Here I stand...

…With lots of thoughts – but not much time!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Fri, 08 May 2009 07:15:53 PDT

Well, after a prolonged absence from the blogosphere, I have returned.

(I doubt there’s anyone that actually reads this anymore, but I’ll carry on regardless!)

In this post I’m announcing to, what I can only presume will be, the emptiness of cyberspace, that I’ve got a couple of posts lined up over the next few weeks.

I haven’t posted because I’ve been avoiding it – largely due to the content for my next post.

On December 28th 2008 my Grandfather died – since the funeral I wanted to make my next post my tribute to him – I’ve been avoiding it for a while, but I think the time has now come when I can share my thoughts and memories of him.

Since the last post I’ve also read and reviewed another book for the publishers Thomas Nelson, I’ve started reviewing ‘Death by Love’ and I'm in the process of reading another book!
I’ll post my thoughts over the next few weeks.

I’ve been away a lot over the past 3 months – I’ve travelled to Lithuania & Latvia (preaching for the first time through an interpreter), I helped out at a youth camp, went to New Word Alive and had my first weekend long speaking engagement!
It’s been a hectic few months!

Well – all that is basically to let you know that it’s my intention to share my thoughts, memories and experiences with you (well, that’s assuming someone is reading this!) over the next few weeks!

…reviewing “Rex”

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:07:15 PST

I did intend to review ‘Death by Love’ next, but on Wednesday my first book from the Thomas Nelson ‘Book Review Bloggers’ scheme arrived and I haven’t been able to put it down
(I finished it in 4 days!)

Born prematurely, undergoing invasive brain surgery at eight weeks, confirmed blind two months later, then diagnosed as autistic – life was full of challenges for Rex from the outset.
It seemed his life was to be one of darkness, isolation and difficulty, forced upon him by his multiple disabilities
– until the light of music dawned, revealing an incredible gift!

Cathleen Lewis shares a mothers joy, pain, frustration and elation at the birth of her child, the hurdles they face together and the way God used her disabled son to teach her to trust Him.

As I read this book I grew to love Rex, feeling compassion for every trial he faced and rejoicing in his every triumph.
I was grieved by peoples readiness to either, sideline Rex because of his disabilities, or investigate his amazing abilities without recognising him as an individual.
I came away with a deep admiration and respect for Cathleen, a mother who strives to provide Rex with the fullest life possible.

This fantastic book that takes the reader beyond the mere intrigue of Rex’s musical talent, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the freedom and joy Rex experiences at his piano.

‘Rex’
by Cathleen Lewis

Here I Stand Score – 9/10

Published in 2008 by Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 978-1-5955—5150-4

Hardback, 256 pages, £9.89 (Amazon)

(Next Book: “Death by Love” by Mark Driscoll)

…Rejoicing in the Word of God!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:44:28 PST

Seeing as I’m three days into my Bible-in-a-year-athon
I thought I’d post a few thoughts.

So far I’ve read Gen chapters 1-7 and Matthew chapters 1-3.

The tension introduced at the Fall in Genesis 3 only increases as we see various potential saviours rise and fall in the following chapters.
Cain, born as Adam & Eve’s first son – could he be the rescuer God promised in Gen 3:15? No - as it turns out!
What about Seth – could he be the fulfilment of the promise? – He was good, but not good enough, the curse remains!
Now Noah, here’s a good bloke – we’re told that he’s righteous, blameless and walks with God (Gen 6:9). Maybe he’ll be able to rescue humanity? The end of chapter 7 is a cliff hanger – God has initiated a re-creation through the flood and we see Noah and his family in the ark – their ‘Garden of Eden’. Could Noah actually be the second Adam?

Well I guess I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.
(Don’t worry, I know what happens!)

The chapters in Matthews Gospel stand in contrast to those in Genesis. In Genesis we witness the fall of man and our utter inability to save ourselves. Through Matthews Gospel account we’re witnesses to the coming of the Messiah and God’s commitment to the redemption of, and reconciliation with man!

The whole of scripture speaks of Christ – Why not dive in and rejoice in the images, prophecy and revelation of the Word of God!

…New Year, New Beginnings & A New Post

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:56:26 PST

The first (second!) post of 2009!! – It seems like it should be a thoughtful post filled with meaningful memories from last year, and ambitious plans for the next.
This isn’t going to ‘that post’!

This is just a quick post to point you in the direction of a few interesting things on the net and share a few quick thoughts.

Firstly, the interesting web pages.

I’ve decided to join in with the Oakhall Church Bible reading scheme – I was looking for a Bible-in-a-year plan and I found this one through another blog that I read. This may become another commitment that I later regret, it may become a legalistic ritual rather than a loving relationship, but my intention is to do the readings and post a few thoughts on here to keep accountable (I’m also on the lookout for a living, breathing Bible reading partner – watch out CCD folks!)
Check out the plan by clicking here!

This week I’ve found various bloggers making reference to an article by Matthew Parris entitled “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God”. I’ve read the article and I found it very interesting – it’s generated a lot of very interesting comments too.
I won’t share any thoughts on it as various other bloggers have done a sterling job on that front – I just wanted to point you in the direction of an article that’s well worth a read and ponder!

I was challenged by a post titled “Because God is big he needs to be in charge of little things” over at 22 Words. Abraham quotes Paul Tripp from the DG conference;

“If God doesn’t rule your mundane, then he doesn’t rule you, because that’s where you live.”

That’s a huge challenge to me as I like to think I’m making God’s life easier by not bothering Him with the little things – fact is he’s interested because he’s a loving father who cares for his children.
(After reading that post I listened to Mark Driscoll preaching on ‘Pray Like Jesus’ – I’m think God’s telling me something!)

