You can download the Bulletin or read online at the Affinity July Bulletin page.

Affinity is a network of more than 1200 Bible-centred churches and Christian agencies throughout Britain and Ireland. By declaring and demonstrating our essential unity in the revealed truth of the Bible, we aim to make ourselves more effective in proclaiming the good news of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The March 2010 issue of The Bulletin looks at what happened on the steps of Wakefield Cathedral on 2 October 1997. This was a day which has had a lasting effect, not only the legal protection afforded to street preachers, but on the way in which preaching events are now treated by the police. Andy Banton of The Open Air Mission, outlines how this has since been working out in practice on the streets of Great Britain.

Dr John R Ling provides an analysis of the final guidelines the Director of Public Prosecutions has issued in respect of prosecutions for assisted suicide. Dr Ling also looks ahead 10 years to 2020, and offers his best assessment of what British society will be like then in respect of life issues. Although his prognosis in some areas is of further descent into moral chaos and public policy utilitarianism, he does see one or two hopeful signs.

Following victories in the House of Lords over the Equality Bill, Rod Badams answers the doubts of those who wondered whether the campaigning churches and groups were merely “defending their own corner” in opposing the employment restrictions the Bill would have imposed on faith-based charities. The Bulletin also sets out in detail the precise changes which the Lords made to the Bill, and which the government later accepted.

“Voltaire died in 1778, and his passionate defence of freedom of expression is legendary. However, in Britain today, Voltaire’s once firmly-held ideal is eclipsed by the all-conquering anti-discrimination agenda. In the light of that, Rod Badams considers the importance of the recent retention of the free speech clause in current legislation.

Assisted suicide has been a prominent issue in recent months, and Dr John R Ling looks at the implications of the guidance issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions in connection with the likelihood of criminal proceedings against those who help others to die. Dr Ling also takes us on a bioethical world tour, touching on issues which have arisen in China, Korea and the USA.

Sheila Stephen challenges us to find ways of encouraging Mums to relate better to their children, and of helping to protect vulnerable adults oppressed and isolated by social pressures and stresses.

The Bulletin also reveals that local authorities all over Britain are opposed to moving voting from Thursdays to week-ends. The government is due to pronounce on this any day now.”

It was a privilege to share with our brothers in Christ from around south India.

You can download the printed sheet in PDF form (16Kb) if you prefer to print it yourself or just view the notes below.

Study 6 – Giving

This is a challenging subject because our money and how we use it is something that is usually considered a private matter and so we don’t like to discuss it (especially in a way that challenges us!).

Giving financially is just one example of giving that should form part of our Christian life. If we are commanded to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength (Deut 6:4-5), it surely follows that we must be giving people (not just with money). But this study is particularly focussed on giving financially. Your attitude to giving of money may well be a barometer for how you are obeying God in other areas of giving.

How does God want you to view money?

Foundational to how you feel about giving will be your view of money. So first we will do a quick fly over the bible to answer our first question. We need to start at the beginning. If God made this universe and all it contains, then it follows that EVERYTHING belongs to him. That is foundational, and yet God has given us a place in his creation and has graciously allowed us to own things, to possess them for a time. From the earliest time, God’s people have owned things and nowhere are we commanded or expected to automatically give up or get rid of all that we have.

On the other hand, there are plenty of warnings about the dangers of money.

Heb 13:5-6 – These verses capture what other verses of the bible highlight in their own way. What is big problem with money? It is the love of it, the reliance on it, the trust we inevitably place in it as the solution of our problems. That verse gives as the reason for rejecting the false trust of money the truth that God has promised to be with his people ALWAYS. It is HIM we are to trust and love, not money.

1 Tim 6:6-10 – These are strong words but borne out by many in their experience.

There are dangers with money, but it is worth noting that bible is not against rich people. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, King David, Daniel were all wealthy men and yet commended as men of faith.

Money is transitory and temporary. Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 graphically makes that point.

Proverbs 11:28 and Proverbs 23:4-5 both reinforce this. How does God want you to view money? As given to you, entrusted for a time, useful but not to be relied on, trusted in, loved or lusted after. The dangers are real and devastating. Treasures in heaven are infinitely more valuable than treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).

