SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

I am well aware that different people have different attitudes this season. Some strenuously object to anything to do with Christmas as pagan, ignoring the fact that our pioneers, our church spiritual leaders, our denominational publications, and the spirit of prophecy affirm the opportunity to invite people to consider Jesus, and to practice discipline of giving and sharing. Others, who can afford, can wait for seasonal sales, and buy into the whole secular advertisement campaigns. Yet others, whose ethnic culture abides by a different calendar (Eastern Orthodox), are still two weeks away from Christmas
I personally enjoyed all the musical selections on 3ABN & Hope TV over the last few days. I am still digesting a book I read recently, “The Shack,” overwhelmed with relational picture of the Trinity, God who is all about relationships. It is not coincidental for me that I was reminded of the importance of relationships during this season, because I have relationships that need mending. Forgiveness alone does not restore relationship, it offers a new beginning, invites repentance, and only then a trust to be build.
The message of every Christmas is first and foremost forgiveness we have in Jesus, in whom the Father has reconciled the whole world unto Himself. You do not need to do a little “mess management” before God can accept you. He has already shown the acceptance, descending in this mess, and allowing his Son Jesus to be born in this unholy messy world. God is not afraid of our mess. He will march into the middle of it and order it up, if we let Him. We cannot do it, the only thing we can – is invite Him and let Him be in us.
There is a program aired on Hope TV for a couple of years already, where Christmas story is presented in today’s reality with ambulance vehicles speeding with sirens on, and Herod’s “special op” soldiers doing terrible assassinations, and ambassadors from the East arriving in stretched limo-style Mercedes. The program invites us to consider all earthy messiness of the Incarnation mystery. Do not sanitize it to fit the Hallmark postcard tranquility. The clue that we all should get from this story is honesty of who we are and where we are. No need to front appearances, or decor our facade, for God cuts through all that and comes into our simple abode, even into poorest home, to offer a good tidings of joy, to say “I love you.”
The spirit of this season is expressed in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!”
Enjoy life with God. Do not let any selfish attitude stand a barrier to God’s presence in your every moment.

Celebrating Christ

This week people will take time off their busy schedules to be with families as the Christmas season presents a pause. Others will get even more busy, trying to capitalize on boxing day sales and other commercial gimmicks. Some will criticize the whole “Christmas thing” as pagan distortion of what Christianity is about.
I invite you this week to think about the greatest gift of all gifts – the Infinite God sending from his heart the stream of divine compassion to the children of mankind. As I read the first chapter of “Steps to Christ” I am awed how the Spirit of Prophecy presents Christ, the one who came to reveal the character of God as Love.
I invite you to read with me this one paragraph, presenting the character of Christ, which, I wish, would be perfectly reproduced in every one who calls and claims to be Christian. As you read, please notice the balance of God’s Love!
“…Jesus did not suppress one word of truth, but He uttered it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact and thoughtful, kind attention in his interaction with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He spoke the truth, but always in love. He denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity; but tears were in His voice as he uttered His scathing rebukes….his life was one of self-denial and thoughtful care for others. Every soul was precious in His eyes. While he ever bore Himself with divine dignity, He bowed with the tenderest regard to every member of the family of God. In all men He saw fallen souls whom it was His mission to save…”
As I read and now write this, I pray that my life would reflect such an attitude, that in my passion to speak truth I would do it in love, not rudely, not causing pain to sensitive souls. Instead of censuring human weaknesses, I pray that I would thoughtfully care for each.
I wish you this season, that this gift of tenderness, of regarding every person as a child of God, whom He came to save, would be yours. That the character of Christ will be incarnate in you.

Choosing to Love and Serve

As I participated in the Nominating process over the past month I have really enjoyed seeing more people choosing to serve, accepting responsibilities to share their passion for various ministry interests in our church.
I am reflecting on responses of those I called personally and discussions we had over the phone. One question I have for our members – have you read the “expectations” list? You know, the “Dynamics of becoming a Prevailing Church” four-page document. Few did, many did not. I invite you today, as the Nominating Committee report is presented, pick up your copy at the foyer.
Our church leaders outlined set of values that we expect from each other. The overarching value is love, which is multifaceted. Just as Galatians 5:22-23 translates love, the fruit of the spirit, as joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
We translate love as:
• consistent integrity, living undivided lives, giving all 100%
• confident humility of lifting others up,
• compassion and heartfelt love for people in all situations,
• receiving people by listening to their story
• passion for learning, growing and developing yourself
• enjoying the experience of working together as a team
• passion for discipling all the world, all people groups
• unconditional love for those we serve,
• accepting responsibility and never blaming others
• loving God as one from whom all blessings flow, trusting in His abundance
• loving God’s Word, the Bible, totally, and being obedient to His will, living Biblically,
• loving what you do, staying long, not quitting, enduring
• being passionately in love with Jesus, as a personal Savior, and letting your life revolve around Him
As you pick up the responsibility to serve, examine your motives, as the leadership will be asking you for a commitment higher than ever, not to ourselves, or our institution, or even to the local church, but to God’s Calling, to following our Lord Jesus Christ, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Martin Luther paraphrased this last one as “purse,” as Jesus taught that our hearts follow our money.
I pray that you saying YES to serve, means YES to our values, our commitments, our purpose of becoming prevailing church.

Month of Genuine Love

Last week I’ve written a reflection on what the Spirituality is – Loving Relationships, Passion for God. The essence of Biblical Spirituality is defined in the Old and New Testaments as Love!
The shema of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and Jesus’ Rule (Mark 12:29-31) echo this call for Spirituality: “The Lord our God is the one and only Lord! And thou shall LOVE the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength…thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Spirituality is a passionate love, a relationship with God and people! How spiritual are you is determined by how “hot” is your loving relationship with God and godly people. I must pause here for a moment, because we often hear one-sided focus on loving people. Today my sermon, leading to the Communion service will explore this passage more, inviting all to consider that it is impossible to love partially. We cannot love God with some of our mind, or just our heart, but with ALL heart + ALL mind + ALL will, if anything is missing, or partial, that means it is directed elsewhere, and is a betrayal. Relationship cannot be partial.
Partial does not mean we do not think about God enough, or we do not do ethical things of holiness, or we do not feel the joy always, it simply means we do not LOVE God enough. This is so important, because loving people is possible only after truly loving God.
Earlier this year we began an effort of reviving our witnessing. There has been an increased expectation of Evangelism, and leading people to Christ. As we are planning to be even more intentional toward reaching the lost, we want to follow Master’s Plan of Evangelism. Each month is designated to gradually prepare the church for soul-wining. The duration – a month – is an arbitrarily chosen, some may take longer, but none should short-cut and miss these steps.
We prayed in November. Ellen White says that if an answer does not come after much prayer and fasting, we must …guess!!!!.................
Pray and Fast more! Until we get it! Prayer should never cease among us, especially for forgiveness, reconciliation, and loving genuine relationships. We cannot afford to keep grudges, for such witness to unconverted un-Christian nature.
This month we invite you to select, prayerfully, up to 7 (seven) people you want to lead to Christ next year. Write their names on a list and put it in your Bible. These seven are the people you love and care for, and cannot bear to think that they would not make to heaven. They maybe already professed Christians who are not walking daily with Christ, or they may be non-believers. Do you love people to save them? Leading others to Christ will also take you closer to Him.

