Who is the Twelfth?

Let’s visit the topic of apostles again. I’m convinced that there were twelve founding Apostles for the church. I don’t accept apostolic succession such that the apostles’ successors had the same foundational standing. I should also point out that I’m willing to speak of a lesser level of apostle that isn’t on the same level as the twelve. Perhaps we can make a distinction between Apostles (sent ones) of Christ and just apostles (sent ones), the ones of Christ being those who are sent out by Christ.

Lessons Learned Overseas

I saw these twelve “Lessons Learned Overseas” on Simple Church which are originally from David Watson. I thought they were great and David has given permission for them to be reproduced so I have here:

The Birds and the Bees of Church

We’re talking reproduction here, not of the human kind but of the church kind. I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently (again the church kind not the human kind…!) And the thing my thoughts have centred around are that if a church is going to reproduce lots and regularly within short spaces of time, then it is beneficial to be simple.

Who Lives in a House Like This?

It’s interesting: as I’ve been working away at renovating a bathroom in the old house I live in it’s provoked some thoughts in my head comparing the type of house you look to buy or live in with the type of church that a ‘minister of the gospel’ looks to do ministry in. Here’s what I mean:

Further Reflections on CU and the Church

Since speaking to and having myself grilled by the Newport CU I’ve been doing a bit of thinking about whether CU can be a church. I was speaking in Cardiff CU last night and I merely mentioned as one application point to a Christian’s new identity in Christ that a Christian should be a part of a church and that CU is not a church. Then I said “if you want to know why not then come and see me afterwards.” Only one guy did. But because of Monday, I was able to express my thoughts much more clearly.

CU and the Church

Last night I spoke at Newport Christian Union. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience being with them. They’re a great bunch of young Christians. I was given the title, “I’m a Christian in Uni…So What?!” Because it’s early on in the term, and because of the sway of opinion about para-church things being church or a couple of mates taking about God being church, I wanted to tackle the issue and affirm that CU is not a church and therefore not only should students get involved in CU but also in a local church.

Free Books!

No not for you, free books for me. Every now and then in WEST they put out some books on tables that are free for any student to take. Rummaging through you can sometimes find some quality books. I do love the old looking hardback ones, mostly because they look good on your bookshelf. So here’s my findings from yesterday’s rummaging: