Church Matters

This isn't going to be a 'testimony blog.' Although in one sense, it is. As it will be about something I've been pondering about recently. Something I feel very strongly about. And that is the Church.

Let's define terms: when I refer to the Church, i mean both the 'universal Church' (all Christians of all denominations, everywhere) and the 'local church' (a specific gathering that meets in one place). All Christians are part of the universal Church; all Christians needs to be part of a local church.

Why? Because the Bible says so! Ephesians 3:10-11 tells us that the Church is God's chosen way of demonstrating His greatness to spiritual forces - by changed and transformed lives of the people who form her. This is part of God's purpose, his masterplan. Therefore, how can we contribute towards the masterplan that is the universal Church if we are not an active part of a local church?

I read a great quote that argues that the Christian Church (universal and local) today needs to be aware of two dangers: the danger of being culturally removed (out of touch) and the danger of being culturally relaxed (indistinct). In other words, the Church today must be both radical and relevant.

I've been thinking about this - how can we achieve these goals? How do we negotiate these two pillars and find the middle ground that bridges both, yet compromises neither? As different local churches are in different cultures, it is naive of us to thing all local churches should look the same. No doubt biblical values should be identical. But how those values are worked out and demonstrated will be different according to factors specific to that local church - for example its leadership, or the culture it is in.

So what are these core biblical values? As I've pondered this, I have come up with seven core values that must be consistent across all local churches, in all cultures. I leave it up to you whether you agree or disagree.

1. Rediscovery of the centrality of personal and corporate intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This includes, but is not limited to, Baptism/Filling Of The Spirit as an experience, and spiritual gifts such as prophecy, tongues and others. This also involves ongoing deepening of friendship and response to the Spirits leading - on a personal and a corporate level, resulting in increased holiness.

2. A 'high view' of the Bible as inspired and authorative in every part, irrespective of what society may say about its teachings. However we must guard against an academic Christianity which mistakes intellectual agreement for faith, and only results in a religious, pharasaical legalism that does not affect the hearts of people.

3. A 'high view' of the local Church as God's chosen way of reaching the world. This entails such biblical practices as spiritual authority, church discipline, plurality of church leaders, and interchurch partnerships where similar values are shared. I would also include the importance of local churchs being part of apostolic networks that recognise and embrace the Ephesians 4 ministries of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist and Pastor-Teacher.

4. A moving away from the unbiblical appearance and practice of the Church as an institution, corporation, business or army. The biblical pictures of the church talk of organic, flexible, structured, dynamic things such as family; temple of living stones; field; and a body. In todays society that seems so anti-family, the church as a thriving family and community is a potent thing.

5. Local churches engaged in ongoing mission to take the gospel to the Spiritually Dead through words and works. Evangelism to be part of the life of every believer, and the first step in discipleship.

6. The rediscovery of 'power evangelism' that includes signs, wonders, miracles and prophecy demonstrated and displayed for nonbelievers to see & marvel.

7. Ministry to the poor - namely, the biblical poor as widows, orphans and aliens among others - to tend and meet their physical and spiritual needs. Being the hands and heart of God to the Broken.

It's idealistic isn't it? Some might even say unrealistic. I read it again and realised I don't even have all them in my own personal life! But as I read and re-read that list, I can't help but notice what my first item is - the Holy Spirit. If Jesus said that it was better for him to go so that he could send the Spirit (John 16:7) then I suspect He is the key to all these things.

Without His strength, insight, power and courage we can't do any of these things on our own, let alone as a people. Perhaps getting to know Him more deeply is the first step in it all.

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Listening to: DC Talk - Between You And Me
via FoxyTunes

What Belongs In The Bible & What Doesn't? Part 2 - The New Testament

The writing of scripture has always been in connection with God’s redemptive acts in history – how he saves and deals with his people. In the Old Testament, this begins with the call of Abraham. This continues with the lives of Abraham's descendants; the Exodus and wilderness wanderings; the establishment of the nation & monarchy of Israel; and the Exile & return from captivity. Each of these significant events of how God interacts with his people is interpreted for us in scripture, for example through the writings of the prophets. The OT closes with the expectation of the Messiah to come – the next stage of redemptive history. No further scripture could have been written until this next and greatest event in the history of God’s people occurred.

