'..Thousands and Millions..'

God of this City - Jesus loves Manchester!

2011-12-20T20:30:00.003Z

Here is a video that our media team at King's Church put together to show to the church following a word I brought on Sunday 18th December 2011.

God of this City from King's Church on Vimeo.

King's Church in Action

2011-05-20T22:14:00.002+01:00

Great video from our media team showing King's Church in Action - Fantastic!

Alive Easter Concert!

2011-05-13T20:17:00.002+01:00

Here are some of the highlights from our recent Easter Concert as a Church at the Bridgewater Hall.

You can also see the photo gallery from the event by clicking here.

It was an exceptional night and many lives were impacted by Jesus Christ as a result.

Alive Promotion Video

2011-03-31T14:06:00.002+01:00

Check out the latest promo video from our media team for our Alive Easter Concert at the Bridgewater Hall on Sunday 24th April:-

To get your tickets and to find out more information, click here

Alive Easter Concert!

2011-02-14T10:09:00.005Z

Full details and information for the event can be found here. Tickets on sale now from the Box Office at Bridgewater Hall - Don't miss it, it's going to be amazing!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T23:25:00.001Z

Hallelujah! - Christmas Food Court Flash Mob

2010-12-15T23:22:00.001Z

A great video.......there is a song to be sung that the world needs to hear:)

King's Church CAP Centre

2010-10-19T15:13:00.004+01:00

We've started a CAP debt advice centre here in King's Church in partnership with Christian Against Poverty this week - really excited to see how we can reach out and help people be free from the burden of debt here in Manchester as we continue to Make Jesus Famous in the City! - for more details contact us on 0161 276 8193

Jesus Loves You

2010-10-05T23:13:00.001+01:00

Bus Adverts 2010

2010-10-05T23:00:00.005+01:00

Jesus Loves You!

Importance of Team

2010-10-05T22:31:00.005+01:00

It was great to watch the final stages of the Ryder Cup yesterday and see the European team win by a narrow margin against the USA team. There were some great performances amidst the changeable weather of South Wales!

One thing that I repeatedly noticed throughout the tournament in interviews with the players was how much they went on about the team ethic, spirit and camaraderie. They all spoke of how they play on their own in nearly every other golf tournament in the world- it is very individualistic sport in that sense but when you come to the Ryder Cup, it's so different and unique. In this tournament it's all about playing in a team and working towards a common goal and vision.

It got me thinking about God and how we are to relate together as God's People. The truth is God has never been on his own. He has eternally been Father, Son & Holy Spirit - One God, Three Persons dwelling together in unity, love and power - God has always been a team.

In relation to the Church: how much more should we relate to one another in this same way as a team where everyone is for one another, believes in one another and loves one another from the heart. We are people who should lives our lives to set up opportunities and openings for one another that help us reach our common goal & destination of Heaven on Earth as Jesus is made famous in the world around us.

We can easily become lone rangers in the church and not play our part in the team. God has always wanted a family to represent him in the world. He has always wanted a people who would exercise and demonstrate his awesome love and power to those that they meet.

He's not looking for an individual hero, mega-star & celebrity christian to do this. He's looking for a team to do this - he calls it the Church. We cannot do it in our own. We need to do it together.

Ben Cantelon - You're the Light

2010-09-10T13:42:00.003+01:00

Brilliant! - Great Melody, Lyrics and Truth.

Refresh 2010

2010-08-02T21:52:00.002+01:00

What a fantastic week at without borders: refresh 2010 - My good friend Panji Kaonga has put this video together to profile the week from a King's Church, Manchester perspective! - Enjoy.

God of this City

2010-06-23T13:57:00.002+01:00

Great Song from Chris Tomlin that my good friend Paul introduced me to on Holiday last week - I love God, I love cities and I love people! - This song combines the truth of the miracle working power of God that is work in cities such as Manchester, Salford, Liverpool and beyond!

Church News Video - without borders 2010

2010-06-07T23:44:00.002+01:00

Great Video from our Church Media team this week including some excellent footage and promotion for our without borders event in Stafford in July - great job guys!

Cultural Shift?

2010-06-07T10:24:00.001+01:00

10 Reasons why you should vote!

2010-04-19T14:50:00.000+01:00

Christians in Politics

2010-04-19T14:13:00.003+01:00

Another video profiling the three main party leaders and their attitude towards the church and our role in politics and the nation as a whole. It's great to see how the Christian groups within the Labour, Conservative & Liberal Democrat Party are all working together like this in helping the church engage with the General Election in 2010.

The church has much to say and do in the nation - politics is one key area that we have to engage with fully. We need to prophetically & relevantly speak into this whole area, however messed up it sometimes may be, for the Kingdom of God to advance in our nation.

I look forward to going to an election hustings in the constituency that I live on Thursday this week - to find a hustings in your locality - click here for more information.

Party Leaders: Role of Church in Society

2010-04-15T11:10:00.005+01:00

Interesting interviews with Gordon Brown, David Cameron & Nick Clegg on the role that they feel the Church can play in modern Society. Steve Chalke poses the questions in the run up to the general election on May 6th 2010.

Holding Nothing Back

2010-03-22T23:43:00.003Z

This is the opening song for the Alive! Easter Concert at Bridgewater Hall - great song by Tim Hughes. The version on the Video is by Jesus Culture with Melissa How on lead vocal

without borders: refresh 2010

2010-03-05T09:35:00.004Z

The Refresh 2010 promo video is now released! - See you in July:)

To book in for the event, click here for the event website

Alive! Easter Concert Promo Video

2010-02-12T09:44:00.005Z

This is the promo video for our Easter Concert at the Bridgewater Hall. I'm really excited to share this with you all - this is going to be a great event! - Be there on Easter Sunday, you would be more than welcome!

John Stott: Radical Disciple

2010-01-29T09:27:00.003Z

I've just purchased a new book by John Stott entitled 'The Radical Disciple'. It's already proving to be an excellent read on this important topic.

Here is a quote from it:

"Our common way of avoiding radical discipleship is to be selective; choosing those areas in which commitment suits us and staying away from those areas in which it will be costly. But because Jesus is Lord, we have no right to pick and choose the areas in which we will submit to his authority"

John Stott, The Radical Disciple, IVP, Nottingham, 2010, Page 17

Alive with the Life of Jesus!

2010-01-27T14:57:00.006Z

This is an article I wrote for our church website earlier this week:

“The Spirit of God has made me, & the breath of the Almighty gives me life” – Job 33:4 (ESV)

We met on Monday night this week to pray as a worship group together for the Alive! Easter Concert at Bridgewater Hall on Sunday April 4th. It was good to pray together and break bread with one another for what we know is going to be a life-changing event for all who attend in April.

One aspect that God spoke to us as we were praying was to know that we are full of the life of Jesus as His People. He is ‘Christ in us, the hope of glory’ (Colossians 1:27). As we sing, play and minister on the evening, it’s the life of Jesus in us that will speak, impact and witness to those that attend.

As God’s people, we are containers of the life of Jesus and He wants this life to overflow out of our lives to the city around us. We have many opportunities to do this in our daily lives as we work, study and spend time with our friends and families. We are called and sent as the covenant community of God to take the life of Jesus to the world.

We can minister this kingdom life in many ways; by bringing healing to those that are sick, food to those that are hungry, salvation to those that are lost and compassion to those in need and in many other ways as we are led by the Spirit.

As we lift up the name of Jesus through our daily lives of worship and at special events such as the Easter Concert, He will draw men and women, young and old, to himself. There is something so magnetically attractive about the genuine, powerful and authentic life of Jesus being seen in the church.

Let’s take this life to those all around us. Let’s invite our friends and families to the Easter Concert to see and hear about the life of Jesus Christ. Let’s sing about, speak of and demonstrate the wonderful restoring life of Jesus in all we do.

Heart for Haiti Event

2010-01-27T12:06:00.004Z

‘Heart for Haiti’

When? Thursday 4 February, 7.30pm

Where? Manchester Apollo Cost? £5.

Tickets are available now by calling 0161 946 2300.

Jesus Culture Revelation Song

2010-01-12T22:40:00.004Z

The video is of a great song that is having a big impact here in King's Church, Manchester at the moment. I got one of Kim Walker's albums for Christmas, she's the lead vocalist on this video. It's a really excellent album and the first worship albums I've heard for a long time that has extended times of corporate singing in the Spirit on it - Fantastic!

Happy Birthday Amy!