I’m not in the habit of watching Hollyoaks, but two of my siblings are, (they shall remain nameless). Edd and I had had to endure yet another episode of the naff soap, and as the credits rolled one of the actors said this;

“This time of year we all try to change, to become something we’re not – eventually we will fail”

I was struck by the profundity of the statement – I realise that it’s highly unlikely that the writers had any Gospel-shaped thoughts when they penned this line, but I began to think about it.

So many people will have made all sorts of rash promises to themselves about how they’re going to better themselves this year by going to the gym, dieting, quitting smoking, being friendlier or spending more quality time with their family, to name but a few.
We’re told that we just need to put the effort in and believe in ourselves to release our full potential. Even though we’re all to aware of how quickly our resolutions to change are broken, we’ve bought into this self-help mentality.
Even in approaching God you might think that you’re not all that bad and with a bit of prayer, some Bible reading and a smattering of church attendance you’ll work your way into heaven!

The Gospel exposes our efforts to earn a right standing before God as the filthy rags that they truly are. (Isaiah 64:6)
When we try to be good enough to earn our way into heaven we’re pretending that we’re something that we’re not – and eventually we will fail!
That’s the beauty of the Gospel – it confronts us with how wretched we truly are, provides an atoning sacrifice, reveals a perfect mediator and gives us a new beginning!
It only the Gospel that can bring about the real change that we need, without it we’re driven to either legalistic religion, or absolute despair.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
(2Co 5:17 ESV)

…Thinking About the Incarnation!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:41:17 PST

(This was meant to be my Christmas post but with one thing and another I didn’t get round to posting it!)

Recently I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the incarnation, for obvious reasons. I’d told a number of people that I was going to post my thoughts here – I’ve finally got round to it!

Over Christmas we’ve sung and listened to some fantastic truths, but it was one song in particular that struck a chord with me.
I was listening to the album ‘Christmas Child’ by Nia and the lyrics of the track ‘The Final Word’ stayed in my mind – especially the following lines.

He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.

As I said in a previous post, we can get lost in the ‘cuteness’ of the nativity play and forget the strife that surrounded the the birth of Christ. However, even if we acknowledge this, we can still fail to recognise the glory of God’s unfolding eternal purposes.
Like a sunbeam piercing through gathered storm clouds, the Light of the World burst into time and space, His coming heralding the dawn of hope for those living in despair, a light for those who dwell in darkness – (Isaiah 9:2)

Our hope isn’t found a baby’s birth, nor is it revealed in the good example of His life – it’s His death that gives hope!

The whole of scripture declares that the incarnation was for one purpose – so that God could die in our place!

I’m not suggesting that we aren’t to find any hope in Jesus’ birth, after all He’s called Emmanuel – God with us!
His birth revealed that God hadn’t given up on humanity, He still wished to make His dwelling place with man. However, we must then turn to the cross, where Jesus’ died the death we deserve, opening the way for reconciliation with God.
Likewise, we can look at Christ’s life as a source of hope because He is Emmanuel. He lived a perfect life, revealing how God intended for us to live, but what about when we don’t live like that, what then? Well, the writer to the Hebrews tells us that;

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
(Heb 2:17-18 ESV)

So I can look to Jesus as my example, but when I fall short of His perfect standard, (which I regularly do!), then I find that not only is he my perfect example, but when he died, he endured the anger of God that I deserve, becoming my perfect propitiation too!
More than that, He rose from the dead, demonstrating his victory over Satan, sin, death & hell, He ascended into heaven, where he intercedes for me, and He will return to finally establish his perfect reign!

This is God’s eternal plan, fully revealed in the child born in Bethlehem all those years ago!

Meditating on the incarnation inspires hope;
     God has came to us – He hasn’t given up on us!
     God has lived as a man – He knows our weakness!
     God has known suffering – He understands our pain!
     God has died – He has borne the punishment for our sin!
     God has risen again – He triumphed over our enemies!
     God will return – His kingdom will come!

Lets head into the New Year full of hope in Jesus – God with Us!!

…reviewing “Married to a Martyr”

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:33:31 PDT

I had been eager to get my hands on a copy of “Married to a Martyr”. I’d heard about the three Christians killed in eastern Turkey during April 2007, but it was difficult to find any coherent account in the confused stories and rumours that emerged.

This is the biography Susan Geske, one of the widows, who in the midst of her grief, speaks out to make the truth known.
Through the short, accessible chapters we learn how Susan made the journey from unbelief, to a faith that will cost her so much, we witness unrequited love that blossoms into marriage and how God-given desires became reality.

Very little is revealed about the three men’s murder, though we are left in no doubt that they suffered horrifically, and that they made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

I was reduced to tears a number of times as I read this book, and it ultimately left me feeling deeply challenged – fulfilling Susan’s desire that “…the story of my husband, and his two friends’ outright commitment to Christ might challenge today’s church…that they might rise, be strong and declare the mighty name of Jesus across the world.”

‘Married to a Martyr’
by Jonathan Carswell, with Joanna Wright

Here I Stand Score – 8/10

Published in 2008 by Authentic Media

ISBN: 978-1-85078-785-3

Paperback, 134 pages, £4.50 (10ofthose.com)

(Next Book: “Death by Love” by Mark Driscoll)

…No Killer – All Filler!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:42:41 PST

Well, after reading Abraham Pipers blog post from Saturday I decided that I’d post something – even if there’s no real content to it!

I thought I’d fill you all in with the next blog post I have planned and what I’ve been up to recently!

I’m planning on making my next post the first of many book reviews – I have a huge pile of books to read and I thought a great way of making sure that I actually read the books I buy is to commit to posting a short review of each book I read, along with the title of the book that I’m going to read next!

This week is fairly hectic with three big Christmas events being put on by the church – I’ve been responsible for getting the programmes printed, stapled and folded – all 1200!!
I’m feeling more Christmassy this year – I’ve been helping out, in a minor way, with the school choirs and the JYC Nativity.