Whereas the OT prophets, priests and kings were witnesses to God’s redemptive acts, the NT witnesses are the apostles. It is these men – and those close to them – who are given the ability through the Holy Spirit to remember, record and interpret the words and deeds of Jesus for subsequent generations. Verses such as John 14:26 and John 16:13-14 show us this.

The apostles claimed an authority equal to the OT prophets in their writings, for example 2 Peter 3:2 and 1 Cor 14:37 among others. This means that their writings are equal in truth, status and authority to the OT scriptures. This is because the Holy Spirit inspired their observations, commentary and applications concerning the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Therefore the apostolic NT writings can be placed with the OT scriptures as part of the canon of scripture. 2 Peter 3:16 shows us the Apostle Peter viewed the Apostle Paul’s writings as of the same authority and weight as the OT.

Therefore, most of the NT can be included because the different books contained within it have been written by those that the NT itself calls an apostle: Matthew; John; Paul; James (1 Cor 15:7 and Gal 1:19); and Peter. This leaves five books: Mark, Luke, Acts, Hebrews and Jude, which were not written by apostles. So why are they included?

Mark, Luke and Acts were commonly acknowledged very early on in church history, probably because of the close association and influence the writers had from the apostles: Mark with Peter, and Luke with Paul. Jude may have been accepted for two reasons, firstly his close association with James, and secondly the fact that he was the brother of Jesus.

This leaves the book of Hebrews. The author is unknown, although sometimes authorship by Paul is assumed. However, Paul always made his writings clear as his other NT works show us. So ultimately, we do not know who wrote it. The reason for the inclusion of the book of Hebrews must have been down to the content of it. The book contains such truth, value and insight that the early church must have been convinced that its ultimate author was indeed the Holy Spirit – just as many of its readers today are convinced of the same.

Therefore, we have considerations when concluding whether something belonged in the NT canon or not, namely:

i) Apostolic authorship – has the work been written by a NT recognised apostle?

ii) Apostolic endorsement through association or influence – has the work been written by someone with firsthand interaction with a NT recognised apostle?

iii) Consistency with the rest of scripture – does the work echo or reinforce teachings in the rest of scripture?

iv) Self-attesting – does the Holy Spirit lead the overwhelming majority of believers to a perception that the work is clearly ‘God-breathed’, for example Hebrews?

This process would have been used over time, as writings were circulated, to compile what is today the NT. This process ensures not only the inclusion of all writings that would be inspired, but prevents inclusion of any that are not. Within one hundred years, the NT canon was by and large settled by the majority of early church leaders – all within one generation of the apostles.

So can we expect any more writings to be added to the canon? Hebrews 1:1-2 answers this for us – it tells us that the God’s former way of speaking to us was through the OT prophets, but in the “last days” God spoke and revealed Himself through the person of Jesus Christ. There is no further revelation to come, as the NT itself is in essence teaching us about this final revelation. There would be no sense in ‘another revelation’ after Jesus. And faith in the sovereignty of God suggests that all inspired writings concerning the revelation of Christ has already been made available to all generations of Christians through the last two-thousand years of history. This also addresses the question of what would happen if, for example, a new writing of Paul was suddenly discovered – would it be included in the canon? The fact is, none has - and we must trust in God's sovereignty that any such key writings would have been. So such a question is ultimately unhelpful.

So, how do we know we have the right books in the canon of Scripture we now possess? Firstly, our confidence must be in the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. God loves his people, and would provide them with all they need for knowing Him. He would ensure nothing had been left out, nor nothing added.

Therefore we have, in written form, the final record of everything God wants us to know about the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and its meaning for the lives of believers for all time. Since the greatest revelation of God is Himself – in the person of Christ – no more canonical writings are to be expected now that the canon is now closed, as Revelation 22:18-19 also shows us.

Today, there exists no strong case for any known written work to be added to the existing canon. Also, there exists no strong objection for the removal of any book contained within the NT. Faith in God’s faithfulness to his people must convince us that no writings are missing, nor are any included in error.

The Bible – both OT and NT – contains all that God wants it to include, and will remain that way until the next phase of redemptive history takes place – that is, the return of Christ.

