Category: Meetings

Living in the presence

To come away with a shining face you must first go into the place where the glory is, you must stand face-to-face with the One who is the Presence.

Reading Chris Dryden’s ‘Concepts’ post, I was aware that I should write about how Father deals with me face to face. He always does this when I’m least expecting it, but I always know it’s him.

When I was a child, back in the 1950s and early ’60s, I had one or two luminous toys, and later a luminous watch. I never tired of holding these up to the light at night time and then turning the light off and watching the weird, greenish glow fade slowly over the next few minutes.

Some background
The Orrery
(Wikimedia)

Let’s begin by setting the scene. Here I was, married and with an infant daughter, living in a very modest house in a very modest street, Judy and I had to be careful with the little money we had. Second hand everything, no car, riding my bike to work. A very typical story in the early years of married life. We were friends with another couple just a street away and had been meeting with them to read the Bible, pray together, and explore what the Holy Spirit was doing at that time in our area. They were Anglicans, we were from the Evangelical chapel at the far end of the village, but differences like that seemed utterly irrelevant.

On one particular evening as we were praying, a picture came into my mind. We were children, playing with bricks from large piles stacked on the ground. We were making little houses with them, walls of a few bricks with a gap for a doorway, another gap for a window and a few more bricks balanced on the top for a roof. We’d made several of these tiny ‘houses’ when the builder arrived on the scene.

He strode towards us through the mud and puddles and looked down at us. We thought he’d be cross so we jumped up to run away; if we ran in different directions we might all get away! But he smiled down at us and said,

‘I’m here to build a real house. If you scatter the bricks around, it’ll slow down my work, but if you bring the bricks to where I’m working, you’ll save me time and the house will be finished sooner’. So we did exactly that, we ran around collecting bricks and stacking them at his feet, while he got on with the work of building the house. And up it went, it was magnificent.

What we understood from this

I shared this ‘picture’ with my friends, Tony and Faith. And we could all see what it meant right away. The house is the church – not Anglican, not Evangelical, just the church. And the bricks were people – us, our friends, anyone we could bring into the builder’s presence. And the builder, of course, was Jesus. He is the one who said, ‘I will build my church’. And what resulted over the next few years was that a number of people including us (the living stones) were built into something very special indeed. It was a body pulsing with spiritual life and energy, especially when we met, but overflowing into the world around us too. I can say that for me, having this foundation and experience changed how I viewed my life more generally – at work, at home, with my parents, with friends, with family.

So don’t build structures with the people who belong to Jesus, but assist him as he directs and builds. Chris Dryden, writing on his site Life with CD, wrote recently about Moses speaking face-to-face with Yahweh. Maybe you should read his post and then come back here afterwards…

For 40 days – Day 8: Covenant Renewed: Concepts

…Reading the concepts article sparked a new thought in my mind. All those years ago in the mid 1970s I’d had face-to-face conversations with Father through the presence of his Spirit! That describes the way it felt (and still does).

Moses in the Presence

Chris Dryden wrote about Moses and the conversations he had with Yahweh, face-to-face, created-to-creator, follower-to-leader. That was a mighty privilege; it still is! And it left Moses with a glow on his face (and I imagine, a glow in his heart as well). Do I have a glow on my face after conversing with Jesus through the power and presence of his Spirit? Yes, I think I do. The connection and the conversation leave me changed in a way that people can see. Not a visible glowing, but a glowing heart and a face that relaxes and smiles in a new way as I describe the revelation to those around me. Really, I suppose, an awestruck and amazed face!

Have you witnessed the glowing hearts and faces of people who’ve been in the Presence, in conversation with the King of Kings? If you’ve spent time in meetings when the Holy Spirit is allowed in and there are prophesies and pictures and singing and dancing and arms raised – then yes, I bet you’ve seen those shining faces! There is nothing to beat face-to-face time. That’s true with family, with friends, and it’s true with Jesus as well. We come away encouraged, lifted up, newly informed – there is nothing like being in the Presence. We all come away with shining faces, you bet we do!

But, just like Moses, to come away with a shining face you must first go into the place where the glory is, you must stand face-to-face with the One who is the Presence. The Shekinah Glory is his and his alone. Our faces shine with an absorbed light, just like those luminous toys.

But what is even more precious is that going about, living my ordinary life, the Spirit often surprises me. I see something, hear something, think something, and suddenly in that moment I realise there’s a spark from him. He speaks face-to-face with me without any effort on my part. He lives within me even when I’m unaware!

Useful? Interesting?

