All posts by Dorothy

Currently, I (Dorothy Newton} am a Street Pastor in Ramsbottom, working alongside Christians who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Christian, visible unity among the churches.
Assisted suicides, Dunkirk miracle, God takes care of us, God's protection, in God, Our lives are hidden in Christ

The Messiah’s Secret – Hidden in Christ in God

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The Messiah’s Secret –  Hidden in Christ, in  God.

Evening Lectionary: Exodus 14: 5-31.  Matthew 6: 1-18                                                      

Hidden in Christ in God: visual aid.

 Large doll – God
Medium doll – Jesus
Small doll – Christian

Small doll  – in Jesus Christ

Both Jesus and Christian in God

When the Israelites knew Pharaoh was coming after them with his army, they were afraid. Moses prayed and the Lord responded telling Moses that he would fight for them and to be still. The result God stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians in the form of a cloud, protecting the Israelites.

Moses used his rod to part the Red Sea and the whole of Israel crossed over on dry land, the Egyptians followed them Moses lifted up the rod and God allowed the sea to return to its normal flow where Pharaoh’s army were left to their own devices to save themselves.

The Israelites by being still allowed God to deliver them without having to fight the Egyptians, it is an example of their lives being hidden in God. Hidden in God they did not have to strive in their own strength.

Jesus life on earth was hidden in God fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy  
“He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets, he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick.” Isaiah 42: 1-4 Matthew 12: 18-21.                
The crowd threatened to kill Jesus on a number of occasions: At Nazareth after he read from the book of Isaiah; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has appointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” He went on to say “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”  “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up and drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of a hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” Luke 4: 18, 19, 28-30.
For saying, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” that he and the Father were one of the same, they would have stoned him, but Jesus hid himself and left the temple. God protected him. John 8: 20, 59 10: 31. His life was hidden in God; he was doing God’s will with his care and protection.

Jesus had a loving gentle disposition.  
Unlike the Pharisees he was not pious, He did not need to draw attention to himself by shouting out his message, his presence was enough. He was forgiving and kind, gentle and lowly of heart. Jesus always spoke the truth and illustrated what it meant for his and their lives to be hidden in God, God fighting for them and his provision as well.  Matthew 11: 28- 30.                                                                
In the same chapter verses 25, 26 God’s provision they were not to be anxious about what they shall eat, drink or wear and he gave the examples of  God’s provision for the birds of the air, the lilies were clothed with amazing splendour and Matthew goes on to record Chapter 14 Jesus meeting the need of the 5,000 and the 4,000 people by a miracle manufacturing bread and fishes on the spot. Matthew 14: 13-21. 15: 32-39. 10: 29, 31.

In Matthew 6 Jesus taught what it meant for his disciples and us today for our lives to be hidden in God
Our holiness is hidden in what we say and do: to give a word in season and acts of kindness that is appropriate to the need.
His followers to give alms in secret, what we give between ourselves and God.
Jesus went to pray in quiet places where he talked to God in prayer. He encouraged his disciples to do the same. To pray in private, praying for others as well as our own situations.                                  
The reward  
Paul spoke of the secrets of Christians being revealed at the judgement seat of Christ, secrets in the doing of God’s will: telling people about Jesus, helping someone in some way, a record kept in heaven and will be rewarded by receiving our inheritance as children of God Romans 2:16                                                                                                          

Jesus’ prayer that he gave his disciples “The Lord’s Prayer” embraces our lives hidden in God, because we are children of God.
Jesus used this personal term ‘Our Father’ that we may see and revere God in this special way as he embraces all who become children of God in his heavenly kingdom.
Jesus united heaven and earth at his ascension, we pray to seek his will be done.   “If then you have been raised with Christ seek those things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3: 3
Our lives hidden in Christ in God

The provision of the living bread, the word that nourishes the soul that breathes forgiveness and healing.

In our gospel reading Jesus was fulfilling the law, therefore, forgiveness here is conditional on forgiving others, under grace Jesus gave the example of ‘the prodigal son’ who was forgiven before he returned home, his father went out to meet him.

While we are in the world we will go through trials and temptations. 
God will not allow us to be tempted to the point of no return, there will always be a way through, and victory over the evil one.               

Our nation was in a similar position as the Israelites when the German forces surrounded our army at Dunkirk.
Our present Queen’s father King George V1 during the last war in May 1940 God inspired him to call the nation to a week of prayer for the evacuation of our troops from Dunkirk in France.  
It is recorded that it was so successful due to the weather conditions that prevailed in the English Channel. The calm seas enabled thousands of privately owned boats to make that sea crossing picking up the troops off the sea shore at Dunkirk. 319,390 troops English, French, Belgium and Canadian were saved. Winston Churchill called it  “A miracle of deliverance.”  I would think that many Christians included fasting on that day. Fasting in secret accompanied with prayer for the right reasons, help us focus on the Lord and the situation.                                                                                              
Yesterday morning another aspect of being hidden in Christ in God came to mind, ‘God our Father determines when I die.’ Two hours later Freda rang me with her concerns about the assisted suicides debate in the House of Commons on Friday 11thSeptember.  She said that it was the second reading of Rob Marris Bill and could I put it on the News Sheet to make it known for people to pray.

Following this at the end of sermon, we discussed various points on the Bill that I had downloaded from the internet. All indicated that they were against the Bill, including a young doctor in the congregation.

I enter into the debate on the grounds that my life is hidden in God, and my Father in heaven will take care of me, even in suffering, to the end of my life on earth. 

I have since emailed 3 Members of Parliament with my concerns regarding this Bill. 

freedom and liberty, hearers and doers, implanted word, mirror image, parable of the two sons, word of truth

The Messiah’s Secret – Coming from Within Jesus, ‘The Word of Truth’

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The  Messiah’s Secret – Coming from within Jesus ‘The Word of Truth.’

This morning’s visual aid –  A Bible Cake

The Bible – The Word of God. 
(expounded by Gerry and Janice) Summary below
Ezekiel ate the scroll the words that were sweet to the taste like honey, words that he had to give to Israel that were not pleasant.   John in his vision was told by the angel to “Take and eat it.(the little scroll) It will turn his stomach sour.” John prophesying to the words of judgement on people and nations.  
Jesus’ words saying that it’s what comes from out of us is unclean, also could be described that is sour: anger, envy, greed and malice etc Ezekiel 3: 3.  Revelation 10: 10. Mark 7: 15
God wants us to feed on his word so we are able to share his word with others, not just to keep it to yourself..
Followed by ‘Bible Facts’.

James 1: 17-27. Mark 7: 1-8, 14, 15, 21-25.

The Bible is the only book where the author is present
James called Jesus ‘The Word of Truth.’
Jesus the second person of the Trinity came into the world, born of a woman, to reveal the truth of God’s word. His thoughts and intentions that came from within his own heart, and mind revealing the goodness of God, his all embracing love in his actions and his deeds.

