and find our meaning and direction from time spent dwelling in his presence.

"It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men." C.S Lewis

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God" - Revelation 21:3

Moses knew that the hallmark of the people of God would be the presence of God. It is the ultimate distinctive and distinguishing element that the people of God should be all about - the divine presence of God. His presence means life, power, healing, miracles and salvation as the people of God come into God's presence in faith and expectation, both individually and corporately. I believe that the people of God should be known for this as its ultimate expression and reflection to the world we live - 'The Lord is there with his people'

"And the name of the city from that time on will be:
THE LORD IS THERE." - Ezekiel 48:35

Labels: C.S. Lewis, People of God, Presence

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

People of God 04 - A People of Power!

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power"
1 Corinthians 4:20

OK, I love writing and I love writing about God and his Kingdom - but I know that means some of my blog entries can be like reading a book!! - I know, so today I curb my fingers on the keyboard to a simple, yet very powerful abd dynamic verse in Acts - We are God's people, and we have Awesome, World Impacting, Nation Changing, life transforming, miracle working POWER because of the Holy Spirit! - FANTASTIC, AMAZING, WONDERFUL POWER!

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" Acts 1:8

Labels: Holy Spirit, People of God, Power

Monday, January 23, 2006

People of God 03 - A People of Covenant Love

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another - John 13:34-35

The love among the three persons of the Godhead, within the community of the trinity is the basis and model for our love for one another as the people of God.

“The Godhead is in himself a community. From eternity past, the “sweet society” of Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoyed a harmonious relationship. All other communities find their pattern here”
Kingdom of God Module, Covenant College

Our love for one another in the family of God, in the community of faith that we belong to has to find its route and pattern in the sacrificial, selfless and true love we see between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Godhead is the blueprint for every community, family and relationship on this earth. In him we see the pattern for the people of God to be the covenant community of God here on earth showing the world we belong to Jesus by the way we love another.

Jesus states in John 17:26: "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”

Early in the same passage, John 17:20-21, Jesus prays the following to his Father in Heaven:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you”

The author C.S Lewis argues correctly that the Trinity and Godhead were in place before the Creation of the World because for the Eternal God to be Love, there would have had to be an expression of that love to someone before anything was created. True Love has to be given or received, for that to happen there had to be a giver and a recipient. Namely the three persons of the Trinity,

C.S Lewis states:
"If God was a single person, then before the world was made, he was not love"

Richard of Saint Victor argued in the 12th Century for the plurality of the persons of the Eternal Godhead on the basis of love for each other:

"In order for Love to be true, it demands a plurality of persons; in order for love to be perfected, it requires a trinity of persons”

The love and unity of the three persons of the Godhead is the basis and model for the unity of the church, for unity in Marriages and for our love for one another as God's people. How do we share this love for one another? Yesterday, I saw the love of God in practical action in God's people as follows:

Enjoying a meal and wonderful fellowship with some friends in their home from our cell in the Church, Thanks Paul, Jane and Josie!
Praying for a friend in the Church to get a job, and praying for healing for another couple
Helping out at home by changing Daniel's nappy and washing the clothes and dishes

There are so many ways we can express covenant love for one another as God's people - as the world sees it they will see Jesus Christ in our love for another and we will see great fruit for the Kingdom as men and women are added to the people of God in salvation

"The relationship that exists within the Godhead is the basis for Unity in every human relationship, be it marriage, family, or church" - Gary Zoella

Labels: Community, People of God, Trinity

Sunday, January 22, 2006

People of God 02 - The Best People in the World

'God's People are the best people in the World' - this is a phrase that Keri Jones, the apostle to the Church that I am part has brought to us over the last few years. He is right, God's people are amazing. I've always known this, but it has come even clearer to my family and I over the last six weeks since Daniel has been born how amazing God's people really are - in particular the covenant community of faith, the family of King's Church, Manchester that we belong to.

