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Be Axious About Nothing

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We may be finding it difficult to rest while we wait for the vaccine roll out.

One day, a little boy visited the nurse for a vaccination. After the nurse gave him the injection, she tried to bandage the boys arm, “The boy said, “I think you had better bandage the other arm, “ “But why? I’m supposed to bandage the place were you’ve been injected to let your friends know not to touch it.” said the nurse “You really don’t know anything about my friends, do you?”

Paul had written a strongly worded letter to the church at Corinth. In his letter he pointed out they were quarrelling and following leaders rather than Jesus.  Sadly, there were other problems as well. Paul had arranged to meet Titus at Troas, but Titus failed to arrive. Paul could not rest he wanted to know what was happening at the Corinth Church, so he went to Macedonia where he met up with Titus.

Everything seemed to be going wrong. Paul was anxious and he could not rest.

“When I came to Tro′as to preach the gospel of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord; but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedo′nia.”   2 Corinthians  2, 12, 13.

We pick up the continuing worry in Chapter 7

 For even when we came into Macedo′nia, our bodies had no rest but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within.                        2 Corinthians 7: 5

Paul was very concerned about the Corinthians reaction to his letter, in his first letter he appealed to them to come together. God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance and forgiveness.

In our current situation as we journey through this pandemic, we may be finding it difficult to rest while we wait for the vaccine roll out and It is understandable, but we can be assured that it will happen and getting uptight doesn’t help us. Being still and keeping safe we can rest and be at peace.

Titus had good news for Paul and he was comforted to hear of their change of heart. The Corinthian Church had recognised that Paul loved them and he only wanted to bring the healing love of Jesus to bring them to say sorry to God and each other and to start afresh following Jesus’ teaching and walk in God’s Spirit of love.                2Corinthians 7: 6-10.

Paul need not have worried about the situation; from this I think he had learnt to trust God and rest. To the Church at Philippi he wrote, “Be anxious about nothing, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”   Philippians 4: 6.

Tom Wright Study on James puts it this way, “Prayer must surround everything we do, whether we’re sad or happy, suffering or cheerful. Prayer that is based on the fact that the Christian stands at the overlap point of heaven and earth.” “The person praying stands with one foot on earth in the place of trouble, sickness and sin and with the other foot in the place in heaven of healing, forgiveness and hope.”

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John’s vision refers to the past, and future events.

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 John’s vision refers to the past, and future events in Revelation 12.

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.” Revelation 12 : 1-5

The woman is Israel, built upon the promise to the Patriarchs, the sun and the moon and the 12 stars being Jacob’s sons.

In Genesis 37: 9-11 Joseph the youngest son of had a dream, ”The sun, the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to him.”  The sun – Jacob, the moon – Rebekah, the eleven stars the sons of Jacob and Joseph was the twelfth son. Joseph’s dream pointed to Jesus, Joseph being a type of Christ.

The woman in the vision, is a descendent of Jacob through the line of Judah, King David from whom the Messiah was prophesied to descend from. Luke records the genealogy of Mary tracing her line back to Jacob and the Seth who was the son of Adam the son of God. Luke 3: 38.

Soon after Jesus’ birth we read his life was in danger.

We can determine through our Revelation reading, that the spiritual force working through King Herod was the red dragon representing Satan, who brought his demonic host against the holy child Jesus when King Herod ordered the slaughter of male children under the age of two years.

In verse 4  and verses 7-9 we can also identify the red dragon being thrown out of heaven to the earth, from the words of Jesus in Luke 10: 18 where he saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven, a past event.

The question arises at what point in the history of the earth did this event took place where Satan was cast out of heaven.

The Gap theory Arnold G Fruchtenbaum in his book ‘Footsteps of the Messiah’ maintains that between Genesis verse one and verse two there was a mineral earth, but without oceans, vegetation or people, Genesis 1: 1, 2. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2. The earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the waters.”

Isaiah wrote, ”For thus says the Lord who created the heavens (he is God) who formed the earth and made it. He established it. He did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited.” Isaiah 45: 18.

Isaiah recognised that God doesn’t create chaos.

Fruchtenbaum writes: “When God judged Satan he was expelled out of heaven, he took up his abode here on the earth and as a result it became empty and void, it was covered with water and darkness. He continues, sometime after this, the 6 days of creation recorded in Genesis one.”

From the website www.gotquestions.org The author writes, “One difficulty of the gap theory is that it requires that creation suffer death and destruction before Adam’s fall. Romans 5:12 says, “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” He continues in response to Romans 5: 12, Through Adam’s sin, evil entered our world and the realm of man was cursed. But rebellion already existed outside the realm of mankind (in the spiritual realm), since Satan and his angels had already fallen (Isaiah 14:12–14; Ezekiel 28:12–18). Sin could not enter the realm of man until man chose it. And Satan, via the serpent, successfully tempted man to make that choice.”                         

