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The Land of Israel in Conflict 2021

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This week we have heard of the open wound of conflict between Israelis and the Palestinians breaking out in the ancient city of Jerusalem the capital city of the land of Israel.

Some Israelis believe the land is their Messiah. [1]

May 5th 2000, I attended a Holocaust Memorial Day at the Menorah Synagogue, Manchester. England. Rabbi Fox told us gathered there, that the Jewish people who suffered the reproaches of Hitler in the concentration camps, fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in Chapter 53 ‘the suffering servant.’ He said that the people of the Holocaust were the burnt offerings for the atonement of their nation’s sin against God. Rabbi Fox  continued, “God established the new covenant when the state of Israel came into being in 1948, and the land of Israel was their Messiah.”

At the end of the WW2 the British along with the other allies decided that the time had come to respond to the Jewish people’s request to establish their homeland in Palestine.

Wikipedia “The Land of Israel concept has been evoked by the founders of the State of Israel. It often surfaces in political debates on the status of the West Bank, which is referred to in official Israeli discourse as Judea and Samaria, from the names of the two historical Israelite and Judean kingdoms.[13] These debates frequently invoke religious principles, despite the little weight these principles typically carry in Israeli secular politics.” 

The British Mandate in 1948

Wikipedia “During the Mandate, the name Eretz Yisrael (abbreviated א״י Aleph-Yod), (Land of Israel) was part of the official name for the territory, when written in Hebrew.  These official names for Palestine were minted on the Mandate coins and early stamps (pictured) in English, Hebrew “(פלשתינה (א״י” (Palestina E”Y) and Arabic “( فلسطين”). Consequently, in 20th-century political usage, the term “Land of Israel” usually denotes only those parts of the land which came under the British mandate.”

The 6 Day War in 1967 where the surrounding Arab nations gathered against Israel. The outcome of this war resulted in more of the Biblical land was returned to the land of Israel. Rabbi Fox would no doubt have seen this restoration of the land as God confirming his belief in the land being the Messiah.

The Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty 1993

Wikipedia Land of Israel. “The Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace, signed on 1993, led to the establishment of an agreed border between the two nations, and subsequently the state of Israel has no territorial claims in the parts of the historic Land of Israel lying east of the Jordan river. (Judea and Samaria.)

According to Palestinian historian Nur Masalha Eretz Israel was a religious concept which was turned by Zionists into a political doctrine in order to emphasize an exclusive Jewish right of possession regardless of the Arab presence. Masalha wrote that the Zionist movement has not given up on an expansive definition of the territory, including Jordan and more, even though political pragmatism has engendered a focus on the region west of the Jordan River.”

At the time of Jesus ‘the land of Israel’ was all but complete.

Wikepedia – Land of Israel. The term ‘Land of Israel’ (γῆ Ἰσραήλ) occurs in one episode in the New Testament[2]  where, according to Shlomo Sand, it bears the unusual sense of ‘the area surrounding Jerusalem’. The section in which it appears was written as a parallel to the earlier Book of Exodus.

The reference –  Matthew 2: 20, 21 “But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 20 “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archela′us reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.”

At the time of Jesus, the part of the Biblical land that was still not yet under the Sanhedrin’s control was Samaria. The Jews and Samaritans in the New Testament are recorded as being enemies.

Dake’s  Annotated Reference Bible describes the Samaritan village. “These were the descendants of the pagans that settled in the land at the time of the captivities along with the few Jews who remained in the land. (2 Kings 17: 24-34.) They formed their own religion, a mixture of Judaism and paganism. They adopted the Pentateuch as the sole sacred book and erected a temple on Mt Gerizim near Shechem. 331 BC. The returning exiles rejected their help in rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple.[3] The breach between the returning Jews became permanent and so acute that the Jews would not pass-through Samaria to go into Galilee but had a circuitous (round about) route east of Jordan.”

The Jews and Samaritans were looking for the coming of the Son of Man, the Messiah.