Sunday evening saw the church packed for the Junior Youth Club (JYC) Nativity – and it didn’t fail to entertain!
With a house proud sheep tidying up the loose straw half way through, a very persistent Joseph who simply refused to give up asking for rooms at the Inn and then proceeded to break into dance during every song!
Children never fail to bring a touch of comedy to the nativity!

I really enjoy nativity plays – however, we can become so immersed in the ‘sweetness’ of the children's acting, we forget that when these events took place, the drama that unfolded was neither sweet nor comedic!
Mary was a teenager, whose pregnancy outside of marriage would have made her a target for abuse and gossip. She gave birth in a dirty animal shelter – probably a cave! Within two years Herod’s jealous rage forced Joseph, Mary and Jesus to become refugees, seeking asylum in Egypt.
Yet at the centre of all this suffering and difficulty God has become flesh – Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us!

So this Christmas, take time to think through what your response to the events of that night will be?
Will you allow other things to crowd in, forcing God into the ‘out-buildings’ of your mind?
Will the rightful King over your life be rejected in anger and arrogance?
Will you recognise Christ, your Saviour, and worship him?

I’ll expand on these points over the coming days.

…with, “Just another winter’s tale”?

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:26:07 PST

I was reminded recently that I haven’t blogged for a while. I’m sorry for my absence – It’s been a combination of busyness and avoidance!

“Avoidance?” you ask. (Well, you might have asked!)
Basically, although my last post generated one comment here – on my Facebook page it generated a huge number of comments, thirty at the last count!
I wanted to respond to some of these comments, particularly the more aggressive ones – and so I was avoiding posting again until I had given a response to people that had taken the time and effort to post their comments. Unfortunately I’ve been so busy that I haven’t as yet had opportunity to reply – although I still intend to!

So in the meantime, I’m back!

On Tuesday (02/12/08), I was watching “The One Show” whilst eating my dinner. There was one segment of the show that caught my attention – one of the presenters interviewed David Essex about his Christmas hit “A Winters Tale”.
Here’s what David Essex said;

DE - “It wasn’t particularly thought of as a Christmas single (umm) it happened to come out around that time and ever since its been associated with (err) Christmas”

DC - “Why do you think people associate it with Christmas?”

DE - “Its quite plaintive, its quite emotive. It can be the saddest time; Christmas, even though we, you know, have this facade of happiness and Christmas trees and everything else. In reality life’s not like that, and maybe ‘Winters Tale’ taps into that kind of plaintive loneliness that sometimes Christmas can bring…
…[laughing] on that happy note – Merry Christmas everybody”

(To view the full video, click here, and select ‘The Hook’)

David Essex’s statement really struck me – The message of many Christmas songs is that this is the season for couples to snuggle by open fires and go for long walks in the snow, but it’s a sad fact, that for a lot of people, Christmas will be a very lonely time, when they reminisce about love lost through broken relationships.

So it seems, that unless we are in a romantic relationship, we’re doomed to spend the next month muttering ‘Bah Humbug’ at every happy couple that pass us in the street, while we must endure the cruel coldness of a lonely Christmas! If the festive season means listening to “A Winters Tale” on repeat, and seeking ‘salvation’ in romance, then I’d rather hide away in my room, and emerge again in January!!

As I consumed my pasta & cheesy-bacon sauce, I began to think about the picture that David Essex painted.
Unwittingly, he had hit the nail on the head - Christmas really is all about the sadness of broken relationships – but I’m talking about a relationship that is far more significant than the kind that Wham sing about in “Last Christmas”.

The message of Christmas is, that even though we have been rebellious, unfaithful and self-seeking in our attitude and actions towards God, He has chosen to demonstrate the depth of his love for us. Christmas is all about the ‘incarnation’ of God, that is, it’s about God in flesh – God ‘with meat on’!!

John, in his record of Jesus’ life, puts it like this;

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)

In Jesus’ birth, and life, we witness God revealing himself as a God who, in love, pursues those who have despised him. Ultimately we see God’s self-sacrificing love in Christ’s death, where he bears the punishment our rebellion deserves, dying in our place.
His resurrection shows that He has conquered Satan, sin, death & hell, and that it is only by His completed mission that we can be reconciled with God.

The eternal Son of God didn’t ‘become flesh’ to give pop stars an excuse to write soppy, sentimental songs about kisses under the mistletoe!

He came to reveal God to a world that is running away from Him, and to make a way for God-haters to be reconciled back to God.

I’ll finish this post with the words of a song I’ve been listening to recently – as you read it, I hope you recognise that this isn’t
“…just another Winter’s Tale” but it’s the message of God revealing his glory through frail human flesh and bringing peace for all humanity.

How sweet the day when Christ was born,
when God himself took human form.
He came to wash ours sins away,
our death to die, our debt to pay.

How sweet the day when hope appeared,
the one who frees us from our fears.
He came to break the power of sin,
and give us power to follow him.

Oh, sing for joy, lift up your voice.
Let us sing for joy, the whole earth rejoice.
Let us sing for joy to the Son.
For Jesus, our saviour has come!

How sweet the day when Christ returns,
we’ll see the one for whom we yearn.
Then we’ll look full upon His face,
our hearts will burst with songs of praise.

(“How Sweet the Day” – Savior, Sovereign Grace Music)

...Unconvinced by Atheist Adverts

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:30:08 PDT

Well, it appears that Westminster is going to be confronted with a shocking revelation thanks to the British Humanist Association
- apparently "There's probably no God."

The BHA have been busy raising funds to emblazon this statement on the sides of bendy-buses in London. Unsurprisingly, the fundamentalist atheist, Richard Dawkins has popped up to support this initiative, he had pledged to match any donations given to a total value of £5,500. The BHA have now collected a total of £20,300, not including Prof. Dawkins' generous donation.