First of all, when we were in hospital, we got loads of texts, emails and messages of congratulations and prayers from our church family - they were all great. Daniel was ill when he first was born in hospital, he wasn't feeding at all so we put into practice the text of James 5:14-16. Richard Anniss, our amazing lead elder came within 45 minutes to pray in faith and anoint with oil - the result Daniel fed within an hour and got completely better - God is great.

Then when we returned home, our wonderful cell group leader, Anna Thompson organised 2 weeks of meals to be brought round for us as a family. This was such a blessing and a help from the King's Church family. On top of this 2 weeks of food we have had more meals made, and invites to homes for food from people in the Church.

Then when i've been back to work Rachel has had friends from the Church coming round and she has been able to go other mum's in the Church houses to meet up for fellowship. We've also had people offer to clean and help us in the home - God's people are amazing.

Today, we went to our ante-natal class 're-union' - it was great to see everyone with their babies and hear their 'birth' stories and life with a young baby. We were mentioning to them how great our natural families have been, but also how our local spiritual family in Manchester has been awesome - We are so blessed to be part of God's people in this time - they are the best people in the world!

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers - Galatians 6:10

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people - Rev 22:21

Labels: Healing, People of God, Testimonies

Saturday, January 21, 2006

People of God 01 - A People who Shine

As a Church here in Manchester, God has been speaking to us about being 'the people of God' and 'a people of his presence' - Richard has encouraged us as leaders to go into the presence of God and wait and hear from him increasingly on this important subject for us in this time:

In response, I'm going to do series of posts on the 'People of God' and what God has spoken to me about in my time with him in his presence:

Today, I was reading in Matthew about how as God's people we will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of God. There is an eternal and future fulfillment to this, but I also believe that this can be true for the people in our present day and generation. We live in a world that needs the light and truth of God to be shone into every sector of society, every community of our cities and every place of work and study.

We are called to 'stand out', to be a people who make a difference wherever we go - when a light is turned on a room it changes the whole situation, feeling and appearance of that room. As we shine as God's people with the light of Christ and his truth and love we will make a massive difference in our world for the glory and extension of his wonderful kingdom

'The godly will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom' - Matt 13:43

One of the greatest ways of us being the people of God who shine in our generation is to reach out and see men and women, young and old turn to Jesus Christ as their lord and saviour, for them to become Christians. To see them turn to the ways of righteousness and follow the life of the Kingdom in all its wonderful power and excitement. We are called to shine as bright as the sky so that all the world can see how amazing, wonderful and fantastic Jesus Christ is

'Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever' - Daniel 12:3

The Bible is great - it is so grounded in the reality of our lives on earth but so eternal and heaven focussed in its vision and direction. We live in a world, where at present bad things do happen where there is darkness and perversity. However, we are called to be the light of Christ into these dark situations as the people of God - to make a difference as we shine for the Kingdom and glory of God. The people of God, his glorious Church will shine brighter and brighter until the wonderful return of Jesus Christ, when he comes for his radiant and beautiful bride - the people of God, his Church

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them - Phillipians 2:14-16

Tommorow - People of God 02 - The Best People in the World!

Labels: People of God, Presence, Richard Anniss

Daniel loves to Worship!!

Daniel is becoming very responsive to the worship leader's encouragement to raise our hands in worship to King Jesus! - We are so blessed with our wonderful son

Labels: Daniel, Family, Images

Friday, January 20, 2006

Bryn Jones, Radical Church Online

Just seen this exciting message on roger aubrey's blog from a good friend, Joff Carvell - He is team administrator for Together and married to his dear wife Liz - Get on over to the site Joff refers to, its got some amazing teaching papers and writings that are amazing and life-changing to read:

Hi Roger.

Just thought that I would mention that The Radical Church is serialised on the website dedicated to Bryn Jones. You can read the WHOLE book in chapter form here: www.therestorer.net

God Bless, Joff Carvell

Labels: Blogs, Bryn Jones, Roger Aubrey

see above and beyond

It's time to start thinking about sun hats, sun cream and shorts everyone!! - it's without border 06 bible week folks - it's going to be amazing and fantastic - i'm packing my sun block now as an act of faith.

