birth pains, false Messiah's., Good Samaritan, Israel and Palestinion conflict, prophesies, robots, Rodney Copperbottom, wars and rumours of wars

The Messiah’s Secret – The True Messiah

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The Messiah’s Secret – The True Messiah
             Daniel 12: 1-4 Mark 13: 1-8
Robots were invented 35 years ago this robot on the left is called Rodney Copperbottom.
In our Gospel reading Jesus spoke of birth pains but not in the usual way were mum will soon give birth to a baby.
In this ‘Robots’ DVD clip birth pains are in a slightly different way.
Robot Rodney Copperbottom was born in Rivet Town, his father was late for his delivery. A box of robot parts. The only pain involved was in putting the parts together. 
Rodney grew up to become an inspiring inventor. He travelled to Robot City to meet the celebrated Bigweld. Along the way he met other robots, a whole gang of new friends. Rodney found out that the evil Ratchet guided by his mother had taken over Bigweld’s inventions company and was denying the robots the spare parts that they needed. Rodney was a bit like Jesus, he could make the robots better by mending their broken parts and he saved them from the evil robot Ratchet.
 Bigweld takes back his company from Ratchet and the Robots get their spare parts.
 Here in Rodney’s box is Springer pup he is feeling much better now that he has been mended.                                                                              
Can you tell me some of the ways in which robots are used?                                                                                         
We have developed the use of robots in factories doing all kinds of jobs like painting, welding, installing various parts in the production of cars and computers, and even moving boxes around in warehouses. They are used were jobs are dangerous, so to prevent risk of injury to a person a robot is used.
Robots can’t think for themselves and they are not aware of God or the Bible that foretell the future.                                                                                                                                        
Prophesies Fulfilled. Mark records the conversation between Jesus and the disciples as they came out of the temple in Jerusalem. His disciples were admiring the beautiful stonework of the temple. Jesus probably stunned them when he prophesied that the temple would be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled nearly forty years later when the Romans invaded and destroyed the temple in 70 AD.
Jesus spoke of birth pains or labour pains, that lead up to the birth of a baby. The birth pains that Jesus alluded to is a period of a time of trouble on the earth. Many theologians who study the Bible say that this birth pain period started one hundred years ago and continues today.                       
What should we look out for? Jesus said that, “Many will come in my name and say, ’I am the Christ.’ There have been many false Messiah’s over the centuries. The most recent Porto Rican preacher Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, he has an international ministry with a large following. To spread his bizarre doctrine he owns a TV station and has over 300 faithful pastors and he does not hide his intentions, he was reported as saying in a Miami newspaper,
 “My purpose is to close down every church so that the true church can begin.”                                       
Regarding wars and natural disasters. Many Christians believe that the labour pains began with the first and second world wars followed by increased unrest across the world.
Today, as I write this blog, we are sadly seeing and hearing about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, It is only three years since the last conflict between them.
What came to mind on Sunday morning was the parable of ‘The Good Samaritan” the man who was injured by robbers on the Jericho road, this could be any person suffering from injustice, whether it is a Palestinian, Arab, Jew or Sudanese.
 In the parable the religious men who crossed over to the other side of the road to avoid contact with the injured man, are like many of us, who do nothing to help people who are suffering injustice.
I believe that Jesus portrayed himself as the Samaritan in the parable, he helped the injured man, knowing that the Samaritans were enemies to the Jews.
Jesus taught that we should love our enemies, do good to those who persecute us.  In the parable, the Samaritan said he would return to the Inn and settle the injured man’s account.
I see this, as the return of Jesus, settling with justice, first with the Jewish people, and the church of the tribulation. Following on with the battle against the antichrist and his allies. Luke 10:29-37.
 The Sketch. In our sketch the question of the sequence of events that lead up to Christ’s return were headlines in newspapers, which caused worry and misunderstanding. But one person in the family had wisdom to see that through it all, he believed the words of Jesus telling us not to be alarmed about what was going to happen, but to keep our eyes firmly fixed on him,
Some people would ask why would God put in place prophesy that allows suffering and wars.  At Pentecost the Apostles proclaimed Jesus for the first time as the Jewish Messiah, that was the time for the nation’s leaders to accept Jesus as the Christ, but they missed it. Their leaders of the council were Sadducee who did not believe in the resurrection and the Pharisees who must have despaired at the thought of the Messiah being defiled by the Romans and put to death by them on a cross. God in his justice knew that they had acted in ignorance, it was so that the prophesies concerning the death and resurrection of the Messiah were fulfilled.”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16.
Jesus in his compassion for us all, hoped to return with the angels within the life time of the Apostles. ” When he (Jesus) comes in the glory of his Father with his the holy angels. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” Mark 8:38. 9:1.  John 21: 23.
Peter preaching shortly after Pentecost to the Jews, ”Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” Acts 3: 19,20.(’Times of refreshing’  meaning the re-establishing of the land and throne of King David by the Messiah.) God knew in his foreknowledge that the nation of Israel would not recognize Jesus as their Christ at and after Pentecost. They are a stubborn people, the prophesies concerning the end times will bring Israel to the point of extinction, a remnant left, before they look upon the one they had pierced. A difficult birth. Zechariah 12:10. 
Other Birth Pains. We are experiencing the effects of climate change; the increasing intensity of earthquakes and volcanic activity,famine and floods. The changes to our weather patterns are causing disruption to harvests across the world.
 Daniel 12: 4 this verse points to the birth pain period, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”  Robots are part of the fulfilling of that prophecy the swift advance of science and technology the speed of communications across the planet.
On the 14th November 2012 it marked the 90th year since the birth of the radio. For many evangelists this was the opening up of the gospel reaching every part of the world, fulfilling Jesus’ words, “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” Mark 13: 10.

The birth pains lead to the birth of a baby, The’ baby’ Jesus was referring to the ushering in of the kingdom of God where Jesus will rule over all the earth.(Pre-Millennium Blog Saved by the Blood)
Christians have access into the heavenly kingdom of God now through faith in Jesus  From the time of Jesus’ ministry he put in place his ‘Baptism.’ Water Baptism whether it is by sprinkling or immersing in water, it includes the whole family. Acts 16: 33. It is in making an outward expression, a public declaration, of accepting Jesus as our Saviour for ourselves and our children.
There is a true story in the Bible approx 1500 years before the birth of Jesus. It was a prophecy of Jesus’ baptism.
600,000 Israelites after crossing the Red Sea began their journey towards the promised land of Canaan. After travelling through the wilderness of Shur for three days they had run out of water. When they came to Marah, they found to their dismay, that the water there was bitter and undrinkable. Due to this they murmured against Moses. He cried out to God for his help. God told Moses to throw a tree, that lay nearby into the water and the water became sweet and drinkable.  Exodus 15: 22 – 25.

The bitter water represents sin.
The tree that Moses through into the water, represents the cross where sin was dealt with by Jesus.
The sweet water represents sins forgiven.

It is like washing up, to wash the pots in just plain water the stubborn dirt will remain. However if I put into the water a cleansing agent, it takes off the dirt and leaves it clean.
The water and the cleaner working together is like water and the blood of Jesus’ cross working together cleansing our hearts, removing our sin and its causes. 
Further to that Jesus puts a fizz, a sparkle into the water and that is the Holy Spirit. He stays and lives within our hearts and helps us to know and follow Jesus by revealing him in the words of the Bible or through other people.
This is known as being crucified with Christ and being baptised into his death and raised up in the likeness of Jesus’ resurrection.

If only, I had a robot, so that after the dish washer has washed the pots and pans, it could put everything away into the cupboards.

What Jesus has done for us is a finished work of salvation.
Jesus told his followers that he was going to leave them to be with his Father in heaven, but he would return. As the birth pains increase every Christian is praying for people to realise that the Bible gives us insight into these events that are taking place in the world and that Jesus is the fulfilment of Biblical prophesies. He is the Saviour of the world.  

25th November 2012 We give thanks for the cease fire that is holding between Israel and Gaza.
                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Beatitudes, Daniel's vision, Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Roman Empire, seals., ten toes

The Messiah’s Secret – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

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The Messiah’s Secret – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2: 1-11, 25-48.   Matthew 5: 1-12.   Revelation 7: 9-end

Approximately 600 BC the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. Jehoiakim the King of Judah, was captured and taken to Babylon.

Daniel may have watched the rifling of the temple at Jerusalem and afterwards taken captive to Shinar in Babylonia to serve in Kings Palace. God gave Daniel and his three friends: Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah of the tribe of Judah, the understanding in all visions and dreams.                                    ChristArt.com
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him. He sent for his magicians, enchanters, the sorcerers and the Chaldeans to tell him his dream and interpretation. They could not deliver the king an answer. The king was not pleased and ordered their execution. Arioch the captain of the king’s guard made the matter known to Daniel about the king’s dream. Daniel asked for an audience with the king to tell him the content and interpretation of his dream.
Daniel consulted with his three friends: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. (These were the names given to them by Ashpenaz the chief eunuch to the king.) He asked his friends to pray for the revealing of the King’s dream and its interpretation. The mystery of the dream was revealed to Daniel in the night. Daniel also known as Belteshazzar went before Nebuchadnezzar and told him his dream and gave him the interpretation of it.
                        First Kingdom Babylonian Empire
                      Head of Gold – King Nebuchadnezzar
                  
Second Kingdom  Persian Empire
     The breast and arms composed of silver.