(As an aside, I don't quite understand Prof. Dawkins involvement in this project. With its agnostic message, it falls far short of the extreme atheistic ideal that he so aggressively preaches!)

Now, I somehow doubt that such a flimsy statement is going to allay many fears as to the existence, or non-existence, of God.
In fact I think it exposes the very shaky foundations of atheism.
I can't help but feel that 'probably' is neither comforting nor reassuring when one is weighing up such weighty issues as the meaning of life and the existence of God.

Before I run off to live my life in merry abandonment and the pursuit of hedonistic pleasure, I think I'd like a more definite answer as to the existence of God!
When it comes to matters of life, death and eternity I'd like to base my decisions on more than a worryingly vague 'probably'!

I have never had the privilege of meeting Queen Elizabeth II.
I've heard people talk about her. I've seen a person on the T.V. that people identify as her. I've read books and articles about her and I've even been on a tour of her house.
I live in the country of which she is monarch, I enjoy the benefits of her rule and my British citizenship identifies me with her.
Now, it would be sheer arrogance, if not stupidity, for me to say that just because I haven't met her, she doesn't exist - we've never been introduced and I certainly don't have an exhaustive knowledge of every living person.

You can probably see where I'm going with this...

It's the same with God, in Romans 1:19-22 Paul tell's us that God exists and we don't know Him, but it's far worse than just that!
Not only do we not know God, we don't want to know Him!
We have lived our lives in open rebellion to Him, with the end result being pain and suffering for ourselves!
We hate the idea of God and His rule over us so we suppress the truth, seeking to be the masters of our own destiny.
We call this idea of a godless existence 'wisdom', and by doing so become fools. As Psalm 53:1 says that "The fools says in his heart - "There is no God""

Stating categorically that 'There is no God' is arrogance and folly, and so a feeble 'probably' is all that 'atheism' can raise against Gods existence - and that leaves it's adherents sitting on the fence under the non-committal label of 'agnosticism'.

Without God, life in this messed up, broken and hurting world makes no sense at all.

The advert should read;

There is a God.
Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.

(But seeing as we suppress the truth, it'll never catch on!)

...Exploring Christianity!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:35:16 PDT

On Wednesday evening I had the privilege of leading the Christianity Explored group. Despite my initial apprehension and nerves, I say privilege because of the reaction of some of the group members to encountering the real Jesus in the pages of Mark's gospel account.

It's so exciting to hear how one particular member has already invited one of their friends to the next course, and how every time they sit down to read the gospel at home they end up turning to their spouse and saying "Wow, listen to this...!"

When people respond like that you know that they've caught a glimpse of the real Jesus!

I had the privilege of listen to John Chapman on Thursday afternoon - the author of 'Know and Tell the Gospel". He echoed something Becky Manley Pippert said at the IFES European Evangelism Conference earlier this year.

"Jesus is irresistible, when we introduce people to Him through the gospel accounts they can't help but be amazed by Him as He walks off the page to them!"

That's what I love about Christianity Explored - it puts the text in peoples hands and then lets them find Jesus there. It doesn't depend on our clever illustrations or ingenious gospel outlines, it unashamedly places its confidence in the power of God's word and the beauty of Jesus!

John Chapman is convinced that the best way to share the good news of the gospel with people is to encourage them to study a Gospel account with you - and if you're not sure how to do this why not get yourself a copy of Christianity Explored!!

...saved by Grace to demonstrate Grace

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:10:12 PDT

(I'm aware that it's been a while since I last posted, and I did promise that my notes from the LTS conference would be posted next, but last night I went to a meeting where we discussed the importance of Church membership and I wanted to share my thoughts here.)

We live in a society that is inherently individualistic and isolationist. Personal happiness and fulfillment have become the criteria by which everything is judged and prioritised
This mentality has managed to creep into our understanding of what a Christian is, so we find 'christians' who are happy to ask how a Church will serve them, but can't be seen for dust if they're asked to serve the Church. The ultimate outworking of this attitude is found in 'christians' who will enthusiastically inform you that their beliefs are a personal conviction and that they don't do church.

I use the term 'christians' because I don't see any non-serving, solo-pursuit Christians in the Bible, if you're a Christian you're a member of a local church.

God is my Father, Jesus is my Saviour, The Spirit is my Guide...and God's people are my people!

What's so amazing about Church?

We were firstly encouraged to think about why Church is so amazing. In Acts 7:38 Stephen talks about Moses and how he was in the church (gk. 'ekklēsia') in the wilderness - Church isn't a New Testament idea, it has always been God's assembly or gathering of His people.

In Ephesians 1:4 we see that its God that gathers the Church so when we look around on a Sunday evening and look at the congregation - God has gathered them, even the woman sat next to you who smells funny and sings off key!!

God hasn't gathered us around some abstract metaphysical point, in Ephesians 1:22 we're told that we gather around Christ, our Lord, saviour and head of the Church.

The local Church is to be filled by God, Ephesians 2:18-22 tells us how the triune God comes to dwell in the Church He is building.
"In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

If we turn then to Ephesians 3:10 we see that God has purposed that in the Church, as flawed and as fallible as it is, His manifold wisdom is made known, not only to us, but to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places - angels and demons alike, look at the Church in wonder as they see God's wisdom unfolded before them.

This glorious heavenly assembly is being prepared as the bride of Christ - who are we to criticise it! Within many local Churches a culture of criticism has obscured any understanding of the glorious nature and calling of the Church. God is the one whose purposes and plans are outworked in the Church, who are we to stand in judgement over it!

Church is where the Gospel is seen!

The Bible can be thought of as a truth projector - it projects truth, The Church is like a screen - it displays projected truth.