If you enjoyed this or found it useful, please like, comment, and share below. (If you don’t see those links, click the article’s title above the main photo and they will appear.) Send a link to friends who might enjoy the article or benefit from it – Thanks! My material is free to reuse (see conditions), but a coffee is always welcome and encourages me to write more often!

I will build my church

If Jesus builds something, then he may ask us to help – but he will be in charge. He will teach us how to build, he will give us tasks he knows we can do.

A gathering (Wikimedia)

What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘I will build my church’? And what are the implications for us in our attempts to follow him? Here are some thoughts on the word ‘church’ and the action of building.

A gathering
(Wikimedia)

Aramaic is similar to Hebrew and was probably spoken at home and in the villages in Galilee in Jesus’ day, it was a widely used language in the region and even today is still used in a few areas of, for example, Syria. Jesus would have been taught Hebrew, as all Jewish boys were; this was the language of the Old Testament and was used in the Synagogues. There were some Greek towns and villages in the region, as there were throughout the Mediterranean more generally, so Jesus likely understood Greek. He might have known some Latin as well because that would have been spoken in imperial government and military circles.

In a conversation with his follower, Peter, he may have used an Aramaic word or possibly the Greek equivalent, ekklesia (church); and that’s how it’s recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 16:13-20). As a word it seems to have its roots in daily life; the village or town elders would have gathered as a local council to discuss and manage local affairs. As people meeting together more or less regularly, groups of people following Jesus may have been been given the same label – a gathering, therefore an ekklesia.

In the conversation described by Matthew, Jesus asks his followers, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ Of all of them, Peter was the most outspoken and would offer an opinion when the more cautious held back. Peter didn’t seem to worry about the risk of giving a wrong answer and looking foolish. So several of them gave the answer to the easy question – ‘Who do people say I am?’. But it was Peter who responded to the much more tricky question – ‘Who do you say I am?’

What Jesus says next seems ambiguous, at any rate the way Matthew describes it is ambiguous. Some people think he’s saying that Peter is the rock that he’ll build his church on. Others think the rock is the truth Peter expressed, the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Most High. Personally, I take the second view.

Jesus says that he will build his ekklesia, his church.

If Jesus builds something, then he may ask us to help – but he will be in charge. He will teach us how to build, he will give us tasks he knows we can do, but he remains the top man, the boss, the giver of instructions. We can’t just build what we want in the way that we want, call it church, and expect him to approve!

So let’s start by asking Jesus to show us what he wants us to do. And then when we each do our part, let’s keep checking with him that what we’re doing or saying is in line with his design. And then, as the job progresses, we’ll be able to gasp with astonishment saying, ‘Wow! This is far more amazing than anything I’d dreamed or imagined!’

It all starts with Jesus. The next step is that we have to learn to follow, to be Disciples. That will will steer us into Mission. And out of the results of mission we will see Church appear and grow.

Jesus, then Disciple, then Mission, then Church.

JDMC!

Useful? Interesting?

If you enjoyed this or found it useful, please like, comment, and share below. (If you don’t see those links, click the article’s title above the main photo and they will appear.) Send a link to friends who might enjoy the article or benefit from it – Thanks! My material is free to reuse (see conditions), but a coffee is always welcome and encourages me to write more often!

Jargon and the Holy Spirit

It’s not about hearing a voice or seeing an image, it’s simply trusting that the Holy Spirit will inhabit the thoughts you are having and that it’s OK to express them.

People have a way of jargonising more or less anything (is that even a word? – well, it is now!). We need to understand the value and the dangers of inventing and using jargon. It may be convenient, but it can also be quite misleading. This is just as true for the Spirit as it is for more or less anything else. Over the centuries people have used jargon to streamline conversations, but latching onto words can obscure meaning.

What does the Bible say?

When it comes to Jesus’ followers and the Holy Spirit we need to be alert to the difficulties jargon can introduce. What do we really mean when we talk (or write) about the Holy Spirit’s presence in our meetings? As usual we need to see what the Bible and particularly the New Testament has to say and then take a careful look at how church has dealt with ideas that have sometimes seemed difficult. Here are a few New Testament quotes:

  • Matthew 3:11 – [Jesus] will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire: In other words, he will ‘drench’ you in the Holy Spirit and Father’s presence!
  • Mark 13:11 – Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit: Don’t try to process it or understand it, just say it.
  • Luke 1:15 – he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. You don’t need to be older than an unborn child to be filled with the Spirit.
  • Luke 1:67 – Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. Whatever prophecy is, if you’re filled with the Holy Spirit you can do it.
  • Luk2:26 – It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that… The Holy Spirit can show us what we don’t already know.
  • Luke 10:21 – Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit… He can fill you with joy.
  • John 14:26 – … the Holy Spirit … will teach you all things and will remind you of everything. You will know and remember everything that matters.
  • John 20:22 – [Jesus] breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’. Receiving the Holy Spirit is like receiving life! Yahweh breathed on Adam in the same way and he became a living being.