Third Kingdom Greek Hellenistic Empire
     The belly and thighs of bronze

Fourth Kingdom Roman Empire
     Legs of Iron
Feet – ten toes of Iron and Clay mixed
The stone cut from the mountain, falls and breaks the image
 and the wind blows the pieces away.
The stone fills the whole.

Imperial Roman Empire includes the return of Jesus and the tribulation period.
The title given to the Emperor in Rome – Caesar
In 364 AD Emperor Valentine divided the Roman Empire
East Constantinople and West Rome

The Two Legs
Rome fell 476 AD and the Holy Roman Empire moved its centre to France and later to Germany. The Imperial Kings title – Kaiser or Caesar.
In 1453 AD the Turks invaded Constantinople, the Romans fled to Russia and they set up Roman Imperial Government the Kings were called Zars or Caesar.

Nebuchadnezzar’s statue the ten toes.
The toes are constructed of both iron and clay which indicates weakness and strength.
Daniel’s vision gives us details of the meaning of the ten toes, they are ten kings. Daniel’s Vision Chapter 7:  1-28                                                                                                                                                        

    

The great sea –  Mediterainium

Winged lion – Babylonian Empire.

Bear-like – Medo-Persian Empire

Leopard-like – Greek-Hellenistic Empire

Fourth beast – Imperialistic Empire

Daniel 7: 1-28 Four of the kings become prominant: Babylonian, Persian, Grecian and Roman. From one of them the Antichrist emerges and subdues the other 3 kings

Signs of the Times
In 2008 I was given a word ‘One World Government’ I knew it was connected with future prophesies. The world is often referred to as ‘the global village.’ Since the introduction of the computer communications across the globe have made the world seem a much smaller place. In the 1970’s six major leaders of countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US and the UK came together to try to resolve the oil crisis, they were known as the G 6. Two more countries have since joined them Canada and Russia making up the G 8.                                                                                                                                           
These leaders have continued to meet over a period of nearly forty years to discuss other problems: climate change, wars, famine and the financial crisis.
This could quite easily become the G10. One of the ten kings in Daniel’s vision emerges with charisma and seemingly has the answers to the world problems. He becomes dominant and will be
idolised by many.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream the statue was of himself.
Nebuchadnezzar passed a decree that everyone in his realm had to worship the statue.  For Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego it meant swimming against the tide of the king’s authority in keeping to their faith, they refused to worship the statue. As a result Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a furnace to be roasted alive. But they were miraculously saved from destruction and eventually Nebuchadnezzar had to admit the great power of their God. Daniel 3: 1-30.
Daniel found himself in a similar situation during the reign of King Darius.  He was thrown into a den of lions of because he insisted on worshiping his own God. But again, he was unexpectedly delivered and Darius was forced to accept the supremacy of the God of Israel. Daniel 6: 1-28.

Antiochus set up an image of Zeus in the temple at Jerusalem. The Maccabean revolt followed and Antiochus was defeated.

Jesus’ prophecy concerning the Antichrist.
This statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream also points us to the Antichrist, the counterfeit Messiah, standing in the temple at Jerusalem being worshiped as god.
“When you see the desolating sacrilege spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place.” Matthew 24: 15. 2 Thessalonians 2: 3, 4.

When we hear of these things, pray, look for Jesus’ return and pray for people to come to faith in Christ as we want them to escape the time of the tribulation.

 Scriptures reveal that Jesus calls out the church before the start of the tribulation.
 “Two men will be in the field; one is taken the other is left.” Matthew 24: 40         
 “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 9 – 11.

After the antichrist is revealed we see the start of the seven year tribulation with Jesus opening the seals, each seal is a judgment. Revelation 6

We can identify the Beatitudes in Matthew’s gospel with the tribulation Christians.
Blessed are the poor in spirit.These are the Christians who continue to witness with perseverance, after their message has been rejected. This takes place during the three and a half years when people are turning to the antichrist.
The first seal is the rider on the white horse carrying a bow without an arrow. The rider is wearing a crown and he will go out to conquer and to conquer.
This person is generally thought to be the antichrist, the counterfeit Messiah, who on his first appearance is a man of peace, who will conquer the world with his answers to the worlds’ problems. The world is deceived by him. 2 Thessalonians 2: 9-12

Blessed are those who mourn Those who see the antichrist turn against Israel and the tribulation period begins.
The second seal is the red horse, its rider being permitted to take away the peace. The antichrist turns against Israel and makes war against her and her allies

Blessed are the meek. The humble, obedient Christians who will suffer for the lack of food, maybe it will be because of refusing to have the mark on their right hand or forehead.  Revelation 13: 16, 17.
The third seal is the black horse and its rider depicts the consequences of war; there will be famine on a world-wide scale, because of the scarcity of wheat and barley. But medicines will be available as the oil and the wine are not hurt.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after the righteousness of God.
The fourth seal – the pale horse and its rider. The pale horse signifies death on a massive scale, one quarter of the world’s population through war, famine and the wild animals savaging, searching for food.                                                                                                                 
I understand through study that the horsemen of the apocalypse are imagery. Horses represent speed of which things will happen. The rider, the messenger is revealing the nature of the judgement.

Blessed are the merciful. Christians who always forgive their enemies no matter what the situation is. The judgement belongs to God.
The fifth seal Christians that will be killed in wars of persecution for their faith in Jesus.

Blessed are the pure in heart. The Christians refined by their suffering, as they have died to self.
The sixth seal. Earthquakes and cosmic events, meteor showers, the sun and moon blocked by the dust. People hide in caves to escape the falling debris.

Blessed are the peacemakers The prayers of the peacemaker.

Between the sixth and seventh seal the 144,000 Jews witness for Christ bringing world-wide revival. Revelation 7: 2, 3.
(The Jehovah Witnesses claim to be the 144,000 Jewish descendants of the tribes of Israel. They also claim that Jesus has already returned with his angels, invisibly in 1914. This I believe is not correct)

Blessed are the persecuted.   The Christians who swim against the tide of world evil and as a result are persecuted.

The seventh seal – There will be silence in heaven for half an hour before the great intensity of the tribulation.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
The stone cut from the mountain falls on the image and destroys it. Jesus the stone, returns to Mount of Olives where he is recognised by the few remaining Jewish people.
Jesus comes with the armies of heaven and the saints and battles against the Antichrist and is victorious. The fragments of the stone will fill the whole earth which is Jesus’ kingdom.

In the third reading Revelation 7:9-end the tribulation saints will find that there will be no more hunger or thirst and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                  
betrothed, Joshua and Caleb. Hosea, Promised Land, Rest

The Messiah’s Secret – Entering into God’s Rest

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The Messiah’s Secret – Entering into God’s rest.
Joshua 14: 6-14.  Matthew 12: 1-21.
Through the conquest of Canaan the Israelites expected to enter into God’s rest.

The Israelite Conquest of Canaan took place over three thousand years ago.                                                                  
On the first occasion when Joshua and Caleb returned from spying out the land of Canaan, they suggested that all Israel should go up at once and occupy the land. However, the men who had accompanied Caleb spoke out against it saying that the occupants of the land were too strong. The sons of Anak were giants also known as Nephilim.
As a result the people were afraid of entering into the land. On account of their disobedience Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. Numbers 13: 30, 31. 20: 12.
After the death of Moses, God instructed Joshua to go and possess the land that he had promised them. Joshua reminded the people that Moses had said that God was providing them with a place of rest, and he would give them this land. Joshua 1: 13.
After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses’ prophesies were fulfilled for Joshua and Caleb, who were the only two from the original 600,000 Israelites to enter the Promised Land. Numbers 14: 34.
Caleb had wholly followed the Lord his God. He knew in his heart, that the Lord would fulfil Moses’ promise to him, that the land he had spied out and his feet had trod would be his and his descendants inheritance, the city and lands of Hebron. Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak from Kiriath-arba  or Hebron and the inhabitants of Debir and took the land. Joshua 15: 13-19.

The Day of God’s rest.
When Israel entered the land and settled there, that was not the rest that God was referring to. The land of Canaan has been continually fought over right up to our present times. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later of another day. So there remains a rest for the people of God; for whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his labours as God did from his.” Hebrews 4: 8-10.

The Lord’s rest is not found under law.
The Pharisees watched Jesus’ disciples pick and eat the corn on the Sabbath Day which was forbidden; they brought it to Jesus’ attention. In response Jesus paralleled himself and his disciples to David and his men: The disciples were unlawfully eating the corn on the Sabbath day from which the bread was made.
In reference to David, Ahimelech the priest responded unlawfully to David’s request gave him the bread of presence which was only for the priest to eat. The twelve cakes of bread were kept always before the Lord on the table of the Shrew bread in the Holy Place.  1 Samuel 21: 6.

