“For thou Oh Lord, art God above all the earth,
Thou art exalted far above all gods
I exalt thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee O Lord.”

“Paul writing in Colossians 1 (16) makes it quite clear, that creation owes its existence to the work of God in Christ. From this Scripture, we can surmise that Satan was created by God, but as the Bible makes it quite clear that everything God made was good, then Satan is not now as God originally created him. Something went wrong.”
(Pete Anderson- “Talk about the Devil”
Word paperbacks. Publishers)

Dr. Lewis S. Chafer, the American Theologian says:
“Revelation concerning this eminent being begins with his sinless career embracing the dateless period between the perfect creation of the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1) and the catastrophic judgment upon our planet (see Gen. 1 (2) and Jeremiah 4 (23-26)) which is in all likelihood to be connected with the fall.”

However there is a mystery here and the Bible is silent concerning the time of this fall. Two chapters in the Old Testament (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28) do give us some further light. (Pete Anderson)

In the study of Scripture, it is always important to see first of all into its immediate context, and then to look at it in its wider application. As we look at these two chapters, there is no doubt that both Isaiah and Ezekiel are writing of the downfall of the kings of Babylon and Tyre, but you also become aware as you read these chapters, that language is used that goes far beyond that of two earthly kings. (Pete Anderson)

‘Thy will be done on Earth” – This is the reclaiming of it after the pollution and rebellion. Ezekiel 28 (12-18) in the garden, a covering cherub. Spiritual angelic powers are, it seems, over geographical areas. Obviously the man king of Tyre, could not have been in Eden; that would be an anachronism. Lucifer is a created being and can only be in one place at a time. The larger the City, the more corruption, very often: bigger principalities of bigger cities. Lucifer hung out quite a lot in Babylon and Tyre. He’s like the traveling apostle of the Satanic Kingdom (Daniel 10) (2-3) 11-13 and 20. Not physical princes who resisted angels (N.B. Transfer at that time from Persia to Greece) –(John Harwood)

Read Ezekiel 28 (12) and examine its language. Could all this possibly be true of an earthly ruler? Is it not much more likely to refer to a “being” who lived on a different plane from man? Isaiah in Ch. 14 of his prophecy gives an idea of what actually happened to this great anointed cherub, and what form his rebellion took. Read it in verses 12-14. The anointed cherub is named Lucifer, “Son of the Morning” – the same term Jesus uses in Luke 10 (18) when He says “I saw Satan fall like lightening from the Heaven” John in Rev. 12 (9) also talks of the casting down of the Devil. In Isaiah 14 (12-14) we find that Lucifer (Satan) said ‘I will’ five times, each time in an attempt to usurp the rightful authority of the God of the Universe. Lucifer was created by God, and for His service, but his heart was lifted up with pride, and he rebelled against God’s rule and order. Jesus said of Satan in John 8 (44) ‘He abode not in the Truth.” Timothy 1 (36) also shows us by implication, that pride was the Devil’s downfall. Lucifer, created by God to have dominion over the Earth, rebelled and brought judgment and chaos. Sin and evil now invaded a universe that until then had been sinless. God now chose earth as the stage upon which to present the great drama of human redemption. (Pete Anderson)

2 Corin. Ch 10 (3-5) speaks of “casting down every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God.” Lucifer began by meditating “what if?” probably, and began to believe it, and tried it. He is still deceived himself- The war is over. But these demonic forces are only “high things.” We need to remind them they’ve been defeated – they are usurpers. Luke 10 (19-21) 2 Corin. 5 14-20) Isaiah 61 – (John Harwood)

“Sin itself began in Heaven with Lucifer, Son of the Morning heading a celestial revolt against God, and this is really all that we are told in the Bible as to the origin of evil in the universe, and Scripture is silent as to the reason why God allowed this. When Satan rebelled and fell from his exalted position, he was not alone, for there were other angels and spirits he drew after him, in his pride, and rebellion against God. This is made quite clear in 2 Peter, (24) and in Jude 6, which also suggests that these angels were moral, responsible, created beings, who were tempted, just as Adam was, and they failed. Possibly, these angelic beings were subject to Lucifer in God’s original creation. It seems there are two classes of rebellious spirit beings- Those reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, and those at large, working in the world. (Pete Anderson)

“I will give thanks to thee O Lord, among the people,
I will sing praises to Thee among the nations,
For Thy steadfast love is great, is great to the heavens
And Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness unto the clouds
Be exalted O God, above the heavens
Let thy glory be over all the earth.”

Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth from the grave. He spoke, and it happened. But he was still bound and those around had to loose him. We are to see the things God calls forth, and see what still binds them, and help loose them. We are praying for example about the work of God on Holy Island.
“Lord, show us the things that are binding the work you have newly called forth on Holy Island. Help us to loose YOUR work, and let it go in resurrection power.
Be invading the territory of Satan. Take the battle to his sphere of operation. Words of Jesus in Matt. Ch. 16 are very important in this connection. In verse 18 He says, “I will build My Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” “It is not, as so often is taught, that the church can withstand all the attacks of Satanic forces from hell, but rather that the gates of hell shall not be able to withstand the frontal attack of the Church of Jesus Christ.” (Pete Anderson)

Often our music can be defensive instead of offensive, in its standing against the enemy. Many times “In the name of Jesus” which says that demons will have to flee,” is sung in an attempt to reassure us that we have all authority in His name, but ends up focusing our eyes on ourselves and our inadequacy. Thus, proclamation-in –worship is often more effective, focusing our eyes firmly on God’s ability and rule.

“A revelation of Christ is what delivers. E.g. If you’re lonely, you need Christ to reveal Himself as Friend. We don’t just need Strength to battle through; we need revelation of Christ, embracing revelations, fresh baptisms of Love.” (Winkey Pratney)

The fastest ways to get rid of shadows is not to chase them, but to turn to the light. As we look to Jesus, the enemy becomes very uncomfortable indeed.
“Prayer only is effective because it changes the mind of God. Prayer does nothing – God does it, but loves to act in response to our freely chosen prayer. We literally create with God. We take the potential of God, and actualize it here on earth – this is the binding and loosing He promised we should do” (W. Pratney)

“Ezekiel 22 (30-31) We are called to stand in the gap
a) Between God and His World
b) Between principalities and the world they attack.”
(Reona Peterson)

Esther 5. The privilege that is ours to enter the presence of The King. “If I perish, I perish, but I will go in unto the King.” Unlike Esther, we know our King will always receive us, providing we are made clean, and enter the fitting way. Is there authority in your praying? Do you sound like a beggar? Or a Royal Son? “She wore royal apparel – robe of righteousness and garment of praise.” (Reona Peterson)

The King’s highway goes right though the middle of the enemy’s territory – the territory God has wanted us to take. The Enemy won’t permit you to go through that territory – he’ll try and give you an easier way around instead. So we come against the Enemy with the weapons he wants us least to use. For instance, if we sense he is wanting us to be full of fear, we must move, in full faith. We must not attack people, but the spirit in people, by the Spirit of God. We are to occupy. When you turn on the light, where does the darkness do?” (Loren Cunningham)

If we have already faced the issue of laying down our lives for Christ, and are assured that we are His to live of die, then the fear of death is conquered, death has no more dominion over us, but also our lives will be different. Our security is not in this life, we are not afraid to lose it – we live as dead men. We are able to pray, as Reona Peterson suggests, “If I perish, I perish, but I will embrace the will of God for my life.”

Revelation 12 (4) suggests that 1/3 of the angels rebelled with Satan. Our spiritual warfare is only appropriating what Jesus already did on the Cross. Christ has won. God told Joshua “Every place you set your feet, you will win.” But he still had to act it out. (John Harwood) God won’t judge us for not doing things we can’t do. If a father told his little son to move a heavy fridge, and it wouldn’t budge, would he whip him? Or would he make the power and strength available, his strength, to move it with him. Greater things will always be like fridges – we’d never accomplish them in our own strength. (Joe Ferrante).

Your strength is not important. Your power is in Who you know. Larry Christenson tells the story of “The Old Landlord.” In it a new landlord has taken over a property, and settled all the bad debts himself. He carefully explains to the people in the house, that should the old landlord come and give them hassle, they are to refuse to listen, and just tell him to take it up with the new landlord. Soon however, the old landlord shouts, and tries to frighten them, but even the little 5 year old can tell him “Go away, I don’t need to listen to you, go and see the new Landlord.” Some years ago there were three of us spending part of a day waiting on God. He led us into movement in the Spirit to bring us understanding. We saw how when we said, “Satan, we rebuke you, in the name of Jesus,” the Enemy flinched, as if he had been hit. When we said, “Satan, we silence your voice in the name of Jesus,’ he became tied up, and struggled to get loose. The times he worked himself free or took no notice of our commands, were when we were acting in an attitude of independence, instead of dependence on God. We have authority, because we are under authority. The name of Jesus, whist hated by the enemy, is only effective, as we truly express our reliance upon Him.

