Powerful Quotes

January 31, 2009 at 4:06 pm (Quotes)

                                               img006

                                         Rev. L. Goodwin

MOTIVATED QUOTES FOR MOTIVATED PEOPLE

 

 

Follow the crowd and you will never be followed by the crowd

 

A person who walks in another’s track leaves no footprints

 

Nothing in the world is so powerful as an idea whose time has come     –    Victor Hugo

 

Don’t wait for your ship to come in; swim out to it

 

Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits      –         Thomas Edison

 

Procrastination is opportunity’s natural assassin      –     Victor Kiam

 

Be willing to open new doors to new experiences and to step boldly forth to explore strange new horizons

 

Wisdom is the power to put our time and our knowledge to the proper use – Thomas J. Watson

 

                                                 pict0096

Leave a Comment

Into the Promised Land – studies in the book of Joshua

January 31, 2009 at 3:53 pm (Book of Joshua)

                                               rev-ernest-anderson

                                        Rev. E. Anderson

The book of Joshua is a good bible book for Christians to study for it gives illustration of, we, too, like Israel should learn to possess their inheritance that God has promised in Christ. There are lessons to learn for all. May you discovered much from the following notes.

 

INTO THE LAND OF PROMISE – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

 

A FORMIDABLE FORCE AND VICTORY

 

 

JOSHUA 10

 

A GREATER CONFLICT: Little did Joshua and the Israelites know what was around the corner in terms of conflict. Jericho and Ai were chicken feed in comparison and contrast with what awaited them in the next round of war. The whole Southern part of the Promised Land had to be taken in one go. A large chunk of the inheritance was to be theirs but it would have to be fought for. This next round would really test their metal but as they succeeded it would really place them in the driving seat. There would be some rather great surprises in the next scene of battle.

 

AN UNUSUAL CALL: The Gibeonites were to be the ones used to cause this thing initially to happen. Because of the treaty that had been made with Israel the king of Jerusalem is incensed by this seeming act of betrayal and so enlist a powerful list of kings to execute judgment on them – vv-1-5. This was not really Israel’s fight but Joshua was called upon to render immediate assistance –v6. The treaty that had been made gave them the sense of association and some kind of right to look to relationship for instant help. One sees this as a providential factor in getting Israel involved in taking possession. The provocation was a part of divine design to move Israel to a sublime victory. This formidable force was to really challenge the leadership of Joshua and discover whether Israel had the will to fight.

 

A DEFINTE NEED: Divine help was required at Jericho and Ai but now, more than ever, there was a definite need for the Lord to be amongst them and to render all possible assistance. They were now in tremendous straits with such a powerful opposition. Would Jehovah be at hand to lend His wisdom, power and ability?  If this could be successfully wrought then it meant that they were really on their way to full possession of the inheritance. What is revealed is most heartening and encouraging to those who would engage with a formidable, united foe and front.

 

1/.  THERE WAS A FULL-BLOODED RESPONSE TO THE REQUEST – v7

 

The cry for assistance was immediately responded to. Joshua took the entire army and made sure that all the best fighting men were present. He knew and sensed that he had got a real fight on his hands and that it required all the fighting force to contest it. He is there 100% because he knows that it will everyone and everything to bring about the essential triumph. There was a divine awareness ion his being that this was not merely the set up of man. Behind everything there was the quiet but sure working of God’s mind and hand. He could have felt let the Gibeonites perish because of their treachery but he knew that this was God’s arrangement for supreme conquest.

 

2/.  THERE WAS THE WORD OF THE LORD INTO THE SCENE –v7

 

The Lord shows up and gives His all-important word to His troops. He nerves them for this major enterprise and conflict by eliminating the fear factor, assuring them of the outcome and that they will be the attacking force and no one will be able to withstand their onslaught. They are to move out on the enemy an take the initiative. The enemy must and will not dictate the terms. It has to be realized amongst them that they are to go for it right from the start and not stop until the end had been achieved. They were winners before they even commenced because the Lord had addressed the troops and situation.

 

3/.  THERE WAS THE SUDDEN SURPRISE ATTACK ON THE ENEMY –v9

 

It is apparent that Joshua and his army were in terrific mood and spirit because of this because they had an all night march and then went straight into the fight with a surprise attack. The opposition was taken off guard by this quick, ferocious onslaught and were place in the position where they felt vulnerable and exposed. Any strength and initiative they felt that they had suddenly evaporated like vapour and they knew they were on the losing side. The Lord does call upon His people to take the first step in the conflict and to reveal their spiritual stomach for a fight.

