The Anabaptist

By Brother LAWRENCE (1614 - 1691) The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of letters and transcriptions of conversations, compiled by a disciple of Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite monk and head cook in his monastery's kitchens. He quickly gained an international reputation as a mystic and spiritual counselor. The Practice of the Presence records his last words of advice to his friends and disciples, as he suffered from an unnamed illness which would eventually take his life. (Description written by Kirsten Ferreri.)

Poem by William Butler YEATS (1865 - 1939) Read by Alan Davis Drake (1945-2010). Thanks to Librivox for releasing this recording into the public domain.

Thanks to musopen.org for sharing this public domain piece of beautiful classical music.

Thanks to Librivox for releasing this recording into the public domain.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Time : "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 ESV) Time goes marching on. Many an empire has come and gone. Yet we remain. Watching the ticking clock and the sifting sands of time. Time goes marching on. Many a friend has been and gone. Yet we remain. Watching the ticking clock and the sifting sands of time. Time goes marching on. Many a soul has been lost and won. Yet we remain. Watching the ticking clock and the sifting sands of time. Time goes marching on. When our time comes, if we are remembered or not, will the love sown remain as time goes marching on?

True Evangelical Faith 17 injunctions for embodied faith by Menno Simons: “True evangelical faith is of such a nature it cannot lie dormant, but spreads itself out in all kinds of righteousness and fruits of love; it dies to flesh and blood (1); it destroys all lusts and forbidden desires (2); it seeks, serves and fears God in its inmost soul (3); it clothes the naked (4); it feeds the hungry (5); it comforts the sorrowful (6); it shelters the destitute (7); it aids and consoles the sad (8); it does good to those who do it harm (9); it serves those that harm it (10); it prays for those who persecute it (11); it teaches, admonishes and judges us with the Word of the Lord (12); it seeks those who are lost (13); it binds up what is wounded (14); it heals the sick (15); it saves what is strong (sound) (16); it becomes all things to all people (17). The persecution, suffering and anguish that come to it for the sake of the Lord’s truth have become a glorious joy and comfort to it.”

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Ancient Books: Good books are ancient trees that put down roots deep into our hearts. Well read and well learned good fruits blossom. Beautiful trees. Old and even ancient. Oracles of truth. Knowledge chambers for the heart. Stems grow into blossoms. Falling leaves. Autumn's clock. Like fading pages. Literature of a different kind.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Children of Abba (A devotion originally written for team forum at work with slight adjustments): "But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 19:14): Children of Abba lift your eyes to Him. He knows our hearts. He is Father. We are sons. Heirs of His grace. He knows we work hard in trying times. He has known days of toil. Days of labour. He knows we get burntout at times. He wept over Jerusalem and in the garden. Jesus wept. He knows our tiny mustard seed faith faulters at times. He knows what it is to be tempted. Yet He endured. Our childlike hands must join His as He guides us to safety. Become childlike not childish. Our weakness will fade like mist as His strength becomes our strength. Become childlike not childish. Our Abba, Our Father. Lift your eyes to Him.