The answer to the question at what point, in the history of the earth did this event took place where Satan was cast out of heaven. Theologians would agree Satan appeared on the earth between Gen 1: 1,2  but the theory is still being debated.

But what we do know is that Moses recorded that Satan usurped the authority over the earth after the fall of man. He sought to undermine the fellowship between mankind and his creator. God created man out of dust and then he breathed into Adam his blood, giving him life. “The life of the flesh is in the blood.” Leviticus 17: 11.

God told Adam and Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit, a few minutes later God saw them eating some fruit, “Didn’t I tell you not to eat the fruit.” “Uh, uh said Adam, “Then why did you” “I dunno, “Eve replied, “She started it” said Adam, “Did not” said Eve.  Having had it with the two of them. God’s punishment Adam and Eve should have children of their own”.

The second Adam

Paul referes to Jesus the second Adam, who has redeemed us from the fall of Adam and Eve and the earth with his blood.

The blood and the word of salvation is acted upon by the Holy Spirit bringing forth a person, who is, a new creation in Christ, which includes a place in the new heaven and the new earth.

New heaven and the new earth

The seed of faith that is imperishable contains, the new heaven and the new earth within it. Jesus has achieved a complete work in his death, resurrection and ascension, so we are complete in him.

Jesus bore on his head the crown of thorns; this signified the redemption of the earth. This I believe does not mean restoring our present earth.

Isaiah wrote about the returning Jews from Babylon restoring of Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, but in the new heaven there is a new Jerusalem that is not built from the ruins of the old. The temple is Jesus himself.

So, the question arises when will this future event new earth and heaven take place?

 Peter prophesied in 2 Peter 3: 10, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare”. This takes place after Jesus calls out his church.

The great tribulation a seven year period precedes the coming of Jesu Israel will make a peace agreement with the antichrist followed by 3 and ½ years of peace, afterwards he makes war against Israel for a further 3 and ½ years. During this tribulation people come to faith in Jesus and will suffer, it may even mean being killed for their faith in Christ. But they will triumphant having been given the victory over death and enter into eternal life.

Revelation 12 Verse 11 “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

On Jesus return he reigns over the earth with a rod of iron and where Satan is let loose for a period of time before I believe the final battle takes place the destruction of the heaven and the earth.

Peter wrote “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”  2 Peter 3: 13

In John’s vision confirms Peter’s word of prophecy  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven had passed away and the sea was no more.” Revelation 21: 1.

The answer to the question when will this new earth and heaven  take place? According to John’s vision a number of significant future events have yet to take place before the new heaven and earth replace our present earth and heaven.

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Jesus discribes His followers as a city

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Matthew 5: 14 “You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hid.”

The charcteristics of a heavenly city:

Residential  areas- where we live in our communities.

Attitude –  our attitude should reflect the light In our house, our bodies are the dwelling place of God and so we are blessed by putting God at the centre of our lives,

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3: 2, 3

Emotions – We feel how God feels about sin and our message is in earnest because we want people to be saved from eternal death.

God calls us to take out this message about Jesus’ “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

It’s the parable of the pounds, being actively involved in mission.

Areas of commercial  trading: business parks, and shopping malls, banks and supermarkets.

Areas in cities of deprivation, run down dwellings; broken down after years of neglect.  These are the times when we worry, fearful and doubt.  Proverbs 25: 28

In our special Relationship through Jesus’ death the cross, he took upon himself all that separates us from God. The times when we look to ourselves and worry often about things that we have no control over, that is, unless we look to Jesus in prayer and through faith expect the Lord to act on our behalf.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 1: 3. 2: 10.

Jesus understood that the people expected the kingdom of God would suddenly appear so, he told them this parable that spoke of  a delay due to the nobleman having to go to a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. (Parable of the pounds Luke 19: 11-27)

We know that the delay Jesus was referring to was his death, resurrection and ascension, he was going to his Father’s kingdom where he was before he was born as one of us.

“I have glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gave me to do, 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: 4, 5.

During his absence he gave instructions to his disciples to be about his business, until he returned which would be sometime during their lifetime.

The nobleman called 10 of his servants and gave them £!0 to trade with. They were sent out with the message of “Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand,” But the citizens of the city made it known to the nobleman that they did not want him to reign over them. Those in authority the leaders of the Sanhedrin had decided that Jesus was not the promised Messiah, so they accused him of blasphemy and handed him over to the Romans to pass sentence upon him.

When he returned having received the kingdom, Jesus hoped that he would return and be recognised as their Messiah by the citizens, having listened to the witnesses of his servants, of his resurrection that fulfilled King David’s prophesies and other prophesies.

He called his servants to give an account of their trading. They had each received £1 the first servant said, “His £1 has made £10. The nobleman said, “Well done, because you have been faithful in very little, you shall have authority over 10 cities.” The second £5 and was congratulated and given authority over 5 cities. Then another came and said, that he had hidden his pound in fear of making a loss. The nobleman responded saying, “ You knew what I expected of you and  therefore,  you should have invested in the Bank and gained interest.” So, the master took from him the pound and gave it to the one who had the £10.