Jesus often said, ”Truly, truly, I say to you” he was emphasising the truth to his words one example below:
John 5: 24.”Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, he does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.”  

John 6: 29. “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”                                                                                                             
Jesus’ words with promises John 14: 23, 26   “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home within him.”                                                                                 
“The Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

Whether a person was rich or poor, Jesus responded from his heart, to their need, he taught the scriptures and healed all who came to him. 

Jesus looked at the person’s heart, Mark 7: 6. He discerned that many honoured him with their lips but their hearts were far from him
                                                                                                
The Pharisees and scribes chose to follow the traditions of men that was not compatible with the heart and will of God. Cleansing pots and washing hands had no affect on the thoughts and intentions of their hearts.
In Jesus’ parable of the two sons, their father asked them to go and work in the vineyard
The first son said that he would not go, but afterwards he repented and went. The other son said that he would go, but he did not. Jesus then said to those listening, “Who did the will of their father?” Those listening replied “The first son.” Matthew 21: 28
The first son thought about it and changed his mind, he would go as he loved his father. The second son having said he would, rebelled against his father and did not go.
The rebellious nature that Jesus died for on the cross.

This is what James meant in his illustration of the mirror image it reflects human nature were our basic instinct is to look to ourselves rather than look to God.
We can not please God through our own self goodness, we have to be willing to let the cross do its’ work within us, to die to our self rule our rebellious spirit, in order for us to do our Father God’s will. For us to be like the tree that bends in the wind, we bend our will to do the will of God.

James pointed out  that we can discern a Christian’s sincerity of heart by them putting their faith into action.
 A week last Thursday  we went on a visit to Howarth, North Yorkshire, the main street was quite crowded and as we were leisurely walking up the street when from among the crowd a young man appeared, wearing a billboard, on it the words ‘The end is near’ he passed quickly by.
A lady just in front of me said, “How can he believe that all his life.” I chipped in, “It does work.” She turned and looked at me and hastily they moved on up the street.                                                                                                        
We were taken completely by surprise, I thought afterwards I could have said something better, but I thanked the Lord I was able to support the young man, he had planted a word in that ladies heart. James called Jesus the ‘implanted word’ that is able to save the soul.

Implants are used when a person’s organ fails. The flawed Mosaic Law has been replaced by the perfect law that gives freedom, liberty, and righteousness of life. James called it ‘The Royal Law,“Love your neighbour as yourself.” James 2: 8 Galatians 6: 2.

Over recent months we have been witnessing a huge migration of people from eastern countries to Europe, escaping the extremes of Islam and civil wars.
These people are looking for the safety, security and freedom that derives, in my view from the freedom that our faith in Christ gives us, freedom coming from within a person, as we feed on the word of God guided by the Holy Spirit. It is the transforming power that works through nations and people.

The migration of people, it is a difficult problem but as James challenged the Christians of his day, our faith in Christ, calls us to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’  
bread of life, butterfly, communion, division of families through a son or daughter or mother or father becoming a Christian., Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscient, repentance and forgiveness

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus the Bread of Forgiveness

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The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus the Bread of Forgiveness.
Repentance and forgiveness for every day injuries is something we give and receive all the time.
I tread on your toe and you forgive me.
Someone makes you late – Never mind that’s okay.
Our possessions get damaged – It’s hard but we can forgive.
Sketch.
Through repentance and forgiveness Jesus is still healing the scars of 2 World Wars
We can bury every hatchet, forgive, forget and start again, but for all people at some point in our life we will need to get right with God.”All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3: 23.
True repentance isn’t turning over a new leaf making a fresh start out of fear of punishment or saying the words of repentance out of self pity, without really meaning it. We can be comfortable with our sin, and ignore the call to repent of it.
The cross is where we recognise that we need to say sorry to God, for the things that we have done wrong.
God will meet us at the cross at the first sign of repentance and act on Jesus taking our place, bearing the cost in dying for our sin on the cross.
God forgives us for everything, when we turn completely to him making a full turn, not half hearted, but saying that we are sorry with all of our heart, mind and will. We receive forgiveness through our faith in what Jesus has done for us on the cross.                                                                                                                        
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
ABSOLUTION
We celebrate at Communion what Jesus has done for us in reconciling us with God our Father.
The song writer Graham  Kendrick wrote ‘In the bread there is healing and in the cup there is life for ever,’ in the cup, the wine representing the blood of Christ.
The greatest healing was when Jesus came from heaven to earth in the flesh, to heal our broken relationship with God so that we will walk in newness of life with God. Romans 6: 4
In our reading Jesus was discussing in the synagogue at Capernaum with the Jewish people the significance of his claim being the bread of life. He said, “Unless you eat of this bread and drink his blood you shall not have life within you,”
Some of his own followers were appalled
The majority of people gathered in the synagogue, when they heard him say this were affronted. To understand why, under kosher laws, the Jews were not allowed to eat blood, as life is in the blood and also certain creatures were deemed unclean: shell fish, the pig, and some cloven footed animals etc.
For those Jews at Capernaum, for them to participate in eating and drinking Jesus’ body and blood would mean accepting, acknowledging that his life laid down was the end of Kosher law.
His followers on another occasion had heard Jesus say that all foods were clean, he stated that it’s not what you ate that defiled a person, it was what comes from the heart: deceit, hatred, revenge, coveting and pride etc.
So what Jesus referring to had yet to happen, his body and his blood would be the final atoning sacrifice for the sins of the flesh, coming from the heart, not from what they ate.
Rev John Hadley in his book ‘Bread of the World’ supported by the Bishop Trevor Huddleston he writes:
“Jesus gave himself up, in his life and on the cross, finally and totally and irreversibly; he suffered death and was buried; but God vindicated him by raising him up from the dead, and it is his risen body which we celebrate and receive in the Holy Communion.”
The bread and the wine are tokens of repentance and forgiveness and as we are raised up to walk in newness of life.

Visual Aid. Scarce Copper butterfly

We have an example in nature: from the egg the caterpillar emerges and lives for a short time.

It then it attaches itself to a branch and makes a pupa or chrysalis where it goes through a transformation and the butterfly emerges from it. Below Scarce Copper butterfly (my attempt to replicate the butterfly)


So all people are sinners in God’s eyes until we come to the cross and repent  and we are transformed by the Holy Spirit acting upon our faith in Jesus’ body and blood atoning for us, redeeming us and as a result we are raised up with Jesus in his resurrection.
Paul in his letter to the church at Rome 6: 5 “If we are united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Jesus in conversation with Martha said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

The bread and the wine also symbolising Christians sharing Christ’s brokenness and healing in forgiving one another from the heart. 
The picture to the right was as a result of me arguing with church members about whether the church should close or not. I did not want it to close. After the Lord gave me this picture I repented from my heart, by arguing I was knocking nails into Jesus’ hands upon the cross. I drew the picture and wrote these words, “Tuesday 3rd May the picture came to me while I was sat at prayer in St John’s Stonefold. The compassion of Jesus as the fightings and arguments in the world nail him to the cross, over and over again. The importance of Communion.” The year would be 1993.