Key Verse

Heb 1:1-2 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

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Listening to: Oasis - Heroes
via FoxyTunes

What Belongs In The Bible & What Doesn't? Part 1 - The Old Testament

‘Canon’ means ‘reed’ or ‘cane’. In this sense it means something straight, or something to keep straight; and therefore also a rule, or something ruled or measured. Similar in concept to a spirit-level used by builders to check a wall is flat and at a correct angle. Therefore, ‘canon’ refers to what books should be in the Bible to ensure we can be are spiritually level and correct.

The canon of Scripture is the list of all the books in that belong in the Bible. This is an important question because:

i) The words of the Bible are the words by which we nourish ourselves spiritually.

ii) To add or subtract from God’s words would be to prevent God’s people from obeying him fully. Commands subtracted would not be known to us, and words added might require false obedience or false hope.

iii) If there is any doubt over sections of scripture, we will not consider them to have absolute divine authority and we wouldn’t trust them as we would trust God himself.

1. The Old Testament Canon

The Bible itself tells us about the historical development of the canon. The Ten Commandments were written down, and form the beginning of the biblical canon. Throughout Israel’s history, this collection of words from God grew. Moses wrote additional words (Deut 31:24-26), as did Joshua (Josh 24:26). There are many other instances where others, usually prophets, wrote additional words from God. This continued until approximately 435 BC, where there are no further additions to the Old Testament canon. Several sources of Jewish literature refer to a time of silence that no prophets have spoken in. Also, writings of Josephus – arguably the greatest Jewish historian of the first century – also indicates that he did not feel that there had been any writings worthy enough to add to the OT after this date.

In the New Testament, we have no record of Jesus and the Jews disagreeing about the content of the Old Testament, or any records of any New Testament writers questioning the OT canon. In fact, both Jesus and the NT writers quote from the OT a number of times, indicating their belief in its authority.

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Listening to: DC Talk - Between You And Me
via FoxyTunes

David - A Man After God's Own Heart

The last few days I've been doing a variety of exciting things. These include procrastination, spending most of my time at my local church offices dealing with various things (no, I'm not paid and no, I've got no intention of getting paid!), debating with my men's group about the clarity of scripture (see my post here for thoughts on that) and letting my washing up pile increase to the size of a small country. In addition to all this, I've spent some time looking at the life of David in preparation for the upcoming children's work I'm now heading up.

For the next six weeks, here are the things we will be spending time looking at together.

Lesson	Title	Passage	Key Verse	One Big Point
1	David The Shepherd Boy	1 Sam 16:1-13	Verse 7	God Wants My Heart
2	David The Giant Killer	1 Sam 17:1-51	Verse 37	God Looks After Me
3	David The Friend	1 Sam 18:1-5	Verse 4	God Wants Me To Care For Others
4	David The Outlaw	1 Sam 24:1-15	Verse 10-11	God Wants Me To Do The Right Thing
5	David The King	2 Sam 5:1-4	Verse 2	God Has A Plan For My Life
6	David The Worshipper	2 Sam 6:16-23	Verse 21	God Loves It When I Worship Him

Take some time to have a look for yourself at the life of this extraordinary man, and see how God speaks to you.

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Listening to: Portishead - Glory Box
via FoxyTunes

Looking Over My Shoulder

I've been reflecting back over the last twelve months, just as we all do when a new year is upon us. I'm loath to do resolutions because I'm unlikely to keep them. Unless I choose something like 'to eat every day' or 'to continue breathing.' Or I could go the other end of the spectrum and say 'I promise not to attack any major European city with tear gas and itching powder.' You see my point.

I LOVE the idea of a visual reflection that one of my friends created. So I shamelessly plagiarise his idea, under the name of inspiration. The original can be found here.

But here below is my year in pictures. Click on the picture to get a larger image

 

Currently listening to: Thandiswa - Nizalwa Ngobani? from Zabalaza

What Are The Different Forms Of The Word Of God?

A. “The Word Of God” as a person: Jesus Christ

Rev 19:13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Among the members of the Trinity, it is especially God the Son who in his person as well as in his words has the role of communicating the character of God to us and of expressing the will of God for us

B. “The Word Of God” as Speech by God

1. God’s Decrees

Sometimes God’s words take the form of powerful decrees that cause events to happen or even cause things to come into being, for example Creation in Genesis 1.