Spirituality as Relationships

Nowadays you can frequently hear from people “I am not into religion, but I am a spiritual person.” Wording may differ, but the meaning is the same. People have given up on religion, but not on spirituality.
How can it be? Are you spiritual or religious? In fact you your answer is first, then why bother with any religion? I’ve seen banners “God hates religion” in places that people would consider a church, but they themselves prefer calling it a “meeting place.” What do we have here, a church, a religion, or spirituality?
Let me clear possible misunderstandings by defining terms: RELIGION is a set of boundaries, a set of rules and regulations, to protect, guess what! - a SPIRITUALITY. There is an Islam, a religion, defining Muslim spirituality, then Buddhist religion and spirituality, and the list goes on. There are different spiritualities!!! We have our human spirit that expresses self. Just having an attitude does not make one right. The question is “to what is the attitude tuned in?”
Christian spirituality is uniquely defined by Christian religion, as it invites the human spirit for a connection with Divine Spirit. Romans 8:16 is a beautiful illustration of such dialogue.
So, “How spiritual are you?” is really a question about “what spirit are you tuning into?”
Here’s the essence of Biblical Spirituality: the Bible, both Old and New Testament, define spirituality credo as Love!
The shema of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and Jesus’ Rule (Mark 12:29-31) “The Lord our God is the one and only Lord! And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength…thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Spirituality is a passionate love, a relationship with God and people! How spiritual are you is determined by how “hot” is your loving relationship with God and godly people. I must pause here for a moment, because we often hear one-sided focus on loving people. Notice, it comes only, and is possible only, after truly loving God, and not only loving God partially, either with some of our mind, or just our heart, but with ALL heart + ALL mind + ALL will, if anything is missing, or partial we do not love God enough.
Partial does not mean we do not think about God enough, or we do not do ethical things of holiness, or we do not feel the joy always, it simply means we do not LOVE God enough. And without that, the second aspect of loving people becomes impossible.
Adventism is not a religion, it is first spirituality, of loving God and loving people. The “religious” part of it is protecting our relationships to always be passionate, real, and ever growing.

Building the Culture of Excellent Relationships

It is incredible how God works in my personal life. Sunday morning we had the most candid meeting about our purpose for being. As I sat and listened to people share their hopes to see church growing, it was very evident that we are aware of “enemy within,” of people who are hostile and abrasive, and when such a toxic environment exists, it endangers not only pastor, who may run to another district, but it also pushes away people who God may have added to this family.
Monday night there were tears at our Board meeting, not because of what took place among the Board members, but recognizing that there is lack of forgiveness outside, in the community, where people’s hurts are crippling them emotionally to love, to smile, to laugh, to enjoy life.
Tuesday morning I was at the First Baptist church downtown with many city pastors visiting with William Paul Young, the author of THE SHACK novel, sharing the concept behind the best-seller that stirs so much controversy in religious circles. Then as I drove to a visit at 11 am, I listened him being interviewed by Shauna Rae on 1290AM. I have not read the book myself to make the judgment. But from what I heard him share, and the answers he gave to numerous questions – I heard the Spirit speak to me about the colossal need for forgiveness among us.
Un-churched people are giving the book about God, the Trinity, to their churched friends saying “you need to read it!” One person asked the author this question: “How can we enter in such a deep relationship with God?” He answered simply “we cannot do it outside of entering into deep relationships with each other!” Why do I bring up this book? Because it’s main purpose is to challenge us on understanding God’s purpose of forgiveness in our lives.
Forgiveness is an obligation of tremendous significance. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we ask God to forgive us as we have forgiven others (Matthew 6:12) and if we do not forgive others then God does not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15).
Now, forgiveness is more than a duty; it is an entrance into the circle of divine life. It is an expression of divine life itself. We experience the heart of God when we forgive. We know the nature of God as an insider through forgiving others.
But forgiveness is not reconciliation yet. It only takes one to forgive, but it takes two to reconcile. Forgiveness is something that happens in our souls without respect to who the offender is, what they have done, or how they feel about what they have done. Forgiveness is a gift to ourselves by the power of the Spirit who enables us to exercise the love of God in our own hearts. To forgive is to be free. To forgive is to be like God and share his love.
The “miracle” of reconciliation begins with the “miracle” of forgiveness, and it moves to change another through a relationship.

Building the Culture of Excellence

At the table in our foyer you will find a document, four pages long, entitled “Dynamics of work to become a Prevailing Church of Jesus.” In it are the Biblical standards of excellence as recommended by our elders, reviewed by the Board of ministry directors, and advised for members of the Nominating Committee to consider as they are selecting leaders for the future of our church.
Jesus Christ dreamed of the church that would be victorious and the gates of hell would not prevail, the Prevailing Church. He was warning his disciples that the enemy would plant his tares, and they would grow until the end, until the harvest, in the field. But one should not compare the general field and the Church as the Bride, which is meant to be spotless and without wrinkles, prepared for her Husband, like an army under banners.
It is our dream to be such a church, where the culture of excellence is embraced. One thing in common is observed among churches that prevail and breakout from the cycle of status quo and mediocrity – they all have high expectations of excellence and provide high freedom for participation.
The high expectations are outlined by the compelling vision, setting the direction and destination, and the freedom is invited within parameters of the directional vision.
So, in this time of planning and strategizing for the future growth I invite you to consider 3 factors that determine our vision. These are three, because they reflect the Trinitarian Model of Ministry of co-working with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
First there are Community Needs, very similar, if not the same for those within and without. God is the Father of us all and he cares for the needs of all His creatures.
Then there is Leadership Passion, those who are Definitely Devoted Disciples of Christ, following His example of commitment and service, leading and organizing ministries.
Finally, we must include the Spiritual Gifts, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that connects the network of the Body, and provides support and functionality for all efforts.
Only when these three are present, then the Vision is true and will lead to meaningful ministry. Consider if your ministry has the VIP factor.

