Slaves of all - Jesus Army
Slaves of all - Jesus Army
Slaves of all - Jesus Army
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CELIBACY<br />
AND<br />
MARRIAGE<br />
Some members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Jesus</strong><br />
Fellowship have made<br />
lifelong commitments to<br />
celibacy, though the majority<br />
are married and may have<br />
children. Celibates choose<br />
to “stay single for the sake<br />
<strong>of</strong> the kingdom <strong>of</strong> heaven”<br />
as <strong>Jesus</strong> put it (Matthew<br />
19:10-12). In some ways<br />
this is similar to members<br />
<strong>of</strong> religious orders. However,<br />
the <strong>Jesus</strong> Fellowship’s<br />
celibates usu<strong>all</strong>y live in the<br />
same Christian community<br />
house as married people<br />
and families and have close<br />
friendships with them. Some<br />
<strong>Jesus</strong> <strong>Army</strong> members who<br />
become celibate have been<br />
previously married but are<br />
now widowed or divorced.<br />
by piece, gave it <strong>all</strong> over and I wept. Not re<strong>all</strong>y ‘cos I was<br />
sad but because I was overwhelmed – a tot<strong>all</strong>y precious<br />
moment. I made my commitment to <strong>Jesus</strong> and Him to<br />
me and put my ring on. Bathing in His love and tenderness<br />
and purity. Oh God, You are awesome.<br />
31 December 2006: End <strong>of</strong> Year Church Celebration<br />
Today a lot <strong>of</strong> older people made their celibacy vows. Inside<br />
I felt a real excitement that next year when I take my<br />
vow, young people will be taking the helm – pioneering it<br />
on! Two sisters prayed for me – to form<strong>all</strong>y acknowledge<br />
that <strong>Jesus</strong> has <strong>of</strong>fered and I have received the gift <strong>of</strong> celibacy.<br />
One saw a vision <strong>of</strong> King <strong>Jesus</strong> with His arms full <strong>of</strong><br />
gifts and I chose one. It was plain and sm<strong>all</strong> but I knew it<br />
was the right one. As I opened it bright light poured forth.<br />
It is for me! God! So full <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit I couldn’t stand<br />
under the power, just lay on the floor bathed in God!<br />
5 February 2007: Nearly there…<br />
God – we’ve nearly clinched the deal – seven weeks to go<br />
– awesome, exciting, mind-blowing.<br />
29 March 2007: Drawing closer…<br />
God, I feel awed by it <strong>all</strong>; not afraid ‘cos I know You<br />
will be with me, every step <strong>of</strong> the next few days, and <strong>of</strong><br />
course, forever. I never thought it possible – little way-<br />
ward me – f<strong>all</strong>ing so in love with You and Your kingdom<br />
that I’m prepared to lay at the foot <strong>of</strong> Your cross <strong>of</strong> suffering<br />
<strong>all</strong> that’s precious within and rise and meet You in<br />
death and resurrection.<br />
31 March 2007: The day <strong>of</strong> my vow<br />
God! The day has fin<strong>all</strong>y arrived – when <strong>all</strong> will be consecrated<br />
to You. I feel a deep peace as I begin this day (still<br />
can’t believe it’s me – that You have chosen me!) It’s Your<br />
miracle Lord – let Your Spirit rise within me, draw me<br />
ever close.<br />
I made my vow on 1 April 2007 in a sm<strong>all</strong> ceremony and<br />
celebration, with family and close friends as witnesses,<br />
beginning at midnight 31 March. We worshipped, touching<br />
heaven in our hearts. Kneeling before an old rugged<br />
wooden cross I made my commitment to <strong>Jesus</strong>, and to His<br />
Church.<br />
JL<br />
WATCH AN ONLINE FILM about<br />
celibacy at www.jesus.org.uk/cinema/celibacy<br />
www.jesus.org.uk<br />
<strong>Jesus</strong> Life Three/2007 Page 11