Similarly, the Lord led us in acting out the story of a man who did not know God. The enemy of his soul came slowly, and danced round and round him weaving tightly round him, a web of deception. The enemy also whispered in his ear such as “Tired…tired…tired,” and almost immediately the man was so unaware that the thought was not really independent. He was also unaware of the tight web round him, and would say, “I feel so tired, I think I’ll just sit down.” It seemed amazing to us, that the man was unaware that the thought was not independent, nor how the tight web was there, impeding his movements, until it finally paralyzed him. Then he called helplessly for aid. God send someone. (A nature Christian?) Who knows how to use a sword, and then cut him free. The man was thankful, but, because he was spiritually blind, the Enemy was able to begin again immediately, the process of spinning the web around him. This happened several times. Each time, the Christian arrived and rebuked the Enemy, he fled, and the sword set the man free, but he was powerless to stay free. Slowly, the Christian asks on his knees to come to Him. He too is given a sword, and a shield. The Enemy comes up behind him, and the older Christian comes to the rescue of the new believer. Eventually, he comes to fight the Enemy on his own. He still does not know how to use his sword properly, but grasping it by the blade (!!) He succeeds in bashing the Enemy hard on the head with the hilt, and the Enemy retreats. He will more and more learn to use his armor, and how to use his weapon. He will also learn to recognize the Enemy’s presence more quickly.

Malcolm Smith talks about his visit to Africa, and when he went with a guide through the jungle. He did not see the mountain lion on the cliff until it moved. He did not see the snake lurking in the grass ahead of his feet. The guide explained, “You from the city. You got city eyes. I’m from the jungle, I got bush eyes. You stay in the jungle much longer, you’ll learn to have bush eyes too.”

“James reminds us of an important principle in Ch. 4 and verse 7 when he says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” It is only in submission to God, to His Word, and His rightful authority, that we find power and strength to resist the devil, and that strength and power, we find in the armor that God has provided for us. Eph. 6 (13-17) –( Pete Anderson)

“Demons believe, but only tremble. They are confined in depravity, and never seek forgiveness. They are unclean, and never long for purity. They confess Jesus Christ as Lord, but they do not trust Christ, or submit to Him, although they obviously recognize his authority.” (Dr. M. Tenney)

One of the revivalist preachers, I think Finney, had a dream in which he saw, and heard a man preaching the gospel to a huge crowd of people. As he walked nearer the man, he became more and more uncomfortable. “I know who you are. You’re Satan, aren’t you?” The preacher smiled in affirmation. “Satan, what are you doing, preaching the Gospel?” “Don’t you know?” the preacher replied, “It’s my greatest weapon to preach the Gospel without the anointing.”
“Be informed” the Bible exhorts us, “but be not ignorant of the devil’s devices.” Take notice of what is happening in our world. See how the devil is making inroads into our society, in the realm of literature, music, films etc.” (Pete Anderson)

Romans 1(18-20 and following) Be careful not to worship the creation, instead of the Creator. Rehearsal etc., can become an idol. We must daily honor Him. It is all a battle in the spiritual realm. Rock groups etc. often have the hold they have over people because consciously or unconsciously, they are slotting in amongst the direction of evil spirits already there, for thousands of years. But we have the victorious Spirit.” (Bryan Pollard)

John, in his first epistle says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God.” Bryan Pollard says along the same lines that “every word has a personality. Listen for the Spirit behind it.” We often underestimate the extent to which spiritual factors come into play. For instance, Pete Anderson points out, that Christian hymns and Bible readings, always quieten a mentally sick person, and where there is demon possession, these things will bring out immediate antagonism.

When we are properly prepared, clothed in His Salvation, and His Righteousness, our strongest offensive weapon against spiritual darkness is the celebration of who He is – our Lovely Lord Jesus. Read 2 Chronicles (20) The people of God did not need to fight in his battle. They celebrate God’s presence, and sent the praises out to face the enemy, and were victorious. God inhabited the praises of His people. If we go out to witness in music and dance, in public places, it is good to open out with proclamations of who God is, assertive things, that dispel the powers of darkness, a bold statement of our trust in Jesus.

