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Currently, I (Dorothy Newton} am a Street Pastor in Ramsbottom, working alongside Christians who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Christian, visible unity among the churches.
Jesus said not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah, Son of man, the messiah's secret

The Messiah’s Secret – A Kept Secret

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“The Messiah’s Secret” – A kept secret
This talk is in addition to the 2006 Series on “The Cross” by Dorothy Newton.
Using the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible.

Visual Aids are used in this talk.
A Cross is made of textile material large enough to accommodate items on the following list.

Picture “Sat Nav.”
Three nails
Treasure hidden in a field
Blindfold
Bible
Picture “a garden.”
Oyster shell with pearl
Picture “Waiting for a bus.”

These are placed inside the cross.
Each one is pulled out in turn and its significance explained.
The verses of scripture can be handed out and read at the appropriate time.


Material large enough to accomodate the largest object is cut into two crosses and then sewn together along the dotted lines. Leave open the four ends to enable the objects to be placed inside the cross and pulled out at the appropriate time.

The cross a place of change, a cross roads.
Life is often described as a journey and at some point we may be challenged to take a step of faith in the direction of Jesus.

Sat Nav (picture taken out of the cross)


Nowadays when we’re about to embark on a journey we may chose to use the Sat Nav. By keying in the post code, the Sat Nav gives us the route to follow.
We set off, through the Sat Navigator’s voice we receive stage by stage instructions until the voice will ultimately say, “You have reached your destination.” “You have reached your destination.”

On our journey of faith we need to be clear about where we’re going and who’s giving us our direction. Many religions believe in God, but which one has the truth that reveals God himself and the way to find him?

Christianity directs us to Jesus, the accounts written about him are found in the Bible, in the New Testament. In Matthew’s Gospel he records the conversation between Jesus and his disciples, Matthew was one of them. In this conversation they discover Jesus’ identity the Christ.
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said,”Some say John the Baptist; others say, Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them,”But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you Bar-Jona!” For flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16: 13-17

Jesus the Son of man
“The Messiah’s Secret.” PART FOUR: THE SON OF MAN Page 67
“The mystery of the Son of man is revealed in Matthew’s Gospel. The Jews knew that the name ‘Son of man’ was one of the names associated with the Messiah. The crowd implied that the Son of man was one of the prophets that God would raise from the dead. Jesus asked his disciples who did they think the Son of man is. Peter’s replied that he was the Christ this was acknowledged by Jesus as having been revealed to him by God. Jesus by asking this question has revealed that the Son of man is the Christ.
All the signs were visible that Jesus was the Messiah such as the undeniable miracles and healing, which took place over approximately three years of Jesus’ ministry. This evidence linked with his resurrection would prove that he was the Christ when after Pentecost the apostles proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection and that the prophesies concerning his death and resurrection had been fulfilled in Jesus that he was the Christ.”

Peter and the disciples had found out the truth concerning Jesus who he was, the Son of man, the Christ.

Some were expecting the “Son of man” to be a resurrected prophet
The disciples recalled what they had heard from the people regarding the title “the Son of man.” They referred the title to one of the prophets who had died, John the Baptist, Elijah and Jeremiah. John the Baptist had been beheaded by Herod some time before this conversation took place. Some believed that God would resurrect one of these prophets who would be the Christ, the promised Messiah who would bring in God’s kingdom. Mark 6: 14. 8: 27-30.                                                                                                                                               (Added March 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 Messiahs. In the Damascus Document – one of the Messiahs would return.)

At Pentecost Peter gave assurance to the people that King David although he had prophesied the resurrection of the Christ that he was not the Christ, the Messiah.

“The Messiah’s Secret” page 78
“Both Peter and St. Paul found it necessary to explain to the people that King David was not the Messiah.
 “Brethren, I may say to you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried . . . . For David did not ascend into the heavens.” Peter at the outset stated clearly that King David had died and had been buried in Jerusalem and his remains lay in the grave.”
“St. Paul on his first ministry tour at the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia told them, ”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 2: 25 – 36. 13: 36.

Victor Buksbazen in his book “The Gospel in the Feasts of Israel” quotes in chapter five page fifty two concerning the Feast of Tabernacles “A Messianic Prayer, the Last Day of the Feast of Tabernacles.” This prayer I found also substantiated my view that some of the Jews had believed that God would resurrect King David and see him as the Messiah.