2010-01-12T09:29:00.004Z

Our daughter Amy is 2 years old today! - There was very much a pink theme to the colour of all her presents as she opened them this morning! We are very grateful to God for his faithfulness and blessing upon Amy over these two last years - our little princess is amazing!

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T21:13:00.007Z

Happy New Year! - The photo below was taken on New Year's Day at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire near where my parents live. Daniel is showing off the new bike that he got for his Birthday in December 2009. Christmas & New Year has been a great time with family and friends. I'm really thankful to God for his faithfulness to us as a family in 2009 and very excited about all that God has for us and His Church in 2010 - it's going to be a great year!

Jesus Saves!

2009-12-11T13:03:00.000Z

Old Moat Park - Green Flag Award

2009-11-29T22:12:00.006Z

Daniel & I went along to the raising of the Civic Trust's Green Flag Award in a very wet Old Moat Park this afternoon. It's the 6th year in a row that our local park has won this award. Daniel actually helped to raise the flag! I've been involved in helping with various aspects of the development and life of the Park over the last 10 years. We're run many successful Family Fun Days, where King's Church has been involved in various ways since the year 2000. Click on the Old Moat tab below to see more photographs from these events in previous years.

Who do you know?

2009-11-27T11:18:00.006Z

I met with a couple of people yesterday to discuss a project to help people get back into work & employment in the City. We were talking about 'name dropping' in certain situations to try and get an introduction or connection in various ways. We agreed that at times in the life of a city, it's more about 'who you know' rather than 'what you know'.

I read the following verse this morning and it reminded me of our conversation:

"And those who know your name put their trust in you" - Psalms 9:10 (ESV)

It's not just enough to know about the name of Jesus Christ in theory, we need to know Him closely and in the true reality of life. There are 51.2 million pages on the internet (according to Google) about Jesus Christ. You could read every one of them, which would take a long time!, and still not really know the truth and reality of Jesus Christ and His purpose and plan for your life.

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name" - Psalms 91:14 (ESV)

When we really know Jesus as Lord and King in our lives, it brings protection, provision and power. It changes our lives. It goes from being something we know about in theory to somone we know about in reality. That somone is Jesus, and He wants to have a relationship with you and with me.

"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" - John 17:3 (ESV)

Jesus himself here refers to eternal life being about knowing God as our Father and knowing the God the Son, Jesus Christ. Eternal Life isn't just something we step into when we die. It's about a quality of life in the here and now. It's about bringing the life of heaven into the lives on earth all around us. It starts with knowing Jesus, the one who was sent by the Father to bring about salvation, healing and restoration for all the World.

Knowing Jesus is about submitting our lives to him as King. It's about making Him No.1 in every area of our lives. Knowing Jesus is not just a different way of thinking, it's a completely new way of living. He is the Lord, He is the King - you can trust Him with your whole life, when you really know His name.

Leading out of the Overflow

2009-11-24T13:54:00.007Z

We had a group of leaders round to our home last night who are involved with leading the Youth here in King's Church, Manchester. It was a great time as we ate lots of lovely food and then spent some time looking at what God had to say to us about 'Leading out of the Overflow’.

Here are a few notes from our time together:

God has always destined for us to live full lives – Eph 5:18 & John 10:10

We can only freely give, of that which we have freely received – Matthew 10:8

Our mouths speak out of the overflow of what is in our hearts – Matthew 12:34

God wants us to overflow with thanksgiving and praise – Ps 119:171 & Col 2:7

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” – 2 Corinthians 9:12

Leading out of the overflow is all about setting an example in every area of life (1 Tim 4:12).

without borders: refresh 2010

2009-11-11T23:52:00.002Z

without borders: refresh 2010
follow the latest at www.twitter.com/refresh 2010

Elbow - One Day Like This

2009-11-03T22:30:00.003Z

I came across this excellent live Version of Elbow's 'One Day Like this' the other day - great track.

Church of England Pension Deficit

2009-11-03T21:36:00.003Z

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!" - Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

I read this article today concerning the Church of England and the deficit they face in their Pension Scheme. I don't want to be critical of the Anglican Church in this post but this story does raise the vital importance of handling money in churches with the utmost integrity, faith and wisdom.

The Church has an opportunity to demonstrate wisdom, generosity and a true heart for the poor in the way it handles the finances that God has entrusted them. Every penny really does count and it is so important that there are Holy Spirit anointed administrators (1 Cor 12:28) in the right areas of leadership in the Church to ensure that the finances are handled really well for the purposes of God to be advanced through His Church.

The Apostle Paul was so keen for a financial offering taken by the Macedonian Church , described in 2 Corinthians 8, to be handled in a way that :

Honoured the Lord
Avoided criticism
and would be seen to be right in the eyes of God and the eyes of the World around them.

2,000 years on, the wisdom found in the Bible is still so relevant, radical and real for every situation - including how finance should be handled in our own lives and in the church.

"What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. ²⁰We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. ²¹For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men" - 2 Corinthians 8:19-21 (NIV)

Your Name High - Ben Cantelon

2009-10-26T13:29:00.001Z

I first heard this at Soul Survivor in Stafford in 2009 - Brilliant!

Watch out for that Beach Ball!

2009-10-19T22:43:00.003+01:00

Liverpool lost 1-0 to Sunderland on Saturday in the Football Premier League. Something very unusual happened with the goal that Sunderland scored that won them the game. The Liverpool fans were massed behind the goal that Pepe Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper was defending. One of these fans threw a beach ball onto the pitch at the start of the game. The goalkeeper initially moved the ball to the back of his goal so it was not interfering with play. However, the ball was blown by the wind back into the field of play and right into the centre of the penalty area in front of goal. Pepe Reina didn't move the ball this time and when Sunderland next attacked Darren Bent scored a goal that was deflected in off the errant beach ball - that 'freak' goal won them the game.

There has been much conjecture about whether the goal should have been allowed, but what I think is fascinating from this is that such a small, even innocuous, thing made such a big difference. Papa Reina didn't get rid of this beach ball completely and it came back and caused him much grief. The Holy Spirit prompted me today in relation to this and reminded me that little things matter - they do a make a difference.

"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom" - Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)

In the above verse in the Bible, it's the little foxes that ruin the vineyard. A little fox isn't very big compared to a large vineyard, but they are still destructive nonetheless. We can sometimes allow things into our lives that seem to be harmless and can seem to be even fun at first, but left unchecked and ignored, they can cause great damage and distraction.

If Pepa Reina had popped the beach ball, that goal probably wouldn't have been scored. Instead, he just moved it to one side and it came back. We can sometimes do this with issues in our lives, we move them to one side and promise to deal with them later but what is often required is a more ruthless and radical approach.

I'm determind to not let any 'beach ball' distraction get in the way of the goal and purpose of God's Kingdom being more fully established and seen in my life in all that I do and all that I say.

Transforming Manchester

2009-09-28T22:47:00.005+01:00

The Conservative Party comes to town next week. Together with the Conservative Christian Fellowship and a number of church leaders in the City I've been helping to organise an event during the conference to profile to the party what the church is doing in the City to bring transformatiom and restoration. The key text & reading for the event is Isaiah 58:9-12. The idea is that we do a similar event next year aswell when the Labour Party Conference comes to Manchester. I live in a City of great political influence!

The Mail on Sunday ran an article over the weekend about the event, you can read it by clicking here. It's an interesting piece of journalism to say the least. I was a bit negative about it at first, but then I came round a bit as at least it has put the event on the media radar and ensures that what the church is so wonderfully doing in the City is not ignored as so often is the case.

It will be interesting to see how the media respond to the event next week - I'm personally really looking forward to it!

Saved by Grace, Created for Work

2009-09-17T20:19:00.005+01:00

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

I'm reading 'Release the Power of Jesus' by Bill Johnson at the moment. I read the following quote today which touches on something that God has been speaking to us as a church here in Manchester in recent weeks:

"Works cannot save us, but without the fruit of good works in our lives, we lack the evidence that identifies us as new creations in Christ. Just as God's nature is revealed in what He does, the evidence that we are being transformed into His likeness is that we reveal His nature in what we do"

Page 31, Release the Power of Jesus, Bill Johnson, Destiny Image, 2009

Time to get to work!

England regain the Ashes!

2009-08-23T22:31:00.001+01:00

Usain Bolt - 9.58

2009-08-16T22:11:00.006+01:00

.I've just watched Usain Bolt win the 100m in the World Championships in Berlin - what a race and what a runner! Usain broke the world record (again) for this race and recorded an astonishing time of 9.58 seconds. The other interesting fact was that the first five runners to finish the race also broke the 10.00 second barrier and finished the race with times under the 10.00 second barrier. This was the first time this has ever happened in a major championship final.