Functional Leadership process

Once every month your elders, whom the Bible qualifies as pastors-bishops, or in simple English – “nurturers-overseers,” meet together to pray for community needs, to debrief, to encourage each other, and to plan for the future directions.
It has been our practice to read through a book together. We are still working on the book “Spiritual Leadership” which we’ve started in 2007, we are just few pages away from completing the reflections. This past week we talked about contributions we each make. And one particular element was of highest importance in my mind – contribution to Organization.
While our personal contributions to people are important, and we talked about the fact that when we minister in the word through preaching, or visiting, or offering an advice, we must be intentional about people benefiting by growing, maturing, moving forward, it is by investing in our corporate organization that our influence can last and impact future generations.
Think about it – nothing is made without men, nothing lasts without institutions. The reason family exists – is to establish a future legacy, succession, continuation of name, purpose, and identity.
So, it is normal to expect that a functional organization can do more than any individuals can…. WOW! Did you get this point? If an organization has lesser influence, or can do/achieve less than any individual that is a part of this organization – then who needs such an organization? I hear often complains that the church can do this, that, or the other. But, so-and-so, if asked, will be able to.
If that’s the case – we are one dysfunctional organization. No individual, no matter how gifted, how capable, and how willing is above the community in which he lives and works. And if cases occur, where individuals use their position of trust, given by the community, to develop their personal influence – they are not contributing to the Organizational wellbeing and growth.
As we are moving into the Nominating Process, prayerfully considering the work that is needed to build up the Church of Christ, I invite you all for a time of introspection – examine the contribution you’ve made to our community, has it added value and power to the Church? Has your presence, being member of this church, added significance, legacy, and resources to this family we call Church? |Have we made people around us better? Have we made this place a better place? Examine your contribution…

WORLD-WIDE DREAM AND VISION

Last weekend leaders of our world-wide church came together for an annual planning meeting at the General Conference. Pastor Jan Paulsen, General Conference president, underscored “our untiring, relentless commitment to engage in mission.”
I would like to highlight some statistics: by 2010, it’s anticipated that 17 million people will be baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That’s more than 14 times the 1.2 million Adventists on church rolls in 1960. More than 64,000 Adventist congregations will meet weekly by 2010, a roughly three-fold increase from 1980’s 21,555 congregations. And by 2010, it’s projected that one person out of every 405 on Earth will be a Seventh-day Adventist, up from 1 in 1,268 just 30 years earlier.
However these numbers do not correspond to two categories of world population: first in the 10/40 window, a geographical rectangle extending from West Africa, through the Middle East and into Asia, where more than 60 percent of the world's population live, and where most have not yet been reached with the Gospel message, the ratio more than quadruples to 1 in 1,736.
Secondly, in the world’s 22 largest cities, it’s more than double: there’s only one Seventh-day Adventist for every 953 people. Our city, London, is not in the top 20 world largest, just 10th in Canada, but somehow, our local statistics show similar challenges.
Challenging Adventists worldwide our leaders summed up the vision in this phrase:
“Reach Up, Out & Across”
Reaching up in worship to God, increasing Bible study, prayer and reading of the Spirit of Prophecy writings, as well as returning a faithful tithe, and support local and mission offerings, being involved in the witness of the church.
Reaching Out by getting involved in the mission of community projects, inviting and increasing the number of non-Seventh-day Adventists attending church each week.
Reaching Across by improving retention of members, nurturing members, increase the involvement of young people, and bridging all cultural gaps.
Summarizing the goals, Mark Finley, a noted Adventist evangelist and general vice president of the world church, noted asked the audience: “What pictures will be written in 2015? Managers manage what is; leaders dream of what could be. Managers are concerned with the problems of the present; leaders are concerned with the opportunities and possibilities of the future. The future never just happens; it’s created in the minds of men and women who believe that God has given them a vision for the last generation.”

ON GIVING THANKS…

…I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High…(Psalm 9:1-2)
“The absence of praise and thanksgiving pleases the enemy of God,” penned one of our pioneers, Ellen White. She was reflecting on another Psalm (50:23) where God says “Whoever offers praise and thanksgiving, glorifies Me!” So, how ready are you to give thanks? Will it be only this once?
This weekend in many homes will be a busy one - the smells drifting from the kitchen, the guests, the planning, maybe even gifts. It is an excellent opportunity to take time and thank people who made significant impacts in our lives.
I invite you to think about the word “gratitude” It is a combination of two words: “Grace” and “attitude.” When our attitude is transformed by Grace then we can give true thanksgiving. So, the pen of inspiration continues “Have we not every reason for changing our attitude toward God? Is it not our duty to show the world that we appreciate the love of Christ? As we produce the fruit of thanksgiving, we bear living evidence that by connection with Christ we are placed on vantage ground… He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with praise and thanksgiving; and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires to have a stronger expression of praise from His people, showing that they know they have reason for manifesting joy and gladness.” (Review & Herald, November 20, 1900)
The Hebrew word “towdah,” often translated “praise,” is better represented by word “thanksgiving.” Usually when believers are gathered together, singing is the first item to begin worship. Attending a pastors’ prayer meeting this week with pastor Rudy Alvir, I commented to him how differently he group begins the worship time – simply by offering thanks to God, taking turns telling out-loud what we are thankful for. I invite you this weekend, as you get at your tables, praise God by telling what you are thankful for. And, there is another dimension to that Hebrew word, for which we would have to invent a new word in English – “thanksdoing.” After you thank god for what He has done, consider what you can do to make this “giving of Grace grow.”

REIMAGINING THE LORD’S SUPPER

The most visible and profound way in which the community gives evidence to its fellowship is the common meal, sitting together at the table. Even as we do “Guess Who’s coming to dinner” so is the Lord’s Supper reveals who is really a member of this family. People who are of Christ cannot be separate. We are bought by one blood, we are adopted into one family, and we sit together at the Table, celebrating this unity.
The Lord’s Supper embodies the major features of the Christian life. the broken bread points us to the humanity of Jesus. The bread, being the most basic and lowly of all foods, points to the humility and availability of our Lord, accessible to both, poor and rich.
Both, crushed wheat and pressed grape, represent death. And also a resurrection, as a seed watered dies to grow and produce more. At early Christian suppers there was one loaf. Paul writes: “Because there is one leaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf!” (1st Corinthians 10:17)
Shared memories are part of what make up a people. By sharing a set of memories, people groups gain a sense of identity and belonging. A shared meal is a venue for sharing memories, and establishing new ones. You remember who you dined together with.
Just like next week’s Thanksgiving will be marked by new memories of families coming together, friends visiting and dining together, so is this Lord’s Supper – is a memory to share. But it gives much more – it cements our lives together.
It is also a Covenant meal, a binding agreement between participating parties. In the Old Testament times every covenant was sealed by a meal shared together. At this table, the Lord’s Supper, small portions they may be, just appetizers for the future Wedding Supper of the Lamb in heaven, we are sealing our covenant with each other to love one another.
If the baptism is an initiation into Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper is a reaffirmation of our initial commitment to Christ, and a reaffirmation of our new identity in the family of God.
Welcome to the Family Table today!