How does God want you to give?

Loving God means making all our resources subject to our King. It should be obvious then that God DOES want you to give. But how? Three accounts in the bible will help us to answer that question.

Exodus 25:1-2, 35:4 and following. The character of the giving for the materials of the tabernacle was emphatically voluntary. It is those whose heart prompts them and those who are willing. 2 Cor 9:7-8 tell us that our giving must be voluntary.

Luke 21:1-4 – this powerful account of the widow with her two pennies being commended above the rich and their bags of money shows us that our giving is not only to be cheerful and voluntary but also sacrificial.

“The subject before us is peculiarly heart-searching. On no point perhaps do professing Christians come short so much as in the matter of giving money to God’s cause. Thousands, it may be feared, know nothing whatever of “giving” as a Christian duty.” (JC Ryle).

2 Cor 8-9. 9:3ff – in these verses Paul urges the Corinthian church not to embarrass him when he comes but to be ready with a prepared gift. Giving is not only voluntary and sacrificial but also planned, deliberate, orderly. In these verses, Paul uses the example above all others (the giving of Christ for their salvation, 2 Cor 8:9) as a strong incentive to Christian giving.

How does God want us to use the money given?

OT tithe was used in a number of ways – to support the ministry to God (worship), the ministry to God’s people (nurturing) and ministry to world (gospel and social care). We don’t limit ourselves to a mere tenth (we want to give ALL to our Lord and King) but principle of tithe use is helpful.

Money should be used by church to support the worship of God, to maintain the ministry of the word, to take the gospel to the world and for caring for others.

The church needs to continually check that the money is being used to support the aim of the church – to glorify God. Those three areas are helpful to keep in mind – ministry to God, to church and to world. Are there imbalances in our giving as a church? Are we using the money God has given us to do the work God has given us?

How will you obey God in your giving?

Final question is a challenge to us all to provoke us to think through this issue, to test our hearts, to hear God’s word and to act on it. God doesn’t need your money, that much is clear. But giving is a Christian grace that we are to excel in.

You are to give willingly, joyfully, sacrificially, diligently and then the church is to use that money to glorify God. Read these verses as a final word of challenge: Malachi 3:6-12 and pray that God might have the glory as we honour him with our giving.

As Phil Grubb preached this part of our series, the notes are in a slightly different format from the others. They are designed to be used while listening to the sermon Phil preached. As such, they are only available as a PDF file to download (14Kb).

Why not print them off, and then listen to the sermon Phil preached as you read them?

You can download the printed sheet in PDF form (15Kb) if you prefer to print it yourself or just view the notes below.

Study 4 – Worshipping

We are all shaped by experiences in life and different images come to mind when we hear certain words. For some, worship brings to mind a focus on music and singing. For another it might be the meetings of the church while for others it might be the institution of the church itself (where do you worship?).

We could talk about details of our form of worship i.e. order of service, type of songs etc. But this study will deal more with foundational issues. These issues will determine how we worship and why.

What does it mean to worship God? The word worship is an alteration of the word worth-ship – according worth to something or someone, acknowledging their worth. The words translated “worship” in bible carry the sense of service and often relate to bowing or being prostrate before the one worshipped. It is the idea of reverential fear and adoring awe and wonder.

Before discussing worship, might be helpful to actually worship God in his word. Read Psalm 96 for example and dwell on God’s greatness and glory. If we have such a great God, how is it that we seem to have lost the habit of proclaiming his greatness to each other? Maybe this study will help to put that right!

Worship of God has Christ at the centre

After the settling of Israel in the promised land, the worship of God centred on a place. Deuteronomy 12 makes it very clear that Israel is not to copy nations around and worship God wherever and however they please. They must come to THE place and in the way God has commanded. Worship centred on temple, on sacrifice and atonement for sin. There was a distance between God and people because of sin, symbolised by restrictions on entering most holy place (only priest, only at certain times, only with blood).

This side of the cross of Christ, we look back with wonder on Christ who is fulfilment of all that OT symbolism. The OT sacrifices were pictures and shadows of reality to come in Christ. Worship of God has Christ at the centre.

