All posts by Dorothy

Currently, I (Dorothy Newton} am a Street Pastor in Ramsbottom, working alongside Christians who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Christian, visible unity among the churches.
Latin American, Lord of the Dance, quick step, Strictly Come Dancing, Waltz

The Messiah’s Secret – The Lord of the Dance

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The meeting of ‘The Ladies Fellowship and Longholme Sisterhood’ in Rawtenstall. 
The Lord of the Dance

Strictly Come Dancing a popular T.V. Show with Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly the presenters and its panel of judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Elisha Dixon.

The variety of dances: the Waltz – flowing with ease and grace. The Quick Step – sure footed precise timing. Latin American – lots of rhythm and powerful gestures. Rock’n roll – athletic and fast moving.
The Celebrities are partnered with professional dancers and over the weeks we saw a gradual improvement of their technique.

The Lord of the Dance
The Lord brings us into fellowship with each other in our churches, we dance together, work together for a period of time, until our circumstances change, perhaps move house or job and so we change partners, change churches and go off and dance with someone else. We may go back to where we started from or even dance on our own for a bit, until we cease to dance.

Barnabas and Saul
In Acts 13 Barnabas and Paul set out on their first ministry tour. They went from place to place setting up churches. John Mark joined them on route, but he left them at Perga in Phamphilia. Barnabas and Paul eventually arrived back at Jerusalem. Soon afterwards Paul wanted to go and re-visit the churches that had been planted. Barnabas was inclined to take John Mark with them; Paul did not want him to so they disagreed and changed partners: Barnabas went with John Mark, Silas accompanied Paul.

On the previous series of Strictly Come Dancing, John Sergeant and his partner Kristina Rihanoff were very popular as a result each week they were voted by the general public to stay on the show. This really upset the judges as other celebrities and their professional partners who were better dancers than John and Kristina but they were being voted off the show.

Barnabas was known as the encourager he perhaps wanted to encourage the young John Mark. Whereas Paul, I could imagine him being a person who dotted the i and crossed t and expected everyone to do the same.
On Strictly Come Dancing the ‘encourager’ for me was Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood who looked for perfection from the celebrities.

The Lord of the Dance
Jesus said, “We piped but you would not dance.” Matthew 11: 17
Jesus maybe was thinking of the time when the Ark of the Covenant was being moved from the house of Obededom to the city of David by King David. The people played their instruments whilst King David danced before the Lord.
“King David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouting, and the sound of the horn.” 2 Samuel 6: 14, 15.
The Pharisees would not dance before Jesus the Ark of the New Covenant.

The Ark was a wooden box overlaid with gold, the lid was made of solid gold with two cherubim facing each other on it. Contained inside the Ark were the tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments written upon them. The almond rod that budded, that had belonged to Aaron and the pot containing Manna, the daily bread provided by God for the Israelites on their wilderness journey. The Ark had 2 gold rings on each side,the rings were placed on the four feet to hold the poles which  (overlaid with gold) allowed it to be carried by the Levites.

The tablets of stone with the ten commandments written on them.
The prophecy of Jeremiah prophesied that the Law would be written in the heart and mind, everyone would know God and their sins would be remembered no more. The Law and all the temple rituals and sacrifices of the Mosaic covenant were fulfilled in Jesus death and resurrection.
The almond rod that budded, the sign of the priesthood.
A dispute arose amongst the tribes of Israel as to should be the priests. Moses was instructed by God to give all the houses of Israel a rod and to place Aaron’s rod with the rod of the Levites. Next day Aaron’s rod was found to have budded and also it had almonds on it. The dispute was settled, Aaron and his sons with the Levites were chosen by God to maintain the sanctuary, its offerings, and the altar of incense.
Following this action Aaron took a censor, which was a vessel that contained hot coals sprinkled with incense and made atonement, he prayed for the people. He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague stopped. 2 Samuel 16: 47, 48.