MINISTRY OF THE SACRAMENTS

About a month ago as I was visiting baptismal candidates with a deacon from the north church, Hollis Francois, and a question arose “What about Sacraments?” I got into an explanation, realizing that many do not use the word in Adventist circles. Our tendency to use the word “ordinance” came from Puritanism, endeavouring to distance ourselves from the concept of mystery attached to sacramentalism. Latin “sacramentum” is a translation of Greek “mysterion” from which we get English “mystery.”
As I reflect on our approach to role and purpose of the Church I find that it is lack of understanding that led many to ignore the fact that there is a Mystery, there is something (and Bible tells us what) takes place in a supernatural realm whenever certain symbols are exercised.
In a couple of weeks both churches will participate again in the quarterly Lord’s Supper. Often we focus on the event happening in the church, neglecting all the shut-ins, those who are not able to come and participate, depriving them of the Mystery, of the Supernatural Miracle of Grace in their lives.
Before anyone accuses me of being a Jesuit Catholic, I invite you to consider that one of our pioneers, Ellen G. White did not hesitate to use the word “sacrament.” In the book “Desire of Ages” she repeatedly uses the term in its full meaning of mystery by phrases “partaking of the sacrament” “administration of the Sacrament” “ministration of the sacrament is commemorative.”
On November 6 this year a new book will be released. I had a glimpse preview of the first 36 pages “Trinitarian Spirituality.” Sometime in November I will have a special seminar presenting balanced Spirituality development, and I am excited to see that the Sacramental Spirituality is one of 9 “antennas” that connect us with God.
As I often say, the word “attitude” is best interpreted as the “tune of the spirit.” Our attitude reflects which spirit we are tuned into – the spirit of the world, the spirit of lie, the spirit of materialism, or the Spirit of God, Holy Spirit. Attitude of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control sounds loud when our “antennae” are turned to the Holy Spirit.
As we come to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on October 3rd we invite you to tune your spirit in advance to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16) preparing to experience the sacred Mystery of God’s Grace, as we remember and proclaim our faith in Soon Coming Lord Jesus!

CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 6.

This is my last blog for both churches together. For the past month I was sharing with you Biblical perspective on the Church as the Family of God. We’ve considered that in the Family following things take place:
• Members take care of one another,
• Family Spend Time Together,
• Family members Show One Another Affection,
• Family Grows!
• Family members share responsibilities.
(If you missed the bulletin, you could read past issues on-line: www.adventistlondon.ca/files/pastorpage/2009/archive2009.html

Today I invite you to consider the reason why: In all we do we want to reflect God. Because we are made in the likeness and image of God, we are only fully human when we are living in community, as the Triune God is in everlasting reciprocal relationship.
A Church that is hierarchically structured, or that relegates its fellowship to a weekly religious service violates the spiritual reality of the Trinity. Our understanding of the Godhead shapes our understanding of the Church. Ancient Christians, when describing their understanding of the Trinity, used a word perichoresis, which can be only translated as an “eternal circle dance,” where the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are continually and constantly fellowship together, and the Church has been introduced into this divine chorus too, as the Body of Christ on earth.
Tragically, because we tried to arrange the church as secular organizations for so long, we’ve been conditioned to take wrong steps in this fellowship. When you think of the church as a loving household, not a business, as a corporate expression of Jesus Christ, and not a religious corporation, consider these “dance” steps:
Interdependence instead of independence
Wholeness instead of fragmentation
Participation instead of spectatorship
Connectedness instead of isolation
Relationship instead of programs
Servitude instead of dominance
Enrichment instead of insecurity
Freedom instead of bondage
Community instead of corporation

CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 5

There is one thing that happens in every family – members share responsibility. Each member of the family has a different role. We don’t ask toddlers to go and earn a living. The grandparents, the father, the mother, the children, infants – everyone has a role, and it works together for the good of the whole family.
In our recent Sabbath School we looked at the advice given by apostle John – different to the fathers, different to the young man, different to children (1st John 2:13-14). If you look at the church through a different metaphor – the Body – each member, the eyes, ears, hands, feet, has a different function.
In a dysfunctional family the members do not carry their responsibilities. Parents either neglect their children or worship them, not giving them training, comfort and guidance.
The household of God is a functional family, for the Holy Spirit distributes functions as he pleases. There are older men and women who have know the Lord for a long time, and whose responsibility is to mentor younger brothers and sisters. These responsibilities are not positional or hierarchical, but organic, and they operate by the respect of spiritual life.
The young generation bring excitement and strength, they inject zeal and energy, as older generation provides stability.
Consider your role, your function in our Church Family. Are you functioning according to the place God has for you? If you are newborn believer – are you listening obediently to advice and discipline? If you have grown in the Lord – are you mentoring others? Discover your calling!

CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 4.

Today I invite you to consider that the Family Grows, always! I speak of a healthy functional family. It grows both, through the division and multiplication. The church that is a family will also grow. If a church grows too large, it may divide and multiply into two fellowships. Our bodies grow the same way – cells divide and then multiply.
This week I’ve learned a great news: our Conference leadership had approved to invest in church growth and development in London by sending us one more full time pastor. Taking into consideration that London is the 5th by size urban area in Ontario, and yet it is the least entered territory by the Adventist message, we have a tall responsibility. In the coming week our elders will meet with Conference Leadership to decide how to distribute responsibilities between two pastors. To grow it takes a positive intentional division to multiply!
Yet, the most important growth I want you to think about is ADDITION. That is by giving birth to spiritual children. This is the principle of reproduction in a healthy functional family. Have you personally added to the family of God? You may have added physical children to your family, are they also members of the Family of God? Have you sought to reproduce by mentoring others for spiritual growth?
If the Lord is at work in a church it will grow. It may not be immediate, it will take time, but for sure, if the church is alive and healthy it will grow, both internally (spiritually) and externally (numerically).
Churches that live as a Family grow. Churches that operate as business corporations typically don’t and can’t keep their converts. They may make converts, but if converts do not become disciples, and then functional members of the Body, they leave. It takes authentic community for proper spiritual formation.
This week I visited with a person who studied with It Is Written staff, and agrees with our doctrines, but she attends a small church at 1700 Dundas, because she feels there as in a family, they give her ride, they care for her. People in the postmodern disconnected world are looking for family more than ever. People are looking for organic Christianity. Church as a family answers the deepest cries that lie in the human heart.

CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 3.