Other parallels.
King Saul pursued David he wanted to kill him because he felt threatened by David’s popularity. Jesus was pursued by the Pharisees in verse fourteen the Pharisees were out to destroy Jesus.

Mercy not Sacrifice
Both Jesus and David brushed aside the rules of the sacred things and were guiltless through the Lord’s mercy.
Jesus went on to say that he desired ‘Mercy not sacrifice’ the understanding of these words is found in Hosea.  “Steadfast love and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6: 6.   1 Samuel 15: 22.
Jesus came into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world.  In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus referred to himself as the physician bringing reconciliation to the outcast, the broken hearted, desiring mercy not sacrifice. Matthew 9: 10-13.
They would not have condemned the guiltless had they know the God’s redemption of mankind through David his descendant Jesus. David was a man of the Lord’s heart. 1 Samuel 13: 14. 

Someone greater than the temple was in their midst. The one who instituted the temple. Jesus the bread coming from heaven, the bread of life.

The Messiah’s Secret.
Jesus the grain of wheat that had to die before he could redeem the people of the earth and all creation. “Unless a grain of wheat fall into the earth and dies it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12: 24.

Rooted in Judaism.
It is important that every Christian knows the origin of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus fulfilled the prophesies in the Hebrew Scriptures concerning the coming of the Messiah or Christ, both names mean the same, ‘the anointed one.’
Moses inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote about mankind’s separation from God through the account of Adam and Eve, their disobedience led to the corruption of the human nature.
The Laws given by God to Moses reveals to all people, God’s nature and how the soul/spirit of mankind strived to conform to them, but failed. The law put in place a means (A blood sacrifice) to atone (cover) mankind’s failure to keep the law.

Jesus taught his disciples the process of coming out from under law. (blog Law and Grace) I realised this, when Mary of Bethany was nourished with spiritual food coming directly from the living Word himself, Jesus. He had removed the veil of the law of Moses from Mary. As she sat listening looking into the face of Jesus nothing separated her from the love of Jesus.
Jesus was looking to beyond the cross when he said to Mary “which shall not be taken away from her.” The cross is the end of the law of Moses. (blog ‘Removing the Veil)

Gentiles need to understand the process of coming out from under law, as we are derived from God’s revelation of himself through Judaism.
Under law for a Gentile means that we try to keep the Ten Commandments as a set of rules. We also try to train our soul/spirit to subdue its longing for contentment: methods of meditation, striving to make it work, but the effects do not last long.

What the law could not do was to transform our corrupted nature of our soul. Our soul’s pride, self survival with all that pertains to it.                                                                                          

Our soul/spirit is discontent until it is transformed by Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, his redeeming work in our soul that brings contentment, peace and rest.  

Hosea prophesied the church.
“And I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness and you shall know the Lord.” Hosea 2: 19, 20.
Prophetic of the New Covenant the relationship between the Lord our God and his bride the church. Jesus paid the dowry for the bride. Jesus loves us, both Jew and Gentiles so much he became the final sacrifice for sin and the causes of sin against God when he died on the cross at Calvary.
The righteous love of God paying the price for our sin that separated us from God. After his resurrection and ascension Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into the world. When we come to Jesus in repentance and faith, his love and forgiveness goes into action as the Holy Spirit transforms our soul/spirit. Afterwards the Holy Spirit gives us knowledge of God, revealing Jesus to us in scripture.                                           

In our union with the Lord Jesus we enter into the rest of God.

“All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 27-29.
The rest of God has nothing to do with the physical body.  It is resting in God’s favour, the Father loves the child, nothing can separate us from the love of our Father. God’s steadfast love and in his love he continually forgives us. The Holy Spirit empowers the Christian to be Christ-like.

“A young man said to his father at breakfast one morning, “Dad I’m going to get married.” How do you know that you’re ready to get married asked the father, are you in love?” “I certainly am” said the son. “How do you know that you are in love?” asked the father. “Last night I was kissing my girl friend good night, her dog bit me and I didn’t feel it, until I got home.”

This reminded me of in the churches mission. The dog, Satan is snapping at our heels trying to separate us from our beloved Jesus in order to disturb our rest in him. But we know that we have entered into the rest of God, even if we do not always feel it. We have the Lord’s word.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                              
Appointed, called by God, Class sketch, higherr and lower place, humility., James and John, Rulers house

The Messiah’s Secret – Called by God

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The Messiah’s Secret – Called by God.
Hebrews 5: 1-10. Mark 10: 35 – 45.
The children’s spot in the service: we had fun quiz on ‘Good Manners’ based on Jesus’ teaching of showing humility and respect for others.                                
James and John the sons of Zebedee the fisherman, they had firsthand experience of Jesus’ generosity and kindness. Regardless of a person’s background or position in society Jesus would attend to their need.
Jesus was so approachable; James and John were not overawed by him to go and ask directly a request, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”                                                                                                        
Jesus in his reply, he said, “What do you want me to do for you.” His words indicate that he would have responded positively. In his goodness, he wanted to please his disciples. They asked for either one of them to sit on his right and left in his glory.  
                                                               
Jesus always told the truth, James and John’s request could not be granted, as these positions were for those who God had appointed.

The writer of Hebrews reveals that Jesus had been appointed by God his Father to the position of Intercessor between mankind and God.

James and John were probably disappointed with Jesus’ answer. But when the rest of the disciples heard about their request they were not pleased.
We can understand when we read this account that our prayers are always answered as to what is best for us or for those for whom we have prayed.                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Jesus had been appointed by God to leave his heavenly home and come to the earth, to be born into this world as one of us.
Jesus came from a higher authority, King of all creation not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.                                                                                  

Jesus’ teaching is relevant for us today.
Jesus had been invited on the Sabbath day to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, others had been invited too. 

Jesus had noticed on their arrival they chose to sit in the places of honour.
The most prominent men in Jewish society were the Sadducees, Pharisees, Lawyers and scribes, the members of the Sanhedrin, Rabbis, followed by the business people, the man with the dropsy probably the lowest person present.                                                                                            
                                                                  
The sketch was taken from the 60’S TV show ‘That was the week that was’ they made a joke out of the failed British Class system; the titled aristocracy, the middle class business man and the skilled trade’s man. The upper class looking down on the middle class and in turn he looked down on the lower class who ‘knew his place.’ However, the upper class was revealed as having ‘innate breeding’ but having no money. The middle class was still regarded as being common and the lower class man ‘knew his place.’ The pretense of the upper class of having breeding and no money was the leveling factor.
This class system has been replaced with the super rich, the rich and the less well off. The values of this system are reflected by some of our present politicians. The Tory Chief Whip recently has been brought to account over his comments to a Downing Street Policeman. The Chief Whip humbly gave an apology to all those involved. He has since resigned his office.                                                                                                               
The Lord calls us to be humble in respect of others.
This was reflected in Jesus’ parable to those dining at the Ruler’s house. “When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honour, just in case a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 12: 1-11                                                                                                                               
The Lord calls us to be humble before others, and so that he can exalt us, he first calls us to die to self interest.
In our reading Jesus said to James and John “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism which I am baptised?” They said to him, “We are able”. Jesus was referring to the cup of suffering and the baptism of dying for the sake of the gospel?”
Every Christian following Jesus will be asked by the Lord the same question. For all, it does mean dying to self interests and for some it may mean persecution and death.

Jesus taught by example.
 In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was under great spiritual pressure to save himself from going to the cross. The writer of Hebrews refers to this, “”During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5: 7.
Luke records also Jesus’ words, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22: 42. 

By Jesus dying to the desire to preserve his own life, Jesus gave over his life to God.
In our relationship with God dying to our self interest; it is like when two people get married each loses their independence.  Marriage is made in making an agreement to be joined together, working together in respect of each other and when arguments surface, love gives in to love.  In the kingdom of God there is no marriage between believers and there are no children born between believers. We are the children of God . Luke 20: 27-36.                         
                
No favouritism with God.
Jesus emphasised his point of seeking the lowest place by indicating there is no favouritism with God, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. A servant works for others, a slave is owned by others. It is a tremendous privilege to be owned by God in his service.
 If you feel that God is calling you to serve him in some way, ask the Lord for confirmation.
                                                                                             
“I recently heard a well known clergyman’s testimony of how the Lord called him to becoming a Vicar. At the age of 7 or 8 he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said a ‘Vicar.’ From that time he seemed to be on a conveyor belt, run by other people’s expectations right through school and on to University, where he read theology. On one occasion a fellow student asked him why he did not go to worship. His response was that he did not go to worship, on the grounds that he would be doing it for the rest of his life.                               
He went to Theological College but he was not sure if it was in fact a waste of time, he had doubts about becoming a Vicar. After making these comments to a friend, he attended ‘Compline’ an evening service and it was during the singing of John Wesley’s hymn “O thou who cameth from above . .  Verse 3 Jesus confess my hearts’ desire,” from that moment God spoke through it.
He now knew, that he was doing the right thing in becoming a Vicar. Jesus had called him to this ministry. He went on to say, that he never thought he would ultimately become a Bishop.” 