The disciples who were successful witnessing their faith were given authority to reign with Jesus over 10 congregations. The second their witness was 50% less were given authority to reign with Jesus over 5 congregations. The one who held back from witnessing their faith in Jesus, they should have contributed to a mission outreach.

The church is still trading with the currency of the gospel of Christ our Saviour and redeemer. The interest gained, fruit of the gospel being those who come to faith accepting Jesus as their Saviour.

Jesus said, “I tell you, that everyone who has more will be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.”

The seriousness of what we are about in determining the future of a person’s eternal life, is made known in this parable.

Jerusalem the heavenly city that one day will light up the whole earth and universe.

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The Atmosphere of a Christian’s Life

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Change to the atmosphere at the Football Stadium

Guardian Newspaper Report

Football Manager Pep Guardiola, “I would prefer not to play games without people watching,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense to play, that special matchday atmosphere is not there, and the energy they get from the fans, the buzz that can give them a few extra per cent during a game, is missing.”

God makes a difference to our state of play, when we come to know God, as the atmosphere of our lives’ changes.

The atmosphere of Pauls’ life changed from being a persecutor of Christians to becoming a Christian.

When his fellow Jews were opposing Jesus’ disciples, Paul knew from his own experience that their leaders were acting in response of being under the law. Under their authority, he had rounded up Christians without mercy, believing that he was doing God’s will. “But as at the time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him/her who was born according to the Spirit. So, it is now.” Galatians 4: 29.

Paul experienced both sides : one of keeping and enforcing the law and the other of being free to choose by God’s mercy and grace.

Those who professed to be keepers of the commandments in the laws of Moses were challenged by Paul saying that they were not able to keep the law themselves, because their human nature was influenced by the evil one. Paul wrote that the Gentiles who had not the law lived by their conscious as a result they often acted in accordance with the law. Their conscious and will having the freedom to choose any actions they took, having made an informed choice from the mind, soul, will and spirit.

Paul understood that keeping the law enforced by the soul and spirit, over-ruled the freedom to choose. The Jews believed and had the experience that keeping the rules brought them into God’s favour and blessings, but there was no tolerance that could over-rule the penalties for not keeping the law. Whereas, God’s mercy over-rules the law, God being the stronger of the two in the covenant between God and Israel.

In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man Jesus gave the example of the rich man who interpreted the law towards the beggar Lazarus, treating him with contempt, because of his poverty. Luke 16: 19-22.

Jesus said that the dogs came and licked Lazarus’ sores.

My interpretation of what Jesus could have implied, Lazarus received help from the Gentiles who were acting under the guidance of their conscious to help Lazarus, and they had disregarded the barrier of the law. They had a part in Lazarus’ life by helping him, they were a loving neighbour. Jewish man Lazarus was not disowned by God by accepting Gentile food, which may not have been kosher. “ If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?” “If you lend to those who you hope to receive, what is that to you? “But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.” Luke 6: 27-36.

The atmosphere of a Christians’ life in the Stadium of the world

In the parable Jesus taught God’s mercy and grace, therefore, Jesus didn’t judge Lazarus

God knows the thoughts and intensions of the heart, the rich man had judged Lazarus on his ability to follow the laws, which would have kept him in poverty and in need of Gentiles help. However, the rich man would be judged according to the law.

The world judges by looking at the motives behind people’s actions and Judging people by appearance or what their views and convictions are, measuring them against the Western World values.

“Jesus said, “Judge not, and you will not be judged, condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6: 37, 38.

Measured by love.

On one occasion I had the privilege of looking into a man’s soul, I discerned there was a measurement of love, he had 50% love of the world and 50% of God’s love.

God’s grace

“Jesus said, “Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get and still more will be given you. For to him who has more will be given and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4: 24, 25.

Jesus’ words worked out in practice are fulfilled in love, with spiritual integrity and like a child looking to dad and mum putting their faith in them, as they want the best for us and they correct us when we make mistakes. So, likewise we are trusting the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit’s in all things. Our communication is in fellowship with them through prayer and the word.

We have a support team to help us prepare for each day: team mates to encourage and work alongside us: the strong in faith, supporting the weak and the measure is usually just right. We are blessed in many ways: sharing together in worship and ministry using Jesus’, the Holy Spirits’ and our anointed natural  gifts.

Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering the effects of this pandemic is like his attitude towards Lazarus, God took care of him in ways that were contary to his own religious family. He used the person who he wouldn’t have normally come in contact with: the stranger using their gifts to bring healing, who he might once have judged as unclean, but now his friend.

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Standing on Jesus’ Victory

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What happens to our blood when the coronavirus strikes?