Seriously everyone, this week will be awesome and amazing - I'm already excited - anointed preaching and teaching, miracles, healings, salvation, wonderful fellowship, powerful worship, fun, heap offerings, bacon butties outside your tent and so much more - I can't wait. You also get to see members of your church in ways that in the normal way of life you don't get to see!:

Click Here for more wonderful pictures of Without Borders 04 and 05

See you there in July!!

Labels: bible week, ministries without borders, Testimony

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Bryn Jones on 'Thousands and Millions'

Keri Jones, Brother of the late Bryn Jones, and apostle to the Church in Manchester that I am part of, has been encouraging leaders in various gatherings in 2006 to re-read 'Radical Church - Restoring the Apostolic Edge' by his Brother Bryn. It is a wonderful book that I am currently re-reading. I am inspired, challenged and provoked as I read it again to keep the BIG picture of God's Purpose in my mind and heart at all times.

Growing up in Bradford (1976 - 1995) in a Church that was led and overseen by Bryn and Keri Jones, I remember Bryn preaching, and the things that stick in my memory were his passon and his BIG vision of the purpose of God for his Church in advancing the Kingdom of Church and seeing the restoration of all things.

A number of my good blogging friends, Richard and Roger among others are currently writing some amazing revelation and insight they are getting from the same book. The Holy Spirit is speaking and I am really excited by what is happening in 2006 as the purposes and plans of God advance, and his plan of restoration continues to unfold and be seen in his church and in the world.

Here is an amazing quote by Bryn which is right up my street as you can tell from the title of the blog!

'.. The refreshing moves of the Spirit on God's people will be great and widespread. The final, 'grande finale' move of the Spirit will be of such proportions that multiplied thousands, possibly millions, will be swept into the Kingdom of God..' - Bryn Jones, Radical Church

For further writings from Bryn Jones, check out http://www.therestorer.net/

Labels: Bradford, Bryn Jones, Thousands and Millions

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Influential Books

My friend, Hugh Griffiths has posted this question on his blog:

Other than the Bible, which book has recently made the most difference in your life and why?

My top three would be:

Bryn Jones - Radical Church - Awesome writing on the Church, Kingdom, Restoration, Covenant and much more besides - Passionate and Inspirational, Highly Recommend it
Oral Roberts - Still Doing the Impossible - Faith for finances, Faith for Healings, Faith for Salvation and Faith for Miracles - its all in here with some amazing stories of God's power and provision.
John Stott - The Cross of Christ - The wonderful joy of being saved, chosen, redeemed and restored was some of the revelation I got from this wonderful book by John Stott, it deals with the atoning work of the cross in great detail and provides an excellent study on this great theological topic

Labels: Blogs, Bryn Jones, John Stott, Oral Roberts

Through the Church....

“How terribly wrong it is for those who call themselves Dispensationalists to say that the Christian Church was a mere afterthought in the mind of God, that he never really intended it for eternity. The greatest thing in the universe, the greatest manifestation of God’s own wisdom, an afterthought…..The Church, far from being an afterthought, is the brightest shining of the Wisdom of God. There is nothing beyond the church. She is the highest and the most supreme manifestation of the wisdom of God; and to look forward to something beyond the church is to deny not only this verse but many another verse in the Scriptures. The Church is the final expression of the Wisdom of God, the thing above all others that enables even the angels to comprehend the wisdom of God.”
Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones, The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

“His Intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” Ephesians 3:10

“At the heart of God’s Cosmic Plan is the Church, Paul presents us with a revelation of our place and purpose before the cosmic watchers of the visible and invisible worlds”
Bryn Jones, Radical Church

Labels: Bryn Jones, Dr.Martyn Lloyd Jones, Quotes

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Life to the Full

I travel into Manchester every day on the busiest bus route in Europe they tell me - Well on this route I pick up the METRO free newspaper, it's a 'quality' read but really can be skimmed through in under 5 minutes, and that's stretching it sometimes. My fellow blogger, Matt Wilson, who is the fountain of all knowledge and wisdom on all things 'urban' tells me that the METRO is designed to be read in under 5 minutes due to its 99% commuter readership. Anyway, today this list appeared which I thought deserved a comment:

Urbanites Ten Great Expectations

To live a meaningful and experience rich urban life
To succeed in multiple areas of life
To get substantial fulfilment from work
To be the hub of a large friendship network
To find true love in the modern world
To make time to enjoy time
To use debt to have what they want now
To have a progressive government that delivers results
To live in a pleasant urban village
To live a responsible life as an Urban consumer

From this list you can see that people are longing for fulfilment and purpose in life - the problem is, they're looking in the wrong place if they're not looking for it in Jesus Christ. 2,000 years ago, Jesus said:

'...My purpose is to give life in all its fullness...' - John 10:10

Jesus came to bring LIFE - his life is about purpose, humility, love, forgiveness, miraculous power and a direction and purpose in this world. He is greater than anything in this world and brings fulfillment, joy and peace in a way that is totally beyond anything the world has to offer.

I've found that when I put Jesus Christ first in my life, and obey and serve his purposes and plans - life is totally amazing, awesome and a wonderful adventure of faith, trust and excitement.

In the Old Testament it says:

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope - Jeremiah 29:11

It also says in Matthew 6:33 about putting his Kingdom before all else so we can experience life in its rich fulness:

He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern - Matthew 6:33

Live life with Jesus Christ as the leader and director of your life and know life to the full in all that you do - It's totally amazing!

Labels: Blogs, Matt Wilson, News

Monday, January 16, 2006

Life is Great in the Kingdom of God!

Wow, I've just been thinking back on my weekend and realised how awesome it has been, and what a great God that I serve and love so much - it's such an adventure being a Christian!!

My great friend and fellow Elder David Emmett preached a great message last night at our evening meeting - one of the things he talked about was looking at our lives through the lense of the word of God - when we do that it changes how we see things, we see life through a kingdom perspective, through faith and through all that God has said and promised to do.

So just to show what an adventure being a christian is when seeing life through the lense of the word of God here's a quick run down on my weekend:

Friday Night
Meal with the amazing and wonderful Daniel and Rosy Cole, Daniel is still pretty chuffed that we named Baby Daniel after him (or he likes to think we named him after him)

Saturday
Prayer Breakfast with Manchester Withington MP, John Leech newly elected in May 2005, overturning a 12,000 majority - it was good to meet him again, and pray for him and the communities of his constituency

Then it was off to Second Saturday to hear some great teaching on Eph 1:1-14 and for me to add my bit on Eph 1:11-14 - I really enjoyed preparing for this and got loads out of it.

After that it was off to Loughborough to see my sister and her kids and my parents with Rachel and Daniel - Daniel's biggest road trip - slept all the way!

Sunday
We met up with my greek cypriot auntie and uncle and my cousins who all loved seeing daniel - it was great to see them and I got some wonderful greek food - stuffed vine leaves, amazing!

Then it was back to Manchester for our evening meeting at King's Church which was awesome - God really moved by his Holy Spirit and at one point we were all dancing round the room in a kind of a Holy Spirit Conga! - The word came, people were healed, delivered and set free.

God is so great - It was great to be able to do all this as a family and for daniel even at 1 Month old to be in the atmosphere of the spirit and the presence of God - He loves it!, and so do we.

Labels: Dave Emmett, Family, Life

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Workplace Wisdom

'..Work at your values, this will help give value to your work..' Steve Chalke

Labels: Quotes, Steve Chalke, Worplace

Saturday, January 14, 2006

The Holy Spirit: God's Seal of Ownership on our lives

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit - Ephesians 1:13

Here are my final thoughts and post for now on Ephesians 1 - Verse 13 talks about the Holy Spirit being a seal upon our lives when we believe. A seal in the days when Paul wrote this epistle was used to seal a parcel or letter being sent. It wasn't to be broken until it received its designated recipiant. The seal siginified the owner of the letter, its start location and origin, and its designated end and future.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit in our lives shows that we belong to God, we are in his ownership, our destiny and identity are certain and secure. We are born from above and have our origin and citizenship in heaven. He also shows us our glorious future and purpose as individuals but also as the body of christ living Kingdom lives here on earth.