A decree of God is a word of God that causes something to happen.

Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

2. God’s Words of Personal Address

God sometimes communicates with people on earth by speaking directly to them. These can be called instances of God’s Word of personal address. Examples are found throughout scripture, for example the giving of the Ten Commandments, or at Jesus’ baptism. In these and several other instances where God spoke words of personal address to people it was clear to the hearers they were actual words of God.

3. God’s Words as Speech Through Human Lips

Frequently in Scripture God raises up prophets through whom he speaks.

Jer 1:9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”

The Old Testament contains warnings for those who claimed to be speaking for the Lord but had not received a revelation from him.

4. God’s Words in Written Form (the Bible)

Scripture lists several instances where God’s words were put in written form. The first of these is found during the giving of the Ten Commandments:

Exo 31:18 And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.

Further instances are given in Deut 31:24, Josh 24:26, Isa 30:8 and Jer 30:2 where God’s Words are written down. In 1 Cor 14:37, Paul says that the very words he writes are a “command from the Lord.”

Several benefits come from the writing down of God’s words.

i) Accurate preservation for subsequent generations

ii) Opportunity for repeated inspection of written words permits careful study and discussion, and therefore better understanding and more complete obedience.

iii) Greater accessibility to many more people than when preserved through memory and oral repetition

Key Verse

Psa 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Story Time

I had my children's worker hat on over the weekend - I had my first meeting with the team that I'm leading. Thirty of us gathered after church this Sunday to talk over pizza and give me the chance to share my vision and thoughts on the way forward with the Mega-Mix age range. That is basically ninety children aged between 5 and 11. On average each Sunday we get about sixty or so, and we've got the task of teaching them the things of God.

My initial thoughts are that so much of what has been done is excellent, and there is no need to fix something that isn't broken. The existing vision is "Making Church Fun & Making God Real" and that for me encompasses exactly what I want to do and where I want to go.

Interestingly, we have had our lead elder preach the last two weeks on the vision for our church and he said many stirring, challenging things. One phrase that lingered with me is the importance to be, spiritually speaking, both radical and relevant. If we only have one, we run the risk of being obsolete and irrelevant no matter tight our doctrine is. On the other hand, having only the other means we will be just the same as the world, and will cease to be salt & light. But rather than reading what I think about what was said, listen to them yourself. You can download both weeks from here. We have an exciting journey ahead!

This gave me thoughts for the children's work. I want the kids to have fun and to enjoy coming out with us. But I also want the children to encounter God through His word and through His Spirit. So with the existing team present - who are a cracking bunch of people - aged between 15 and 65 - I laid out some of my thoughts. I also took the chance to hear their views and idea, and to get to know their strengths - this is a big work, and so team is a huge value that I have every intention of relying heavily on. We are all working together, and I want to demonstrate the biblical value of interdependency with how we work together.

I've been reflecting on how Jesus teaches, and it seems his main way of communicating was the use of parables. He took an everyday illustration from life, or a character people could identify with, and told a simple tale that had one big point. As that point impacted, other depths in the parable would come out as the force of the teaching sunk in to the listener. So as best as I can, I want us as a team to learn from Jesus and teach through stories and illustrations with One Big Point. Rather than saying so much we don't say anything at all, I want our kids to leave with one thing in their mind. Reinforced through slapstick pantomime drama type sketches, colouring pictures and puzzle worksheets that they can do at home with their parents, I'm in faith that the word of God - that is living and active - will begin to shape them.

Isn't it funny that so much of the Bible is stories? We all have our favourite Bible heroes. Even nonbelievers know of certain biblical tales like Noah's Ark or David & Goliath. So I have the privilege, responsibility and daunting task of having to read these stories (and some children's bible's!) to refamiliarise myself with this ancient tales. Romans 15:4 tells us that 'whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.'