Through love and obedience for his Lord, Jesus lifted him up from a lower place to a higher position in his service.  I would encourage anyone who is being called by God to respond. It brings an inner peace of fulfilment.
I will, to do your will, my Lord and my God.
                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                            

bird, dove, engraved in palm of God's hands., hands, heaven, hell, lily

The Messiah’s Secret – Held in the Lord’s Hands

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The Messiah’s Secret – Held in the Lord’s hands.
The hands remind us of the Lord’s word in the book of Isaiah 49: 16 “Behold, I have graven you in the palm of my hands.” 
Jesus places us in God’s hands to be looked after, loved and cared for by our heavenly Father.

In the recorded words of Matthew Jesus was stood on the Mount teaching the people and gave insight into the ways of God.                                                                                           
Harvest   Matthew 6: 25-33.
We give thanks for our food and clothing as Jesus reminds us that the birds, the flowers that are totally dependent on God. God who sustains their life and ours too.                                                                
Dove/bird – The dove is brought and placed into the cupped hands by a child.
Question –   What do birds feed on?    Answer – Worms, seeds, berries and insects.
What are they are covered, clothed with? Answer –  feathers.                                                     
The dove is a symbol of peace. 
Noah was maybe anxious when the raven returned with no sign that the waters had receded, he sent out a dove and it returned with no sign. He sent out the dove again and this time it brought the good news, dry land had appeared it carried in its beak an olive leaf.  Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.                                 .                                                                                                                            
The lily. The lily is placed in the hands by another child.
Jesus said consider how they grow, they don’t have to work to make themselves grow; they simply receive the water and nourishment from the soil. How majestic is their appearance. Jesus compared the lilies splendid appearance, as being far superior to the dazzling, sparkling robes of King Solomon.
God knows we need food and clothing and all these things are provided. Jesus wants us to look beyond food and clothing and to seek his kingdom living by faith and trust in God.
How do we grow in faith and trust in Jesus, we pray in faith believing that God will answer our prayer in what is best for us.                                          
It is like the Freesia bulbs I planted in spring; in due course the stems and the leaves appeared followed by the fragrant flowers. I expected them to grow, I had faith that they would.
I have faith that when I post a letter the Post man will pick it up from the Post Box and it will be delivered reaching its destination.
Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.

Jesus touches our lives when we come to him in faith and trust.
My eldest daughter, when she was ten, had a routine school medical were she was diagnosed with having a heart murmur. We were advised to take her to see a consultant. I was anxious, so I asked the church family to pray for her. When praying it’s a good idea to pray for all involved: the person and the medical diagnosis, the consultant, the nurses, the results of any tests.
The consultant paediatrician was very kind and explained what she had was not going to cause her any problems and no treatment was needed.  My husband and I were so relieved and thankful. The prayers were answered and in another way too, within eighteen months the consultant and his family moved into our locality and joined our church.

Jesus is alive and has the power to bring new life were we are worn and strength when we are tired when we feel unable to cope with everyday situations. 
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
 If I go to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
 If I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:10.
Dependance on God. 
Christians who are struggling to make ends meet; God will supply your needs. I remember my sister after her husband left her, the youngest child, (one of seven,) was under one. Her former husband did not pay her any maintenance and the state benefit did not cover basic needs.  Many a time she did not know where their next meal was coming from. My sister depended upon the Lord’s help and support. Out of the blue someone would call and supply their need.
Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.

Harvest Appeal
Our churches Tear Fund representative introduced the appeal with a three minute video and placed into the hands items that relate to Tear Funds activities abroad. Following this Gwen (not her real name) who had visited Uganda earlier this year, shared with us her experience. (She had brought with her some items, that she had brought back from Uganda and placed them in the hands.)
Gwen showed us pictures on the screen of how little the people had in their homes, food was scarce and of poor quality. The cycle of poverty was difficult to overcome because it meant that people had to change their way of life. Tear Fund’s representatives give advice and practical help to alleviate poverty and reduce illness by providing new ways to cultivate their land and they teach personal hygiene and cleanliness.
However, Gwen noticed that the Ugandan’s faith and trust in Jesus, shone. It reminds us of Jesus words; the 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies and not one of them is forgotten by God. Their names are engraved into the Lord our God’s hands.
Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.

Paul’s letter to Timothy he encouraged them to pray for the well being of all people especially those who hold high positions.  1 Timothy 2: 1-8
Our leaders need our prayers as they strive to deal with the problems of our day. Today in the UK many Christians are concerned about the slide away from Christianity.
Last Saturday Christians world wide held a day of prayer, we held it at Wembley Stadium, sadly there was no mention on national TV or in the newspapers. Some would say it’s a sign of the times. We hear of the increased unrest in many countries, and the global effects of climate change on the seasons. There is urgency for people to hear the good news and make a decision about Jesus.

Bible teaches choice between – Heaven or hell.
Heaven is a place where those who follow Jesus and witness their faith, upholding his name. They will be forever with the Lord in the light of his kingdom.
Hell is a place where those who reject Christ will be totally separated from the love and light of Christ in complete darkness.

Paul wrote that God would see all people saved. 

(The hands 1 and 1/2 metrs long I made them out of cardboard carpet tubes) 
                                                                            
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                      
  
                                                                           
healing, Moses, paralytic, Tad Lincoln

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus is the Lord our God

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The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus is the Lord our God.  

 President Abraham Lincoln’s son Tad Lincoln used his accessibility to his father to help those people in greatest need who came to the White House to see his dad. When the person wanting to see the president entered the White House they gave their calling card to the valet. The valet would take the cards in order and then put them in a stack on a desktop. This desk was located in a hallway at the top of the stairs. As each person finished their business with the president, the valet would then go to the stack of cards and call the persons’ name that was on top of the stack. Many a time, however, Tad felt that this presented a problem: If others before them took too long and the hour approached 2, any remaining persons waiting would have to come back the next day and start the process over again, as that day’s cards were thrown out. However not to worry! Tad was on the lookout. He made a regular habit of chatting with those waiting. If the person had a particularly “sob” story — grieving widow, an unemployed family man and so forth — then Tad would help matters along. He would quietly go up the stairs and move that person’s card to near the top of the pile, making sure that they were seen by his father, President Lincoln.
Tad had access to his father, the President because of his relationship with him. Other people had to go through protocol and wait their turn.
Access to God.  Exodus 24.
Moses had access to God, he met with God on more than one occasion on Mount Sinai. There God gave him his laws and commandments to administer over the Hebrew people.
In our reading Moses wrote down the laws that he received from God approx 600. The Israelites having accepted these laws Moses ratified them with blood, the blood from the sacrificed oxen. Half of the blood was sprinkled on the book containing the laws and the other half on the people.
The significance of the blood; everything under law was purified by blood; the blood atoned for sin against God. Leviticus 17: 11. Hebrews 9: 22.                                                                                            
The people committed their lives to this agreement.
Moses went up the mountain again, with Aaron and his two sons Nadab and Abihu and the seventy elders, where on this occasion they all saw God, under his feet a sapphire pavement. It is interesting to note that the Israelites then and now have no statues or images of God in their places of worship. (The third commandment).
 Moses went up on the mountain again to receive from God the commandments written on tablets of stone and the laws regarding the sanctuary spending 40 days and nights on the mountain. Joshua accompanied him to a certain point. On this occasion Moses was given the plans to make a sanctuary, a dwelling place for God to be amongst his people. God travelled with them as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.                                                                                                                                                              