To read the rest of my notes, teaching and revelation on Ephesians 1:11-14 click below:

http://gavinwhite.blogspot.com/2006/01/ephesians-111-14.html

Labels: Ephesians, Holy Spirit, Seal

Ephesians 1:11-14

To listen to teaching on this passage of scripture, click here

Second Saturday –14 January 2006
Ephesians 1:11-14

Ern Baxter, The King, the Kingdom and the Holy Spirit

“The Holy Spirit is the first person in the trinity who confronts you, He comes to you in conviction and in enlightenment. He knocks on your door and presses upon you the claims of Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. He says, “I want to talk to you about Jesus Christ”
Ern Baxter, The King, the Kingdom and the Holy Spirit

I love the book of Ephesians as it continually turns our focus onto Jesus Christ, and his ultimate plan and purpose for the church and the kingdom that we are part of. It is always continually reminding us of the BIG nature of the Kingdom of God and the cosmic influence and impact that we have as his Church living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is important for us always to enlarge our thinking and heart attitude towards heaven, the throne of Christ and the purposes of the Kingdom. We can sometimes reduce God down to our earthly mindset and thinking and reduce the impact and power of the word in our lives – Keep focused on the throne of Christ as you read the book of Ephesians….this is a good introduction to the verses that I have been given.

11In 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

Paul, here uses the word ‘we’ to refer to the Jews who were given the first opportunity to hear the message of Christ, he later goes on to use ‘you’ to refer to the Gentiles who now can respond to the gospel of Christ and be partakers of the new covenant. This is an important concept throughout Ephesians of Jew and Gentile coming together in the Kingdom of God, in glorious salvation joined in his church for the praise of his glory

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus – Gal 3:28

Today, the church is a reflection and showcase of God’s intention to join man and woman, young and old, rich and poor, black and white in his church as a foretaste of the worship in heaven when ‘from every tribe and language and people and nation, You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God – Rev 5:9-10

The overarching theme of the Bible tends towards the fact that in his sovereign grace and power, he has chosen us, hand picked us before the beginning of time as part of his grand master plan and purpose for the Church and the world. Of course, we have to make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, but his kindness leads us towards repentance. He draws us to himself with his irrestible love, grace and power.

I’ve always found it helpful to think of it as that God’s message of grace and salvation is sufficient for all the world to be saved, however, it only kicks into action and becomes efficient when a person responds in faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ.

See John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:19 and John 12:47

All that God does and is, is in accordance with his purpose and will, there is no wasted time and effort in the economy of heaven. His thoughts, words and actions are centred on bringing all things under one head, Jesus Christ and for his glory to fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.

12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory

When we put our hope in Christ, it gives glory to the father – that’s why God created us to bring glory to his own name by us displaying his glory here in our lives on earth in our daily walk, thoughts, attitudes and action. God cannot be anymore glorious, we don’t add to his glory but we do reflect that glory here on earth which brings more glory to his name.

The first to hope in Christ is a reference to the Jews again who were the first nation and people to receive Christ but the message that comes through in the writings of Paul is that God doesn’t want that message to be accepted just with the Jews – it is for the Gentiles, for all nations who hear and believe for the praise of his glory

The phrase ‘for the praise of his glory’ repeats twice in this passage – God is totally interested in his own promotion, glory and majesty. However, God shows how glorious he is in his plan of salvation, redemption and forgiveness when the atoning work of the cross is applied in our lives – this reflects and displays his glory to the world around us.

We were made to glorify God - God is totally about bringing all glory, attention and honour to his own name - God totally deserves this adoration and worship.

The great thing is though that when his people, called according to his eternal purpose worship him and glorify him, he can't help himself from blessing and pouring out his love towards them. God is such a generous God. When we experience his love and his power in his presence, we want to worship and adore even him even more and glorify his name increasingly through our lives, words and actions, but most of all in our hearts - totally devoted to bringing glory to his name. We are called to bring glory to God.

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul exhorts:

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

We are called to give glory to God by what we say and do. It does not mean that we are adding to the glory God already has. It means we are revealing the glory of God to the world through our words, lifestyle, and behavior. It also means that we are giving God our praise and adoration0.

’The most basic fact you can say about the righteousness of God is that he has an unwavering commitment to his own glory. Everything he does he does to heighten the intensity with which his people praise him for his glory’- John Piper

13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit

Here we see one of the classic NT ‘In Christ’ statements. In John 15:1-15 we are called to ‘abide’ in Christ, ‘Alive’ in Christ in Romans 6:1, ‘In Christ, we form one body in Romans 12:5 and ‘Sanctified’ in 1 Corinthians 1:2. When we heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation we were brought into the family of God, included in Christ.

The work of salvation is not possible without the work of the Holy Spirit, the spirit is active in our hearts in our coming to Christ in repentance and faith. Once we believe we receive the Holy Spirit. The image of seal here is one that God uses in relation to his people in Ezekiel 9:4-6 and Rev 7:1-8. The historical context for this was that when a package or letter was sent it was sealed to show its ownership and origin, this seal was not broken until it reached its intended destination and recipient.

The seal of the holy spirit upon our lives shows that we belong to God, in fact in Romans 8:9, it talks about how if we don’t have the spirit we are not Christians. The spirit in our lives secures our identity and shows us that we are indeed children of God. The spirit as a seal on our lives, shows also that our origin as Christians is ‘born from above’, our citizenship is in heaven, yet our lives are lived our on earth. The seal of the holy spirit upon our lives inspires us to continually fix our eyes on heaven.

Throughout Ephesians we see the Spirit at work in his people:

Wisdom and illumination to understand the gospel – Eph. 1:17-20
Inner Strenghtening – Eph 3:16 and 6:17
Access to the presence of God – Eph 2:18
Beginnings of the Cosmic Unity – Eph 4:3-4
Inspiration to Godly Living and Thankful Worship – Eph 4:30
Help in Prayer – Eph 6:18

This is the work of the spirit when we believe as he comes into our hearts and lives by faith – beyond that we know the baptism of the holy spirit and with fire to continue in power all that God has desired for us as individuals and in our church

"The Thrust of the Spirit in our time is in prompting the Church to return to its roots in order to go forward to God's Ultimate Intention"
Bryn Jones

It is the highest, the greatest experience which a Christian can have in this world"
Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory

The Holy Spirit is the operative agent in the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit convicts us and converts us. He regenerates and empowers us. We receive gifts from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us in the Body. He is the active agent of the Trinity – Ern Baxter

We are not only sealed with the Holy Spirit but the spirit is a deposit in our lives from heaven guaranteeing a glorious future for us who believe, again to the praise of his glory. Paul uses the Greek Word, arrabon here, The arrabon was a regular feature of the greek business world. It was a part of the purchase price or anything, a deposit paid in advance as a guarantee that the rest of would in due course be paid. Paul is saying that the experience of the Holy Spirit which we have in this world is a foretaste of the blessedness of heaven; and it is the guarantee that some day we will enter into the full possession of the blessing of Jesus Christ.

We are God’s possession, we belong to him – language of covenant, language of relationship – The Holy Spirit could be said to be the engagement ring of Christ to his church, sealing their future marriage in heaven when the bride of Christ, the church will be joined to Christ in the wedding supper of the lamb – the spirit and the bride say come Lord Jesus Christ – for the praise of your glory.

The Greek word translated "pledge" (arrabon) speaks of a down payment that was made to secure a purchase. The moment you were saved, the Spirit of God became the down payment on God's final installment of your eternal glory. In modern Greek, arrabon [arrabon] includes the idea of an engagement ring. In that sense we can view the Holy Spirit as God's engagement ring a sign of His deep love and His guarantee to keep His promises.