On the cross Jesus was heard to say, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” he not only forgave all who come to him in faith, he asked his Father to forgive as well.
Our own unforgiving spirit has been nailed to the cross, and were we find it hard to forgive sometimes, because of being hurt, injured. The sharing of the bread symbolises were Jesus asked his Father to forgive also, so we ought to forgive each other.” .
Christians across the globe sharing the bread and the wine tokens of repentance and forgiveness and newness of life walking in the Spirit. 

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. 
Paul wrote encouraging them to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us. To imitate Jesus and seek the will of the Lord is for us rejoicing together. “Speaking to one another with Psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” So we remember, “The joy of the Lord is our strength,” because we are forgiven. Ephesians 5: 19, 29. Nehemiah 8: 10.


Evening Lectionary; Exodus 2: 23, 3: 10.  Luke 12: 49 – 58.

God in his Omnipresence–through his presence everywhere, he heard  the cries of the Hebrew people and being Omniscient – knowledge of all things, he knew they were suffering at the hands of the Egyptians. Also God in his Omnipotence – all powerful was about to relieve their suffering through Moses leading them as a nation towards the Promised Land.

Moses was curious when he saw that the bush was burning but it was not burnt up. God spoke to him from out of the bush.
                        
In our New Testament readingJesus spoke of casting a fire upon the earth, the fire of judgement. A fire not yet kindled until after Pentecost, a fire not seen in the flesh, but would be felt by the presence of the Spirit of God working in people’s lives across the world
The Holy Spirit’s ministry convicting people of the sin of unbelief of rejection of Jesus being the Messiah, of righteousness and of judgement.

Jesus knew that the Gospel message“God so loved the world, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” 
This claim would divide families in their religious beliefs, even husbands and wives would disagree in what they believed. I am sure we can recall people who we know are in this situation.                 
In Moses situation, he probably was not sure what his beliefs were before he met God at the burning bush. He knew he was a Hebrew, his father Amram and his mother Jochebed who were Levites descendants of Jacob. However, he had been rejected by the Hebrew man who saw him kill the Egyptian when he was defending a fellow Israelite.
Moses also had been brought up as an Egyptian in Pharaoh’s household, he must have been familiar with the gods of Egypt and His father-in-law Jethro was a priest of the Midianites, Zipporah one of seven daughters of Jethro became Moses’ wife. Exodus 15: 20.
When God spoke to him he identified himself as the God of his father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob how that must have impacted Moses’ beliefs.

The importance of having a real contact with the God who you believe in is amazing.
Simon Altaf brought that home to me on his CD. He sought for 10 years for Allah to speak to him as he prayed faithfully asking him to make himself known to him and it never happened. He came in contact with a fundamentalist Muslim who had become a Christian and he learnt from him what Christianity is about having a personal relationship with Jesus.
Simon asked Jesus to make himself known to him and Jesus did, he spoke to him while Simon was at work “Follow me” those were the words he heard Jesus say to him in his inner ear and so he continues to follow Jesus today.
Moses is described as being full of meekness.
Moses was not pushy type of person, he was probably quite dignified, and he had made a stand against injustice, both defending the Hebrew and stepping in to stop the shepherds pushing in to water their sheep before Jethro’s daughters at the well.               
But he had run away from Pharaoh after killing the Egyptian and when God asked him to go to Pharaoh it was not surprising that he was not too happy. The task that God had given him to do was to request that Pharaoh let the children of Israel go to a land flowing
with milk and honey, the land of Canaan
The Lord brings us face to face with our failings, wrongdoings and then undertakes bringing healing through a trial. a furnace of fire. Every Pharaoh claimed to be an incarnation of the sun god Amenra and was known as the son of the sun. 

God showed Himself supreme above every false god and also supreme above the being who inspired and directed the evil spirits behind these pagan deities.


Jesus during his ministry showed his Godly authority over the God of this world, but the leaders of the nation could not discern the signs he gave them. 
Jesus was not carrying a rod, he was God himself casting out evil spirits and I have found out through studying he was aware of people’s fear of spirits.                                                                                                                       
Jesus deliberately went into the desert where it was believed evil spirits lived. Another reason he did not wash his hands because of the Jewish belief that evil spirits resided on unclean hands. Receiving water from the woman of Samaria, he had no fear of drinking borrowed water and no fear of spirits behind their idols.

For us who follow Jesus, he’s the fire that burns within us, that does not consume us. Instead he lights up the way for us to fulfil God’s will.
eternity, Heavenly Man just in a moment he found himself enering his village, Philip and the Eunuch, Sir Winston Churchill, time

The Messiah’s Secret – Ecclesiastes 3 Time and Eternity

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The Messiah’s Secret – Ecclesiastes 3 Time and Eternity
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15. 
Ecclesiastes – The Preacher.
It is generally thought that the first section of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, even though his name is not mentioned, however, Chapter 1: 1 would indicate that Solomon is the author.“The words of the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.”
King Solomon asked God not for long life or wealth but for wisdom. 1 Kings 3: 9 – 12
Further evidence that he was the author in verses 16,
” I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.”  1: 1, 16,
Solomon discerned in his wisdom that God has put eternity into our minds.
In the early days of the church, people’s hearts were being changed, the time had been fulfilled were God had revealed eternity in his Son, Jesus.
Jesus has united earth and heaven in his death, resurrection and ascension.
The Spirit of God that has been sent from heaven to the earth and through faith in Jesus unites us to where Jesus is in heavenly places in eternity.
In the Spirit Philip was taken by the Spirit in bodily form from one place to another in a moment of time, he didn’t travel the distance. “”and when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on he preached to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.” Acts 8: 39, 40.
In the book ‘Heavenly Man’ Brother Yun was taken in a moment of time from one place to another in bodily form.”Suddenly, even though I didn’t feel anything or notice anything happen, I found myself entering my home village  without any time passing! What should have taken a few hours just took a few moments.” Page 39 “The Heavenly Man” Paul Hatterway, Monarch Books.
The Time dimension we live in.
In science the space program is travelling in earth time, it took 16 months to reach Pluto and longer to go beyond our solar system.
Our experience in relation to ‘time’ a constant movement between one state to another “A time to be born and a time to die”. From being a baby to child, child to adolescent, youth to maturity, adult to old age followed by death.
 “A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what was planted.” Seasons ebbing and flowing: summer to Autumn, autumn to winter, winter to spring, spring to summer. The cycle of planting  and watching the growing process until the time arrives when the plants are cleared and the ground is prepared to start the process again.
“A time to kill and a time to heal.” The miracle of our human body, the white blood cells in our blood kill off bacteria and re-construct through the DNA in the white cells.
“A time to breakdown and a time to build up.”
God appointed time to fulfil a purpose. 
Sir Winston Churchill wrote, “There comes a special moment in everyone’s life, a moment for what a person is born, that special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfil his mission for which he was uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour.”
During those war years many people wept and mourned their loss of family and friends. At the end of the war people embraced each other in laughter and people danced for joy.