Jesus quiet often referred to himself as the Son of Man, both Jews and Samaritans expected the Messiah to be in the form of a man. At Jesus’ trial before the Jewish council, he was asked by Caiaphas the Chief Priest, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I AM, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”[4] This was the first time that Jesus publicly acknowledged that he was the Messiah. Also, he used the title Son of Man which Caiaphas knew to be the same person, the Messiah.

God appointed meeting at Jacob’s well

The Samaritan woman would have been unprepared when Jesus spoke to her at Jacob’s well. It was so significant because Jesus told her that he was the Messiah. The Samaritans were looking for the coming of the Messiah. The woman went home and told her family and friends that she had met the Messiah. Jesus was invited to Sychar and he stayed there for two days. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah. [5]

Jesus’ mission was to the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’ Jesus healed the leper from Samaria. Jesus and his disciples were passing through Galilee and Samaria on their way to Jerusalem, when going through a village they met ten lepers. They asked Jesus to pray for their healing, he replied, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they walked away from him, they were healed. Only one out of the ten lepers came back to Jesus and thanked him, and he was a Samaritan. [6]

The parable of the Good Samaritan.

This parable is an example of Jesus wanting to restore the Samaritans into the fold of Israel.

In the parable Jesus portrait himself as the Samaritan, the introduction of the Samaritan would have raised a few eyebrows amongst his listeners. When the Samaritan saw the injured man, he threw caution to the wind and did what his conscious demanded. He took out of his bag oil and wine to bathe the injured man’s wounds.

After tending to the man, the Samaritan put him onto his donkey and made his way to the Inn.

The Samaritan asked the Innkeeper to take care of the injured man, as he had to continue his journey and whatever the costs for the man’s care, he would repay when he returned.

The Samaritan showed generosity above the call of duty. He did not expect the man when he was better to pay the Innkeeper because he had been robbed of his means to pay.

The instructions he gave to the Inn keeper ‘ I will repay your costs’  indicated that he would return and reimburse him in full.  I believe this is a prophetic word from Jesus referring to his return with the angels.  Jesus told his disciples that he was going to leave them, and he also indicated that he would return and settle accounts revealed through the parable of the talents.[7]

The ministry of the Innkeeper to the injured man reflects the ministry of the disciples, who were to continue Jesus’ ministry after his ascension until he returned. Jesus had indicated he would return within their lifetime. “When he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he 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.”[8]

Peter when he spoke to the crowd at Solomon’s Portico expected Jesus to return.

Peter spoke of the ‘times of refreshing,’ this was reference to the restoration of the land of Israel and the throne of King David at the coming of the Messiah.

”Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing  all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.[9]

The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus was hidden from the Jewish people until Peter at and after Pentecost proclaimed that Jesus was their Messiah.

At Solomon’s Portico, Peter said that their rulers and the people had acted in ignorance, when the handed Jesus over to the Romans for sentencing. [10]

It was in the foreknowledge of God that the Messiah would be the Saviour of the world through dying for our sins on the cross. Jesus was the final sacrifice for sin. God raised Jesus from the dead, fulfilling the Hebrew prophesies.[11]

Jesus made the atonement for the sins of the people of the whole world through the Gentile Roman involvement in his death.

God included the Gentiles, like the Persian King Cyrus allowing the Jews in exile to return and rebuild their temple at Jerusalem.[12] The Gentile wise men from the east who came to worship the one born a king, the King of the Jews and the British Mandate at the end of WW2.

Is the land of Israel the Messiah?

Many Jewish people today believe that the Messiah is a human being.  

Judaism 101  The Messianic idea in Judaism.

Judaism 101 or “Jew FAQ” is an online encyclopaedia of Judaism.

The Mashiach

The mashiach will be a great political leader descended from King David (Jeremiah 23:5). The mashiach is often referred to as “mashiach ben David” (mashiach, son of David). He will be well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments (Isaiah 11:2-5). He will be a charismatic leader, inspiring others to follow his example. He will be a great military leader, who will win battles for Israel He will be a great judge, who makes righteous decisions (Jeremiah 33:15). But above all, he will be a human being, not a god, demi-god or other supernatural being.