John 2:19-22 – Jesus is divine presence who takes the place of the temple. No longer place that is important but person of Christ. See also Jesus’ words to woman of Samaria in John 4:23-24 (“in spirit and truth”).

Our worship is acceptable only through Christ. Revelation 5 has the lamb (Christ) at the centre of the throne, receiving worship. Does your worship consciously have Christ at the centre?

Worship of God has the church in view

If you read story of Exodus, you will see that reason God gives to Pharaoh that he should let the people go is that they might worship him (mentioned 8 times). God brings them out of bondage in Egypt so that he might bring them into his assembly, into his presence to worship him together.

Temple and tabernacle before it were places of communal worship. Worship of God, although not exclusive to church when it is gathered, surely has church in view.

1 Peter 2:9-10 – church is a people, a priesthood, a nation. Context earlier in chapter is of church as temple built of living stones.

Heb 10:24-25 – explicit command to keep meeting together as preparation for heaven.

Attitude of reverence and adoration of God is to permeate all our lives but special emphasis on gathered people of God worshipping together. How much of each week do we spend worshipping God together?

Worship of God is a source of rich blessing

When we worship God, we delight in him. Someone wrote, “we probably experience delight in God more fully in worship than in any other activity in this life.” Psalm 16:11 speaks about being filled with joy in God’s presence. But also when we worship God, he delights in us. Church is often pictured in bible as a prepared bride (Isaiah 62:3-5 and Rev 21 – this is more than a business arrangement!).

When we worship God we draw near to him and he draws near to us. Because of Christ, we can enter the most holy place, God presence. When we worship God he ministers to us, he meets with us, strengthens our faith, gives us a clearer sense of his presence, gives us help we need (Heb 4:16).

Worship of God in life of church

Are these principles behind all we do as we worship God together as a church? They should help us with WHAT we do and HOW we do it. Easier to maintain structures than nurture life. Does our worship have Christ at centre, church in view and is it a source of blessing to us and to God? Paul gives us some practical help:

Ephesians 5:19 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,”

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

When we come together as a church, is your heart prepared and ready to worship him acceptably, with reverence and awe? (Heb 12:28-29).

You can download the printed sheet in PDF form (14Kb) if you prefer to print it yourself or just view the notes below.

Study 3 – Leading

Almost the first thing Jesus did at the start of his ministry was to appoint those who would become leaders of the church, the apostles. They in turn would appoint other leaders. The NT tells us that leaders are God-appointed, gives us qualifications for leaders, holds up exemplary leaders and commends the desire to be a leader (1 Tim. 3:1). It is therefore important to the life of the church how it is led.

Church is led…under the leadership of Christ

Important to begin here as this has profound implications for any leading in the church. All leadership in the church is derived from him who is the head of the church. These bible passages are helpful: Col 1:15-20; Rev 1:4-8; Eph 5:22-30. They show us the absolute authority and headship of Christ.

This sets the tone, the character, the limits, the qualifications for leadership in the church of Christ.

1 Pet 5:1-4 speaks about overseers as under-shepherds of the chief shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus had to remind his disciples about the difference between their leadership and other rulers (Mark 10:42-45). Christian leadership is characterised by a servant heart.

Leadership of Christ’s church is not about hierarchy but servanthood. Leaders serve under Christ and answer to him.

Church is led…by grace of Christ

Must beware of modelling structure of church on other organisations that are NOT the church. Might be tempted to copy company structures, government structures or even military structures. But the bible casts church leadership in a different light:

Eph 4:7-8 “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.””

Leaders are gracious gifts to help the church. 1 Cor 12:28 tells us that God has given a variety of different gifts to his church but all appointed by him. That they are given by God doesn’t mean they are above reproach or never make mistakes. First point maintains Christ’s headship. But we should thank God he has given leaders to church. Leaders should also recognise that they lead only by grace of Christ.

Church is led…for the glory of Christ

Our church constitution answers the question – what is the aim of the church? To glorify God. This is the goal of every saved person and is what we were made for. It is the goal of the leadership of the church; to point the church towards this ultimate aim. We may not do this perfectly and are always in need of the enabling and guiding of the Holy Spirit, but this must be the direction we are headed.