There are often specific places in music, when we sense some break through each time, and some pieces that are peculiarly effective in spiritual warfare. Know your armory, and more in obedience, even if from the viewpoint of clarity of communication you would naturally discard some pieces. As the spiritual air clears, you will find those you seek to reach are more open. Invest the time in spiritual warfare.
“Jehova Jireh – my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me.”

“God has spoken to his people- Hallelujah!”

At Jarrow, the Priest decided at the last minute to cancel the venue. Months of planning were dismissed in a moment. Sixty people were waiting outside, ready for Easter workshop. No explanation was given, just a veiled reference to a conversation with the Assistant Bishop. John insisted that the agreement be honoured and invited everybody to gather in the church. The Church Wardens were called, and they took position at the back of the church, ready to turn everybody out when the right moment presented itself. The pre-arranged introduction to the Jarrow Easter Workshop went ahead and as previously agreed, was led by the Priest. The ten minute introduction had become an epic. After sixty minutes John had decided enough was enough. There were several vulnerable individuals whose sensitivity to the overwhelming hostility was making them very distressed. John was getting ready to stand up and ‘clear the air.’ It was Rob who put his hand on John’s shoulder, ‘leave it, let the Lord sort it out.’ The introduction ended and the workshop began. Slowly, the gentle Spirit of God began to absorb the hostility. The wardens moved from the back and into the middle and joined in the worship. Unable to adjust, the Priest stayed in his chosen isolation. This was the first, but would not be the last time that we would have to overcome suspicion and hostility before we could be welcomed into a particular church community. Quite rightly such confidence and trust needs to be earned….

Following the first Easter Workshop in 1980 it became a much looked forward to annual event. A network of relationships developed throughout the old borders of Northumbria and beyond. Kids loved the workshops for they lacked the conventional restraints of Church, and they were included, without saying, in all the activities. Some of the children began Easter Workshops together as babies and toddlers and ended as teens. The formula was simple. Hire a church hall somewhere in Northumbria, preferably with support from the host Church. Move in for three days, a week or a fortnight, everybody sleep on the floor, cook simple meals. Split into flock groups, to share the chores and the prayers. Leave watches at home, spend as much time as possible together. Share hopes and dreams, disappointment and loss, be yourself and share in the workshops.

From the beginning it was decided to have alternative times for the workshops each year. One year, the workshops would take place over the Easter period, taking in most of Holy Week. The next year, the workshops would begin before and end on Palm Sunday. The reason was simple. Most participants were members of a Church. It was unfair to encourage them to be away from their Church every Easter, a major festival in the Christian year. However, whatever the venue or time of the workshops they concluded on Holy Island, even if only a few could make this final event. This became an essential feature of the gatherings.

During Easter Week there were several activities that became a feature of the workshops. Footwashing on Maundy Thursday created an opportunity for a year of accumulated difficulties in relationships to be washed away. Folk would just sit around, often drinking coffee, while towels and dishes were made available. Footwashing was not only a way of saying sorry, it was also a point of contact, a moment of affirmation. Stations of the Cross the dramatization of Jesus’ walk to Calvary would sometimes take place in public, with music and dance the vehicle for telling the story. Whenever possible, tides allowing, all joined in the celebration of the Easter Eucharist at the Parish Church on the Island. Failing that Eucharist was said on St. Cuthbert’s Island. A Presentation would take place, beside the statue of St. Aidan and within the grounds of the Priory an act of worship and proclamation. Finally, Easter Baptisms. The workshops were always an ecumenical gathering and all were encouraged to celebrate and honour the rich diversity that was ours in Christ. The baptisms at Easter were a reflection of that diversity. A brave move in the cold temperature of the sea off Holy Island, but a moment never forgotten.

Many of the teaching themes that developed at the workshops can now be found in the language of the Northumbria Community, just as life at the Nethersprings became a daily reflection of ethos of the Easter gathering. But it was not just the Northumbria Community that would benefit from the workshops, other communities and individuals would go on to their own vocation and calling. Perhaps this is the message of Easter and indeed the Uppersprings, that the Life cannot be contained or become the property of any one community or individual. The spirituality of Holy Island Uppersprings is flowing, vibrant and becomes stagnant when the movement becomes restricted. A truth echoed in the spirituality of the Nethersprings where the ‘one thing necessary’ not only reminds but demands that we hold lightly to all that is familiar and established.

Easter Workshops