God has set down the pattern for the Church in scripture, and when it functions as He designed, it displays His manifold wisdom. All too often though, we aren't happy following the biblical pattern, and we put our ideas between scripture and the Church. Result - our childish shadow puppets obscure the glory of the Gospel that God intended to be seen in our local Church.

So why Church Membership?

The point of all this is that Church membership is God's plan for every Christian - if you're a Christian then you'll identify yourself with God's people.

The three main practical points regarding Church membership:

Church Discipline
Church Care
Church Mission

1. Church Discipline (Numbers 5:1-4, Matthew 18:15-17)

This is the point that is usually made concerning Church membership, and to some extent has almost become over-stated.
You identify yourself as 'one of the camp' so that if ever you enter into sin and are unrepentant you can be put 'outside the camp'.

This is so that God may call you to repentance by seeing the Gospel of Grace displayed in the Church.

2. Church Care (Psalm 68:5, Acts 4:32-35, 1 Timothy 5:16)

By becoming a Church member you not only submit to the discipline of its leaders, but you also place yourself under their care. The God ordained pattern for providing and caring for His people is His Church.

Every believer should seek to care for all humanity, but as brothers and sisters in Christ our highest priority to care for one another.

3. Church Mission (Numbers 1:1-3, Acts 6:1-3)

This is possibly one of the most neglected elements of Church membership. Knowing those who are in the camp means we know how many people we have who will stand with us and fight for the Gospel.

Church membership encourages service, it gives a structure that delineates between those who are on mission with us and can serve and those who can't.

'I'm united with them in Christ!'

The ultimate reason for Church membership is that in all these ways it declares the Gospel by submitting to God appointed authorities; being cared for by, and caring for, God's chosen people and joining with God's people on our God given mission.

I'm not a Christian because I'm a Church member, I'm a Church member because I'm a Christian!!

..."Interpreting Genesis 1 & 2"

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:27:59 PDT

(As promised, these are my edited notes from Dr. John Currid's paper at the LTS conference I recently attended)

Dr. Currid read a section from an article published in the Times, Sept 13th, 2008, titled "Anglicans back Darwin over 'noisy' creationists" - click here to read this article online.

One of the defining features of the reformation was a commitment to the original text.
Take meaning from the text, do not infer meaning on the text.

What genre?

The key thing to interpreting Genesis 1 is defining the genre.
So what is the genre? What was the author intending?

Does Genesis 1 fit the Hebrew Poetic pattern?

Line Parallelism

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" Psalm 19:1
The second line repeats and adds to the first.
- Genesis 1 lacks line parallelism.

Figures of Speech

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God" Psalm 42:1
The imagery reinforces the thought the writer expresses.
- Genesis 1 contains no signs of figurative speech.

Strophic or Stanzaic

Comparable to a modern english hymn, a literary structure usually with 4 or more lines, sometimes having a fixed length, meter, or rhyme scheme.
- Genesis 1 doesn't exhibit strophic or stanzaic structure.

Each day in the creation account does have a similar structure, however does a highly stylised form of writing indicate poetry?
(See Matthew 1, 4 and Luke 4)

Genesis 1 has all the markings of Hebrew narrative.

and it was/and it came to pass - The Hebrew device to indicate a sequence of events in narrative.
Sign of coming direct object - appears twice in Genesis 1:1.
First word indicates a sequence of events commencing.
Days are numbered by the author.

Ordinal numbers used - first day, second day etc.
Not cardinal numbers - one day, two day etc.

Scripture interprets scripture - how does the rest of scripture interpret the genre of Genesis 1 - Exodus 20, Psalm 104

Genesis 1 is not poetry!

But, Genesis 1 isn't ordinary prose - it describes a unique event - someone has described it as "Exalted prose narrative".

The sequence has implications on the theology of the passage.

"Now the earth was formless and empty" Genesis 1:2

The earth was 'Tohu va Bohu', that is 'wild and empty'

Days 1-3 God deals with the 'Tohu' - the chaos.

In the ancient near east, to name something is to have authority over it - God names the elements He has created.

Days 4-6 God deals with the 'Bohu' - the emptiness.

Day 7 The days progress to the consummation/crescendo of rest.
This mirrors the progress of the cosmos towards the eternal Sabbath rest.

Created in God's image

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.""
Genesis 1:26

Daniel 3:1 - Image - 'celem' - Physical representation of a God or King that indicates his sovereignty over a conquered land even in his absence.

Man, in imitating God, deals with the 'Tohu' and 'Bohu'

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy"
Exodus 20:8

Man is commissioned to mirror Gods creative process

- To subdue, To fill & To rest.

This account was written for the Jews as they came out of Egypt, poetry would be too subtle for an account to enlighten the Hebrews as to the God they follow and worship.

To address 'Dake's Gap Theory' - vs. 1 is topical, a summary statement, vs. 2 is focusing in on earth in particular.

Genesis 1 is not an exhaustive account.

The Bible is highly geo-centric - From earth to the new earth!

...Learning Greek, Hebrew and Latin!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:06:24 PDT

Well, I'm back in Shotton, in body at least! My mind is still whirring from my first journey on a 'Pendolino train' (They are quick!) and what I learned on Monday and Tuesday at the London Theological Seminaries' conference on 'Creation, The Bible and Science'.

It was an intellectually stimulating conference, with all delegates leaving with a lot to chew over. We had seven papers presented to us each bringing their own perspective on this discussion.

