Michael Ramsden: Knowing and trusting the character of God.

Michael Ramsden. Evangelists Conference. He was converted as a child, while living in Cyprus. Knew he would have to give up everything for Christ. He loved the Bible immediately. They asked at the first Bibel study, ‘If God could give you one thing what would you want?’ His reply: “I would want to be an evangelist.” Always knew that’s what he was called and appointed to. But there can be a performance mentality, and being judged by numbers. Retreated from that – a turning point came when he was preaching in South Africa, and at a golf club a business man had arranged an evening meal. Hoping for 60 people to come – 137 came. There were more non Christians than Christians. Afrikaans high class business types. Someone came up to him and told him the meeting was a mistake, they would not be receptive. And that experience happened when there was complete silence to all his points, and his heart was sinking! Cold sweat! But then at the end he gave an invitation. Then cards were offered for a […]

Andy Economides – Evangelists Conference – John 15. You have not chosen me, I have chosen and appointed you

Evangelists Conference. Session 2  – Andy Economides When he was in Nigeria he felt the Lord said to call a guy out, and speak about what John the Baptist said – if you have two tunics, give one away.  He was to put money in, and his clothes and give it all to a guy called Pius and to go to the poorest and neediest and give their stuff away, because they are not doing it. And then the ministry started.  They went to do it! Then he had to give his red Dr Marten boots – he loves those shoes! Put these in the anointing. And the pastor put his shoes in too.  If you do the crazy things sometimes and that’s your anointing (Andy has an anointing of craziness). He put his good watch in. What you do without effort – but sometimes there’s a cost. John 15:16 You did not choose me,  (Oh but I did Lord). No !– you had little to do with it! I chose you. (Full stop.) 1. Appointed you! 2. You used […]

RT Kendall – talk on ‘Yesterdays man’ at the Evangelists Conference

Session 1 Evangelists Conference with RT Kendall. 1Sa 16:1  One day he said, “Samuel, I’ve rejected Saul, and I refuse to let him be king any longer. Stop feeling sad about him. Put some olive oil in a small container and go visit a man named Jesse, who lives in Bethlehem. I’ve chosen one of his sons to be my king 1Sa 16:13  Samuel poured the oil on David’s head while his brothers watched. At that moment, the Spirit of the LORD took control of David and stayed with him from then on. Samuel returned home to Ramah. Three kinds of person here In this passage we have a brief description of 3 kinds of people. They could be here, hope the 1st is not here cos its the last thing we want to be.- 1)    Yesterdays man 2)   Todays man 3)   Tomorrows man. Saul was now yesterdays man Todays man = Jesse David = tomorrows man. Becoming yesterdays man has nothing to do with age, it’s all about the anointing lifting but us carrying on regardless. If the Holy […]

Releasing our potential needs work

Malcolm Gladwell, whose books I love and who I heard speak this year at Catalyst 09, reminds us in this short video (click here to view) that releasing your potential is not about genes, talents or ability but about capitalisation. That means hard work! It’s getting up and paying the price, rather than resting before you even get tired! Attitude is everything. Reminds me of the story Jesus told: A man had two sons. He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’ “The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went. The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went. “Which of the two sons did what the father asked?” It’s no good just saying you will do something, or thinking it’s a good idea. Ideation without perspiration is constipation!

Andy Hawthorne – Five types of blessing

Sketchy notes from a fantastic recent talk I heard Andy give at the Message offices Acts 9. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. 5 types of blessing there! (Count them for yourself) Healthy things grow. Sometimes there’s pruning for growth. If it ain’t growing, do something! Emerging church is okay, as long as it emerges! Because if we all sit around theologising while the world goes to hell… if we don’t proclaim this gospel – who else will? How did that fivefold blessing come? Paul hit the ground running. Vs 19 – he went from someone who hated the church, to someone who loved the church. Then, ‘at once’ we was preaching Jesus is Son of God, to the world. So often new Christians are the best – don’t let anyone dampen the fire! Have we lost our first love? All who heard him were astonished. Paul’s still a baby Christian – but […]