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| Capernwray Hall |
Perhaps I am walking down Memory Lane; but time is an
interesting aspect. It may leap, and the memory emerges from the past to become
as strong as the present. Revisiting the past, some call it. In my early 20ties
I spent a school year at Capernwray Hall, an international Bible school with
students from many different confessions and backgrounds. We concentrated on
what united us, and the leaders encouraged each one to follow his or her own
conviction and church practice in questions of baptism and other dogmas which
were defining for some. One of the key emphases the school had was the teaching
of how to live the Christian life. One book, “Victorious Christian Living” was
written by one of the founders, Dr. Alan Redpath. Another, “The Mysteries of
Godliness” was written by the key founder, Major Ian Thomas.
Christ in
us – and though us – was the central element their teaching. I have lived many years since, and often come
back to this fundamental principle, because it is relational. As a Christian, I
am challenged to be open and available for Christ Jesus to live in me and
through me – in response to life’s challenges, in response to God’s Word, in
response to ideas and trends in teachings – it deepens my relationship and
dependence on the living Christ.
Some of my
friends question deeply how to relate the The Word, to the standards of
Christian life and culture, and to God. I may not fully grasp the sentiment of
their questions. Sometimes I wonder if there is a struggle against a wild wish
to break out of the fold of correctness, and indulge in something wrong – only
that such an incidence would carry with it soul wrenching consequences, and
therefore is not carried out. Is there a sense of punishment, of retribution,
in the hesitation? Perhaps. And if so, it may serve them a better good; for to
deliberately plunge into stupidity has no rewards.
And yet,
the book title – Victorious Christian Living – what does it indicate? It
indicates a struggle, and a way to delight in the good solutions. “The Mystery
of Godliness” – well: what is the difference of being good and being godly? Anyone
can learn to do good, even if one is not the type of nice guy. Evil people can
do good things; but there is no one who can be godly except through the Spirit
of God. No one can be pleasing to God except through God’s own Spirit. So, the
mystery is that godliness is based in God, not in man. The new birth has always
been a gift to be received. This gift is free to anyone who receives it.
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| Capernwray Hall, Lancashire |
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