Monday 15th Sept:

Interpreting Genesis 1 & 2
- Dr. John Currid
Genesis 1 & 2 - Post Copernican History of Interpretation
- Dr. Robert Letham
Genesis 1 & 2 - A Scientist's Perspective
- Prof. Stuart Burgess
The Gospel & Creation - the Significance of a Theology of Creation for Preaching
- Rev. Philip Eveson

Tuesday 16th Sept:

The New Testament and Creation
- Dr. Stephen Lloyd
Design Arguments - Stepping Stones, Stumbling Blocks or Sleeping Pills?
- Prof. Paul Helm
Authority: the Bible and Science
- Dr Jason Rampelt

I enjoyed all the papers presented, although I didn't agreed with all of the content. As I re-read my notes I'll try and add some thoughts about each paper to the blog.

There was lots of Hebrew, Greek and Latin flying around, I enjoy learning these terms as it does add another dimension to my understanding and helps me to be more accurate in discussions. I thought I might share some of the terms here, mainly to help me remember them and be able to explain them.

"Creation ex nihilo" (Latin) - This is central to the Christian understanding of creation. God created everything 'ex nihilo', that is, 'out of nothing'. God commanded everything into existence.

"Tohu va Bohu" (Hebrew) - This phrase is used in Genesis 1:2 and was mentioned a number of times throughout the conference. It translates as "wilderness and emptiness" or "formless and void"

"Imago Dei" (Latin) - Now this was one I did know! It's used in reference mankind only and translates as "Image of God", it highlights the fact that we are created in the image of God.

"Imitatio Dei" (Latin) - Yeah, you guessed it, this translates as "Imitating God" and reminds us that in our creating, and stewardship, of things we are to imitate God!

As I said there will be more posts on this subject as I read through my notes.

I really enjoyed travelling on the Pendolino trains, the journey is much quicker than I could drive...and before anyone says it, they corner better too!!

I'm glad that my travels have ended for the foreseeable future! I've enjoyed all my trips and conferences, and I've found that I settled into Deeside very quickly but the lack of structure is getting a little frustrating. I just want to get to know the people and get stuck into the work now.

...making 'bad news', 'Good News'!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:06:44 PDT

Two posts in as many days - I'm doing well!

Today has been an odd day, I haven't got all that I wanted to do done, and yet I've done far more than I'd planned to do!

I booked my train ticket to London this morning - ouch! I can't quite see how extortionate prices are meant to encourage us to travel by train - unless we're meant to enjoy paying over the odds prices for a sub-standard service!

Anyway, having had my bank account drained, I then headed to church, where I was meeting with Martin for my weekly supervision.
This morning we discussed the first two chapters of "Preaching Pure and Simple" by Stuart Olyott.
Just these two chapters had me trawling through memories of sermons I've preached in the past, and swiftly repenting for my many failings - it's a sobering thing to consider the responsibility of opening God's Word and preaching it to
His covenant people!

I spent this afternoon preparing for the young peoples meeting tonight and choosing hymns etc. ready for leading the Sunday evening service here in Deeside.

I've also sent various e-mails and caught up on the backlog of admin that's been looming large at the edge of every day.

Anyway, I just wanted to briefly share some thoughts from an article I've just read by C.J. Mahaney.
I downloaded the article from the Sovereign Grace blog

Mahaney helpfully sets out, what he considers to be, the correct pastoral response when a local or national crisis grips the minds of a congregation.
I won't repeat what he said, you can read the article for yourself. However the one thing that struck me while I was reading it, is the need for us to be actively assessing, rather than passively accepting, what we view in the media.

There was a helpful quote from David Wells;

What is the difference between what we read about the “world” in the New Testament and what we read about in Time or Newsweek?…What is the difference between John and Time, Paul and Newsweek, when the “world” is in view?

The difference is that the biblical authors see everything from a theocentric viewpoint, and secular writers see everything from an anthropocentric viewpoint. That means that the biblical perspective must be seen as theological knowledge in its strictest sense: it is knowledge in relation to God, knowledge as defined by his character, acts, and will, knowledge that derives from him, knowledge that is no less authentic than the One who guarantees it. The biblical writers compel us to read the world from this perspective, to see it in relation to the moral character of God and the ways in which he has disclosed his saving intentions in human history. Secular writers, by contrast, force us to read the world from within a framework in which God’s moral will and saving intentions, his truth and his Christ, are never the criteria of meaning or importance.

(David F. Wells, God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams)

How often have I sat in front of the T.V. and let the news reports wash over me, and even found myself responding to the 'secular sermon' being preached by the news reporter?

Instead of just absorbing it all, we should be seeking to view the events in light of 'God's moral will and saving intentions, his truth and his Christ' and in doing so we grasp another much needed opportunity to preach the Gospel to ourselves!

...up to my ankles in mud!!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:06:44 PDT

Well, once again I've left it far too long since my last post - its just been one thing after another!

(There'll hopefully be a video blog following this post where I'll share a little more about what's been happening over the last few weeks!)

Last week I was stewarding at Forum, UCCF's annual conference for the CU leaders from all over the UK. Travelling from as far afield as Aberystwyth, Edinburgh and Oxford, over 700 students descended upon The Quinta centre, and the quiet rural village of Weston Rhyn in Shropshire.

I've been to Forum three times now, but the sight of so many students coming together to hear from God, and to be enthused and equipped to live and speak for Christ on their campuses still thrills me.

On Monday evening we received excellent teaching from Richard Cunningham, who took Jonathan's "...Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf..." from 1 Sam 14:6 and challenged us to be more adventurous in our Gospel proclamation. We can all too easily become like Saul, who was sheltering under a tree, being entertained by Ahijah the priest while his son, Jonathan, was engaging with the enemies who stood in defiance of the living God.

Our declaration of faith in God becomes just words unless it is accompanied by actions that demonstrate our reliance on Him.
We learn in verse 23 that Jonathan's demonstration of faith in God ended with 'the LORD rescuing Israel that day and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.'
As the Church we need to seek the Holy Spirit imparted confidence that Jonathan had, so when we face insurmountable odds and threatening opposition we can boldly declare;

"Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" 1 Sam 14:6

John Piper spoke a number of times during the week, unfortunately I didn't get to hear them all but Dave Bish did! (Check out his blog for links to the audio files etc. Click Here!)

