The viral Covid pandemic which has been changing our lives in so many ways has had some positive dimensions, as it has encouraged everyone – including Christians – to think laterally. One of the greatest assets helping us all to overcome the problems of no longer being able to meet face to face has been Zoom, which has been embraced by believers for relaying Sunday services, conferences, small group meetings and much more.

Earlier in lockdown, Prophecy Today UK’s parent charity Issachar Ministries decided to make use of Zoom for a series of interactive webinars, based on the ‘Living in Babylon’ book Dr Clifford and Mrs Monica Hill wrote together in 2015, and its associated workbook. These draw lessons from the Babylonian Exile and the Early Church for believers today. The webinar series was entitled ‘The Relevance of the Babylonian Exile and the Ekklesia [Church] for Today’ and drew on a teaching series published on Prophecy Today UK at the same time, entitled Living in Babylon Today.

Methodology

Participants were expected to commit to the webinar course for 12 weeks, to doing preparatory work as well as homework each week, and to discussing their thoughts and insights with others. Amazingly, 44 of an initial 50 stuck the course out, many continuing to meet since with newfound friends committed to making a change in society.

Each week, the leaders gave a 20-minute starter presentation, introducing the subject for the day, based upon successive chapters in the study book ‘Living in Babylon’, with all 12 chapters covered over the three-month duration of the series.

Then all moved into pre-arranged breakout groups for 30 minutes of discussion. This was followed by all the participants coming back for a plenary session with the leaders, during which each group gave a summary of points from their discussion via a spokesman.

Value of Discussion

All the groups stressed the value of being able to discuss the teaching that had been given each week in the webinar. This greatly increased the level of learning as each participant contributed and gained in confidence as they expressed their views. They each came from different backgrounds, but they found they learned from each other. They found that the discussion groups not only increased their understanding of the subject, but also developed their faith. The webinar increased participants’ eagerness for Bible study, particularly relating to the nature and purposes of God, his justice and righteousness.

Friendships were established between participants who had never met, and the fellowship value of the webinars was greatly appreciated. It was particularly relevant during the lockdown when many were otherwise isolated and lonely. Many participants said how much they looked forward to each weekly session.

Themes Arising from Discussions

Bible study and fellowship – It was expressed that institutional churches are not fulfilling the felt needs of participants for Bible study and fellowship. It was felt that churches as well as the growing number of small groups should address this need.

Understanding the times – Christians are not sufficiently aware of the significance of the times in which we are living – in particular, the pandemic that is shaking all nations. The discussion starters helped to open people’s eyes especially to the experiences of others.

The secularisation of the nation – The churches are conforming to the prevailing culture and losing their distinctive holiness (separation) from the world. Is there a need for an alternative structure that would challenge the worldliness in churches and replace it with Kingdom thinking?

Persecution – Persecution of Christians is now a worldwide phenomenon which is increasing. It is likely to increase in Britain with parts of the Bible being labelled ‘hate speech’ and banned from reading in public – including church services. It was felt that preparation for this should begin now by establishing a less overt network of Bible-believing Christian groups.

Freedom of speech is being challenged in Western nations by new forms of culture change. Christians needed both to be aware of what is happening and to prepare themselves for making godly responses.

Eschatology – The need for biblical teaching on eschatology was expressed by all groups; particularly relating to the second coming of Jesus. Christians need to be more like the Bereans in Acts 17 in eagerness to examine the scriptures. There are signs that we are moving towards a cashless society and a one-world government. Churchgoing Christians are largely uninformed on the whole subject of eschatology which is neglected in the institutional churches.

Israel – There is a great need for understanding the place of Israel in the purposes of God. There needs to be teaching on the nature of God’s covenant with the people of Israel and its relevance for Christians, with particular reference to Paul’s teaching in Romans 9-11.

Where Now?

Much more could be said about the success and value of this course; suffice to say that a number of those who took part will be contributing to the Disqus discussions on Prophecy Today UK and sharing their new insights more widely.

There is also a keenness for similar webinars on a variety of subjects in the future. Clifford and Monica are willing to repeat this course and are encouraging others to lead similar courses. They are also looking at expanding and updating their insights on the seven churches of Revelation, initially explored for a travel guide and published in a book called ‘Ephesus to Laodicea’ which came out in 2004. Paul Luckraft is planning one on Eschatology which is extremely relevant for this time - find out more here. Watch out for details of these upcoming courses on the Prophecy Today UK website and/or the Issachar Ministries website.