Tonight reminded me of another historic moment in Athletics. Roger Bannister broke the record for running a mile in under 4 minutes in 1954. In the months and years leading up to this, numerous runners had tried to achieve this goal and had gotten close but never quite broken through the elusive 4 minute barrier.

What I find fascintating about the events tonight and in 1954 is that once someone had broken through a barrier or limit, it opened the way for others to make breakthroughs and reach new heights. In 1954, as soon as Roger Bannister had run under 4 minutes, his rival John Landy went and ran 3 minutes 58 seconds just a few weeks later. Bannister broke through and his example paved for the way for others to follow. The current fastest mile record is held by Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj, who ran a time of 3 minutes 43.13 seconds in Rome, Italy, on 7 July 1999.

Both Usain Bolt and Roger Bannister can be described as pioneers. They have broken through barriers & limits which people in their time said couldn't be broken. They refused to accept this and reached for new heights and new goals anyway.

Whatever you are reaching for, whether that be in your own life, ministry or church, be aware that your breakthrough could open the door for others to follow. There are somtimes glass ceilings in all our lives that are just waiting to be smashed so that you and others can reach higher, further and longer.

As a Christian who is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, I want to pioneer in my generation, city and nation. I want to breakthrough into new areas of life and ministry so that others in my time, and others in the generations to follow can also reach new heights and achieve their God given goals and destiny.

What's next now for Usain Bolt? - running the 100m in under 9.00 secs?

As per my recent blog post, there are no limits to the extension of the Kingdom!

A City to Dwell In

2009-08-14T19:50:00.004+01:00

"Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in"

Psalms 107:4-7 (ESV)

I've been reading Psalms 107 quite a bit this week. The verses above have really caught hold of me. Have you ever been on a long journey on the way to a city? On the way, it can sometimes feels as if you've never going to get there! But when you finally arrive - it's a really great feeling.

One of the descriptions of the church as the people of God in the Bible is the 'City of God'. The church is the city where the presence of God can be experienced and enjoyed. It is a place of security, salvation, freedom, joy, peace, healing, power and purpose. I was speaking to a lady today who became a christian with us here in the church in Manchester in June this year. She was telling me about the changes in her life since she came to the church and began her relationship with Jesus Christ. She says that her whole life has changed since finding Jesus - Praise God!

There are many all around us every day who are still wandering and lost in their lives. They are spiriturally (and somtimes literally) hungry & thirsty. God not only wants to deliver them, he also wants to direct them. He wants to take them to the capital city of the Kingdom of God - it is called the church - it's the place where they can find a home to dwell in because the 'Lord is There' - (Ezekiel 48:35)

No Limit in the Spirit

2009-08-11T20:49:00.006+01:00

Well, it's nearly two months since I last blogged so I thought I would bring the blog out of retirement and get something published again!

I do have a few reasons/excuses for the lack of blogging! Since my last blog, we've moved house, been to Bible Week and I've joined the world of twitter so 'micro blogging' has taken over a little. However, twitter only allows you 140 characters which can be a bit limiting!

"For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit" - John 3:34 (NIV)

This verse has really impacted me in recent days. God is such a generous God. He knows no limits in the life of the Holy Spirit that He has always destined for the church to enjoy and partake of. God cannot be contained. He cannot be limited. The Holy Spirit knows no limits in the Kingdom purpose, power and plans He wants to bring us into.

I love spending time with people who are healthily unlimited in their thinking and dreaming. They have sought God, they know His word but they also allow the flow of the Holy Spirit, who has been given without measure or limit, to infiltrate and permeate all that they say, all that they do and all that they live according to.

"Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end" - Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)

There is no limit in the Spirit. The church is part of a Kingdom that will know no end. There is incredible increase for God's people to step into and take hold of in our generation.

If we look at Jesus, I belive we see the perfect example of someone who lived life in this way. He lived according to the parameters of heaven, not the limits of earth. He lived a life full of the Holy Spirit - that took the limits of man off. In the way he used His time, treasure and talents - the Holy Spirit defined and directed His actions.

This challenges and inspires me in my life today - I want to live my life in the Spirit where there is no limit!

Chris Moyles talks up the Church!

2009-06-12T14:13:00.001+01:00

An Administration for Restoration

2009-05-29T16:40:00.003+01:00

“I said to the king, "If it please the king, and if your servant has found favour before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it." Nehemiah 2:5 (NASB)

In 445 BC, Nehemiah was sent by King Artaxerxes to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. In prayer, Nehemiah caught the heart of God and moved in response to go and help rebuild the walls and help to restore the city. This task ahead was great, and Nehemiah wouldn’t always be the most popular project manager throughout the rebuilding works. He faced criticism and opposition. However, there were two hallmarks which characterised the administration of Nehemiah; Grace and Excellence.

This is first seen when Nehemiah receives the favour of the King to complete the works on the walls. The whole project was completed in 52 days which is fast for any building project of this scale! He knew God’s favour even in the midst of great opposition during the building works. However, during the project Nehamiah found time, energy and resource to help the poor of the City in an excellent way. He removed the burden of charging them interest and also didn’t take the food and expense that was entitled to him as Governor. In this way, he relieved the burden on the people as he persevered in the restoration of the walls.

There is much for us to learn from the life of Nehemiah. He was a man of integrity, grace and excellence. He helped to rebuild the walls, but he also ministered to the people at the same time. He didn’t get so focussed on the project, that he forgot about the people. Nehemiah was a man of prayer & worship. The joy of the Lord was his strength. He was a restorer living from a place of the presence. He excelled in what he did but he also ministered with a grace and compassion that impacted the people and the city all around him. God has called us to be a people of restoration. Like Nehemiah, let’s ensure that we always minister with grace and with a commitment to excellence in all that we do.

A Good News People

2009-05-12T19:15:00.003+01:00

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

God is good, all the time. This isn’t just something we say and sing. This is the true nature of God. He is good and He is good, all the time. This isn’t just theory; this is the reality of Christ for us in our day to day lives. God is at work to bring His goodness into the lives of those that love Him and who have been called according to His purposes.

However, the goodness of God isn’t just the nature of God and His theological position – it is also the essence of His action in dealing with His people. He is good in word, deed and action in every area of our lives. He loves to reveal His goodness and love for us in so many ways.

In a world that can often become saturated with bad news, we need to discover afresh the truth and power of bringing the good news of the Kingdom, the gospel to the world around us. His goodness in our lives means we can testify that God saves, God heals and God provides. I have seen this in my own life and in my own family. I am a walking and talking advert for the good news of the Kingdom. My life can say to the world: ‘God is good’. That’s our mandate to take the good news of the Kingdom into the world around us. We are a good news people; A gospel people.

We experience and receive His goodness in the meeting place, so we can testify and demonstrate His goodness in the market place. That’s the life that Jesus lived and that’s the life that we are called to live. (Luke 4:18-19)

Hope for the Nation

2009-05-11T23:11:00.004+01:00

Recently, I've been reading William Hague's excellent biography on William Wilberforce. Wilberforce is best known for his opposition to the slave trade in the British Empire and was a key and central player in the resulting abolition of the slave trade in 1807 through the Slave Trade Act. He was also a very generous man and one who acted with the utmost integrity from what I can see from the books that have been written about him. He was also a devout christian and had a great vision for the nation:

"My only solid hopes for the well-being of my country depend, not so much on her fleets and armies, not so much on the wisdom of her rulers, or the spirit of her people, as on the persuasion, that she still contains many, who love and obey the Gospel of Christ; that their intercessions may yet prevail; that for the sake of these, Heaven may still look upon us with an eye of favour"

William Wilberforce, A Practical View, Chapter VII, Pg. 489

Learning to Ride!

2009-04-17T20:43:00.003+01:00

I was looking at this recent picture of the kids on their bikes and I was reminded of how I first rode a 'proper' bike when I was a child. We used to live on an road that was on a hill. I used to go up and down the drive on my bike that had stabilisers on it. I was a bit reluctant to let my parents take the stabilisers off but really I was ready to ride that bike properly but I was a bit scared to take that step.

One day, my Dad decided it was time to take the stabilisers off and then he pushed my down the hill! - Sure enough, I could ride the bike no problem and have done ever since!! (only when it's not raining though. I admit, I am a fairweather cyclist!)