“The Messiah’s Secret” page 77
“A voice heralds and saith:
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 for ever.
The voice heralds and saith.”

Some of the people were expecting King David to be resurrected in order to have immortality to enable the eternal kingdom of God to be ruled by him.

Three nails (Taken out of the cross)

Nails were used to hold Jesus on the cross. God’s love took him there.
The Son of man had authority to forgive sin.
The leaders and people didn’t expect the Son of man to have authority to forgive sin; Jesus had that power, which was exclusive to Jesus. Even King David didn’t have that authority from God to forgive people their sins.
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 68
“Jesus had authority to forgive sins on the earth without a person receiving baptism or offering a sacrifice. “But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
When the paralytic man was healed it caused controversy because the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy because only God could forgive sins. Jesus proved he had power and authority over sin by telling the paralytic to get up and walk, and as he responded he was healed immediately. Jesus proved to the Pharisees that his authority was God given; only God could make a person clean, whole.” Mark 2:5-12. Luke 5:17-26

Some Jewish people believed that sickness and disease were the result of sin. By forgiving the paralytic his sin and healing him, Jesus proved to the scribes and Pharisees that his authority was from God.
The Psalmist wrote:
“Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he sent forth his word, and healed them.”Psalm 107:17-20
“As for me, I said,”O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against thee!” Psalm 41:4
The Pharisees denounced the man as a sinner who had been born blind, who testifies that he had received his sight from Jesus. “The Pharisees answered him,”You were born in utter sin, and would teach us.” And they cast him out.” John 9:34

By forgiving sins Jesus made himself equal with God. Therefore scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy and healing by the power of Beelzebub from Mark 3:22

Jesus also made it clear that not all sickness was as a result of sin. We find an account of this when Jesus’ disciples asked him about the blind man, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him.” John 9:1-3

In the letter to the Galatians we read that it was because of Paul’s bodily ailment he stopped off in their region. ”And though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.. . . for I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.” Galatians 4:13-15.
“It’s not known for sure what Paul’s bodily ailment was. No definite conclusions may be drawn from the little Paul says about it here and in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. From Paul’s words one may infer that it was chronic, recurring, and painful, repulsive to the spectator, and humiliating to Paul.” Eyre & Spottiswoode Study Bible page 1742
Luke was Paul’s doctor and carer on Paul’s ministry tours.

Treasure hidden in a field (Taken out of the cross)

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys the field.” Matthew 13: 44

The knowledge of Jesus being the promised Messiah was to be kept hidden like the treasure in the field.

Continuing with the account in Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 16, Jesus made it clear to his disciples that they were not to identify him as the Christ to the religious leaders and people.
In verse 20 “Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.”
It wasn’t easy for the disciples to keep Jesus’ identity a secret. It must have been really hard when people asked directly “The Jews gathered around him and said to him,” How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ tell us plainly.” John 10:24
Jesus responded by telling them to look at his work for God, the miracles and people being healed of their ailments so that they could and judge for themselves.

“And many followed him and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen my beloved with whom my soul is pleased. I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will no wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.” Matthew 12: 15-19
To fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy, the Messiah would not make himself known by proclaiming himself on the streets as the Christ during his ministry. At the Transfiguration, God said to those who where there, ”This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.” Luke 9: 35, 36
We find that the unclean spirits recognised Jesus as the Son of God, they cried out in submission to his authority. Jesus’ response was to stop them from making him known from Mark 3: 11, 12
After the healing of Jairus’ daughter, Jesus strictly told them that no one should know this from Mark 5:43
Two blind men were healed of their blindness. “And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.” Matthew 9: 27-30

All four Gospels confirm that Jesus wanted his identity as the Christ, the Messiah, a kept secret.

Blindfold (Taken out of the cross)
“Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” Luke 22: 63, 64
The disciples didn’t understand when Jesus told them that he was going to die and it was not revealed to them by God.
Sometimes there can be a blindfold over our understanding of the scriptures, and as a result we can not see God in Jesus or the way to find him.

