The Cross Proceeds The Crown

Trials. Hardship. Suffering.

No one likes to talk about these issues, even in Christian circles. We hear so much pep talk about walking in victory, becoming prosperous, being constantly happy, etc -- but the fact is that we cannot deny the fact that suffering exists. Firstly, they are a fact of life -- everyone will agree with that. Even at the moment in my life I feel like I am experiencing several little "deaths" inside each day, as God is dealing with some big issues in my heart. It's like undergoing spiritual open heart surgery; it hurts, it's painful, and it is hard to deal with.

And secondly, Jesus promised it to us. The Bible tells us again and again to expect hardship, as John Piper explains:

"Jesus said it. Luke 9:23, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Paul said it. 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." The author of Hebrews said it. Hebrews 12:6-7, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons." Peter said it. 1 Peter 4:13, "To the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."

The wonderful thing is that none of our suffering is meaningless; it all has purpose and reason. And it is all building up to our eternal inheritance. Piper expands on this:

"No pain, no gain. No cross, no crown. No suffering, no inheritance. That's the way it is. And if you ask, "What kind of pain? Is it just persecution he's talking about? Or is it other miseries we face in this life?" I answer from the following verses in Romans 8 that it is all the groaning that comes with the futility of this fallen age - persecution, calamity, disease, death. Any suffering that you meet on the road to heaven and endure by trusting in Jesus. Any hardship that might destroy your faith and lead you away from God. Read Romans 8:18-25 and see for yourselves.

"If there were no afflictions and difficulties and troubles and pain, our fallen hearts would fall ever more deeply in love with the comforts and securities and pleasures of this world instead of falling more deeply in love with our inheritance beyond this world, namely, God himself. Suffering is appointed for us in this life as a great mercy to keep us from loving this world more than we should and to make us rely on God who raises the dead. "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)."

I could not have said it better myself. The hymn 'In The Valley' put it so well in saying 'So let me learn that the cross proceeds the crown'.

Just like Jesus, we must go through the pain, suffering, hardship and trials in this earthly life. But also like Jesus, we will have an inheritance awaiting us in the next life that will far surpass anything we will ever have to endure this side of eternity.

I will let Piper conclude:

"There is no other way. Do not begrudge them. They are hard to bear. I know they are. But if you keep your inheritance before you, and if God gives you the grace to see what Paul calls "the riches of the glory of his inheritance" (Ephesians 1:18), then will you not say with the apostle, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us"?"

(For more on what our "inheritance" actually is, please read the rest of John Piper's article -- or watch/listen to the sermon -- 'Children, Heirs and Fellow Sufferers'. It is well worth the read, I promise.)

School of Suffering- Part One

Recently I asked God to teach me more about suffering. For those that know we have a God that hears our prayers and answers them- you may think that this was an idiotic request. Although I may have hesitated a little as I made this prayer request, it is not one that I regret.

The times of sufferings in my life have been the times where I have learned the most about the love and mercy of Christ. It has made me more aware of the extent of hardship Christ had to go through in order to provide us salvation. They have been the most humbling times where I have recognised my profound weakness and grown to understand my complete dependence on Christ’s strength and providence. But mostly they have been times of recognising idols in my own life and surrendering them over to God, in order to re-establish him as the centre of my life.

We all suffer in different ways. The severity and length of those times will differ in people lives. What causes suffering in one person’s life may not cause suffering in another person’s life because we value different things; therefore advising someone to get over something just because they don’t feel affected by it is probably not a wise thing to do. Seasons of suffering are genuinely hard times. However I can testify that they are the times that bring perspective and clarity to the great hope that we have in Christ. They are times that bring us to a place where we can honestly say ‘not mine but your will be done’. They are times that remind us that everything is meaningless apart from obedience to God and the hope we have in him.

Christians are quick to try and avoid suffering. Our prayers more often than not ask God to protect us from times of sadness, loss and pain rather then asking him to teach us through these times to the praise of His glory. Yet 1 Peter 1: 3-9 talks about the necessity of trials so that through the testing of our faith we may rejoice in the living hope that we have, the salvation of our souls.

The day that I asked God to teach me more about suffering I expected that I would go to into work and have the opportunity to share the gospel with a sick and dying patient and get ridiculed and warned for sharing my faith. Now to me, that is suffering for the gospel! As I entered my work place my prayers consisted of asking for the opportunity to share the gospel and to share in Christ’s suffering. God answered my prayers in a way that I didn’t expect. The majority of my patients turned out to be Christians! This is a rare phenomenon, and this continued to be the trend for the next few weeks.