It has been said that in every generation, a person is born with the potential to be the mashiach. If the time is right for the messianic age within that person’s lifetime, then that person will be the mashiach. But if that person dies before he completes the mission of the mashiach, then that person is not the mashiach.”

National calling to recognise the Messiah.  

The Jews today continue not to believe their Messiah would come and die before completing his mission.  The Messiah’s Secret Revealed seeks to prove that it was God’s intension that the Jewish Messiah would die to save the world from sin and its’ causes [13]and in his resurrection for humanity to become children of God and all the nations of the world being blessed, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed. Jesus’ mission would have been completed if the leaders and people of Israel had discerned that Jesus was their Messiah during the lifetime of the apostles.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would take from both Israelis and the Palestinians the reproach against each other. I bring to the cross the years of suffering and pain, the argument of who is right and who is wrong, both are part of the history of that region. I pray for peace and not the escalation of further violence as the means to end this situation. I ask this in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. In Jesus’ name Amen.

[1] Acts 2: 31, 32. Psalm 16: 10. 49: 9.

[2] Matthew 2: 20,21.

[3] Ezra 4: 19, 25. Nehemiah 1. 3

[4][4] Mark 14: 53, 61, 62.

[5] John 4: 1-42.

[6] Matthew 10: 6. Luke 17: 11-19.

[7] Matthew 25: 14-30

[8] Mark 8: 38. 9: 1.

[9] Acts 3: 19-21.

[10] Acts 2: 23.

[11] Blog‘34 Prophesies Fulfilled in One Day’ 16/6/2010

[12] Ezra 1: 3. Matthew 2: 20,21.

[13] Acts 2: 23.36.

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Today, the Church is seeking a way forward to meet the changes in a different world.

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The church is seeking a way forward to meet the changes in a different world. One thing that I believe the church would be wise to address the sin of ‘reproach’ that is increasing in the world. It continues through every change that has taken place over thousands of years.

I see it as part of ‘fresh’ and ‘refresh’ the Church.

The Lord has brought this to my own personal attention to remove the sin of reproach from my life, and I have brought my reproach to the cross where Jesus bore the sin of reproach and God has rolled the sin of reproach away from me. Praise the Lord!

Reproach means – a person is holding in their heart:  blame, censure, scorn, anger, resentment, and disapproval against another person or against you.

Indignation leads to reproach.

‘Reproach’ in the Bible is where we read Cain slew his brother Abel because Abel’s offering of a lamb  was favoured by God. Whereas, Cain who followed in his father’s footsteps looking after the land, his offering of fruit was not favoured by God. Cain’s indignation grew to reproaching his brother so much that he killed him. [1]

The Egyptians were indignant towards the Hebrew people, I understand it stemmed from the days of Jacob and his sons receiving aid when there was famine in Canaan. Joseph Jacob’s youngest son became Pharaoh’s Governor over Egypt and in due course invited Jacob and his sons to become residents in Egypt. [2]

The Hebrew people grew in number and the native Egyptians under a new King took the upper hand and exploited them, making them their slaves.

Moses was called by God to ask Pharaoh to let the Hebrew people go to worship their God in the wilderness for three days. Moses is described as a meek man, and in his meekness, he described himself as a man of uncircumcised lips; his brother Aaron gave God’s message to Pharaoh. [3]

After every request Pharaoh refused to let them go. A series of plagues came upon the Egyptians, until the tenth plague, which was the last plague in God’s attempt to persuade Pharaoh to let the Hebrew people leave Egypt. [4]

The Lord would pass over each home of the Egyptians and Israelites and if the Lord saw the blood of the lamb, the destroyer would pass over that house, but if there was no blood seen by the Lord, the first-born man and beast would die.

After the night when the Egyptian first-born man and beast died, Pharaoh decided to let the Israelites go and the Egyptians gave them gold and silver to leave.

But soon afterwards the Egyptians were filled with indignation towards them. From the Egyptian’s indignation it escalated to reproach. In their anger and resentment Pharaoh pursued the Israelites, with the aim to capture and return them into Egyptian slavery.