Matthew continues in verse 21 “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
In verse 22 “And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, God forbid. Lord! This shall never happen to you.”
Jesus’ death was hidden from the disciples and people’s understanding.
Luke wrote in his gospel from material given to him from eye witnesses, the disciples and followers of Jesus. “And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marvelling at everything he did, he said to his disciples. “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of man.” But they didn’t understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.” Luke 9:43-45
“And taking the twelve, Jesus said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon; they will scourge him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise. But they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, and they did not grasp what was said.”
Luke 18:31-34

What Jesus had told them about his death conflicted with what they had been taught that when the Messiah came he would live for ever.

The people were taught that when the Messiah came he would live forever.
Peter’s response to Jesus’ words concerning his death,”God forbid. Lord! This shall never happen to you,” confirmed what the Jewish people were taught from the Law of Moses that when the Messiah came he would live for ever. “The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” John 12: 34.

The Jews at that time didn’t believe that God would allow their Messiah to come and die. They expected the Christ to come and take up the throne of King David and rule from Jerusalem the eternal kingdom of God. They were the people who God would use to take the news of the Christ to the ends of the earth.
The disciples like everybody else were taught that when the Messiah came he would remain on the earth.
We find other examples in the gospels: “So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying, “He saved others but he can not save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Mark 15: 31, 32.
On the road to Emmaus two of Jesus’ disciples were talking a stranger about the crucifixion of Jesus. “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened.” Luke 24: 21
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension Peter at Pentecost proclaimed that it was in God’s plan that Jesus had died “Men of Israel hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through him in you midst, as you yourselves know this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God . . . . .”Acts 2: 22,23.

When we experience for ourselves the Lord’s words being revealed to us. Then we realise that all that has been written about Jesus is true. One experience is worth a thousand arguments.

Bible (Taken out of the cross)

The author of a book can reveal an event before it happens. God’s plan of saving the nation of Israel, the nations of the world and the universe was given in a prophecy to Caiaphas.
“So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council, and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on thus, every one will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.” But one of them Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all; you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but that the high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.”
John 11: 47-51

The head man of the Sanhedrin, the governing body of the nation of Israel was given a prophesy. This directive from God indicated that in order to save the nation Jesus had to die. The true identity of Jesus was hidden because had they known him they would not have sacrificed him.

The prophet Isaiah foretold how hardened the hearts of the Israelites would be towards Jesus.
Matthew quotes Jesus quoting from Isaiah,” You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy with hearing, and their eyes have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand in their heart, and turn for me to heal them.”
Matthew 13: 14, 15. Isaiah 6:9, 10.

Through this prophesy given to Caiaphas we also understand that Israel as a nation will never perish.
Prophecy defined.
Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit given in several ways; to present the truth, the ability to supernaturally convey God’s message for the moment in the language of the speaker and hearers.

Picture of a garden (Taken from the cross)

Jesus the Son of man the second Adam
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he 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
The first Adam’s separation from God gave Satan, the devil the power over mankind’s heart/soul. As a result sin followed bringing into the world pain, suffering, sickness, disease and death known as the fall of man. Human beings became self- centered, self-ruled in heart, mind and will, but man’s conscience bore witness to God. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it? I the Lord search the mind and try the heart. . . .” Jeremiah 17: 9, 10
Jesus was God’s answer to redeem us from the fall. He partook of the same nature, he knew our weaknesses and failings and ultimately he was separated from God himself when he bore the sins of the whole world upon the cross. “Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men.” Romans 5:18
Jesus the Son of man, the second Adam, in his humanity went to the cross, to redeem us from the inherited fallen nature of the first Adam for all those who would believe in him.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in his resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. . . . let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey its passions. Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God. . . . Romans 6:5-14

The cross is at the start of our journey of faith and continues to bear witness within us of the need to be right with God, and we will, to do the will of God, walking in his ways, living out the gospel of love and grace. We have a Saviour who understands our weaknesses and failings. “For he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2: 18
If we confess our sin and ask for his forgiveness with the intention of not continuing to sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9

A word I was given on 30th May 1996 was that, “The disciples were setting up the kingdom in at the beginning of Acts.” It was as I understood to be in preparation for his return with the angels of God. Mark 8:38

The Adam and Eve of the New Testament
Ananias and Sapphira they were part of the early church community, they committed themselves to selling a field and giving the proceeds to the community. However they changed their minds and lied to Peter to cover up the fact that they had gone back on their word. Peter through the gift of knowledge told them individually that they had lied to God and as a result they both died in turn falling at Peter’s feet. Acts 5:1 -11