As I had the privilege of nursing these sisters in Christ I was able to help carry their burdens and share in their suffering and genuine pain. As I was called to minister to them over the next few weeks they were also ministering to me in their time of suffering. It was a great reminder of God’s love for his chosen children. (In my next post I will share some of their stories.) All these Christian women had different stories to share about their suffering. Yet what they did have in common was their reaction to their suffering – praise and glory to God. An inexpressible joy in the Lord. A renewed hope in salvation. A better understanding of the faithfulness of God. And an acknowledgement of God’s purposes in allowing suffering - the testing of their faith which has been a great testimony to all those around.

Back In Business

After a busy season of weddings, traveling and life changes, Emily and I have reunited in 'The Land of Oz' and we are back in business!

Emily and I are sitting in my apartment in Sydney throwing around ideas for this new season of blogging. We have just realized that we started this blog about a year ago. Wow! Time flies by!

Jess is in a fantastic season of being newly married. Emily and I are so happy for her and her husband Will who tied the knot in June. We were honored to be her bridesmaids and enjoyed celebrating the day with her. However, due to having new priorities in her life, Jess will be unable to contribute to this blog. But we hope to have her back as a guest blogger now and again.

We would like to take the opportunity to say thank you Jess for all your contributions and for sharing your heart in your posts - they have really encouraged many people.

So what can you expect in this new and changing season? Well for one thing some regular posting! But to find out what else... stay tuned folks!

Where Have We Been?!

To our readers (yes, all 3 of you) -- we're sorry we have disappeared on here for so long! We all have found ourselves in extremely busy and demanding seasons of life for the past few months, so many lesser priorities have had to temporarily go out the window!

But we will hopefully be back writing here soon. In the meantime, we have lots of exciting things happening: Jess' wedding is this Saturday (6th June), and is Ali is flying back from Sydney this Thursday as both she and I are two of Jess' bridesmaids! It will be the first time in just over six months that we have all been together, since Ali moved back to Australia last November. We are all incredibly excited to see each other again, and more so to see Jess wed to her wonderful fiance, Will.

We hope that you are all well and knowing the reality of God's grace in your life. And we shall be back soon!

Don't Shoot Other Christians

I recently listened to this preach on 'suffering' inspired by 1 Peter 3 by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church. Driscoll made points that are very relevant to some of our recent posts on evangelism through the Church. The universal Church should be demonstrating Christ in our relationships and community, as people watch us to see if Christianity works. 

Driscoll makes the point that Christians shouldn't add to one another's suffering as we are already dealing with enough suffering from Satan and slander from the world. Although different Churches have different ways of doing things we shouldn't talk trash about one another. Usually most of the gossip we hear about other Churches is just that- gossip. Gossip and trash talk is NOT the gospel! We love Jesus, they love Jesus and Jesus loves all of us. Therefore we should love one another.

The clip below is a section taken from this preach. To listen to the entire preach you can find it at http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/trial/suffering-to-bless

The Loving Church Body + Preaching Christ = Salvation

Continuing on with the Evangelism series...

Previously we looked at Jesus' prayer in John 17 - that his people and ultimately the universal Church would become more like him, growing in love and unity, resulting in people being saved, to God's glory. This post will look at how this specific purpose for the Church to evangelize, by being the body of Christ in the world, is outworked in the local church. By the end of this post my hope is that if you profess to have faith in Jesus Christ you will see how important it is for you to be an active member in your local church. 

As I mentioned in the previous post, the Church is the body of Christ. Since we proclaim that Christ is our head and we are in Christ, the world looks to the Church to get their impression of Christ's character. If our claim to be in Christ in genuine they should expect to see evidence of this in our actions and the way we live our lives. This is what they should expect to see in the local church:

Acts 2:42-47: 'And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.'

This passage touches on many different areas in which the Church should be outworking such as being generous, not loving money, being joyful, loving one another, providing for each other's needs, fellowship, praising God, preaching, teaching, remembering  Christ, and performing signs and wonders. We will touch on all of these aspects in posts to come. For now the point I want to focus on comes from the last few lines of this passage which says 'having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.'

Here we see a New Testament local church functioning in a way that glorifies Christ - loving God, loving each other and loving the world, not only in their words but also in their actions. The result of this is that people were won over and were being saved day by day. This is amazing! The church community did not seclude themselves from people that were not Christians but rather they embraced them, had friendships with them and invited them into their church community so that they had "favor" with the people. Over time as the non-Christians witnessed the church body functioning in a loving community and also saw the benefit of this community, they were convinced that Christ really does change lives and they wanted in.