Thanks to musopen.org for sharing this public domain piece of beautiful classical music.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Cometh the hour: Blow the trumpet. Send the beast back from whence it came. Has the beast not had its fill? Consumer of souls, destroyer of worlds. Why must the beast have its day? Send the beast back from whence it came. Turn back the tide, break the curse, free the world. Blood and tears, weeping for the night, creation groans. Calvary tree, earth shaking, stones roll, angels speak. Ascension. Pause. Dark night of the soul. Send the beast back from whence it came. Has the beast not had its fill? Consumer of souls, destroyer of worlds. Why must the beast have its day? Send the beast back from whence it came. Turn back the tide, break the curse, free the world. Heavenly chariots, trumpet calls, angels sing, swords to plows. Casting crowns, royal robes, outstretched hand, victory whispers. Be still. Cometh the hour.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Essential: "I am essential!" The preacher roars in his hundred dollar suit. His hundreds strong holy huddle of pew warmers burst into an applause of rapture as they prepare for the second offering. The TV channel switches to pre-recorded "Tele-Evangelist mode". The cheers echoe through the giant money making machine. Like an idol his image flashes across giant screens in the auditorium. As he speaks he suddenly remembers his brother across town. In an old tin tabernacle the gentle shepherd speaks to his flock. "I am not essential... Except the Lord builds the house the builders build in vain." He says this while ministering in a soup kitchen as he serves the needy. Later that day he plans to do food drops and work in a care home. At evening prayers his prayer would be as he helped refugees at the docks and prisoners in the cells. Then at night he would minister on the streets as a practical pastor to the needy and outcast. Each moment of his daily life he shares in word and deed the good news of Jesus. As the popular preacher thinks about his friend he pauses and bows his head muttering quietly: "I am essential, right?" He looks at his text for today and trembles a little: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ (Is 58:6 - 9a) In a strange moment of epiphany he realises he has done none of these things. He has not chosen the correct fast. The giant of a man shaking falls on his knees. With uncomfortable tears an unsettling silence falls over his audience. The show is over. He doesn't hide behind the smoke machine, move the spot light, call the band on stage or even ask an elder to take over. The TV channel switches quickly to pre-recorded adverts asking for money to build a bigger auditorium and offers proverbial indulgences. Meanwhile he simply falls still. A long strange silence. Some time passes and he gently arises as if from the dead. "Today we must become His hands and feet in this world. Today we must become essential." From that moment on he follows the passage he had read to the letter. He gives the poor shepherd his suit, helps repair his brothers tin roof, and joins in the works of mercy he had so neglected. Some of his audience have merely been that and abandon him, while others join the essential work of seeing God's kingdom come both in word and deed. When he asks his new lead Pastor at the tin tabernacle, who he fondly calls Shep now (short for shepherd) for advice the response is "Humbly take up the cross, put your hand to the plough, don't look back, become what you use to call essential. Preach, use words when you have to. Be His hands and feet in this world, a hearer, teacher and doer of the word - now that is essentially what is essential." And that is essentially what he does. By God's grace alone he has faith alone in Christ alone for God's glory alone and becomes a doer of the word, a bearer of fruit. After all surely these are the essentials just as God is essential. He is essential. Essential.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - An Anabaptist is a type of Christian who normally traces the views they have to the "Radical Reformation" of the 16th century. The distinctives of such a movement are normally, but not solely, believers baptism, a nonviolent ethic, and separation of church and state. Being a Reformation group they also tend to believe in salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. They endeavour to follow Jesus with a biblically-based life. Like Evangelicals and Charismatics they exist in many different denominations and also have movements or denominations directly birthed from them. 'What happened four hundred years ago? Well, whatever your views may be, you will have to admit that it was one of the most remarkable historical phenomena that has ever taken place. It is no exaggeration to say that the Protestant Reformation changed and turned the entire course of history, not only the history of the church but secular history too.' - D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES '[Christ] is everywhere, but he does not wish that you grope for him everywhere. Grope rather where the Word is, and there you will lay hold of him in the right way.' - Martin Luther

Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

This podcast includes The Authors Way and the Pilgrimage of Christina and Her Children. Once again thanks to Librivox for releasing these recordings into the public domain.

Played on the piano. Public domain recording sourced from https://www.smallchurchmusic.com

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

The Pilgrim's Progress John BUNYAN (1628 - 1688) Translated into over 100 languages, The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most famous classics of literature. It is an allegorical novel, describing a Christian's journey through life to reach heaven. Part 1 was written by John Bunyan in 1679 whilst he was imprisoned for conducting unauthorised religious services, whilst Part 2 was not written until 1684, and is not included in many versions of this text. This recording includes both parts, and inline scripture references. (Summary by Joy Chan)

Thanks to Librivox for releasing this recording into the public domain.

Thanks to Librivox for releasing this recording into the public domain.

Thanks to Librivox for releasing this recording into the public domain.

Thanks to Librivox for releasing this recording into the public domain.

ESV version read by David Timothy Holdsworth.