On the evening of the Day of his resurrection Jesus had given his disciples his authority over the retaining or the forgiveness of sins. Later when the apostles had set up the community of believers in Jerusalem Peter administered judgement on sins these were not forgiven on Ananias and Sapphira because they had lied to God. As a judgement they in turn fell dead at his feet. We read that this incident caused a Godly fear amongst the people.
Peter was given this authority as a result of the disciples being told by Jesus that they would have judgement over the twelve tribes of Israel in the kingdom of God.
“You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Luke 22: 28-30
The apostles were told by Jesus to remain in Jerusalem, even when the persecution and scattering of the church took place they remained waiting for Jesus to return.

Pearl in Oyster Shell (taken out of the cross)

The oyster suffers to produce the pearl. A pearl is formed in the shell of an oyster through a parasite entering into the damaged shell. The suffering oyster sends to the parasite a chemical that covers it. The solution builds up over a period of time to form the pearl.
Like the Oyster Jesus suffered as a result of the parasite, sin, the solution given to overcome the sin Jesus’ life laid down, Jesus’ blood poured upon the parasite of sin. The pearl being formed of great value, highly prized, the resurrection of Jesus the pearl of salvation.
In the Book of Revelation we read that entrance into the heavenly city Jerusalem is through the gates which are made of a single pearl.

Jesus opens the minds of his disciples to his suffering.
“Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened up their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness should be preached in his name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem.” Luke 24:44-47
In Luke’s account of the evening of the Day of the Resurrection when the disciples where gathered in the house Jesus came among them. Jesus opened up their minds to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection. As these scriptures were revealed to them they later included some of them in the gospels:
“Jesus said, “For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled, in me, “And he was reckoned with transgressors for what is written about me has its fulfilment.” Luke 22:37.Isaiah 53: 12
“This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17 Isaiah 53: 4
“His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for thy house will consume me.” John 2:17. Psalm 69:9 This is in connection with Jesus casting out of the temple the money changers and sellers of offerings.
“His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, and then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him.” John 12:16. Zechariah 9 :9 These words were in response the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
“And many followed him and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen my beloved with whom my soul is pleased. I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will no wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.” Matthew 12: 15-19. Isaiah 42: 1-3
In the gospels these prophesies were given to prove that Jesus was the Christ.
Thirty three Bible prophesies were fulfilled on the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Waiting for a bus (Taken out of the cross)

We can stand for what seems a long time waiting for a bus. Throughout the Acts and Epistles there is an expectation of Jesus’ return within the Apostles life time because Jesus had indicated this to them.
“Jesus said to them, “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 9:1
“The saying was spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is the Lord’s will that he remain until I come, what is that to you.” John 21:23
It was at and after Pentecost when for the first time the disciples proclaimed Jesus as the promised Messiah. “Peter and John spoke to the crowd in Solomon’s Portico, ‘And now brethren, I know you acted in ignorance as did 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.’” Acts 3:17 – 20.
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 108
“God was calling his people to repentance. Peter had told them that the rulers and people had acted in ignorance when they crucified Jesus; he had to die to accomplish the plan of Salvation for the Jews and for the world. If they would repent and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus would return. The times of refreshing, after his coming he would restore the throne of King David, an everlasting throne and Kingdom, and the restoration of the land given to Abraham by God for an eternal possession. Those who were expecting, waiting would see the Kingdom come with power. Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

“The Messiah’s Secret – A Kept Secret.” Jesus didn’t want his identity made known during his ministry. Peter discovered who he was “the Son of man, the Christ as God revealed it to him.” Why Jesus wanted his identity kept a secret because he knew that he had to be killed, die on a cross, be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven. The prophesies about Jesus had to be fulfilled. He came to redeem mankind from the power of Satan, before the nation could receive him as the Messiah and take the good news to the rest of the world.

., Bible, bottle of water, bread and wine, cross, crown, Dorothy Newton, God is Love, letter, love poem, ring, the messiah's secret, wheat

The Messiah Secret – The Imperishable Seed

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The Messiah Secret – The Imperishable Seed
(An imperishable seed cannot die again, it lives forever)

Sunday 31May 2015 Evening Service ‘The Cross’ members of the congregation spoke for four minutes on the concept of faith with each item and the scripture verse attached to it. I enjoyed listening to each one, and the theme emerged ‘prayer’ the Holy Spirit enforcing talking to the Lord in prayer.
Items: The Bride, the Russian Dolls (Trinity) Promise to pay the bearer £5, chalice, Bible, card with peace on it, Praying hands, Engagement ring, String of pearls and Prison Week card.