This approach to evangelism is still relevant today. Last year I was speaking on the topic 'Evangelism' at a youth group. I asked the youth audience this question: "Raise your hand if you became a Christian through a friendship with a Christian or someone inviting you to church?" All the youth raised their hands. I knew a lot of these young people on a personal basis and had witnessed many of them put their faith in Christ. This was the trend I observed in how the majority of them became Christians - they would have a friendship with a Christian from school or a sports team or maybe a neighbor, and they would be invited to the Church youth group. They would come along to the youth group, see that it was a welcoming, safe, fun place for making friends and over time they would feel like they were part of the family.

It was at this stage that they would start to asking questions about Jesus because they were being convinced by the way Christians lived that they were missing something in their own lives that the Christians around them clearly had. Eventually they would start coming to the Sunday church service as well as the youth group, and it was usually after a preach that they would officially respond to the invitation to accept Christ as their Savior.

Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, and not everyone goes through this process of being convinced that the gospel message is the truth. There are many people that have had supernatural revelations about Christ, without a friendship with the Church body, which has lead to an instant change of their heart, repentance and faith in Christ. The apostle Paul (who wasn't a friend of Christians, rather he had been persecuting Christians and ultimately Christ) became a Christian after a light from heaven momentarily blinded him and he heard Jesus speaking to him. I've also heard of people living in Muslim countries who have never heard the gospel and then all of a sudden have a revelation about Jesus dying for their sins.

My personal testimony was that the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation about my dependence on Christ for salvation at a very young age, before anyone would even think it possible for me to understand the gospel message to tell me. It is ultimately God who changes hearts and calls us to himself. However from this passage in Acts 2, from Jesus' prayer in John 17, and from 1 Peter 2 (which we will go onto look at) we see that it is God's plan to primarily reveal himself to the world through the Church body. 

We will be going on to look at 1 Peter 2 and elaborate on why it is so important to be part of a local church, especially if you desire people to be saved. This should be our desire as it is the desire of God himself.

Unity In The Universal Church

"Jesus Christ is the great cornerstone upon which the Church is built. He is the foundation of all Christian experience, and the Church is founded upon Him... Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the founder of the Church, the builder of the Church, and the Church belongs to Him alone. He has promised to live with, and in, all those who are members of this Church. Here is not only an organization but an organism that is completely unlike anything else that the world has ever known: God Himself living with, and in, ordinary men and women who are members of his church...(if) you have accepted Christ as your Savior and put your trust and confidence in Him, you have already become a member of the great universal Church. You are a member of the household of faith. You are a part of the body of Christ. Now you are called upon to obey Christ, and if you obey Christ, you will follow His example of joining with others in the worship of God." (Billy Graham)

God plans to show himself to the world through the universal Church - the body of Christ. We as individual 

Christians are many, but we are one. We are one body with many different parts, each with a unique set of gifts to bring to the body of Christ, with Christ as our head. Since this is our God-ordained identity, the world looks to the universal Church for its opinion of Christ. This is why in John 17  we hear Jesus so fervently praying during his last hours before his crucifixion that his body of believers would be sanctified. The world is rightfully looking to the Church to be like Christ. As we continue to be sanctified as a body we should expect to see unity rather then division amongst the universal Church. We should desire this and pray for it.

Unfortunately though, the world often sees the sad aspects of the universal Church - bickering and slander between different denominations over non-fundamental issues, to name just one. The heart behind the arguing can often be personal preferences, upbringing, religious traditions, cultural differences and proud opinions rather then genuine biblical conviction. Don't get me wrong - there is a time and place for correcting and rebuking one another when it is done in a loving and relational way. However, we need to stop arguing over less crucial matters such as how church meetings are run, the style of worship music, and the different ways of doing mission. If this is how the world views the universal Church, no wonder they believe our message of love and grace sounds like hypocrisy! As Ghandi so famously quoted "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ"... Ouch, doesn't that cut you deep in the heart!

When I read the second greatest commandment "love your neighbor as yourself" I see that the way I am able to do is by looking to Jesus who displayed the ultimate example of love - by dying on the cross for me so that I may have life to the fullest although completely undeserved. I find my motivation to love others by casting my hope on the great standard of grace that Jesus has already set. Every member of the body of Christ needs to meditate on this principle. We love because Christ first loved us. We need to see the universal Church loving each member as Christ loved us, before the Church can fully extend that love to the rest of the world. When we see unity driven by love amongst the universal Church, then we will see more people put their hope in Christ because they will have seen with their own eyes that Christ's love transforms lives.