Thanks to Librivox for this public domain recording.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Why are we here? Why do the nations rage? Why do the wicked prosper? Where do wars come from? Who am I Lord? What must I do to be saved? Revival, how long Lord? In all our questions you have the answers. Help us to keep asking questions. Help us to listen. Help us to be still and know that you are God. Song version also available.

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Would we rather love winning? Or the pig of a loveless comfort zone? Would we rather a man be provided for? Or the pig of no compassion? Would we rather a man be clothed? Or the pig of humiliation? Would we rather a man be housed? Or the pig of homelessness? Would we rather a man be healed? Or the pig of demonic legions? Would we rather God's kingdom advancing? Or the pig of the world, the flesh and the devil? We want love, provision, clothing, a home, His kingdom! Let's treat others as we would like to be treated. Whatsoever we do to the least of these brothers we do unto Jesus. Therefore, let's choose compassion, not the pigs. (Influenced by the story of The Rich Man and Lazurus).

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Love will win in the end, dear friends. Love will win. There are whispers of a word. Amidst the chaos and confusion of a dark and angry world, it echoes through the mist. My heart heard this misunderstood little word. It heard and was blessed. The word love caused my heart to skip a beat and my soul to become merry. Could it be that even in mans darkest hours, love still lives? Indeed it lives and breaths all things pure. But what is the meaning of such a word? Could it be the joy of babes playing a merry little din? Is it the splendour of a spring morning? Or the beauty of a maidens face basked in sunlight? Or perhaps its just a word we use in season to gain something in return? Maybe its just a word the poets like to write? Nay, it is more. Surely true love is self-sacrifice. Its the laying down of ones life for a friend. Even an enemy. Its the will to bless those who curse us To love our haters To forgive our debtors as Jesus forgives his. Love is not some superficial myth, but a dream of things better. It was love that allowed Gods own Son to give himself into mans angry hands. It was love that sent him beyond this realm to prepare a peaceful place for us. Our Promised Land, our Paradise. Yes, behold, it is love that is the greatest thing! (This poem won a prize at AllPoetry.com).

By David Timothy Holdsworth - What happens when I die? The voice of angels that do not cry. Ladder to heaven. Death has won? Nay, Life has won. Death: where is her sting, where is her victory? No shame in dying, no shame in living. Crushed to earth, but rising again. In Christ alone my hope is found. What happens when you die? The voice of angels that do not cry?

By David Timothy Holdsworth - We are the legions of hope. We are his hands and feet. We are the chosen. Gifted by Grace, Gifted to serve. Called out of darkness, Called to the light. Voices in the wilderness, His voice for the oppressed. By His grace alone We are the legions of hope. (This piece won a prize at AllPoetry.com).

By David Timothy Holdsworth - Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10 ESV) Gathering of light.  Sacred assembly of love.  Age of war, hate, and strife.  The day of the martyrs has just begun.  Blood stained standing stones.  Anabaptists tears, angels song.  The day of the martyrs has just begun.  Ice cracks, foe falls.  Pilgrim saves.  To burning he must go.  Stands fast, dies slow, proclaims love for all to know.  The day of the martyrs has just begun. (Published in the anthology Poetic Velocity. This poem reflects on the powerful faith and love of many Christian martyrs. The main one is the story of Dirk Willems who was an Anabaptist Christian martyr. He was being hunted for his faith and he turned back to save his enemy when his enemy fell through some ice. Dirk was burnt at the stake for his faith despite his merciful gesture. He entered heaven with a clean conscience.  You can buy the anthology at: AllPoetry.com).

By David Timothy Holdsworth

A service by David Timothy Holdsworth.

A piece of performance poetry by David Timothy Holdsworth.

A service by David Timothy Holdsworth.

A service by David Timothy Holdsworth.

Questions: Lyrics by David Timothy Holdsworth, adapted to Music by Colin Campbell. Lyrics: Why are we here? Why do the nations rage? Why do the wicked prosper? Where do wars come from? Who am I Lord? What must I do to be saved? Revival, how long Lord? In all our questions you have the answers. Help us to keep asking questions. Help us to listen. Help us to be still and know that you are God.