the steps of a good man are ordered by the lord.

THE
STEPS
OF A
FEBRUARY - MAY 2012
GOOD
MAN
ARE
ORDERED
BY
THE
LORD.
JOHN BEVERE
BEHIND THE SCENES
DEVOTIONALS
DECISION MAKING
!Audacious GOLD
CHURCH
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2
HELLO
Welcome to a brand new, exciting, and action packed season at
!Audacious Church.
This season we have been declaring and praying for you that you
would know ‘the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord,
Ps 37:23-24. God has great plans for every one of us this year. If
we will do the stepping, God will ensure that even if we stumble,
we will not totally fall. Read the article on page 17,which explores
the key messages for the life of our church for 2012.
We have already seen God do incredible things for us as a church
this year. We’re so pleased to announce three major steps in the
journey of our church; completing the purchase of our Central
Campus building, launching a new East Campus in Failsworth,
and acquiring three units to store food and clothing to give to
thousands of people in need across Greater Manchester. Each of
these steps have been miraculous stories of God’s plan to build
his church and to bless this city.
Purchasing the Central Campus building has been a journey
almost 12 months to the day, and full of ups and downs. There
were times where it looked absolutely impossible, and yet there’s
always been a confidence that our ‘steps have been ordered
by the Lord’. He started the process, and he has certainly now
completed it.
On Sunday 29th January, New Life Church Failsworth officially
became !Audacious Church East Campus. Having had a vision to
be one church in multiple locations since starting the church in
September 2007, we are so excited to see how we can expand
our impact in the city through our 2nd !Audacious Church
Campus. Pastors Elijah and Hayley Boswell will be coming on
staff as East Campus Pastors, and will also have a big part to
play centrally.
This year we also have the amazing Pastor John Bevere with us
for our Brotherhood Men’s Conference, 12th-13th May. He will
blow your mind!
It’s already proving to be a miraculous year. This season is one
of real growth and also strengthening through our focus on
Life Groups and DNA. Over 16 Wednesday nights we will be
alternating Life Groups and our new eight part DNA course
(launching 22nd February) across both campuses. Whether you
have already done a previous DNA course, or you are new to
!Audacious Church, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to
discover what !Audacious Church is all about.
So looking forward to your most amazing year yet!
All our love
Glyn & Sophia
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3
VISION • VALUES • CULTURE
Our brand new eight part DNA course is
a behind the scenes, raw and unplugged
inside look at what makes !Audacious
Church the church it is, and the people we
are. If you’re planning to make !Audacious
Church your home church, and would
love to partner with us by making a
difference in your world then DNA is for
you. we also want to invite everybody
that has already completed the DNA
Course to come back. It’s a journey of
discovering the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’,
and the heart behind the endeavour. DNA
is the generic make-up that defines the
reason organisms are the way they are.
!Audacious tells the same story as 2000
years ago, but carries a distinct flavour,
personality or DNA within the Body of
Christ. Come along to get beneath the
surface of our values and culture as
well as to discover the God-given vision
at the heart of everything !Audacious.
4
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TOTALLY
DEVOTED
contents
I try to get up and read my bible
before I go to work. I generally find
it’s times when I am on my own;
when I’m washing up or in the car
when I’ll put music on and just
listen to what God has to say to me.
We read in Mark 1:35 that Jesus got up in the
morning, took himself to a quiet place and
talked with God. We asked nine !Audacious
individuals how they spend time with
God; what works well for them and how it
transforms their day!
Andy,
Engineer
Dave,
Retired
James,
Designer
Eira,
Busy mum
I tend to use my study Bible
with maps and charts to really
understand what the Word is
about and what God has to
say to me that day. One of the
things that I’ve found helps
me, is to ask “how can I try to
explain what’s in this passage
to somebody else?” and for
that, I’ve got to understand it.
For me, morning devotions are
a great opportunity to focus
my day, to get it right there at
the start. I take my notes from
a Sunday; look over them and
the Bible verses they refer to.
This helps me process what
I’ve heard, how it relates to
me and the themes running
through church.
For me I really like my
devotions to simply be about
spending time with Jesus. That
may be just sitting meditating
on scripture or worshipping;
I don’t have a routine. I also
like getting out and about; I’ve
always loved connecting with
God when I am outside.
6-7
totally devoted
“I’ve come up wIth
thIs defInItIon
of God’s Grace:
“God’s unmerIted
empowerment that
GIves us the abIlIty
to Go beyond our
natural abIlIty”
8-10
Catherine, Daryl,
Jane,
Paul,
Beauty John
Prison
Civil
!Audaciousarticle
Exclusive
from
Bevere
Therapist Worker
Academy Engineer
M
Dean
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I tend to spend time in the
morning reading ‘a Proverbs a Day’ as there’s always
something that I can hold on
to and it sets me up for the
day.
When I do my devotions
I always read my Bible, I
always pray and I always write
something down. Those are
the three, self-imposed rules.
Because I have my devotions
first thing in the morning, I
walk around and it helps me
get energized and this is when
I’ll pray. Then, I’ll read my
Bible and I always try to write
something down in my journal.
Debbie,
Student
I love to just read the Bible
while I’m having my breakfast.
Maybe I’ll go through the notes
from Sunday and then spend
a bit of time praying and
thinking about it. I also like to
read out loud and let my voice
catch when there’s something
amazing that I want to think
on or pray on a bit more. I also
spend a lot of time thanking
God and praising Him as well.
arked by boldness and passion, John
Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his
award-winning curriculum and best-selling books.
He will be speaking to the men of !Audacious Church
at Brotherhood conference in May. The following
is adapted from John’s book, “Relentless: The
Power You Need to Never Give Up” (Waterbrook
Multnomah Publishing Group, 2011).
I have the ‘Word for Today’
sent to my work email so
that I can reflect on what
God’s saying about my day
before I start anything. In the
evenings I’m currently working
through ‘A Life of Miracles’ by
Bill Johnston. I spend some
time meditating on that and
praying. I’m not going to
lie, I’m trying to make it an
important part of my day but
I don’t punish myself if I miss
one.
Mine usually just starts; “Well,
this is a new day Lord. I’m in
it and you are in it so, what’s
going on?” And I just dedicate
my day to the Lord. It’s almost
like if I didn’t respond to that
call from God I’ve been missing
out on something.
12-13
All who receive God’s abundant grace and are freely
put right with him will rule in life through Christ.
(Romans 5:17, TEV)
The
‘why’
open heaven: a closer
look
Resources
CHeCK Out !audaCIOus resOurCes On a sunday Or GO tO WWW.audaCIOusresOurCes.COm
behind
The lyric
PreAChing
O
roBerT morris
14-15
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not only financial results but growth in all areas:
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along the way.
grace and mercy upon us.
In the Bible you always find
God’s declaration proved by
his demonstration: -
Books
His promise to be with us
always is the safety net of
our faith in whatever we
face. Jesus came that we
might have ‘life, and life to
the full.’ John 10:10. It’s in
the bringing of His kingdom to earth that we actual find
fulfilment in life. So, as Jesus responded to the call of
the kingdom, we do the same, by surrendering our lives
and crying out for God’s will to be done in our lifetime!
We’re not set apart because of God’s declaration over
us, but more powerfully by His action for us through
Jesus on the cross.
12
8
HIllsOnG KIds
AwAkening: Live From ChiCAgo
CrAZY noise
“Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From
Chicago” reveals the significance
that took place at Jesus Culture’s
first arena gathering. A generation
was marked by the power and
presence of god during this 3-day
event as believers joined together
to passionately worship Jesus. 16
powerful worship tracks including
new songs such as “we Are hungry”
with a healthy dose of Jesus Culture
signature tracks like “The Anthem”.
named the top album of 2011 by
worship Leader magazine this album
was recorded live at the 2011 Lift
Conference in Atlanta, Us. Drawing
heavily on matt’s Brit-Pop roots
blended with American Church music
themes this is a holy spirit inspired
collection not be missed!
in this exciting release from hillsong,
aimed specifically at pre-school aged
children, each song has a specific
Bible verse which the song has been
derived from. This 12-track album will
make the perfect gift for anyone with
young children.
14
The song progresses to the chorus which is built primarily around a prayer for God to pour out His Spirit upon
JOHn
bevere
His people and, in doing
so, pour
out His Power as well.
nCv yOutH bIble
Wayne COrdeIrO
OPEN HEAVEN
is written
by Mark
Foster,
Matt Hill and LeADing on emPTY
The nCv
Youth Bible
is one
of the
Joel Weaver
bestselling Bibles for teens in the Uk
overwhelmed by the demands of
and is perfect for teenagers getting to
ministry? Depleted of energy? And
grips with the word of god. The nCv
13
a longing to escape
the constant
text is easy to read and understand,
pressure? wayne Cordeiro was in a
providing an invaluable resource for
similar boat when he found himself
young Christians in the 21st Century.
weeping uncontrollably for no reason.
wayne had been leading on empty.
This book encourages readers to
learn from his mistakes, avoid burnout
and live an energised, fruitful ministry.
reLenTLess: The Power YoU
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
neeD
To never give UP
expanding on the best-selling
‘extraordinary’ that highlighted the
“why” and “what” of god’s grace,
Bevere here reveals the “how” of living
and leading in that grace. Bevere says
‘god doesn’t author hardship but
uses it to strengthen us for greater
conquests. he never leads us into
a storm that he doesn’t give us the
power to overcome.’
17-19
a good man
There is a second factor to consider in why many
are not “ruling in life.” It can be found by examining
Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who
came secretly to inquire of the Master. Jesus’ first
words to him were, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God” (John 3:3). Jesus speaks of seeing the
kingdom. But His next statement to Nicodemus
reveals something significantly different: “Most
assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water
and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”
(John 3:5). Why does Jesus shift his emphasis from
seeing the kingdom to entering the kingdom?
When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God, He is
actually referring to the “rule of God.” The Greek
words most frequently used for kingdom of God in
the Gospels are basileia tou Theos. Some scholars
believe the best translation of basileia tou Theos is
“God’s imperial rule” or “God’s domain.” I love the
word imperial. One of its definitions is “supremely
powerful.”
For example, in the Lord’s Prayer Jesus instructs us to
pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth
as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:2). He is literally saying,
“Our Father in heaven, You are God Almighty. Your
supreme, powerful rule come. Your will be done on
earth just as it is in heaven.” But a problem arises
because most people hearing these words think
futuristically, when in fact God’s kingdom has already
come! It is within us, God’s covenant people, for Jesus
says, “The Kingdom of God
15
Psalm 37:23-24
the
The first and simplest reason is that a vast number
of believers are simply unaware of the empowerment
we receive in God’s grace. Many only see grace as
forgiveness of sins, an unmerited gift, and salvation.
Grace certainly includes these wonderful benefits.
However, hear the way God describes His grace to the
Apostle Paul: “My grace is all you need, for my power
is greatest when you are weak” (2 Corinthians 12:9,
The song culminates in an absolute declaration of the
power that is in the name of Jesus. He is the source, He
is the power, He is the authority by which we find our
freedom.
This is the solid rock on which we build our lives in order
to progressively access the power of an ‘open Heaven’.
matt redman
So why aren’t all Christians living in this manner? Why
are the majority of believers actually ruled by life
rather than ruling in life?
The bridge is all about honouring Jesus. It’s about recognising that He created a way for Heaven to be opened
upon us. It’s only in His death and resurrection that we
have access to an open Heaven.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his
life for his friends” (John 15:13)
1000 reAsons
In other words, life on this earth is not to surpass us;
we are to govern it. We are to be the head and not
the tail, above and not beneath life’s circumstances.
We are to be exemplary kingdom influencers who
bring God’s way of life to this earth.
scene of God’s passion for us
from The ouTseT. iT’s noT abouT
condiTional love buT
abouT perfecT love”
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
Jesus Culture
To reign is to have supreme dominance and influence
over a particular sphere. In what sphere are we to be
unsurpassed or paramount? The sphere of life.
The circle is completed by adding our surrender to God,
and our faith in God, to see Heavens opened and the
The idea of a limitless God, who delights in His people
basKInG In GOd’s presenCe
entHusIasm
tHe FIve
staGes
OF lIFe gospel spread.
so much that empowerment,
possibility
and favour
become the natural response is a hard concept to
soPhiA BArreTT: BLing 2012
gLYn BArreTT
gLYn BArreTT
In verse 2 we look at bringing focus and direction to the
grasp, let alone live out. We wanted to create a song, an
power of an open Heaven. The bible clearly lays out the
anthem, better still a heart-cry of this truth, in the hope
The first in the 2012 Bling series Ps
The greek ‘en Theos’ translates as ‘in
As part of the 2012 anointed series on
that its power and reality would sink deep into the fabric mandate of the Church.
sophia Barrett shares an inspirational
god’. By looking at Paul’s life, Ps glyn
‘statements of Faith’ Ps glyn shares
of our lives.
insight into how we can take time out
a revolutionary insight on the five
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptiz- gives us an insight into what it means
of our daily routine to bask in god’s
stages
we all
go through.
The first verse sets the
sceneofoflife
God’s
passion
for us Do ing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and to live an enthusiastic life in god. Let
presence.
Ps sophia speaks straight
this explosive 3-Part message unlock
youabout
feel like
you’re about
to step intoof the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everyfrom the outset. It’s not
conditional
love but
from
the heart and
us with
thebeing
unknown?
Are you
fighting
commanded
you.leaves
And surely
I am with you the practical ways in which we can do
about perfect love; love
the whole
reason,
not the thing I have
clear practical strategies
for
negative
always,
tomaking
the very end of life with enthusiasm.
merely an after thought.
From spirit? if so, then this is the
‘basking’ an integralthe
part
of our
daily
age.”
(Matt
28:19-20)
the very start, beforetwo-part
we even message for you!
“The firsT verse seTs
The
walk with god.
knew Him, He poured out His
resource yourself
EMPOWERED
TO LEAD
CDs
7
on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
(Acts 1:8)
pen Heaven was the theme of Bling Conference 2011. That’s where this song was birthed, and
in the weeks that followed, it has quickly become an
anthem of our church.
tHe blessed lIFe
This is one of the most potent promises in the entire
New Testament. God had promised us that, by
His grace, we who are in Christ are empowered to
rule in life. Look carefully at that phrase. The New
International Version translates it “reign in life”;
Weymouth rephrases it “reign as kings in life.” You
and I, as God’s children, are to rule in life as kings
or queens! Notice He doesn’t say, “You will rule in
heaven one day,” or, “You will rule in the next life.” No,
He clearly decrees that we are to reign in this life as
kings or queens through Christ.
TEV). God actually refers to His grace as His power!
This is seen in several other scriptures in the New
Testament. After years of examining what the New
Testament teaches, I’ve come up with this definition
of God’s grace: “God’s unmerited empowerment that
gives us the ability to go beyond our natural ability.”
This is how we rule in life! Now stop and ponder this
fact. Everything in the Kingdom is received by faith
(or believing), and you can’t believe what you do
not know. Since the vast majority of believers are
ignorant of God’s grace being divine empowerment,
they can only live in their own ability.
STEPS
OF A GOOD
MAN
26-27
are ordered by
our all new east campus
THE LORD,
!AUDACIOUS CHURCH
and He delights
in his way
EAST
CAMPUS
Though he fall
On the last Sunday of January, New Life Church
Failsworth became !Audacious Church East Campus.
We catch up with !Audacious East
Campus Pastor Elijah Boswell.
he shall NOT
28-29
There is a great account in
the Bible which we believe
best summarises what has
happened with our new
campus.
becoming pastors of New Life.
It’s funny, as when we were
looking to take on a pastorate
of a church my wife Hayley had
said she’d go anywhere except
Manchester (as we are all big
Liverpool supporters). It has
amazed us that Gods grace is
so big that it even reaches out
to Manchester United fans!
we heard about the church beginning
in September 2007. Both myself and
Hayley knew that it was not only of great
significance for Greater Manchester, but
deep inside we knew it was would be
significant for us both but we weren’t
quite sure why? When !Audacious took on
the Faithworks in Failsworth we knew it
was the beginnings of a heart relationship
and the start of a journey together.
Share with us a bit of your
heart for the Church impacting
the community.
Through the relationship with Pastors
Glyn, Stuart and Mark we have felt
such a strength in leading the church in
Failsworth and after having them come
and speak and meeting with them over
the months felt a growing relationship.
Myself and Hayley both felt separately
but strongly that we were to approach
Pastor Glyn about us becoming a Campus
not really knowing what their plans were
regarding campuses across Manchester.
Hearing the plans Glyn & Sophia had for
GOLD
multiple campuses really confirmed to us
our future, and after some great meetings
it soon became apparent this was the
direction God was leading us all.
BRAND NEW: !Audacious GOLD
BE UTTERLY CAST DOWN
For the Lord upholds him
Luke 5:4-7: 4 “When he (Jesus) had
finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put
out into deep water, and let down the nets
for a catch. ” Simon answered, “Master,
we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t
caught anything. But because you say so,
I will let down the nets. ” When they had
done so, they caught such a large number
of fish that their nets began to break. So
they signaled their partners in the other
boat to come and help them, and they
came and filled both boats so full that
they began to sink.”
Ps Elijah & Hayley Boswell
Tell us how you first became a Christian.
with His hand.
Prior to joining us and becoming our
second Campus in Manchester, the church
in Failsworth was growing in number and
influence on the eastern side of our city.
As we have continued to increase in the
city centre, there has been a “coming
together” as in verse 7, to facilitate what
we believe will be a great move of God in
the years to come.
GOLD
!Audacious Church, East Campus is a
very exciting development in the journey
of our church. Why don’t you take the
opportunity over the next few months
to pay
it a visit?
is, after all, new
the same
!Audacious
Gold,
theIt exciting
ministry
church; just in two different locations!
Just a few weeks before my 18th birthday
my auntie had invited me to go to church
in Prestatyn North Wales after breaking
up with my girlfriend. I heard the pastor
talk about how Jesus could impact my
life. Having never been to a church like
it before, having been brought up as a
Catholic, I was so affected seeing people
worship freely with so much passion. It
caused me to ask the questions about my
faith and who Jesus was, and if I could
experience God as they had. I later met
Hayley, my wife, at church! We have been
married for 23 years this month and now
have 4 kids and 2 foster children.
When did you start leading the church?
Can you explain a bit of the journey
l knew of the church in Failsworth
through working in a church in
Prestatyn for a number of years. New
Life Church Failsworth was my Senior
Pastors local church years before, so I
knew the leadership there. A mutual
friend approached us about taking on
the church, and it seemed right to me
and Hayley and we began a journey in
Spring
we launchstates that the steps of a good
for over-fifty-fives.
The This
Bible
clearly
personEveryare ordered by the Lord. The only
one’s favourite golden oldies, Ps Dave and Anne Adams, would like to share a little bit of inside
problem
doayou
know
whether
are good?
info withis,
you.how
Let’s hope
bit of
their
wisdom
rubs
off on you
the way...
(Keep
your
eyes peeled
for more
campuses over the next few years!)
26
!Audacious: Tell us how you came to
know Christ
!A: Tell us something about you both that
may take us by surprise?
Dave: When I was 14 I was taken by a
non-Christian friend to “The Tell Sheffield
Crusade”. I can remember Joe Blinco
preaching about “the mouse that wanted
to be an elephant”. During the last Hymn
“And can it be” I realized Jesus had died
for me and life has never been the same
since!
D: I was a Chemistry teacher and
convinced that my explosions had to be
the best. Health & Safety would not allow
them today!
Anne: It happened while I was at
university. There were two main
influences; a friend who was a Christian
and the Christian Union. It was there I was
prayed for and invited to events where the
Gospel was preached. I found that I had
a growing realisation that the only way
forward was to ask Jesus to forgive me
and to be Lord in my life.
!A: What is the most audacious decision
you’ve had to make?
D: To move from an established and
expanding ministry in Budapest
to Manchester
D: Simply, in one word, Grace.
D: We were members of the same Baptist
Church in Sheffield.
A: That God’s grace is beyond my
understanding and always more than
enough.
D: Anne is even more determined to live
for God.
A: Dave has grown in grace and wisdom
over the years.
!A: What are your biggest passions?
D: Choral Music & reading! I also get a real
buzz from seeing people get revelation.
!A: As leaders, what’s your vision
for Gold?
A: For people to understand the grace
of God – that we are not and will never
be worthy of acceptance by God, but
he loves us anyway. Other than that…
chocolate, penguins and rivers!
D: Our aim is to encourage each person
to play a full part in the life of !Audacious
Church. It will not focus on Tea and
Sympathy. Remember, fifty percent of
Gold
is GO!
!A: Some people may look at !Audacious
and think it’s a youth church - what
would you say to that?
A: Yes, our move to Manchester.
!A: What’s been your biggest life lesson?
!A: How did you meet?
!A: So you’ve been married nearly 42
years; what is the biggest change you’ve
seen in each other?
28
A: God once spoke to me with writing in
the sky!
!A: Who are your role models?
D: From the Bible it has to be Abraham
by a mile. No Bible, no church, no-one to
follow but he believed God and defied
his surrounding culture. In my life, Geoff
Williams; Missionary, Visionary and friend.
A: Anybody aged 55 and over.
!A: If people are interested, how can they
get involved?
A: !Audacious is, and always has been, a
church for people of all ages. We have
always celebrated young people and the
exuberance of their culture.
D: Let us have your email address/phone
number, and we will contact you. To help
our little grey cells along, try not to just
give us verbal messages on a Sunday!
D: Collected ideas from ourselves and
others. As soon as I heard the name
!Audacious Gold I thought it was a winner.
A: Pastor Glyn asked us to ‘do something’.
We first knew about !Audacious through
one of our young leaders studying on
the !Audacious Academy. She grew
tremendously doing 2 years, and then
became part of our leadership team. We
really connected with the heart and spirit
of !Audacious and was so excited when
What excites you most about being one
church in multiple locations?
Myself and Hayley and the whole church
are so excited about the future, the
strength of the community and the city
church as one church in 2 locations we
believe is a powerful combination for God
changing our communities, the city and
our nation. We feel in awe of what God is
doing within us as we journey together for
the dream of seeing His Kingdom come to
our city and nation.
17
!AUDACIOUS
GOLD
LAUNCH
27
with Ps Glyn & Sophia
!A: And who is it for?
D: We love the same Gospel but have
contemporary style. What’s wrong with
being relevant to pre-Christians?
!A: Where did the idea for Gold
come from?
How did the thought to transitioning to
a campus of !Audacious Church come
about?
➤➤➤
We were keen that it would be based
on Psalm 92:12-14: ‘The righteous will
flourish...planted in the house of the
Lord....they will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green.’
A: The patriarch Jacob, who remained
faithful to the Lord through years of
trouble and heartache.
Coming from Wales we thought that we
were in the big City, but soon came to
realise that we were pastoring a church
outside the city centre, and that it was
very much a community church. We felt
a real sense that God was calling us to
reach the communities in Failsworth and
around, where there is unemployment and
great social need. Building on the great
work of the former pastor, we went about
reaching into these communities with a
passion in our hearts to see the Church
be the centre of its community again.
Believing we had a mandate to influence
and change the communities around us
we run many programmes that meet the
needs of our community both socially and
spiritually.
Friday 17th Feb • 7.30PM
!Audacious Church
(Office Building)
*There will be a finger buffet, but
don’t tell the kids!
29
5
TOTALLY
DEVOTED
We read in Mark 1:35 that Jesus got up in the
morning, took himself to a quiet place and
talked with God. We asked nine !Audacious
individuals how they spend time with
God; what works well for them and how it
transforms their day!
Dave,
Retired
James,
Designer
Eira,
Busy mum
I tend to use my study Bible
with maps and charts to really
understand what the Word is
about and what God has to
say to me that day. One of the
things that I’ve found helps
me, is to ask “how can I try to
explain what’s in this passage
to somebody else?” and for
that, I’ve got to understand it.
For me, morning devotions are
a great opportunity to focus
my day, to get it right there at
the start. I take my notes from
a Sunday; look over them and
the Bible verses they refer to.
This helps me process what
I’ve heard, how it relates to
me and the themes running
through church.
For me I really like my
devotions to simply be about
spending time with Jesus. That
may be just sitting meditating
on scripture or worshipping;
I don’t have a routine. I also
like getting out and about; I’ve
always loved connecting with
God when I am outside.
I tend to spend time in the
morning reading ‘a Proverbs a Day’ as there’s always
something that I can hold on
to and it sets me up for the
day.
Debbie,
Student
6
I try to get up and read my bible
before I go to work. I generally find
it’s times when I am on my own;
when I’m washing up or in the car
when I’ll put music on and just
listen to what God has to say to me.
Andy,
Engineer
Jane,
Paul,
!Audacious Civil
Academy Engineer
Dean
When I do my devotions
I always read my Bible, I
always pray and I always write
something down. Those are
the three, self-imposed rules.
Because I have my devotions
first thing in the morning, I
walk around and it helps me
get energized and this is when
I’ll pray. Then, I’ll read my
Bible and I always try to write
something down in my journal.
I love to just read the Bible
while I’m having my breakfast.
Maybe I’ll go through the notes
from Sunday and then spend
a bit of time praying and
thinking about it. I also like to
read out loud and let my voice
catch when there’s something
amazing that I want to think
on or pray on a bit more. I also
spend a lot of time thanking
God and praising Him as well.
Catherine, Daryl,
Beauty
Prison
Therapist Worker
Mine usually just starts; “Well,
this is a new day Lord. I’m in
it and you are in it so, what’s
going on?” And I just dedicate
my day to the Lord. It’s almost
like if I didn’t respond to that
call from God I’ve been missing
out on something.
I have the ‘Word for Today’
sent to my work email so
that I can reflect on what
God’s saying about my day
before I start anything. In the
evenings I’m currently working
through ‘A Life of Miracles’ by
Bill Johnston. I spend some
time meditating on that and
praying. I’m not going to
lie, I’m trying to make it an
important part of my day but
I don’t punish myself if I miss
one.
7
EMPOWERED
TO LEAD
8
“I’ve come up with
this definition
of God’s grace:
“God’s unmerited
empowerment that
gives us the ability
to go beyond our
natural ability”
M
arked by boldness and passion, John
Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his
award-winning curriculum and best-selling books.
He will be speaking to the men of !Audacious Church
at Brotherhood conference in May. The following
is adapted from John’s book, “Relentless: The
Power You Need to Never Give Up” (Waterbrook
Multnomah Publishing Group, 2011).
All who receive God’s abundant grace and are freely
put right with him will rule in life through Christ.
(Romans 5:17, TEV)
This is one of the most potent promises in the entire
New Testament. God had promised us that, by
His grace, we who are in Christ are empowered to
rule in life. Look carefully at that phrase. The New
International Version translates it “reign in life”;
Weymouth rephrases it “reign as kings in life.” You
and I, as God’s children, are to rule in life as kings
or queens! Notice He doesn’t say, “You will rule in
heaven one day,” or, “You will rule in the next life.” No,
He clearly decrees that we are to reign in this life as
kings or queens through Christ.
To reign is to have supreme dominance and influence
over a particular sphere. In what sphere are we to be
unsurpassed or paramount? The sphere of life.
In other words, life on this earth is not to surpass us;
we are to govern it. We are to be the head and not
the tail, above and not beneath life’s circumstances.
We are to be exemplary kingdom influencers who
bring God’s way of life to this earth.
So why aren’t all Christians living in this manner? Why
are the majority of believers actually ruled by life
rather than ruling in life?
The first and simplest reason is that a vast number
of believers are simply unaware of the empowerment
we receive in God’s grace. Many only see grace as
forgiveness of sins, an unmerited gift, and salvation.
Grace certainly includes these wonderful benefits.
However, hear the way God describes His grace to the
Apostle Paul: “My grace is all you need, for my power
is greatest when you are weak” (2 Corinthians 12:9,
TEV). God actually refers to His grace as His power!
This is seen in several other scriptures in the New
Testament. After years of examining what the New
Testament teaches, I’ve come up with this definition
of God’s grace: “God’s unmerited empowerment that
gives us the ability to go beyond our natural ability.”
This is how we rule in life! Now stop and ponder this
fact. Everything in the Kingdom is received by faith
(or believing), and you can’t believe what you do
not know. Since the vast majority of believers are
ignorant of God’s grace being divine empowerment,
they can only live in their own ability.
There is a second factor to consider in why many
are not “ruling in life.” It can be found by examining
Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who
came secretly to inquire of the Master. Jesus’ first
words to him were, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God” (John 3:3). Jesus speaks of seeing the
kingdom. But His next statement to Nicodemus
reveals something significantly different: “Most
assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water
and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”
(John 3:5). Why does Jesus shift his emphasis from
seeing the kingdom to entering the kingdom?
When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God, He is
actually referring to the “rule of God.” The Greek
words most frequently used for kingdom of God in
the Gospels are basileia tou Theos. Some scholars
believe the best translation of basileia tou Theos is
“God’s imperial rule” or “God’s domain.” I love the
word imperial. One of its definitions is “supremely
powerful.”
For example, in the Lord’s Prayer Jesus instructs us to
pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth
as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:2). He is literally saying,
“Our Father in heaven, You are God Almighty. Your
supreme, powerful rule come. Your will be done on
earth just as it is in heaven.” But a problem arises
because most people hearing these words think
futuristically, when in fact God’s kingdom has already
come! It is within us, God’s covenant people, for Jesus
says, “The Kingdom of God
➤➤➤
9
“according to the
Word of God, it
is successfully
navigating through
adversity that
propels us into
greater authority,
power, or rulership”
does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one
will say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’; because the
Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21, TEV).
Due to Jesus’ work at Calvary, the kingdom is now
within every Christ follower. We are to spread its
domain, its rule, where we are and wherever we go.
We are to rule in life by the powerful free gift of God’s
grace bestowed on us through Jesus Christ.
When you understand that Jesus is talking about
God’s supreme, powerful rule—or kingdom rulership—
then these verses in John 3 take on a totally different
meaning and are much easier to comprehend.
The Greek word for see in verse 3 is eido. Its primary
definition is “to see, perceive, be aware of, or be
acquainted with.” Jesus is telling us that all who are
born again can see, perceive, be made aware of, and
are acquainted with God’s supreme, powerful rule—
the kingdom of God.
In His next statement He no longer uses the word see
(eido); He uses the word enter. The Greek word for
enter is eiserchomai. Its primary definition is “to arise
and come into” or “arise and enter.” So in these two
statements Jesus moves from being aware of to
arising and coming into God’s supreme, powerful rule.
See the difference?
To illustrate, when I board an aircraft to fly
somewhere, I’m quite aware of its ability to defy
gravity, lift me high above the earth, and bring me to
a set destination. As a passenger, I can see as well as
experience the benefits of riding in that plane.
Then one day a friend buys me some flying lessons.
After some initial training, I’m pulling back on the
yoke and flying the plane. I’ve gone from being aware
of what a plane can do and experiencing the benefits
of riding along as a passenger to now being the pilot
and flying the plane wherever I want to. I’ve entered
into the freedom of flying.
Jesus’ words indicate that there are two types of
believers. We could compare the first group to
passengers in an airplane who see, perceive, and
experience the benefits of flying. Then there are
those who arise and enter into the cockpit as pilots
10
who actually determine where to go and at what
speed and altitude. The passengers, even though they
can benefit from the airplane, are at the mercy of
those who know how to fly.
The logical question that surfaces now is, how does a
child of God move from seeing to actually entering
rulership? How do we rule in life?
[Paul and Barnabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium, and
Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples,
exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying,
“We must through many tribulations enter the
kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21–22)
You and I must pass through many tribulations to
enter into rulership. But, as Jesus says, we can be
of good cheer because He has overcome the world
(John 16:33). Through His grace, we are given power
and authority to take on whatever challenges the
world hurls our way. So, according to the Word of
God, it is successfully navigating through adversity
that propels us into greater authority, power,
or rulership.
Are you facing adversity in your marriage, family,
employment, business, school, finances, health,
or elsewhere? Though your situation may seem
utterly hopeless and without solution, it is a prime
opportunity to grow in power and faith. The good
news is, “With men it is impossible, but not with God;
for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).
No matter how tough your circumstances, they are
not impossible to God. Jesus did place an important
qualifier on this promise. “If you can believe,” He said,
“all things are possible to him who believes”
(Mark 9:23).
No matter the pressure of the tribulation you
encounter, the difficulty is nothing compared to the
level of rulership you’ll walk in after the tribulation
has passed.
You can live a life of unyielding faith in the promises
of God. But to enter God’s kingdom, you must be
a relentless believer in times of tribulation by the
empowerment of grace. You, my friend, are destined
to be great in the sight of God. You can rule in life!
12
15
S
21
102A
71G
92
Brotherhood
97
11-12 May 2012
Brotherhood is about forging
significant relationships with the
men in your world to challenge
and inspire one another to live
more passionately and significantly for the cause of Christ. To
enable us to do this I want to
invite you to join us for our annual
summit which I am convinced will
be mind shifting, heart shaping
& life changing. Joining us over
the 2 days is Ps John Bevere and
I know that God’s word through
him will be a catalyst for this
change.
The Brotherhood is waiting for
you
Glyn Barrett
J ohn Bevere
Marked by boldness and passion, John
Bevere delivers uncompromising truth.
His award-winning curriculums and
bestselling books are now in more than
60 languages, including “The Bait of
Satan,” and “Driven by Eternity.” He is
an international speaker and co-host of
“The Messenger” TV program broadcast worldwide.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs
with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling
author and speaker, and their four sons.
s ummit programme
Friday
19:30 Session 1: Ps John Bevere
Saturday
09:30 Session 2: Ps Glyn Barrett
11:00 Coffee
11:45 Session 3: Ps John Bevere
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Session 4: The Wild One
17:00 Session 5: Ps John Bevere
B ooking Information
Cost £35
Where !Audacious Church
To book in please log on to
www.audaciouschurch.com
*programme subject to change
11
n
ill a
a
H
att
r, M
e
t
s
o
rk F
N
OPE
12
VEN
HEA
is w
M
n by
ritte
er
eav
lW
e
d Jo
The ‘why’
behind
the lyric
O
pen Heaven was the theme of Bling
Conference 2011. That’s where this song was birthed,
and in the weeks that followed, it has quickly become
an anthem of our church.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8)
The idea of a limitless God, who delights in His people
so much that empowerment, possibility and favour
become the natural response is a hard concept to
grasp, let alone live out. We wanted to create a song,
an anthem, better still a heart-cry of this truth, in the
hope that its power and reality would sink deep into
the fabric of our lives.
The circle is completed by adding our surrender to
God, and our faith in God, to see Heavens opened
and the gospel spread.
The first verse sets the scene of God’s passion for us
from the outset. It’s not about conditional love but
about perfect love; love being the whole reason, not
merely an after thought. From the very start, before
we even knew Him, He poured out His grace and
mercy upon us.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt
28:19-20)
In the Bible you always find
God’s declaration proved
by his demonstration: “But God demonstrates
his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
In verse 2 we look at bringing focus and direction to
the power of an open Heaven. The bible clearly lays
out the mandate of the Church.
“The first verse sets the
scene of God’s passion for us
from the outset. It’s not about
conditional love but
about perfect love”
We’re not set apart because of God’s declaration over
us, but more powerfully by His action for us through
Jesus on the cross.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down
his life for his friends” (John 15:13)
This is the solid rock on which we build our lives in
order to progressively access the power of an
‘open Heaven’.
The song progresses to the chorus which is built
primarily around a prayer for God to pour out His
Spirit upon His people and, in doing so, pour out His
Power as well.
His promise to be with
us always is the safety
net of our faith in
whatever we face. Jesus
came that we might
have ‘life, and life to the
full.’ John 10:10. It’s in
the bringing of His kingdom to earth that we actual
find fulfilment in life. So, as Jesus responded to the
call of the kingdom, we do the same, by surrendering
our lives and crying out for God’s will to be done in
our lifetime!
The bridge is all about honouring Jesus. It’s about
recognising that He created a way for Heaven
to be opened upon us. It’s only in His death and
resurrection that we have access to an open Heaven.
The song culminates in an absolute declaration of the
power that is in the name of Jesus. He is the source,
He is the power, He is the authority by which we find
our freedom.
To watch and listen to an exclusive recording of
Open Heaven, scan the QR code opposite.
13
Resources
Check out !Audacious Resources on a Sunday or go to www.audaciousresources.com
The Blessed Life
Robert Morris
The humour, passion and clarity of this book has
helped to transform the lives of many people, bringing
not only financial results but growth in all areas:
marriage, family, health and relationships. Dare to
allow God to take you on a journey to change your
heart for good with ‘Blessed Life’ as your companion
along the way.
cds
14
Jesus Culture
matt redman
HILLSONG KIDS
Awakening: Live From Chicago
1000 Reasons
CRAZY NOISE
“Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From
Chicago” reveals the significance
that took place at Jesus Culture’s
first arena gathering. A generation
was marked by the power and
presence of God during this 3-day
event as believers joined together
to passionately worship Jesus. 16
powerful worship tracks including
new songs such as “We Are Hungry”
with a healthy dose of Jesus Culture
signature tracks like “The Anthem”.
Named the top album of 2011 by
Worship Leader Magazine this album
was recorded live at the 2011 Lift
Conference in Atlanta, US. Drawing
heavily on Matt’s Brit-Pop roots
blended with American Church Music
themes this is a Holy Spirit inspired
collection not be missed!
In this exciting release from Hillsong,
aimed specifically at pre-school aged
children, each song has a specific
Bible verse which the song has been
derived from. This 12-track album will
make the perfect gift for anyone with
young children.
preaching
The Five Stages of Life
basking in God’s presence
Enthusiasm
GLYN BARRETT
Sophia BARRETT: Bling 2012
GLYN BARRETT
As part of the 2012 anointed series on
‘Statements of Faith’ Ps Glyn shares
a revolutionary insight on the five
stages of life we all go through. Do
you feel like you’re about to step into
the unknown? Are you fighting the
negative spirit? If so, then this is the
two-part message for you!
The first in the 2012 Bling Series Ps
Sophia Barrett shares an inspirational
insight into how we can take time out
of our daily routine to bask in God’s
presence. Ps Sophia speaks straight
from the heart and leaves us with
clear practical strategies for making
‘basking’ an integral part of our daily
walk with God.
The Greek ‘En Theos’ translates as ‘In
God’. By looking at Paul’s life, Ps Glyn
gives us an insight into what it means
to live an enthusiastic life in God. Let
this explosive 3-Part Message unlock
the practical ways in which we can do
life with enthusiasm.
books
John Bevere
NCV Youth Bible
Wayne Cordeiro
Relentless: The Power You
Need
to Never Give Up
The NCV Youth Bible is one of the
bestselling Bibles for teens in the UK
and is perfect for teenagers getting to
grips with the word of God. The NCV
text is easy to read and understand,
providing an invaluable resource for
young Christians in the 21st Century.
Leading on Empty
Expanding on the best-selling
‘Extraordinary’ that highlighted the
“why” and “what” of God’s grace,
Bevere here reveals the “how” of living
and leading in that grace. Bevere says
‘God doesn’t author hardship but
uses it to strengthen us for greater
conquests. He never leads us into
a storm that He doesn’t give us the
power to overcome.’
Overwhelmed by the demands of
ministry? Depleted of energy? And
a longing to escape the constant
pressure? Wayne Cordeiro was in a
similar boat when he found himself
weeping uncontrollably for no reason.
Wayne had been leading on empty.
This book encourages readers to
learn from his mistakes, avoid burnout
and live an energised, fruitful ministry.
15
J
CAMPUS
HERO
ess Wilson is a 20-year-old fashion student
at Salford University. We spoke to her about her
!Audacious passion for students and the challenges
that Christians face on and off campus.
“Two years ago, I had never even considered moving
to Manchester or studying at Salford, but I’m now
amazed at how God completely put me here and has
given me the opportunities He has.
From the start of moving to Manchester and into
student halls, I made sure my flatmates and peers
knew I believed in God and went to church. I didn’t
want to be half-hearted about it so made it clear from
the start. I remember the first Sunday I arrived back
from church and my flatmates were just waking up –
they couldn’t understand why I would want to get up
so early and go to church. Even early on, despite not
directly talking to them about God, it was in the little
things I said and did and the lifestyle I was living that
they began to recognise something was different.
It’s hard as a student, and can be so easy to blend
in to the crowd, but people definitely notice when
you’re not doing the typical student things. Not
living like stereotypical students do is one thing, but
actually being involved in church, and spending so
much time there, can seem insane when you don’t
understand it. Many of my friends asked questions:
“What is it about this church that made me want
to be there so much?” and “Why am I so excited to
go?” These questions make me talk about my life
with such enthusiasm! I put up a lot of my favourite
verses and quotes around my room. I found that they
started to ask questions about my choices and why
I did the things I did. All of this gave me amazing
opportunities to talk about God. Even if my friends
don’t agree with what I believe, they have respect for
me because my lifestyle shows that I don’t pick and
choose when to be a Christian. I think students are
so open and accepting of who you are. They won’t
Follow us on Twitter
@aud_students
always agree with what you believe, but are amazed
and appreciate the confidence and enthusiasm you
have for it. One of my friends once said; “I don’t get it
at all, but I respect you and wish I could have the faith
you do.”
Last year I prayed a lot for my flatmates and friends
but nothing ever seemed to come of it. But through
the praying, believing and the seeds sown, when I
came back in September, they suddenly started
asking so many questions and wanting to come with
me to church.
Even if my friends don’t agree with
what I believe, they have respect
for me because my lifestyle shows
that I don’t pick and choose when
to be a Christian.
I would honestly not have survived at university
without God. He is the centre of my work, my day,
everything I do. Being in halls can really make you
feel alone; when your bedroom door is shut at the
end of the day, it’s just you. But that has made
me even more dependant on God. Before I start
any work, I have to surrender it to God first. And
I’ve found with my degree that I’ve had ideas and
creativity that could only have come from God. I’ve
also experienced real favour and great opportunities
with my lecturers. I’ve been told I have a lot of
confidence with my work, and even had chances to
talk to my teachers about my faith.
God has really broken my heart for students and that
has made me look at university life so differently. No
longer do I simply see other students, but a group of
lost people desperately trying to find an answer in
life. I don’t go out with them or do what they do, but
I do choose to pray for them and love them. I think
when God broke my heart, He filled me with a passion
and excitement to reach out and make a change to
the students of Manchester.”
If you’re at uni and you want to find out more about !Audacious Students, what we do, and how to get
involved we’d love to help you out. Come and find us in the student lounge on a Sunday or come along
to a student life group at a campus near you. We’ll even throw in a slice of toast and a brew!
Looking forward to meeting you!
Jen
d
n
a
e
k
i
M
Student Pastors
16
STEPS
OF A GOOD MAN
Psalm 37:23-24
the
are ordered by
THE LORD,
and He delights in his way
Though he fall
he shall
NOT
BE UTTERLY CAST DOWN
For the Lord upholds him
with His hand.
The Bible clearly states that the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord. The only
problem is, how do you know whether you are good?
➤➤➤
17
The ‘good man’ is not someone who has
everything together, but it is simply a person
who has chosen to commit themselves to God. In
this season, commit to pursuing God and commit
your thoughts, words and lifestyle to His ways.
18
W
ho qualifies as good? At best,
‘good’ is subjective. It may describe us in the best
moments of a few of our finest days in any one year,
but generally, who really, continually is ‘good’? It
was, of course, Jesus himself who said of people that
called him good; “Why do you call me good? No one
He is able to do today, and will continue to do in
the future.
is good - except God alone”. (Mark 10:18)
ii. Communicable attributes
At first glance, it appears that the Old and New
testament contradict each other. The Psalmist saying
that ‘good men’s steps are ordered by the Lord’;
whereas Jesus himself doesn’t even place being
‘good’ as a human characteristic.
‘Good’, is not a characteristic that God keeps to
Himself. Rather, He chooses to allow us to carry it. It
is a communicable attribute.
For us to fully understand this tension, we must first
consider the very nature of God. God has attributes
(characteristics) that He and He alone can possess,
we call these incommunicable attributes; He also has
attributes that in His grace, He allows us to carry, we
call these communicable attributes.
i. Incommunicable attributes
Omnipotent
God is all powerful. There is nothing that He cannot
intervene with in your life
Omniscient
God is all knowing. There is nothing beyond God’s
knowledge, He knows beginning to end and
everything in between. He knows your past, knows
where you are now, and sees your future; way bigger
than, and beyond, all that you could possibly ask
or imagine.
Omnipresent
God is present in all places at all times. God does not
reside in one continent at one time, He is not limited
by physicality, but is with every person, all of the time
and at all times. Wherever you go, and whatever you
do, God is right with you, by your side.
Immutable
God is never changing. The Bible tells us that he does
not change (Malachi 3:10), He is the same yesterday,
today and forever. Therefore what he did yesteryear,
Self-existing and self sufficient
God needs nothing. He is the source of all things
God is, and also allows us to carry; Love, Grace,
Mercy, Justice, Patience, Kindness and Goodness.
Its important to note that the “goodness of Man”
is not dependant upon our ability to be ‘good’, but
hinges on the truth that God is ‘good’ and ‘great’.
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that ‘we are God’s
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works’. We are on the planet to reflect the goodness
of God. We are good, simply because God has
chosen to work through us.
The ‘good man’ that Psalm 37 talks of, is not
someone who has everything together, nor is he or
she perfect in all their thoughts, words and actions,
but it is simply a person who has chosen to commit
themselves to God and His ways, that God would
show His goodness through them. In this season,
commit to pursuing God and commit your thoughts,
words and lifestyle to His ways.
Psalm 86:11 says, ‘Teach me your way, Lord, that I may
rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.’
See what God will do as you pursue Him. He has all
the days of this year written, He will not let you fall.
Place your trust in Him, and commit to the step He
has asked you to take.
For more on this article listen to
Ps Glyn’s messages recorded live at
!Audacious Church as part of the 2012
Statements of Faith Series.
19
HIDDEN
IN
PLAIN
SIGHT.
!Audacious Academy
New intake • Sept 2012
Open Day • Wednesday 25 April • 11am-3pm
liveaudacious.com/academy
20
Coming soon
21
the
art
of
waiting
by Ed Baptist
’m in that place of
waiting. You know,
that ‘in-between
space’. Don’t get me wrong,
God is still incredibly good,
He’s my provider, my joy, my
strength, my loving heavenly
Father… it’s just that He hasn’t
come through on my hearts
desires… yet. So right now,
I’m waiting.
I
You see there is an art to waiting. You can
wait patiently or you can wait and moan,
just look at any queue. And when it comes
to God you can wait in hope or you can
wait without hope, wallowing in selfpity asking “why God? why?”. I haven’t
actually read it but there’s a book entitled
‘Enjoying where you are on the way to
where you’re going’ and that’s it isn’t
it, that’s the trick. There’s always a gap
between the promise and the fulfilment,
the vision of our preferable future (that
day) and where we find ourselves in
the present (today). If we want victory,
we have to do battle. If we want to be
over-comers, there have to be obstacles.
There’s a journey we must go on and we
need to be ready for it.
22
In his book ‘A Million Miles in a Thousand
Years’ the author Donald Miller illustrates
this point beautifully when he talks about
the moment of setting off in a canoe
across a lake…
“
at first every stroke takes you further
and further from your departure point
until you find yourself out of site of the
place you started and not yet able to see
your destination. Although you’re rowing
with the same strength as before its
harder to tell what is being achieved; the
past a distant memory and the future an
unseen destination”. And then, he writes,
“begins the long hard work of
the middle!
”
And that’s where I find myself, dreams
and desires unfulfilled, hopes differed and
unmet, but that’s ok because I’m in good
company. Just look in the Bible.
Moses was in the desert 40 years mulling
over his mistakes before hearing God’s
call, Joseph waited 17 years before
even coming close to seeing his dreams
fulfilled, and Abraham was 100 years old
and still waiting on God’s promise
100 YEARS OLD PEOPLE, 100 YEARS!
We live in an ‘instant generation’ but we
have to ask ourselves, are we prepared
to wait decades to see the fulfilment of
what God promises? Are we willing to do
the long hard work of the middle? To just
keep doing the right thing long enough.
(“For if you do not give up you will receive
a reward at the right time”. Galatians 6v9)
The issue is, that it’s your attitude while
you wait, that shapes you. If you wait
impatiently you’ll be frustrated and
you probably won’t make the best of
company. If you wait feeling disappointed
you’ll get bitter and probably quit. If
you wait disillusioned you’ll get angry
with God, the one who’s carrying your
breakthrough! And if you don’t wait!
well, you’ll bypass all the lessons God
intends to teach you and miss out on the
character he’s forming in you on the way
to where you’re going. (James 1v2-4)
Wow, who knew patience and hope
(which sound so passive) are so profound
in getting us to our ‘that day’
So if like me you’re not where you want to
be just yet, you have hopes and dreams
unfulfilled and prayers not yet answered,
It’s ok. You’re not doing anything wrong,
God is not angry with you, you’re just in
the in-between. To you, I say wait in hope,
the happy anticipation of good.
There’s
alway
s a ga
the pr
p betw
omise
a
een
n
d the f
the vis
ulfilm
ion of
ent,
future
our pr
eferab
(that d
le
a
y) and
find o
where
urselv
es in t
we
(today
he pre
). If we
sent
want v
have t
o do b
ictory
attle.
, we
be ove
I
f
w
r-come
e want
rs, the
be obs
to
re hav
tacles
e
.
to
Th
we mu
st go o ere’s a jour
ney
nand w
e need
be rea
to
dy for
it.
H
ow to stay hopeful while you wait
Have an
attitude of gratitude:
Take the time to count your
blessings, don’t let whatever
you don’t have make you lose
sight of all that you do have.
Remember God is good and
he does good. So get your
Praise on!
Stop
thinking
Be a
hope bringer
If you keep going over old
ground all you’ll do is get yourself into a rut! If your thinking
is not helping you to solve your
challenge, all you are doing is
meditating on your problem
and not God. Stop it!
He who refreshes others will
be refreshed, do unto others as
you want them do to you, you
reap what you sow… get the
picture? While you’re waiting
for your breakthrough, be a
blessing at every opportunity.
23
YOU’RE HAVING
A LAUGH
by Mark Foster
The start of a new year is always a great time to look back on a year, to consider your
achievements, breakthroughs, mistakes and lessons learnt! It’s also a great time to think ahead
on the next season of your life.
I write on a train to Venice celebrating my
wife’s 30th birthday. Much conversation
has been about a incredible 30 years,
and more about looking forward to the
next 30. The incredible gift God has given
to us, time, allows us at any point the
opportunity to begin again. The Bible
says ‘his mercies are new every morning’
(Lamentations 3:22-23). Thankfully it is
not only 1st January where we can believe
for great things, have high hopes and
expectations; but at any point, we can
take a moment to change our future.
In Genesis we read the incredible account
of Abram and his son Isaac (Read Gen
12-18). In Genesis 12:1-5 Abram hears God
speaking a specific promise for the first
time. At 75 years old, Abram hears God
tell him that although he has no children,
and his wife Sarai is beyond the age
of childbearing, nevertheless, they will
receive a son. His promise is that Abram
will be the father of many nations!
God gives Abram an impossible dream.
His circumstance, his age, his ability would
all scream ‘there is not a chance of that
happening’, however, God had promised!
Abram’s initial response was the same
response many would have had when
faced with impossibility; he laughed!
Abram laughed in God’s face. It was a
laughable goal, a laughable dream!
Again, in Genesis 15, 10 years later, God
promises that Abram would be a father.
For 10 years, he has seen nothing. God
spoke a promise, and now 10 years
had passed! But for all our panic, and
obsession with time, God does not
consider the clock. He knows what He has
said, and knows what He is able to do. He
no more needs a year than a day; a week
24
more than he needs a second. Still, Abram
has an impossible dream, a laughable
goal.
God always gets the last laugh!
Abraham had an impossible dream,
an impossible goal, a laughable goal. I
believe we should be stirred by Abraham’s
account, and begin to believe for the
impossible, have dreams and goals, that
as we think about them, we laugh in
nervousness at the scale of, but remain
aware that God in heaven, He laughs,
knowing all things are possible.
In utter desperation Sarai, his wife, offers
their maidservant, in an attempt to give
Abram what God had promised. However
although a son was born, Ishmael
(meaning God has heard your misery!),
it was not the promise. Stepping outside
of God’s parameters to manufacture your
future, your dream, is never endorsed by
As the great Nelson Mandela quoted,
God. The promise was not that Abram
would achieve his goals by any means, the ‘living small does not serve anyone’, that
is to say having a small dream or setting
promise was that
small goals,
God would give
Thankfully it is not only 1st of does not
Abram the desires
January where we can believe enlarge
of his heart, if he
your life.
would keep himself
for great things, have high
Looking
devoted to God and
hopes and expectations; but
back at
His ways, and to
at any point, we can take a
goals set
continually believe.
moment to change our future. 12 months
ago, I was
Another 13 years
encouraged to see many fulfilled and
pass (!), when God eventually reconfirms
surpassed and also many that we’re not
his promise, and reminds him to keep
fulfilled. Unfulfilled goals, however have
believing. 24 years then passed. Abram,
never caused me to live smaller, they
now 99 years old, having kept faith in
have always pushed me onto believe for
the face of impossibility hears God again
greater.
re-establish the promise and give more
clarity. In Genesis 17 God changes Abram’s
I live larger by setting big goals (even
name to Abraham (the father of nations).
though sometimes not fulfilling them),
Once more, Abraham laughs.
than I ever do not setting goals at all.
Here’s what I love about God! There
Today is a new day. Believe
is one half of Abraham that believes,
has high expectations and hopes, and
for some laughable goals.
another side of him, like you and I, that
has a little doubt, a laugh of nervousness.
God knowing all of this, and knowing the
‘impossibility’ of the situation, promises a
son for the final time, and gives him the
name Isaac (meaning; God, He laughs!).
Here’s a great way to
set some laughable, and
achievable, smart goals
S
M
A
R
T
pecific
Make sure your laughable goals are specific. They are
not ethereal, indescribable or based on emotions.
Your goals need to be something specific.
easurable
How many, how much, how big? There has to be a way
to measure whether you have achieved your goal or
not, simply to ‘feel better about myself’, is great; but
it’s not a clear goal to have.
chievable
Although laughable goals face impossibility, they’re
not so far fetched that they are fantasy. Fantasy
and faith are very different. Fantasy presumes God
will wave a magic wand and give you whatever you
want. Laughable goals carry with them a sense of
responsibility. I have a part to play, however difficult it
may be, I can do something about it.
elevant
Your laughable goals should relate to the direction
God is leading you in. Are they part of the overall
theme of what God has promised you? You should be
able to articulate how the fulfilment of this goal has
progressed you towards an overall objective.
ime-related
God eventually promised Abraham would have his
son, Isaac, the laughable dream, ‘by this time next
year’. Our dreams and goals should have a time
period related to them so that we can assess our
progress or otherwise.
Set some goals for the next 12
months. For your business, your
family, your marriage, your home
life, your career. Dare to believe God
for something that you may laugh
at now in nervousness, but believing
that you will see the fulfilment, that
God will have the last laugh.
Jesus said to Peter, ‘with man
this is impossible but with God
all things are possible’
(Matthew 19:26).
Now, begin to dream. let God ignite
faith and give you laughable goals.
25
!AUDACIOUS CHUR
EAST CAMPU
On the last Sunday of January, New Life Church
Failsworth became !Audacious Church East Campus.
We catch up with !Audacious East
Campus Pastor Elijah Boswell.
There is a great account in
the Bible which we believe
best summarises what has
happened with our new
campus.
Luke 5:4-7: 4 “When he (Jesus) had
finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put
out into deep water, and let down the nets
for a catch. ” Simon answered, “Master,
we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t
caught anything. But because you say so,
I will let down the nets. ” When they had
done so, they caught such a large number
of fish that their nets began to break. So
they signaled their partners in the other
boat to come and help them, and they
came and filled both boats so full that
they began to sink.”
