Jesus Our Lord (Acts 2.29-39, 1 Corinthians 8.4-6, Matthew 7.21-23)

Introduction

No figure in the history of the world has had a greater impact than Jesus of Nazareth. No one has had more books written about him. No one has been the subject of as many songs as he has. We’ve sung a couple already this morning. No one has had more paintings done of him – and we don’t even know what he looked like!

In every possible way, his life is totally matchless and completely beyond comparison.

We’ve been looking at Jesus our righteousness, our friend, our wisdom and our saviour over the last few weeks. In the next few weeks we’re going to look at Jesus our peace, our joy, our life, our shepherd and our king.

But today, in both morning services, the theme is Jesus our Lord. What does it mean that Jesus is Lord?

Radical Affirmation

I’ve have just finished Andrew Wilson’s excellent little book Incomparable, in which he talks about four words that change the world. Very often it’s phrases of four words that spark revolutions, or shape societies or turn the tables on tyranny. Four simple words.

“I have a dream.” That explosive phrase sent a shiver down the spine of every African American and turned the tide in their struggle for civil rights.

There’s a statue of Winston Churchill just off the Champs-Elysees in Paris that I used to drive past once a week. There are four words, in English, engraved on the plinth. And those four words galvanised the people of these islands against the evil of Hitler. “We shall never surrender.”

I can’t say those words without feeling patriotic and ready, if it came to it, to lay down my life to defend our freedoms.

There are hundreds. Make love not war. Power to the people.

And, perhaps slightly less rousing and inspirational, from the last general election, “I agree with Nick.” 

When you think about it, many of the major turning points in history (and I don’t think the last general election was one of those), many of the major turning points in history have been marked by subversive rallying cries of four simple words.

But the most subversive, the most counter-cultural, the most radical, the most table-turning of them all is this: “Jesus Christ is Lord.” 

We find it hard to appreciate in the West today - we can’t relate to it easily - but in the 1st Century Roman Empire, the most dangerous thing you could say was “Jesus Christ is Lord.” In many parts of the world today, it still is.

From Morocco across North Africa, throughout the Middle East and deep into central Asia, all the way to Indonesia and as far as China; from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Christians are dying every day for saying “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

According to the International Bulletin of Missionary Research 170,000 people are killed every year for their stated belief that Jesus Christ is Lord. And many more are beaten and imprisoned and have their houses burned down.

Last week in the Spectator there was an article showing that of all terrorist attacks committed against religious groups over 80% are directed against Christians who refuse to back down from saying “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

The Meaning of the Word “Lord”

What does the word “lord” even mean? We certainly don’t use this word in the way that the first Christians did in New Testament times.

When we hear the word “lord” in a modern context, we think of things like the House of Lords; out of touch, slightly otherworldly but generally harmless old men in decorative gowns.

Everybody knows they have no real power and there is a growing political mood to abolish them altogether – or at least replace them. But Jesus is nothing like a member of the House of Lords.

If we don’t think about the House of Lords, we might think of lords of the manor; slightly eccentric landowning gentry who live in castles or stately homes and employ butlers and maids. But Jesus is nothing like a lord of the manor.

Or we think of the time lord, Doctor Who. Or of cartoon characters like Lord Snooty. Or mythological legends like the Lord of the Rings. Jesus is nothing like any of them either.

None of the ordinary usages of the word “lord” in modern English even faintly approach what the word meant in New Testament times.

So what do we mean when we call Jesus “Lord”?

We’ve used the word 24 times in our first two songs and Communion prayer already. We’ve hardly noticed at all. It’s (like) similar to when some (like) teenagers say “like” several times (like) every sentence, I don’t think most of them know they’re doing it. In the same way, we aren’t aware that we are using the word “Lord” most of the time.

The word we translate as “lord” (the word in Greek is kyrios) has changed over the years. It was first used in ancient times by a school pupil to address his or her teacher. It was a bit like calling teachers today “Sir” or “Miss.”

When I go into Saint Mary’s school, in front of the children I address the teachers as Mr Moorfoot and Mrs. Carver instead of David and Shirley - which is what I call them in the staff room. It’s about modeling respect and manners.