We continue re-imagining church as the living reality of being the family of God. I know you are reading, as I receive phonecalls with interesting questions. Over the past two weeks we considered that in the Family Members take care of one another, and that the Family Spend Time Together.
Today I would like to address yet another practice of a church as Christ meant it. Family members Show One Another Affection. It is not a coincidence that the Sabbath School quarterly “Loved and Loving” comes when we are focusing on the need for developing loving relationships in the church. Last weeks lesson was especially poignant in addressing it.
How do you greet your family when you meet them? How do you salute your mother, father, children, especially after a time apart? I just returned from a week at Oshkosh with kids, missed my wife, and I knew I would have a special hug. How do we meet our family? Do we salute each other at a distance, or do we exchange hugs and, maybe even kisses?
The answer depends on how “healthy” is your family. The early church considered all its members “related” in Christ and that’s why apostles encouraged Christians to “greet one another with a holy kiss” (1st Thessalonians 5:26; 1st Corinthians 16:20; 2nd Corinthians 13:12; Romans 16:16; 1st Peter 5:14) It was important to early Christians that the members of each church express their affection for one another visibly.
I know that even by writing these simple Biblical references I will provoke concern among some people reading it. We live in a sick and dysfunctional society which glorifies perversion, abuse, and then hypocritically misinterprets what is normal. I’ve met and heard church members who complained that they do not feel comfortable hugging anyone from the church. I’ve read about pastors put on trial for encouraging hugs in church as inappropriate.
Bottom line is this – an institutional formal church and an organic family of God are different things. The dysfunctional family shows no affections toward its members, parents never touch its children, and children grow up feeling unloved and unaccepted. Yet, you’ve read findings where a simple touch is vital for infants, children without a loving touch will not live.
May your actions show your affection! Do not let the contagion of the sick society make God’s family ill too…

CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 2.

We are re-imagining church as the living reality of being the family of God. I am sharing Biblical paradigms for the Church as a Family. Last week we considered that in the Family Members take care of one another.
Today we look at the second characteristic: Family Spend Time Together. Family members spend time together getting to know each other. How well do you know your brothers and sisters in the church? How much time do you spend together outside of scheduled meetings?
In a dysfunctional family children barely know the parents. Parents buy gifts to busy their kids. Siblings may grow under same roof, living separate lives. The only time they get together is when they have a scheduled meeting – someone’s wedding, birthday, graduation, or other “significant” events. Outside of that – everyone is in his/her room, doing their own things, having separate bank accounts.
Do members in our church see each other outside of scheduled meetings? Is there someone that you care to visit with, and spend time together if not for the “scheduled” meeting? Just for fun of spending time together, cooking, gardening, baking, painting, playing, listening music, golfing? Do you like the people you call “brothers” and “sisters”?
When you consider the early Christian Church their innate DNA was pulling them to meet together. Holy Spirit in a believer is a magnet that organically draws one Christian to another Christian. Holy Spirit puts in our hearts a genuine desire for authentic community. Just read Acts 2:42,46 “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Hebrews 3:13 says “encourage one another daily!”
In most churches the only fellowship people get is two minutes when worship leader says “turn around and greet people behind you.” Could it be that we are so afraid of intimacy, that devil so twisted our society that we are afraid to risk relationships? Many people are not interested in a “house church” because it is safer to hang out in a pew, inspect the back of someone’s head for a couple of hours and then retreat home. But the church is not a theatre, it is a Family!
Spend time with each other!

CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 1

Past week you were to ask yourself a question: “Is my church living in the reality of being the family of God?” and also you were to ask yourself “what is my role in the Family?” What are your answers?
Over the next few weeks I will share with you a few Biblical paradigms for the Church as a Family.
First: Members take care of one another. Isn’t it true that you take care of your natural blood? And they take care of you? If your mother, father, brother, sister son, daughter has a problem, do you say “sorry, don’t bother me?” Dysfunctional family doesn’t, it’s selfish, individualistic and profoundly independent. It’s characterized by detachment and unconnectedness. Members do not take time to know one another.
Apostle James addresses such situation: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)
Apostle Paul considered caring for one’s family the first test of faith. “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
The real faith expresses itself in acts of love toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. The action James was talking about is not prayer or Bible study, but supplying physical needs. Consider these words of Paul. “..must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28)
Protestant “work ethic” is not about selfish pursuit of “American dream” but is work to meet needs of others.
Do you care for your church brothers and sisters physically, financially, spiritually, emotionally? The first 6 chapters of Acts show us a picture of the model Christian church sculpted by Christ through disciples. They saw themselves as extended family. Today, when you great each other, say “Brother” and “sister” and mean it. “Carry each other burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)

REIMAGINING OUR CHURCH

As I look into the future needs and challenges of our church I return more to the Bible for advice and guidance. The chief metaphor for the church in the New Testament is FAMILY!
I believe that we must restore Christ’s intent for our church by becoming family-like. A year ago we had taken a survey on our church development, and the recommendation was very simple: develop more leadership for groups and house churches to increase relational context. At the time we also needed to improve our corporate evangelism. Hence my effort over the past year was to bring training for Evangelism, and to organize an event for members to know that YES, WE CAN!
Now it’s time to get to the urgent need – restoring Christ’s Method for spreading His Message – discipling, and that is possible only by real spiritual leaders in settings of small groups, just like Jesus did it!
The Sabbath School this quarterly is more than ever is fitting to develop this teaching. Just consider John’s letter “I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.” (1st John 2:12-13) Just think about these familial terms!
The church is not a corporation with business meetings and structures, with CEO pastor, but is a family, a household of God, where “brothers” and “sisters, ” “fathers” and “mothers”, “children” represent a way of relation to each other. Regrettably our present day society is plagued with what sociologist call “dysfunctional family.” Many of our churches act as “dysfunctional families,” not knowing each other, living separate lives, not spending time together, and only on special occasions putting on an effort to “get together”
This week I invite you to ask yourself a question: “Is my church living in the reality of being the family of God?” and ask yourself “what is my role in the Family?”

BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Last week I shared with you common fears people have about starting small groups. Let me share with you positive side and the purpose as it is outlined in the Word of God.
We are studying letters of John, and the practical expression of love, commanded in 1st John 3:18 “dear children, let us not love with words of tongue but with actions and in truth” is taking place when we are bearing others’ burdens, rejoicing with others, helping one another, listening to one another, sharing goods with one another. This “one-another” concept is impossible in the formal setting of a large gathering. It comes to reality only in small groups, where vulnerability, trust, openness is a reality.
So here are five reasons why groups are necessary:
1. Small groups restore relationships. The command to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31) is Jesus’ invitation to form a horizontal person-to-person (p2p) relationships, broken ever since the fall in Eden.
2. Working together is better than working alone. Combined strength of two is greater than double strength of one (synergy!). Just read the wisdom of Ecclesiastes (4:9-12)
3. Jesus modeled the Use of Small Groups. The legacy of Jesus was twofold – the Message and the Method. For Legacy to work it cannot be separated. We love the Message = Gospel. What about the Method = Group? Discipling is possible only through small groups.
4. God ministers through groups of people. Read stories in Daniel 1 & 2 where young men banded together to maintain their relationship with the Lord and support one another through prayer. Paul’s teaching on “body parts” (1st Corinth. 12:12-27) Jesus teaching (John 13:34-35), stories from the Acts of the Holy Spirit all show that it was original practice of Christian church.
5. The “Body” concept requires the Small Group. Interdependency of body parts to function and the fact that no one has all the gifts, and no individual can claim to be Christ pulls together believers in the community where we become the “Body of Christ” together, ready for His Spirit to fill us and use us.
Over the next few weeks you would see regular blogs on this topic, as we are planning our implementation strategy. Let me share with you what is expected from people in a Small Group. First – Extra Grace! Then – regular participation, consensus, honesty, confidentiality, acceptance, active listening, prayer, punctuality, positive attitude, and love. Listen to God’s Call in your life – go and build the community!

NEED FOR CREATING COMMUNITY…

Last Sabbath evening concerned members from both churches came together to pray and plan for evangelism, and as the discussion unfolded an urgent plea was heard to build more community within. In very specific terms people were sharing their desire to see small groups functioning, to see groups for spiritual mentoring taking place, to see affinity groups for friendship and relationship.
We live in time of transition, uncertainty toward the future places even greater urgency for support groups, and for more leadership.
Even as the leaders of our churches pleading and advocating for house churches, and community groups I want to state upfront – there are fears that prevent this from happening.
Let me name just a few, and offer some perspectives.
1. Fear of change – unknown is intimidating. But, if God is showing you to do this, He will make it work for the best. Growth requires a change!
2. Fear of failure – success is never guaranteed, pride is always a factor here, people don’t want to be seen as incapable, and will try only what they know they can do already. But, God does not lead into failure. If he is leading – he guarantees success!
3. Fear of inadequacy – our personal insecurities, not being sure people want you. Here is a perspective – you are not offering you, but Jesus. You are not the saviour, He is. People don’t need your word as much as they need His word, through you. So, be connected with God, and His sufficiency!
4. Fear of criticism – rejection is painful, we want to be appreciated and accepted. Remember – satan is main accuser. To not do what we know God wants is to let the enemy win. Let God handle your reputation!
5. Fear of others – we avoid conflicts or those who cause it. By ourselves we don’t have to deal with others influence, it’s safe. We don’t want to be vulnerable, giving ammunition against ourselves into hands of other people. Again, do not put other people above God, don’t let a man prevent you from doing God’s Will.
6. Fear of lack of time – everyone is already stretched without margin and time constraints are already tiring you. But. when we follow God’s plan – he will free our time, help us prioritize, and drop unnecessary distractions.
7. Fear of the past – looking at the past as a blueprint for future, “we’ve never done this before” – is typical for most people. But, we are told to forget the past (Philippians 3:13) and move into the future.
Listen to God’s Call in your life – go and build the community!

Readying for more Evangelism

Tonight all Adventists passionate for Evangelism in London will come together here, at our church to pray and talk about what we must do to lead people into God’s Kingdom.
I wanted to start with a reminder that the local church is God's Plan to offer his Saving grace, especially in the city. It is the hope of each community. Local churches exist to reach the next person. Our primary customer is the person who will not go to heaven unless something changes before the end of his/her life. Those who pay the bills, who are already convinced, and who already attend are the secondary customer.
So, in preparation for tonight’s prayer planning meeting – get it right – you/we, members, are not the customers, but staff. People on the street who do not know Christ are our main clients/customers. Ask yourselves what is it that they need, wants and care for, so we may minister in a relevant way.
For a couple of weeks I asked you to consider that our social interactions are our true Evangelism. I invited you to consider the “Social Life Director” as our main Evangelist. Consider our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, as true Evangelistic venues! Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.”
The classic statement from Ellen White’s writings (Ministry of Healing, page 143) says: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Tomorrow morning Tony Bell is inviting church members to come and golf together, bring your friends, introduce them to your church family, interact in a social circles to show your true Christian love, care and behaviour. In a month there would be a bus trip, shopping in USA. Remember – it is another opportunity to build relationships and influence people!
Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…” Are we ready?

Evangelism, get it on your mind!

Last week members of both churches enjoyed the fellowship and social time at the Fanshawe park. A concert by all African “Mission” group, three baptisms, a class on reaching out and witnessing to Muslims and Hindus, and much more.
I was saddened to see only a handful group of members from our church attending, some students. Last week I asked you to consider the fact that our social interactions is the main tool of Evangelism. I invited you to consider the “Social Life Director” as our main Evangelist? Consider our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, as true Evangelistic venues! Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.”
The classic statement from Ellen White’s writings (Ministry of Healing, page 143) says: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Next Sunday Tony bell is inviting church members to come and golf together, bring your friends, introduce them to your church family, interact in a social circles to showcast your true Christian love, care and behaviour. Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…”
Are we ready?

Getting ready for more Evangelism

Each blog, written here weekly, is my attempt to ready someone else for the work of Evangelism. This week I sat “at the feet” of most effective pastors and leaders in Evangelism and Church growth, attending Union ministerial convention at the Canadian University College, learning how to better serve the church where I am. Reflecting on what I learn, I focus on truths that had been known, obvious, but neglected.
Just consider this simple quotation from the Spirit of Prophecy: “If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one.” [Testimonies, Vol.9 p.189] Reflecting on our recent evangelistic campaign I want to remind you that it is not our ability to preach alone, but our life witness, namely being kind, courteous, tender-hearted, generous and sympathetic that would result in mass conversion. Evangelism is in becoming kind, loving, courteous, caring.
Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…”
Here’s another classic from the Ministry of Healing, page 143: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Have you considered that the “Social Life Director” is our main Evangelist? Have you considered that our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, and more are true Evangelistic venues? Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.” Are we ready?

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST?