The Holy Spirit spoke to me through this and reminded me that our heavenly Father knows more than anyone of what we are capable of and also when we need a bit of a push to do something. He loves us so much. He loves enough though to ensure that we grow, move forward and change to be all that He has created and called us to be. Sometimes this can stretch us and God ultimately knows what we need and what we can handle. The 'push' of the Holy Spirit in our lives will always lead to life, growth and blessing.

I certainly don't want to slow down God's purposes in my life by holding onto anything that restricts or hinders that which God wants to do in me and through me for His glorious Kingdom.

Have a great weekend!

Covenant Life

2009-04-12T19:41:00.006+01:00

Well, the media fast was a great success. It was great to not watch TV for two weeks or use facebook. It certainly released more time into my life for reading the Bible, prayer and generally enjoying all that God is doing in my life and that of my family - He is so Good!

Last weekend, Rachel & I went to two weddings in two days! At one of the weddings, I heard this great quote about the difference between a contract and a covenant in the context of marriage.

"A Contract is about limited liabilities, Covenant is about endless possibilities. A Contract is concerned about what you can get out of it, Covenant is more about what you can put into it"

I thought these were both good insights for marriage but also for all Christians who are partakers of a new covenant in Jesus Christ. A covenant of life. A covenant of endless possibilities where all things are possible. A covenant where you lay your own life and self-interest down for the glory of knowing Christ more and more each day.

If there is any limit or hinderance to what we allow God to do, say or work in our lives, then we haven't come into the full understanding and experience of the new covenant life that Jesus achieved for us in His death, resurrection and ascension. He went to the cross for you and for me, not only that our sins could be forgiven but that we could know life in all it's fullness. This life comes from the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. (Romans 8:11)

If you're a Christian, this same Holy Spirit lives in you. God is for you, He is with you but most of all He wants you to know that He lives in you - Hallelujah!

Media Fast

2009-03-22T20:28:00.005Z

We're about to embark on a media fast as a church for the next couple of weeks. The aim of doing this is to create more time for spending time with God and to seek His face for all that we believe God has called us to be and do as a church commnity here in Manchester.

So that means no more blogging for the next couple of weeks! - back on the 8th April.

Ken Costa - God at Work

2009-03-11T11:24:00.005Z

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a great event titled 'God at Work' here in Manchester. Ken Costa was speaking on the night about how we can have an impact for the Kingdom in our workplaces. He spoke about the unshakeable nature of the Kingdom of God in the context of the shaking of the financial systems of the world all around us.

Wan Phing Lim, a trainee journalist, who is also a member of our church family in Manchester has written a great report on the night which you can read by double clicking here.

God at Work also have a website at www.godatwork.org.uk

Bryn Jones - Face of God

2009-03-03T15:18:00.005Z

I spoke with the church here in Manchester on Sunday on the 'Smile of God'. God has been speaking to us as a church in recent weeks about seeking His face and knowing His favour in our lives in new and dynamic ways.

In light of this, I was reminded of this great quote from Bryn Jones on how we reflect the face of God in the world around us:

"We are to be 'like Christ', but what does this really mean? Someone once said that Jesus 'put a face on God' by coming among people and touching, lifting, embracing, and caring for them in their hurts and needs. As we embrace Christ's radical mission, recognising that the Father sends us even as He sent Jesus (See John 20:21), then we too wear the face of God in our generation. It's still God's intention to walk into our cities, towns, and rural areas and touch and lift the fallen, broken, hurting, and dying of humanity. We must refuse to become hardened to the needs around us if we are to avoid becoming a church having form without power (See 2 Timothy 3:5)"

Bryn Jones, Radical Church, Pg.39-40, Destiny Image, Shippensburg, USA, 1999

Diligent Help

2009-03-02T20:41:00.005Z

We had our monthly staff lunch today at King's House with the staff and volunteers who work in the building for King's Church - they're an amazing team!

I shared with them from Hebrews 6:10-12 on the whole theme of diligence and faith in relation to our work in the Kingdom of God.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV)

Diligence is about being faithful and working hard. It's about working consistently and effectively in whatever you are called to do. In the Kingdom of God, our work should always be focussed on serving Christ and His Kingdom and helping His people to be all that God has called them to be. Diligence takes us into our inheritance as it releases us from laziness into faith and patience to take hold of all that Christ has in store for His Church in our time and generation.

The staff team here in the church do a variety of tasks from answering phones to cleaning toilets, and counting money to clearing up litter. Whatever we do in the Kingdom of God, we can do it with faith and patience, with the utmost diligence knowing that it really is Jesus Christ that we are serving all the time. It's not just about what you are doing, it's more about how you do it and the atititude you have as you serve.

As we serve God and serve His people, it shows our heart of love, our heart to serve and heart of faith in being diligent as God's people. A great inheritance awaits such a people!

"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth" - Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)

Bill Johnson: Worship (2)

2009-02-26T10:00:00.002Z

Here is a another great quote from Bill on Worship and Transformation from his books, Face to Face with God:

"Consider what happened to the woman who prepared Jesus for His burial by pouring costly ointment over Him - ointment worth a whole year's income. Everyone but Jesus thought it to be excessive and extreme. But Jesus honored her by stating that the story of her extravagant worship would be told wherever His story was told. What others thought to be excessive and extreme, God considered reasonable. The only true worship is extreme worship, and only extreme worship brings extreme results - transformation"

Bill Johnson, Face to Face with God, Charisma House, Florida, USA, Pg. 54-55

Bill Johnson: Worship

2009-02-25T09:20:00.004Z

I'm reading another book written by Bill Johnson at the moment. It's called 'Face to Face with God'. It's a thought provoking, inspiring and challenging read in many ways.

Here is a great quote from Bill on Worship and Transformation from the book:

"The issue of worship is the defining issue of human history. We were made to worship the One in whose image we were created. Christ was crucified to restore our place of communion with God in worship. That is, the salvation He purchased for us is not only salvation from death but also and even more importantly, salvation unto a life of commununion with God.

In that place of beholding the Lord in worship, we are transformed. Since we we always become like whatever we worship, there is nothing greater that God could want for His people than for them to worship Him, for there is nothing greater than Himself. God doesn't long for our worship because He is an egotist in need of our affirmation. Instead He longs for our transformation that takes place in the glory of His presence, the glory that descends in times of extended worship"

Bill Johnson, Face to Face with God, Charisma House, Florida, USA, Pg. 53

Jade Goody Reading the Bible

2009-02-20T21:37:00.005Z

Celebrity Jade Goody was diagnosed with an agreesive form of cervical cancer in 2008. A couple of weeks ago, Rachel & I were talking about her tragic situation with her two young children and saying we needed to pray for a miracle for her. Today, I read this article on my mobile phone about her reading a Bible in what she has been told are potentially the last weeks of her life.

The Bible she is reading tells us the truth of how Jesus heals and how Jesus saves. I pray that as Jade reads the Bible in the days to come that she will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord, Healer and Saviour in her own life.

Testimony of Healing

2009-02-15T22:02:00.004Z

We've had a really great weekend. Today, we had a few friends round from our amazing church family for a meal and some fellowship together. Amongst the people that came were Felix & Karen with their lovely little girl, Isobel. Karen has just written a great article on our church website that testifies to the healing power of Jesus Christ in her life and family. You can read it by double clicking here. God is so Good.

Caroline Petrie - Update

2009-02-11T21:07:00.005Z

Praise God, North Somerset NHS Trust have now reinstated Caroline Petrie with no disciplinary action and allowed her to return to work. Click here for the full update on this story.

Face to Face

2009-02-09T19:19:00.007Z

"I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete" - 2 John 14 (NIV)

I've been spending some time preparing today for my next session with the fantastic students on School of the Word this Friday. One of the things that I'm going to touch on is the whole aspect of communication being the heartbeat of administration. Whilst I believe we should fully make use of modern technology, whether that is blogging, email or facebook - there is nothing like talking with someone, face to face. Relating and connecting in this way is in our God given DNA as human beings.

Over 2,000 years ago, way before the world had heard of twitter, skype or bebo!, the Apostle John understood this truth and expressed it at the end of two of his letters in 2 & 3 John. Face to face communication is the vital life-blood of the heartbeat of Kingdom Communication. Without it, the whole body suffers.

I met up with a really good friend for a coffee this afternoon. We'd not met for a few months and it was great to catch up, share stories about our families and generally enjoy some fellowship together.

"The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" - Exodus 33:11 (NIV)

We have so many ways to communicate in our modern age - and we should certainly make use of these in appropriate ways in each case. However, I believe though that we should never lose sight of the importance of communicating with one another, face to face and heart to heart.