But the word “lord” evolved over time. It was later used by employees to address their employers. Then, later still, it was used by slaves whenever they spoke to their owners.

Only after that did the word progress in status to become the word the subjects of a kingdom would use to address their sovereign, “my lord, the king.”

And finally, the word began to be used in the context of worship. Worshippers would pray to their god as lord.

By this time, Roman emperors had claimed divine status. You had to accept Caesar as one of the gods. We know from archaeology that Roman coins had Caesar’s image on it with the inscription Caesar divi filius (“Caesar son of the divine”).

They used to take that very seriously. Everyone had to burn a pinch of incense in the temple dedicated to the emperor and say “Caesar is lord.”

That didn’t mean that Caesar was the only lord. No one thought that, not even Caesar. You could still have your favourite god as long as you worshipped Caesar as well.

The Jews were given a legal dispensation. The Romans knew it would only cause riots so they said that the Jews didn’t have to.

But Christians did have to. The authorities would say, “Look. You can keep Jesus. That’s fine. But you’ve got to bow down to Caesar as well. All you’ve got to do is burn a pinch of incense once a year and say three little words.”

It was your patriotic duty, like standing for the national anthem, saluting the flag or curtseying to the queen. If you refused to say “Caesar is lord” you were seen as anti-Roman and disloyal.

But if Jesus Christ is Lord, he is Lord 100%, not 50%, 80% or even 95%. “Jesus is Lord” means only Jesus is Lord. As someone once put it, if Jesus is not Lord of all, he is not Lord at all.

Think about this; a husband is 95% faithful to his wife. How faithful is he? For every ninety-five times a man sleeps with his wife he sleeps with five other women once each. Would you call him faithful? Of course not. 95% faithfulness is called infidelity.

That’s why Christians in the 1^st Century didn’t back down. They were thrown to the lions and torn limb from limb. Because Jesus is Lord, no one else. They were burned alive, used as fuel to light the torches in Nero’s garden. Because Jesus is Lord, and Caesar is not.

The question is why? What has Jesus done that deserves your total commitment and my exclusive allegiance?

There are three answers, they each begin with “R” and you can find them in our three readings. 

His Resurrection

Firstly, he deserves our allegiance as Lord because of his resurrection.

In our reading from Acts, just 50 days after Jesus was crucified by a baying mob in Jerusalem the Apostle Peter is preaching to a crowd of onlookers in the same city.

And now, Peter is saying to his listeners “he was killed, and you killed him.” But then he says this: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it and he has poured out [the promised Holy Spirit] as you now see and hear.” 

The evidence was right before their eyes. The outpouring of the Spirit with signs and wonders was visible and audible proof that Jesus was alive again.

And then Peter says this; “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 

That’s why he is Lord. No one else has ever managed to overcome death - but he has. 

You can go down to London and visit Westminster Abbey. You’ll see tablets of stone marking the buried remains of the great and the good. Our greatest leaders are buried there, our most brilliant scientists are buried there, our most inspirational artists are buried there.

There are monuments and shrines the world over marking the final resting places of the world’s most admired figures. But Jesus has no tomb and no memorial.

Why not? Because he doesn’t need one. He is alive today and he is Lord over death and hell, holding the keys to both.

His Reign

Secondly, he is Lord because of his reign. Take a look at our second reading from 1 Corinthians 8.

The Apostle Paul is writing to a young church in a city that was full of idols and false gods. He says that in the world there are hundreds of them. There are. There are 33 million deities in Hinduism alone. But when you add them all up, says Paul, they amount to nothing because even though you can pray to them and burn incense to them, they have no power.

They don’t heal anybody when they’re sick, they can’t answer prayer, they can’t forgive your sins and if you suffer from addictions you’re on your own - they’ll do nothing for you.

“Even if there are so-called gods” he says, “…there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”

All things come from him. He speaks and things come into being. He is Lord of creation. That’s his reign. 

We live through him. He is Lord of our lives. He changes lives, he heals the sick, he answers prayer, he forgives sin and sets you free from your addictions. That’s his reign. 

He said “All authority has been given to me.” He is Lord of all. That’s his reign. 

His Return

And thirdly, Jesus is Lord because of his return.