COVID-19 targets blood vessels –  the red blood cell carry the Beta Chain of Haemoglobin – The attack will cause less and less haemoglobin that can carry oxygen and carbon dioxide, producing symptoms of respiratory distress. chemrxiv.org

“One theory is that the virus affects the vascular biology and that’s why we see these really low oxygen levels,” Levitt says. www.sciencemag.org

Vascular biology – The blood vessels include arteries, which are tubes that transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body and veins which return the blood to the heart.

“The Chemistry of the Blood” by Dr M.R.DeHaan. MD

There are 5,000,000 red cells per cubic millimetre, red cells are very tiny, and every red cell travel in the blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. After picking up the oxygen a single red cell offloads the oxygen to a single tissue, the oxygen gives combustion and heat to the tissue. The red cell then takes the waste away from the tissue and disposes of it out of the body through skin, bladder, and bowel.

The parallel between our blood functioning in our body and the blood of Jesus.

Spiritually the blood of Jesus goes into action, like the red cell, when a person is hearing about Jesus, the Holy Spirit acts upon our faith in his blood, in what he achieved through his death on the cross, his blood being accepted by God for the forgiveness of our sin. Like the oxygen combusts and heats the tissue, we are raised up with Christ, resurrected into newness of life, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and its causes and takes it away, removing it from us through forgiveness.

The heart of the matter

Jesus introduced the New Covenant at the last supper, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26: 28. RSV Bible used throughout blog.

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sin.” Hebrews 9: 22. This is spiritually discerned, when forgiveness releases the feelings of guilt or removes fear and brings peace.

This corresponds with blood plasma were cells put their waste products.

Faith and Grace

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it for you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement, by reason of the life.”   Leviticus 17: 11.

Where animals were slain to atone for sin, their blood fell short of being the perfect sacrifice, Jesus the perfect final sacrifice for sin.

Faith – Paul wrote that we are justified through faith in the blood of Jesus. Justified – declared not guilty before God of sin against him, through belief in Jesus what he did for us on the cross in his death and resurrection. God desired mercy not sacrifice.

Grace, undeserved blessings from God. God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

The Bible informs us that, “Life is in the blood,” a baby’s blood is developed soon after conception, no actual blood from mum goes directly to the baby, and the baby has its own blood. The placenta is like a giant lung attached to the umbilical cord to the baby. From the placenta the baby receives oxygen and nutriments from mum. The waste and the carbon dioxide go via the placenta to mum and are disposed of through mum’s bodily functions.

Vascular biology

The arteries and veins – If the blood supply is cut off from the foot, then the foot will cease to function and die.

A Christian walk in the spiritual knowledge and love of God, empowered to do the will of God through faith and grace.

The platelets clot the blood.

Jesus’ blood is precious it contains the whole aspect of our personal salvation. We cannot pass on our salvation to our next of kin and we cannot earn it by doing good things to others. It is through faith in Jesus, believing that he is our Lord God and Saviour.

Not only does Jesus’ blood save us, but it also empowers us when we apply spiritually in prayer to combat evil.

Victory in the blood of Jesus

White blood cells kill off bacteria and contain DNA which rebuilds tissue.

Whether it is sin or the coronavirus we apply the blood of Jesus’ victory to it.

Jesus bore on the cross all sin, sickness, and disease.

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteem him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted.” Isaiah 53: 4.

God planned that Jesus would bear all sin, sickness and disease, everything that had the potential to destroy human life. NOT that God was the author of evil, He is NOT. Jesus came to destroy the evil works of the devil. To accomplish this, he bore them on the cross and suffered death.

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he (Jesus) himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2: 14.

We are not fighting flesh and blood, we are fighting the invisible enemy, that is the devil. It is important to make our stand on the victory that Jesus won for us on the cross through faith in his blood. As we focus on the words of Jesus the Holy Spirit acts on our behalf, he may use us in that process. But the Lord Jesus will anoint us, giving us the oxygen, we need to make our stand. Fasting helps us to die to our self, as the Lord is our strength and shield.

Christians are more than conquerors.

Pastor Mark received the word in the Intensive Care Unit as lay struggling to breathe he heard the audible voice say, “Son your more than a conqueror” and at the brink of death the Lord Jesus came into the ward and held his hand. Mark recovered from coronavirus. YouTube

Only Mark knew that the Lord was there.

Romans 8: 37 “We are more than conquerors through him who loves us, neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus’ blood has the potential to save all humanity.

In fact, human blood with its blood groups is the same throughout humanity, whether we are Chinese or English, the blood in our veins, can be given through transfusions to other human beings.

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Waiting for the Dawn

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When I was a little girl, I was afraid of the dark. I was the youngest of four children, I was the first to go to bed and in winter when it went dark early, I would plead with my mum to leave the light on, but she always put the light out.

