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Background & BirthBefore the Throne Ministries was birthed out of Lakes Christian Centre, a local church based in Windermere, Cumbria. The Church is Evangelical, that is, we desire others to enjoy what we have. The Church is Fundamental, that is, all we do is built foursquare on God's Word. The Church is Charismatic, that is, we expect the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ. The Church is Presbyterian, that is, the elders govern the Church. The Church is Baptist, that is, all believers are commanded to be baptised in water. The Church is Methodist, that is, in all we do order should characterise our lives. The Church is Catholic, that is, we are united with the global Body of Christ. Having no label or denominational allegiance we seek to acknowledge and experience every emphasis of the Scriptures and the Spirit yet without taking of another's clothes. Founded in 1924, the Lakes Christian Centre has, as all living things, has known various metamorphoses through the years. The future to the obedient is as bright as the promises of God. Because He lives we can face tomorrow.
One of the elders, Simon Berry, is chairman of the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association European Board. On hearing Wayne preach one evening in April 2001 on 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 "and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty", he received a vision. Convinced that God's own people needed setting free, he saw that Wayne Thomas would spearhead an international ministry "setting God's people free". A Management Committee was formed, an office established and the name Before the Throne Ministries developed. The name completely captures the heart and vision we have for the Lord's people. For when we are before His throne we are placed into a position to receive from and give to the Saviour.
Responsibilites in the Kingdom
All God's people will stand as individuals before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. We will be called to account for the gifts He has entrusted us. The Lord is always looking for fruit, ie a return on His investment. The first look will burn up everything done in our service that was inspired by anything less than the love of Christ. Wood, hay and stubble look substantial, but will disappear. Gold, silver and precious stones may look small, but endure the heat of his gaze. There is a song that says "nothing but leaves for the master". The faithful Christian can expect to bring his sheaves with him. The fruit of his ministry is people. Souls we have warned, witnessed and won. Souls we have cared for, led and fed. Paul said that the Thessalonians were his crown on that great day. Our hope should be to be able to echo our Lord's prayer of accountability to His Father in John 17 "those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost" (see also 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Hebrews 13:17). Amen.
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