In the Gospels we read that everybody had access to Jesus the  Lord our God.
On Jesus’ arrival at Capernaum in Galilee a paralysed man was brought by his friends on a stretcher to be healed by Jesus. A number of scribes were present watching and listening, they overheard Jesus say to the man, “Take heart my son; your sins are forgiven.” Jesus knowing the scribes thoughts, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus said to them, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?
 The Jews believed that sickness was as a result of sin.                        
The book ‘Beyond Belief’  Y Course. Peter Medows & Joseph Steinberg with Donna Vann.
“Jewish people believed physical suffering was caused by the person’s sin. For a person to be healed meant their sin had been dealt with, and only God could do that.”
God could forgive sin through an offering being made at the temple. Sin and the causes of sin came into the world through the fall of Adam and Eve.                                                                                        
 For Jesus to forgive and heal this man meant that Jesus proved he was God.
“But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” He then said to the paralytic – ‘Rise, take up your bed and go home.” Matthew 9: 1-8.
The Messiah’s Secret page 57
Jesus referred to himself as the Son of man, a title belonging to the Messiah, the anointed one. Jesus was making the point that he had the authority from God his Father, as he and his Father are one, to forgive this man’s sin and through healing the paralysed man he proved that he was God made visible in the flesh. John 5: 17, 18.
Not all sickness is caused by a person’s sin. The man who was born blind, Jesus said that it was so that the work of God could be revealed in him. John 9
Jesus has made God accessible to us today through his cross.
The Communion commemorates and invites every believer to partake of the blessings of the New Covenant that has been ratified (legally binding) by the blood of Jesus. “This is my blood of the New Covenant.” Mark 14:24 The Covenant is based on love and forgiveness of sin and keeping faith in Jesus, in his words.
“Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father will love you, and we will come and make our home within you.” John 14: 23.
This becomes a reality when in faith we turn to Jesus in repentance saying sorry for our sins against God. Jesus has bore our sin upon the cross, so releasing us into the freedom of God’s forgiveness through his resurrection. As a result the Lord comes into our whole being and dwells within us.
 As a result we take hold of our position in our relationship with God our Father and Jesus Christ, and just like Tad Lincoln used his position to access his father, we have access to God’s throne of grace where we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Whatever our needs are we can expect the Lord our God to intercede on our behalf. Like Tad the Lord uses us to intercede for others. We are seated with God in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers; Satan has no dominion over us. When we pray to Jesus our Lord and God, we address or end our prayer in his name.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those who are struggling with doubts about Jesus of who he is in relation to God, may they take hold of the words recorded by the Apostles, proving that Jesus is the Lord our God and may these words become real to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                                                                                            
James the Lord's brother, Judge, King David, lectionary, Vicky's testimony, You are the Christ

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus is the Christ

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The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus is the Christ
     Mark 8: 27-38.  James 3: 1-10
I have been taught to always put my words and those of others to the Bible checking them with the words of scripture. (Words in the Bible that have been translated from the original Greek and Hebrew)  
The compliers of the Lectionary have the responsibility for our daily scripture readings. They bring together a number of readings that link in various ways. 
The reading from James’ letter and Mark’s gospel are linked by the contents of the conversation between Jesus and Peter.

 James wrote in his letter that the tongue, referring to a persons’ thoughts put into words are capable of speaking both truth and falsehoods. 
Jesus and his disciples were travelling from village to village in the district of Caesarea Philippi. While they were walking along the road, Jesus asked his disciples a question “Who do people say I am? Peter said, “You are the Christ.” Matthew in his account of this conversation records Jesus’ remarks, he realised that God had revealed this truth to Peter.
Continuing the conversation, Jesus said that he was going to suffer and be killed and raised on the third day. Matthew again records Peter’s  response, he  rebuked Jesus saying, “God forbid, Lord! This should happen to you.” Matthew 16:13-23
Jesus identified that Peter’s remarks came from the teaching of men and in this case the spirit behind it was Satan. 
Peter was in error in the second part of the conversation when he denied Jesus’ authority over the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection which had been prophesied by Isaiah and King David. Secondly Peter had spoken from what he had been taught by the Scribes, Layers they had been taught from the law that when the Christ came he would remain forever.” John 12: 34. 
The Jews were not taught about the suffering and death of the Christ.

Jesus in his ministry removed the errors of misinterpretation of the Scriptures by the Pharisees, Scribes, lawyers and Rabbi’s. These errors led to the misconceptions concerning the Christ.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Every now again I empty my hand bag of its contents; keys, credit cards, mobile, pens, purses, handkerchiefs, comb, lipstick, receipts, small change, tracts, parking receipts and toffee wrappings. Some of the items I keep in my bag all the time, others I slip in to deal with later.
 After empting the contents of my handbag I start to sift through removing the unwanted items; like toffee wrappings, parking receipts. 
Misinterpretation of the Scriptures. 
Jesus removed the false teachings in regard to the laws that the Pharisee, lawyers and scribes had added to those laws given to Moses by God. Especially the Sabbath Laws that forbid a person to be healed on that day.
Even today though we know that we are not under the Law of Moses and Jewish traditions, but we still observe some of them as they have come down the generations. During my life time it was frowned upon for a woman to wear trousers: jeans or slacks. 
Under Jewish Law Deuteronomy 22: 5. It is forbidden for a Jewish woman to wear men’s clothes.  More recently tattoos have become very popular, and definitely frowned upon by a lot of church people. It stems from Leviticus 19: 28 they were it is not allowed tattoos under law.
Other Jewish traditions still exist in the church and in my view, as a result quenches the work of the Holy Spirit.

Misconceptions regarding Christ the Messiah.
 In response to Jesus question, “Who do men say that I am?” Those who believed in the resurrection assumed he was one of the former prophets whom God had raised from the dead: Jeremiah, John the Baptist or Elijah. But none of these prophets mentioned were descendants of King David. 
Some Jewish liturgy indicate that King David would be raised from the dead fulfilling his own prophesies.
A Messianic Prayer, the Last Day of the Feast of Tabernacles.
 “A voice herald’s and said: Turn unto me and be saved, Today if ye hear my voice. Behold the man sprang forth –   Branch is his name – David himself. Stand up! Be buried in the dust no longer! Ye who dwell in the dust. Wake up and sing. Glad will be the people when he ruleth. The name of the ungodly shall perish. But to his anointed, the Messiah David, he giveth grace. Grant salvation to the eternal people to David and his seed forever. The voice heralds and saith.” 
Both Peter at Pentecost and Paul Acts 13 made the point that King David having died his remains lay in his grave.
“Brothers I tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried and his tomb is here to this day.” He went on to say, this Jesus whom you crucified God has raised up fulfilling David’s prophecy. “For David did not ascend into the heavens; but himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.’ Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts Chapter 2: 29, 36
Paul on his first missionary journey in the synagogue at Pisidia said, “ For David, after he had served the council of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. “ Acts 13: 36.                                                                                                                                                          
(Added 2013 blog Jesus our Redeemer – Qumran Scrolls the Essene Community were in existence before the Pharisees and Sadducees. “Many scholars believe that they were connected with rise of the Pharisees in the centuries before the birth of Jesus,” Introducing the Old Testament” by John Drane.                                    
The scrolls indicate that they believed in two or even three Messiahs. One of these Messiah’s would return.)

The Pharisees, Lawyers and Scribes expected that the Christ would uphold the law and act in accordance with it.   He would also be a judge like Moses. Exodus 18: 13.
Jesus called Matthew a Tax Collector to be one of his disciples. The Pharisees were upset when they heard that Jesus sat and ate with Matthew and his fellow tax collectors. Matthew 9: 9-11   
When the Scribes and Pharisees brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus they wanted him to exercise judgement under the law towards her. “Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such as this. What do you say about her?” Adultery under law was punished by being stoned to death. Instead Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.  John 8: 3-7

Two brothers were at loggerheads over their inheritance, one of them came to him to make a judgement between them. Jesus said, “Man, who made me a Judge or divider over you.”  He had not come to be a judge over people; he came not to condemn but to save. Luke 12: 13, 14. John 3: 17.
 Jesus disregarded their interpretation of Scripture concerning the Christ.

Below road sign. The triangle is the wrong way up. This reminded me of Today’s misconceptions about the Christ.                                                                                                                                                                                                               
  In the 1960’s the ‘New Age Movement’ began, they believed that the age of Jesus Christ was over. He was a man of his time, having great insight into humanity and a good man.
 This triangle is correct.  Jesus is the Christ.                                                                                                                                                                                    
The truth is that Jesus is the Christ, his love reaching out through the cross today. Jesus who is God our Saviour revealed in the flesh and during his ministry the well documented miracles that he performed only God could do them like; create new flesh were leprosy had eaten away. Raise the dead after four days in the grave, turn water into wine etc.
In the kingdom of God’s love there is no difference between races.
After discarding those bits and pieces, I put back the things in my bag that are useful to have on occasions when I need them. I associate these with the precious promises that Jesus gave to Peter.
Matthew includes in his account these words coming from Jesus. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16: 18, 19.
Peter the first shepherd of the church, commissioned by Jesus to feed the Lord’s lambs tending to his flock. John 21: 15-17.                                                                                                                                                     
After Paul was converted, it would seem that he went to Jerusalem speak with Peter and James. “Three years later he went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him for fifteen days. He saw none of the apostles – only James, the Lord’s brother.  Galatians 1: 18, 19.
James the Lord’s brother became a follower after Jesus’ ascension. John wrote that Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him prior to his death, resurrection and ascension. John 7: 1-9
Using the spiritual keys Peter opened the door of the kingdom to Israel at Pentecost and he opened the door to the Gentiles when he visited Cornelius at Caesarea and the Holy Spirit fell on them as he had on the Jews at Pentecost. Acts 10.
Peter had a tremendous healing ministry. They laid the sick in the streets and as his shadow passed by people were healed.