One of a Series of Talks by Dorothy Newton on ‘The Cross’ covering concepts of faith stemming from the cross.
Using the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible.

Visual Aids are used in this talk.
A Cross is made of textile material large enough to accommodate items on the following list. I used dried wheat straw, a goblet to represent a chalice and a paper crown.
Letter
Chalice and bread (white or brown bread)
Wheat
Water (bottle)
Bible (small)
Twenty pound note.(£5 or £10)
Engagement ring. (in a box if possible)
Crown
These are placed inside the cross.
Each one is pulled out in turn and its significance explained.
The verses of scripture can be handed out and read at the appropriate time.

Cross ( Pointing to the material cross)
The cross is a symbol of the Christian Faith. It’s a symbol of suffering, hope and love.

Letter (Taking the letter from inside the cross)

Life is often described as a journey and at some point we may be challenged to take a step of faith in the direction of Jesus.
Faith means to believe in some one or something e.g. If we’re feeling ill we go to the doctor, we have faith in the doctor that he will prescribes some medicine that we believe or have faith that it will make us better.
It’s also like sending a letter, we put on the address
pay the price of a stamp required and stick it on
and post it in faith, believing that it will reach its destination. It may be that we expect a reply and sure enough in due course it arrives.
Any body who takes a step of faith and believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died on a cross to pay the cost of our sin against a holy God will receive eternal life.
Jesus’ words recorded by John the disciple in his gospel Chapter 3: 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

The Chalice and the Bread (Taken from within the cross)

Jesus gave meaning to his death on the cross when he said these words below at the last supper at Jerusalem.
The Chalice
The Chalice holds the wine representing the blood of Jesus, the blood of the new covenant.
”Jesus gave thanks and said,’ Drink this all of you for this is my blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.’ ”
Matthew 26: 27

The Bread
The bread is representing Jesus’ body.
‘Jesus took the bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ‘Luke 22: 19
By laying down his life Jesus ended the covenant between God and Moses.
In the letter to the Hebrews Chapter 8: 13“In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
The writer of Hebrews was referring to the covenant between God and Moses. The Laws God had given to Moses on Mount Sinai became obsolete when Jesus made the final sacrifice for sin on the cross.
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 93
“At the last supper Jesus introduced the New Covenant through his body and blood, his life laid down for the final atonement, for sins against a Holy God. When a Jew made a sacrificial offering for sin, an offering of an animal, fowl or meal, was brought to the temple, were the person would place their hand on to the head of the animal to be sacrificed. This offering would be accepted to make atonement, reconciliation, and pardon. The meaning of the word atonement is ‘to cover.’ The transfer of guilt to the sacrifice, brought forgiveness to the offender. The sacrifice was regarded as a person’s substitute for breaking the Laws of Moses. Today a person coming to God asking for forgiveness transfers their sin to Jesus, his life laid down, the offering of his life sacrificed for our sin to make reconciliation with God our Father for us. Jesus took upon himself the sins of the whole world.”
The New Covenant was then established in Jesus for all the people of the world. It is through repentance, faith and grace we enter into the New Covenant. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our need to get right with God. It’s then as we come in faith and repentance, saying sorry to God and accepting Jesus’ offering that he made on our behalf for sin. We receive forgiveness for all wrongdoing, all that separates us from our heavenly Father. There is nothing so terrible that God cannot forgive.
Some times our memories are difficult to deal with, perhaps it’s were we need to forgive as well as receiving forgiveness. It might help to talk things over in confidence with a Christian friend and ask them to pray with you about your concerns or alternatively in prayer simply talk to God as you would to a friend.
After taking that step of faith we enter into the New Covenant, God’s nature becomes our nature written in our hearts. We feel how God feels about things like; deceit, immorality, the need to feed the starving or help the poor.