Communication truly is the heartbeat and life blood of the Body of Christ and our Kingdom Administration in the Church.

"I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name" - 3 John 13-14 (NIV)

now is the time: without borders 09

2009-02-05T14:35:00.006Z

now is the time 2009 will be a week that will equip, excite and envision you to be all that God wants you to be. A week where nothing will be impossible as God moves in power. A week of fun, faith and fellowship with the best people in the world. A week of thinking big and dreaming wide to all that God will do in your life and in His glorious church. A week of being further inspired to advance the Kingdom of God, to bring heaven on earth and to do it Now!...in your generation - Where else would you want to be?

To book in to now is the time: without borders 09, contact the bookings office here in Manchester, UK on 0161 273 2168 or email admin@ministrieswithoutborders.com - It's going to be AMAZING!

Caroline Petrie - Power of Prayer

2009-02-04T08:59:00.007Z

The story of NHS community nurse Caroline Petrie has been in the news quite a bit this week. She has been suspended and faces disciplinary action by offering to pray for someone to be healed. She was quoted as follows on the BBC website:

"My faith got stronger and I realised God was doing amazing things in my life. I saw my patients suffering and as I believe in the power of prayer, I began asking them if they wanted me to pray for them. They are absolutely delighted"

Christians in the UK don't generally suffer persecution in the same way that our brothers & sisters in other parts of the world do. However, I believe that as we stand for the radical truths and claims of the Gospel, which include healing the sick in the name of Jesus, we will increasingly face opposition and 'persecution' of the type that Caroline Petrie is currently facing.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, and throughout history - the good news of the Gospel has always prospered & advanced amongst persecution. The message of the gospel of the Kingdom is increasingly gathering pace in the UK. Yes, that may awaken persecution, trouble and opposition, but we can take great courage from the words of Jesus Christ below in all that we face as we boldly proclaim that Jesus saves, Jesus heals and that Jesus is transforming lives in this nation.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NIV)

Click here for a good response to this news story in the Daily Telegraph today from Dr Trevor Stammers of the Christian Medical Fellowship.

Peace in Manchester - Power of Prayer

2009-02-01T22:04:00.004Z

"MANCHESTER is on the brink of shedding its 'Gunchester' image for good after the astonishing success of a crackdown on the city's gangs.

Only three shots were fired by gangsters between Valentine's Day in February and December 31 last year compared to more than 10 times as many in 2007.

It is the first time since the height of Manchester's bloody street warfare in the early 1990s that entire months have passed in places like Moss Side without the sound of gunfire.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will today travel to Manchester to hail the city's progress as an example to the rest of Britain - and pledge extra cash so the work can continue.

It comes exactly a year since the last fatal gang-related shooting in Greater Manchester - which prompted police to launch the crackdown, called Operation Cougar.

The total number of gunshots in the Metropolitan and Trafford divisions - the heart of gangland - fell from 62 in Feb-Dec 2007 to 19 in Feb-Dec 2008. The number that were gang-related dropped from 38 to three"

David Ottewell, Manchester Evening News Headlines, 29/ 1/2009

PRAISE GOD! - I went to a prayer event last June here in Manchester where we declared that Manchester will no longer be known as 'Gun-Chester' - that prayer is nearly a reality. The reputation of Manchester is changing as the Kingdom of God advances in the City through what God is saying and doing through His Church.

"And the name of the city from that time on will be: The LORD is There" - Ezekiel 48:35 (NIV)

Spend less than you earn!

2009-01-23T10:47:00.007Z

Some timeless truth and wisdom from the pen of Charles Dickens:

"Annual income, twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery"

Mr Micawber in the Charles Dicken Novel, David Copperfield

Bus Adverts Cont....

2009-01-19T10:48:00.008Z

Following a series of posts about our 'Making Jesus Famous' bus adverts in September 2008, I saw this news story on the BBC website over the weekend. I find it a bit strange that the British Humanist Association and Atheist Society have put the word 'probably' in their advert. They seem to want to sit on the fence in their view of God. You either believe or you don't in my opinion!

I can certainly say that there is a God. Because of this faith in Jesus Christ, I can certainly stop worrying and enjoy my life in every way! - Click on either of these two bus adverts below to find out why.

Publish or Perish

2009-01-18T21:06:00.009Z

Publish or Perish. This was a phrase that I heard a few years ago in relation to the need for church to be involved in publishing the good news of all that God is doing around the world in our generation. This needs to be done credibly, regularly and relevantly in my opinion. This idea and notion is one of the reasons that I continue with this blog! This blog is one forum in which I want to publish the good news of all that God is doing in my life and in Manchester.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns" - Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)

Peter Paine, one of my fellow Elders in the church here in Manchester used this verse today as he was preaching. We have something to say and something to show to the world and we need to publish it! In a world that faces many challenges, we can say that 'God Reigns'. We can publish the good news of the salvation, peace and happiness that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Here in Manchester, I met a lady today who had given her life to Jesus after coming to our Sunday morning meeting for the first time. Praise God, this is something I want to publish! God is so Good. We have seen 5 people saved and baptised in water so far in 2009 in the life of King's Church.

I believe that God's people need to be publishers and proclaimers of the good news of the gospel. Whether that is through a blog, website, book or conversation with a friend - we have a message to tell of how God saves, how He brings peace and how He is still changing lives in 2009.

New Year - New Blessings

2009-01-13T11:07:00.006Z

Happy New Year! - For various reasons, my blogging became increasingly sporadic in 2008. I aim to change that in 2009 and be a bit more regular with the posts of all the amazing & wonderful things that God is saying and doing in my life and family.

A verse that has really impacted me recently is from John 1:16:

"from the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another"

Sometimes you hear people say: 'it's just one thing after another'. It's usually a reference to how things are not going very well in any given situation. I love how the word of God speaks into our lives. The Holy Spirit says to us that it's not one thing after another, it's one blessing after another.

We receive this blessing from the grace of God being poured into our lives. We cannot earn it. We don't deserve it. It's the free gift of God that He chooses to lavish upon us.

In a time of economic recession in the world, we can live in a time of blessing in the Kingdom. Jesus is full of grace and truth, and from that place of fullness, He pours His blessing upon us. Whether that be in our health, finances or relationships - we can know the blessing and prosperity of the Kingdom by the grace of God at work in our daily lives.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

2008-12-24T11:58:00.001Z

Merry Christmas to you all!

I trust that you will be blessed this Christmas and that you will know the peace, joy & prosperity of God in 2009.

Every Blessing & Have a great Christmas!

Christmas Concert: A Night of Supernatural Life!

2008-12-04T21:16:00.010Z

I had an amazing night at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Tuesday Night and enjoyed a night of wonderful music, exceptional song and the power of a supernatural God. As a Church we hired the Palace Theatre for what we titled 'A Concert of the Supernatural'. 1,700 tickets were sold for the night and the theatre was full of expectation as the Youth Band opened the night. One great testimony from the ongoing ministry of our Youth Band is that half the worship team in the newly planted All Nations Church, Oldham are now from the Youth Band. It’s great to see what God is doing in these young lives through their God given talent and gifting.

The King’s Church Worship team and choir then took to the stage and performed and ministered their repertoire of songs to what was a great audience from my own personal experience in playing in the band on the night! After the interval, Andrew Hughes brought a powerful word to those present about the Life and Supernatural Power that is found in knowing Jesus Christ. Over 100 people stood up to respond to the following Gospel appeal and response bags were given to these people to help them respond and enable follow up.

Overall, it was an exceptional evening and one that touched, transformed and healed many lives for the glory of God. We continue to pray for a great harvest and for people to be joined and added to the churches in Manchester, Salford and Oldham as a result of the night at the Palace Theatre as we follow up those that responded.

A 'BIG' thank you to all the people from King's Church, Manchester, New Life Church, Salford & All Nations Church, Oldham who helped on the night whether that was on the stage, in the PA team, with stewarding or with anything else. All their time, hard work and energy contributed to seeing many lives transformed by Jesus Christ.

Praise God!

King's Church Christmas Concert

2008-11-14T16:46:00.001Z

Bus Adverts Cont.

2008-10-20T09:16:00.008+01:00

Following my recent post, here are a couple of images of our 'Jesus saves' poster that went out on buses all over Greater Manchester in September and October of this year.

