Exodus 20:18-21. The people of God told Moses that they wanted him to speak with God and then pass on what God says to them while they stayed at a distance. I couldn’t help but think that many Christians do the same thing. They want to hear from God, but not directly. They want to hear what God says through pope, pastor, priest, books, but not get down before God to hear for themselves. However, it is clear that the Lord speaks to each one of us if we will listen. Read John 10:1-18. Them for the current edition of OIKOS which is at the printers at this time, is “Hearing the Voice of the Lord”. Still time to subscribe – go to the website for details.
Simple Church and the Nations: Explosive Potential
From Roger Thoman – simple Church Journal
Could a small (but growing) movement of simple/organic church-lifers lead to a revolutionary impact upon world missions? There is something deep inside of me that says the answer to this question could be a resounding “YES.”
The promise is still in place: that all the people on earth will be blessed… through us. (Gen. 12:3). And, Jesus’ promise that all nations (literally, ethnic groups) would hear the Good News before the end comes (Matt. 24:14).
The needs are still great: 13,000 of the 27,000 people groups in the world are still unreached. Additionally, 9.7 million children die annually from the direct effects of poverty. Almost one in four people on the planet live in extreme poverty. By the way, extreme poverty is more than not having enough; it is often accompanied by a degrading sense of powerlessness.
Yet the kingdom of God is moving forward. Each of us is an integral part of that. AND, yes, progress is being made in each of these areas!
So, what does that have to do with simple/organic/house church folk?
Imagine With Me! Continue reading →
Simplifying Discipleship
From Roger Thoman, Simple Church Journal.
At the heart of simple/organic church life is the lifestyle of discipleship (following Jesus) and discipling others. The difficulty is that we often make discipleship far too difficult. When we see discipleship as primarily about imparting knowledge from one to another, then we need an expert (knowledgeable) who also excels at communicating knowledge to another (teaching gift). Many people do not see themselves as qualified enough (not enough knowledge as compared to professionals or those who have attended seminary) and not gifted enough (again, comparing themselves to those with excellent teaching gifts).
The result is that we have turned discipleship over to the professional teachers (pulpiteers and well-known author/teachers) and the programs that these same people develop. In the process we exclude 90% of the Body of Christ from being active disciplers which is exactly what Jesus asked each of us to do. Continue reading →
Looking for a job!
An OIKOS friend, a family man in his 40s, who lives at Midway Point, 17 k from Hobart, Tasmania, is desperately looking for work – any work. He recently moved from Victoria but he is having great difficulty finding employment. Contact OIKOS if you have any leads.
Moving to Melbourne
A young Christian woman, the daughter of an OIKOS subscriber, is moving to Melbourne from NSW very shortly and is looking for accommodation, even for the interim, as she finds her way round. She is happy to pay rent. Let OIKOS know via the web site if you have any leads.
Sutherland Shire, Sydney
Any home churches in the area? Someone is enquiring. Contact OIKOS via the web site.
Calling Bendigo!
A single Mum with 3 children is looking for a home church family in the Bendigo area. She hasn’t been able to connect with any traditional churches, but has learnt a lot about house church life from a friend who is in one elsewhere in victoria. If anyone who is in a home church could meet her for a coffee and chat to see if there could be mutual benefit her joining, then please contact OIKOS via the web site.
“Hearing God’s Voice”
We plan to have Hearing God’s Voice on - Saturday 1st May 10 am – 4 pm at – Beth Tephillah” 55 Park Crescent, Williamstown Victoria 3016. Cost $30.00.
“Hear the Word of the Lord” has been a common instruction to God’s people through the centuries. Jesus, who IS that Word, told us that sheep listen for their shepherd’s voice and follow him because they know his voice, and He expects His sheep to respond to His voice.
This seminar aims to help participants hear, identify, understand and obey the voice of Father God.
There will be practical sessions
Equipping School 2010
With David Orton and Craig Kirkby. For details go to -The Gathering Team
Learning from St Francis
An icon for the 21st century
Over four evenings in March, Dr Charles Ringma will lead this
special seminar, introducing us to the spirituality of St. Francis,
whose understanding of the inter-relatedness of all of God’s creation
and his uncompromising solidarity with the poor, call us to reexamine
our own lives. Continue reading →