Today some people whether young or old are afraid of being isolated, cut off from other people, a solitary place, it’s like being left in the dark and waiting for the dawn, an end to the lockdown. Many find themselves worrying over work, by not being there they’re afraid of loosing their job. The feeling of being useless, helpless and forsaken can fill our minds and constantly being told that your vulnerable doesn’t help. But we will get through this!

The incurable diseases in Jesus’ day were not a threat to him, for example he healed people with leprosy, they were people kept in isolation. But the threat to Jesus’ life was real; we read that King Herod wanted him dead.

 “At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to the. “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, (take notice) I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’’” Luke 13: 31-35. RSV Bible.

King Herod maybe felt threatened by the people identifying Jesus as their king.

On the occasion when Jesus fed the five thousand with bread and fishes, we read the people recognized that Jesus was Christ the King and wanted to make him their king. He left quietly the scene, slipping away to the mountain to be by himself. John 6: 15. Psalm 132: 15-17.

The Herod dynasty maybe felt threatened when the people on the road to Jerusalem waved their palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of Israel.”  Matthew 21: 9. John 12: 12-15.

After Jesus was arrested, Pilate heard that Jesus was a Galilean and therefore belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem. Herod questioned Jesus, but he said nothing. The chief priests and scribes who were present vehemently accused him. Herod with his soldiers mocked Jesus and put on him a gorgeous apparel and sent him back to Pilate

We are not informed as to what the accusations were in this situation, but it quite likely that they accused him of making himself the king of Israel.

Matthew records Pilate’s soldiers put on Jesus a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns and in his hand a reed imitating a scepter.

After his meeting with Herod, Pilate and Herod were reconciled, “And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.” Luke 23: 12.

Through this pandemic we have been brought together to help one another through this crisis. Many people are helping vulnerable people with shopping etc.

‘Why is God allowing this pandemic?

While we live in the world in this life, God allows us to suffer and one day die, The Bible tells me, that while I was a sinner Jesus’ love was reaching out to me, not to condemn me, but to save me from eternal death and darkness.

Every Christian who knows Jesus, will know and understand that we have passed over death into eternal life now, in this life, death is not the end of a persons’ existence.

“Charles Wesley’s hymn  ‘And Can it Be that I should Gain’. “‘Tis mystery all! The immortal dies: who can explore his strange design?.’”

Bob Gordon in his book “The Cross” writes, “When God created man, did he create mankind to be mortal-that is, subject to death? The answer is clearly, no Jesus himself was not subject to man’s death until he took mankind’s sin into himself, because death is the outcome of sin. Jesus himself was not sinful, therefore, he did not live his life under the threat of death.”

Waiting for the Dawn

The disciples and followers of Jesus thought that Jesus’ death was the end of their hopes and dreams for the future kingdom. Most of them hadn’t time to say goodbye. This is the situation for the bereaved in this pandemic, even in this current situation the Lord understands and will comfort the broken hearted.Sunrise.

The gospel writers inform us that the women set off early to the tomb, hoping to anoint his body or be just near to where he lay. But when they arrived the soldiers were gone and the tomb was empty. This was the last thing they needed anxiety upon anxiety. But the risen Jesus comforted them as he appeared to them during that day and on occasions during the following forty days.

Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum that the resurrection would take place on the last day, even though he had told them he would be like Jonah after three days rise from the dead. The disciples couldn’t grasp what he meant when he told his disciples that he would be raised from the dead on the third day. Luke 18: 33, 34. 24: 21

Jesus had been raised by God from the dead, therefore, death had no dominion over him, Jesus had a continuous eternal life.

Before his death Jesus had prayed, “”And this is eternal life; that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent.” John 17: 3.

Who may know eternal life? First his disciples and since that time, those who believe like you and me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the depth of Jesus’ suffering on the cross, he offered the criminals who hung on their crosses beside him, the choice to believe in him or not, even though they didn’t understand why God allowed him to die. For many going through suffering towards the end of their life, in their final hour I pray that they will come to Jesus in repentance and faith, and be welcomed into God’s kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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God’s Love in a Crisis

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 Lord, embrace all with your love, as I come to you now with my concerns for those who are currently being affected by the coronavirus:

Almighty God, please give wisdom and guidance to the men and women who are able to unlock the science, that will break the power of death in this virus. In your mercy, hear my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Father God,  I pray for those who are in hospital having caught the virus, please give them strength and take away their fear. Embrace all with your love and in their weakness let them take hold of the words of love and kindness from the people who are caring for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the doctors, nurses and axillary staff, the Chaplaincy and volunteers who are dedicated in their ministry to care for the sick. Embrace their needs in your love and grace to uphold them and comfort them in times of stress, bless them and their families who support them. In Jesus’ name.

Lord Jesus, I believe that through faith in You, Christians receive eternal life, may those who confess your name at this time of uncertainty, rest securely in this hope in the days and weeks ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love covers a multitude of our sins.

7 Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his own Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world.

 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4: 7-18.

Love conquers fear

“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.”