Those are some verses I picked from the gospels, but there are plenty more New and Old Testament references to the Holy Spirit’s nature and activities. Given those quotes, think about what the Holy Spirit has done for you (has done, not will do, and not might do):

He has thoroughly drenched and saturated you, he gives you what you need when you need it, you are certainly as capable as any unborn child, you are prophetic, he’s shown you things you didn’t already know, he’s filled you with joy, he’s taught you and reminded you, he’s made you fully alive.

The problem with jargon

Let’s think for a moment about the things people say about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Here are some examples with my translations and suggestions what to do. (Jargon always needs translating, and what to do should be simple and easy.)

I had a word or I have a prophecy – I have a sense that the Holy Spirit wants me to say something. – No need to announce it, wait for a pause and just say it. Sometimes, once you start to speak more will come as you go along, if so keep speaking, but if not that’s fine too.

I have a vision or I have a picture – I had a thought about a hill, or a scarecrow, or a crashing wave, or an alligator, or a king on a bike. – Wait for a pause and just describe it; if you don’t know what it means, perhaps somebody else does. Don’t worry about that, but share what you have been given whether it’s a little or a lot.

Let’s sing… or We should sing… – I have a hunch this song will be useful at this point. – If you are brave enough, simply begin singing, or humming the tune, if not, ask if others know the song, if there’s someone there with a musical instrument they might be able to start, or break in and restart if the key was wrong.

Let’s turn to the passage xyz – There’s something quite relevant in the Bible. – Just read the verses and briefly explain why they’re relevant or outline what you’ve just thought about them. Try not to use up too much time (don’t preach a sermon).

Speaking in a tongue – These sounds are buzzing around in my mind and I think I should speak them out. – No need to say what you’re about to do, just start when there’s a gap. As with the prophetic words, once you start it’s quite likely that more will follow. Someone may interpret what you say, but if not, be prepared to step in and say something yourself. If you only have a short and simple interpretation that’s fine; let others have the chance first and if a long silence opens up, then say something even if it’s brief.

Let’s pray or Let’s turn to the Lord in prayer – A prayer is jiggling around in my head, wanting to come out. – Start to pray when you sense a suitable gap. Avoid being over-long, you will know when to stop with an, ‘Amen’ or a ‘Thank you, Father’ or just silence.

Interpret a tongue – I feel I should share what I’m thinking after hearing that. – It might be praise, or explanation, or like a translation. But however it starts, just go for it. The Holy Spirit wants someone to speak so that everything is done in an orderly way. Someone should say something in English and it might as well be you!

Sing in the Spirit – I just have to sing with unknown words; I can’t express what I feel any other way. – This can be delightful to hear, especially when several or all the people join in. It’s often very uplifting and feels like praise or worship; unlike tongues, nobody needs to interpret. I remember one occasion when I sang like this and after a pause of several seconds, somebody else sang the interpretation. That was amazing, but it’s just fine without.

The important thing here is not that we avoid jargon, but that we recognise it for what it is and don’t allow it to intimidate us. Remember that whatever words or phrases we use, it’s just labelling aspects of people expressing how they feel. It’s not about hearing a voice or seeing an image, it’s simply trusting that the Holy Spirit will inhabit the thoughts you are having and that it’s OK to express them.

I think the intimidation comes from the lack of transparency brought along by the jargon. There’s a sense of mystery when we hear, ‘speaking in a tongue’, ‘having a vision’, ‘interpretation’ or ‘prophecy’. But what is really happening is not mysterious at all; it’s just a matter of ordinary people expressing themselves when all is said and done! And if you’re taking part for the first time there’s the normal slight anxiety and nervousness we get when speaking to a group at work for the first time. How will I be received? Will I get this right, will I embarrass people, will I embarrass myself? All of this makes it harder to get started. But afterwards there’s a sense of relief (I did it!) and it’s much more comfortable after that. Just push up over that little hump in the road, and it’s downhill the rest of the way.

We’re not used to having opportunities to be really free and open, but it’s important that we do because this is how the Spirit guides us in our meetings. He will speak to each of us through the others. It’s not necessary for everyone to speak out, but it’s not unusual with smaller numbers that they will do. This sort of sharing together works best with groups between five or six and up to ten or twelve. The dynamics with two or three, or twenty-five to forty, are very different – and not always conducive to the sort of shared hearing from the Spirit described here. ‘Practice makes perfect’, as they say. So don’t be fazed by what seems to be slow progress or a bad meeting now and then – meet again anyway, keep going.

