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CHAOS, COSMOS & KINGDOM
A powerful prophetic and apostolic word for our season.
Plus Ministry in the Holy Spirit:
Healing
Prophecy
Intercession

YOU ARE RECEIVING A KINGDOM THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN

Colin, Amanda & Ministry Team host an Apostolic & Prophetic Evening of Celebration and Ministry in the prestigious
Emmanuel Centre, Westminster

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Narcissistic spiritual leaders hold their followers captive. Masking their own inner fears, they are powered by overblown egos and become tyrants of domination and control. Possessing an unbearable lack of self-worth, they compensate by projecting an image of themselves as wonderfully intelligent and competent. Their coping mechanism is their style of social interaction. They isolate or destroy those who see through the façade and draw around them people who will believe their lie.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a young man who eventually died having fallen in love with his own reflection. Unable to cast his gaze away from his own beauty, he finally died and a flower named narcissus grew where he lay.

Today, Narcissism is a personality type exhibiting a number of traits. The term has recently become the go-to description in pop psychology. Everyone, it seems, is either married to, has a relationship with, or has a boss who is a ‘narcissist’. The internet hosts innumerable self-help advisers who capitalise on this trend.

While this can rob the term ‘narcissist’ of any significant meaning, it does highlight a social and practical problem. Those with pronounced narcissistic traits often end up in positions of power and control – in politics, business and the church. Ideally-placed to give free reign to their own brand of ego-mania, narcissistic church leaders must be called out.

While the ego problem remains central to us all, leaders who possess high narcissistic traits present a particular difficulty. High in manipulation and low in empathy, they bully their way through until they have unscrupulously gained full control. That journey is strewn with human wreckage in the wake of narcissistic drivenness disguised as strong leadership and moral virtue.

For the narcissist, everything is about public image. They craft their own publicity and create false narratives to bolster their popularity. They reinforce their projected image, often by performing ingratiating acts of public flattery, handing out bouquets and heaping self-serving accolades on those whom they wish to influence. Somehow, everything ends up being about them.

Alongside this, they breed fear by making examples of those who oppose them. A chilling effect follows and people become reluctant to criticise, consciously or unconsciously knowing their positions or jobs are on the line. A narcissist will rarely do their own dirty work. Instead, they manipulate behind the scenes and recruit others to act for them, sometimes without realising they are being used.

There is no greater pretension than the claim to represent God. When true, it’s a wonderful thing. But when the motive is self-promotion or domination of others, it’s most diabolical. The pressure that a so-called spiritual leader can exert on followers is almost unlimited. That’s why safeguarding must be in place. We must know how to identify, confront, and, if possible, correct those in the grip of narcissism.

If you suspect someone is behaving narcissistically, you should draw immediate attention to it. The problem is, those who fit the profile are the last to admit it, and are impervious to criticism. Those who have been drawn into the role of narcissistic enablers will also be unlikely to help you. You could invoke accountability structures, if they exist, or not already biased. Nevertheless, it is important to speak up and present evidential support for your concerns, not least for the sake of the victims. If everything else fails, you still have one final option to protect yourself – walk away!

Church Matters Series

All confusion and division in church life is almost certainly the result of false and demonically-motived wisdom.

Drawing from the wisdom traditions of the Bible, James 3:13-18Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (James 3:13-18, NIV). describes two forms of wisdom: demonic and divine. Rooted in narcissistic envy and selfish ambition, demonic wisdom produces disorder and division in church communities. Divine wisdom is rooted in purity of heart and grows from humility and genuine love of others. There is no place here for ego-driven malpractice.

Churches should be ever-vigilant and hold their leaders accountable to the standards of true wisdom:

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (James 3:17-18 NIV).

The whole leadership enterprise, from ministerial training and selection to monitoring and discipline, should be governed by the wisdom insights of James. The shocking thing is that leaders may consider themselves to be both spiritual and wise but actually be in the grip of a soulish and demonic spirit of self-promotion.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16 NIV).

Accountability becomes difficult when churches are established on false models of ministry. Viewed as having special powers of a semi-mystical nature, pastors and leaders are placed on near idolatrous pedestals. It’s not rocket science to see what kind of person could be attracted to and affirmed by such a leadership position. Ambitious competitiveness in ministry is the very worldly wisdom that James condemns. In this scenario, the servant-leadership model of Jesus is easily left behind.

If ever there was proof of the need for a New Reformation in the church, this is it.