 

4/. THERE WAS INVOLVEMENT OF THE LORD IN THE FIGHT –v10, 11

 

There was to be quite an eye-opener for Israel and the enemy as all discovers the commitment and engagement of the Lord. The Lord expresses His skill by first of all throwing confusion amongst the ranks of the enemy and then by hurling hailstones on this formidable force. The Lord was more skilled than the Benjamites who could sling stones at an hairsbreadth! He truly fought for Israel and showed His hand by slaying more than all Israel’s host put together. They could not doubt at all that He was the one responsible for the outstanding accomplishment.

 

5/.  THERE WAS THE UNIQUE REQUEST THAT WAS ANSWERED vv12-15

 

Something more unique was to occur that would be both dynamic and historic: Joshua was to put in a very large request that day to the Lord and it would be immediately answered. There is the call upon sun and moon for assistance so that the victory would be completed.  Joshua discovers that the Lord was prepared to listen to His earthly commander and so gave Israel’s forces the longest day that has ever been so the job would be thoroughly completed. There was to be no easing off until there had been the utter routing of the enemy so that it would not be able to rise again. This day would go down in Israel’s history book as one to be remembered because of all that happened.

 

6/.  THERE WAS THE STANDING ON THE NECKS OF THE KINGS –vv22-24

 

Another important factor was Joshua’s call for the army commanders to stand on the neck of the kings and gave them an inspired word with regard to what they were doing –vv25,26. They need fear no one and nothing in the future because they had witness what the Lord could do amongst them with all opposition. He gave a real lead in his leadership by smiting the kings himself. He was sowing the spirit of faith abroad in them all so that the next excursion would see them more bold than ever.

 

7/.  THERE WAS THE ROUTING OF THE CITIES –vv29-42

 

The decimation of the kings was the prelude to the taking of their kingdoms and cities. There is the following up in succession of the destruction of the capital cities in one great swoop and campaign. With swiftness and speed they conquered so that the enemy has no time to regroup and become a force again. There was to be rest until the whole task had been satisfactorily completed.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The concluding affirmation is the right one that honours the Lord above all – v42 “because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” He was more than meet or match for this formidable force. Who can stand against Him or His people!  See Romans 8:31

                                                 forest

Leave a Comment

Word Studies

January 31, 2009 at 3:48 pm (Word Studies)

                                                  pictures-for-web-006

WORD STUDIES

 

Word Studies are presented by Rev. K. W. Munday, retired minister and former General Secretary of Assemblies of God for many years. He has served the body of Christ with grace and distinction, is an excellent, quality preacher and speaker, broadcaster, writer of books and still active in Christian service. His contributions here on Word Studies should prove a great means of blessing, inspiration and instruction.

 

WELCOME

 

What a friendly word, and its friendliness is enhanced when it’s followed by an exclamation mark! It’s a super way of saying come. You sometimes see it as you enter a town. During the 2nd world war I was stationed for a couple of years in Stamford and its sign says: ‘”Welcome to Stamford, stay awhile amidst its ancient charms.” We had to stay of course, but that’s another matter.

 

Some have the word on their door mats; others, when their closest friends would be visiting put one out with the words ‘”Not you again”, but it is just a humorous way of saying welcome.

 

The trouble is there are places where one gets the ”not-you-again” feeling even if its not written down. It may be a shop with inconsiderate assistants; a club where they all move around in cliques, or even a Church (Oh dear) where visitors go in and come out as though they were invisible. Some Churches are alert to this and have appointed what they call a welcoming committee who make sure no one leaves without a greeting, a handshake or even a hug. Wow!

 

We should all develop welcoming dispositions. This can start by giving a smile or a good-day to those we meet, even strangers. Some years ago the Music industry brought out a series of music and singers which was aptly called ”Welcome to my world” whereby we were able to enjoy their talents as they shared them around, and don’t the Welsh sing about keeping a welcome on the hillside?

 

There are some happy welcome stories too in the Bible. From Sunday school days we remember the stop of the prodigal son (Luke 15). He took his inheritance money and left home seeking happiness where he thought the grass was greener, and life was good . . . for a time. Then it all went pear-shaped; his money ran out and he was led with nothing. He was even worse oilman the workers his father had on the farm, so he decided to go back home.