We are seeing a large number of visitors in our sunday meetings in recent weeks. Yesterday, there were over 40 first time visitors. It's also been fantastic to see many people giving their lives to Jesus, getting baptised in water and being baptised in the Holy Spirit in the last few weeks as we have met as a church family. God is moving powerfully in Manchester and he is moving in the same way all over this world!

McCain & Obama on Abortion

2008-10-16T21:52:00.006+01:00

Following the US presidential candidate debate last night between John McCain & Barack Obama. I read the following quotes from both candiates on what they said on the whole important issue of abortion. I think they make very interesting reading indeed.

"I think that abortion is a very difficult issue, and it is a moral issue and one that I think good people on both sides can disagree on ... . This is an issue that -- look, it divides us. And in some ways, it may be difficult to -- to reconcile the two views. But there surely is some common ground when both those who believe in choice and those who are opposed to abortion can come together and say, "We should try to prevent unintended pregnancies by providing appropriate education to our youth, communicating that sexuality is sacred and that they should not be engaged in cavalier activity, and providing options for adoption, and helping single mothers if they want to choose to keep the baby." Those are all things that we put in the Democratic platform for the first time this year, and I think that's where we can find some common ground, because nobody's pro-abortion. I think it's always a tragic situation. We should try to reduce these circumstances"

Barack Obama, Democrat Party Candidate

"We have to change the culture of America. Those of us who are proudly pro-life understand that. And it's got to be courage and compassion that we show to a young woman who's facing this terribly difficult decision. ... But that does not mean that we will cease to protect the rights of the unborn. Of course, we have to come together. Of course, we have to work together, and, of course, it's vital that we do so and help these young women who are facing such a difficult decision, with a compassion, that we'll help them with the adoptive services, with the courage to bring that child into this world and we'll help take care of it"

John McCain, Republican Party Candidate

Excellence

2008-10-11T19:51:00.004+01:00

"Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do'

Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Basketball Player

My Little Princess!

2008-10-05T20:13:00.003+01:00

Amy Faith White in the Park over the Summer!

£1,000,000 Bank Note

2008-10-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

I read a fascinating story this week about the auction of a £1,000,000 bank note that was issued in 1948 following World War II. I'm always caught with any story with the word 'millions' in it!

Imagine receiving this in your church offerings this Sunday!

Jesus saves & heals

2008-10-03T10:08:00.010+01:00

We have taken out 27 bus adverts as a church during September & October to tell the people of Manchester that Jesus saves and that Jesus heals. Norman & Oladapo, who are both members of King's Church have powerful & exciting testimonies to the saving & healing power of Jesus Christ.

It's so exciting to see the truth of the Bible being publically declared and seen by thousands of people all across the City of Manchester. What a fantastic truth it is that Jesus forgives all of our sins and heals all of our diseases (Psalms 103:3).

Have a great weekend!

Credit Crunch?

2008-09-30T09:00:00.002+01:00

"The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else” - Oswald Chambers

The news is full of banks losing money on the stock market, house prices falling and general confidence in the financial systems of the world running pretty low. The media have called this a 'credit crunch'. Things are moving very quickly in the financial markets of the world and we certainly need to pray for wisdom for the leaders of our nations in this time.

However, as a Christian - I know that the news, whether it comes from BBC or CNN, is not the truth and basis by which I live. I live by the truth of the living word of God found in the Bible. I place my life and the finances of my family in the hands of God, in the economy of heaven where there is no credit crunch, no cashflow crisis & no financial meltdown.

Yes, I see my gas & electric bills go up like everyone else. Petrol still costs the same whether you know Jesus Christ or not, but there is a truth and a vision beyond these costs that mean my financial status and foundation is radically different to everyone else who doesn't know God.

I've blogged in the past on the whole issue of tithing. I totally believe in this biblical principle. The following verse in the Old Testament is a key verse to put into practice, especially when things are as they are in the financial dealings of the world around us.

"Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship.....Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God" - Deuteronomy 14:23 (NLT)

When we tithe, we show that we fear God. We place our life in His hands and choose to trust, obey and worship Him in all His glory, majesty and power. Tithing takes us to a place of peace, to a place of trust and to a place of seeing God provide for all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Praise God, there is no credit crunch in the economy of heaven. When we fear God, there is no need to fear anything else, including the financial provision for our lives and families.

My testimony and that of my family is that when you put your life and finances into the hands of God, He will care for you, provide for you and prosper you. He is AMAZING!

WorldWatch Conference

2008-09-29T21:31:00.004+01:00

Rachel & I had a great time at the WorldWatch conference at the weekend in the Midlands. There was some exciting & inspiring ministry from Dr Bob Lemon (USA), Miguel Arango (Cuba), Tony Ling (UK) & other updates on what God is doing in nations around the world including India, Philippines & the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was great to hear of all that the Holy Spirit is doing through the church in these nations - God is on the move and doing amazing things all over the world.

There were many highlights to the conference including Keri Jones stating the following classic quote:

"I think that God is a Yorkshire Man"

This certainly got a loud 'AMEN' from me! We had a great time receiving some quality ministry and catching up with many fantastic friends from all around the world.

My King

2008-09-16T09:00:00.002+01:00

Counting the Apples in a Seed

2008-09-10T21:34:00.000+01:00

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God" - 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

Next time you eat an apple, have a look at the core and see how many seeds you can find. In any one apple, you can sometimes find 4 or 5 seeds. I know some people eat the seeds in an apple, but not me! Anyway, you can count the seeds in an apple but more importantly you can also count the apples in a seed. In any one seed, there is the potential for a future orchard. One seed can bring great increase and future fruit. Don't just look at the seed, look at the numbers of apples that can potentially come from that seed as it is planted and grows.

It's the same in our lives. As Christians, through the saving work of Christ, we have the seed of the Kingdom sown into our lives. That seed is loaded with life, packed full of potential and has the potential for incredible blessing and increase. Through the Holy Spirit living in us, Jesus is the eternal seed in our lives. He is the seed of increase. He is the seed of growth and life being seen in and through our lives in all that we do.

The seed of the Kingdom in our lives is sure to bring increase and life as we allow the Holy Spirit to nurture & water that seed for the purposes of the Gospel. We have the seed of health, the seed of prosperity and the seed of joy in our lives. Our God given identities are fertile soil for the seed of the Kingdom to bring great fruit for the fame of Jesus in the world around us.

Don't just count the seeds in an apples - make sure you count the apples in a seed. The eternal seed, Jesus Christ in us, the hope of glory has incredible potential, power & provision for the world around us!

Jesus Brings Glorious Change

2008-09-09T19:49:00.004+01:00

I'm back!

Following my recent article on the miracle of Jesus changing water into wine, I had the opportunity & privilege to preach on this passage with our church family here in Manchester.

If you would like to listen to this, then click here

Without Borders 08: Now Faith

2008-07-30T10:40:00.004+01:00

We've just returned as a family from an amazing week in Stafford at without borders 08. It was an amazing week in so many ways. Great teaching, amazing times of worship & fantastic fellowship with the best people in the world!

One of my personal highlights was the sowing & reaping report on the final night of the event. It told numerous testimonies of the Holy Spirit at work all over the world - it was fanastic!. It also reported how the churches that gathered at Now Faith 08 had given £1,000,000+ over the last 12 months which had helped to see over 25,000+ people saved through the ministries and churches we have relationship with all over the world. Thousands & Millions - Praise God.

It is a real honour & privilege to serve as one of the Trustees of ministries without borders and be involved in the administration & allocation of this finance. The sowing of this finance is reaping a great harvest for the Kingdom of God!

We also enjoyed some lovely ice cream in the sunshine in Stafford!

A Glorious Exchange

2008-07-17T16:58:00.005+01:00

“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” – John 2:11 (ESV)

God is a God of wonderful surprises. Who would have thought that the first miraculous sign that Jesus performed in the Bible would be to transform water into wine? He didn’t do this in a church meeting or a time of prayer, he did it a wedding celebration party. It wasn’t at an overtly religious occasion; it was in the middle of a celebration of life! The Bible describes this miracle as a manifestation of his glory. This miracle revealed the power & majesty of Christ to His disciples and to the world. It also revealed that when Jesus reveals His glory, it is always of the highest quality and has the heavenly fingerprints of excellence all over it.

But, is it that surprising that this initial miracle of transformation revealed the glory of Jesus? – We see in Isaiah 61 that the anointing brings transformation & exchange. The anointing brings sight to the blind, joy instead of mourning, freedom for the captives, light to those in darkness, & praise instead of despair. Jesus quotes from this prophetic scripture in Luke 4:18-19 and states that He is the fulfilment of this passage. Jesus is the one who manifests His glory as He heals, saves & transforms lives. Jesus is the one who brings the realities of heaven crashing into our lives here on earth. He is the one who turns the ordinary into extraordinary, the natural into supernatural, the mediocre into the magnificent.