Memories
Forgiving those who had hurt others in a time of war on both sides takes time, those who sought answers as to what had happened and why it had happened could  perhaps see that knowledge doesn’t over time change the heart of man, only God can do that.
“A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time cast away; a time  to rend, and a time  to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time to war, and a time for peace.” 
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1: 9 

Only God can change our ‘time’ to eternal time Jesus has made it possible for those who believe in him to enter into eternal time, a continual never ending time,  for ever more
Amen
complete surrender out of love for God, love for God, mind and will, repent will all your heart, Richness towards God, your soul, your strength

The Messiah’s Secret – Love for God

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The Messiah’s Secret – Love for God

Lectionary Job 28.  Luke 12: 13 – 21

The deepest gold mine in the world Tau Tona, is in South Africa, it produces approx $ 2 million dollars in gold annually. it’s 2,4 miles deep with 500 miles of tunnels and employs 5,600 miners.        
Job wrote that people seek for earthly riches, they understand the value of gold, but the majority of people do not understand the value of true wisdom that comes from God.

Jesus showed great Godly wisdom in his conversation with the man who was disgruntled with his brother’s attitude towards him. His brother coveted possessions and money as a result he was keeping all the inheritance. He came to Jesus perhaps believing that the Messiah would be a man like Moses who inquired of God over disputes. Exodus 18: 13, 16. Deuteronomy 18: 15, 18-20.
But Jesus came not to judge, and he did not condemn people, he came to show God’s love and compassion in embracing the outcasts, his healing ministry and he taught the Hebrew scriptures with authority.
We know that after his ascension to heaven, Jesus mediates between us and God, bringing our prayers before God, his throne of grace.

In the parable Jesus was showing the lifestyle of a man who had accumulated wealth, but we understand by this man’s approach to life he enjoyed and loved possessions, living in luxury and he didn’t think he would one day be accountable before God for his richness towards God, his love for God. (I’ve prayed over many years to understand the meaning of ‘richness towards God.’)

I looked for examples in the gospels were people showed their love for God:  the widow showed her love for God when she gave more than she could afford putting her copper coins into the treasury. Jesus said, ”Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they contributed out of their abundance but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.” Luke 21: 1, 2. 

Matthew gave up his job as a tax collector to follow Jesus. Matthew 9: 9. 

The Centurion in his faith he showed his love and trust in Jesus’ word. Matthew 8: 5-13. 

The Samaritan who had been healed of his leprosy came back to Jesus to thank him. “Then when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks.” He loved God and gave thanks to him. Luke 17: 15, 16. 

Job showed his love for God even though he had lost all his children, his wealth and his health. He trusted and was dependent upon God for every breath of life. He did not blame God for his demise. Job 21: 22. 42: 10, 12 Blog  A Short Study of Job

Disciple Peter was asked by Jesus three times, “Do you love me Peter?” Peter had gone through a time of trial through his denial of knowing Jesus. In his conversation he responded saying, ‘he knew that he loved him’. Peter had repented when he realised his sin, he left the courtyard of the High Priest Caiaphas and wept bitterly showing his love for Jesus from his heart, his soul, his strength, his mind and will. Luke 22: 62

I do not think that Peter was half hearted, true repentance is not turning over a new leaf, making a fresh start for fear of punishment or saying words of repentance out of self pity. Repentance is when our conscious working with the Holy Spirit brings us to that place of recognition of sin against God and as a result we make a full turn, from the heart out of love for God. “You shall love God with all your heart, with all your soul, our strength, and with all of our mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.” Luke 10: 27. 

We know Jesus’ generous love and we are able to love God. 
Jesus our redeemer died on the cross, suffering for the sin of the world. Jesus suffered the loss of everything material, to live for God in complete surrender to the Father he loved. He was crucified, laying down his life in his love for us, the future church family. “And looking around on those who sat about him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister and mother.” 

How do we show our love for God? When we are doing the Lord our God’s will, and when  in worship we express our love for God, lifting our hearts in praise, prayer and thanksgiving. As we share the good news about Jesus with others. Also when we talk to God in prayer, bringing our own concerns and those of others to him out of love for them.                                    
Going through our trials we show our love for God when we trust him and are dependant upon him, we lean not on our own understanding, “Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1: 12
power of God, power of God in the seed of grass cracks open the tarmac, seed of faith, the seed of faith in Jesus is raised up by the power of God in us

The Messiah’s Secret – God’s Timing

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The Messiahs Secret – God’s Timing (Law and Grace)
Paul writing to the Ephesians wrote that now was the time for the Gentiles to enter into the Kingdom of God, “Remember at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from the citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2: 12

Visual Aid – Hickory Dickory Dock Nursery Rhyme (for the young children) 



Hickory, dickory, dock,

the mouse ran up the clock, 



(the tab was pulled down by a child) 





the clock struck one, 

 the mouse ran down, 
hickory dickory dock. 

(The tab was pushed up to allow the mouse to come down).




 In a booklet which was given out, the mice were scurrying off to church for 9.45am


It was God’s timing when he intervened in human affairs when Jesus was born into the world to fulfil God’s plans and purposes, it was to end the law given to Moses by God and to establish the New Covenant by grace.

The cop got out of his car and the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window, the cop said “I’ve been waiting for you all day,” The kid replied “Yeah, well I got hear as fast as I could.”
When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket. (grace.)   ‘Barrel of Laughs’ J John Monach Books.

The greatest healing that Jesus accomplished was reconciling humanity and God.
Ephesians 2: 14. “For he (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulation. His purpose was to create in himself one new man, so making peace, and in this one new body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”
To understand what Paul has written we remind ourselves that In the Bible there are only two nations the Jewish nation and the Gentiles.           

The Law given to Mosesby God separated the two nations. The Gentiles didn’t keep these laws they had no covenants with God.
The law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the book containing the law was ratified, made legal with the sprinkling with sacrificial blood over the book and the people.
As part of that agreement Moses and the elders of Israel sat and ate with God on Sinai. God having fellowship with his people. Exodus 24: 1-11.
The same is seen when Jesus sat at table with his disciples at the last supper where he put in place the new covenant.”This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26: 28
And in Revelation 3: 20 Jesus is knocking at the door of a person’s heart, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”  The barrier, the door of sin in our life.

Visual Aid – A large piece of tarmac 

The tarmac has a hard wearing surface which represents the law, the hardness, and the unyielding law.

The Policeman caught a motorist speeding and gave him a ticket, the motorist complained. The Policeman reminded him, “Get two more of these tickets and you will be riding a bicycle.”

The Law was given to Moses by God and it was designed to illuminate what sin is in God’s eyes: Hatred, bitterness, envy, pride, unbelief, malice, steal, cheat, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, fornication etc. Galatians 5: 19-21. 
We understand that it is impossible to keep the law, so a sacrifice was made to atone for sin.
When we hear what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and in faith we accept that he has become our sacrifice, dying for our sin, we are raised up from the dead, from the state that we were in before we heard about Jesus.

Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ dead body down from the cross and laid him in a tomb, where they wrapped his body with strips of linen coated with myrrh and aloes. 
From within the tomb, the power of God raised Jesus’ dead disjointed, bloodless body up from the dead, Jesus rolled back his grave clothes coated with myrrh and aloes, it was by the power of God the stone was rolled away from the entrance to the tomb.
It’s like the seed under the tarmac germinates in the darkness and by the power of God, forces its way through the tarmac, cracking its hard surface. Have you felt the soft texture of grass and yet it has broken through that hard surface of the tarmac.

The seed of faith sown in our heart, by the power of God’s Spirit raises us up, as Jesus got up in the tomb, he released us from our sin and raises us up in him, he rolls away the stony heart and gives us a heart that beats in time with God’s heart.
Our nature has been transformed by the power of God’s Spirit acting on repentance and our faith in Jesus, so our nature becomes God centred
We are raised up with Christ to know the holiness of God the law written in our hearts, and the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, self control, against which there is no law. Galatians 5: 22 -24

Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, “When (Christian) Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires . . . They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Romans 2: 4-16                                               
Jesus has fulfilled the purpose for his coming, he has broken down the barrier of sin, Paul calls it ‘hostility’ he has made it possible for all people to be reconciled to God. So fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham, all the nations of the earth will be blessed
I would normally end my sermon here, but please bear with me for five more minutes as three weeks ago & and this week I was asked this question.
 “Why doesn’t God intervene in the current world affairs?
In response to the question: God’s intervention in world affairs ties in with Biblical prophesies. One significant prophecy that has already been fulfilled, “They will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:24
Many Christians believe this prophecy was fulfilled in 1980, when Jewish people took control over a divided Jerusalem. 

Since then the tension in the region continues to escalate, until hopefully, quite soon the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy will be fulfilled.
This seven year period will begin with Israel signing a peace treaty with other countries. Daniel 9: 27 “He will confirm a covenant with many for one week.”
Israel will relax as this period of peace continues
Ezekiel 38: 14 “On that day when my people are dwelling securely, you will bestir yourself.”
After three and a half years, the peace treaty is broken Gog the King of the North comes against Israel and the tribulation period begins and lasts for three and a half years. So desolation comes before restoration by the Messiah.
Jesus informs us God intervenes at this point, “The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and evil doers and throw them into the fire, like the weeds will be gathered up and burned.” Matthew 13: 41.        

The armies of Gog and his allies gather to take Jerusalem, Jesus returns to take up with the remnant of Israel and defeats Gog to bring peace and security to the region and the world through the reign of the Messiah for a period of time 1,000 Revelation 21.

The intervention of God in world affairs lies with prophesies being fulfilled and its God’s timing.
                ——————————
Three views based on Eezkiel as to when Armageddon takes place: 1. Before the tribulation. 2.  The middle of the tribulation. 3. The end of the tribulation.
1.Before the tribulation Russia Gog the King of the North with her allies will invades Israel, this is before the antichrist is revealed, it is suggested the reason behind the invasion is to take the minerals from the land.

2.Middle of tribulation: the invasion of Israel by Gog the King of the North takes place while Israel is dwelling in her own land enjoying a false security of relative peace, provided by the covenant with the antichrist.  Gog is not mentioned in Revelation chapter 19 along with the demise of the beast and the false prophet, he must have been destroyed previously, in the middle of the tribulation.

3. At the end of the Tribulation period: The armies of Gog and his allies gather to take Jerusalem, Jesus returns to take up with the remnant of Israel  and defeats Gog to bring peace and security to the region and the world through the reign of the Messiah for a period of time 1,000 Revelation 21.

I personally go with the third view

Numbers in the Bible (Clock)
One: There is one God, Sunday the first day of the week. Exodus 20: 1. John 20:1
Two: There are two sections to the Bible Old and New Testaments
Three.  Three persons making up the one God, Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  Matthew 28: 19
Four . 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Five: Five the number in the Bible associated with grace. Five commandments on each tablet of stone. Multiples of five in the inner sanctuary in the temple. 1 Kings 6. 23 – 27.
Six: God created man on the sixth day. Genesis 1: 26
Seven: Seven days in the week, number 7 associated with perfection. Genesis 1. 2:3
Eight. Rainbow has eight colours.  Genesis 9: 13
Nine: Finality or conclusion or .come to the end or completeness. Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” John 19: 30
Ten: Two tablets of stone with the commandments on them.
Exodus 32: 15
Eleven: Jesus appeared before the eleven after his resurrection.
Mark 16: 14

Twelve: Twelve disciples Mark 3: 17 – 19.
David Bishop of Manchester, giving glory to God, giving glory to Jesus, Holiness, Jesus' holiness, sandals

The Messiah’s Secret – Holy is the Lord

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The Messiah’s Secret  –  Holy is the Lord
Evening Lectionary Jeremiah 20: 1-11.  Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20.
Jeremiah looked for Israel to be a holy people, a holy nation, following God’s commandments, but instead, some worshipped idols. The Israelites were living at a time of prosperity, so their eyes were not fixed on God. 
The Israelites were called by God to consecrate themselves, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Lev 11: 44.  1 Peter 1: 16
Definition of holiness: sanctity, righteousness, goodness, purity, virtue, perfection and devotion. This defines Jesus in his holiness in his oneness with his Father.

Jesus prayed for his disciples to be holy, “Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth; as thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in the truth.” John 17: 17-19. Sanctify and consecration both these terms are embraced in holiness

Jesus also defined holiness in the disciple’s appearance of having no wealth or possessions which sent out a message of being dependent upon God.
Jesus taught his followers to be like the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, totally dependent on God. In our gospel reading the realisation of those words the disciples were expected to live by faith that God would provide food and if necessary a bed for the night.
On their journey they were not to take with them a purse no money for lodgings and no bag to carry personal items and no shoes.
In Jesus’ day there were two types of shoes: the sandal covered just the sole of the foot and was worn by the poor person, whereas the shoe that covered all the foot was worn by those of means.
Therefore, their modest appearance plus the message that the Kingdom of God is near and praying for the sick, they would be respected as holy men.
Bishop David, Bishop of Manchester wears sandals.