 

When his father saw him coming, he did not slam the door in his face, but welcomed him, gave him new clothes and put on a celebration banquet. Talk about a welcome door-mat! And as though to press Home God’s welcome to sinners, the last call in the Bible (Revelation 22) is Come, and John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s progress, wrote another book called “Come and welcome to Jesus Christ.” What a welcome!

                                                   uganda-268

Leave a Comment

Dave’s Snippets

January 30, 2009 at 4:30 pm (Dave's Snippets)

                                                   new-image

                                           Dr. David Allen

PAUL AT HYDE CORNER

 

Paul had a bit time to spare when in Athens. As he strolled round that beautiful city, he noticed the many statues and altars dedicated to   a range   of gods and goddesses. He was interested that one altar was dedicated to THE UNKNOWN GOD( Acts17:23) . Paul was never one to miss an opportunity to preach the Gospel, so he addressed the crowd who always gathered in the Areopagus to hear and discuss anyone who had anything to say. There were a number of philosophers present – the intellectuals of that great centre of the Academy where Plato  had established  his  school over two hundred and centuries and a half before.

 

Paul   began by  noting how  respectful the Athenians were  to the various    cults and  religions;  but he then went on to tell them that he , as a spokesman  for  the new  religion that had recently  arisen  in  Judaea, would  speak to them about this unknown deity. Paul in his message quoted from Greek poetry and philosophy. All went well until  he mentioned   the resurrection  of  Jesus, but at that   point some began to  laugh and obviously  thought it was utterly ridiculous: most Greek philosophy majored on the soul and spirit  and opined that the body was of little value at best and of a hindrance at worst. 

 

Compared   with the success Paul had in other places, Athens was a relative failure. A few believed and some promised to listen again. No church was established in Athens, the Greek capital and centre of culture. Paul himself hints why   that was the failure in Athens:  when Paul went to Corinth he tells us that in that city, he didn’t try to be “clever” but simply  “preached Christ crucified.” It is true that, as preachers, we need to engage with our culture and society; but let us not try  to  be subtle and  clever.  Our main task is to proclaim the only saving message, that is of the Crucified Christ, and delivered in  the power of the Spirit. 

                                                  autumn-leaves

Leave a Comment

Christian Advancement

January 30, 2009 at 4:26 pm (Advancement)

                                               rev-ernest-anderson

                                        Rev. E. Anderson

ADVANCEMENT THROUGH HOLINESS

 

LEVITICUS 11-15

 

These chapters contain a great of information and instruction of a practical order that had to be adhered to as far as the Lord was concerned. Their faith in and obedience to them would mark them out before Him that they were ready to be a different people, a nation to be holy and set apart for Him. In carrying out these things they would indicate they were seeking a healthy and wholesome relationship with Him. Also, embodied in the keeping of them was the matter of their hygiene and health.

 

1/. THERE WAS THE DISTINGUISHING OF CLEAN AND UNCLEAN ANIMALS ETC. LEVITICUS 11 – ESPECIALLY v47.

 

They had to learn what to eat and not to eat and to keep from dead bodies, otherwise they would defile themselves and so become unclean before God. They had to learn how to order and regulate their lives so that be approved of God and to know His continued favour. They would begin to discover and know the differences so that they could refrain from that which was offensive and be blessed with that which was acceptable.

 

2/. THERE WAS THE DEALING WITH THINGS OF A SEXUAL NATURE – LEVITICUS 12 & 15

 

After childbirth and the menstrual period the woman had to cleansing and the man had to deal with the matter of discharge of a genital order and when healed be ceremonially cleansed. After sexual relations between partners both had top bathe their bodies. It was to keep the state of purity prevalent to the fore.

 

3/. THERE WAS THE DEALING WITH CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ETC. – LEVITICUS 13 & 14

 

There was the issue of le[prosy re-the body, garments, articles and dwelling places. It meant that decisive action was called for sometimes at personal; and painful expense. The thing was introduced to safeguard the spread of that which was unhealthy and to produce a healthy people. It was important to create a tremendous bill of health on the spiritual and natural front. In the matter of a person contracting leprosy the measures introduce was in order take immediate preventative measures and when the atonement and cleansing took place according to God’s law, He would see to it that life and health flowed.

 

CONCLUSION

 

More than anything else, what would come through this to the nation was the truth and fact that their health in every respect was important to God. In following through the commands they would honour Him. In return, he would honour them.

