Archive for: Other
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#26 - The Conversion of the Apostle Paul
06 May 2009 / Articles, Other Material
The conversion of the apostle Paul is described three times in the book of Acts. Do the stories contradict eachother? Our Lord is very recursive in the ways He uses to speak to us. Sometimes, like in the story of Paul’s conversion, he breaks into our robotic life with supernatural force. Do we really want to listen? [7 pages]
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Observations and Reflections of a Concerned Missionary
27 October 2006 / Historical, Other Material
After 8 years working as a missionary in Colombia, we returned to the UK for a sabbatical. During this year, 2001, we visited many assemblies in Europe and the US. These belonged to a pleasant and comfortable world wide network of Christian assemblies that was culminating its process of division. Why do lovely Christians divide? Are their differences so great? Why do they hurt each other so badly? This eBook, made public in March 2002, paints a picture of the state of the division process by the end of 2001 and highlights some subtle and dangerous trends. It ends with some constructive suggestions. It is descriptive rather than doctrinal. It calls for openness, realism and grace. [28 pages]
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The Re-dividing of the Reunited Brethren
27 October 2006 / Historical, Other Material
The polarization process among these assemblies continued. Good and long standing friendships soured. Useful and effective regional and international partnerships came to an end. Is this the apostolic way of dealing with doctrinal differences? Since the 1840’s, the Brethren movement has suffered a number of debilitating divisions. Interestingly, and I think this is a common social phenomena, the motor behind a division soon shifts away from doctrines and focuses on personalities and procedures. This creates a dust cloud which makes it difficult to see the way forward. This eBook, made public in March 2003, was written to encourage clear Biblical thinking during those difficult times. Some doctrines may look good in theory, but when implemented they generate very eccentric behaviour. Rather than gritting teeth and pressing on, we should take note of the “flashing red warning light.” Like Peter, after cutting off an ear to defend the Lord, we should humble ourselves, re-examine our understanding of Scripture, acknowledge our well-intentioned departure, and allow the Lord to heal and restore. This eBook seeks to re-examine four “odd doctrines” which lie at the heart of most divisions among the Brethren. [61 pages]
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Stand Firm & Press On
27 October 2006 / Historical, Other Material
Eventually the division process reached assemblies on the mission fields. Many brothers and sisters here in Colombia were very confused. For most, the idea of a division was simply something impossible. Soon the dust cloud of personalities, accusations and odd procedures obscured the horizon. In June 2005 we published a book in Spanish titled “Firmes y Adelante” [Stand Firm and Press On] seeking to provide some Biblical direction on how Christian assemblies should relate one to another. Part of this book is a simpler presentation of some elements in the “Re-dividing” eBook - but it goes further: it explores church images, apostolic teachings and early church practice - providing positive guidance on how assemblies should interact with each other, and how each assembly is required to protect itself from internal and external assaults. [65 pages]
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#4 - Running Naked
11 October 2006 / Articles, Other Material
For most of us, the thought of finding ourselves naked in public is an alarming nightmare! In the Bible we read of a number of situations in which one or more found themselves bare. Each event provides a lesson. Here is an invitation to stop hiding and to be real. “Everything is naked and laid bare” before His eyes. [4 pages]