What is RENEWAL?

  We must take care not to define Renewal in terms that suit our own particular position.    This is a position of comfort and leads us into the dangerous place of believing that we have it all under control!

Ask a dozen Christians to define Renewal and you will get twelve different definitions.   The Executive for ARM(Wales) has produced a statement which seeks to clarify our position within the Anglican Church.   ARM Statement in English and Welsh

As an introduction to our Web-site I would like to share a few thoughts that the Lord has laid on my heart.

We speak of both renewal of the mind and renewal of the spirit.    Both are part of God's purpose for us and both take time as we are very slowly sanctified through His grace and love.

Let us look at Rom 12:2 (NIV) 

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

To be able to know God's will, that is awesome, we cannot take it lightly, we have to spend much time in His presence and be drawn into that holy place, the very throne room of God.   This does not happen quickly, ................... but are YOU willing to allow it?

You have a free choice, ............................ God does not force His attention on us.

Look too at Psa 51:10 (NIV)  "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 

What of that "pure heart" ............ it has to be a gift from God.    See what He said to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel.     

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" ( Ezek 36:26 (NIV)).      But see also Ezek 11:19 where the heart is described as "undivided"

If you dare to mediate on these passages don't be surprised at anything that happens.   The Church and every single Christian needs to be renewed.     God longs to renew us.

Dare I give a warning? ...................  Renewal leads to surrender ............... Surrender leads to no more  free will.................................

                                                                                                                                                Mary Newsom   [Webmaster and Editor of our magazine]

If you have questions about any aspect of Renewal please contact me and I will answer you or refer you to other sources.      Editor