Many Israelites were afraid, when they saw Pharaoh’s army in the distance drawing nearer and when they reached the Red Sea, Moses was instructed by God, to use the rod and as he held it above the water the sea began to separate, and the Israelites walked across on the dry seabed. 600,000 people were saved from Pharaoh’s pursuing army. When Pharaoh’s army started to cross on the seabed, the water began to flow, and their chariots got stuck in the sand and the army were drowned. [5]

God had legally released the Hebrews, when Pharaoh ‘let the people go.’ God had defeated all the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh who had made himself the supreme god of Egypt. God had set Israel free through the Passover lamb’s blood being brushed on the doorposts and lintels of their homes in Egypt.[6]

The Egyptians continued to reproach Israel until Israel reached the Promised Land, Joshua was instructed by God (to fulfil God’s covenant with Abraham) to circumcise the boys born during the wilderness journey and as a result: the manna ceased, and they ate the produce of the land and God removed Egypt’s reproach from Israel. [7]

The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you. And so, the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day.” Gilgal (name meaning ‘rolling’).

Jesus disarmed his disciple’s indignation that would have led to the reproach of Mary of Bethany.

Jesus and his disciples called on Lazarus and his sister Mary and Martha at Bethany. They shared a meal together and while they were eating their meal Mary went to where Jesus was sitting and anointed his head and feet. We read that the disciples were filled with indignation. Jesus disarmed their indignation by saying, ‘Mary has done a beautiful thing to me.”

To stop their indignation turning to reproach. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” [9]

Where we are holding reproach against someone.

Every person can hold something against someone else, without realising it is a sin of reproach. To refresh the church perhaps like me, other Christians would seek to repent of their reproach against someone or bring to the cross the reproach that they have experienced from others.

Paul in his letter to Timothy wrote, “Moreover, He (Bishop) must be well thought of by outsiders or he may fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”[10]

Paul’s letter to the Romans he wrote, “For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.”[11]

On the cross Jesus bore every sin of ‘reproach’ so a Christian on their journey with Christ can realise this sin has been dealt with on the cross and in Jesus’ resurrection set free from the reproach of someone holding something against us. It is simply rolled away, like the stone was rolled away from the entrance of the tomb.

We bring our sin of reproach in prayer to the cross where Jesus bore it, and say sorry to God, “ Father God, please forgive me my sin of reproach against________ I am truly sorry, and I repent of my sin. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Giving thanks because we believe that God in his love and mercy has forgiven our sin in Jesus’ resurrection and will release the person from our reproach. [12]

People’s reproach against us will hinder our tasks for the Lord.

The sin of reproach against us:

“Lord Jesus, we pray that this sin of reproach that this person _____ is holding against us, we bring it to the cross, where Jesus bore the sin of reproach, and in Jesus’ resurrection God has rolled away that reproach from us, like the stone that was rolled away from the entrance to the tomb. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Thank you, Lord, that we are accepted by God through faith in Jesus. Help us Lord, to walk above reproach, to love others as we would want others to love us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What does it mean to be ‘above reproach?’

‘Above reproach’ is a legal word that indicates a kind of innocence in the eyes of the law. It means that no one can legitimately rebuke you or make any charges against you that will stick. They may accuse, but your conduct will eventually acquit you by proving you blameless, ‘above reproach.’

Your life is so consistent that your reputation is credible, and you do not discredit the gospel by teaching one thing while doing another.

Daily Prayer

Praying that the Holy Spirit would help us identify any sin of reproach in our life wherever it exists and to quickly put that sin to death.

Praying that we would diligently pursue personal holiness by and through the gospel.

Praying that we would be and remain blameless in God’s eyes and in the eyes of every person. Make our conduct match our profession so our lives do not display a trace of hypocrisy.

Praying that when we sin, we would be quick to seek the forgiveness of both God and our brothers and sisters.

Praying that if we are accused of sin or evil, we would be able to be found innocent, without reproach, blameless in God’s eyes.