We are now living in the permanent glory of the New Covenant (2 Cor. 3:11) – Let’s not ignore or miss anything that God wants to do in our midst in this time. Let’s fully embrace His glory being seen in our lives today. We will see Glory in the Church, Miracles on the Streets & Healing to the Nations

Happy, Healthy & Wealthy

2008-07-03T21:23:00.004+01:00

"Manchester is on a mission to become

happier, healthier and wealthier"

Manchester City Council, Manchester People, Issue 34, Spring 2008

AMEN! - The crucial & critical factor to this vision & goal for the City of Manchester is a living & active relationship with Jesus Christ!

Love Letters from Christ

2008-06-29T11:00:00.000+01:00

“You show that you are a letter from Christ” 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)

Paul writes to the church in Corinth and tells them that they are ‘letters from Christ’ written not with pen & ink, but with the Spirit, written on their hearts. In the same way that a letter is sent with a specific purpose and message, we are sent by Christ (John 17:18, 20:21), in the anointing of the Holy Spirit to bring the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Unlike Royal Mail at times, the letters that are sent by Christ are always guaranteed to arrive on time! When you deal with the mail room of heaven it is always first class, guaranteed delivery! What God starts and sends, He always brings to full completion, with excellence and on time.

God has a message of love to the world around us. God is Love (1 John 4:16). We have received and experienced His love in so many ways. What we have freely received, we need to freely give (Matthew 10:8) to those around us who are bankrupt & totally lost without Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the author of the love of Christ in our hearts. He writes chapter after chapter of truth, life and peace in our daily lives as we live in His life and anointing.

This week, as some of us have been out on the streets of Withington – we have been the living love letters of Christ to those without Jesus in their lives. Our lives are known and read by everybody as we minister the love & life of God to the inhabitants of Greater Manchester. Our lives should be ‘open books’ that people can read and see the love of God in all that we do.

This week as we laid hands on the sick, comforted the broken hearted and ministered to those that are lost, we demonstrated the power and love of God. This is our mandate & destiny to minister the love & life of God to the world around us in all that we do, and in all that we say.

National Prayer Breakfast

2008-06-24T19:59:00.006+01:00

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” – Acts 10:38

I have been in London today for the National Prayer Breakfast in the Houses of Parliament. It was a wonderful occasion and a real privilege to be there. Over 500 people attended this magnificent event to bring prayer & Christian witness into the heart of the seat of government for the United Kingdom. The theme of the breakfast was ‘All the over the world, God’s people are going about doing good’. During the breakfast event, there were many powerful stories & testimonies from around the world of how God’s people are indeed doing good, changing lives and bringing the love of God to many people in different situations.

During the Breakfast, I sat in between Lord and Lady Elton. Lord Elton has been a peer in the House of Lords for nearly 30 years. He was part of Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980’s so it was very interesting to sit with them and tell them all about what God was doing in Manchester.

Gary Streeter MP chaired the event and ended it with a powerful challenge and prayer for the UK Nation as a whole. He prayed that we would be a nation who didn’t just care about looking good or feeling good, but actually doing good.

After the main breakfast event, I went to a Seminar with David Burrows MP about praying for your MP in your local constituency. I had the opportunity to share with those present what I am involved with in facilitating prayer breakfast events with Tony Lloyd MP and John Leech MP in Manchester. It was exciting to hear of the prayer and relationships that are being formed and developed all over the UK with various members of parliament. At the end of the time, there was a time of prayer and ministry for those involved with these prayer events up and down the country.

The night before the Prayer Breakfast I also attended a reception in Portcullis House organised by Micah Challenge UK. It was a creative and innovative event where Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander MP spoke alongside Joel Edwards, General Director of the EA amongst other speakers. They were all speaking about the importance of the church speaking out and standing for true justice around the world in this time on various issues in line with the prophetic call and mandate from Micah 6:8.

I have come back to Manchester inspired once again about being a Christian actively involved for the advancement of the Kingdom in government and politics. We live in crucial times. The world is looking for a moral lead & an ethical and relevant voice on many topics and issues. I believe the church, inspired by the Spirit of God has a wise, gracious and prophetic voice into these issues of our nation in this time.

Most of all though, we can all fulfil the exaltation by Paul in the Bible in 1 Timothy 2:1-4:

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth"

Restoration & Refreshing

2008-06-06T12:50:00.002+01:00

"Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!"

Lamentations 5:21 (ESV)

God has been really speaking to me on the whole theme of restoration & refreshing in recent days. Restoration is such a big topic, but one that I believe is so key for the church to understand and demonstrate in the world in which we live today. Arguably, it's probably the major theme in the books of the Prophets that I spoke on last Sunday here with King's Church in Manchester.

There is no question that there we are surrounded by people's lives that are broken and in need of restoration. Whether that be through illness, debt or various hurts, there are many people who are sad, sick & poor. The great thing though is that Jesus has come to bring change & transformation. He is the God of divine exchange (See Isaiah 61). For those who are sad, sick & poor, he comes to make them happy, wealthy & wealthy. Jesus comes to bring life, and life in all it's fullness (John 10:10). He comes to restore that which is broken and make it whole. He comes to turn lives completely around.

“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings” - Isaiah 58:12

We have been given the awesome task of being agents of restoration in the world around us. God calls us to bring restoration to people's lives. Where there is sickness, He calls us to minister healing & health. Where there is debt, He calls us to help bring wisdom, release and blessing that leads to prosperity. Where there is no hope, He calls us to bring the hope of the Gospel that is found in the love & life of Jesus.

Restoration starts with us knowing that we are restoresd in Christ. In Christ, we can know fullness of life. In Christ, we can know love, power and security. We can only give of what we have recieved. Jesus said in Matthew 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give" - God's people should be those who have truly received the blessing and life of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. That blessing was never intended to stay in our lives only, it was meant to flow to touch the world around us. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are refreshed to bring refreshing. The life of the Kingdom through the church is a river, not a whirpool. I'm so excited about what God is doing and will do this through His glorious Church in my generation.

Have a great weekend!

Prayer in Manchester

2008-06-03T16:55:00.005+01:00

Good to see the BBC Website covering a prayer meeting in Manchester tonight that I am going to at the Manchester Velodrome. It is being organised as part of HOPE 08 here in Manchester. It will be great to join with 1,000's of people from the church here in Greater Manchester to pray for our city and the nation.

Level of the Spirit

2008-06-03T09:43:00.005+01:00

"I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line" - Isaiah 28:17 (NIV)

We're currently going through a Bible Overview series as a church family. Last Sunday, my assignment in preaching was to cover the Major & Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. One aspect & truth that really gripped me in this section of the Bible me was the way in which Isaiah, Amos & Zechariah used the illustration of a plumb line for how God was speaking to His people.

Plumb Lines were used in biblical times, and are still used today, in construction projects to make sure that walls & structures are built true & correct. They are used to make sure structures are lined up correctly and don't go off course when they are being built.

Another modern invention that is used alongside a plumb line in construction is a Spirit Level. These are used to make sure that walls are built correctly, both vertically & horizontally. A skilled craftsman & labourer will use them constantly!

God spoke to me powerfully through this. The Holy Spirit showed me that to build correctly we have to line up or be 'plumb' in line with the word of God. This is so key for how we build in our lives and in our corporate lives as God's people in our church communities. The Holy Spirit also showed me that we have to get the correct Spirit Level or the right 'Level of the Holy Spirit' for how we build. The correct level of the Holy Spirit for building in the Kingdom of God is always overflow! When we overflow in the Holy Spirit we come into the fullness of Christ. When the level of the Holy Spirit is overflowing in our lives, we build true and correct in our lives, in our families and in our churches.

I'm challenged that as God's people we should always measure our lives against the plumb line of God's Word and the level of the Holy Spirit as He overflows in and through lives to touch the world around us.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" - Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Family Holiday Photographs - Northumberland 2008

2008-06-01T20:01:00.007+01:00

Holiday

2008-05-30T10:13:00.004+01:00

We had a great holiday last week in Northumberland on the North East Coast of England - it really is a beautiful part of the world. I'll post a few family pictures over the weekend but for now here is a bit of an 'arty' shot of me & amy on the beach on Holy Island.

Have a great weekend!