When Paul writes to the Ephesians, he speaks about their unity together and the different gifts that God has given (by his grace) to the church. Why have these been given?

Eph 4:12 “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”

Who are the full-time workers in the church? You are! The agents God uses to fulfil ministry of the church are ALL its members. You could summarise the goals of the ministry of the church under three easy-to-remember headings – ministry to God (worship), ministry to the church (nurture) and ministry to the world (witness). We are ALL to do these.

This is a reminder of our mutual responsibility towards each other. Leaders are to cultivate this. They are to recognise this, to use people to help equip the church, to enable the building up and maturing of the whole church.

Church is led…according to the word of Christ

Last point but certainly not least! Bible is not silent on what is required of elders. When you study the lists of qualifications, what shines through most brightly is not abilities or gifts but character of the person.

1 Peter 5:1-4 Difference between God’s leaders (shepherds) and other leaders (Peter contrasts the two).

Some other passages to consider:

1 Timothy 3 – character and qualities of overseers and deacons.
Titus 1:5 and following – character of those who lead as elders.

God has appointed leaders and they must lead according to his word. Church must take God’s word seriously and appoint suitable leaders.

Thank God for leaders, pray for them, submit to them and remember Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians:

1 Thess 5:12-13 “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

You can download the printed sheet in PDF form (30Kb) if you prefer to print it yourself or just view the notes below.

Study 2 – Sharing part 2

This local church is part of a bigger whole, the entire body of Christ, all of God’s saved people. “Church” used in the bible to refer to local congregations, Christians in an area, worldwide group or even church throughout all time. So whatever is true WITHIN church (as in study 1) is true BETWEEN churches to some degree.

As an independent church, might be easy for us to see sharing with other churches as something optional. Might view it as so problematic as to not be worth the effort or at other end of scale, might think we should join with anyone who claims the name “Christian”. To attempt some clarity, look at three points. First, the importance of this issue, second the need for discernment, third, some thoughts on practice.

Christian fellowship is pleasing to God

Sharing between Christians is not just an add-on but goes to heart of what it is to be saved.
Titus 2:14 “[Jesus Christ]…gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Christ wants to create a people, not just isolated individuals. Every Christian is part of a new community of people. Ephesians 2 speaks about the community of people that God has created in Christ. No longer Jews and Gentiles but one group, people, fellow citizens, members of God’s household, a dwelling of God (all phrases in Eph 2!).

Ps 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

Lots of things are good but not pleasant, some things are pleasant but not good but Christian fellowship is good AND pleasant. Eph 4:1-6 and 1 Peter 3:8-9 support this point. The “one-anothers” of the NT referred to in study 1 also support this.

If this is pleasing to God as his word says it is, then it should be a priority for every believer.

Christian fellowship needs discernment

Having said it is important, be careful not to rush to extremes. Enthusiasm for fellowship with all other Christians might lead us to be keen to share with EVERYONE who claims the name “Christian.” But we don’t want the opposite extreme either (sharing with none). So discernment is needed.

Discernment means to know and understand the BASIS of our fellowship with others. In other words, what is essential, crucial, non-negotiable and what is optional, peripheral or negotiable.

Certain truths are foundational – bible as God’s word, nature of God as triune, sovereign, creator, saviour, man as a sinner in need of the saving power of Jesus Christ in his life, death, resurrection and ascension. Could use the word “gospel” if by that we mean whole truth about how God chose to send his Son to save this lost world and how his saving power is applied to us by grace through faith.

Truth of gospel is crucial. Look at strong words of Paul about those who would add to gospel:

Galatians 1:8-9 “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!”

See also 2 Cor 6:14-16. Fellowship needs discernment. These pointers from the time of the protestant reformation might be helpful shorthand for us.

Scripture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, Glory to God alone.

Before we stand with anyone, ask how they stand on these! This is not simple black-and-white issue, but if fellowship is pleasing to God, must think it through without bigotry or prejudice. It requires prayer!

Christian fellowship in practice

Big issue for brief notes! If this is pleasing to God, we ought to be thinking about how we can practice this unity with other churches, local, regional, national and worldwide.