Paul emphasises in his letters to the church at Thessalonica to be found ‘blameless,’ without reproach at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul in his letter to the church at Thessalonica wrote, “May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless (without reproach) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 23. 2: 10. 3: 13.

After posting this blog on Saturday 8th May. Sunday 9th St Andrews Morning Service on Zoom during the second song the Lord gave me a picture: seeing Jesus close to on the cross,  and rising up seeing the empty cross, filled me with great joy.

May 9 2

[1] Genesis 4: 1-16.

[2] Genesis Chapters 39-47

[3] Exodus 6: 30.

[4] Exodus 11: 1.

[5] Exodus 1: 8-14. 12: 29-36. 14: 5-31.

[6] Exodus 12: 12, 13, 21-23

[7] Joshua 5: 5-9

[8] John 3: 16. Acts 2: 23. Luke 24: 44-46. Blog ‘34 Prophesies Fulfilled in One Day’ 2014.

[9] Matthew 26: 6-13.

[10] 1 Timothy 3: 7.

[11] Romans 15: 3

[12] 1 John 1: 7,8.

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Forgive and Forget

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ReproachWill the fans and the owners of the twelve famous football clubs hoped to form a European Super League: AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Tottenham forgive and forget this last weeks furore over the proposed Super League.

When the fans of the major UK clubs heard of the plans to form a European Super league their hearts were enraged, and their response was heard across Europe and the owners of the clubs took notice.

The fans point of view: Graham Hyde, of the trust, said: “Fundamentally the game is shifting from being one that has fans at the heart of it to one that is primarily about money.” 

Soon afterwards, the UK Football Clubs withdrew from the proposed Super League and the planned league collapsed.                                                

Will many of the fans forgive and forget or reproach the 6 English Clubs and the billionaire owners who finance them?

Many fans I believe will ‘Forgive and forget’ and be glad their views were taken to heart by the owners of their clubs.

Others may hold reproach against the owners and pursue the owners to favour the fans in their business approach to the game.

The meaning of ‘Reproach’ – holding something against another person.

‘Reproach in the Bible is where we read Cain slew his brother Abel because Abel’s offering of a lamb  was favoured by God. Whereas, Cain who followed in his father’s footsteps looking after the land, his offering of fruit was not favoured by God. Cain’s displeasure and indignation grew to reproaching his brother so much that he killed him. Genesis 4: 1-16.

King Ahab reproached Naboth because he wanted to buy his  vineyard, but he would not sell it to him. The King’s wife Jezebel plotted to have Naboth killed to acquire his vineyard. 1 Kings 21: 1-15.

Pharaoh’s reproach over the Israelites leaving Egypt led him to pursue then through the wilderness, only to be destroyed by God’s intervention at the Red Sea. Exodus 14

The Egyptians continued to reproach Israel. There at Gilgal (name meaning ‘rolling’) God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from Israel. Joshua 5: 8, 9.

Jesus and his disciples called on Lazarus and his sister Mary and Martha at Bethany. They shared a meal together and while they were eating their meal Mary went to where Jesus was sitting and anointed his head and feet. We read that the disciples were filled with indignation. Jesus disarmed their indignation by saying, ‘Mary has done a beautiful thing to me.”

To stop their indignation turning to reproach. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Matthew 26: 6-13.

Every person can hold something against someone else, without realising it’s a sin of reproach.

Reproach is a sin. Paul in his letter to Timothy wrote, “Moreover, He (Bishop) must be well thought of by outsiders or he may fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3: 7.

Where we are holding reproach against someone.

We bring our sin of reproach in prayer to the cross and say sorry to God, “ Father God, please forgive me my sin of reproach against________ I am truly sorry, and I repent of my sin. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Giving thanks because we believe that God in his love and mercy has forgiven our sin and will release the person from our reproach. 1 John 1: 7,8.