Getting ready to leave for a week-long Canada-wide meetings for pastors in Lacombe, Alberta I am reflecting on Adventist Christianity, the difference of being Adventist from other Christian groups. A couple of weeks ago at our “Adventist 101” session I addressed the Biblical notion of two fractions in Christianity – the pure bride vs. the harlot, the 144,000 vs. the beast, the Jerusalem vs. Babylon. Our movement has always claimed the unique mission of calling Christian people “out of Babylon,” away from confusion, away from corruption, away from compromise. Are you aware of this? Are you calling people you care and love “out of Babylon”? For it is the core of the “Three Angels Message,” the reason for being Adventist. If this is forgotten, or ignored, we are no different than many other “toothless denominations” of so-called Christians, who only want to be called by name, but continue doing as they please (Isaiah 4:1).
Another claim to fame that has been made through generations of Adventist movement is to be the “Remnant” – the “leftovers” of the original, meaning the return to the ideals of the first Christian Church. Do you define your life by standards and principles of the church of Acts, the church described by the word “ACTS”? How ACTIVE are you? Does your ACTION show your PASSION?
To think of it, the early Christians had a different understanding of what pastor’s role was. I used to be puzzled before with Apostle Paul “not remembering who he had baptized” (1st Corinthians 1:16) until I learned that elders of local churches were nurturing (pastor’s role) and overseeing (bishop’s role) the life of churches, while apostles-evangelists were planting churches, winning new converts, organizing the work for maximum efficiency.
Statistically one person can have a following, and keep it happy of about 120 people. Churches relying on the “parish” model of care by a professional full time pastor do not grow beyond 120. Here in London with about 300 members on the books and another 100 who consider themselves “members of Adventist community,” but either were never baptized into the Body of Christ, or chose not to transfer their memberships, there can be about 120 people who are O.K. with “pastor Alex,” leaving another 280 wishing for a different one. Considering the above stated stats, even if two more “full-time professional nurturers” would come here, there would be still 40 unhappy, and disconnected, and as new people join in the demand for additional professionals would grow. By the way, this is the formula employed by your “seeker oriented” evangelical neighbourhood churches for the number of pastors per congregants.
Let me remind you of our mission – restoring the Biblical, Apostolic Remnant Church, where your elders are your pastors! And Each one of you are the members of the Body (Romans 12:4-5, 1st Corinthians 12:12-27). What is your personal individual function? Where in “the Body” do you fit in? What is your role? Our elders will meet sometime in July to discuss the total involvement of all members in the life of the Body of Christ, the Church. As we do prepare for this meeting prayerfully, we invite you to pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal to you your personal role and place.

IF HEAVEN IS SO GOOD, WHY ARE WE STILL HERE?

I am up early Thursday morning at Andrews University dorm lobby, reflecting on the events of the day before. Since Wednesday morning I was sitting “at the feet” of Adventist leaders who are facilitating and leading the Church planting movement around the world.
As I sat just behind the North American Region president Don Schneider, and listen to the South African Region president of Adventist Churches, Paul Ratsara, speaking on this issue of “WHY are we still here?” my heart resonated wholly with the longing of many Adventists, and many Christians, for that matter – we all want to go home, to the world recreated perfect! So, WHY are we still here?
Elder Ratsara led evening address with reading Isaiah 51:9-10, where the prophet calls God to wake up! Just like in the ancient days, and show His strength. The prophet is reminding God of His former power. But as we read further, the call to wake up is turned around. It is not God who needs to wake up. God’s power has not diminished over time. It is us who need to wake up, because in god’s plan he wants us to receive His Power (Acts 1:8) and do even greater things than Jesus did when he was here (John 14:12), so that the later manifestation of his power would be more abundant, greater than the former, and the former would appear only moderate, compared to what is to come (Joel 2:23)
That is why prophet Isaiah calls the people of God to wake up (Isaiah 51:17; 52:1) and put on the strength.
How awake am I? How awake are you, my friends, spiritually? Are you in your “pyjamas” waiting for God to do miracles? Guess what! God does what He said he will do. He has scripted the future in advance. When Jesus was here on earth, he did everything “to fulfill what was written by the prophets.” We must stop telling God what we want him to do, and discover what He scripted us to do. The plan for us, for the church of Christ, is written in details, and the next chapter is you putting on the armour of righteousness, being clothed in the righteousness of Christ, witnessing with power the Plan of Salvation.
So, what are you wearing? Are you in the “working clothes” or you still need to wash up, clean up, brush up, and accept the garments prepared for you?
It is out of the ordinary that the message to the end-times look-warm church, the Laodicea, calls us to clothe ourselves (Revelation 3:18) and then to keep those garments on (Revelation 16:15), not to be caught naked. The dorm rooms we are staying don’t have showers, and we have to walk to the designated area for the community showers. The last thing I want is to be caught in my pyjamas in public place.
What is your spiritual apparel right now? Are you equipped and ready for the work? Wake up, dress up and get ready, and don’t ask the wrong WHY question!

ARE WE BEING STRATEGIC IN LONDON?

This past Tuesday, together with our Bible worker Christopher Bassaragh, we attended Mayor’s leadership breakfast at the Metropolitan United Church. Our Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best outlined plans for the city development, shared her need for spiritual support and prayer, and importance of faith communities working together for the good of the city.
As London is gearing up for major developments, transforming the international airport into the distribution hub for the whole Canada, with 24x7 open sky policy, goods coming from USA and Europe, and major companies coming to East London, the city will see major growth in population and territory over the next decade. I was thinking about the church that considers itself to be the remnant with a special message for the end times people. Are we being strategic in planning for growth?
Both churches had gone through the “Master Plan Evangelism” curriculum. Even though poorly attended during the Prayer Meetings, it was published through blogs in bulletins and online (still in archive). The whole focus was to call the church to a simple plan of Jesus – discipling by reproduction. There is no plan “B” in the New Testament. Christ left us the Legacy – the Message and the Method, the Gospel and the Group.
A few probing questions: has Christ been reproduced in you by the Holy Spirit? Have you reproduced your spiritual passion in someone else, leading them to Christ through the Holy Spirit?
I quoted R.E.Coleman in the past: “Jesus intended for the disciples to produce His likeness in and through the church being gathered out of the world. Thus His ministry in the Spirit would be duplicated many fold by His ministry in the lives of His disciples. Through them and others like them it would continue to expand in an ever enlarging circumference until the multitudes might know in some similar way the opportunity which they had known with the Master. By this strategy the conquest of the world was only a matter of time and their faithfulness to His plan.”
You know the principle of exponential growth – “each one reach one”. Simple math – if each of us would win just one person per year who in turn will do the same it would take only 20 years to lead whole city of London to the saving knowledge of Christ. Sad reality is that 8 out of 9 nominal Christians will never lead even one person to Christ in their lifetime.
Are you reproducing?…. spiritually? Message of Jesus to us could be summarized in his last address to disciples: “Fruit . . . more fruit . . . much fruit . . . fruit that abides”(John 15:2,4,5,8,16). A barren Christian is a contradiction of terms. A tree is known by its fruit.
Once you are involved in personal evangelism, you would be even more wiling and readied for corporate public effort.