Finally, here’s a thought about confirmation. During a meeting there’s little opportunity for confirmation. Sometimes somebody might say, ‘I’m so glad you mentioned that because…’. But towards the end, it’s not unusual for a pattern to emerge, and everyone begins to understand that the whole meeting was on a theme of some kind. The sum of the parts was more significant than the individual contributions. When that happens, be grateful and be excited!

There can, by definition, never be a better meeting than one led by the Holy Spirit.

See also:

Useful? Interesting?

If you enjoyed this or found it useful, please like, comment, and share below. (If you don’t see those links, click the article’s title above the main photo and they will appear.) Send a link to friends who might enjoy the article or benefit from it – Thanks! My material is free to reuse (see conditions), but a coffee is always welcome and encourages me to write more often!

Blast from the past… 5

Do things when you can. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate, who knows what tomorrow might bring…

< Previous | Index | Next >

Notes from bygone years – A load of Aprils

A year ago

I didn’t post an article in April 2022, but Donna and I visited Weston-super-Mare and I spotted this fruit and vegetable shop in one of the back streets. There were strawberries here, but they’re not in season; there were pineapples but those don’t grow in the UK; there were pears that should be ready to pick in September or October. Almost nothing in this shop was grown locally. Why?

A traditional greengrocer’s shop

It’s lovely to have choices like this, but they come at a cost to the environment that we usually overlook. The solution lies in my pocket and yours; we should try to buy locally produced fruit and vegetables that are within a few weeks of being in season.

<Mar 2022 – May 2022>

Two years ago

No blog posts in April 2021 either, but on 4th April the weather was warm and bright and we enjoyed eating outside for the first time in 2021.

Eating outside on 4th April
Three days later!

But oh my word, look at the same table just three days later. Snow! The moral of this little story is plain, do things while you can. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate, who knows what tomorrow might bring…

<Mar 2021 – May 2021>

Five years ago

In April 2018 I had a bit of a rant about rescuing Britain from the dreadful mess it seemed to be in. I grumbled about the effects of Brexit, about poverty, the underfunded health service, an underfunded education system, the need for food-banks, the excessive cost of homes.

Read the article. Let me know if you think things have improved in the last five years.

<Mar 2021 – May 2021>

Ten years ago
A child leading? – Image from Wikimedia

In April 2013 I wrote about ‘Men, women and children‘. The topic really was leadership, and I stand by all I wrote at that time.

Can men lead in church? How about women, are they allowed to lead? And what about children? Perhaps it depends who you ask, there are different opinions and different traditions.

Read my post from ten years ago and let me know what your views are.

<Mar 2013 – May 2013>

Fifteen years ago
The ‘Sagrada Familia’

There was no article in April 2008. However, we had a holiday in Catalonia and visited Barcelona where we took a look at the famous Sagrada Familia with its amazing ‘biological’ shapes. What an astonishing place it it!

To learn more about this wonderful feat of design and engineering by the architect Antoni Gaudi, read the Wikipedia article.

<Mar 2013 – May 2008>

Twenty years ago

In April 2003, I wrote about a meeting at home. Father spoke to us about leadership, coincidentally I drew on what I’d learned in this meeting when I wrote the article mentioned in the ‘Ten years ago’ section above!

A firm foundation

We are weak, like freshly poured concrete; but Jesus is patient and knows we will become strong enough for the task he’s given us.

Twenty-five years ago

In April 1998, Donna and I were on our way home from our honeymoon in Florida, and I began a new job at Unilever’s Colworth Laboratory north of Bedford.

Thirty years ago

In April 1995 my first wife, Judy, was recovering from failed chemotherapy for bowel cancer metastases. Clearly this was not a great situation, but she was fitter than she had been since before her operation to remove the primary tumour. We began meeting again at home with friends in Yatton, near Bristol, where we lived. These were by far the best meetings with friends in Jesus’ presence that any of us had ever experienced. Awesome and hard to describe adequately.

Erm… I can’t count! That was not thirty years ago, it was twenty-eight years ago! Ah well, I’ll let it stand.

Thirty years ago

I’ll try again! In April 1993 Judy and I were living in Yatton with our daughters, and my Mum and Dad visited us on 15th. We drove into Bristol and looked around the covered market and The Galleries shopping centre.

< Previous | Index | Next >