Monday 27 July 2009

Truro's Split Welcome


Had a interesting day in Truro on the 25th July preaching the gospel with John Steele from Sheffield and Matt Rolfe from Plymouth. However the responses from the two areas we preached in was significant. We spent two hours in the Plaza. Handing out tracts and speaking to people. Many Christians came over to be encouraged and to encourage. The CT Prayer Tent was there handing out free Bibles as well and offered us all refreshment. A very pleasent two hours. We then decided to shift to the Cathedral. There were many Macmillian volunteers with buckets collecting money who made it clear they didn't want us anywhere near them. We obliged and moved across the road but they still called the police. The police were fantastic and stood with us as they upheld our right to continue preaching. Apparently they were angry because they were 'on commission' and we were stopping people from giving them money!
A couple of the workers came up to John square on to tell him what they thought of him. John was visibaly shook up with one man who was absolutely raging at him and we were worried his anger might have caused him a heart attack. On leaving a 'Christian' approached me to tell me what we were doing was 'disgusting' and we'll never win anyone like that. The antagonism at the preaching of the gospel is still as evident as it was in Jesus' day. This is the first rule any street worker must reconcile himself with if he is ever to continue in the work he has been called. Another guy approached me as I was talking to the police and asked me were the nearest restaurant was as I seemed to have 'All knowledge.' The police officer obliged him with the information. Another elderly guy who regulary plays a eletric violin, out of tune, in the town for loose coins approached us and asked the police officer if there was anything they could do to get rid of us! The next time your in Truro look out for life size Hindu painted cow which is now standing in the cathedral close!

Thursday 23 July 2009

BUY TWO GET ONE

The Church of England unveils a two-in-one wedding and baptism liturgy today as it seeks to make peace with families “living in sin”.

The “hatch-and-match” service allows couples to baptise their children after the wedding ceremony. Parents can even get baptised themselves.

The aim is to encourage cohabiting parents to marry as the Church tries to become more relevant to the way people live their lives, but critics said that it appeared to sanction having children out of wedlock. One bishop described the idea as “nutty”. The liturgy, costing £272, is being sent out to dioceses and parish clergy today. The Times Today.

Bloggers Comment: Never, not once are we instructed by God to change his word to fit sin. Quite the opposite is true. We are taught that we must conform to his will, not ours. The Bible teaches that if we repent and put our faith in Jesus, his blood will wash away our sins. Past, present and future. This once again shows that the C of E is about serving man rather than upholding the word of God.


Alex Carlyle wrote:
I think most people commenting on this story are missing the picture. It's not about faith, or love or even religion.It's about getting more cash in!
Think about it, the church charges say £150 per wedding (plus extra for anciliaries) and £100 for christenings. Some people will be put off as they have an "illigitimate" child, some people will be put off because they aren't Christians themselves.
So the Church brings this in. They can now increase revenues through greater numbers of weddings, and also why not throw in a christening! There'll be some synergies there - an even greater cash saving/money making idea!!!!!
Please, we may not believe in your god, but that doesn't make us ignorant...

Yvonne Rautenbach wrote:
'buy one get one free', 'buy one get one half price' or for some maybe even 'buy two and get one free' ! Will the church start giving points on a bonus card?

Tony wilson wrote:
With Church funds so depleted, this rationalisation is a great idea. Why not have a divorce lawyer on hand too so the normal life cycle can be completed in one fell swoop. Adding a funeral service at this stage might be a bit premature, although...?

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Saturday 18 July 2009

Evangelistic Funeral Resources


Suprisingly out of the thousands of hits I get on my web-site every month the most visited page is my funeral resources page. Search requests such as 'How do I prepare a funeral for the unsaved?' 'Words to say at a funeral of an unsaved person?' are regulary googled. Please take the time to have a look as you may find the resources very helpful or be able to point others to them. On the page you will find a funeral outline to preach, funeral tracts and a excellent recording of a sermon preached at someones funeral. For me preaching at a funeral has become difficult because so many have abondened the gospel. In an effort to remove any offence the congregation are 'soothed sayered' and leave the service still ignorant of the way of salvation. Funeral sermons should always be directed at the living.

http://www.cornwallmission.org.uk/page20.html

Friday 17 July 2009

British Lords Back Free Speech Protection in ‘Hate Crimes’ Law



LONDON, UK - The Government has been defeated in the House of Lords over its attempt to repeal a free speech protection from a sexual orientation ‘hatred’ law.

Peers voted by 186 to 133 to keep the protection in place. The matter will be passed back to the House of Commons where Members of Parliament voted for repeal. The protection makes clear that criticising homosexual conduct or encouraging people to refrain from such conduct is not a crime.

The Government says the protection is not necessary, insisting that the ‘homophobic hatred’ offence would not catch the expression of such beliefs. But several members of the House of Lords were concerned about incidents of Christians being challenged by the police because of their beliefs on sexual ethics.

Pagan PCs to get time off to celebrate Halloween and summer solstice (and have their own support group)


Witches, druids and followers of the Norse gods in police forces throughout the country have persuaded the Home Office to let them set up a support group. The Pagan Police Association will help officers who cast spells and join midnight rituals to fit their beliefs around their police work(Daily Mail 17th July). A spokesman said: 'The Government wants a police service that reflects the diverse communities it serves. It is down to individual forces to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the religion or beliefs of individual officers.' It turns out some forces are already making provision for the very special needs of those who follow unorthodox religions. Hertfordshire PC Andy Pardy, who says he is a Heathen and worships Norse gods, is granted eight Pagan holidays a year, including Hallowe'en and the Summer Solstice.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1200220/Wheres-PC-Pagan-Hes-Summer-Solstice-Sarge-.html#ixzz0LVBK3lVg



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1200220/Wheres-PC-Pagan-Hes-Summer-Solstice-Sarge-.html#ixzz0LVB7HgU3