Keri Jones Quote
We have the blessing of working together as Elders here in King's Church, Manchester under the apostolic ministry and oversight of Keri Jones, here is a quote from Keri on the work and impact of Apostles on the life of the Church:
"The great joy for Apostles is not merely being 'stewards of the mysteries of God', able to see and understand 'the mystery hidden for long ages past', but in having the wisdom and understanding to translate what they have seen into the lives of men and women. The result is that there are communities emerging made up of people who, both individually and corporately, are living letters 'known and ready by everybody' of what the gospel is all about"
Keri Jones, Apostles Today, Edited by D.Matthew, Harvestime, 1988, Pg.80
Labels: Apostles, Keri Jones, Manchester
Joseph: Administrating Increase
Following on my from recent posts on Joseph in the Bible, I've been praying about and looking at the whole subject of increase and how that is administrated in the Kingdom of God. Joseph was a man of integrity, but also a big dreamer and a big thinker. God had revealed to Joseph at an early age how he would be raised up to a position of greatness and influence. Increase wasn't a concept and a realm of life that Joseph was going to shrink back from.
In accordance with the prophetic dreams that Joseph had interpreted, Egypt had 7 years of abundance and plenty, and then it had 7 years of famine. Joseph initiated a stewardship program that handled the 7 years of abundance in a wise way, thus meaning during the 7 years of famine there was more than enough to feed Egypt and subsequently the world.
What does this period of Joseph's life tell us about how we administrate and handle increase?, God put the following things on my heart in respect to adminstrating increase:
Act in accordance with the Word of God
Have a BIG plan and vision, but be diligent and excellent in the small detail
Think ahead to the future, but don't forget what is happening in the present
Work in partnership and submission to God given authorities
Be a faithful, wise steward with the plentiful provision that God pours out
As God's people, we will know the gracious and faithful provision of God in all areas of life. We are called to administer and handle that with grace, wisdom and most of all in line with the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Finance, Time and People are all great resources that we are called to handle and relate to wisely. As we are faithful in this, it will ensure that we are fruitful and continue to increase as we live out the plans of the Kingdom in these three important areas of life. How we handle these key areas will go along way to determining the success of our lives in administrating increase for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
Labels: Administration, Increase, Joseph
Architectural Urban Gems 05
Here are a couple of images of another local architectural urban gem in Manchester:
'The Imperial War Museum:North' . Opposite the
Lowry Centre, they both sit as jewels in the urban landscape of Manchester! (well actually, Salford and Trafford to be exact). I just thought I'd leave that with you to have a look at over the weekend!
Next week, I'll continue with the series of posts that I'd started on the life of
Joseph - Have a blessed, enjoyable and fun weekend - God is great and he loves you so much.
Labels: Architecture, Cities, Urban Gems
Interview with Jim Wallis
Tearfund have published an interesting article with Jim Wallis. Jim is the founder and president of
Sojourners, a group that campaigns for social justice, peace and issues of poverty in the world. For the full text of the interview, click
here. Here is a short quote taken from the interview:
"Activism without prayer can become bereft after a while; and prayer without taking in the world can lose its integrity"Jim Wallis, Teartimes Magazine, Autumn 2006, Pg. 17I'm reading 'God's Politics' by Jim Wallis at the moment, it's an excellent and thought provoking book for all the issues that we face in our world in this time as we live for the Kingdom of God."We must drain the swamps of injustice in which the mosquitoes of terrorism breed, without seeming to justify or excuse the utterly inexcusable acts.....Justice really is the best path to peace"Jim Wallis, God's Politics, Harper Collins, Pg.100, 106
Labels: Jim Wallis, Justice, Politics, Tearfund
Revelation and Motivation
My fellow elder and great friend
Andrew Cursham brought a great word to us a Church Community on Sunday. He spoke from the title
'Rebuilding Walls, Restoring Self Control'. He brought one quote that really caught my attention:
"Your Revelation will be your Motivation"Andrew Cursham, 20 August 2006In life, your view and perspective on the world effects how you live in the world. God has spoke to us a
Church a great deal about what we see, and how that will determine who we are and what we do. As Christians, our vision is Jesus, our revelation is His Kingdom rule and reign being seen right across this world. Our motivation is to see the gospel of the Kingdom proclaimed in every city, region and nation of this world.