The New Testament tells us the story of what he did when he came. But did you know that one verse in every 30 in the New Testament tells us that he’s coming back?

In our gospel reading, Jesus talks about the day when he will return and one of the conversations he will have. Let’s listen to what he says again.

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you.”

What does Jesus mean here? He is saying that a verbal profession of faith with nothing to back it up is not enough. “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord.” “Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord.”

He’s talking about people who give lip service. You know when we say that someone is “all talk.” That’s what he means here.

But these people are able to talk of their prophecies. Is it a surprise to you that you can prophesy and still not get to heaven? Shouldn’t we eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy? Yes, but the Bible says that there are false prophets who claim to have a word from the Lord but who speak on their own authority.

But these people talk of driving out demons and doing miraculous signs. Is it a surprise to you that you can do signs and wonders and still not get to heaven? Shouldn’t we expect to see signs and wonders when the kingdom advances? Yes, and I pray that we will see more of that than we do. But the Bible also says that in the last days there will be counterfeit signs and wonders. It says “test all things.”

What will the Lord Jesus look for when he returns? He tells us.

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.”

He will look for those who are, in a word, obedient. Obedient to what God says here (holding up a Bible). That’s what it really means when you say “Jesus Christ is Lord.” What he says goes.

He will say to those who just pay him lip service, without anything to show for it “I never knew you.”

He will look for those who know him. Many people know about him. But do you know him? Is he Lord of your life?

Many people, Christians and non-Christians alike talk about “God.” That’s all well and good. But have you ever noticed that those who really know him in their everyday conversations often talk about “the Lord.” It’s not an expression unbelievers really use.

Ending

So there you have it. Jesus Christ is Lord.

If Jesus is Lord of my life, he’s got first refusal on my money and my time.

He is above my family, my career, my leisure and my holidays.

The way I use language and humour, the way I interact on the Internet, the way I drive, how much I eat and drink, the tone I use when speaking with members of the opposite sex - all that and more - we make it our aim to glorify God because Jesus Christ is Lord.

Sermon preached at All Saints' Preston on Tees, 27th October 2013

Why I am a Christian (22)

Deliverance Ministry Convinces Me That Evil Is Real and That Christ Is Stronger

In 2012 I jotted down all the reasons I could think of why I am a Christian. I found 26 so I decided to serialise them in a blog every fortnight for a year.

I have so far covered themes from the realms of science, philosophy and theology before looking at five different facets of Jesus (I could have explored many more). Then I looked at the inspiration, invincibility and influence of the Bible. This is the fifth of the last nine posts which are more personal and are based on my experiences.

When I first became a Christian and read the Gospels, one of the things that stood out for me was Jesus’ encounters with people troubled by evil spirits.

I had gone to a school run by Roman Catholic nuns so I grew up quite familiar with stories from the Bible. I knew all about Noah and the ark, Jonah and the fish, Daniel and the den of lions, the first Christmas and Easter, Jesus walking on water, healing lepers and feeding the 5,000 with five barley loaves and a couple of pilchards.

Maybe the Sisters of Mercy just felt that the dramatic account of a naked, self-harming man living in a graveyard, screaming uncontrollably as he met Jesus, before his many demons drove a herd of pigs off a cliff to their deaths was a bit too hardcore for primary school kids. They might have had a point to be fair. I can see how a lesson with all that in it could unhelpfully spring-load a class of 30 wide-eyed 7 year-olds as they raced outside for morning play time!

There are 17 separate incidents of casting out evil spirits in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, most of which are repeated at least once. The Acts of the Apostles contains 7 additional stories, besides incidental references to Christ’s power over occult forces.

So, as I kept coming across these accounts as a young Christian, I could see that they were not an insignificant New Testament footnote people might not notice.

As I didn’t really know much about demon possession as a young Christian, I asked others what they knew about it. 

One person said that they were made up stories to show that good is greater than evil. This was the man who believed the resurrection didn’t really happen and that my conversion experience was an emotional high that I would probably grow out of. 

Others thought that talk of evil spirits was a 1st Century way of explaining some forms of mental ill health. “That was how they interpreted such things in those days” I was told. And it is certainly noticeable that the symptoms of demon possession described in some of the narratives appear very similar to an epileptic fit for example. So I was advised to think along those lines.

