I'm in my study pondering another Christmas season. It's certainly changed since I was a young boy.
Political correctness gone mad means that now we rarely see Christmas cards with a Christian theme, politicians campaign for taking traditional Christian language and imagery out of Christmas and generally speaking people seem to have lost 'the fear of the Lord'. Just recently I heard that a cathedral choir in the North East of England had recorded a version of the Alleluia chorus but had changed the words to 'Alan Shearer' the retired Newcastle United footballer! It was a pleasant surprise, however, to go to Bethan's school Christmas concert and hear so many songs that focused on Jesus. I used to be a bit cynical about school singing religious songs, thinking it was slightly hypocritical. Now I'm grateful- another school had Spiderman as the centrepiece of the nativity story!
This week has seen the Christmas dinners kick in- earlier we had the Ignite staff dinner and then last night was the City Temple leaders Christmas dinner. It was at Ana Bela's Bistro in Pontcanna, Cardiff and a very enjoyable night it was!
I've been looking at 'Ways you can miss out on Christmas' as my speaking theme this Christmas and it has caused me to make sure I'm finding time to wonder anew at Immanuel- God with us.
God's words
- 1Chr. 16:31Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
CITY CHURCH CARDIFF, ELIM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH>
- CITY TEMPLE CHURCH CARDIFF
I'm on the pastoral team of this thriving multi-cultural Elim Pentecostal Church in the heart of Cardiff- the capital city of Wales.
THIRD DAY
- THIRD DAY
From 2001-2016 I spent part of my year on the road as pastor to the Christian rock band Third Day.
WALESWIDE
- WALESWIDE
I am part of the church planting and strengthening ministry Waleswide, alongside leaders from across the evangelical spectrum and geographical spread of the nation.
ELIM WALES
- ELIM INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Both personally and in my local church role I am pleased to stand with our Elim Missions Dept. - ELIM WALES
I spend part of my time as the regional co-ordinator for Elim in Wales-working with churches and leaders.
GATEWAY MINISTRIES/IGNITE INDIA
- GATEWAY MINISTRIES/IGNITE INDIA
Lots going on in and around Rajahmundry, India- been involved in this work since 2005.
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12/22/2006
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MY PUBLICATIONS
- Lessons From The Road by Nigel James and Third Day.
- Ignite: God's Purpose for This Generation (Paperback) by Nigel James.
- Seven Ways to Ignite Your Life: Life Lessons from 1 Samuel (Paperback) by Nigel James
- Seven Myths of Youth Ministry: How to Re-Ignite Your Passion (Paperback) by Nigel James, Gary Smith
- Seven Ways to Ignite Outrageous Prayer (Paperback) by Carl Brettle, Nigel James
Some of my Sermons
- A Friend Called Grace
- Word and Spirit
- Can We Fix it? Yes We Can?
- I am the Light of the World
- I am the True Vine
- God and the Generations.
- Growing in Grace-Less judgment, more forgiveness, more thankfulness.
- Equipping the Saints-5 fold ministry.
- Led by the Spirit-Paul and Barnabas on Cyprus.
- Unnamed people are vital-the story of Cornelius.
- The Persecuted Church-Stephen the martyr.
- What's the point of Communion?
- Building a healthy future-by putting the right foundations down now.
- Incarnation-short Christmas message.
- Confidence in Uncertain Times.
- Anointed by the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit-Our director of missions.
- Burden bearers or burden makers?
- Why should I be baptized?
- From the Encounter to the Call.
- Come Over Here And Help Us- The Macedonian Call.
- Rock of Ages.
- People of the Cross- the distinctives of discipleship.
- Samuel-Listen to the Voice of God.
- Kingdom Priorities-Money, Time, and Talents.
- Abraham-Kids, Covenants and Countries.
- Gifted to Lead and Train others.
- Living Tough when things get Rough.
very pertinent. have a good christmas and a peaceful new year.
Posted by: rooster | 12/24/2006 at 10:44 PM
'The Fear of the Lord' is an interesting phrase...
Posted by: Stevie B. | 12/24/2006 at 10:53 PM