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess - Hebrews 3:1
Labels: Andrew Cursham, Church, Preaching
'Mancunian Agreement'
For those outside of the M60 motorway, let me explain - A Mancunian is a 'native or inhabitant of Manchester,England'. There are currently proposals being discussed in Manchester at the moment for a
'Mancunian Agreement'. It's aim are to include:
Rights and responsibilities
Values in our communities
Dignity and respect for all in our neighbourhoods
Bringing people together from different backgrounds
It'll be interesting to see how this proposal develops and how the citizens of
Manchester will respond and sign up to this. The crunch will come as to whether it is just words on paper, or a way of living that effects hearts and minds..and ultimately communities as a whole.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:19-20As a Christian, I believe in the power of agreement. The path of agreement in heart and mind based on the truth of the word of God is a powerful foundation for seeing the work of God advance.
We were praying this morning as a Church, standing in agreement on the word of God over our lives, our church community, and over the City of Manchester. We said 'YES' and 'AMEN' to being a increasingly fruitful people, a powerful, purposeful people and to seeing our lives as a people of integrity that shine in the world around us.
I believe God is calling his Church to a place of agreement in faith, to believe for great things and walk in the power of agreement and confession to see his Kingdom come and his will be done.
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life - Revelation 22:17One of the last agreements in the Bible, is between the Holy Spirit and the bride of Christ, the Church. They agree to say 'Come, Lord Jesus'; they stand in agreement on the return of King Jesus to this earth. They stand in agreement that Jesus is the water of life to thirsty mankind, he is the bread of life to a starving generation. They agree that Jesus Christ is the eternal hope, the ultimate answer and solution to all of life's questions.
Labels: Community, Confession, Faith, Manchester
Cricket and Integrity
I like watching a bit of Cricket, (Daniel is becoming a bit of a fan too) - so I sat intrigued as the events of sunday night
unfolded in the fourth test between England and Pakistan at the Oval. The allegation of ball tampering is quite a serious one because the umpires are essentially calling into question the integrity of the Pakistan Cricket Team - you can see why
they are so upset at this. Whether or not they did tamper with the ball is very difficult to conclusively prove - I imagine that this issue will run and run to a certain extent.
As I watched the news on sunday night, God reminded me again about the importance of
integrity in all that we do in any situation in life. God calls us to model lives that are 'beyond reproach', that reflect Christ and demonstrate to the world the hallmarks of the Kingdom of love, justice, mercy, truth and integrity.
In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us - Titus 2:7
Labels: Cricket, Integrity, News
Arthur Wallis on the Church
Further to the lengthy quote by
Arthur Wallis 
posted at the end of last week, here is a shorter quote, but none the less powerful one in my view.
The picture to the right is of Arthur preaching in Argentina in the early 1980's. I found this whilst looking through some articles in our 'Restoration' magazine archive here in the Library at
King's House in Manchester.
"You cannot be whole hearted towards Christ and only half hearted towards his people"
Arthur Wallis, Restoration Magazine, July/August 1981, Pg.21
Labels: Arthur Wallis, Church, Quotes
Arthur Wallis on Revival
Here is a great quote from Arthur Wallis on Revival, Have a great weekend!
"There is a visitation of God in revival that is more powerful than anything we have ever experienced. When it first came, at Pentecost, it took the city of Jerusalem by storm. Three Thousand were saved on the spot. Then we read, 'And fear came upon every soul'(Acts 2:43 KJV). Imagine that great metropolis, the centre of world Jewry, caught in the grip of God!
This feature has not been characteristic of the charismatic renewal, but it is characteristic of revival. Let us prepare ourselves for something grander than we have yet experienced..The whole of society will know about it! The crowning blessing of a true visitation of the Holy Spirit is a mighty harvest for the kingdom of God. But it is more than large numbers of converts. This can happen and does happen without revival. Is is the manner in which they are converted. It is the depth of the conviction of sin, the travail with which they come and are born into the Kingdom.
