No Doubt?

Few of us would admit it. But most of us have them. Doubts are a normal part of the Christian life.

But what are doubts? Are they helpful or harmful? And how should we respond when they hit?

If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions, why not check out the great seminar that Trevor Archer gave at the recent Bible-centred youthworker conference? Click here for the audio and here for the handout.

Getting on - slowing down?

I've been enjoying more than my fair share of 50th birthday parties, and a common theme of discussion is the desire to just "slow down a little." It's notable that I need just a bit more sleep, and that I can't pull the long hours that I used to do even in my late 40s. I'm tempted to think that I deserve an easier life now, "because I've earned it."

John Wesley felt the same, but I was shamed to see at what age!

• The great preacher averaged three sermons a day for fifty-four years preaching all-told more than 44,000 times. In doing this he traveled by horseback and carriage more than 200,000 miles, or about 5,000 miles a year.
• His published words include a four-volume commentary on the whole Bible, a dictionary of the English language, a five-volume work on natural philosophy, a four-volume work on church history; histories of England and Rome; grammars on the Hebrew, Latin, Greek, French and English languages; three works on medicine, six volumes of church music; seven volumes of sermons and controversial papers. He also edited a library of fifty volumes known as “The Christian Library.”
• He routinely arose at 4:00 A.M., and worked solidly through to 10:00 P.M., allowing brief periods for meals.
• At age 83, he was piqued to discover that he could not write more than 15 hours a day without hurting his eyes; and at the age of 86 he was ashamed to admit that he could not preach more than twice a day.
• In his 86th year, he preached in almost every shire in England and Wales, and often rode thirty to fifty miles a day.

Just reading the list exhausts me! Of course, such frenetic activity can be motivated by fear, but in this case, Wesley was motivated by God's grace to him, and the understanding that every waking moment must be spent in the saviour's service. Of course we need to be sensible with rest, and make sure we are "working for the Lord" for the right reasons, but this remarkable example encourages me to seek productive activity for the sake of Christ, not self indulgent sloth, because he's earned my rest, not me.

On to a Good Thing

Fighting the Monday feeling

However we suffer now, these things are just momentary compared to the wonders of eternal life that are coming in Christ. As Christians we need to live in the present, but in the light of the future. What we see is not all there is. And what we can't see, but know is on its way, is eternal and glorious — brilliiant news!

Last chance to get 50% off Bible reading notes!

To go along with our Open up the Bible campaign we're doing an amazing 50% off current or first issues of our daily Bible reading notes. This great offer comes to an end on the 31st of January so don't miss out!!

We have also launched the Explore App. It's already been downloaded by thousands of users and it's only be out 10 days. To read reviews and download it for yourself visit iTunes or the Android Market.

A joy and a privilege

This week was our tenth Bible-Centred Youthwork Conference for (mainly) full-time children’s and youth workers. For those on the team it’s four days – long hours – draining – challenging – humbling – inspiring. And a joy and privilege…

A joy:

• to see faithful workers who’ve been coming 6, 8, even 10 years – to see how the Lord has been working in their lives, growing and challenging them, developing their gifts, making them more like Jesus
• to meet new children’s and youth workers, often in their first year, who are on fire for the Lord and passionate about sharing the gospel
• to watch those who are new to unpacking Bible passages have their eyes opened to the joy of understanding and teaching God’s Word
• to to be fed with fantastic Bible teaching (all the main sessions and seminars are recorded, and will be available for free download from this website in a couple of weeks)

A privilege:

• to serve godly men and women who are so committed to the ministry God has given them
• to listen to those who are struggling or hurting; to walk alongside them for a while and pray with them
• to be excited for those whose ministry is bearing fruit, or have a growing passion to serve the Lord in new ways

I always come back exhausted – but also thrilled by seeing God at work, and being with so many of His workers in the harvest field. Forgive me if it sounds overly pious, but it genuinely is a joy and privilege every year.

God: His attributes

Tim Challies has posted a helpful PDF listing some of God's attributes, including:

• beauty
• aseity
• mercy
• peace
• unity
• will

Would make a great basis for prayer.

Get the Hi Res version or the PDF

Being a Bible-centred youthworker

If your youth and children's worker has gone missing this week, there's a good chance they may be in Hertfordshire. No - they're not on holiday. Nor have they been kidnapped. They've probably joined the 162 leaders who work with under 18s meeting together at High Leigh for the 2012 Bible-centred youthworker conference. A great chance for them to get inspired and equipped for the ministry that lies ahead of them this year!

Throughout this week we'll be blogging on what's going on at High Leigh. But first, a quick reminder of what went on last year:

• If you have a heart to help teenage girls grow in godliness, why not check out the notes from Sarah Bradley's great seminar?
• Or if you are involved in leading short children's spots in the main Sunday service, Andy Byfields practical principles may help guide your prep
• If you struggle with time management, these notes from Carl Laferton's seminar will help tame your diary
• And, of course, it's always good to be reminded how not to do youthwork....!