Prior to joining us and becoming our
second Campus in Manchester, the church
in Failsworth was growing in number and
influence on the eastern side of our city.
As we have continued to increase in the
city centre, there has been a “coming
together” as in verse 7, to facilitate what
we believe will be a great move of God in
the years to come.
!Audacious Church, East Campus is a
very exciting development in the journey
of our church. Why don’t you take the
opportunity over the next few months
to pay it a visit? It is, after all, the same
church; just in two different locations!
(Keep your eyes peeled for more
campuses over the next few years!)
26
RCH
US
Ps Elijah & Hayley Boswell
Tell us how you first became a Christian.
Just a few weeks before my 18th birthday
my auntie had invited me to go to church
in Prestatyn North Wales after breaking
up with my girlfriend. I heard the pastor
talk about how Jesus could impact my
life. Having never been to a church like
it before, having been brought up as a
Catholic, I was so affected seeing people
worship freely with so much passion. It
caused me to ask the questions about my
faith and who Jesus was, and if I could
experience God as they had. I later met
Hayley, my wife, at church! We have been
married for 23 years this month and now
have 4 kids and 2 foster children.
When did you start leading the church?
Can you explain a bit of the journey
l knew of the church in Failsworth
through working in a church in
Prestatyn for a number of years. New
Life Church Failsworth was my Senior
Pastors local church years before, so I
knew the leadership there. A mutual
friend approached us about taking on
the church, and it seemed right to me
and Hayley and we began a journey in
becoming pastors of New Life.
It’s funny, as when we were
looking to take on a pastorate
of a church my wife Hayley had
said she’d go anywhere except
Manchester (as we are all big
Liverpool supporters). It has
amazed us that Gods grace is
so big that it even reaches out
to Manchester United fans!
we heard about the church beginning
in September 2007. Both myself and
Hayley knew that it was not only of great
significance for Greater Manchester, but
deep inside we knew it was would be
significant for us both but we weren’t
quite sure why? When !Audacious took on
the Faithworks in Failsworth we knew it
was the beginnings of a heart relationship
and the start of a journey together.
Share with us a bit of your
heart for the Church impacting
the community.
Through the relationship with Pastors
Glyn, Stuart and Mark we have felt
such a strength in leading the church in
Failsworth and after having them come
and speak and meeting with them over
the months felt a growing relationship.
Myself and Hayley both felt separately
but strongly that we were to approach
Pastor Glyn about us becoming a Campus
not really knowing what their plans were
regarding campuses across Manchester.
Hearing the plans Glyn & Sophia had for
multiple campuses really confirmed to us
our future, and after some great meetings
it soon became apparent this was the
direction God was leading us all.
Coming from Wales we thought that we
were in the big City, but soon came to
realise that we were pastoring a church
outside the city centre, and that it was
very much a community church. We felt
a real sense that God was calling us to
reach the communities in Failsworth and
around, where there is unemployment and
great social need. Building on the great
work of the former pastor, we went about
reaching into these communities with a
passion in our hearts to see the Church
be the centre of its community again.
Believing we had a mandate to influence
and change the communities around us
we run many programmes that meet the
needs of our community both socially and
spiritually.
How did the thought to transitioning to
a campus of !Audacious Church come
about?
We first knew about !Audacious through
one of our young leaders studying on
the !Audacious Academy. She grew
tremendously doing 2 years, and then
became part of our leadership team. We
really connected with the heart and spirit
of !Audacious and was so excited when
What excites you most about being one
church in multiple locations?
Myself and Hayley and the whole church
are so excited about the future, the
strength of the community and the city
church as one church in 2 locations we
believe is a powerful combination for God
changing our communities, the city and
our nation. We feel in awe of what God is
doing within us as we journey together for
the dream of seeing His Kingdom come to
our city and nation.
27
GOLD
This Spring we launch !Audacious Gold, the exciting new ministry for over-fifty-fives. Everyone’s favourite golden oldies, Ps Dave and Anne Adams, would like to share a little bit of inside
info with you. We know a bit of their wisdom will rub off on the way...
!Audacious: Tell us how you came to
know Christ
!A: Tell us something about you both that
may take us by surprise?
Dave: When I was 14 I was taken by a
non-Christian friend to “The Tell Sheffield
Crusade”. I can remember Joe Blinco
preaching about “the mouse that wanted
to be an elephant”. During the last Hymn
“And can it be” I realized Jesus had died
for me and life has never been the same
since!
D: I was a Chemistry teacher and
convinced that my explosions had to be
the best. Health & Safety would not allow
them today!
Anne: It happened while I was at
university. There were two main
influences; a friend who was a Christian
and the Christian Union. It was there I was
prayed for and invited to events where the
Gospel was preached. I found that I had
a growing realisation that the only way
forward was to ask Jesus to forgive me
and to be Lord in my life.
!A: What is the most audacious decision
you’ve had to make?
D: To move from an established and
expanding ministry in Budapest
to Manchester
!A: What’s been your biggest life lesson?
D: Simply, in one word, Grace.
D: We were members of the same Baptist
Church in Sheffield.
A: That God’s grace is beyond my
understanding and always more than
enough.
D: Anne is even more determined to live
for God.
A: Dave has grown in grace and wisdom
over the years.
!A: What are your biggest passions?
D: Choral Music & reading! I also get a real
buzz from seeing people get revelation.
A: For people to understand the grace
of God – that we are not and will never
be worthy of acceptance by God, but
he loves us anyway. Other than that…
chocolate, penguins and rivers!
!A: Some people may look at !Audacious
and think it’s a youth church - what
would you say to that?
A: Yes, our move to Manchester.
!A: How did you meet?
!A: So you’ve been married nearly 42
years; what is the biggest change you’ve
seen in each other?
28
A: God once spoke to me with writing in
the sky!
A: The patriarch Jacob, who remained
faithful to the Lord through years of
trouble and heartache.
!A: Who are your role models?
D: From the Bible it has to be Abraham
by a mile. No Bible, no church, no-one to
follow but he believed God and defied
his surrounding culture. In my life, Geoff
Williams; Missionary, Visionary and friend.
D: We love the same Gospel but have
contemporary style. What’s wrong with
being relevant to pre-Christians?
A: !Audacious is, and always has been, a
church for people of all ages. We have
always celebrated young people and the
exuberance of their culture.
!A: Where did the idea for Gold
come from?
D: Collected ideas from ourselves and
others. As soon as I heard the name
!Audacious Gold I thought it was a winner.
A: Pastor Glyn asked us to ‘do something’.
GOLD
We were keen that it would be based
on Psalm 92:12-14: ‘The righteous will
flourish...planted in the house of the
Lord....they will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green.’
!A: As leaders, what’s your vision
for Gold?
D: Our aim is to encourage each person
to play a full part in the life of !Audacious
Church. It will not focus on Tea and
Sympathy. Remember, fifty percent of
Gold is GO!
!A: And who is it for?
!AUDACIOUS
GOLD
LAUNCH
with Ps Glyn & Sophia
A: Anybody aged 55 and over.
!A: If people are interested, how can they
get involved?
D: Let us have your email address/phone
number or leave your details at reception,
and we will contact you. To help our little
grey cells along, try not to just give us
verbal messages on a Sunday!
Friday 17th Feb • 7.30PM
!Audacious Church
(Office Building)
*There will be a finger buffet, but
don’t tell the kids!
29
ONCE
FOR ALL
Easter Sunday
Sunday 8th April 5.30pm
!AUdacious EAster Experience
www.audaciouschurch.com
30
POWER
BREAKFAST
SUNDAYS 9AM
Current Course:
Psalms of Ascent
with Pastor Glyn Barrett
Join !Audacious church pastors each Sunday
at 9am-9.45am It’s Sunday School, but not
as you know it!
OPEN HEAVEN
Our journey continues...
23.03.12
7:30pm
31
!Audacious Church
Central
campus:
Trinity
Way, Manchester, M3 7BB
Free Grid Lined
Graph Paper
from http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/gridlined/
East Campus: Thorley Street, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 9PA
Office Address: Unit 6, Deva Centre, Trinity Way, M3 7BB
T: +44 (0)161 830 7000 E: [email protected]
www.audaciouschurch.com