Yes that is my badge and yes I was the only one in the whole conference who actually wore it. But as promised over on Saint Jonny, here’s my notes on the first session of three led by Tim Keller at the urban Plant Life church planting conference a week and a half ago:
Gospel Renewal
Gospel renewal is how the gospel changes the heart. Our default is always works-righteousness, to which the gospel is counter. when the reality of the gospel is discovered it leads to one of two things, first individualism/pietism when incorrectly understood, secondly to strong community and serving my neighbour/the poor.
What does Gospel Renewal Look Like?
There are three instruments:
1. Recovery of the Gospel: Realisation that my justification is not based on my sanctification, it’s the other way round. There are two ways to deny Jesus as Saviour and Lord (and therefore reject the gospel), the first is outright denial of religiousness and ignoring faith. The second is to be churchy and religious in order to make God bless you. The second one is dangerous because it can appear fine.
2. Prayer- united, extraordinary, kingdom centred, and prevailing: Prayer for self-humility, prayer for the lost, and prayer to see God’s glory. This praying goes beyond the basic maintenance prayer.
3. Creativity: No renewal (or revival) is like the last one. The first awakening (Whitfield and Wesley) was fuelled by outdoor preaching, which has never had the same effect since. They weren’t inspired by sociologists but by God given creativity. Another example is when the Wall Street Crash happened, renewal occurred through lay-led prayer meetings. You can’t go back to Narnia the same way twice! Even Lloyd-Jones spoke about contextualisation!
What is the Impact of Gospel Renewal?
- on individuals:
1. Nominal Christians are converted
2. Sleepy Christians are awoken
3. Non-Christians are attracted
- on the church:
1. Vibrant Worship - God is more real
2. Theological Depth
3. Vibrant Community – Barriers of pretence stripped by the gospel
4. Evangelism – If the gospel has struck you then you lose your fear of talking about the gospel and your humbled to not be aggressive in it
5. Justice and Compassion – Being a Christian makes you low and high. Poor have a high status in Christ and the rich have a low status in worthiness
6. Cultural Renewal- Gospel shapes your whole worldview
These 6 marks can have the “delta effect” after gospel renewal. After Renewals every section/denomination grabs one of these marks and over-emphasises them at the detriment of the other 5. (eg. Liberals have grabbed #5, Pentecostals #1, Presbyterians #2, etc)
What are the Results of Renewal?
1. An excessive wing – there’s always someone who goes off the mark and takes things to extremes.
2. Seculars get scared
3. Conservatives criticise
4. It’ll really change your community
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(The notes for session two will be published on Sunday)