FEAR                                                      LOVE

Being hurt                          Jesus heals the broken-hearted

Weakness                          Jesus strengthens the weak

Failure                                 Love covers a multitude of sins

Captives                           Release to the captives

Oppressed                      He sets the oppressed free

Blindness                      Jesus gives recovery of sight to inward blindness

Dying                                Life eternal after death

Christians look to God’s favour, nothing can separate us from the love our Father God’s steadfast love and in his love, he continually forgives us and takes away our fears.

Augustine wrote on the Trinity, “Now when I, who am asking about this, love anything, there are three things present: I myself, what I love, and love itself. For I cannot love unless I love a lover; for there is no love where nothing is loved.  So there are three things: the lover, the loved and the love.”     

1) God loves 2) me, the loved  3)and fills me in His Spirit of Love   

We can experience God’s love through faith in Jesus.                             

Father God, your love was made visible among us, when you sent your only Son Jesus into the world, to be the sacrifice for our sins, so that we would know through faith in him of your great love for us, his desire is to redeem us from our sin, and for us to know that your love is eternal, You give us eternal life.

Lord I come to you in sorrow for my wrong doings and ask for forgiveness and what caused them. You know all about me, my fears, my hopes and my willingness to make a fresh start in life. Please come into my heart and fill me with your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Teach us to be gentle with one another, to press on recognising our brothers and sisters in all their diversity as fellow members of your family, made in your image and worthy of all reverence and respect. Lord, in hope we turn to you.

Celtic prayer.  Give us a few friends who will love us for who we are, and keep ever burning before our vagrant steps the kindly light of hope… And though we come not within sight of the castle of our dreams, teach us to be thankful for life, and for time’s olden memories that are good and sweet. Amen

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Street Ministry – In Jesus the Fulness of God

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The Colossians were discovering and learning new things about God through having a personal relationship with Him. Paul in his letter to them was helping them to navigate the deep waters of the human spirit, in relation to the discernment of true faith having received the union with the Holy Spirit’s conviction and revelation about Jesus: in Jesus the fulness of God,  his mind and Spirit within them. But there were those among them seeking to include deities and practices from other religions, who they would say that they belonged to the same God.

‘Introducing the New Testament’ by John Drane.

“In Paul’s letter to the Colossian Church Paul deals with false teaching by emphasizing again that Christ believers can find all they need. Some of the Colossians had been suggesting that they needed other supernatural agencies and that Jesus was just one of several possible manifestations of God. Paul firmly asserted that in Christ all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell. Colossians 1: 19. That in Jesus the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily. Colossians 2: 8, 9. The Colossians claimed they needed to experience something deep and mysterious, this mystery if they were to find full salvation.”

8 See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily.” Colossians 2: 8, 9. RSV Bible

Philosophy: the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

At the beginning of his letter to the Colossians Paul declares that Jesus is the image of God, the Son of God. We have the knowledge of God, his character, and his power manifested in Jesus. Jesus said that he said and did what he heard from his Father. John 5: 19, 20, 26.

The Jewish traditions had been fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus and in his death, resurrection and ascension a completed work of redemption from the power and elemental spirits of the prince of darkness. Colossians 2: 13-15.

Gateway ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE BIBLE  “The term also came to designate personified beings or “elemental spirits.” These could be simply personifications of natural forces, or could be individualized as demons or, possibly, as angels. Recent scholarship has tended to interpret the language of Colossians 2:8, 20 in this way. Some interpreters have so understood Galatians 4:3, 9 as well.”

Elementary spirits will bring to our minds: confusion and strife working against the Holy Spirit’s presence and his gifts given to us.

Talking to many people on the street, I have become aware of Christians who are not discerning, like some of the Christians at Colosse of the spiritual difference between our human spirit, the Holy Spirit and elementary spirits.

The Bible tells us that we are created with a human spirit, that is that the life within our soul is spirit as well as our conscious mind and will.

‘Healing the Human Spirit’ by Ruth Hawkey.

“We may not understand how or when we receive our human spirit, but we do know that each of us has one, as well as a body and soul. It is part of us that makes us completely different from every other person. It is the essential ‘you’ that is totally unique and special, that part of you that ‘speaks’ with others in a very deep and meaningful way.”

The Holy Sprit’s coming into the world is received when we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. He quickens our human spirit and transforms our nature to be like Jesus. Romans 8: 11 KJ Bible

 Personal experience of ‘quickening’ when the Holy Spirit came in power into my life. It was like the ‘quickening’ takes place when a baby in the womb moves for the first time.

Ruth writes, “I would suggest that our human spirit also ‘mirror’ or ‘image’ the Holy Spirit in being facilitators of God’s purposes, to a lesser extent. It is, of course, only the Holy Spirit’s work within and through the human spirit that brings in the kingdom of God. Nevertheless, we as part of the body of Christ have a role to play, which is led by the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through us (that is through our spirit) in order that we might ‘work the works of God.’ It is our spirit that we receive the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which God means to flow through us in order to bring evangelism, healing and deliverance to a needy world.”