Some local applications have already taken place (Carols services, joint mission etc.). At national level, we are members of Affinity. Some questions to challenge you:

• How important do you think these relationships are?
• How much time (as a church) do we invest in them?
• What might we do to further be involved in real and sincere Christian fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ?

At very least should pray for them! We will be starting to systematically pray for other evangelical churches on Thursday evenings. Pastors will be swapping pulpits later in the year for a Sunday morning.
Read 2 Cor 8-9 to see Paul speaking about one very practical area of help, the sharing of money with struggling churches.

Pray that God would help us to value fellowship with his people wherever they are and to work to encourage that fellowship in Christ here in our local church, with brothers and sisters in Bridgend, Wales, the UK and across the world.

You can download the printed sheet in PDF form (28Kb) if you prefer to print it yourself or just view the notes below. Bible references will pop-up if you hover your mouse over them (but don’t get too lazy, look up some yourself, by hand, in your own bible!).

Study 1 – Sharing within the church

“Sharing” has a very wide meaning, from the superficial to the intimate. Sharing in the church, according to the bible is at the intimate end of that scale.
Rom 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.”
Three areas of sharing in church life and then some application.

Shared faith

The shared life of the members of Christ’s church has a foundation in their shared faith. Bible faith is not another word for religion, nor is it vague and uncertain.
Heb 11:1-2 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”
It is faith IN a person, the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving work on the cross.
See also Eph 2:1-10; John 3:16; John 5:24.
Can only truly share this life of the church if you share this saving faith in Christ. And this is not some trivial common purpose but something profound and life-changing.

Shared values

Shared faith leads to shared values. Values of members of Christ’s church have been transformed. Once worldly, now spiritual, once centred on self, now on Christ. Look at these verses for examples of these new values:
1 Cor 2:1-5; 2 Cor 4:5-7; Phil 3:4-9 (esp. v7); 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2:11-12; 1 Peter 4:3-4, 7-8.
Because coming to faith in Christ is a new birth (and not some minor “fix”), shouldn’t be surprised that Christian’s values are radically different from world.
Our shared values are centred on something important and significant, not ourselves but on Christ. Must continually come back to this and if necessary, re-orient ourselves around these values as a church.

Shared responsibility

Needed to lay foundations of shared faith and values before coming to responsibility. Responsibility should be viewed positively because it is not only upon each member of Christ’s church but also to their benefit!
Here is a list of references in the New Testament to the phrase “one another” used in the context of sharing in the church. This list was compiled by Tim Chester on a recent blog post (thanks to Tim for posting this helpful study):

Mark 9:50
John 13:34-35*
Romans 12:10; 12:16 (15:5); 14:13; 15:7; 15:14; 16:16 (1 Peter 5:14)
1 Corinthians 12:25
2 Corinthians 13:11-12
Galatians 5:13
Ephesians 4:2; 4:32 (Colossians 3:13); 5:21
Colossians 3:9; 3:16 (Ephesians 5:19)
1 Thessalonians 5:11; 4:18; 5:15
Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25
James 5:9; 5:16
1 Peter 4:8-10; 5:5
*See also John 15:12,17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11,23; 4:7,11-12; 2 John 5.

Here’s the summary Tim gave of those verses:
“Be at peace with one another, forgiving, agreeing, humble, accepting, forbearing, living in harmony and greeting with a kiss. Do not judge, lie or grumble. Show hospitality to one another. Confess your sins to one another. Be kind to one another, concerned, devoted, serving and doing good. Instruct and teach one another. Admonish, exhort and stir up one another. Comfort and encourage one another.”

Looking at that list, what do you think we are good at, what NOT so good at and what stops us doing more of these “one anothers” in Bethel?

How does it work?

Some questions for honest and prayerful application to our local church, Bethel.

• Is our sharing any more than our formal meeting times together?
• What part does showing hospitality to each other play in our church life?
• Do you find interaction with other Christians here an encouragement or a discouragement? How do you think people find their time with you (encouraged or discouraged)?
• How do you find other Christians in the church? (before you answer, think about how they find you!).

God always blesses obedience to his word. If there are things wrong in the church, for God’s glory and for our good they must be put right.

Pray that God would help us to be open and honest before him, to receive his word and to act on it, for his glory.