I did get to hear his first and third talk on Ruth.
In Ruth 1 we were confronted with the misery of Naomi's circumstances (Ruth 1:3-5), her inability to see any hope in the darkest times (Ruth 1:11-13) and her correct theology of God's sovereignty (Ruth 1:13).
We were encouraged to draw comfort from the over-arching message of the book of Ruth, 'God is at work, even when we can't see His hand in our experience'.
While talking about this Piper made reference to the great hymnist William Cowper and how he spent his whole life battling depression and suicidal thoughts. He then recited one of Cowper's hymns - God moves in a mysterious way.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Piper then pointed out the importance of fellowship. Just as John Newton was there to minister to Cowper in his darkest hours, we too need people who will, as Piper put it, 'catch us by the scruff of the neck and tell us; 'you might not be able to see even a glimmer of hope at this time, but I can and I'm going to keep reminding you of it''
Church isn't an optional extra for Christians, it's a vital part of God's provision for our survival.

Piper then showed us the importance of a correct theology of God's sovereignty and suffering. God is in control, even when difficult and painful things happen to us. We were reminded of Joseph and his statement;

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Gen 50:20

We were then taken to the Calvary and the horrific sin that was played out there, the murder of God's only Son. God was at work, even in this evil act, to bring about our salvation!
Our God truly works in all things 'for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose'

I'll post another blog on the message from Ruth 3 as this post is already becoming ridiculously long! (I'm sure I said I was going to try and be more concise on this blog!!)

One last thought on Forum '08. The weather was incredibly wet all week - the net result of this was two very muddy fields, 100 flooded out campers and 16 very tired stewards.
The one thing that stood out to me over the whole week was the gracious, gospel-shaped attitude of the students. Some people, even some Christians, would've let the weather and conditions get the better of them and seen it as license for them to be grumpy, rude and selfish - the students didn't. They used it as an opportunity to love each other well, to serve each other and encourage one another - it was a joy to be there and serve such wonderful ambassadors for the Gospel.

My prayer is that having dried off and cleaned up after Forum, the students will seek to love and serve their campuses in the same way, so that universities all over the UK will have CU's that declare a Gospel of Grace that is authenticated by a grace filled witness.

... In a Gospel-shaped Community.

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:52:06 PDT

The last week has been crazy, with my visit to Shotton, buying a car and starting a new job I still feel like I've got lost somewhere in the blur of it all. So today has been a welcome opportunity to stand back and reflect on everything that has happened.

This was my third week attending CCC and as each week passes I'm feeling more and more at home there.
The welcome we've received is staggering, people are so warm and friendly, and the leadership have shown a genuine concern for the spiritual well being of our family.
It's so exciting to be part of a church that is truly missional, CCC really get what the gospel is all about, and as a church they are seeking to be missionaries in the South Wye area.

These are exciting times at Challenge. A new elder is moving to join the leadership team and we are in the process of exchanging contracts for a new building. I couldn't find a picture of the building itself, so I decided that a Google Earth map would suffice for now and as soon as I get a decent picture I'll blog it!

There is a clear vision forming for the future and the elders are leading us forward as a Church, into the things God has for us, and into the mission to South Wye.

I was reading a book recently and came across this question;

"Will your church have a mission of community or be a community of mission?"

This isn't only an important question for church leaders.
As church members, we need to think this through as well, and then think how we can best serve the church in its mission.

The danger for established and mature churches is that we can quickly develop a 'social club' mentality. The vast majority of our energies and resources are poured into 'entertaining and maintaining' existing members, with little, if any, emphasis being placed on equipping and motivating the body of Christ for outreach and mission. This is a debilitating disease that, if left untreated, will leave a church wandering without purpose, with a seriously weakened understanding of the gospel and a total blindness to it's imminent demise.

Now, all of this isn't to say that pursuing community is a bad thing, in fact through the Church God demonstrates how community is meant to be by redeeming it from the power of sin and reconciling it back to the eternal community of the triune God.

As a gospel shaped community we're meant to follow Christ's example, we should be selfless in our love and commitment, not just to the Church, but to the community around us too.
This is why attending CCC is so exciting, they understand that as a Church, if we are to be a faithful witness to the truth of the gospel, we must reach out with it's message of love, hope and reconciliation as well as demonstrating it in community.

Outside the Great Commission, I think all of this is best captured by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21;

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(TNIV - Emphasis mine)

...sorting coat hangers!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:07:27 PDT

I'm not sure if anyone reads this, but if you are reading, then I apologise for my absence. All will be explained in this post.

Firstly, Monday and Tuesday I was up in Deeside, visiting the Church that I'm going to be working for for the next 12 months. Monday evening I had my interview for the job, and after all my blathering on about nothing of any consequence they still offered my the job - so from the last week in August my new title will be 'Ministry Trainee' - I'm not sure if I have to wear L plates for the year or not, but more importantly, I don't know where I'm living yet, but Martin is onto it and is going to let me know.

While travelling back from Shotton on Tuesday afternoon I occupied myself with reading the commentaries that Martin has loaned me for my sermon preparation on 1 Corinthians. However, it grew more and more difficult to concentrate on my reading as it became apparent that I was sat in to wrong carriage - I'd joined the multilingual carriage! I counted up the different languages that were being spoken, there were 5 in all; English, Welsh, French, Turkish, an Indian dialect. The 'UN train' arrived in Hereford at 14:00 and I eagerly set off to collect my new car!