But the people I most trusted as wise spiritual guides took the accounts at face value. The conversations would go something like this:

“Why does the Bible talk about people being afflicted by evil spirits?”  

“Well, that’s because sometimes people are afflicted by evil spirits.”

“Oh, right.”

Ordained ministers are cautioned to be discreet about their own experience in this realm and, true to form, I rarely speak about what I have encountered. 

Perhaps this is due to the fear of discrediting a respected profession in the eyes of some. It's enough already to be routinely lampooned as bumbling losers in every TV sitcom without being filed away with the likes of David Icke under "total fruitcakes and complete nutters." (Icke believes that a secret group of reptilian humanoids controls the world). This is the kind of talk that gets sceptics scoffing about "fairies at the bottom of the garden."

Or perhaps this reluctance to publicise experiences of deliverance ministry is to discourage people from becoming overly fascinated with the paranormal. Jesus himself of course strictly warned those he delivered from evil spirits not to speak about it afterwards to anyone.

But one of the reasons I am a Christian is down to what I have seen with my own eyes in the realm of deliverance ministry. I do not claim to be any kind of expert and I am not involved in it that often but, if you were to press them, the vast majority of church leaders would tell you that they have encountered such things at some point.

The very first time I witnessed anything of this nature was when I was in my early twenties and was at an evening service in an Anglican church in North London. As the vicar was preaching, a menacing looking man, quite well-built, entered the building, interrupted the sermon and said that he was an enemy of Christ. “My god is the god of this world. Do you know who I’m talking about?” he said. (The god of this world is a reference in the New Testament to Satan). The vicar, Owen Thomas, looked straight at him and replied “Yes, I know exactly who you’re talking about and Jesus Christ is greater.” The man crept off and, to my knowledge, was never seen again. Well, maybe he was just drunk. I don't know.

In 1987, Kathie and I were attending a small church plant on the south coast. About 30 people made up the church at the time. One Sunday morning, a woman in her mid-thirties became restless and agitated as people shared the Lord’s Supper. She began to breathe heavily and, in an unnatural, hissing, low voice, started to express discomfort at being there. As I looked across at her, I noticed she was foaming copiously at the mouth. The elders of the church led her into an adjacent room and dealt with the situation discreetly. I don’t know exactly what they did but I guess they rebuked the spirit and ordered it to leave at once in the name of Jesus. She emerged after the service about 20 minutes later looking relaxed and at peace.

When we moved to the north-east of England my predecessor told me that at his very first service in one of my two churches he had to cast out a demon at the Communion rail. He had been ordained years before and, because he had had no experience or training in deliverance ministry, he was taught how to go about it when he was a curate by a younger lay member of the church - which was quite humbling. He was very grateful though because it came in very useful from time to time.

I still think it’s remarkable that dealing with evil spirits wasn’t mentioned at all in my three years of Anglican ordination training. I am grateful that it was adequately covered at Moorlands, where I trained in cross-cultural mission 15 years earlier.

I am not going to describe every experience of deliverance ministry I have been involved in but a couple of anecdotes from the north-east particularly come to mind. 

First of all, before one of our The Source services, as we were praying in preparation, I felt I heard the whisper of God in my soul “Tonight shall be a night of deliverance.” I shared what I had sensed with those gathered with me (the service leader and musicians) but I told no one else.

About half an hour into the service, during a particularly powerful phase of worship, I heard behind me a slight commotion followed by a clattering of chairs. I went over to investigate and found a woman who had fallen to the floor surrounded by three or four friends. They were all visitors from another church.

Asking what had happened, it became clear that the source of the incident was not something physical like vertigo or fainting; it was spiritual. The woman claimed she had been afflicted by an evil spirit for some time. Together with two church leaders from that visiting group, and in full view of those seated around them, we quietly but firmly commanded the spirit to leave her at once in the name of Jesus. Within a minute she had become calm and was able to be seated again.

Deliverance ministry such as this is quite rare in my experience – perhaps once every eighteen months or so on average. But this case was one of three in the space of a week!