So we're going to start with my favourite hero - David. A guy of passion, of war, of sin, of stupidity and of mistakes. But a man that God said was a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). A man who through warfare expanded the Kingdom of Israel, and who designed the Temple but couldn't build it because he was a man who had shed blood (1 Chronicles 28:3). A man who with his last words described himself as 'the sweet psalmist of Israel' (2 Samuel 23:1). This is the man we are going to look at for about six weeks. After that... who knows!? But I consider it a privilege to be able to get down and seek God for Him to write His 'One Big Point' on my heart.

During this season of children's work, I suspect that the children aren't going to be the only ones who learn new things.

Questions Of Perception

First, a warning. This is going to be a contentious post. It also is a blog with more questions than answers. So please don't expect a tidy resolution to the things I raise in this. And feel free to comment and add your contribution!

If you follow my comments section (in the next column, under the pretty pictures) then you can view what readers have said about my posts. Or on occasion, on other comments made by other readers. It makes fascinating reading, and my recent post on Election entitled 'Hand-Picked' generated much opinion. This is no bad thing, as I love it when people disagree with me - providing it is done with both intelligence and grace. Otherwise our responses just generate more heat than light.

I enjoyed reading comments arguing against my position on Election, and the resulting discussion on how we interpret the Bible. I've been pondering this myself recently, trying to decide what I think about how we know what the Bible means when we read it.

Anyone who knows anything about Christianity will know there are many different denominations. These different church groupings have distinct beliefs, doctrines or theologies that differ to other denominations. They can turn to different Bible passages to explain their stand on various practices or views. Yet across the road, a different group of churches will do things very differently, justifying their methodology through different Bible verses.

This throws up a fascinating question - why do so many godly, intelligent people hold such a wide range of contradictory views and practices, all based out from the same document?

This also applies historically. Christian Orthodoxy ("correct belief or opinion") is itself an interesting term - who decides what is orthodox and essentially correct, and what isn't? And why?

When it comes to Christian Orthopraxy ("correct practice") history shows us how the church has done different things and changed and evolved. Music style, preaching style, communion, church discipline, baptism, church leadership and structure have all changed over the centuries. Why?

In many cases, the 21st Century church is very different to the 18th Century church, which is in turn different to the 15th Century Church, and so on all the way back to the Early Church Fathers. What things have brought about these changes? Are all the changes for the best? Have we found better ways of doing things? What things have informed these changes? A huge influence in these things will be the ever changing human culture. Is it wise, right and shrewd for culture to influence practice, or is it foolish, dangerous and compromising?

In my own 'denomination', we have writers and theologians that are recommended by our leaders than other writers. Godly, intelligent, gifted experienced leaders who have taught, mentored and inspired me have recommended such writers as Charles Spurgeon, Wayne Grudem, John Piper and Martyn Lloyd-Jones to name but a few. But interestingly, even with these recommended writers I noticed we (meaning some of my teachers) picked and chose what they agreed and disagreed with. And that in itself is fine, as it is good to challenge and know why you believe what you believe. But where we disagreeing with these writers simply because we didn't like what they were saying? Were we uncomfortable with their exegesis and orthopraxy - and in some cases, orthodoxy - and so just cherry picked our theology?

For example, Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology was held up as the one of the best theology textbooks for us to own and make use of, but I was taught that we don't agree with his view on apostles for today. John Piper's books and sermons were endorsed across the board by different lecturers, yet his views on church government and spiritual gifts were certainly at odds with 'our' taught view. Yet Grudem and Piper are clearly godly, anointed and intelligent men. So why the clear difference of opinion?

Does this mean that ultimately all biblical exegesis (extracting from the text what it means) is subjective? Is it all a matter of opinion? That is a terrifying question. If the answer is yes, then none of us can teach the scriptures with any authority, and there no longer would be such a thing as Liberal Theology - as anything could be justified by finding the right text in the Bible.

I've often used that phrase "the Bible says...." But in reality, I'm actually saying "my interpretation of the Bible says..." There is a massive difference. Anyone who is a Christian claims to be biblical. But why the diversity and difference?

Are tattoo's biblical and right? Leviticus 19:28 has been quoted to me as saying they are wrong. Revelation 19:16 has been used to support the opposite view. Which is right?

What about the infamous passage in 1 Corinthians 14:34 about women remaining silent in church? Is that universally followed? If not, why not?