This is what catches the headlines. In true revivals, community impact is a major feature. People do not have to read the Gospel Gazette in order to discover that God is among his people. There are signs and wonders that fill men and women with awe. The message of the kingsom becomes the major talking point in the pubs and the clubs. There may be debating and discussing, mocking and scoffing, but indifference is no longer possible.
When the great harvest begins to be gathered in, when people can neither deny nor explain what is happening, indifference to the gospel is no longer possible. When sin hides its head in shame - then we will know that revival has truly come"
Arthur Wallis, Revive Us Again, Pg.60-61 - Harvestime, 1990
Labels: Arthur Wallis, Quotes, Revival
Joseph: The Multi-Coloured Coat
The Manifold Wisdom of God
“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
The word Manifold is defined as:
“Much varied, much variegated, marked with a great variety of colours of cloth or a painting, much varied, manifold, taken from the Greek Word polupoivkilos” - Vine's Dictionary, Pg.390
The original meaning of the word manifold is “multi-coloured”. This can be seen in comparison to Joseph who was given a multi-coloured coat by his father in Genesis 37:3. In the same way that Jacob gave his son Joseph a multi-coloured coat. God has given his Son, his multi-coloured wisdom to the world. Joseph can be seen to be a type or shadow of Christ in that:
He wore a Multi-Coloured Coat, a reference as seen to the multi-coloured wisdom (manifold) of God. His coat secured his identity as Jacob’s Beloved Son.
He had a dream and a vision of rule and greatness, with his brothers and peoples bowing before him. Jesus is the Head of the Body; his Church and Lord over all creation.
Joseph resisted temptation, fed the world, brought freedom to the World and showed grace and mercy to his brothers. These events can be compared to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
This type and shadow can only go so far, but there is an interesting comparison, which springs from the meaning of the word ‘manifold’. Another multi-coloured symbol in scripture is the ‘Rainbow of God’s Covenant’ made with Noah described in Genesis 9:16. This is also found encircling the throne of God in heaven in Revelation 4:3 and above the Head of Jesus Christ in Revelation 10:1. This shows that in all of God’s dealings and relationship with humanity he looks through a symbol of his covenant, the rainbow, his multi-coloured rainbow which points to his multi-coloured, manifold wisdom, His Son Jesus Christ.
The Wisdom of God is wonderfully varied, multi-faceted like a diamond with many facets of great power - God’s Wisdom is revealed in Jesus Christ.
“But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" 1 Corinthians 1:23-25
God’s intent is to fill the earth with a family in the full likeness of his Son, in the likeness of himself. The richness, diversity and unity seen in the Godhead is our standard and model for the life, ministry and nature of the Church in its fullest expression
Labels: Church, Jesus Christ, Joseph, Vision
Daniel Joseph White
Here is another great picture of
Daniel taken by my father. As you can see, Daniel is starting to keep us pretty busy as he shuffles and rolls around - He's an amazing little boy. We are so grateful to God for his young life.
Labels: Daniel, Family
New Book - Creative Thinking
I've just bought a great new book this week - It's entitled
'Humble Masterpieces: 100 Everyday Marvels of Design' - it's a great book all about how things like lego, zips, cotton wool and paper clips were all designed. I know that might sound a bit sad, but to me it's amazing! - I love books like this, they tell stories of how people thought outside the box and used their God given creativity to design something that has changed and impacted people's lives over the years.
I'm hoping to get another great book for my 30th birthday (12 September in case you're wondering!!) with a really great title
'In love with the Impossible' . This is about engineer and designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It's 200 years since he was born this year. He was a guy who really thought outside the box. I'll post some more thoughts on this when I hopefully get the book!
Labels: Books, Design, Innovation
Gossip
God has been speaking to us as a local church here in Manchester about how we talk, how we speak with one another and how that is all important in how we grow as a
Church family. Our confession and how we talk is so important as grow as a people of increase, faith and anointing.
We are called to confess Christ:
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess - Hebrews 3:1One of the opposites of a good confession is gossip. Gossip is destructive, it destroys what is fruitful. It damages, ruins and destroys relationships and friendships. The use of our toungue can bring life or death.
As Christians, we are called to
'Choose Life' - we can do this first and foremost in how we speak and how we talk about the word of God and all that he is doing in our lives.
Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom - Song of Songs 2:15Gossip is like a fox that ruins a vineyard whilst it is in bloom, it has to be caught and not allowed to cause any further damage. Gossip can seem to be a very small thing, but left unchallenged and unchecked it can be as destructive as a forest fire that starts with a small spark.
Gossip is the total antithesis of what God wants. Gossip destroys community, it goes against what God wants to see mirrored and reflected in his people; covenant love and covenant community. Gossip separates what God wants to see joined, the word of Christ has come to bring life in all its fulness, Gossip comes to bring death.
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friendsProverbs 16:28Gossip is very easy to stop - it is like a plane that needs a landing strip. Without somewhere to land the plane can have a very short life. Gossip travels from the air strips of our conversations, from one to one another - However, when you create a 'Gossip - No Fly Zone' in your conversations, the gossip quickly dies out - it cannot go on forever without somewhere to land and develop.
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies downProverbs 26:20"Gossip is the devil's radio" - George Harrison, Beatles, 1943-2001If Gossip is the devil's radio, then praise and worship are the airwaves of the Holy Spirit - Let's fill our mouths with the word of God, in praise and in worship as we talk with one another. We are called to speak the word of christ, the word of faith and the word of life in all that we do.
Labels: Confession, Faith, Gossip
Joseph: Integrity (2)
Further to my post on
Integrity - here are a couple of related pictures!
Labels: Images, Integrity, Joseph
Bible Week Photographs
Further to my report on
Bible Week, click
here for more great photographs of our week away - also, if you would like to see what Bible Week looked like 25 years ago, then click
here!
Labels: bible week, ministries without borders
Joseph:Integrity
We live in a world that cries out for Integrity, from the world of politics to sport - the issue of integrity comes up - whether it is Athletes taking Drugs, Politicians telling Lies or Celebrities private lives, the issue of integrity is at the core of our society. The opportunity for God's people to shine in this area is one that excites and inspires me greatly.
Our lives should be able to cut at any point, and like a stick of Rock, it should say the same thing throughout - 'Integrity for the Fame of Christ'
I've
blogged a few times on the whole subject of
integrity over the last six months. Reading throught the story of Joseph again last week, I was reminded again of the importance of living an upright life of integrity in all areas of daily life.
'Righteousness guards the man of integrity'Proverbs 13:6 (NIV)As Joseph served as a slave in Egypt, he was faced with great temptation when his master's wife took an unhealthy shine to him (Genesis 39). However, he resisted, and showed great integrity by not only honouring his master in not sleeping with his wife, but honouring God by walking in righteousness and holiness.'The man of integrity walks securely'Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)From this, Joseph knew great success and favour, not only in Potiphar's house, but in the nation of Egypt as a whole. The Bible shows that Integrity in Life before God is a foundation to blessing and favour in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.'And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them'Psalms 78:72 (NIV)Like David, Joseph led a nation with integrity of heart and with great skill. Walking before God with integrity of heart opens the door for the anointing of God to freely flow and for the skill and expertise of wise leadership to be fully demonstrated for the glory of God.
"Integrity is the essence of everything successful"Buckminster Fuller, Architect, 1895-1993Labels: Integrity, Joseph, Vision
Passion and Priorities
God has been speaking to me about being passionate for the Kingdom of God, and the way that I show that passion is through my priorities in life. Our priorities and what we are passionate about are like mirrors of our heart before God. What we are passionate about is shown and determind in how we use our time, energies and finance - likewise, our priorities and allocation of time in life reveal what we are truly passionate about.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus exhorts us to put the Kingdom of God and his righteousness first in our lives, and to make his Kingdom our primary concern in all areas of life. As we do this day by day, I believe it will bring great fruit, growth and increase for the Kingdom in our lives and church communities.
'Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he give you all need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern' - Matthew 6:32-33Set your passion and priorities on Christ and know his purpose invading and leading your life. Run your life in God with passion, joy and enthusiasm, know his pleasure and see his smile as you run for him and make his Kingdom your passion and priority.“God made me for a purpose. He made me for China, but He also made me fast and when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt. You were right, it’s not just fun. To win is to honor Him.” - Eric Liddle, Chariots of Fire Film, 1981Labels: Passion, Quotes, Vision
Ern Baxter on a Biblical Apologetic
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect - 1 Peter 3:15Over the last couple of days I've been chatting to a couple of fellow leaders in the church here in Manchester about publishing biblical truth, teaching and sound doctrine. We have a great opportunity in our day in making that accessible and available to the world in various forms of media.
I came across the following quote by Ern Baxter on
Dan Brown's Site, my fellow blogging friend who is doing a great work publishing much of Ern Baxter's work.
Ern Baxter: "I believe that the failure (and thank God it's been picked up now) among Pentecostals and charismatics is that they have been so involved in the euphoria of the experience (and my God that's great), but they haven't taken the time to provide a biblical rational apologetic for what they've been doing. And we owe that to people to say, 'What I'm doing is this'. That's why I love to put the Word with the Spirit because they love each other. They get along great together - they created the world together and they are the basis of the new creation. 'Except a man be born of the Word and the Spirit. Of his own will begat he of the Word of truth' said James. 'Except a man be born of the Spirit'. It's the cooperative of the Word and the Spirit"
For the full conversation and discourse that this is taken from, click
here.
Reading this, and the verse in 1 Peter 3:15; I was challenged once again about writing and making sure that I always have a clear reason for the hope that I profess. This has to be founded in the life of God's word and his Holy Spirit at work in my life for it to make a radical impact on the world that I live in. We live in exciting days of opportunity and increase for the word of faith and truth to be proclaimed to the nations.
Labels: Blogs, Ern Baxter, Holy Spirit
Joseph: Dreams and Plans
It was great to be on holiday
last week in Cornwall - lots of sunshine and fun with all the family!! - Further to my
mini-report on Without Borders 06 Bible Week, I would point you to the following sites of my fellow bloggers
Roger,
Matthew,
Joel and
Chris for further exciting testimonies of how God moved in power in various ways during that week.
God really spoke to me whilst away last week from the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis in the Bible, see Chapters 37-50 for the full story. I'm going to do a series of future posts on the life of Joseph on Integrity, A Manifold Coat, Administrating Increase, Being an Ambassador and Reaching the World.
First of all, a few thoughts on dreams and plans. God gave Joseph some incredibly accurate prophetic dreams at the start of his story in Genesis. These were in relation to his future role in Egypt and his brothers bowing down before him. Later on, Joseph is used by God to interpret Pharoah's dreams about the famine that was about to come upon Egypt.
Joseph was a man who feared God, and from this position he was used by God in a powerful way to influence a nation, and the world. God gave Joseph the interpretation to Pharoah's dream, but also the plan to administer and outwork the purpose and plan of God in storing food up in the 7 years of plenty to make provision for the 7 years of famine. Joseph feared God and this brought life to his people, to Egypt and to the World
'Do this and you will live, for I fear God' - Genesis 42:18Joseph's name means 'may he add' - Joseph was used by God to bring and add the presence, witness and wisdom of almighty God into secular society, culture and politics. In the same way, I believe God in our time is giving his people prophetic dreams and inspiration, but also the plans and strategies to go with them to extend his Kingdom in the world and society we live in. This will be demonstrated by people in their workplaces, communities and nations 'Making Jesus Famous' in the way they live according to the dream and vision of the Kingdom, the dream that is founded upon the reality of Christ. Like Joseph, they will dream big dreams and make big plans for the glory and honour of King Jesus.Dream and think BIG today and allow the Holy Spirit to give you the divine strategy and plans to see them come to fruition and reality. Live in the fear of God and see the life of Christ in all you do.
Labels: Joseph, Teaching Notes, Vision
Cornwall Holiday 2006
We had an amazing time last week away with my parents, and my sister and her family in St.Ives, Cornwall. Here are a few pictures of them all! The holiday included Daniel's first dip in the sea, me being dive bombed by a Seagull and Rachel attempting to walk on water!