The Wheat (Taking the wheat from within the cross)

Jesus’ disciple John wrote in Chapter 12: 23,24
“ Jesus said, “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 35
“One of the secrets hidden in Jesus’ parable of the Sower had its fulfilment after the resurrection of Jesus. The seed, Jesus had to die and become the first fruits of the resurrection. One of the amazing facts of life is that a seed has to die before it can start to grow and in the fullness of time the plant produces many seeds after its own kind.”
Jesus died on the cross to produce the seeds of his eternal life. It was after Jesus’ ascension there at Pentecost when Jesus was for the first time proclaimed by his followers that he was the Messiah. These words about Jesus are the seeds containing eternal life.
Jesus’ disciple Peter wrote in his first letter Chapter 1:23 “You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God.”
The Holy Spirit bears witness, showing us within our being, our mind and conscience of a change that has taken place through receiving into our heart the words that tell us of what Jesus has done for us on the cross and in his resurrection. These words are the imperishable seeds of faith that germinate within us transforming our heart, the way we think, and our way of life, we become ‘Christ-like’, a Christian.
Contained in the seed is the complete makeup of a wheat plant, its colour, height etc.
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 145. “The seed of faith sown in the heart is complete in itself, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It contains the potential to grow to its fullness.”

The Bottle of Water (Taken from within the cross)

Water represents the Holy Spirit.
John the disciple records in Chapter 7: 37-39
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus
stood and proclaimed, ‘If any one thirst, let him come
to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the
scripture has said, Out of his heart shall flow rivers of
living water.’ Now this he said 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.”
The Holy Spirit convicts us of the truth concerning Jesus, that God raised Jesus from the dead by the power of his love. The Holy Spirit reveals the Love of God as he is the Spirit of God. God is love and he dwells within us through faith in Jesus. Our thirst is satisfied, as the Holy Spirit gives us guidance and empowers us working through the anointed natural gifts and the gifts that he has established within us. The use of these gifts are like the words of John 7 ’ rivers of living water flowing’ out of the Christian.

God is Love (short prayer by Dorothy Newton)
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.
Blessed are you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

The Bible (Taken from within the cross)

The Bible is a book that gives us the revelation of our God and creator through the lives of God’s chosen people, Abraham and his descendants and through Jesus, his disciples and the church.
The Bible has words with meanings that have remained the same over thousands of years, words like; faith, righteousness, repentance, forgiveness, grace, love and many more.
Throughout the Old Testament, we read of the need to seek and get right with a Holy God. The law was brought in to make known to us, the way in which to live our lives that would please God. The law was impossible to keep so God promised to send a Saviour, the Christ. Christ means the Anointed.
Messiah has the same meaning, the Anointed One.

Prophesies relating to the Messiah have been fulfilled in Jesus. It’s in the New Testament in the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Letters and Revelations where we read about these prophesies being fulfilled in Jesus and have been witnessed by his followers.
In Acts of the Apostles Chapter 3: 17, 18. Peter speaking to the crowd in Solomon’s Portico said, “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.” The whole of Isaiah Chapter 53 prophesies the suffering of the Messiah. But God had hidden these prophesies from the Jewish leaders. It wasn’t in God’s plan that the leaders of Israel should accept Jesus as their Messiah before his death.
In the book Acts of the Apostles in Chapter 13 we read about Barnabas and Saul, who was later called Paul on their first ministry tour. When they reached Antioch in Pisidia they entered the synagogue. Paul proved to them and us that God had hidden the death of the Messiah from the leaders in Jerusalem.
“ For those who lived in Jerusalem and the rulers, because they did not recognise Jesus or understand prophesies given to the prophets, they fulfilled them by condemning him to death.” Acts Chapter 13: 27
Some believed and others rejected Paul and Barnabas’ message that Jesus was the Christ.
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 125
“Even after his (St. Paul) transformation when he preached that Jesus was the Son of God, the Christ, his message didn’t change the minds of the leaders of the Sanhedrin in accepting Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah.”
At some point in early church history the realisation that the Jewish leaders had acted in ignorance when they crucified their Messiah has been disregarded, maybe lost in the fact that the same leaders rejected the Apostles message at Pentecost. The Jewish race since have suffered as a result.
I went recently to listen to Singer Helen Shapiro she told us her life story. Helen is of Jewish decent born in London in 1946. At the age of six she went to a state school. She told us of how she remembered a child coming up to her in the playground and saying, ‘You killed Jesus.’ She was devastated and never forgot those hurtful words. In the late 1980’s she discovered Jesus as her Saviour and the Messiah promised to the Jews.