 

                                      uganda-294

Leave a Comment

Illustrious Men and Ministries

January 30, 2009 at 4:15 pm (Illustrious Men/Ministries)

                                         smith-wigglesworth

                                     Smith Wigglesworth

APOSTLE OF FAITH

 

Widely known as the Apostle of Faith, Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947) received a glorious baptism in the Holy Spirit when visiting All Saints Church in Sunderland

 

ON FRIDAY, 25TH OCTOBER (1907) we had a special meeting at the Mission Room, Bowland Street. Bradford, and after waiting about two hours the presence of God came in a wonderful way and gave me a move as at the beginning. I perfectly well understood the glow and holy presence. This was felt by others, too.

 

On Saturday, I and a friend went on to Sunderland to wait for Pentecost at All Saints, at Mr. Boddy’s church. We had heard much about this blessed work and were encouraged,  on to wait in the Spirit, many things and were encouraged but after arriving at Sunderland found the enemy very busy discouraging believers; this did not disturb me, because I had gone with an open mind and prayed much to be clearly convinced if there was anything there that did not reveal the glory of God that l would at once have cleared out and protested against it, but God was with me there.

 

But l found the full presence and was power to restore believers and to heal the sick. My experience is that this does not take place in some kind of meetings; the reason is that, to a great measure, they do not believe the full gospel, and it is nothing new to me to find some great leaders against the tongues, and I find that, even in these times, ‘they cannot enter in because of unbelief.’ I praise God for Pentecost.

 

On Saturday morning, October 27th, after much waiting on God, Ni went to the Salvation Army Meeting, Roker Avenue. God bless the Army. They at once gave me a welcome, and already realizing his presence, in my body I longed for communion, and after praying the glory of God covered me.

 

I was conscious at the same time of much of the experience I believe Daniel had in his 10th chapter. After this I regained strength to kneel, and continued in this holy glow of God all the day still realizing a mightier work to follow.

 

I went to All Saints, to the Communion Service, and after this was led on to wait in the Spirit, many things were taking place in the waiting-meetings that continued to bring me to a hungry feeling for holy righteousness.

 

At about 11-00 a.m. Tuesday morning at All Saints vicarage, I asked a sister to help me to the witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. She laid hands on me in the presence of a brother.

 

The fire fell and burned in me till the Holy Spirit clearly revealed absolute purity before God. At this point she was called out of the room, and during her absence a marvellous revelation took place, my body became full of light and holy presence, and in the revelation l saw an empty cross and at the same time the Jesus l loved and adored crowned in the glory in a reigning position.

 

The glorious remembrance of these moments is beyond my expression to give – when l could not find words to express, then an irresistible power filled me and moved my being till I found to my glorious astonishment I was speaking in other tongues clearly. After this a burning love for everybody filled my soul.

 

l am overjoyed in giving my testimony, praying for those that fight this truth, but 1 am clearly given to understand that l must come out of every unbelieving element. I am already witness of signs following. Praise him!

 

From the Joy Magazine

 

                                                    web2-0061

Leave a Comment

Meet the Christian Ministers

January 29, 2009 at 4:39 pm (Meet The Ministers)

                                 cclc_leaders50

                 Rev. Rae & Ruth Galloway

Rae Galloway, originally from Stoke-on Trent, now lives and ministers in the city of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. He has been married to Ruth for 36 years and have two grown up children.

Ruth is also a credentialed minister with the AoG. She heads the pastoral ministry at Life Church, as well as a thriving ministry to women called ‘LIFEstyle’. She is also responsible for  ‘Inspire’ which is the music and creative arts department.

Rae has been in full time ministry for 25 years, and is presently team leader at Life, a city centre church comprising of many nationalities which he pioneered in 1993.

He serves as Regional Superintendent of the South Wales AOG and is also heavily involved in helping local congregations re-purpose to be ‘missions churches’.

Rae is most at home speaking to leaders and has ‘fathered’ a number of people into full time ministry. He is a foundation layer and pioneer. His ministry is one of prophetic exhortation, straightforward speaking and inspiring teaching, where his keen sense of humour is clearly evident. He believes passionately in the destiny of a glorious Church and that every believer has a dynamic role to play in it.

Rae is a keen golfer and an untiring fan of Stoke City FC.

Rae & Ruth pioneered Life Church over 15 years ago. Previous to this they led a church in Derbyshire. They have ministered in Europe, the USA, Uganda, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.

                                                 negative0-18-082

Leave a Comment

Wisdom’s Ways by the late Rev. A. Linford

January 29, 2009 at 4:33 pm (Wisdom's Ways)

                                               img0441

Rev. A. Linford, before his decease, was recognized as a good, great and interesting Bible teacher in the Assemblies of God Fellowship for many years. He was a well-loved Bible College lecturer and writer that bequeathed a tremendous amount of Biblical material in his generation. What a legacy he has left to be researched and brought forth to refresh our day! We shall be using such on this site: His writings from the book of Proverbs and also his Editorials that he wrote for the Redemption Tidings when he was its editor. I trust you will enjoy and appreciate his inspired teaching.

 

WISDOM ENRICHES

 

”Riches and honour are with me” – Proverbs 8: 18-21

 

There is more to life money and richer things than gold Jesus spoke of ”true riches” – riches of grace, of character of friendship, of truth. The wisdom of God opens to us a treasury of spiritual wealth.

 

Honourable riches: ”Riches and honour”. The wealth that wisdom gives is honourable. Earthly wealth is sometimes acquired by dishonest ways, but God’s wealth is always moral, worthy and commendable.

 

Durable riches: Worldly wealth can take wings and fly away – Proverbs 23:5. Riches gained by toil and pain can soon be lost in calamity and sorrow, but those that wisdom gives endure. No earthly gain can cross the grave – 1 Timothy 6:7, but heaven’s riches endure forever, the graces of Christian life ”abide” – 1 Corinthians 13:13. To serve Jesus Christ is to pile up treasure for eternity, a worthwhile and joyful pursuit.

 

Fruitful riches: Wisdom is likened to a tree whose fecundity supplies abundant delights. What a revenue wisdom brings to the seeking soul! Gold is as earthly dust and silver as scrap metal when compared with the value and virtue of the wisdom God imparts.

 

Promotional riches: “I lead in the way of righteousness”. What laudable enterprises have been launched by wisdom! Men and women endowed with heavenly light and love have been foremost in promoting noble ventures throughout the ages. Apart from works of charity. the Christian Church has been instrumental in establishing hospitals, schools and other departments of service. Christian men and women have been foremost in reform and rescue missions: think of Lord Shaftsbury Elizabeth Fry, Dr Barnado, Florence Nightingale and a host of others, who by faith improved the lot of prisoners, relieved the burden of the poor and needy, and rescued children from crime and degradation. God’s wisdom is indeed promotional, its devotees lead the way in all good paths.

 

Substantial riches: “Those that love me inherit substance”. They do not lose who give themselves to wisdom’s ways. The real estate of those who truly love God and do His bidding is indeed substantial: it may be spiritual, but it is real, blessed and holy.

 

PRAYER

 

Enrich me with Thy wisdom, O Lord, that I may enrich others.

                                                 autumn-leaves

Leave a Comment

Prayer Dynamics

January 29, 2009 at 4:29 pm (Prayer Dynamics)

                                                  web-6-023

                                           Rev. E. Anderson

THE EFFECTUAL DIVINE PRINCIPLES THAT GOVERN PRAYER

 

Reading    James 5: 13-18

 

Text          v16

 

Introduction

 

Divine Principle: A principle is a definite and good rule of action in life that is applied will have good consequences. A divine law and regulation that is revealed in the Word of God that if accepted and followed though in deed will reap certain, notable and praiseworthy results. It is important that those who profess an intimacy and relationship with God be fully aware of every principle that God has made known and seek to introduce them into life and experience.

 

Divine Prayer: There are sure rules that make prayer effectual and such must be present and prevail for tremendous results. God does answer prayer without a doubt but He looks for important and imperatives factors to be evident in those who do the praying. He listens to countless people praying from all over the world and responds to some and fails to take note of others. It is because of vital factors that are absent from the people who pray.

 

The following are some of the things that are absolutely required  to give substance and power to prayer.

 

1/.  DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

God is a God of righteousness and if any person is going have any influence with Him in prayer that their belief and behaviour must of a godly quality. The psalmist put it perfectly clear in personal admission: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” – Psalm 66: 18. He sensed that plumbed inside of him and knew what existed there. The prophet is also bold when he states: “Behold . . . .  His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you” – Isaiah 59: 1, 2. It is obvious that he takes note of the righteous disposition of the heart and life. See the emphasis- “The effectual prayer of a RIGHTEOUS MAN availeth much” – James 5: 16. It is not possible for any person to fool God.