Labels: Daniel, Family, Holidays
Bible Overview - 3 John
This article was written for the
Bible Tour Blog
3 John Book Overview
3 John is a very personal letter between the Apostle John, the one whom Jesus loved (John 13:23), and Gaius, who was an elder in a position of leadership in a local church. 3 John follows on from two previous letters that John wrote under the inspiration and authorship of the Holy Spirit. 1 John is a general letter or epistle that is believed to have been read by more than one church community in the life of the early church in the New Testament. 2 and 3 John are more personal letters that address more specific topics and themes.
Love
Four times in the letter of 3 John, John refers to Gaius as ‘beloved’. This brings across a key theme and concept in all of John’s writing; the theme of covenant love between God, and His Church, and between us as God’s people. During his earlier life, John reclined onto the chest of the saviour Christ Jesus, and from this place and position of intimacy, he heard the heartbeat of God himself; the heartbeat of the Messiah that beats with the rhythm of covenant love. In Christ, we have a glorious inheritance of love within the covenant that God has made with his people through Christ.
Truth
Six times in the letter, John refers to truth. Here, John brings across the importance of the truth of the gospel, the truth that is found in the life of Jesus Christ. John exhorts and encourages Gaius to ‘walk in the truth’, ‘work together for the truth’ and to continue in ‘faithfulness to the truth’. As an Elder in a local church, Gaius would have the calling and responsibility to correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) in his lifestyle, actions, teaching and integrity. 3 John provides a reminder of the importance of preaching and living in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Heart of the Apostle
John’s heart as an Apostle comes across in verse 2 of the book. His heart as a father to his fellow ministry Gaius is seen in how he prays that he would know good health, and that his soul would prosper. John shows his heart and concern for the whole of Gaius’s life. Prayer is always at the heart of an Apostle and this is seen in the early verses of this book. John speaks of his joy of knowing that his children are walking in the truth, again we see the father heart of an apostle to his church family being evident. Paul, the Apostle writes more on this subject in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.
Hospitality
One of the Hallmarks of the early church was the close sense of community and fellowship that they enjoyed. This was facilitated and enhanced by the opening of one another’s homes for hospitality and meeting together. John encourages Gauis in one of his mandates as an Elder to show hospitality to fellow brother and sisters in Christ.
Here, we also see the development of ministries travelling in the country and regions to preach and proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom. Churches were encouraged to show love to these men and women, by hosting and accommodating, sharing their food with them and extending the hand of fellowship through the context of hospitality.
This example is still important and relevant in our technological age that we live in today. Hospitality, Community and Fellowship reflect the nature of God himself, it is counter cultural in our day and age, but mirrors something eternally powerful of Kingdom and Covenant through the simple act of eating and meeting together.
Restoring through Discipline
The middle part of the letter addresses the issue of a falling out with Diotrephes. It appears that he was in a prominent position in the church. John deals firmly and directly with this issue, as an Apostle he would be concerned for the health and life of the church. Here, we see that challenging and exposing that which speaks and is against the plan and purpose of God outworks God’s plan of restoration.
God is restoring His Church to be the spotless, mature and radiant bride, ready for the return of King Jesus. Evil is always overcome by good, being good reflects the heart and purpose of God. John, then contrasts the divisive Diotrephes by setting Demetrius as an example in the truth, and who is spoken well of by everyone
Peace
‘Peace to you’ was a common signing off to many letters in the New Testament. However, in this situation with all that was happening with Diotrephes, it would appear to be even more important and relevant for Gauis and the church he was leader of. Peace in the biblical sense is not just an absence of war and conflict, but conveys the heart of God to bless his people, for them to enjoy well-being and health and for them to know success and prosperity in all that they do.
Although a short letter, 3 John shows a wide of variety of pastoral and kingdom truths that we see and can live out as we walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The work of restoration involves the health, well-being and success of the local church in advancing the Kingdom of Truth in its proclamation and life. In Christ, we know the full extent of the father’s love and from that place of security and peace we can love one another, as Christ loves the Church.
Labels: Bible, Book Overviews, Teaching Notes
A New Blogger
My good friend and fellow trumpeter, Mark Anderton, has re-joined the world of blogging - there is some great insight and faith on his site - check it out
here. Mark and his wife Yana are an amazing couple and a real blessing.
Labels: Blogs, Friends