Cronyism and self-interest can be potent factors, with few corrective checks and balances in place. Vested interests must be guarded. Closing-ranks to protect the institution is all too often the default position. Results-based evaluations can cover up malpractice. If a church looks like it’s flourishing, then it must be flourishing, right?

The consequences are devastating, but not always obvious from the outset. The true motivations of a leader’s heart are only gradually exposed. Congregations are prone to believe platform-based performances. Self-promotion is presented as the promotion of Christ. Manipulative behaviours operate beneath a veneer of benevolence. Ingratiation sets in and the popularity cult is underway – perfect conditions for dominance and authoritarianism to thrive.

Leaders, high on assertiveness and low on servant-hearted humility, soon begin to manifest abuse.

Those who see through the deception may refuse to participate in the charade, but they are soon dealt with. The order is clear. First intimidation, then isolation and finally exclusion. All this can happen with the acquiescence of those who ought to know better, but are too embroiled in the dispute to admit what is really taking place.

When things continue to regress, factions appear. Division sets in, with groups spiritually-warring one against the other. New alliances are struck with those for and those against a particular individual or group in open argument. And, all the while, our enemy rubs his hands in a demonic glee worthy of a mention by C.S. Lewis in his Screwtape Letters. There are no other victors. Church members are hit the worst. Caught in the crossfire, they become so disheartened that they simply vote with their feet. Many find it difficult to trust spiritual leaders after that.

Re-establishing peace in a troubled community will entail deep dependence on God. The only hope is for all concerned to embrace humility and repentance, and to return to the wisdom that is motivated by true spirituality. Then, and only then, disciples of Christ can grow, be fruitful and live healthy lives in a community truly ordered by the Holy Spirit.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (James 3:13-18, NIV).

Church Matters Series

CHURCH IS ABOUT COMMUNITY

Today, society is being divided into ever-increasing numbers of identity groups. This is part of a greater political agenda to sow seeds of discord and discontent in order to impose politically-correct agendas on us all.

In the midst of this confusion and chaos a dynamic and counter-cultural movement is on the rise. This is a movement of Christian communities committed to a more transcendent vision. That is the vision of Christ and his Kingdom. This is the only approach to church that can withstand these pressures coming from contemporary society.

Thankfully, more and more Christians are returning to the original vision of what church is all about. And that is sincere followers of Jesus from the whole of society gathering in true community where the focus is on a genuine relationship with God and one another.

CHURCH IS ABOUT PEOPLE

Church is not about top-down, tightly-controlled structures which tend toward authoritarianism. It is about Spirit-filled people serving one another and their neighbours in the wider community.

Many traditional churches still follow a broken model of ministry that is:

• Platform-led
• Personality-driven
• Performance-oriented
• Programme-based

But more and more believers today are rejecting the superficial in favour of the genuinely-spiritual, the heart of Christian life and fellowship. They see themselves not just as pew-fodder but as an active community of spiritually-connected members of Christ’s body where he is the only attraction.

Together in true Christian community, they take responsibility to build one another up and to represent Christ to the world. They do not idolise human leaders or human church structures but focus on their role as salt and light in society. They follow church leaders who draw attention away from themselves toward Christ and his mission in the world.

Churches and denominations are being shaken today. This is a fresh opportunity for us all to build our lives and our churches on the vision of Christ. We are under pressure from society to conform to the patterns of the world. Therefore, we must focus on Jesus, not on those who try to take his place. We are called to follow the Holy Spirit, not the fleshly impositions of human beings.

It is time for us all to seriously engage with what it truly means to be and to do church in the world of today.

Church Matters Series

When you look at this picture, what do you see? Look again, carefully.

Obviously, it’s a glass filled to overflowing. That’s positive, surely? “My cup overflows”, said David, the one-time shepherd boy who became one of the most celebrated kings in Ancient Israel. God pours his abundant blessing upon his children even beyond their capacity to receive. For me, this is a reminder that I should do everything I can to enlarge my personal capacity and be trusted by God for what I do receive. If I continue to overflow, it ought to be for the benefit of others. In that sense, having more than enough for myself is a good thing.

But that is not what drew me to this image in the first place. It highlights a serious problem I have observed and personally experienced in church life. And that’s the way God is being limited to the size and shape of the human structures we give him to work with.

Jesus spoke of the need for new wineskins for the new wine of the Kingdom. The old, fragile and brittle structures of the religion of his day were totally incapable of containing what Jesus had come to inaugurate. To attempt to re-use old wineskins for the wine of the new season is not only an inadequate response, it is also tragic. In Jesus’ analogy, the wine bottles made from animal skins were useful only once. Old wineskins already stretched to capacity, simply could not contain the new vintage that expanded during the maturing process. They would simply burst and the wine would be lost.