A Toe in the Door.

A Christian lady in conversation with her friend told her that she was not feeling very well. Her friend offered her a free reiki massage treatment with perfumed oils and the placing of stones on the relevant areas of bodily pain or discomfort. Neither of them realised that they are opening a door to elementary spirits. The reiki practitioner would claim they’re using earth’s energy, natural forces, or could be … astral or spirit sphere.

A Christian friend told me of her concerns, in her ignorance she had accepted to undergo reiki treatment at the local hospice. But she was alarmed when the reiki practitioner left her in the darkened room as part of the treatment. The Holy Spirit in her discerned that a door had been opened that would allow the opposing spirits into her life. We said a prayer of repentance and claimed back the ground given to elementary spirits in the blood and name of Jesus.

Reiki practitioners soon run out of the energy coming from the earth for healing purposes and to top up their energy they use: symbols, stones, incantations or gestures.

True Christian energy and healing comes from the Lord our God. Colossians 1: 29. Mark 16: 17, 18.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, please make us aware of the spiritual enemy that prowls around looking for unsuspecting Christians to deceive. May we, through Jesus’ triumphant victory over the enemy in your love for us, we ask for forgiveness and claim back any ground that we may have given to the prince of darkness. Direct our path and to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. In his name, we pray, Amen.

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Street Ministry – Christian Unity, we all believe in Jesus

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Continuing the #doyouknowHim campaign Christians from various denominations in Ramsbottom are working together to make Christ known through meeting people on the street. It’s  brilliant, we all believe in Jesus, He is the Lord our God and the centre of our being together.

Before, I leave home to go to Rammy, in my prayer time I pray for those God appointments where it becomes obvious that God had arranged the meeting and conversation with a person on the street.

I pray, that there will be response from the words, “Can you spare a minute?” and if they indicate that they can, I say, “We’re on the street this morning on behalf of Churches Together in Ramsbottom, asking if you have any prayer requests that you would like us to pray for tomorrow in one of our churches intercessions. In response some are tearful suffer loss of a loved one or some take the opportunity to offload onto a stranger their problem or others may discuss their religious beliefs. If, it’s welcomed we pray for healing with them. We write these prayers into a book (first name only) that is taken to one of the churches. If we can photocopy then more than one church kindly includes them in their service prayer time.

The Lord answers these prayers according to his will. We have heard testimonies of prayers being answered.

I’m reminded of the woman of Samaria who had a God appointment at Jacob’s well with Jesus, she didn’t know Jesus, but he knew all about her.

We read Jesus’ disciples marvelled when they found him at the well, in conversation with  a Samaritan women; It was forbidden under law for a Jewish man to associate with a Samaritan, especially a foreign woman. After the disciples arrived, the woman went away into the city.

In the conversation that followed between Jesus and his disciples Jesus said,35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. John 4: 35  Amos 9: 13 RSV Bible           

I realised that the seeds that had been sown previously about the coming of the Messiah, Jesus described these people as the fields that were already white for harvesting.

These verses explain why Jesus had been talking to the Samaritan woman, she believed that the Messiah was coming into the world and Jesus had told her that he was the Messiah.

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4: 25, 26.

The Samaritan woman was a reaper of the harvest, she went and told the people at Sychar that the Messiah had come. She told the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the city and were coming to him. John 4: 29, 30.  RSV Bible

This truly was a momentous moment for all Christian women. Jesus spoke directly and revealed to her who he was, the Messiah. How liberating this word is; can you imagine how revolutionary it was at the time. Even Paul hadn’t come to terms with God’s love and grace towards women, giving us the same status, rights and responsibilities as men.

I personally believe that a man is the head of a family in the flesh, but in Christ men and women are equal, we are all children of God. In the church the bride of Christ, Jesus’ parable: the ten virgins (men and women) waiting for Jesus the bridegroom to come.  Matthew 25:1-13.

36 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ John 4: 36, 37.

The wages of sin is death, the wages of life in Christ is eternal life. Every Christian has a part in sowing and reaping and the gifts are distributed (Greek- Merismos) by the Holy Spirit.

38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labour; others have laboured, and you have entered into their labour.”

The woman had already received the seed, the word from the labourers that spoke of the Messiah’s coming, even though there was a division between Jews and Samaritans. The harvest was ready, the people in Sychar responded to her message that the Messiah had come and were seen coming to him.                                            

39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.”

Jesus making peace between Jews and Samaritans, everything that divided them fell away, they were united through faith in Jesus that he was their Saviour. Every Christian is therefore united in believing in Jesus that he is the Messiah the Saviour of the world. 

The Holy Spirit poured out on all who believe. 

Jesus said to the woman at the well, if she had asked him for a drink of water, he would give her living water, she would receive a constant supply coming from heaven’s eternal spring. Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit.                                                                           

John 7: 37-39. “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He/she who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ John wrote, now he said this about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Today, on the street we’re sowing the seeds of good news about Jesus’ redeeming love, to know him in a personal way through the power of his cross, word and prayer and reaping the harvest of people who already know Jesus the Saviour of the world, confirming to them that the Holy Spirit is uniting His people, one in Christ.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for those who are quietly sowing and reaping within their family and friends, bless them that they will see the fruit in due course. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Christians Together Haslingden 7th February 2020 – Keys to Freedom

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I’ve brought with me today something that has significantly impacted my life over the last year. (holding up the workbook ‘Keys to Freedom’ )

The ‘Keys to Freedom’ course workbook can be used by the individual or a group. One of the recognised purposes of the course is to free Christians so that His Church is empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The 8-week course is a way of taking the principals of freedom, wholeness and the choices that bring change into the hands of every person. Using the Biblical tools of transformation made available by our Heavenly Father.

Each week the hour session covers the Key theme which includes the following 5 days and each day is covered in the workbook.

The nature of each of the Keys is to gain access into those areas of the participants  life where freedom is needed: the tree diagram help us to identify the root cause of behavioural problems in the branches the trunk – what we believe from the Bible and about ourselves.

Bible passages. The key principal in the word is applied and as a result will release the cause and the effect, transforming behavioural  patterns.

Example Story: Sylvia (not her real name) gave permission to share her story. She came to faith in Jesus after this incident below took place.

One of Sylvia’s root problems

“When I was about 8 years old an incident occurred that I hadn’t dealt with: I used to ride my bike along with five other children of a similar age on the one single dirt track road around a terrace row of 18 homes. At one end there lived a man and his son, his son had learning difficulties he was about 35 years old. We knew as children that riding our bikes past this end house annoyed the father and his son. On this particular day we rode round past his house, when the son dashed out and grabbed me by the throat wrenching me off my bike, he let go of me, and in his uncontrollable anger he shouted at us all. We as children didn’t expect him to respond in that way and we were frightened by his behaviour. I told my father and he sent for the Police and the son was warned against his actions.

What we believe about ourselves in the context of a root cause.                                    

Sylvia said that she had blamed herself for annoying the man and his son. Over the years she occasionally noticed that she was still affected by it. She couldn’t bear anyone touching her neck area and by thinking sceptically about herself, she put herself down, and made excuses for peoples’ behaviour towards her, she would say, ‘O it doesn’t matter.’ Behaviour patterns – fear, unworthiness and passivity

Realising the root cause and what we have believed about ourselves ties in with our behaviour patterns, takes us to the next step.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8: 1

There is no condemnation for those in Christ, Jesus had already dealt with Sylvia’s sin when she came to faith in Christ some years before. But as John wrote in his first letter, “My little children, I am writing to you so that you may not sin, but if anyone does sin we have an advocate  with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous.”1 John 2: 1.

Sylvia brought it before the Lord and repented for causing the annoyance to the son, but also recognising that his retaliation was wrong and it was in her power to forgive the sons actions against her.

 Have faith in God                                                                                                                  Our roots need to be fed by God’s word, His presence and His power. The roots of abandonment, rejection, fear, anger, shame, guilt, bitterness and unworthiness will never be able to produce healthy fruit. We may be able to keep the branches trimmed back by our will power and resources, but a tree without branches produces no fruit at all. Its bare, lifeless and not fulfilling its potential and purpose.  It’s like the fig tree that bore no fruit withered up from its’ roots. Jesus revealed that it was the outward sign of a corrupted law system that was no longer fit for purpose. Jesus cleansed the temple by forcibly removing the things that made it a worldly place. In our lives Jesus will free us from all unrighteousness through faith in him.  Mark 11: 12-20.

Jesus tells us to have faith in God and the hurts and pains will be removed from our body, soul and spirit.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received[a] it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11: 24, 25.

The course Bible passages key principal is applied; Jeremiah 17: 7, 8. “Blessed is the man/woman who trusts in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream and who does not fear when heat comes for its’ leaves remain green and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

“”The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5: 22, 23.

Through the ‘Keys to Freedom’ course the Holy Spirit’s ministry to Sylvia, she is now set free from the effects of the root problem and the condemnation in believing she was totally at fault for the incident. Forgiveness for her part and for the son’s sin in the incident has released her into total freedom.

I shared how the Lord has used this ‘Keys to Freedom course to release me, as the Holy Spirit has brought things to my attention during this course and afterwards.

I’ve been healed of several personal things in my childhood and adult life. Being free has resulted in receiving another anointing 21st July 2019.

Jeremiah 29: 11 “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope for the future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me; You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart.”.

I whole-heartedly recommend this course for every Christian.

Mercy UK ‘Keys to Freedom’ Course.   www.mercyuk.org

By Dorothy Newton