Article Church of England website
Bishop David’s seminar on Franciscan Spirituality October 2014
“Whatever the weather or occasion, Bishop David wears  open-toed sandals as part of his Franciscan tradition.
“They remind me that I need to keep close to the ground (the words for ground and for humility have the same Greek root),’ he explained.’that means two things. Firstly, I must tread lightly on the earth. Secondly, I must not be seduced either by the respect paid to me as bishop, or by the rich and powerful people in whose company I may often find myself. I need to be true to myself and my place as a servant and child of God.”   
What he said, spoke of what Jesus was teaching his disciples, and for today’s Christian I think holiness is not denominational.
The disciples returned
When the disciples returned they were overjoyed and commented that even the demons were subject to their authority in Jesus’ name.
Jesus said that they were not to rejoice in the power that they had over spirits, but to rejoice over their names written in heaven.
As I see it, He was directing them to give glory to God, rather than glorifying themselves.
Jesus worked closely with God his Father 
Jesus spent many hours in prayer and always wanted to glorify God in what he said and did.
“ The word which you hear is not mine but the Father who sent me.” 14: 24.
”The works I do in my Father’s name they bear witness to me.” John 10: 25 “What ever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14: 13.
 “All that I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me from them.” John 17: 10.                                                            
 The words of Jesus praying to his Father for his disciples having given to them “All that I have is yours and mine,” is like a heart beat in the Lord’s body, the church and we the church giving glory to Jesus our Lord and God. 
Christian’s ministry to evangelise  
We all are given opportunities to evangelise, but go from town to town proclaiming the good news about Jesus and live by faith is one of the gifts of the Spirit. I’ve known people who were evangelists and lived by faith; one couple gave up their jobs and were totally dependent upon love gifts as they went about sharing the good news of the gospel. They had connections with Holy Bush Farm in Northallerton where a revival took place in the 1980’s.
Others have taken up the calling the vocation of being a Pastor, Minister or a Vicar and are supported by the church.                                                   

Collect for this Sunday Trinity 5
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
God’s calls us all to be holy, to live holy lives
 “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1: 16,
Paul wrote, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Romans 12: 1        
 It reminds me of the hymn and chorus’, “Let everything within me cry holy,” 
“I will offer up my life in Spirit and truth.”
The other week we stayed at Scargill House on a week’s walking holiday, in conversation with one of the people on the walk, about this passage in Luke, I said that I felt far from this bench mark. He said that he and his wife had been thinking about living a simpler lifestyle. They have been Christians for approx eight years. 

Finances He paid off his debts                                      

Possessions They had a room where things had been stored for years, too good to throw away and they might come in useful. He was aware of the growing content of this room.  

He could see his witness through making a deliberate choice of being content with a simpler lifestyle.
Has God rejected his people by no means, Langley House Trust, raised from the dead by Jesus today, replacement theology, Zacchaeus Project Worksop

The Messiah’s Secret – God Raised Jesus from the Dead

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The Messiah’s Secret – God raised Jesus from the Dead. 
Jeremiah 6: 16- 21. 
Since writing the blog I’ve added what has come from the understanding of the word.

“A  Salvation Army captain was collecting at a local service station. “I am sorry,” said a sad looking middle-aged lady. “I can’t give you anything,I’ve just lost my husband.” Full of love and Christian compassion, the captain asked, “And how long ago since you lost him.   With a quick look round she replied, “Well, about five minutes ago. I think he must have gone to the toilets.”
“Smile, Please!” by Phil Mason Monarch Books.

Jeremiah was a priest, prophet. and a watchman  
Jeremiah as a watchman observed that the people had erred from the ancient ways: they wern’t putting into practice the law or listening to the watchman’s words from God.                          

Has the church today erred from ancient ways? 
Today’s watchmen or women might bring to our attention: ‘replacement theology’. What’s that about?

Replacement theology teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan under a new covenant that has a completely new theology that excludes Israel and the Biblical words that have come down the milenniums. Those who follow ‘replacement theology’ believe the Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, and God does not have specific future plans for the nation of Israel.

Has God finished with Israel? 
I personally do not believe that God has finished with Israel. There have been numerous occasions where we read of God being frustrated by their lack of faith and their hardness of heart. On the Exodus journey Moses in his anger when the Israelites had made the golden calf in his absence threw down the two tablets of stone with the ten commandments written on them. God in his dismay considered starting again with Moses, “Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; but of you I will make a great nation,” Exodus 32: 18. 
Paul wrote that God had not rejected Israel. “I ask then has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” Hebrews 11: 1

Biblical words that have come down the millenniums. 
Replacement theology changes words that have been part of the churches ministry down the centuries, in order to meet people were they are in the world. For many it’s a logical thing to do, but the words that replace the original words in my view are not anointed. It’s like the Pharisees adding laws to the laws given to Moses by God in order to gain more righteousness.

Why develop a formula that excludes the words that have come down the centuries? I heard directly on a Manchester Diocese Formation Day that when a church develops this formula of the Purpose Driven Life Church it should exclude groups like the Mothers Union. This I believe creates disunity and tramples upon the all inclusive message of Christ’s Church. 
The Mothers’ Union at that time had been in consultation at the request of the Prime Minister David Cameron in his support of the MU  ‘Bye, Buy, Childhood’ Campaign. This campaign is in order to give children back their childhood from the commercialisation and sexualisation particularly in children’s clothing. 
The MU has a long history of supporting and campaigning for Christian values in family life. See Blog ‘The Messiah’s Secret – Get on Board.’ 

Shortly after the Formation Days had taken place, the then Bishop of Manchester sent a message with an apology around to all who had attended the Formation Days. Apology accepted.


I personally do not believe that God has finished with Israel; God’s love is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13: 6. 
There are those in the church who expect to be spiritually one with others who don’t hold their views. But what they don’t realise that in the spiritual dimension they have so much spiritual baggage that is not compatible with the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah prophesied Israel’s repentance, “And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look at the one whom they pierced they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps for a first born.” Zechariah 12: 10
This is a future when Jesus returns and takes up with the remnant of Israel. When this happens the Leaders of the nation of Israel will look to the gospels and remember the signs that Jesus gave, proving that he was and is the Messiah, 

They will read about when Jesus and his disciples came into the city just as a funeral was taking place. Jesus said to the mother, “Do not weep.” And raised her son from the dead and we read that they recognised him as a great prophet. Maybe the people watching knew the scriptures that recorded Elijah raising up the young boy from the dead. The boy was the son of the woman who Elijah was lodging with, He was taken ill and died, and Elijah ministered to him and brought him back to life. ! Kings 17: 17-24.

Elisha in the spirit of Elijah also raised up a boy from the dead. 2 Kings 4: 34.                                                                      . 
Jesus said that John the Baptist was in the spirit of Elijah. But we read John the Baptist in his ministry of baptism he did no signs like raising the dead.  John 10: 41.
The prophet Elijah was translated into heaven and the Jewish people expected him to return before the great and terrible day the Lord. The people looked for Elijah to come and take Jesus down from the cross. “The man in the crowd said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” Matthew 27: 49.    Jesus’ heart was speared by the sword of the soldier. Jesus had died on the cross;
Medical science says that blood and water separate after death, blood and water issued out from the heart of Jesus.  John 19: 34                                                                                                                  
Scripture says that Jesus tasted death for everyone. Hebrews 2: 9.                          
Also in Hebrews he writes that we are all prisoners held captive by our sin against God until we come to Jesus believing that he is able to change our lives and release us from all that can binds us.