The sin of reproach against us:

“Lord Jesus, we pray that this sin of reproach that this person _____ is holding against us, we bring it to the cross, where Jesus bore the sin of reproach, and in Jesus’ resurrection God has rolled away that reproach from us, like the stone that was rolled away from the entrance to the tomb. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Thank you that we are accepted by God through faith in Jesus. Help us Lord, to walk above reproach, to love others as we would want others to love us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thomas wanted evidence that Jesus was risen from the dead.

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The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and an empty tomb. Jesus entered our world through a door marked ‘No Entrance’ and left through a door marked ‘No Exit’.

Today, many people look to science to have the answers to things that seem unbelievable like the resurrection of Jesus, but science can’t explain it, no one has ever revived after being dead for three days.

Thomas, who was one of Jesus’ disciples when he heard from the disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead, he doubted, he wanted evidence, to see the risen Jesus for himself. John 20: 19-29.

We have evidence that Jesus was raised on the third day when Cleopas and another disciple told the stranger (Jesus) on the road to Emmaus that it was the third day since the crucifixion of Jesus. Cleopas reported to the stranger that the women who came back from the tomb that morning, amazed them and told everyone in the house that Jesus was risen. Cleopas continued to say that some of Jesus’ disciples went to the tomb, but they did not see the risen Jesus. Luke 24: 21.

John records that on the evening of the day of Jesus’ resurrection the doors were shut where the disciples had gathered, for fear of the Jews. They were afraid and anxious of being arrested for being his disciples.

When Jesus entered the house his first words were, “Peace be with you.” Jesus knew their anxiety and he gave them His peace.

Recently after having my vaccination and the hope of soon getting back to normal. I didn’t think I was stressed about covid, that was until I had a day of fasting and prayer, as I focused on prayer and study, I noticed how I had become so relaxed and at peace in my body. It was then I realised just how tensed up I had been.

From John and Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ resurrection,   Jesus didn’t just appear, he spoke to them, he showed them the marks of where the nails and sword had pierced his flesh. He was keen to demonstrate that his resurrected body needed food, we read he ate some grilled fish.

That night Jesus anointed his disciples when he breathed on the disciples the Holy Spirit, fulfilling John the Baptist’s prophecy ‘The Messiah would baptise them with the Holy Spirit. Luke 3: 16. 24: 36-43.

We observe through the accounts of the resurrection that Jesus’ resurrected body was different, he could pass through what we know as solid structures even though his body consisted of flesh and bones, but Luke didn’t mention his resurrected body having any blood in it. I believe Luke purposely didn’t mention his blood because Jesus’ blood was poured out when he died on the cross to make atonement for our sins against God. Luke 24: 39.

Thomas questioned what the disciples had seen, he wasn’t afraid of being honest. Many people today will not believe in Jesus unless they have evidence by experiencing God. However, those who encounter the risen Jesus are few, the evidence comes after we turn to Jesus in faith. God becomes real through God’s love touching our hearts.

Thomas didn’t walk away because of his doubts, eight days later Jesus addressed his doubts. Thomas was there in the house with the disciples and followers, when Jesus appeared again before them. Jesus asked Thomas to feel the wounds that had been healed and to see the marks on his body. As Thomas touched his body, in front of those present he declared Jesus as his Lord and his God.

Jesus responded saying, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Maybe, you have doubts concerning Jesus’ resurrection, if so, then talk to God and you will be amazed when the Lord answers.

Thank you, Jesus for being true to your word, your words are Spirit and life.

Note on fasting – abstaining from eating food concentrating on prayer, the word and reflection on the words of scripture.

For some Christians on medication, it’s not advisable to go through a day without having a meal and I believe the Lord understands every persons situation. For others to miss one meal is fine etc. However long or short the fast, it is a must to drink plenty of liquids.

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God’s love reaching out to heal the broken-hearted.