I'd bought the car so that I could commute to my new job, starting the next day. As it happened, this wasn't going to happen as when I came to tax the car it was registered on the DVLA system as Tax exempt but the V5 document said that it was a PLG. Arrrgghhh!!
Dad got onto the car dealership and they agreed to sort it all out for me - which was fortunate as it involved travelling to Worcester, and seeing as I didn't have a road legal car at this point I wasn't going to be able to drive there myself, and I'd have had to take my first day at my new job off too.

So, my new job. This is where the rather obscure title for this post comes from. Some of you will still be under the impression that I'm working on a building site - unfortunately this fell through, but the man who offered me the job found me another one, working at a recycling plant in Ross. I started on Wednesday at 8:00 and my first task was to disassemble empty DVD cases, putting the case, paper and plastic cover in 3 different bins. I was so good at this that I got promoted within the first hour of being there - I was moved to sorting coat hangers!

Before you post a comment mocking my promotion, I'd like to point out that sorting coat hangers is actually far more difficult than you might first think. Firstly you have to decide if its a nylon or a polystyrene/polypropylene based hanger. Then, if it's a trouser hanger you need to remove and clips with rubber grip pads. All the polystyrene/polypropylene hangers are fed through a crusher and past a magnet to remove all the metal bits and then the remaining plastic bits are put through a granulator and blown into a bag. This final product will then be sold to another company that will take all the granulated plastic away and turn it into...

...coat hangers!...

Hang on! (Pardon the pun!) I've just spent 2 days crushing lots of coat hangers so that someone can make coat hangers!!!

Alright then, I'll admit it, my job is pointless!

...Confident in the Power of the Gospel!

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:08:57 PDT

Wow!! This has been an fantastic weekend - the best for a long time! As I explained yesterday, MJK have been here for the last three days, they went down really well at Wyebridge School on Friday and at 'The Big Event' yesterday,with quite a few local young people coming to hear their final set of the day.

Today we had an open air service and the MJK guys performed. We had a couple of complaints about the noise - As an aside, I find it ironic how some people seek to defend their "quiet Sunday's" with a near religious fanaticism, one woman said;

"Well you should've done it on Saturday really, because of the noise levels".

She didn't seem to twig that traditionally Sundays are a day off for people to go to Church and worship the one true God, not a time to indulge in the idolatry of sleeping in, vegging out and catching up on the 'Eastenders Omnibus'!!

Anyway's, that's enough of me ranting as I have far better news to share. Firstly I need to give you some background, last week Challenge Church had their prize giving service for the children who attend the after school club they run. The parents were invited to attend, now bear in mind that most of these people have probably rarely, if ever, gone to Church.
There was one guy who came with his children, it was more than obvious that this guy wasn't someone you'd want to mess with. Afterwards he told the minister how much he'd enjoyed the service - it had totally blown away his preconceptions of what Church was like.
During the week, Martin, the minister, saw him at the petrol station and he told him he'd be there on Sunday.
True to his word he turned up this morning with family in tow.
He really enjoys rap music, which was made more than apparent by the way he threw himself into rapping along, and dancing too - he got a free CD for his efforts!
After the MJK guys had done their set and a couple of them had shared the story of their lives and how they became Christians, Martin took to the stage and gave a clear gospel message and encouraged people to respond by praying with him.
Later Martin told me how that guy had made a commitment. Praise God!!

When he was talking to Martin, and telling him he'd prayed, he said;

"When people look at me on the estate they think I'm a hard man, and I am, people don't mess with me. But I don't want to live like that anymore, I want to change. These past two Sundays have opened my eyes."

WOOHOO!

The more I think about it, the more excited I get, it's totally worth disturbing the idolatrous rituals of the locals to see broken people challenged and changed by the Gospel
- Christ crucified, resurrected and returning, really is good news, His life is still relevant and He is still changing lives today!

To finish I thought I'd quote a verse that we've been talking about a lot these last few days with the MJK guys.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile"
Romans 1:16

...at "The Big Event"

phil_greenow@tiscali.co.uk (Philip Greenow) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:16:53 PDT

Phew - what a day and what a way to launch my new blog!

Today saw 'The Big Event' take place in Hereford. It's an opportunity for the residents from the south of the river Wye to get together, have a fun day out at the fairground and browse the stalls put on by local businesses and charities.

My families new church, Challenge Community Church (CCC), had a marquee full of cakes, children's face painting, a story time and a small bouncy castle. They'd asked Dad to take some sheep and piglets along for the kids to pet too.

In the centre of the picture above you can see the huge portable stage that 'Make Jesus Known' brought with them. They're a Christian rap group from Manchester who seek to, as the name would suggest, make Jesus known! Now most of you will probably have realised that rap music doesn't feature that heavily in my I-pod's 'most listened to' playlist. But despite my general lack of appreciation for the genre, in my opinion the guys performed really well, with a clear gospel message that wasn't diluted in their performance but was clearly proclaimed as the reason for performing and living.

There were lots of other stands around and about, one of which was a tarot reading stall. The older lady who was doing the readings spent the whole day being blasted with a rhyming rhythmic gospel message played at extremely high volume.
When she wasn't being deafened by the noise she was being witnessed to by Dave, one of the MJK team. Dave has only been a Christian 18 months but is possibly the most passionate evangelist I have ever met. Please pray for this lady and the few people who had their tarot cards read by her, that they would realise that their future can only be secured by trusting in Christ Jesus, His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, because He is the author of time and holds all things in His hands.

The MJK team have performed, and taken lessons at my old High School this week, and today we've invited lots of people to come along tomorrow to an open air Church service and free barbeque!
I've been really excited by this weekend, I'm encouraged by the unashamed boldness of the MJK crew, seeking to exalt Christ in their rapping, and the creative and inviting ways CCC are seeking to reach out to, and engage with, a lost and dying world!
Isn't this the very reason the Church exists - to make Jesus known? Or am I misinterpreting Matt 28:16-20?

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."