Jesus was chosen by God to be the intercessor between God and his church.
“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee” as he says in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5: 1-6.
Jesus was appointed by God as high priest, he offered himself as the final sacrifice for sin and the causes of sin by laying down his life. God raised Jesus from the dead. He is seated at the right hand of God in heaven where Jesus intercedes for us, his church.
Jesus the Manna, the Bread of eternal life.
Jesus the living bread, meaning his words inwardly digested are food that nourishes the human heart/soul, they become to us Spirit and life. Jesus the Word of God clothed in the flesh. John the Apostle wrote we have handled the word of life.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life. The life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us, that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1: 1-3

On the last series the voters at home continued to support the more entertaining celebrities like Ann Widdecombe and her dance partner Anton du-beke. The judges seem to have come to terms with the change of emphasis from being completely competitive, to the show having an element of light entertainment.

Naomi and Ruth
In the course of their life time the Lord of the Dance brought them to a situation were they moved on by going back to where Naomi came from, the town of Bethlehem. Naomi and her husband and their two sons left Bethlehem because there was famine in their area.
They moved to Moab which was located south east of the Dead Sea. Naomi’s husband died and within a short time her two sons died. Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem, she advised her daughter’s in law to go and live with their families. However, Ruth did not want to, she wanted to stay with Naomi and go with her to Bethlehem. The two ladies went to Bethlehem, there Ruth met Boaz and fell in love with him, and they were married.
This love story reminds me of the waltz, the elegant couple dance with flowing steps gliding across the dance floor.
Len Goodman the top judge on the show apparently looked for good interaction between the professional dancer and the celebrity. We saw this interaction in most of the celebrities as they developed over weeks of training.

Nabal and Abigail.
Abigail was married to Nabal; he was very rich he owned 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. We read that Nabal was surly and snappish, a hard, ill tempered and an oppressive man.
It was shearing time and they asked King David for his help to guard their flocks against Philistine sheep rustlers. In response David sent his soldiers to guard their flocks. Shortly afterwards David needed Nabal’s help in supplying food his men. Nabal made out that he did not know King David. When David heard he was displeased and took up arms against Nabal. When Abigail found out that David was on his way to take his revenge, she decided to intervene, but not to disclose her plan to Nabal. She would go and make peace with King David before he arrived at their home. Abigail loaded her donkey with goods as a gift in defence of her husband.
When she met King David her attitude was so respectful and apologetic David accepted her apology and the gift on behalf of her husband. On her arrival home she found her husband drunk. Next day she told Nabal of her meeting with King David, his reaction to this news, he was ashamed. Ten days later Nabal died.
Nabal had suffered a mortal blow to his pride knowing that his wife had interceded on his behalf to make amends for his sin against David.

Shame associated with nakedness.
Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened to the consequences of their sin against God, they felt ashamed of their nakedness and covered parts of their body with fig leaves.
In the Hebrew Scriptures nakedness is associated with sin. Canaan was cursed by his grandfather Noah for seeing him naked, “Canaan would be a slave to his brothers.” Genesis 9:25 Noah’s son’s Shem and Japheth took great care to cover him up.
Jesus when he arrived at Golgotha, the soldiers removed his garments and divided them between themselves by casting lots. Jesus was naked on the cross bearing the shame of Adam and Eve redeeming us from their sin.
Shame can leave us with lack of self worth, passive and insecure. Healing comes when we ask Jesus to walk back to that moment when we felt ashamed and through repentance leave that shame on the cross where we enter into the freedom of Jesus’ forgiveness. God raised Jesus from the dead defeating sin and the causes of sin. Through faith in Jesus that he has paid the price for our sin we are set free from shame.

I think Abigail would have been good at the quick step, she monuvered around Nabal and arrived precisely at the right time to negotiate with King David on her husband’s behalf.
Arelene Philips was taken off the judges panel, I think most people were puzzled as to why? Maybe the producers were ashamed of her age. The producers replaced her with a younger woman Elesha Dixon.

Abigail went on to marry King David becoming one of his wives.
Arelene Philips is now a judge on another TV dance show judging the latest modern dancing.

Letting go
It was hard for the disciples to let go of Jesus when he was crucified, died and placed in a tomb. They did not understand why God had allowed him to die.
On the evening of the day of his resurrection after Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit, he opened the eyes of the disciples understanding regarding the prophesies that referred to his death and resurrection, and also that repentance and forgiveness should be preached in his name to all nations. Luke 24: 45-47.
Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians he wrote of coming to them not in lofty words or wisdom, he came among them preaching the crucified Christ which was followed by signs of the Spirit in power. “That their faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” He goes on to say, “But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him. God has revealed to us through the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2: 2, 6-10.