Despite this warning from the lips of Jesus, every generation seems to make the same mistake. We think the organisational structures we build to contain the Holy Spirit are sacrosanct. We treat them as ever-enduring. Perhaps they once were adequate containers as we attempted to steward a particular move of the Spirit. But they are never more valuable than the wine itself.

Structures are important. There’s no escaping them. It’s our responsibility to build them. But it is also our responsibility to make sure that they do not limit what God has given and what God is doing.

If, at any point in time, we discover our structures cannot handle the greater things, or the newer things God is introducing, it is time to change them. This applies to what God is doing through individual ministries as well as through corporate bodies such as church communities and denominational organisations.
I have seen great ministries curtailed or worse, destroyed simply because the structures that were imposed upon them were wholly inadequate. History is also a testimony to previously dynamic movements becoming empty and dead monuments for the same reason.

It is time to stop trying to contain the work of the Holy Spirit. God is on the move and we must move with him.

Church Matters Series

Jesus said, “he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him.” This aspect of God’s love is conditional.

God’s Rewarding Love

This blog series ends with one final aspect of God’s love – his rewarding love. We have seen that God unconditionally set his love upon everyone he created. The blessings of God’s ongoing Providential love rest unconditionally upon all humanity, without exception. He also demonstrated his Invitational love by sending Christ to die for the sins of the world, so that whosoever believes may have eternal life. In this way, God’s Saving love is conditional upon us opening up and receiving his love.

God has also established relationship with his people through what we call his Covenantal love. The initiative his entirely his, but to enjoy the blessings of the covenant we must respond with believing loyalty and obedience. This aspect is clearly conditional.

The answer to the question, “Is God’s love conditional or unconditional?”, is that it’s both. Both elements apply to God’s Rewarding love. God’s prior love of his people is unconditional. He chose to set his love on us without any precondition or merit on our part. But to enjoy the rewards of this love we must sincerely respond to it. Having received God’s love simply by faith, we go on to enjoy the blessings of relationship with him by being faithful to him in all things.

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”  Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me ( John 14:21-24 ESV).

Loving obedience to God brings the promise of increasing intimacy and proximity to him. He dwells with the faithful, manifesting himself to us, and not to the world. This is why people who do not yet know Jesus sometimes find it difficult to believe God really loves them. 

Maybe you have prayed to God asking him to bless your health, your job, your relationships or your finances. But when things don’t work out as you want, you immediately doubt his love.

The secondary things of life are never the measure of God’s love. Those who truly give themselves to Christ and long for more of him will naturally pursue him and seek to please him in all things. That’s the proper response to God’s love. The most precious love we can offer God is to trust him in all circumstances of life. 

Bad things sometimes happen to good people and good things to bad people. Therefore, God’s love and displeasure are not easily discerned through our circumstances. He disciplines those he loves. The love of God is never removed from his people, but it can be restrained. If we displease the Lord, his response is one of rebuke and chastening. He restrains but never removes his love. 

However, God’s reward and blessing is with those who fear him. The Lord rewards those who diligently seek him, walking in his wisdom. And the ultimate reward is the gift of himself.

You’re invited!

God’s invitational love is totally unconditional. It is the most inclusive love that has ever existed. He offers his love to people of all races, generations, beliefs, social standing, sexual orientation, or any other distinguishing factor.

Your child has been missing for 8 months. And still you look for him at the gate, every moment of every day. With each knock at the door, each buzz on your phone, your heart stops. Is that news? Has he been found?

Your friends, your neighbours, your family, even the police, warn you to expect the worst. Still you wait. Still you hope. You long for your son with an unbearable longing.

Love, pure love and, when it comes down to it, heart-sickening love is never more intense than when the one you love is missing from you. Maybe never again to be with you. What parents go through in such situations is unimaginable.

Take that pain and multiply it by a gazillion. Maybe then you might touch the surface of the unfathomably profound longing God has for you.

He has been called ‘the Hound of Heaven’ whose passionate pursuit of you is incessant. The ‘Furious Longing’ deeply desiring you, like the waves of a raging storm relentlessly beating against the rock of your resistance.

Stronger than the love of the most ardent lover. Purer than the love of the most devoted parent. More zealous than the most passionate paramour.