One of the more remarkable instances of deliverance I have been involved in was when I had been in Stockton on Tees about six months. We received a request from a family on an estate to “exorcise” a house in which strange things had been going on. There were loud noises in the attic. Objects were being moved about in the house overnight. Things were going missing inexplicably. The children kept seeing a strangely dressed woman at night and couldn’t sleep.

Three of us went to the house and asked a few questions. It turned out that the father’s parents were both mediums and that there had been regular séances with a Ouija board in the house. The father, who was very welcoming and pleasant, would at one moment be speaking in his usual voice, but would then suddenly change tone and interrupt using foul language. When I began to read a passage of the Bible he stood straight up, came towards me and tried to tear the page out. Strangely, he had no recollection afterwards that he had been swearing or trying to damage my Bible. He was mortified when we told him. It was quite surreal.

We led the couple in a prayer of repentance, which they were very willing to say. They understood that what they had been allowing in their house had opened up the door to demonic powers. We delivered the man of his evil spirits, (if memory serves there were three), ordering them to leave in the name of Jesus. We prayed around each room of the house, including up in the attic. I understand that they went on to be part of a local church which was nearer to where they lived than ours. In any case, it seems that the problem of paranormal activity in the house was resolved at that time.

When something like that happens there is a feeling of elation when you travel home. It is amazing to see a clear demonstration of Christ’s authority and power over evil forces.

The 72 that Jesus sent out with his authority to preach, heal and drive out demons in Luke 10.1-20 were similarly overjoyed when they were involved in this kind of thing. “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."

But Jesus gave a curt reply: “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

What did he mean? 

Several times in the Bible there is a reference to a book of life kept by God. On one level, it sounds about as riveting as a phone directory; it just contains a list of names. It is in fact a heavenly record of every man, woman and child who has ever believed in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and bowed to Him as their Lord.

According to the Bible, one day this book will be opened and those whose names are found there, whose names are "written in heaven" to use Jesus' own expression, will have the right to enjoy the eternal, inexpressibly glorious presence of God.

There’s only one way you can get your name into that book - and according to Jesus, not even casting out evil spirits makes the cut. If you've given your life to Christ, your name is already written there. Jesus said to rejoice about that. Furthermore, he promised that if you belong to him, nothing will ever be able to remove your name from its pages. He said, “I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels” (Revelation 3:5). 

But there is a chilling warning for those who stubbornly reject Christ’s love. "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15). Please, whatever you do, don’t let that fate worse than death befall you. Make sure your name is written in that book.

Because what I’ve experienced in the realm of deliverance, the 22^nd reason I’m a Christian, persuades me that these promises and warnings are absolutely worth taking seriously. 

Evil is quite real. And Jesus Christ is stronger. Evil spirits always leave following a command in his mighty name. Believe me, you want to make sure you're on his side.

Good Foundations (Matthew 7.24-29)

A Baptism Talk

It’s wonderful to be welcoming Alba Rose on this milestone in the story of her life. In baptism, we are welcoming her into God’s family. What do we mean by baptism? It’s as if God is freely giving her a blank cheque, which she can fill in and cash when she is old enough to make up her own mind. And of course, we hope and pray that she will.

And we particularly hope and pray that Alba Rose will grow in wisdom.

What is wisdom? I wonder if I were to ask for a show of hands to the question "Who is wise here this morning?" how many of us would feel confident enough to respond positively... 

Well, consider this riddle: Johnny's mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child's name? (Many answer "June"). You see, the answer is Johnny of course. Johnny's mother had three children. Wisdom is often thinking differently to the world around you.

And in the famous parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus tells us something of what true wisdom is.

True wisdom is to hear Jesus’ words, and put them into practice. The wise person builds firm foundations for life by hearing Jesus words and putting them into practice, just like the wise builder building his house on a rock.

Bad weather came. The rainiest winter since records began… howling gales… rivers bursting their banks...” But the wise builder’s house stood firm because it had strong foundations.

I expect you’ve seen those TV programmes like “Cowboy Builders” where someone buys a dream holiday home that later shows serious design faults. The builder goes bust which makes the warranty not worth the paper it’s written on and the property worthless.