God decreed before the foundation of the earth his Son would suffer and die on a cross to redeem all creation from the fall of man. Those who believed in the Son of God would enter into the glorious kingdom of God. But it was a secret unrevealed until after Jesus’ ascension. At Pentecost the Apostles for the first time proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah.
The Jewish people would not have crucified their Messiah, if they had known that the Son of God was Jesus. For this very reason, it was hidden from their understanding. The Chief Priest Caiaphas had a prophecy from God which he shared with the council when they were seeking a way to destroy Jesus. “It is expedient that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should perish.” John 11: 47-53.
He believed that Jesus was threat to the stability of the nation. By removing Jesus God was delivering them from the Romans destroying their holy place and nation.
After Pentecost when Caiaphas heard from the Apostles that Jesus had been raised from the dead, you would have thought that he would have realised that it was God’s intention for the Messiah to die and be resurrected, but Caiaphas was a Sadducee and they did not believe in the Resurrection of the dead.

“Though he had done so many signs before them, yet they did not believe in him; it was that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed our report, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Therefore they could not believe. For Isaiah again said, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart . . . Nevertheless many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12: 37-43.

The Lord of the Dance will cause us to move on to dance with new partners. This can sometimes cause distress, especially if we don’t realise that the Lord is moving us on to fulfil his purposes.

On Strictly Come Dancing the celebrities were very disappointed when they had to leave the show. They had worked so hard to learn the dances and to win the hearts of the voters.

Mary and Martha
When Lazarus died, his sisters were broken hearted, but we know that it was only for a short time. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. But for us, when a husband or wife dies or a family member the pain of separation remains like a thread unbroken by the passage of time. Our hope is in the resurrection of the living and the dead when Jesus returns, we shall be for ever with the Lord of the Dance.

Bruce Forsyth at 83 years old he has seen a resurrection of his career. Old twinkle toes, he can still think on his feet with his spontaneous jokes.

Dancing for Joy
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev danced for joy as they were voted Strictly Come Dancing winners. During the weeks they had spent learning to dance together they had fallen in love. The show ended with a spectacular dancing from them.

The Lord of the Dance
Jesus our dance teacher and partner, perfects all that we undertake in his name. Our rhythm and posture, the steps, twirls and gestures are effortless movements on the dance floor of the kingdom of God. Like Kara and Artem’s love for each other, Jesus loves us so much that he gave his life for us and his love is everlasting.

Ananias and Sapphira, Nun, ruling rod of iron, Wedding Feast.

The Messiah’s Secret – The Evening of the Day of the Resurrection

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On the evening of the day of the resurrection the disciples and followers were gathered in a house in Jerusalem, the door was shut for fear of the Jews.
Then to their amazement Jesus appeared in the room amongst them.

The Lord has been.
This brought to mind my friend, Sister Irene Mary an elderly Anglican Nun who lived in Blackburn. I met her at the Urban Thanksgiving Service at Blackburn Cathedral in 1993. Following my conversation with her about my pottery, she wanted to give them as gifts for staff at St. Wilfred’s school where she taught Religious Knowledge. Sister invited me to her home to collect the pottery order. When I called to collect it she showed me into her front room where she said her daily offices. There was a small table covered with a white cloth. On the cloth were prayer cards, small stones, two candlesticks, a picture and an Icon.
When I had completed the order I took the pottery to her home, on my arrival she greeted me with, “The Lord’s been.” she was so excited and so humble. Sister told me that as usual she came down stairs and entered her front room to say her early morning office. However as she approached her table she saw the cloth had been burnt forming the letter T the burnt cloth was 25mm or 1 inch wide. The papers on the table had been singed only on the edge. The cloth had been burnt through were it came in contact with the flame. but the table had no sign of any burning on it. There was no candle wax on the cloth or any sign of a fire starting from the candlesticks.
I witnessed this table and its contents: the burnt cloth and the papers that were singed brown only on the edge. It was too precise for Sister Irene to have done it herself and I discerned that the Lord had certainly been there that night. Later she researched the letter T it was the Greek letter used as a sign, by the early Christians, it represented the resurrection of Jesus.
Just like the early church Sister Irene Mary’s home was a place were Christians called for spiritual refreshment: fellowship, prayer and Bible study, use of her small library and study materials.