One of Jesus' final prayer request while on earth was "that they (the body of Christ) may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me". I hope this post provokes you to look at your attitude towards the Church. Are you bickering with other denominations? Are you speaking ill about your brothers and sisters in Christ? Have you given up on the Church because you don't think it reflects Christ? Rather than abandoning the Church or allowing yourself to grow bitter towards it, I hope you will join me in continually praying for unity amongst the body of Christ. We should expect to see increased fellowship, love and doctrinal unity amongst the universal Church, as this was Christ's prayer for us - that we would become more like him so that the world may know him.

Sent Into The World

Here at APLF we are moving onto a topic that we are very passionate about - evangelism. Your idea of evangelism may be a man standing on a street corner, Bible-bashing strangers passing by. Although there is a time and place for cold- contact evangelism, when I’m referring to evangelism we'll actually be thinking about God’s people loving God, loving one another, continually being built up and sanctified as a body for the sake of mission to the world, so that others may know Christ and glorify him. 

Jesus said "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" (John 17:17-18).

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at evangelism from the perspective of how this is so deeply intertwined with the local church and all that the church is called to be and do. I hope this series will be one that encourages you to be passionate about building up the beloved bride of Christ - the church. Most importantly I hope that as we look to the Bible you will see that you have a significant part to play in the body of Christ. My prayer is that you respond actively to the call to show Christ love to the world through your life and through your local church community.

Newfrontiers Conferences 2009

 Together on a Mission: 7th- 10th July, Brighton UK

Comprises two conferences which combine for some sessions.

Leadership conference for those with a leadership role in the church- from pastors to home group leaders, administrators to children's workers.

Mobilise is specially for students and twenties.

Mobilise 2009 Promo (1 min teaser) from Newfrontiers on Vimeo.

Newday 09 (For youth 12+): 1st-6th August, Norfolk Showground UK

Newday Promo 2009 from Newfrontiers on Vimeo.

Interview with Annie Waller

(Above: Annie & myself)

For those of you that know Annie Waller I'm sure you will agree that she is an inspirational woman of God. You most likely know Annie as Joel Virgo's PA, the church administrator for Church of Christ the King, a key organizer in Newfrontiers conferences and leadership training, or you may know her on more of a personal basis as I do - as a faithful, caring, sister in Christ who has such a big heart and much wisdom to share.

I had the privilege of living with Annie and her beautiful family for a few months while preparing to move back to Australia. I can testify that although she has so many responsibilities within the church and her family, her strength and godly character never seems to run dry! I asked Annie if I could interview her prior to my departure back to Australia so that other women may be able to have privilege of getting to know her as I have over the last few years that we have become such close friends. (Family photo above left: Nigel, Ami Loizides, Annie, Frankie, and me)

Thank you Annie for agreeing to this interview. This is a tribute to your friendship, love, kindness, cheekiness and great example that has touched so many hearts. 

Interview:

Ali: What is your favourite book?

Annie: 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers

Ali: Favourite movie?

Annie: Beaches

Ali: Favourite food?

Annie: Fresh crab and prawns

Ali: I know you love your girly stuff. What's your favourite clothing accessory?

Annie: I have two: earrings and bags

Ali: If you had a day off work what would you do?

Annie: Spend that day at home which I love, but then I would be catching up with all those jobs too! (Right: Annie caught in action shopping)

Ali: Most embarrassing moment?

Annie: Years ago, I spilt beetroot on a cream carpet – I didn’t know the people very well.

Ali: Ooo shame! Craziest thing you have ever done?

Annie: There have been many, but my recent one was singing a duet in front of 200 people with one of the elders from our church.

Ali: Lol, I witnessed that one. I think that should have been the answer for your most embarrassing moment! Just joking (smile). We would love to know how you became a Christian.

Annie: I attended a close friend's baptism service, filled in a contact card, and then spent time with a neighbour having Bible studies. I eventually gave my life to the Lord - however I never really fully immersed myself into the Christian life until years later when my husband gave his life too.

Ali: Can you tell us about your role in the church?

Annie: I am PA to Joel Virgo, John Hosier, Steve Horne and Steve Walford [4 of our church elders]. I lead the admin team in the office and also jointly oversee the personnel for the church office.

Ali: Most people that know you would agree that the church would probably fall to pieces if you weren’t there (quote from Joel Virgo, the lead elder of CCK). Your role in the church is not limited to administration as you are also a key person in Newfrontiers conferences and camps such as the leadership conference, Newday, and leadership training. With all your responsibilities how do you always stay so chilled out and look calm and in control?