Jesus gave a word of advice not to seek to establish our own destiny and lose out on eternal life. The way to save our life is by taking up the cross and the gospel of Jesus.
The other Sunday evening I attended “Restbite” a local church in Haslingden.  During the service a young woman gave her testimony. Vicky started by telling us about her background, as a child she believed in God, but she did not take it seriously. Also in her childhood she had been sexually abused. As a result in her teens she was expelled from several schools after wreaking havoc amongst her class mates and teachers. During those teenage years she became addicted to drugs and alcohol and was caught on numerous occasions shoplifting.
All these things plus her thoughts telling her she was rubbish, from the depths of her pain and lack of self worth, she sought to end her life, thankfully she failed to do so.
Vicky said that after her daughter was born she made her mind up to change, she tried very hard not to drink and take drugs. Instead she became obsessed with cleanliness, her home was spotless and tidy, and nothing had to be out of place. Here she was making her own destiny, self determined to control her thoughts and actions.      However, sadly one day she received the news that her brother had taken an overdose of Heroin substitute and died. Her brother’s death resulted in her returning to drink and drugs.
At that time her partner, family and doctor were unable to help her.  It was a friend took her to Holly Bush, Jim Wilkinson’s church on the farm in North Allerton Yorkshire. At that meeting she heard a young man giving his testimony, Jesus had set him free from drink and drugs and she said that as he spoke everything he said seemed to be directed at her.
At the end of his testimony  the man asked if anyone wanted to follow Jesus and ask him into their life, to go forward for prayer. She went forward for prayer, as a result she was healed of her addictions and Vicky was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Through her faith in Jesus who has won the victory over all sin and the causes of sin through his death and resurrection released Vicky from the addictions.

The Lord is discarding the unwanted contents of her hand bag. Five years later, Vicky is still working through the causes that lay behind it. Jesus’ cross having already won the victory over all that stood against Vicky, the Holy Spirit is bringing to the surface the things that caused her to sink so low. After handing them over to Jesus for his healing touch she has claimed back the ground in her life that previously had torn her life apart.
(The years the locusts has eaten Joel 2: 25.)                                                                                            

The Lord has given her numerous gifts and as she puts her faith into practice using those gifts, many people will be blessed.  Vicky is rejoicing telling the world, she is certainly not ashamed of what Jesus had done for her.

The disciples were obedient to Jesus’ command not to disclose that he was the Christ. They kept it a secret  until Pentecost, where they proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ publicly for the first time. 
Truth coming from Jesus.
After Pentecost Peter now spoke about Jesus having to suffer and die. In proclaiming Jesus as the Christ Peter revealed to his listeners at Solomon’s Portico that it was prophesied by the prophets that the Christ would suffer.
They had been taught under law that the Christ would be raised from the dead and remain forever.  John 12: 33, 34. Christ after his resurrection and ascension would have fulfilled the prophesies that spoke of the times of refreshing were the God’s kingdom would be established by the Christ King David’s throne and kingdom. Had the Jewish leaders accepted him as a nation at and after Pentecost Jesus would have returned. Acts 3: 17 -end.
 “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. Acts 3: 17-21.
Peter and John were not ashamed to bear their soul’s conviction of what Jesus had said he would fulfil. They were expecting him to return soon as Jesus had said, “ When he comes with his Holy angels. There are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God has come with power. “ Mark 8: 38. 9: 1.                                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                     

                                                                                                                   
bread of life, communion, Cornelius, Grace, I AM, Kosher, Law and Grace, Peter's vision

The Messiah’s Secret – Law and Grace

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A Christian is not under law, but is under grace. Romans 6: 14
   
Jewish people today keep the laws of Moses and a lot of effort goes into keeping the laws relating to food.

A term we use in connection with something being correct: ‘it’s Kosher.’
Kosher – Hebrew – Yashar meaning to be right, pure, and clean according to Jewish ordinances.

On a table I placed a number of vegetables and fruit.
Fruit and Vegetables are Kosher
Any vegetables:  cauliflower, onion, peppers, carrot and potato.
Lettuce and water cress. Leafy vegetables must be cleaned carefully inspecting the leaves where insects may hide.
Any vegetables found having worms, grub or insects in them are not kosher

Fruit   Apples, pear, plums, raspberries and grapes.
All fruits are Kosher foods, however, if they are not cleaned thoroughly removing any insects or worms they are not Kosher.                                                                                           

Grape products are kosher as long as they have been prepared by a Jewish person.  However, whole grapes are kosher.                                                                                                                                           Fish The Jewish person can eat sea food as long as it has scales and fins.
Clams, oysters, crabs, shrimp, prawns and lobster are not kosher.                                                                                             
Poultry
All poultry are kosher.
Meat
Meat is considered kosher as long as it from an animal that chews its cud and the hooves are cloven. Pig and hare or rabbit are not kosher.  The blood of any creature must not be eaten.
For the Jewish person all meat to be eaten must have its blood drained from it, because life is in the blood. The blood removed from the meat makes the food spiritually sinless and clean. Leviticus 17: 10-16 


                                                          
The problems Jewish people encounter arise when they dine at a restaurant or in the home of someone who does not share their beliefs.

Bowl and several packets of crisps.  Opening each packet of crisps and identifying those that are kosher and those that are not kosher like: smoky bacon flavour, flame grilled steak, prawn cocktail and those that are kosher; potato, cheese and onion, salt and vinegar.
By mixing the crisps all together we cannot easily identify the kosher from the non kosher which would be a problem for a Jewish person keeping kosher law.

Under law if a Jewish person eats by accident any of the non kosher foods they must cleanse themselves (purification ritual) by washing with water. In the evening they are pronounced clean. Leviticus 11. & 17: 15, 16
The Day of Atonement, a sacrifice for the people of Israel covering all sins. Leviticus 16: 15,16

Finishing statement. Jesus ended the kosher food laws when he died on the cross. 
                                                         
A White Cloth is placed over the table to signify that the food laws came to an end.

Following the Lectionary – John 6: 51-58   Ephesians 5: 15-20.

Jesus said, “I AM the Bread of Life.”
Prince Charles has a number of titles: His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothsey, Knight of the Thistle, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and about six more titles that belong to him. 

‘I AM’ is one of the titles belonging to God which God revealed to Moses “Say I AM has sent you.” Exodus 3:14.

“I AM” one of Jesus’ titles.  Jesus gave his name as ‘I AM’ whilst in conversation with the Jews. “The Jews challenged Jesus by saying are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? “Jesus in his reply said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad. The Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8: 56, 57.
Apostle John records were Jesus in his prayer tells us that he was with his Father in heaven before he came to the earth.   “And now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.” John 17: 5.                                                                                                        
Jesus has always had a continuous life.
God intervened in human affairs when Jesus was born of a woman and became one of us. At the age of thirty three he died on a cross. Death was unable to hold him;  God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Scripture tells that his body did not decay and become dust, fulfilling the King David’s prophecy. Psalm 16: 8-11   Acts 2: 27.
Forty days after his resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. He has an indestructible eternal life, after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7: 3, 15-17.                                                                                                            
At Capernaum in the synagogue Jesus discussed with the Jews this question concerning his claim to be the bread from heaven.
The Jews took Jesus’ words literally and were appalled.
“The Jews disputed among themselves saying “How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood you shall not have life within you. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” John 6: 52 – 58

Some of Jesus’ own followers were appalled
“Many of Jesus’ disciples, when they heard it, said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” John 6: 60
Even some of Jesus’ followers couldn’t accept these words and didn’t follow him anymore. John 6: 60, 66
For Jesus to suggest that they should eat his flesh and drink his blood were against all of the laws relating to food as food was spiritually part of them. Defiled by foods that were unclean under (kosher) law .
Especially they were defiled, made unclean by eating blood as life was in the blood and without the shedding of blood there was no forgiveness for sin. Leviticus 17:11. Hebrews 9: 22.
The penalty for sin was made through an offering being purchased at the temple, a pigeon, a lamb, a goat, etc The person brought their sacrifice before the priest, the person placed their hand upon the head of the sacrifice saying a prayer that transferred their sin to the sacrifice becoming one with the sacrifice, it paid the price by laying down its’ life for their sin against God. 
Jesus saying “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him,” he was referring to the partaking of his sacrifice becoming one with him laying down his life for sin relating to the food laws and all laws and sin against God. No longer has food any spirituality. Jesus declared that all foods were clean. Mark in his gospel recorded Jesus saying; “Do you not see that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and passes on. (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And Jesus said, ”What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. These are what defile a person.’” Mark 7: 14-23.
Mark realised when he wrote in brackets, (‘Thus, he declared all foods clean.’) Jesus was saying that food was clean. 
Jesus bore these sins of the flesh that defile a person’s heart for us on the cross: evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. These are what defile a person not what we eat.

Signifying a change from being under law to grace.
Today, when we turn to Jesus in repentance saying sorry to him for our sins against God we are forgiven. Jesus becomes our substitute taking our sins of the flesh upon him on the cross, so releasing us into the freedom of God’s forgiveness through his resurrection.

At Holy Communion the bread and the wine are symbols of Jesus’ sacrifice of his body and blood. They do not become the actual flesh of Jesus his body or blood. 