If plastic surgery or body modification is wrong because it is done out of pride or vanity, what about dying our hair colour as it gets grey?

What about the current hot potato that is the role of women in church leadership. There are two sides in this debate, both who claim to be biblical. Who is right?

For each of the above issues, I have my views that I believe are biblically informed and I therefore would explain why. But I also recognise other people have another view, which to them is just as biblically informed. And they could consider my views not biblically informed. Which of us is right? And why is that person right and the other not?

Rob Bell, in his book Velvet Elvis writes a fascinating thing. He writes;

"Somebody recently told me, "As long as you teach the Bible, I have no problem with you".... What that person was really saying is, "As long as you teach my version of the Bible, I have no problem with you."

Bell goes on to say;

"Where does one go in trying to make sense of what the Bible even is, let alone what it says?.... It has to be interpreted. And if it isn't interpreted, then it can't be put into action. So if we are serious about following God, then we have to interpret the Bible. It is not possible to simply do what the Bible says. We must first make decisions about what it means at this time, in this place, for these people."

I wonder if the principles Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians regarding food sacrificed to idols apply wider than we think. On one side of the fence, one party argued "food consecrated to idols could be influenced by demons and therefore Christians should keep away from it." A totally valid and logical position. The other camp argued "idols are nothing, so they have no power over Christians. So don't worry about it." Again, another logical position. How did Paul handle this debate? He appealed to... wait for it.... conscience!

Rather than use Bible Bullet proof-texts to spiral endless debates about things, would it be better for me to prayerfully consider both sides of the debate, do some prayerful study and research, ask some godly wiser people and come to a prayerful, considered, informed position that sits right with my conscience? I am so aware how subjective and self-centred that sounds, but as we mature spiritually our consciences are sanctified as part of that process. Yet Paul still appeals to the principle of people not going against their consciences.

John's Gospel records Jesus talking about the Holy Spirit being the Spirit of Truth who would guide us into all truth. In the process of prayerful pondering, surely we can trust God to guide us?  But this does have an inherent danger - we could get jumpy when people aren't "guided" to agree with us!

I notice that all the contentious issues that are majorly debated in the main Church not only today, but also historically, have rarely been about issues of central importance to foundational truths. I'm more talking about issues with two sides claiming biblical support in a biblical doctrine yet seeing it in different ways. Scripturally, some things seem clear to me- other than certain elements within them, none of the major Christian denominations question the deity of Jesus, the truth of the Bible, the need for church or mission for example. Of course, elements within them might, but as a whole they wouldn't. Other, almost secondary issues might be contended. Thing is, we need to decide for ourselves those things and what we consider primary and secondary importance.

By asking these questions, have I become liberal and can no longer be considered Evangelical? I don't think that's correct. But some of you might think I have sold out! I still believe wholeheartedly in the inspiration, inerrancy, sufficiency and authority of scripture. But I am questioning how, as individuals, we arrive at our views. And how we deal with other brothers and sisters who hold different and even contradictory views.

Yes, the Spirit guides us in all truth. That in itself is an interesting thing when we see many of us hold different views! The Holy Spirit does not belong to the just to the Charismatic or Pentecostal church. Interestingly enough, many of the world class theologians who have lived weren't Charismatic! What does that say to us Charismatic's?! Its a provocation to me, certainly.

Jesus said "Come to Me". As Christians, we weren't meant to have a relationship with a book, or even through a book! We were made to commune with the Author. But this doesn't detract from the value of the Bible - indeed, it actually heightens it! God has chosen to express and reveal himself through its words. In the Bible, He shows us His heart and His mind in things. The book informs us, but also pushes us to Him. We get into problems when we know the writings better than we know the Writer. Then we commit Bibliolatry - the Bible becomes our idol. I think it's possible to study and learn the Bible so well, yet miss its message - which as Jesus told the Pharisees, is to "point us towards Him."

Ecclesiastes tells us that "a three strand cord isn't easily broken." A three strand cord could be me, my Bible and the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, I'll become legalistic in my biblical proof-text approach. Without the Bible, I'll become unstable and without foundations in my Christian walk.

This interwoven cord also reminds me that God is interested in intimacy with me - the journey of discovering more about Him through the Bible as I prayerfully read it.