Annie: I try to always look for the good in everything that is happening and stay positive. Every mountain I have to climb I see as God strengthening my character and developing my skills. God gives me mountains of grace and wisdom which often surprises me!

Ali: How would you advise other women who have heavy responsibilities within the church?

Annie: Always be God-centred in every aspect of your role. Be released in knowing that the elders of the church are responsible for all the outworkings of church life. Build great communication with your team and those you work alongside, and ask God continually for grace.

Ali: On top of being a pillar in the church you are also a great wife and mother. How long have you and Nigel been married and how did you meet?

Annie: Nigel and I have been married for 24 years; we met whilst working within the hotel industry in Brighton over 26 years ago. We’ve been here ever since!

Ali: I’ve been told that marriage is hard work…what have you had to work the hardest at?

Annie: Marriage is indeed hardwork. We have over the years had to work the hardest at spending quality time together.

Ali: In your experience what tactics help you spend more quality time together?

The tactics we have used are: we make sure we go through our diaries together and synchronise 'keep free' evenings or days; we stay accountable to each other so we don't lose them in the busyness of life; we try to go out for breakfast together as often as we can on a Saturday as Nigel's working hours can be quite random so it gives us time to catch up.

(Left: Mr & Mrs Waller looking fine)

Ali: What have been the joys of marriage for you?

Annie: Finding God together, our great friendship and our gorgeous children.

Ali: Can you tell us about your children? What are their names and how old are they? What is your favorite part about being a mother?

Annie: We have two children. Adam and Francesca (Frankie). Adam is 21 and works as a carpenter/joiner. He is a very cheeky 21 year old, full of fun, mischief, but totally adorable. Frankie is 17, studying for her AS’s at a local college. She totally loves God and is just a delight. My absolute favourite part about being a mum is 1) knowing what a privilege it is to be a parent. 2) Watching them grow into adults. 3) Knowing that God has all their days planned. 4) Being able to laugh, cry, and have lots of fun together 5) Hearing them tell you that they love you.

Ali: I have had the privilege of watching the beautiful relationship you have with your daughter. How has this relationship developed? Any tips for mothers?

Annie: Our relationship has grown out of a friendship that has developed over the years. We love spending quality time together, even if we do nothing, but just sit and hug watching the TV. The biggest tip I can give is to keep the lines of communication open even when things can get a bit hairy and you don’t like what they're telling you! Pray, pray and then pray some more. (Right: Annie & gorgeous Frankie)

Ali: Where do you find time to pray and meditate on the word of God?

Annie: First thing in the morning, either when I’m out on a morning hike or just sitting in bed. God will also wake me in the night sometimes to spend time with Him.

Ali: A Bible verse you often return to?

Annie: Romans 8.

Ali: What has God been speaking to you about lately?

Annie: Seasons. As a mum I am going through a season of letting go, and at work we are in a season of major transitions. I am also in a season of saying many goodbyes to people I love who seem to be returning or departing for different parts of the world or country. In all this, I do believe God is strengthening my character, but also preparing me for the future.

Ali: Do you have any long-term goals or plans for the future? Have you and Nigel ever thought about moving to Australia? (said with a cheeky grin)

Annie: Hmm this is a loaded question! (said with a cheeky look right back) Nigel and I are planning to visit Australia next year for a month; we both feel this will be a very significant time for us as a couple. When Nigel retires we would love to go on a round the world trip – but within that trip I would love to work with the children in Cambodia. Would we ever move to Australia? Only God knows the answer to that question, but if He spoke to us very clearly then of course we would want to be in His will.

Ali: What in your opinion is the most urgent challenge that evangelical Christian women face today?

Annie: Submitting to God’s will either as single or married women when we are totally bombarded from the media/magazines etc, with how we should look, how we should cook, what our homes should look like, etc.  Being a godly example in marriage to those in the world where honoring and respecting your husband is not always a priority.

Ali: A women that has inspired you, and how?

Annie: Sue Hosier. She spoke many years ago about building a dynasty for God. I hold that very dear to my heart. I pray often for the husband/wife of our children yet to come and their children’s children that they would know the love of God and live in His will.

Ali: One modern day person you would like to meet and why?

Annie: Not sure if you mean celebrity or Christian…

Ali: Whoever you want.

Annie: Dame Judi Dench – I love the way she acts, dresses, and her sense of humour. Or Francine Rivers – I would love to ask her lots of questions about the book she wrote.

Ali: One question you would have liked me to ask you and your answer?

Annie: What has been my greatest achievement? Passing my driving test – 25 years ago!