Part 1. The Church of Jesus Christ

Drawing on his experience of pastoring a church that modelled itself on the New Testament church, David Pawson argues that the latter’s governance was not that of a democracy but was instead founded on “corporate leadership”. This structure enables a church that adopts it to “become not only self-governing but also self-supporting”. David states that “the scriptural pattern for the church is elders with a distinction recognised between pastor elders and teacher elders,” including “a presiding elder”, and “elders and deacons” working “together”, crucially with Christ as head of the church. David regards this as a model for the modern church.

To those who view churchgoing as an optional extra, or select their church based on preference rather than proximity to their home, the emphasis on corporate leadership with an involved membership may come as a shock. It is a focus on structure and discipline that differs markedly from the approach taken in some denominations. In the New Testament church, the membership will experience every facet of church life with the goal of enabling the church body to worship as one, have fellowship with each other, evangelise, and establish the building as a prominent place of worship in the community. This requires obedience to God and the elders who serve him. The emphasis on discipline and obedience (to God and the leadership) will surprise some readers (and churchgoers) who are used to other approaches to governance.

There are further surprises. In tackling the issue of money, David discusses legitimate and illegitimate ways of earning for members of the church. In addressing the issue of giving, he critiques modern tithing, arguing that instead members should give in proportion to their wealth rather than a set sum. Giving, which he sees as a form of worship, must be motivated by a sense of gratitude towards God—a feeling that is also experienced when receiving communion. This is a vision of an inclusive church that enables fellowship between people from diverse backgrounds who are brought together as one body in Christ.

Part 11. Our Lord's Use of Parables. Isaiah chapter 6

David Pawson looks in depth at the character of Jesus, which serves as the model of behaviour for Christians. We encounter the Lord’s compassion and total honesty here. David offers a more complete and balanced view than is often preached. For instance, he looks at the times when Jesus displayed anger at sinful actions or against injustice. In Jesus, this was a measured, targeted anger, not uncontrolled or unjustified. Just as he obeyed the Father, so he was obeyed by others during his ministry on earth. Christians today must also obey his commands rather than treat them as optional, and in so doing give him their complete trust, which is evidence of their love for him.

David shows that, uniquely, we can trust Jesus in a way that no one else can be trusted: “You can trust him with your life. You can trust him with your death. You can trust him with the future in time and eternity. You can trust him with your sins. You can trust him with your problems. You can trust him with everything.” Jesus proved himself to be just and merciful and David shows that this balance of justice and mercy can only be grasped by considering the cross. He also explores the significance of the Lord’s Supper as “a meal with Jesus” that reminds us of his life, death, resurrection, and glorified body. This sacrament unites us with him and with our fellow believers, the church body.

Finally, David explores the use of parables as a teaching method to convey truths to those who are open to the Gospel, and to conceal them from those whose hearts are closed to it. Jesus does not force anyone to come to him or accept his teaching, but those who seek him can find him. They are able to do so because “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” is human as well as divine, which makes him the “one mediator” between us and the Father.

Part 10. The Lord's Table. Central Act of Worship

David Pawson looks in depth at the character of Jesus, which serves as the model of behaviour for Christians. We encounter the Lord’s compassion and total honesty here. David offers a more complete and balanced view than is often preached. For instance, he looks at the times when Jesus displayed anger at sinful actions or against injustice. In Jesus, this was a measured, targeted anger, not uncontrolled or unjustified. Just as he obeyed the Father, so he was obeyed by others during his ministry on earth. Christians today must also obey his commands rather than treat them as optional, and in so doing give him their complete trust, which is evidence of their love for him.

David shows that, uniquely, we can trust Jesus in a way that no one else can be trusted: “You can trust him with your life. You can trust him with your death. You can trust him with the future in time and eternity. You can trust him with your sins. You can trust him with your problems. You can trust him with everything.” Jesus proved himself to be just and merciful and David shows that this balance of justice and mercy can only be grasped by considering the cross. He also explores the significance of the Lord’s Supper as “a meal with Jesus” that reminds us of his life, death, resurrection, and glorified body. This sacrament unites us with him and with our fellow believers, the church body.

Finally, David explores the use of parables as a teaching method to convey truths to those who are open to the Gospel, and to conceal them from those whose hearts are closed to it. Jesus does not force anyone to come to him or accept his teaching, but those who seek him can find him. They are able to do so because “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” is human as well as divine, which makes him the “one mediator” between us and the Father.