Above is a booklet Sister Irene Mary produced with a photograph of the table just as she found it that morning after the Lord had been.
The picture below was taken at Ambleside the town by Lake Windermere. We had earlier visited Rydal Hall an Anglican Retreat and Conference Centre. Sister organised day pilgrimages to various places I went on three of them.

On the evening of the day of the resurrection the disciples were afraid of the Jews coming to arrest them. Jesus’ first words when he appeared before them were,”Peace be with you.”
On another occasion when I arrived at Sister Irene Mary’s home, on entering her house she greeted me and the peace of the Lord flowed out from her. It was a memorable moment.
This dear lady met people from all walks of life and faiths and she showed no partiality, she treated everyone as a friend.

After Jesus had greeted his disciples with his peace, he showed them his hands and his side and they were glad. It must have been an amazing moment to be in the company of the risen Lord. How glad they were to see him with the marks of the nails and the sword proving that it was the same body that was taken down from the cross and was laid in the tomb. Luke records that it was noticed that his resurrected body had no blood in it. Luke 24: 39. The Saviour poured out his life’s blood to make the final atonement for sin.
Jesus then spoke of sending them out again, not just in his authority and power as he did during his ministry, this time he anointed them for the work he had called them to do, he breathed on them the Holy Spirit and said,”Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:22, 23.

John the Baptist said that the Messiah would baptise them with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Luke 3: 16.
Holy Spirit
The disciples received the Holy Spirit directly from Jesus, just as God had breathed his life into Adam.” Then God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2: 7.
Our Lord God breathed new life into his disciples that night on the evening of the day of his resurrection.

As they had received the Holy Spirit from Jesus they were now able to understand the prophets prophesies concerning his death and resurrection. In Luke’s account of the same evening Jesus opened their minds to understand everything written about him by the prophets that the Christ had to suffer and die before he resurrected and enter into his glory. Luke 24: 44-49.
At Pentecost empowered by the Holy Spirit Peter expounded the prophecy of Joel that in the last days God would pour out his Holy Spirit to all who believed. The prophecy of King David that the Messiah’s body would not be destroyed or decay but that God would raise him from the dead. Acts 2: 14-36.

Fire of Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit fans the flame spreading the good news about Jesus, giving light to his word.
On the road to Emmaus Jesus shared the prophesises concerning himself with the two disciples “Jesus said, was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24: 26.
When Jesus blessed and broke the bread, the eyes of the two disciples were opened, they recognised him. They commented, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures.” Luke 24: 32. The fire of the Holy Spirit giving light to the words of the prophets that revealed Jesus.

The word that God gave me on 30th May 1996,”The disciples were setting up the kingdom of God at the beginning of Acts.” I believed that this was in preparation for Jesus’ return with the angels.
The disciples were expecting Jesus to return within their life time. Below are two verses that indicate this:
“Jesus had said to them, “For who ever are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous sinful generation, of him will the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” Mark 8: 38. 9:1
“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

12 Apostles
At the beginning of Acts shortly after Jesus’ Ascension the apostles and followers met together in the house at Jerusalem. Peter made the point to those present that the scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit had spoken through King David that their number should be made up to twelve. After casting lots Matthias joined the eleven. Acts 1: 15 – 26
Peakes Concordance tells us that in the Jewish rule book ‘The Mishna’ by law there had to be 12 officers, on tenth of the number required to put in place a community. The number of people present were 120 fulfilling the requirement of the law. Acts 1: 15

Day of Judgement delayed
Jesus said, “I came to cast a fire upon the earth, and how I would that it were already kindled, but I have a baptism to be baptised with and how I am constrained until it is accomplished.” Luke 12: 49, 50.
Jesus referring to the fire of judgement the wrath of God, the unquenchable fire of Judgement day, not yet lit. Matthew 3: 7-12.
The baptism is were he was referring to his death; he had first to reconcile both people and world through the cross by his suffering and death, before he would bring in the kingdom of God. Luke 24: 26
Jesus saw how sinful the Pharisees and Sadducees and lawyers were they had added their laws to the laws of Moses as a result the people were heavily burdened. He was constrained because he was not able to bring in the day of wrath at that time.
The fact that he had to fulfil his death and resurrection and ascention before he could be proclaimed their Messiah and only after he was accepted by the nations leaders as the Messiah could he return and rule Israel and the nations of the world with the ruling rod of iron, righteous justice, having first defeated their enemies.
Luke 11: 46″From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God almighty.” Revelation 19: 15