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One person suffers and we all suffer, including God.
God in His great love for us is constantly reaching out to heal the broken-hearted and comforting those who weep and mourn.
Many have forsaken God, but God has not left us. We may blame God for the loss, the death of a loved one, but God doesn’t blame us. Jesus bore his own and our suffering on the cross, even before he reached Calvary his suffering his body weakened by the suffering that he endured. We read as he made his way through the streets of Jerusalem to beyond the city wall, he was too weak to carry his cross. Simon of Cyrene was commandeered to carry it for him. Jesus in his weakness probably struggled to breathe, only to rest when the soldiers nailed him to the cross.
Such was his love for us he bore the pain of hatred, anger, resentment of those who curse God and mock when someone says, ‘God is love.’ Yet God’s love was manifested in Jesus when he was heard to say, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” The Jewish people acted in ignorance when they sent Jesus to Pilate for sentencing. They did not believe the Messiah would come and die. “In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “But he cannot save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Mark 15: 31,32.
Jesus wept when he heard from the sisters Mary and Martha that Lazarus had died. The mourners standing at Lazarus’ tomb said, “See, how he loved him.” Mary said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Isn’t this the plea of many of those who blame God for the death of someone they love, why weren’t you there to save my love from death?
There at Lazarus’ tomb Jesus spoke to his Father God, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you always hear my prayers. But I have said this in the hearing of the mourners that they may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus then shouted, “Lazarus come out.” The dead man came out, they removed the burial wrappings and Lazarus was alive.
Jesus had said earlier to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; those who believe in me though they die yet shall they live and whoever lives and believes shall never die.” This means Lazarus had been raised from the dead to continue his life until he died, but he had received eternal life through his faith in Jesus. John 11.
When Jesus was dying, he said, “Father into your hands I commit my spirit!” and then he died.
In Ecclesiastes we read, “The spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12: 7.
Eyre & Spottiswoode Study Bible notes. “Our spirit returns to God neither to sleep or to perish, but to be judged.”
The church celebrates at Easter the resurrection of Jesus, God in His love raised Jesus from the dead.
Jesus is alive, he ascended into heaven where he has prepared a place for his family of believers.
God’s love is complete in all aspects of pure, holy love, his love reaching out to heal the broken-hearted;
“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 creator.”
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The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

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“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  2 Corinthians 13: 14.

Paul ends his letter to the church at Corinth with a beautiful message God’s love has brought reconciliation between Himself and the ordinary person. We are in fellowship with God our Father in His Holy Spirit through the Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. His life’s blood making use right with God.

Christians are united in the fellowship of the  Holy Spirit, brothers and sisters in the Spirit of God’s love, and the Spirit of Jesus.

When we meet another Christian the family connection the unity in the Spirit becomes apparent, especially when we are like-minded, believing that Jesus is God revealed in the flesh and knowing him in a personal way.

We share the understanding of the word in the Bible revealed and confirmed to us by the Holy Spirit. We are followers together proclaiming to people who do not know about Jesus, the way of faith to  find Jesus.

We are united at various levels of spiritual unity, spirit to spirit, discerning the Holy Spirit from the spirit of the flesh. It is not telepathic transferring of the same thoughts or worldly love. It is sharing the gracious brotherly, sisterly love, joy and peace in the Spirit.

The Church the Bride of Christ.

The Sadducees in conversation with Jesus asked him a question saying, “If a man dies, having no children, his brother must marry his widow, and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers among us the first married and died and having no children left his wife to his brother. So, to the second and the third, down to the seventh and the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, to which of the seven will she be wife? For they all had her.” Jesus replied, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” Matthew 22: 23-33.

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
  3. step. The bridegroom would go to the home of the bride in order to bring her to his home. 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.”

The betrothal took place almost 2,000 years have passed since the first step, the price paid for the bride, Jesus’ redeeming blood his death on the cross. . The three other steps have yet to take place.

Every Christian having received eternal life in the resurrection of Jesus in our present life, are united in the Holy Spirit having fellowship in Christ with one another in the Spirit. As Jesus stated there is no marriage in heaven, therefore, there is no marriage between believers and no children born to believers. We are all children of God and members of one body the church, the virgin bride of Christ.

The church, Christians are to be in readiness for Jesus’ return when the bridegroom comes to fetch the bride and take her to his home before the wedding ceremony followed by the wedding supper.

An event we can look forward to, celebrating in heaven with all believers.

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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.

By Dorothy Newton