Christopher Rowland has argued (The Open Heaven, 1982; The Mystery of God, 2009) that the essential element of apocalyptic is ‘the disclosure of heavenly knowledge’. It is an unveiling where the heavens are opened and transcendent mystery is divinely disclosed. Apocalyptic literature is full of secrets, visions, ascents, angels, the glory of the heavenly tabernacle and throne room. Visiting the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Nairobi a couple of weeks ago it was…
Read MoreFaithfulness in Gospel Mission
The more important thing than hermeneutics is reading. In other words grappling with Scripture is primarily an exercise of attentiveness to One who speaks through a text. (John Webster, Kantzer Lectures, 2007) Thanking God for the last week of the Ministry Training Course and good times listening at the feet of Jesus. Here are some notes, resources and links for the sessions: 1st year apprentices: How to lead an inductive Bible study Understanding and…
Read MoreSteadfast 24-7: the last three days
This has been our prayer the last few days: I thank thee for the holy Scriptures, their precepts, promises, directions, light. In them may I learn more of Christ, be enabled to retain his truth and have grace to follow it. Help me to lift up the gates of my soul that he may come in and show me himself when I search the Scriptures, for I have no lines to fathom…
Read MoreSteadfast 24-7: the first three days
We started this ministry training week for the iServe Africa apprentices with the Garrisa massacre very much in our minds. With that background we are very aware that when we talk about these young people remaining ‘steadfast’ in the years to come we are not joking around. This is a very serious business. The world is a dangerous place in which to do the work of the Lord. We are…
Read MoreMinistry Training: The Big Five
We have three main Ministry Training Weeks through the iServe Africa apprenticeship year – in August/September, December and April. The idea of these MTC weeks is for apprentices to come back together from placements all over Kenya, to debrief, be encouraged and particularly to receive training in the five areas: Servant leadership – gaining a true biblical understanding of gospel ministry; apprentices understanding themselves as servants and growing in servant-heartedness. Faithful…
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