Toward more momentum for Evangelism

In a few short weeks we will have another spiritual “mountain-top” experience – coming together with other believers for the camp-meeting in Sarnia. Sharing with pastors from other churches I see evidence how co-working together multiplies and magnifies results. The next year camp-meeting will take place here, in London. It was recommended that the Evangelism team will also work to prepare for the camp experience. I would like to open opportunity for more people to come on board and plan together evangelism in the Fall, and regional camp next summer.
You have seen how it is done. Another demonstration is not needed. You are ready for delegation, for taking on personal responsibilities. Here’s how you can help 
• a general producer, a person who would direct and coordinate all the aspects of the program.
• a music coordinator, who would liaison with all performers and build together a solid program of praise and worship, involving participants from many churches.
• a stage manager, a person who would take a full responsibility for aesthetics, design, and decoration of the main stage.
• a committed prayer-giant, person whose life is 24x7 prayer, who would pull together a team of people whose faith anticipates miracles in God’s presence.
• a technical coordinator, who would oversee all the aspects of technical support, from audio, to video recording, to projection, lights, and other details.
• a communication director, who would oversee the website development and maintenance, producing advertisement, gathering photo and video, writing news-releases and taking us to the wider media opportunities.
• Materials coordinator – overseeing literature, lessons, sales, study supplements, orders from guests.
• Bible worker – to coordinate the follow up of all interests
• Data management director, for registration, and tracking of people.
• Marketing director – to organize a specific net for people with specific interests and needs.
• Nurture Small Groups coordinator, to develop a network of house churches for integrating new believers in faith.
• Children ministry director to provide babysitting services, and initial Bible training for children under 7 years of age.
• Teen ministry director to conduct a simultaneous “Truth for Youth” program during the main Evangelistic series for children 8-13.
Please respond as Holy Spirit may prompt you. Let me know about your interests.

BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR MORE EVANGELISM

Did you go by accident to the Agriplex this week? We got used to the high revival there during the past two weeks. It’s hard to get back to a routine doing “church.” Seeing how mightily God works when we are willing to follow the spirit lead, I am encouraged to invite you to plan together even greater event in the Fall.

I am reflecting on what people have shared with me over the last few days – many have been blessed. Everyone who attended was touched spiritually, and renewed commitment to the Lord Jesus. We’ve witnessed miracles of healing, immediate responses to the prayer. Some were surprised with the musical talent we have right here in London. All were blessed by working together of the team from both churches.

I have to tell you – I am ready to preach on 2-weeks notice. I loved every moment of witnessing the faith and blessed hope we have in Jesus Christ! And I want to do it again, soon!

Ray Thompson is working on DVDs, and as soon as they are ready we will make them available for all to utilize in your personal witnessing with friends and family.

You have seen how it is done. Another demonstration is not needed. You are ready for delegation, for taking on personal responsibilities. I am committed to create a more “open source” system of ministry where contribution is welcomed from all, and every one can participate in improving what we do together as a church family.

As we plan for the Fall Evangelism, here’s how you can help à suggest better yet facilities, with parking available, and “stay in” option for the duration of the program. The fall program is planned to be only 7 nights – one week event. We are reaping what is sowed through the year in your personal friendship evangelism.

To make Evangelism work for God’s glory we need:

• a general producer, a person who would direct and coordinate all the aspects of the program.
• a music coordinator, who would liaison with all performers and build together a solid program of praise and worship, involving participants from many churches.
• a stage manager, a person who would take a full responsibility for aesthetics, design, and decoration of the main stage.
• a committed prayer-giant, person whose life is 24x7 prayer, who would pull together a team of people whose faith anticipates miracles in God’s presence.
• a technical coordinator, who would oversee all the aspects of technical support, from audio, to video recording, to projection, lights, and other details.
• a communication director, who would oversee the website development and maintenance, producing advertisement, gathering photo and video, writing news-releases and taking us to the wider media opportunities.
• Materials coordinator – overseeing literature, lessons, sales, study supplements, orders from guests.
• Bible worker – to coordinate the follow up of all interests
• Data management director, for registration, and tracking of people.
• Marketing director – to organize a specific net for people with specific interests and needs.
• Nurture Small Groups coordinator, to develop a network of house churches for integrating new believers in faith.
• Children ministry director to provide babysitting services, and initial Bible training for children under 7 years of age.
• Teen ministry director to conduct a simultaneous “Truth for Youth” program during the main Evangelistic series for children 8-13.

Please respond as Holy Spirit may prompt you. Let me know about your interests.

EVANGELISM…REAL TIME

What a ride! Six nights of presentations are done! We are half way through!

Above All Powers is on! Four presenters shared insights on pain, economy, depression, health, forgiveness. Evangelist Omar Palmer led in faith building prayer. By the way, he’s coming again tomorrow, Sunday evening. This time his request is for those who have specific needs for healing, specific burdens that they pray to be lifted, write them down on a piece of paper, and bring it with you Sunday night. Fourteen musicians and singers blessed us with their gifts during this past week! And above all – the fellowship, relationship building with guests.

My faith has been encouraged in sharing the testimony of our faith in soon coming Saviour. Some of you may not notice – but there is a room to the side, occupied throughout meetings by prayers, people who pray constantly for every aspect of these meetings. When one night presentation got to a “sleepy” start, as tired after work people were getting comfortable in warmed up chairs, a person from the audience went to the prayer room to ask for more fervent prayer. That night the audience was kept awake by an extra long presentation about God’s calendar, the 1844 proclamation of the Judgment, and the three Divine appointments yet to be fulfilled: Return of Jesus in Glory, temporary millennial vacation to heaven, and the return of saints to the Earth made new.

This whole experience is much needed revival for our church in London. There is nothing more efficient in training than “hands-on” training, and it is exciting to see how people are filling gaps.

Eight (8) individuals requested baptism, eleven (11) feel they need to study and understand more. We are planning a special baptismal service on Sunday afternoon. The location is yet to be decided, depending on the number of candidates. I pray that as more messages are presented this week, those who are undecided will be strengthened spiritually, and make commitments for Jesus.

The celebration of Christ continues here for another week. Bring your friends to share the blessing. This experience is the catalyst of change in lives of all participants, both presenters and the audience. When we confess Christ He is faithful to confess us before the Father. (Matthew 10:32)

Evangelism will never be outdated. It is of increasing importance and intensifying need the nearer we come to the end of time. One thing I wish for – more guests, more people invited to hear the truth. I am reflecting on Paul’s words to a church: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5 NLT). We need to be persuasive, it was what Jesus told us to be, if we are serious about what we believe. One of the parables (Luke 14:23) says “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel, (persuade) them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Apostle Paul in his ministry followed this principle, persuading people to continue in the Grace of God (Acts 13:43; 18:4; 19:26). He was not always successful, as in Acts 26:28 when Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." We cannot override people’s choice. God does not either. But it is our calling to be persuasive, and serious about it. Make the most of the next week, as we have 6 more evenings to go!