Jesus told a “Homes from Hell” story too. You construct a home with good materials to perfect specifications. It has a great view, just yards from the beach on a sandy cliff top. But guess what? Bad weather came. The rainiest winter since records began… howling gales… rivers bursting their banks...” And then this.

“This could be your desirable property. OK, it needs a little redecoration but look at that swimming pool in the foreground! I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it when we show you the view from the south.”

“There. A property with rare features, ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. Oozes character doesn’t it? As you can see, it’s light and airy, with a modern, open-plan design and a superb, unobstructed view of the bay.”

Jesus said that if we don’t hear his words and put them into practice, we will go to pieces when bad times come, just as the house of the foolish builder fell down in the wind, rain and floods, because his house was built on sand. It fell down, not because it was a bad house, but because it had had poor foundations. Like a sand castle when the tide comes in.

As she grows up, Alba Rose will hear hundreds of alternative views on how to live wisely. The world has lots and lots of them. But we hope and pray that she will see that true wisdom is found in following Jesus.

Our reading ends by telling us that Jesus speaks with real power. The people who heard Him at the time noted that he spoke with amazing authority. He was nothing like the pompous, self-important religious leaders of his day.

And even 2,000 years after Jesus said what he said in the gospels, it is still really radical, and totally revolutionary when you read it.

And notice, Jesus is not embarrassed about drawing attention to himself. He says that it’s his words that need to be put into practice. Not what you say, or what I say, or what my wife’s uncle Eddie says. Jesus says you’ve got to put what he says into practice or you’re building your whole life on sand.

Not even the greatest people we know claimed anything like that. Winston Churchill or Nelson Mandela never said “build your life on what I say”. So either Jesus was very, very wrong or he was claiming to be the most important figure in world history.

It wasn’t until I was 17 that I became convinced that what Jesus said and did were the most important things in life, and that the only possible response was for me to change the direction of my life and start to put his words into practice. That was when I cashed my blank cheque that God gave me at my baptism.

I used to believe that because I had been christened (aged 2 months), and took my first Holy Communion (aged 6), and went to a school run by nuns (aged 5-11), and had got confirmed (aged 12) that that was it. I was sorted. That was all I needed to be a Christian.

But just like the one essential ingredient for a milkshake is milk, the one essential ingredient to being a Christian is faith.

Some people say “Well, I’ve lived a pretty good life and I’ve done more good things than bad things. I’m sure God will love me because I’m good.”

But God doesn’t love us because we’re good. He loves us because he is good.”

What are you building your life on, sand or rock? Let me finish with a three point construction manual for building your life on the rock of Jesus’ words.

Firstly, “a” is for admit. We all need to admit that we do not always live like we know we should. If you’re not sure about that, raise your hand please if you have never told a lie. How many do you think you’ve told in your life? So “a” is for admitting to God “I can’t boast about how great I am, and I’m sorry.” Alba Rose will hopefully one day see the truth of that.

Secondly, “b” is for believe. We need to believe that Jesus is who he says he is. This is faith. Either Jesus was a deranged lunatic, or he was an ingenious con man or he is the real deal. Billions of people down the years have come to the conclusion that he is who he says he is. We pray that Alba Rose will make that decision to believe.

Finally, “c” is for come. Jesus said “Follow me.” That is always personal but it’s never private. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Are you willing to follow Jesus in a new life of obedience?

Our hope and prayer for Alba Rose today is that she will grow in true wisdom, that she will hear Jesus’ words and put them into practice, that she will follow Jesus all her life.

Then, like the house built on the rock, her life will be on firm foundations, able to stand up to all the ups and downs which she will face.

Sermon preached at Saint Mary's Long Newton, 20th October 2013

Why I am a Christian (21)

Foretastes of Heaven in Worship Are Unlike Any Other Earthly Experience

In 2012 I jotted down all the reasons I could think of why I am a Christian. I found 26 so I decided to serialise them in a blog every fortnight for a year.

I have so far covered themes from the realms of science, philosophy and theology before looking at five different facets of Jesus (I could have explored many more). Then I looked at the inspiration, invincibility and influence of the Bible. This is the fourth of the last nine posts which are more personal and are based on my own experiences.