Labels: Ephesians, Second Saturday, Teaching Notes

Friday, January 13, 2006

The Holy Spirit: Christ's Engagement Ring to the Church

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory
Ephesians 1:13-14

The Greek word translated "deposit" (arrabon) speaks of a down payment that was made to secure a purchase. The moment you were saved, the Spirit of God became the down payment on God's final installment of your eternal glory. In modern Greek, arrabon includes the idea of an engagement ring, a deposit securing something in the future. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that Christ will come again and take us with Him. In that sense we can view the Holy Spirit as God's engagement ring to his Church a sign of His deep love and His guarantee to keep His promises.

That's why there will be no marrige in heaven as we know now on earth, except one unique covenantal, beautiful and wonderful marriage relationship - Christ to his Church.

The bride of Christ, the Church will be joined in marriage to Jesus Christ in the wedding supper of the lamb, when all things will have come together under the rule and reign of Jesus Christ....for the praise of his glory

‘..The Holy Spirit is the one who brings the life, power, energy, illumination, inspiration and enablement of the triune God to each of us, individually and corporately..’
Ern Baxter, The King, the Kingdom and the Holy Spirit

Labels: Bride of Christ, Ern Baxter, Holy Spirit

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Wisdom from an Apostle

"It's good to go through the bible in a year - but so much more valuable if you let the bible go through you" - Keri Jones, Saturday 7 January 2006

Labels: Bible, Keri Jones, Wisdom

God's Agenda

In preparation for the teaching I'm doing on Ephesians 1:11-14 on saturday, I've been looking back at some notes I made when I read God's Agenda by Ern Baxter. It is an awesome book by a guy who saw things in God and his divine purpose that blow me away when I read his writings and listen to his tapes. Get hold of his teaching, ministry tapes, writings - it will change your life!

"I want to talk to you about the ideal. The ideal is to see God's Kingdom come, to see the government of God really come. The ideal is to see God's People flourish in every geographical area-without sectarian marks and divisions"
Ern Baxter, Pg. 38, God's Agenda

"If we're going to talk about the restoration of the Church to God's Ideal, then we have to be prepared for major upheaval. I will adopt the pose of a prophet for a moment and prophesy: The Restoration of the Government of God in the Earth will not come until we restore biblical government as opposed to ecclesiastical, bureaucractic hierachies"
Ern Baxter, Pg.54, God's Agenda

"We are faced with a daring Biblical Challenge to Fulfill God's agenda for his church. It may indeed involved dismantling much of what we have cherished in the past, and it will certainly require us to trust God to call into existence those things which are not"
Ern Baxter, Pg.112, God's Agenda

Labels: Ephesians, Ern Baxter, Quotes

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

A Day of Millions

Those who know me well know that I'm not a big shopper and a lover of consumerism but my ears did prick up when I heard that the recently opened Next Store in Manchester (its biggest store) took over £1 Million in one day in transactions on Boxing Day 2005.

As you can tell from my blog title - anything with the word 'million' in it gets my attention - I like thinking BIG - in fact it's an act of obedience as I have had several prophetic words over my life about thinking BIG in relation to the purpose and plans of God.

God prompted me very clearly when I heard this that this would happen in his church very soon that there would be days of £1 Million + offerings being taken. Sometimes what happens in the natural can be a prophetic sign for things in the spiritual.

Money is quite a controversial subject in the Church today. However, Money is not bad - it is neutral. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil. I believe though that we shouldn't shy away from what the Bible says about finance and how are to move in the area of faith, expectation and wisdom in this area.

God provides finance as he is our only source. He expects us to be wise stewards of that in relation to our tithes and offerings, how we budget that money in the home and how we seek to bless others with what God has given us, we have to seed to sow and seed to eat.

I believe the days of £1 Million+ offerings will be great. It will allow increasingly the word of God to be taught and proclaimed to every nation of the earth, it will allow the church to help the poor and needy in the local community and in the nations,and it will allow the testimony of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour to be presented, proclaimed and preached to thousands of men and women for the praise of his glory in our time.

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God - 2 Cor 9:9-12

Labels: Finance, Millions, News

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Fruit of Restoration

For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the sky will release the dew
Zechariah 8:12

I've been enjoying reading through the minor prophets recently. The only thing that is minor about them though is their size in comparison to the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Their content is great and the theme of the restoration of God's people is common throughout.