The Communion reminds us of Jesus sacrifice and also that we receive the benefits of it under grace.
Salvation – Saved from the results of sin which is eternal death, separation from God.
Healing –   Reconciliation with our Father God leading to restoration of our relationship with God.
–       that takes place in our body, soul and spirit
–       from our sicknesses and disease.
Eternal Life – we receive a continuous life in fellowship with God.                                                                                                                          
It was several years after Pentecost when Peter had a vision were the Lord confirmed that the laws relating to food were ended. How hard it is for a Jewish person to come to terms with the fact that kosher food laws are no longer required.

“After Pentecost the apostle Peter was staying at Simon the tanner’s house at Joppa. Whilst Simon and Peter were preparing the evening meal, Peter had a vision, he saw the heaven opened, and something descending, like a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “No, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.”Acts 10: 9 – 16.

Here the Lord our God was doing two things.
Through this vision not only have the food laws come to an end but the Gentiles have been brought into the New Covenant.
“While Peter was still pondering the vision, three men arrived at the house and asked for Peter. They informed him that the centurion Cornelius had been visited by an angel. The angel directed Cornelius to send for Peter who was lodging at Simon the tanner’s house at Joppa.                                                       
Peter quickly realised the meaning of the vision; it was God’s intention for him to go and associate with these people who were not Jews. This would also include eating food from their table. Peter accompanied the men to the home of Cornelius at Caesarea. Peter related to them all about Jesus, “God had anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest . . . To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” While Peter was saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. Peter and his companions were amazed; God had shown no partiality between Jew and Gentile.” Acts 10: 38 – 45.  

Two other scriptures confirm that all foods are clean.
“The heart is strengthened by grace, not by foods which have not benefited the adherents.”Hebrews 13: 9.
“Therefore let no one pass judgement on you in questions of food and drink.” Colossians 2: 16.              
Jesus the Bread of Life
Jesus went on to say, “It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh is no avail; (profits nothing) the words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.” John 6: 63.
Jesus pointed to his words as being living bread.
Scripture verses that confirm this view Jesus being the word of God clothed in the flesh. 1 John 1: 1. 
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and was God.” John 1:1.                                           
On the evening of the Day of Jesus’ resurrection Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto his disciples. Afterwards Jesus opened their minds to understand prophesies in the Hebrew Scriptures concerning his suffering and death, and his resurrection. Luke 24: 45, 46.
  
Purification by the water of the Word.
Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.” John 15: 3 Every word that Jesus received from his Father he gave to his disciples, the truth cleansing them and setting them and us free.  
We are all taught by God through the abiding presence of Jesus in our mind and hearts.Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he wrote that we are cleansed by the water of the word. Ephesians 5:26, 27. It is about ‘truth’ entering into the truth of God’s Word. 
The Blood  The continual flow of Christ’s blood from the throne of grace. For Paul through the visions that he had received his beliefs had been turned upside down.                                                                              The Messiah’s Secret page 126. Paul a Pharisee “Paul, a Pharisee, strictly adhered to the law. God had shown him that circumcision and the rituals and sacrifices of laws of Moses had come to an end, and the Holy Spirit would now write God’s laws into the heart of a person through faith in Jesus, the New Covenant.”                                                                                             
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace he has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end.” Ephesians 2: 13 -16
Through Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension the ceremonial law and the law of commandments contained in ordinances (regulations) are ended. 
We are not under law, but under grace.
Under grace the law is fulfilled in love and written in the heart. John 15: 10.Romans 13: 10. Jeremiah 31: 33.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he reminds them to discern what the will of the Lord is;
He suggests that everything should be done in moderation; he did not say it was wrong to have a glass of wine, but he wrote it was not good to get drunk. On another occasion he wrote in his letter to the church at Rome saying that because they were not under law, they could NOT do whatever they liked so that grace may abound. Romans 6: 1, 2, 11, 15.

The modern term – Antimonaism – Sin no longer a force to be reckoned with so you can do whatever you like.

Peter confirms that the rules of Jewish law are no longer in force, he reminds the Christians of his day and us today in his second letter: to add to faith virtue, add to virtue knowledge, add to knowledge self-control, add to self-control steadfastness, add to steadfastness Godliness, add to Godliness brotherly and sisterly affection, add to brotherly and sisterly affection the love of God. 2 Peter 1: 3-8. 

Grace  Blessed are you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You made the world in your love. You redeemed the world by your love,
You sustain the world with your love. May we ever abide in your love,

And give ourselves to you in love. Amen                                                                                                                                                                       

burning bush, Day of Vengeance, tongues of fire, War on the Saints.

The Messiah’s Secret – Fire of God

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The Messiah’s Secret – Fire of God 

Evening Lectionary Exodus 2: 23-3:10. Luke 12: 49-56
Our Lord God Jesus sends fire upon the earth in various ways: The appearance of fire:The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a flame of fire from out of the burning bush, from the bush God (Jesus) spoke to him,  “ Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here am I.” Then he said, “Do not come near; put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is Holy ground.” Fire identified with God, the fire that was in the bush, but did not burn the bush.                                                       
On the Israelites journey towards the Promised Land the cloud went before them during the day and a pillar of fire by night. The fire giving them light by night to see the way ahead. Exodus 13: 21 Again the pillar of fire did not burn the ground. 

Before the Holy Spirit came into the world at Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell on people as God directed them to fulfil his purposes.

Jesus sending a fire that is within a person. John the Baptist said that there was one mightier than himself who would baptise them in the Holy Spirit and with fire. Luke 3: 16.                                                                                                                                            
Tongues of fire were seen on each of the disciples and all those present in the room of the house at Jerusalem at Pentecost. Acts 2
The fire of the Holy Spirit within a person; Mrs Smith felt that her head was extremely hot when the Holy Spirit filled her at the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit. (Christ Church Walmersley Bury 1982)
Jesus opened the eyes of Cleopas and the other disciple, “Did our hearts not burn within us while he (Jesus) talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures.” Luke 24: 32.
John Wesley’s heart was strangely warmed as the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus through Paul’s letter to the Romans.

The Messiah’s Secret
“I came to cast a fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!” Luke 12: 49, 50.
Jesus came to cast a fire, “I came to cast a fire upon the earth.” This fire is one of judgement.
The Day of Vengeance  The fire that destroys and purifies Luke 3: 17
The Messiah was expected to bring in ‘The Day of Vengeance’  the Messiah would deliver Israel from their enemies. The second part of the sentence, ‘And would it were already kindled’ The Day of Vengeance   these words indicate ‘ not yet’ it is future. 

On an earlier occasion at the start of Jesus’ ministry, in the synagogue at Nazareth Jesus read from the book of Isaiah Chapter 61 verse 1 and part of verse 2. “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” The second part of the verse “And the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn in Zion,” he did not say. This indicates that this was to take place in the future which confirms the delay of the impending judgement in verse 49. “I came to cast a fire upon the earth, and would it were already kindled.”

Jesus had to first fulfil the ministry of bringing the good tidings of the coming kingdom of God, especially to those who were outcasts; those like the lepers and the very poor.                             

The disciples expected that the Messiah would fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy including the second part of verse two. Jesus’ disciples wanted to see Jesus carry out judgement on the Samaritan village that would not receive him. The disciples had gone before Jesus to the towns and villages where he was about to visit with the message about the coming of the kingdom of God. The residents of this village did not want Jesus to enter it, so the disciples thought that they should feel the wrath of God’s judgement. They said to Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them.” Luke 9: 54 Jesus rebuked his disciples, he moved on to another village. 

Jesus then proceeded to tell us in the next sentence the reason why the fire is not yet kindled, “I have a baptism to be baptised with.” The baptism referring to his death on the cross at Calvary. The Jews did not expect the Messiah to come and die, they expected a man like Moses who would redeem them from their enemies. The prophecy from God given to Caiaphas that one man should die so that the nation would not perish,” was taken to mean that death of Jesus would see off the threat of a popular uprising to make him the King of Israel. John 11: 49-51. 6: 15.                                                                                                            
“And how I am constrained until it is accomplished.” Jesus discerned the hardness of their hearts. Caiaphas’ prophecy had impacted the Jewish council they were willing to go along with it. Later when they headr from Peter that the Messiah had first to die and be resurrected by God before they could accept him as their Messiah as a nation. The nations leaders were unwilling to look beyond their own beliefs. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection and ignored the prophesies of King David that the Messiah would be resurrected from the dead.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
The Judgement Seat of Christ. Christians will come before the Judgement Seat of Christ after Jesus calls out his body of believers, the church. Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians about the refining fire of Christ that will test the works of the believer. ”Each person’s work become manifest the Day will disclose it, it will be revealed with fire and the fire will test what sort of work.” 1 Corinthians 3: 12, 13.  Paul informs us that it is the, “Disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every person will receive their commendation from God.” 1 Corinthians 4: 5.                                                                                                                                                   
How gracious the Lord is when he looks at motivation of our hearts and not at how successful we have been or the scale of a Christians work.
I mentioned the various ministries that Christians are involved in from our church, covering all the organisations belonging St. Mary’s.