Last week, one of the churches I lead had a special celebration to mark the end of a quite substantial building project, so we invited the architect, the boss of the building company and his workmen to join us so we could thank them for their work and offer them gifts to show our appreciation.

One of the contractors was clearly unfamiliar with church and was astounded by what he experienced; a puppet-led presentation for the children, a full contemporary band, informality and friendliness all through the service, people dressed normally, real joy and a personal welcome with eating and drinking afterwards. He was evidently impressed, almost speechless, that church could actually be good. “It’s not like the sort of church you see on the telly is it?” he said.

No it isn’t. Our media’s preferred projection of church as either a twee, out of touch, rather judgmental, ageing, overly formal and above all boring institution, or from the eye-bulging lunatic fringe, is wildly at odds with the overwhelming majority of healthy, growing churches today. At the very least, it is a grossly unrepresentative stereotype favoured by lazy journalists and broadcastors who can't be bothered with basic research.

I have pastoral responsibility for two churches and, between them, there is a wide variety of worship styles. I happen to like all our services, from the more traditional, liturgical Holy Communion (dignified but not stuffy) to the energetic and chaotic Messy Church (accessible for and popular with families who don’t do ‘normal’ church), to the fluid, charismatic The Source (where spiritual gifts such as prophecy and tongues are encouraged and given full expression) – and everything in between.

There are times in any of these services where Heaven seems to touch Earth. These are stolen moments that cannot be artificially manufactured or prepared for. They arrive from nowhere, spontaneous instances of pure grace that make you glad to be alive and grateful that you belong to the family of God.

What do I mean by moments when Heaven touches Earth?

It could be to do with spiritual revelation. About a month ago at The Source for example, I had a word of knowledge. This is when people become aware of something that they have not learned by natural means. It’s a spiritual gift (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12.8 and shown in operation in John 4.17-18). 

I felt strongly that someone in the congregation (there were perhaps 30-40 people present so it wasn’t a vast crowd) had pain at the base of the back of the neck, just to the right hand side. I pointed to a very precise spot and said that if that corresponded to anyone, they should come forward for prayer.

There were other words of knowledge about this time so it was no surprise to me that five or six people came forward for prayer. What did surprise me though is that not one but three people, one after another, revealed to me that they had pain in exactly the spot I had indicated. 

Furthermore, I learned the following day that the woman who prayed with me for those who came forward, Sandra Griffiths, had suffered from pain in that exact spot for about four years but decided she would not ask for prayer as three others had already been prayed for. However, when she got home that night she noticed that her pain had gone. When she woke up the next day, it was still gone and has not come back since.

The most amazing experience of this kind I have ever had was as a visitor at a Prophecy Day in Versailles, France in 2003. There was a detailed prophetic message for me, including a revelation of my Christian name, by someone who did not know me.

The words were so accurate that my pastor at that time Anthony Wells said to me afterwards that if he had just heard an audio recording of that prophecy and somebody had asked “who do you think, of all the 6 billion people in the world, this is describing?” he would answer without hesitation that it was about me. It was slightly scary! I have since invited the man who gave that prophecy, Mark Aldridge, to speak at similar meetings and I have seen his remarkable gift of spiritual revelation overwhelm people I know well and have had pastoral responsibility for.

Other moments when Heaven has touched Earth are more sacramental; a means of grace through a physical, symbolic act. I wrote about Holy Communion in Reason 20 and how it uniquely seals the special bond of affection between believers. That’s the horizontal aspect of the Lord’s Supper. But the vertical aspect is profoundly beautiful as well.

I won’t lie, there are times when taking the bread and wine is as mundane an experience as it is possible to have. But there are others when eternity seems to break in to time and the soul exults in the unfathomable depths, the exquisite wonders and the holy mysteries of God’s amazing grace. I have seen people unspeakably moved at the Communion rail, from quite small children to elders in their 90’s.

I have at times myself become moved with emotion as I have presided at the Lord’s Table. There are moments when the meekness and majesty, the sorrow and splendour and the tragedy and triumph of the cross affect me profoundly as I break the bread; “This is my body, broken for you” and hold out the cup, “This is my blood, poured out for you.”