I can get concerned about all the difficult passages, stories, texts and debates that are circling around me but the reality is this: when I walk through scripture with Him, He walks with me through it. And He narrates every step of the way.

Currently listening to: The Brunettes - Brunettes Against Bubblegum Youth from Structure & Cosmetics

I'm Back!

So, I have internet back now. The charming people at 'Satsuma' finally sorted it out for me, although I had to call them to get a progress check. Which meant the conversation was basically this:

"Hi, can I have an update to my internet connection?"

"Yes Sir, you can"

*awkward silence for a few moments*

"So, can I have an update please?"

"Yes sir, you can. Its been done for you"

"OK thanks... I thought I was going to be notified"

*awkward silence and telephone tumbleweed moment*

"It was done for you yesterday sir"

"Ah, so if i hadn't have paid you guys by calling you, I wouldn't have found out?"

*awkward silence again*

"Its working now sir, thank you for calling Big Fat Evil Money Sucking Unaccountable Corporation!"

I've spent the last day or so ensuring I'm not bitter, but every cloud has a silver lining. I can now blog. I can read. Well, I could anyway, but I can find out what's happening in the world. I'm told that apparently something is happening in Iraq? I can also reply to Facebook messages and mock people once more. Yes, that means you Helen. And you Natalie.

In other news, I had my birthday. I am now officially ** years old. My lovely friend Becky conjured up this amazing Transformers cake. It was Optimus Prime, leader of the Heroic Autobots. But it was done in the style of Mr Potato Head. I am aware that this concept is lost of many of you. Mostly the girls, at least. But there is a link here for you. However, before I provide the link, a disclaimer is required. This link contains pictures of me. Me holding a knife. Me doing unspeakable things to the cake with a knife. So be warned.

The Best Cake In The World

In other news, whilst I am contemplating this life coach malarkey I have decided I need to top up my finance so have entered the job hunting world. So I am gearing myself up for various interviews and such like, whilst studying and finding out a bit more about what I want to do and how to go about it.

I have also been asked to lead the Sunday School children's work at my church. This means leading a team of about thirty people, split into two sub-teams of fifteen or so. Each sub-team will do a month of Sunday school work with around fifty or so kids each week. I'm leading these teams, writing the teaching material and generally organising and delegating stuff. We're gonna go panto story - to show you the level of what I am intending to do, I've asked a guy with a mullet in the 20s group I lead if we can shave his hair in front of the kids one week when we do a comedy teaching of the story of Samson, and he's agreed! Its a challenge to me, but I have a great and experienced team around me so I think my role will be more leadership, management and strategy to be honest.

I played football today for a local team, for the first time in six months. Seriously, I was bad. Well, not bad from a skill point of view. More from a fitness point of view. I'm too embarrassed to tell you we lost 5-2, but considering the last time I even kicked a ball would have been early August, the fact I am breathing without the aid of medical machinery is quite remarkable.

God's provided for me once again in a couple of great ways. Firstly, it seems my on loan house is now not going to be auctioned in February. This means that it won't be sold, but instead will have to be revalued and go through lots of legal stuff like that. With no alternative selling or auction date in place, it means staying here at least till Summer is a real possibility.

A knock on effect of that means that the £300 rent I had coming in from my housemate is now no longer needed for the monthly legal fees. No, I'm not letting him off for free. That will cover my share of all the bills, living costs etc! And this is before I've become an honest working man. So the financial pressure I was under has suddenly been alleviated, and my accommodation situation is now a bit longer than short term!

It just goes to show that God hears prayers. I'd had a major faith wobble over the Christmas period and had a venting session at God on the beach Boxing Day evening, and He's stepped in and changed things. Everything I've been reading recently has been about God as Sustainer - I read a chapter on it in Incomparable, and as I was praying through Psalm 119 the other day a number of verses stood out to me. Psalm 119:90-91 and 119:116-117 make a link between God's sustaining power, and His faithfulness and protection for his children. Great verses to springboard into prayer from! The God who made all keeps all by His power. And if He sustains the galaxies, then He can step in to hold and sustain me!

Currently listening to: Scouting for Girls - Elvis Ain't Dead