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Craig R. Kirkby
- Male
- Melbourne, VIC
- Australia
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Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postThe consequence of freedom
The quest for freedom has indelibly marked the pages of human history—from the many renowned stories to the countless undocumented ones—as those oppressed faced the authorities and systems that denied them their freedoms. The now-infamous line attributed to Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty, or give me death,” has forged our world today. We are the beneficiaries of those who have gone before us. They laid their lives down combating the many oppressive systems we no longer have to face. A next…See More
Marshall Diakon commented on Craig R. Kirkby's blog post How can I kill a simple church?"an abbreviated list, no doubt.
This is why we desire maturity among the saints. Not only that they may "work out" (demonstrate/prove) their Salvation in Christ, but that each one and together may grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord…"
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postWhat does it mean to be missional?
We are God’s missional people. Jesus said emphatically, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Whether this means we cross the seas or cross the street, God’s mission in the world ought to be our defining reference point for life and community. Certainly, the facts are in: if a simple church family does not actively nurture a missional life, its end is nigh. However, this does not necessarily mean a Kingdom community has to suddenly embark on a works project to crank up the…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postAn Explosion on the Mount ~ Kingdom Musings
In my opinion, describing Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, Chapters 5-7 as the “Sermon on the Mount” doesn't do it justice at all. That implies some staid, dull ‘same old, same old” sermonette for Christianettes. Jesus’ download from heaven in this discourse was more like a bomb going off; a revolutionary battle-cry ... insurrection talk ... a clarion call to a new way of living. A Kingdom uprising. (Take the time to position it in its historical, geopolitical context and you’ll have your mind blown…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postAre we really on the cutting edge?
Like me, I’m sure you want to do God’s will. In fact, the desire is even more acute, isn’t it? We want to be in the centre of His perfect will in this moment of time, right? We want to be sure that what we’re doing is aligned with God’s desire for this generation. We hope that what we’re about is on the cutting edge of God’s restoration purposes for today. I mean, who wants to be on the blunt, dull end?However, I’ve…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postHow can I kill a simple church?
If you ever wanted to sabotage a simple church community, it’s very easy. First, infiltrate the group you’ve targeted by putting on your warmest smile. Be liberal with your use of flattery; phrases like, “This is the most loving bunch of people I’ve ever met” or “This is the closest thing to New Testament church life I’ve ever seen” will seal the deal. Second, implement one or more of these seven proven strategies to nuke a simple church near you. Strategy 1: Suggest that the needs of the…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postWhat does ecclesia mean?
There is a fair amount of church-bashing going around today. It is becoming increasingly common to hear people say things like, “It’s all about the Kingdom … the church stinks. It’s old and outdated; it’s complicated and unnecessary. We don’t need it”. But that is like saying, “Life is all about breathing. We don’t need lungs, you know. Lungs can get old … and they complicate things, those little alveoli and all”.Of course, life is all about breathing but God has ordained our lungs as the organ…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postWhat are Hebrew values?
Jesus implied that traditions can be more powerful than God’s Word (Matthew 15:6). How can that be? Simple – because we interpret (mostly subconsciously) God’s Word by our inherited traditions. We view God’s Word through “coloured” spectacles. If I wore red-tinted glasses my vision of the world about me would be “tainted” red. Likewise (yet far more ominously), our worldview – inherited traditions or life philosophy or default disposition – taints our view of God and His ways. So, what's this…See More
"Thank you, Craig, for sharing your thoughts and counsel in this artcile on your website. I’ve been reading a lot of Andrew Murray lately (Like Christ being the most recent title), and have been receiving God’s gracious help in…"
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postWhat is wrong with hierarchical leadership?
What’s the problem with hierarchical leadership? Can I shoot from the hip? We’re not built for it. We’re not designed to handle positional power or the celebrity-like adulation that often stems from it. It is simply not how God created us. Have you ever tried to play football with a brick or run your car on prune juice or cut your hair with a chainsaw? (I know I’m being ridiculous – but that’s the point).Jesus Himself not only underlined this truth by making it clear that spiritual leadership…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postWhat is wrong with institutional church?
In an idealistic sense, when this question is phrased, “What’s wrong with the institutional church?” the answer is: nothing. God responds to the pure faith in His people’s hearts and He continues to bless and use many expressions of church. In an honest sense though, it doesn’t take rocket science to see the systemic inconsistencies in the modern church when compared to the simplicity and power of the early…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postWhat is a Kingdom-shaped church?
Our Gospel mandate is nothing less than the present (and increasing) Kingdom of God manifest on earth. Too often we’ve settled for false finish-lines captured most notably in phrases like, “The gospel of salvation” or “The gospel of the church”. As incredible as the miracle of salvation and God’s design for the ecclesia is, when we make either of these the goal we miss the bigger picture. On the one hand, we settle for an individualistic me-centred gospel; on the other, we build our own empire…See More
Craig R. Kirkby posted a blog postHow do you make simple church work?
How do you run a meeting? How big can a simple church grow? How do you multiply? How do you involve the kids? How do you maintain doctrinal integrity? These, and others like them, are often the first questions I’m asked about simple church. However, bear with me when I say that how-to questions are not the place to start.If a couple came to you for premarital advice, I’m pretty sure you’re not going to have to cover,…See More
Craig R. Kirkby commented on Craig R. Kirkby's blog post Can anyone start a simple church?"Hi Frank
Sounds like you’ve had an amazing adventure for more than three decades! You must have a few stories to tell, testimonies to share, lessons to teach.
I totally agree with your closing recommendation; it’s worth its weight in…"
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Craig R. Kirkby's Blog
The consequence of freedom
The quest for freedom has indelibly marked the pages of human history—from the many renowned stories to the countless undocumented ones—as those oppressed faced the authorities and systems that denied them their freedoms. The now-infamous line attributed to Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty, or give me death,” has forged our world today. We are the beneficiaries of those who have gone before us. They laid their lives down combating the many oppressive systems we no…
ContinuePosted on January 31, 2013 at 7:30pm — 1 Comment
What does it mean to be missional?
We are God’s missional people. Jesus said emphatically, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Whether this means we cross the seas or cross the street, God’s mission in the world ought to be our defining reference point for life and community. Certainly, the facts are in: if a simple church family does not actively nurture a missional life, its end is nigh. However, this does not necessarily…
ContinuePosted on December 21, 2012 at 2:49pm
An Explosion on the Mount ~ Kingdom Musings
In my opinion, describing Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, Chapters 5-7 as the “Sermon on the Mount” doesn't do it justice at all. That implies some staid, dull ‘same old, same old” sermonette for Christianettes. Jesus’ download from heaven in this discourse was more like a bomb going off; a revolutionary battle-cry ... insurrection talk ... a clarion call to a new way of living. A Kingdom uprising. (Take the time to position it in its historical, geopolitical context and you’ll have your mind…
ContinuePosted on December 10, 2012 at 8:05pm
Are we really on the cutting edge?
Like me, I’m sure you want to do God’s will. In fact, the desire is even more acute, isn’t it? We want to be in the centre of His perfect will in this moment of time, right? We want to be sure that what we’re doing is aligned with God’s desire for this generation. We hope that what we’re about is on the cutting edge of God’s restoration purposes for today. I mean, who wants to be on the blunt, dull end?…
ContinuePosted on December 6, 2012 at 12:30am
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