Jessie Penn Lewis, “ War on the Saints.” Appendix “Fire from God: Is a purifying through suffering (Matthew 3: 11, 12.) or a consuming zeal in spirit, which deepens into white heat intensity to do the will and work of God, which no trial or opposition can quench. Fire from God is spiritual, not literal, and therefore falls upon the spirit not the body.”

The Sword of Division. Not all Christians find it easy to combine family life with the commitment to their calling and ministry. Especially when members of the family are not of the same beliefs.                                                                             
Signs of the Times 
Christians in their job situations are now finding it difficult to work without at some point clashing with the modern structures that discard Christian values. Increased world tensions over the Middle East countries, war could flare up at any time.  Jesus has yet to call out his body, the church before Daniel’s prophecy of the last week is fulfilled. We have yet to see the rise of the antichrist.                                                                                                                                 
bread, Eric Liddell, Gold medal, London Olympics 2012, prize., triathlon, words of Jesus

The Messiah’s Secret – Running the Race

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The Messiah’s Secret – Running the Race. Above Gold Medal

In London the Olympians have a great passion for their sport, their talents are fine tuned, trained to perfection. They listen to their beating heart and the pounding of their feet and labour for a gold medal that is their reward their crowning glory for all their hard work and effort.

The people of Jesus day were toiling, labouring, striving to please God through keeping the law of Moses in order to attain the prize of their names written in the book of life.
Daniel 12: 1. Revelations 3: 5

Christians for having taken part in the race and more importantly finishing it are looking to receive a crown from Jesus.

John 6: 24-35.
In this morning’s reading some of the people who had experienced the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 were searching for Jesus, they had experienced a great miracle, yet their hearts were hardened, they did not discern the connection between Moses and God’s provision of the manna and God’s provision of the bread and fishes.

In our sketch Jay found that he had not listened to God’s word to him, or discerned the movement of  the Holy Spirit. As a result the God’s word was over-ruled by Jay’s own desires quenching the Holy Spirit’s nudging. His eyes had been fixed on earthly glory. He was glorying in his achievements.
(In the sketch God’s direction, his will for Jay had not been heard by him, he was instead showing off his medals before God and his fellow Christian Eileen)
Eileen had heard God’s word to her and her actions were in response to her faith in Jesus.

Another example of a Christian listening to God and in faith acted upon Jesus’ words.
Eric Liddell became well known for being the fastest runner in Scotland. He had a nick name, the “Flying Scotsman” many newspapers who followed his progress, in their articles stated that he was a potential Olympic winner.
The 1924 Olympics were hosted by the city of Paris. The schedule of races had been published several months before the Games took place.(In the film ‘Chariot’s of Fire’ he heard as he set sail for Paris)
Eric who was a devout Christian, had decided that he would not race on Sundays, the Lord’s day. As a result he withdrew from the 100-metres race, his best event. His decision did not please many people and he suffered as a result, his friends tried to persuade him to run, after all he had the potential to win three gold medals for Great Britain.
Eric spent the intervening months training for the 400 metres. When the day of the Olympic 400 metres race came, Eric went to the starting blocks, where an American Olympic Team masseur slipped a piece of paper into his hand with a quotation from 1 Samuel 2:30: “Those who honour me, I will honour.”
After leading the race from the start, he was challenged all the way down the home straight but held on to take the win. He broke the existing Olympic and world records with a time of 47.6 seconds.

On this video clip from the film ‘Chariots of Fire’ we hear Eric sharing his faith with the crowd.

Video

Eric spoke of the power within each Christian.
The power within is the bread of life. Jesus described himself as bread, he pointed to his words as being living bread,
Scripture verses that confirm this view
“It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh (his body) is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.” John 6: 63
Jesus being the word of God clothed in the flesh. 1 John 1: 1.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1: 1

God had set his seal on Jesus.
Seal – to give one’s authority or assent to. (Chambers Dictionary)
We read that Jesus had the seal of approval from God his Father. The voice of God was recorded by Mark in his gospel as saying, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” Mark 9: 7
Jesus is recorded as saying in the previous chapter that they listened to Moses and so they should listen and believe in his words that he received from God his Father. God’s word to Moses, “ I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren and I will put my words in his mouth.” Deut 18: 18

Jesus’ words inwardly digested will nourish our inner self and his words empower our natural gifts giving us encouragement to step out in faith, confirmed with a words of scripture and the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit stepping out into the unknown out of our comfort zone as we are totally reliant on Jesus answering our prayer.

Eric Liddell acted upon the word by keeping the Lord’s Day.
Jesus established the New Covenant were the laws given to Moses are fulfilled in love and are now written into a believer’s heart through faith in Jesus. Jeremiah 31: 33, 34. Hebrews 8: 10-12  Ephesians 2: 13-22.
The early church put in place Sunday as ‘the Lord’s Day.’ A day set aside for focusing on worship and fellowship.
Paul wrote that the love of God is the fulfilling the law and embraces far more of the nature of God.  Romans 13: 10
“Love is patient and kind, love is not jealous or boastful or rude. Love doesn’t insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in the wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Eric listened to God.
After the Games Eric went back to China as a missionary, he continued to compete now and again. On one occasion he was asked if he ever regretted his decision to leave behind the fame and glory of athletics. Liddell responded, “It’s natural for a chap, to think over, all that sometimes, but I’m glad, I’m at the work, I’m engaged in now. A fellow’s life, counts for far more at this, than the other.” His work as a missionary took priority over his achievements as an athlete.
In 1932 he was ordained and later married Florence Mackenzie. He died in a prison camp in China on 21 February 1945 he was 43 years of age. According to a fellow missionary, Eric Liddell’s last words were, “its complete surrender” in reference to how he had given his life to God.

The kingdom within us ensures that Christians after running the race receive a crown.
Sketch: In our sketch, both Jay and Eileen received a crown, the victor’s crown, these crowns are given to us for having taken part in the race and more importantly finishing it.
There are not any losers in the Christian faith, no medals either only a crown. But we have this glorious treasure within, the eternal bread that will last for eternity.


We are all in training to witness our faith on life’s journey.
Once a year at Whitsontide on either Friday or Sunday the members of the Churches in the town walked around their Parishes. At the head of the procession there was a brass band, followed by a large banner with the name of the church and a picture embroidered on it relating to the name. It was usually followed by the clergy and choir after them the Sunday School and following them the members of the congregation in the organisations that they belonged to within the church. We all came to together at the town square where we had a short service. In 1976 my two years old daughter, tired by the walk, when we arrived at the town square she said to me, “Mummy, my legs are out of breath.” I’ve never forgot her words, especially now thirty plus years later she takes part in Triathlon ‘Iron Man’ events around the world.

Paul used the opportunity of the Isthmian Games of his day to give encouragement to the churches at Corinth and Ephesus. “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable wreath.” 1 Corinthians 9: 25.

At the London Olympic Games the athlete’s years of preparation and dedication for the few is paying off.  Having kept strictly to a planned diet and exercise, measuring the amount of protein, vitamins and carprohydrates at every meal and having a good night’s sleep. Observance of these are essential to help the body realise its potential.
Along with the diet is the routine of daily training, spending two to three hours out running in all weathers and exercising at the gym.

St Paul wrote, “The Christian exercises self-control in all things,” I believe Paul was referring to us having a disciplined life that daily spends time in prayer and tasting the goodness of the spiritual food, in the study of the Bible, and as our mind and will working together with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to equip us for meeting the challenges of the day ahead.

On Track
My daughter uses a GPS Tracker when she is in a triathlon race. It is much bigger than a watch, and is worn on the wrist. Through the Tracker she is able to monitor her heart beat, pulse, steps, calories, speed, distance and a map of her route that she is about to take and she can stop on route and it will pin point the exact spot where she is. It is amazing technology.

‘Christ in us’ is like wearing a tracker, it shouldn’t be surprising to us when the Lord knows our every movement, our thoughts, and he knows the condition of our body and our planned route the schedule of events in our life.
In our relationship with the Lord, we are called to walk by faith. It means being reliant upon God to respond to our prayers. For us to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit for guidance.

In the race all the training and bodily fitness comes into its own. I’m told that in a triathlon race that after completing three quarters of the race the body needs extra impulsion. The runner relies on their own strength this comes from the disciplined mind to overcome the strain on the body, as tiredness and cramps kick in. The athlete’s discipline is kept up because of the motivation of the challenge and the prize of being successful.

On our Christian marathon the daily discipline finds its fulfilment: when someone may ring or email to ask us to pray for a family member or a friend who is about to undergo an operation. We may bump into someone on the street who off loads their problems, we become a listener, a shoulder for them to lean on, as they unburden themselves.
In all kinds of ways the Lord will direct our paths to help someone and for us to receive from others. It may be that we need help from another Christian to fill in a form or help in writing a letter.
On occasions we may struggle, it is as we persevere in prayer to keep on the track of faith and with the Lord’s help as we stand on the word of God we are strengthened to win through whatever the circumstances.

For the Olympic prize winner they receive a medal, to commemorate their achievement. The Christian looks forward to receiving the prize of eternal life, and a crown of everlasting glory.

By Dorothy Newton