On Wednesday and Thursday last week I was on a Langley House Trust Chaplaincy Retreat in Leistershire. 
Langley is a Christian Charity that provides rehabilitation for people leaving prison. While in prison the system strips away their dignity they are told what to do and when to do it. They become withdrawn, shutting out what is going on around them, just to survive. 
Langley serves the people who live in their houses across the UK with the heart and in the Spirit of Christ, accepting people for who they are. They help ex-offenders  in a loving, but firm way learn to basis social skills and uphold Christian values.  In every house the work is under pinned with prayer and Bible study.
On the Retreat during the worship time on Wednesday afternoon, the Lord gave me in my mind, in the Spirit, a picture of Jesus rolling back his grave clothes. On the left I tried to draw the picture.

Only God could raise Jesus from the dead as His human frame had been badly beaten and his joints disjointed, in death he was lifeless, a corpse. Only God could raise Jesus up from the dead and release his bound body from the grave clothes, the linen clothes covered in myrrh and aloes. John 19: 39, 40.
When Jesus rolled back his grave clothes he had overcome the devil’s power over death and the things that binds humanity.
Added word: Before I set out on my journey to Leicestershire, in my prayer time the Lord gave me a word,”Rolling back the stone” It’s only now two weeks later that I realise the importance of that word. Receiving that word before the picture confused me and I was so moved by the picture of Jesus rolling back his grave clothes that It’s taken time to realise the full impact of what rolling back the stone means; it completes the healing process releasing us from all that would bind us in darkness as Jesus rolls back our grave clothes and the rolling back of the stone releases us into the light, freedom and healing, being raised up with Christ. 
(Some would say that the linen clothes lying in the tomb indicated that Jesus rose from the dead through the clothes. But for me one experience is worth a thousand arguments. John 20: 6-8.) 

As followers of Jesus, Christians are called to be Christ-like; in Paul’s words we have Jesus Christ’s abiding presence within us, ‘Christ in you.”

Peter filled with the Spirit of Jesus raised Tabitha from the dead. 
We know the story in Acts 9: 36-43 “Peter turning towards the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing  Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.”                                               

On Wednesday evening on the retreat Lawson Main from the’ Zacchaeus’ Project at St. John’s, Worksop came to tell us about the project. They  help people with drink and drug problems.   

He told us this true story, a young man who attended the Project came to Lawson telling him that his friend was dead in a flat after taking an overdose of drugs. They prayed together before going to the flat. The paramedics had been called.   
When Lawson and the young man arrived, the paramedics had pronounced him dead and as they began to put him in a body bag, to their astonishment, the man came back to life.  God had raised the young man up. 
At the project many have been set free from their addictions.  

This is what Langley House Trust hopes to achieve in all their projects ‘Helping people to live crime free lives.’  

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, the truth shall make you free.” John 8: 31, 32.

The Messiah’s Secret Revealed. 
I was brought up in a Christian family and I believed which was the general belief in the church, that the time for the Jewish nation to accept Jesus as their Messiah was before his death on the cross. 
However, the Lord revealed to me that in order to fulfil God’s plan of Salvation Jesus had to die and be resurrected from the dead and Ascend into heaven before the nation of Israel could receive Jesus as their Messiah. 
The early believers in Christ’s Church expected Jesus to return quite soon. 
“Now brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold by the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent  then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that the times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything.” Acts 3: 17- 26  

‘The times of refreshing,’ the Messiah’s Jubilee. See blog The Messiah’s Secret – Joy to the World.
www.messiahs-secret-revealed.co.uk for an in depth study of the Messiah’s Secret.
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The Messiah’s Secret – Blogs from 1 – 176

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BLOGS – The Messiah’s  Secret.  
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177 The Messiah’s Secret – Today’s Unemployment in the UK
176. Jesus God’s Son
175. Existence of God.
174. Fasting and Prayer UK Referendum
173. Jesus Walking in His Father’s  Footsteps.
172. Adopted Children of God
171. Pentecost
170. Jesus the Strong Arm of God
169. Jesus at the Centre
168. Easter Reflections
167. Jesus at Bethany  
166. Jesus our Shield and Refuge
165. Numbered with the Transgressors
164. The difference between John and Jesus’ Baptisms 
163. Grace and Truth 
162. Jesus Born in Mary
161. Zechariah and Elizabeth
160. Crooked Paths made Straight
159. The Beatitudes
158. God Appointed Positions
157. Times & Seasons 
156. A Child-like Faith
155. Hidden in God
154. Coming from within Jesus the Word of Truth. 
153. Jesus the Bread of Forgiveness
152. Ecclesiastes 3 Time and Eternity
151 Love for God
150.God’s Timing
149. Holy is the Lord
148. God raised Jesus from the Dead
147. Blog List. 
146. Haslingden Christians Together
145. Jesus’ Prayer John 17
144. Jesus the Perpetual Light
143. The Doors were Shut 
142. Jesus is Alive 
141. Jesus and the Cross  
140. Bethany                                        
139. Discernment
138. Church of England Today in UK
137. The Lighthouse
136.The Refining Fire
135. The Calling of Nathaniel
134.Showers of Blessings
133. Christ Born in us.
132. The Prodigal Son
131. Fulfilment of Prophesies 
130. Jesus Reigns
129. The Great Commission 
128, The Crimson Worm
127. Visions and Dreams. 
126. A Heart/soul Transformed
125. The Wheat Harvest
124. Celebrating the Ascension
123. Who is Jesus.
122. the Tower of Babel and the Gift of Tongues.
121. Our Inheritance in Jesus.
120.The Way, the Truth, the Life.
119. Celebrating 20 Years of the Ordination of Women.
118. The Messiah’s Secret-  The Temple of Jesus Body
117. Shalom – Peace
116. 34 Prophesies Fulfilled in One Day
115. Jesus Heals the Two Blind men
114. James the Brother of Jesus
113. James remembers Job
112. short study of Job
111. Baptism of Tears
110.New Start
109. Jesus the First-born
108. Jesus the Vine.
107. The Samaritan Woman at the Well
106. Advent of the Star of David
105. Mary Chosen by God
104. Updated Book www.messiahs-secret-revealed.co.uk
103.Jesus the cornerstone
102. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry
101. Good King Wenceslas
100. The Rich Man and Lazarus
99. The Lost Sheep
98. The Lord’s Prayer.
97. Treasure in Heaven
96. How Great is our God
95.Jesus the Bridge
94. Jesus had nowhere to Lay His Head.
93. The Woman with the Alabaster Flask.
92. The Surging Crowds.
91. Pentecost.
90. Early Christians and the Essenes.
89. A Stone Rolled Away.
88. A Christian View of Freemasonry.
87. The Resurrection in Christ.
86. Fall & Rise.
85. The Messiah’s Secret –  Isaiah 53
84. Mary Anointed Jesus 
83. Faith, Fasting and Prayer                              
82. What is the Messiah’s Secret                        
81.  The Wedding at Cana 2                                
80. The Wedding at Cana 1                                
79.  A Slender Thread
78.  The Birth of Jesus                                                                                 
77.  Joy to the World                                            
76.  Water & Spirit                                                
75.   The True Saviour                                          
74.  Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream 
73.  Entering into God’s Rest 
72. Called by God
71. Held in the Lord’s Hands
70. Jesus is the Lord our God.                        
69. Jesus is the Christ                                          
68.   Law & Grace                                                 
67. Fire of God.                                                   
 66. Running the Race                                         
 65. Community Issues – Why Does God Allow Suffering.                              
64. True Riches.                                                  
63.  Community Issues –  Diversity of People     
62. The Sceptre.                                                 
61.  Community Issues – Unemployment             
60. Shoe Industry.                                               
59. Treasure.                                                      
 58. Get on Board.                                                 
57.Resurrection.                                                   
56. The Vineyard – Christ in You                         
55. The Days of Noah.                                        
54. I AM the Resurrection and the Life.               
53. Transfiguration kept a Secret.                       
52. Morning Star – Christ in You Part 7.      
 51. The Sower – Christ in You Part 6.                  
50. Opening the Scroll.                                         
49. Flight into Egypt.
48. Archangel Gabriel’s Message to Mary
47. A Stone of Offence.
46. Sheep and Goats.
45. ‘Gideon’ Christ in You Part 5. 
44. Render to God the things that belong to God.
43. Christ in You Part 4  
42. Jonah.
41. Christ in You Part 3
40 The Third Temple 
39. Christ in You Part 2.                                      
38. Christ in You.                                                 
37. Jesus Removes the Blindfold.                      
36. Wheat and Tares.                                          
35. Children at Play in the Market Place.            
34. The Ascension of Jesus.                               
33. Mary the Mother of Jesus.                              
32. God the Mathematician.                                 
31. The Lord of the Dance.                                   
30. The Evening of the Day of the Resurrection.  
29.The Sovereignty of God.
28. Faithful Relationships. 
27. Jesus the Light of the World.
26. Faith and Grace    
25. Elijah and Elisha.
24. The Transfiguration 
23. The Way.  
22. Jesus the Physician. 
21. Saved by the Blood.  
20.Lamb of God.  
19. Baptism of Jesus.  
18. Emanuel. 
17. Criminal Saved.   
16. Jesus the King of Kings. 
15. Jesus the Messiah. 
14.  Pray Continuously.  
13. Healing Ministry of Jesus.   
12. Measured by Love.   
11. Communion with God   
10. Removing the Veil.
9. Faith, Justice and Mercy. 
8. Isaiah’s Prophesies Fulfilled.  
7. Jesus the Living Bread.
6. The Two Witnesses  
5. Jesus the King.  
4. Jesus the Son of God.  
3. The Messiah’s Secret Revealed  
2. A Kept Secret 
1. The Imperishable Seed.                                                     
  
