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Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

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FIRE IN OUR HEARTS<br />

CITY ON A HILL<br />

shar<strong>in</strong>g the bread and w<strong>in</strong>e. ‘One heart and soul’ was the<br />

theme. There would be reconciliations and sometimes we<br />

washed one another’s feet. F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g unity could be pa<strong>in</strong>ful,<br />

but covenant brotherhood was the only ground of hope for<br />

revival. Covenant was the foundation, and for us, loyalty meant<br />

we <strong>in</strong>tended lifelong commitment.<br />

In America, the charismatic leader Don Basham def<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

Covenant Community as: ‘A community of redeemed people,<br />

bound together <strong>in</strong> covenant love, submitt<strong>in</strong>g to compassionate<br />

authority, and manifest<strong>in</strong>g peace, hol<strong>in</strong>ess, and family fidelity...<br />

A community where lov<strong>in</strong>g correction and <strong>in</strong>struction<br />

produces maturity; where dedication to excellence produces<br />

the f<strong>in</strong>est results <strong>in</strong> arts, crafts, trades, and commerce...<br />

where all life is <strong>in</strong>spired and directed by the Spirit of <strong>Jesus</strong><br />

Christ and is lived to his glory as a witness and testimony to<br />

the world.’ 57<br />

It was an excellent def<strong>in</strong>ition, and Noel reproduced it on<br />

<strong>our</strong> notice sheet. Cautious of prosperity teach<strong>in</strong>g he added:<br />

‘And the “prosperity and abundance” are to be shared <strong>in</strong> holy<br />

equality as God sends the needy to f<strong>in</strong>d his just society.’<br />

We entered the decade <strong>in</strong> a confident mood. A k<strong>in</strong>gdom feast<br />

was spread and the prodigals could come home. Backed by<br />

<strong>in</strong>tercession, we emerged to fight on the world’s ground, and<br />

went <strong>in</strong>to the streets, pubs, discos, and clubs. Meet<strong>in</strong>gs were<br />

booked <strong>in</strong> Rugby, Coventry and Leicester. Now to Live His<br />

Triumph! was the motto, as we exalted <strong>Jesus</strong> as Lord, proclaimed<br />

his k<strong>in</strong>gdom, and called disciples.<br />

In Warwickshire the work was none too dramatic but was<br />

grow<strong>in</strong>g. We bought a country house near Rugby, a few miles<br />

from Harvest House, and Mick’s sister and family left the<br />

196

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