Spirit & the Bride

2008-05-30T09:53:00.005+01:00

"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……..He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" - Revelation 22:17, 20 (NIV)

The final cry and declaration of the Bible is ‘Come, Lord Jesus’. The Spirit and the Bride join together in one united voice to make this declaration and prayer. This final passage of scripture is referring to the church as the ‘Bride of Christ’. What a glorious picture! In other parts of the Bible we see the church described ‘as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband’ (Rev 21:2), and ‘as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless’ (Eph 5:26).

God's people are a radiant church making themselves ready for the return of King Jesus. We need to have a fresh and clear revelation of who we are in Christ and where we are going in His purposes for our lives as a church. God has always longed for His Spirit and His Bride to be united.

The eternal cry of God’s heart is that he would have a people for himself and that he would live & dwell amongst by the power of His Spirit. This is the truth that we now live in. We live in the age of the Spirit. We live in the reality of the ‘poured out’ Holy Spirit who lives and breathes through the Church to Make Jesus Famous in this world.

As God's people in our homes, workplaces and streets – we need to live in the reality of who we are in Christ. We are His beautiful bride, we are anointed by His Spirit living in us, we are a powerful & radiant people.

To attain to the fullness of Christ, we have to live in the overflow of the Holy Spirit.

Family Holiday

2008-05-15T15:11:00.004+01:00

We're off on Holiday tommorow as a family to Northumberland on the North East Coast of the UK. It is a lovely part of the world and has some amazing scenery. I'm really looking forward to being away with Rachel and the kids - it'll be great!

I was only nine years old when I last went to this part of the UK. We went on a family holiday there. On one evening, my parents prayed with me to be baptised in the Holy Spirit and I started to speak in tongues. My older sister tells me that I went to sleep speaking in tongues! - I don't remember this bit of the night! but I have certainly known the life, love & power of the Holy Spirit over the last 20+ years in so many exciting ways. God the Holy Spirit is so amazing.

Have a great week!

Healing at New Wine Conference

2008-05-07T21:23:00.006+01:00

Here is a video of an amazing healing that took place in one of the Seminars at the New Wine Conference that I went to last week in Harrogate. I wasn't in the Seminar when it took place, but I did hear Frances testify in person in the main meeting following the healing. Just watch her right leg grow and extend 1.5 inches as she is prayed for - it's incredible - Jesus is healing today!

Tozer on doing the Impossible

2008-05-07T19:34:00.003+01:00

At the New Wine Conference last week, Bill Johnson touched on the whole theme of the 'Fruits of the Impossible' being seen in our lives as we stepped out in ministering the presence and power of Christ to the world around us.

In relation to this, I read this quote this week from the amazing author A.W Tozer:

"God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible - what a pity that we plan only the things that we can do by ourselves"

As Jesus said to His disciples:

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" - Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

New Wine Conference: Bill Johnson

2008-05-02T09:24:00.004+01:00

This last week I've been away with some of my fellow leaders in the church in Harrogate at the New Wine Leaders Conference. Bill Johnson was the main speaker at the event. It was a good time away and we were all blessed by the ministry that we received whilst there. Here are a few things that God personally really blessed me with.

Bill Johnson spoke on different aspects of the Kingdom of God in his four sessions but his main emphasis was on healing & miracles, and signs & wonders. He spoke about how miracles release the glory and manifestation of Christ into a city. Miracles change the whole atmosphere of a city as God moves in this way. Bill spoke from the life of Jesus about how He always brought heaven to earth because that was the world He was most aware of in His life and ministry.

He challenged the 2,000 leaders at the conference to remember that the Holy Spirit in us is not a pond or a lake but a river. He wants to move through us not just fill us. God the Holy Spirit wants to flow from within us with streams of living water that touch the lives of those around us with the presence and life of Jesus Christ.

Bill spoke on many more exciting truths from the life of Jesus. He also led some significant times of ministry with his team where 100’s of people were healed by Jesus Christ.

Bill Johnson has written some excellent books in recent years. So far I've read 'When Heaven Invades Earth' and 'The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind'. These are excellent books to read to build your faith and increase your expectation for how God wants to heal the sick, release the oppresed and save the lost through you and through me.

I am passionate about pursuing this Kingdom Vision in all that I do.

A Spirit Led Identity

2008-04-28T09:25:00.000+01:00

“God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance” - Romans 8:15-17 (The Message)

Did you know that our ultimate identity is not defined by our passport, driving license or place of birth? Our true identity is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ through the leading & life of the Holy Spirit.

God has been speaking strongly to us as a church about being led by the Spirit and being full of the life of the Spirit. When we flow in the real anointing (1 John 2:27) of the Holy Spirit, we walk in who we truly are. It’s in the life of the Holy Spirit that we find our security in life. It’s in the life of the Holy Spirit that we discover our destiny in the Kingdom. It’s in the life of the Spirit that we come into the full maturity of Christ (Eph 3:14).

There is nothing more secure for a child than to have loving parents that always want the best for their children. That atmosphere of love and direction gives purpose, peace and prosperity to that family. We see this outworked even more in our relationship with God as our Father. He wants the best for us. He loves us. He protects us. He brings security and direction to our lives in all that we do. How does He do this? He does this by the continual outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

“God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” – Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Let’s live in the truth of who we are as God’s children. Let’s live our lives in the river of God’s Spirit, in the flow of His anointing. It’s what we are destined and designed for – the life of the Spirit, every day, every moment in every way.

Seeing and Speaking

2008-04-24T09:51:00.004+01:00

"Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him" - John 12:41 (NIV)

I read this verse this morning. It really blessed and inspired me. The Apostle John describes the ministry of the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament as someone who saw the glory of Jesus and spoke about him. The powerful thing about this is that Isaiah lived around 800 years before Jesus even began His ministry on earth! This shows us that the glory of Jesus is eternal. It has no beginning and it has no end. It also points to the truly prophetic nature of the ministry of the prophet Isaiah. He saw the glory of Jesus way before he came to earth.

I've always loved Isaiah 53 where Isaiah prophecies about the death and crucifixion of Christ. It goes into great detail. It's almost like he was fast forwarded into the future to stand at the foot of the cross as he wrote it. This is amazing prophetic ministry and insight.

Praise God for what Isaiah saw and what he spoke about in relation to Jesus. How much more should we who live at the other side of the cross in the power of His resurrection life see the glory of Jesus and speak about him at every opportunity? We have seen and received the life of Christ through the pages of scripture and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We have received all that we need to see more and more of the glory of Jesus everyday and to speak about what we see to the world around us.

As Christians, we are called to be a prophetic people, like Isaiah, who see the glory of Jesus and speak about him to those who are lost, blind and in darkness without the love of Christ in their lives.

Born Again

2008-04-21T11:31:00.006+01:00

Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" - John 3:3 (NIV)

Rachel and I were looking at some photos last night of when Amy was born in January of this year. New Birth is such a radical change of life. It's a very distinct and special event. The birth of my children is up there in the most significant moments of my life so far. However, the most significant moment and decision I have ever made in my life was to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was 9 years old. I was totally lost before that time but when I fully gave my life to Jesus in response to His grace through repentance and faith, I was born again!

Sometimes when I tell people that I am a Christian, they say 'are you one of those 'born again' type Christians?'. My response is always, 'that's the only type of Christian there is!'. The Bible gives us no choice, you are either born again or you are not! Coming into the Kingdom is not some small decision in your life - it is a radical change! Jesus describes this amazing turn around and change in John 3 in the Bible. I'm truly honoured & privileged to say that I am a 'Born Again Christian'. I was a sinner, but now I am a saint. I am saved by His glorious grace, filled with His wonderful Spirit and destined for great things in the Kingdom of God.

I believe God's people should be sure and confident about how they are and what God has made them to be. We are new creations. We have been 'born again'. We have been radically saved and eternally changed - Praise God!

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable through the living and enduring word of God" - 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

Weekend Pictures!

2008-04-20T21:07:00.002+01:00

Identity & Destiny

2008-04-18T11:20:00.004+01:00

A true understanding of our identity in Christ is key to not only our maturity but to our destinies in God. God wants us to know who we are, so that we can be like Christ, so that we can become who God has always destined us to be! The destiny of God for His people is that they know his blessing so they can be a blessing to the world around us. God wants us to know increase in every area of our lives, so that his love, power and wisdom can flow to those around us who are lost, hurting and sick.

God has great things in store for His people! It's time for us to walk in the realities of who we are so that we can be who God has always destined us to be.