                                                    
drawing on our experience of God in times of need., God is Love, God's loving presence, the Father's hurt

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus’ Prayer John 17

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The Messiah’s Secret – Haslingden Christians Together Meeting 
Friday 22nd May 2015

David asked if he could opened the meeting singing Graham Kendrick’s hymn ‘Such love’ David sang unaccompanied, he sang it beautifully. (David sings tenor in Haslingden Choir) 


“Such love, pure as the whitest snow, such love weeps for the shame I know; such love, paying the debt I owe; O Jesus such love.


Such love, stilling my restlessness; such love, filling my emptiness, such love showing me holiness; O Jesus, such love.

Such love, springs from eternity, such love, streaming through history; such love, fountain of life to me; O Jesus, such love.

Mission Praise 619 Graham Kendrick Make Way Music/Thankyou Music.

Lectionary reading:1 John 4: 7-12
“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 

God is love, his Spirit is love.
When John wrote his letter he wrote of God’s love not being a commodity, a token of God’s affection, but his all consuming love that we receive through faith in Jesus.
God’s ultimate love shown to us by sending Jesus his Son to lay down his life, to pay the cost for our sin, and so we receive the love of God, his Spirit is love. 

In preparation for today I remembered this true story                                                           
“In the eleventh century, King Henry 111 of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made an application to Prior Richard to join a local monastery. “Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “Do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a King.” “I understand,” said Henry, “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.” Prior Richard said, “Then will I tell you what to do, go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has called you to.”  Extract from “A Barrel of Fun” by J John & Mark Stibbe Monarch  Books.

The King sought to release himself from the pressure he was under by joining the monastery. Cutting himself off from the demands that his office required.
But what he was looking for we don’t find in a place, as I found out on Monday of this week God has spoken to me in a very direct way through this story. I suggest we find the answer not in a place like the King going to the monastery or us going on a retreat, we find it within ourselves.

Whatever the pressures or concerns are: illness, financial or family problems, for me it was on 17th May last Saturday night/ Sunday morning at approx 2.00pm I was woken up by a spiritual attack upon my head, my head was being vigorously shaken with some force, I was frightened and horror struck, I tried to cry out but I couldn’t. My husband was woken up by what was going on.
My spirit wasn’t affected, but it took me two days to recover. This story of the King and the Prior’s word, brought me into finding my recovery and it lay within myself. Every Christian has had a God experienced.
The Lord has taught me to draw strength from an experience of God on 11th March 1981 that is 34 years ago.
It was on a Wednesday, earlier on that day I had taken my mum to relaxation classes and later I made two skirts for my girls. At 8.30 pm I was sat by the fire studying Isaiah 59. In verse 16 it read that that there was no intercessor for Israel and 21 stood out. “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My Spirit that is upon thee, and the words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth.” I remember seeing these words in verse 21 light up with a golden glow, shekina glory.  At 10.00pm I started praying confessing the sins of our church and I remember I started with the two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, strength and to love one another.   
In a moment I was spiritual in the presence of God feeling his pain, which spiritual really hurt and tears gushed out like I’ve never experience before or since. God the Father was hurt because we were not coming to him with our needs.  

I also experienced the love of God in the place where God was, it was completely made up of love, the substance of it was love. Our atmosphere the substance of it is air, but in that place it was love, pure, holy love.  It happened so quickly and was over in a moment.                                                                                                

At the time Christ Church Walmersley the building had several outbreaks of dry rot and it was going to cost a lot of money to repair it, we were seriously considering closing the church and using the church hall for our services.
At the crucial meeting of whether we would close the building or repair it, on that very day our treasurer received a cheque a legacy for £5,000 from William Street (Bury and Masco Felt Manufacturers). The Parochial Church Council decided to restore the church building.

I am amazed that by looking again at that experience and not focusing on God’s pain, as I always have done, but instead focusing on the experience of God’s loving presence, as a result all the pressure of the attack has been taken from me and I am surrounded in his love and at peace.

I give thanks because through preparing to come here today and asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in what word to bring, I have learnt a valuable lesson and it’s all part of drawing on our faith in times of need, and drawing on those times when we have experienced something of God through his abiding presence.

David shared with us, the occasion when Jesus spoke to him, calling him to ‘come to him’ and afterwards when he was prayed for he was filled with the Holy Spirit.