 

2/.  DIVINE FAITH AND CONVICTION

 

For prayer to be very powerful and fruitful then genuine assurance towards god and His ability must be sensed. The writer to the Hebrews says on this: “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” – Hebrews 11: 6. It is a primary requisite and is a factor that God seeks to generate and cultivate in the matter of prayer. Before prayer is made and entered into it should be asked, do we believe God will give what is asked for?  James puts it very strongly when he affirms: “If any many lack . . . . but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord” – James 1:6-7.

 

3/.  DIVINE REVELATION AND KNOWLEDGE

 

It is essential to know from God that what is being asked for truly accords with His will. Is what is being prayed for line up with His desires and lines up with what is acceptable and commendable to Him? Could the requests be geared to selfishness and greed and not with wholesome desire? James says elsewhere: “You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts” – James 4: 3. If we are free from any condemnation in what we ask and our motives our pure and eye single, then The Lord will make prayer effectual. John states: “Beloved if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” – 1 John 4: 21, 22.

 

4/.  DIVINE PERSISTENCY

 

One of the outstanding things the Lord looks for in those who pray is persistency. Christ taught two parables to give persistency spotlight and emphasis. He makes it apparent that there mist be the will to press through until the answer is known. See the accounts of the man who was desperate for bread and the widow who presented her cause to an uncaring judge – Luke 11: 5-13; 18: 1-8. Those who get dynamic results by and through pray are not quitters!

 

5/.  DIVINE EXPECTANCY

 

Those who have true prayer inspiring and governing within know a divine sense of expectation that they will truly receive what they are asking God for. This is what Jesus Christ to create and nurture within His disciples on the matter. After cursing a fig tree and seeing it respond to His word, the disciples were taken aback by the immediate sight. Christ used the incident to make clear to those who represented Him and prayed that expectation and true hope be present when believing – Mark 11: 19-24. Elijah expected God to give rain and stayed at prayer until the expectation prevailed.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Personal examination must take place to make sure that these divine, spiritual rules are inspiring and regulating prayer. Some time must be engaged in because it is desired that prayer will be a dominant feature of life and ministry.

 

There is a great need to be divinely encouraged to see what Prayer will bring about if truly pursued and practised.

                                                    tree

Leave a Comment

Sermon Starters

January 28, 2009 at 8:20 pm (Sermon Starters)

                                               rev-ernest-anderson

                                          Rev. E. Anderson

REALITY!

Rev. Wm Barclay

 

Tillotson, the great Archbishop of Canterbury, was one day talking to Betterton, the great actor in the eighteenth century. Tillotson asked Betterton, “Why is it that I, when I am preaching about the greatest things, leave people quite unmoved, while you, when you art acting in what is nothing more than a play, can move them to the depths of their hearts?” “Sir,” said Betterton, “You are telling them stories, while I am showing them facts.”

 

What a condemnation of human nature, what a commentary on the human heart, that the action of a play should be more real to people than the working out of the eternal drama of the love of God!

 

What is the reason for this ?

 

There are two reasons, I think

.

1/. THERE IS THE DEADENING INFLUENCE OF FAMILIARITY.

 

Most of us have heard the story so often that the cutting edge of it is gone.

 

2/. THERE IS THE STRANGE FACT THAT FOR SO MANY PEOPLE THE BIBLE STORIES HAPPEN IN AND A KIND OF LAND OF MAKE-BELIEVE.

 

They happen in the same twilight land as the fairy tales do; they lack the reality of events which are sharply historical.

 

How can it be amended?

 

3/. IT CAN BE AMENDED BY NEW METHODS OF PRESENTATION AND COMMUNICATION.

 

Too often the Church is dying of dignity, and perishing in the perfection of some noble liturgy. New things are apt to shock us, and we do not like being shocked. We much prefer to remain comfortably half-awake.

 

4/. WE NEED RE-EXPRESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL; BUT, MAYBE EVEN MORE THAN THAT, WE NEED RE-REALISATION OF THE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL.

 

The re-expression is not an end in itself; it is only the means towards an end, and the end is the awakened realisation of what this gospel means.

 

It is when we face ourselves and face Christ, that we are lost in wonder, love and praise. We need to rediscover the almost lost discipline of self-examination; and then a re-awakened sense of sin will beget a re-awakened sense of wonder.

 

Perhaps then God will no longer have to say, “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?”  -Lamentations 1: 12.

 

                                                tree

Leave a Comment

« Older entries