Other moments when Heaven has touched Earth have been in musical worship. Sometimes (and it can be led by a choral group with the organ or by a contemporary band with bass guitars and drums) everybody’s heart seems to be touched at once. The volume lifts unprompted. The passion rises. Or a holy stillness descends. Heads humbly bow. Hands rise upwards unselfconsciously. Smiles may appear. Tears sometimes roll down cheeks. Eyes close and people just savour the goodness of the Lord. It can be a time of rocking exuberance. Or it can be a moment of tender intimacy.

I think that this is what David was reflecting on when he wrote these words to describe visits to the mobile temple (called the tabernacle) to worship almighty God.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast in the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

(Psalm 36.7-9).

Other moments when Heaven has touched Earth have been in the noisy, child-friendly services for mostly unchurched families. We call it Messy Church. Children can be incredibly sensitive spiritually. Actually, it doesn’t have to be in church at all.

One of our most treasured “Heaven touching Earth” moments was when our daughter Anna was about 2 or 3 years old. She was buckled up in the back of our old Citroen 2CV one damp, misty morning. I tried several times to start the car, but to no avail. I suppose I must have tried in vain to start the motor for about 10 minutes but, though the engine turned, it wouldn’t fire. I got out and looked under the bonnet (as if I would know what to look for but, who knows, there might have been something obvious like a dead badger under there). Alas, there was nothing.

I tried again, failed again, and sighed noisily, looking helpless as only men who know absolutely nothing about cars really can. Then, from the back seat, a little voice squeaked “Come on Jesus, start the car!” I hoped Anna’s childlike faith would not be shattered by our useless, unreliable (French - just saying!), shiftless old banger stubbornly refusing to start yet again. But, resigned, I put the key back in the ignition. I turned the key. It started perfectly.

Other moments when Heaven has touched Earth have been in preaching. Most Christians have their favourite preachers. I have mine. Some are profoundly insightful (like David Pawson and Ravi Zacharias). Others are inspirationally fiery (such as Philippe Joret and Tony Campolo). Some are very funny story tellers (like Eric Delve and Mike Pilavachi). Still others are weighty and serious (such as C.J. Mahaney and R.T. Kendall). 

It doesn’t really matter about the style; the fact is, when Heaven touches Earth in preaching, the heart begins to race quicker, passion for God is stirred and faith rises up in the soul.  

There is a difference between brilliant secular oratory, the sort Winston Churchill was famous for, and anointed preaching. The former can move the emotions and bolster resolve or pride. It may be a matter of life and death. The latter is the heralding of good news that not only stirs the affections, it fires up the soul. And it's much more important than mere life and death - it determines eternal destinies.

I have had many moments of Heaven touching Earth as I have listened to, and engaged with, Spirit-filled, biblical preaching; times when I have had to say “I cannot go on living like I did before. I am leaving this place resolved and empowered to live a different way.”

Canadian pastor and author Guy Chevreau in his book Vital Signs of a Healthy Church sums up very well what I've been trying to say here. "Worship in Spirit and truth, seeing things as God sees them, attentiveness, alignment of heart, restoration and redemption, direction and revelation, may seem too much to hope for in a single service of worship. We're certainly left forever changed should we experience such holy glory."

Foretastes of Heaven, usually in the context of worship, are quite unlike any other earthly experience I have known. They are the 21st reason I am a Christian.

There’s an atheist “church” that has recently started up in London. Weirdly, it's leader has long hair and a beard and looks a bit like Jesus! It’s quite popular actually. There are no prayers of course and the content is entirely secular. They sing songs, read poems or great literature, listen to a talk and meet up with each other over coffee. It sounds quite nice.

But as Oscar Wilde said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” 

I sometimes wondered if the expression "If church didn’t exist, someone would have to invent it" was a slight exaggeration. But someone now has, absolutely proving the point. Some people feel they really need what church offers but, sadly, just don’t believe in God.

I wonder if they experienced any of what I have described above, and I have dozens more examples I could have shared, whether they would have the courage to question their doubts. For all the enjoyment, even inspiration, you can glean from reading Rudyard Kipling and singing The Beatles and listening to someone prattle on about virtue or self-worth, they are not sublime foretastes of the heavenly realm are they?