Twenty Pound Note (Taken from within the cross)

If you look closely at the note, printed on it are these words, ‘I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of twenty pounds.
Andrew Bailey,
Chief Cashier of the Bank of England.’
The twenty pound note has this promise that must be honoured by the Bank of England.
Jesus has given to us very great and precious promises these promises are honoured by God. We can trust in and act on the promises that the Lord Jesus has given to us.
The promise is to all comers who believe in Jesus as their Saviour.
“But to all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” John 1:12
Some promises come with a condition that we are actively engaging with the word of God.
Jesus said “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7
Some promises simply require faith,
”If you can! All things are possible to them that believe.” Mark 9:23
Some don’t depend on us at all
“I will never fail you, or forsake you.” Hebrews 13: 5


Engagement ring (Taken from within the cross)

In the Bible we understand that Israel is known as the wife of God. In the New Testament we understand that Jesus, the Son of God is betrothed, engaged to the church. The marriage between Jesus the lamb of God and his church, the bride, has yet to take place.
In Arnold G Fruchtenbaum book ‘The Footsteps of the
Messiah’ he writes, “To fully understand the background of the ‘Marriage of the Lamb’, one must first understand the background of the Jewish marriage system which was present in that day and which involved four distinct steps.
1. The father of the groom made the arrangements for the marriage and paid the bride –price. Sometimes it occurred when both children were infants, and at other times it was shortly before the marriage itself. Often the bride and groom did not even meet until their wedding day.
2. Fetching of the bride, this could have occurred weeks years or decades after the first step. The bridegroom would go to the home of the bride in order to bring her to his home.
3. The wedding ceremony, to which a few would be invited.
4. The marriage feast, would follow, and could last for as many as seven days. Many more people would be invited to the feast.”
Almost 2,000 years have passed since the first step, the betrothal, the dowry, representing Jesus’ death on the cross.
The next step is the fetching of the bride which is the church. Christians are to be in readiness for Jesus’ return when he comes to fetch the bride and to take her home to his Father’s house.

Crown (Taken from within the cross)

St John the disciple whilst he was living on the Island of Patmos wrote the book Revelation. He was given visions about the second coming of Jesus. He also indicates that those who keep their faith to the end of their life are given a victors’ crown. “Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world, to try those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming soon; hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Those who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God;”
Revelations Chapter 3: 10, 11.
In Arnold G Fruchtenbaum book ‘The Footsteps of the Messiah’ he writes, that there are two words in Greek meaning crown.
The crown of a sovereign – diadem
The other – stephanos which is the crown given to an overcomer, a victor, one who has won a race.
The race Paul talks about is the life long walk of a Christian. The race is won through our being faithful to what we believe in about Jesus, that he is our Saviour and Lord and that we love God and love one another. Then we may obtain the stephanos, the victors’ crown.


God is Love (Dorothy Newton January 1995)
Love participates in unity
bending the will to love another.
Love doesn’t hide itself or shy away.
Love takes hold of the prickly thorn
and caresses it.
Love picks up the bruised heart
and cherishes it and makes it it’s own.
Love gives off a radiance like the
heat of a summers’ day.
Love its fragrance enriches unity,
time stands still.
Love has a strength all of its own.
Love gives in to love.
Love is a safe place without any walls,
no barriers of fear and wars.
Love prepares to serve all human
weaknesses.
Love bears the pain of love,
rejection grieves the lover.
Love ceases not to love,
Love is God our Saviour.

On September 29th 2013 Evening Service
Readings chosen: Isaiah 53.  Colossians 2: 8-15

At our service of ‘Evening Prayer’ I used the cross with its’ contents: a candle, a towel, a Bible, Chalice and bread, engagement ring, a box containing 3 Russian dolls(one inside the other representing the Trinity), a picture of a door, two cards: Make me a channel of your peace and the other card ‘Peace’ with an inscription,  a £5 note with the promise from the Bank of England Cashier to pay £5 to the bearer, an angel, and a silver paper crown.

Each item had with it the appropriate scripture.

I invited some of the members of the congregation to chose from the items taken out from the cross and to say a few words on it, this replaced the Sermon by one person. I found that it worked really well and we were blessed by each other in what was said.