Here, we see in Zechariah, that God promises to plant seeds of peace and prosperity in his people, and that they will know the fruitfulness and bountiful harvest of God as they return to him and are restored. God still has a plan of restoration for his Church, for the nations and the earth - He is restoring all things (Acts 3:21).

As we continually return to Christ, abide in his love and remain in his presence - we will know the dew of his power coming down on our lives from heaven, the peace and prosperity in life that comes from obedience to Jesus and the lavish fruitfulness of Christ and his Kingdom in and through our lives.

“You've got to go out on a limb sometimes because that's where the fruit is.” Walter Rogers

Labels: Minor Prophets, Prosperity, Restoration

Monday, January 09, 2006

A Conversation with Daniel

Tonight, Rachel and I decided to have a heart to heart with Daniel - Daniel has stated that he likes grown up beds rather than a moses basket or a cot so we had a quick chat and discussion before he went back in his basket!

Labels: Daniel, Family, Rachel

Integrity: Hallmark of the Kingdom of God

Integrity can be defined as:

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
2 : an unimpaired condition
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided

I was with a group of leaders on saturday and the apostle to the Church I am part of in Manchester, Keri Jones was speaking about integrity. It was an excellent time. With all that has happened in UK politics this last week with Charles Kennedy - integrity is a word that comes into conversation and discussion of this situation most often.

Whilst Charles Kennedy did show a certain lack of integrity, and in the end he did need to step down following his denial of his drink problem. The greater lack of integrity was shown by his own party MP's who publicly ousted their own leader with harsh words and acute criticism. I pray that Charles will now know the release and relief from his burden with Alcohol, and that his wife and family will know the blessing of that as they grow together as a family unit. For the liberal democrats, I suspect they have wasted the last 2-3 years progress in the UK by the way they have acted with a lack of integrity in the last week in the media and public domain

Jesus Christ is full of integrity, and in our lives, as followers and disciples of Christ - we should be men and women of integrity. It will speak to the world of the King we serve and mirror the hallmarks of the Kingdom of Heaven that we live out here on Earth.

Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High - Psalms 7:8

They came to him (Jesus Christ) and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity.." - Mark 12:14

Subtlety may deceive you; integrity never will - Oliver Cromwell

Labels: Integrity, Liberal Democrats, Politics

Sunday, January 08, 2006

A Kingdom Man

Welcome to the Blogworld - to Mr.Richard Anniss! - a great covenant friend, a kingdom man, and one of the bravest and boldest people I know in the world - His Blog is great and inspiring to read www.richardanniss.typepad.com. Richard's wife Judith is also amazing, she is a kingdom woman and a great role model here in King's Church, Manchester - They're a great family.

Labels: Blogs, Friends, Richard Anniss

For the Praise of his Glory

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, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory - Eph 1:11-14

I've been asked to speak next weekend on Ephesians 1:11-14, so I thought I'd share some of my research and study on it on my blog through this week.

We were made to glorify God - God is totally about bringing all glory, attention and honour to his own name - God totally deserves this adoration and worship. The great thing is though that when his people, called according to his eternal purpose worship him and glorify him, he can't help himself from blessing and pouring out his love towards them. God is such a generous God. When we experience his love and his power in his presence, we want to worship and adore even him even more and glorify his name increasingly through our lives, words and actions, but most of all in our hearts - totally devoted to bringing glory to his name.

We are called to bring glory to God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul exhorts:

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

We are called to give glory to God by what we say and do. It does not mean that we are adding to the glory God already has. It means we are revealing the glory of God to the world through our words, lifestyle, and behavior. It also means that we are giving God our praise and adoration.

The most basic fact you can say about the righteousness of God is that he has an unwavering commitment to his own glory. Everything he does he does to heighten the intensity with which his people praise him for his glory

John Piper

Labels: John Piper, Quotes, Second Saturday

'..Thousands and Millions..'