Jerusalem, O Jerusalem how often I would have gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks.
I died for you with my arms outstretched. Can you not feel my love reaching out to you?
Child of my love, I long for you with intense longing.
Can you not see it’s me your heart truly longs for?
Sons of Adam, where are you? Daughters of Eve, what has happened to you?
Come back home!
I’ve made everything ready for you.

God loves you more than any lover, more than a mother, a father or a brother, and more than your closest friend. But he is not dependent on you. There is no weakness in him and nothing lacking in him. He loves you because he loves you, not because he needs to. And he will never force his love on you.

Sin breaks relationship with God. But he has gone to infinite pains to open the way back. The most famous verse in the Bible says,
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life! (John 3:16).

Jesus’ death was not merely an example to follow, or a martyrdom to marvel at. Much more than a personal statement, it was the ultimate expression of unconditional love.
However, a holy God, no matter how much he longs for humanity, cannot deny his own righteousness. To bring us back to him, a price had to be paid that would satisfy both his justice and his love.

At the cross, Jesus stood in our place and died the death we deserved to die. He willingly took our punishment and, as God in the flesh, there was no third party involved. Just God and us.

Christ died for sinners and he invites us all to turn to him and receive his love. Today, he is earnestly reaching out to you through his invitational love. How do you respond?

Most common caricatures of God present him either as a mean old man in the sky with a long beard or a benign and indulgent Santa who never says “No”. It seems as if we can’t make up our mind which image suits us best.

Which picture best portrays the character of God?

At times, it suits us to think of God as mean and repressive as a way of rejecting his holy standards. We prefer to do as we please, rather than be accountable. That’s why we make God out to be an oppressive kill joy. Other times, we like the idea of a fluffy Santa Clause who lets us do as we want. After all he’s just there to indulge us, isn’t he?

Put another way, we are comfortable with the idea of a loving God, providing he doesn’t interfere in our lives and only comes out of oblivion in order to rescue us from something unpleasant or to make life work the way we want. When it doesn’t happen that way? Well then, he must just be that mean old man.

The saddest thing about these caricatures of the Divine is that both trivialize the enormity of God himself and malign his true character. He is the all loving, giving and forgiving God. But he is also the all holy, truthful and righteous One.

How do these biblical descriptions of God help us approach and experience him. One way is to examine the true nature of God’s love – is it conditional or unconditional? Does he love us by accepting everything we do, the celestial equivalence of woke inclusion? Or is his love transformational? Does his love, freely offered, require some response from us which, in turn, leads us to know him and experience him and his love in ever-expanding, deepening and liberating ways?

I suggest that there are at least 5 ways God’s love is presented in the Judeo-Christian Scriptures.

1. The creation and providential love of God
2. The invitational love of God
3. The saving love of God
4. The covenantal love of God
5. The rewarding love of God

Beginning with the first, creation and providence, I want to show that there are some aspects of God’s love which are entirely unconditional. God’s love is bestowed on us without any pre or subsequent conditions. But there are other aspects of love that do require certain responses in order to be manifested or experienced in our lives.

The first verse of the Bible declares that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. This was the beginning of a creation process that the book of Genesis goes on to describe. The description is not that of a scientific text book. It expresses theological truth and describes a real event, a real action on the part of God. Christians see the creation as a loving, caring act with an almost infinite attention to detail. We see human beings as “fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)”. That’s why we value all human life. We have been created with the loving care and attention of God himself. This was an act of sheer unconditional love.

Having created us, God does not abandon us. He cares for and provides for all creation, even in it’s present broken and painful state. He shines his sun indiscriminately upon the righteous and the unrighteous alike. This also, is an expression of his pure and unconditional love.

You can genuinely look at yourself in the mirror and say, “God loves me. He loves me deeply and fully.”

This love has clearly granted us freedom, the freedom to respond to him or reject him. He offers us purpose and meaning. He invites us into relationship with himself, the one who is Love, Life and Ultimate Reality. Turning away from this love so unconditionally granted carries its own consequences of course. Turn from love you breed hate, turn from life and you get death, turn from reality and you invite chaos. Is this not the history of the world? 

But in all this, God’s unconditional love remains constant to us all. That is good news. What you choose to do with that love is another matter. But don’t blame God when the planet is damaged, the hungry go unfed, or misery sets in. There is enough food and technology to produce more than enough to go around the world several times over. Man’s inhumanity to man is the result of the rejection of God’s love, not the fault or failure of God’s love. And in the face of it all, he still loves us. We look at this in the next blog, where we examine God’s invitational love that extends to every corner of this hurting world.