The Holy Spirit is a purifying, refining fire.
Peter along with the other disciples were given authority on the evening of the Day of Resurrection to administered judgement on forgiveness sin or to retain sin.
Peter retained the sins of Ananias and Sapphira. This was the ruling rod of iron of the kingdom of God that was put in place by Jesus in anticipation of his return within the life time of the Apostles.
During Jesus’ ministry the disciples were 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
Psalm 2: 9.Psalm 89: 32.

Ananias and Sapphira were the Adam and Eve of the New Testament. (The Messiah’s Secret page 111)
Since I published my book, the Lord has shown me more about Ananias and Sapphira. Just as Adam and Eve started out having fellowship with God Ananias and his wife Sapphira had received Jesus as their Saviour and they had joined the early church community. They had committed themselves to selling a field and giving the proceeds to the community. However, they changed their minds and kept back some of what they had received 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

Ananias and Sapphira made an informed choice; they knowingly lied to Peter and to God. They fell back into their fallen state and as testimony to it they took the consequences of their actions. Peter administered the ruling rod of iron of the kingdom of God, making the point that there is no other sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10: 26
We read that this incident caused a Godly fear amongst the people.

The Bible reveals that 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- centred, self-ruled in heart, mind and will, but man’s conscience bore witness to God. Human beings have the ability to worship that other creatures do not have.

Jesus 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
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 second Adam, in his humanity went to the cross, to redeem us from the inherited fallen nature of the first Adam which is available to all those who would believe in him.

The parable of the Wedding Feast. Matthew 22: 1-14
Whilst studying last week I understood that Ananias and Sapphira were like the man in Jesus’ parable were the King giving a wedding feast for his son. The king noticed among the invited guests there was a man who was not wearing a wedding garment as a result the man was cast out of the wedding hall.

The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son and sent his servants to call those who were invited, but they would not come. Everything was ready the meal was prepared so the invitation went out again but they made excuses not to attend.
They were so displeased that they treated the king’s servants badly and some were killed by them. The king was angry and sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
Then he said to his servants ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go and invite all who will come, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
The king came in the wedding hall to look at the guests, and he saw there a man with no wedding garment. The king said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment? And he was speechless.” the man was cast out. “For many are called but few are chosen.”

The first part of the parable relates to the Jewish people who were invited to the wedding feast by the God. But they declined his invitation. In the parable Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem by fire which took place in 70AD.

“Many are called but few are chosen.” Today the people who accept the invitation are those who become members of the church. Each Christian wearing a wedding garment made of fine linen which represents the righteous deeds of the saints. Revelation 19: 8.
Righteous deeds of the saints: Christians using their gifts of the Holy Spirit: praying and reaching out to those outside the church, visiting the sick and the lonely, giving our money to support the work of the church and many more.
The man not wearing a wedding garment portraits people like Ananias and Sapphira Christians who were giving lip service to God: seeing a need and not responding to it, self interest above the Lord’s calling on their life, and faith without works is dead. James 2: 14.

It also embraces a wider view of the church, the reference to the good and bad making a distinction between the Christian denominations. Christians who believe in God and say that Jesus is a prophet and those who profess that Jesus is God made visible in the flesh.

I hold the view that Jesus is God made visible in the flesh.

Peter wrote that the Lord’s judgement begins with the church and there are those who will scarcely be saved. 1 Peter 4: 17

Apostles Peter and John speak of Jesus’ return. 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 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.

The apostles and the early followers did not see Jesus’ return within their life time. The ruling rod of iron has not continued since the Apostles ministry in the early church. (The gifts of Holy Spirit continue)
Jesus prophesied in his parable of the kings wedding feast that he knew that the hearts of the nation’s leaders were hardened against him. He prophesied the days of vengeance when the surrounding nations would destroy Jerusalem with fire and its people scattered. Those who accepted the invitation are waiting in readiness for the king to come and look at the guests in the wedding hall.
Jerusalem will be trodden down until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Luke 21: 22-24

cross, flag., Gethsemane, Prince William and Catherine Middleton, sovereignty of God

The Messiah’s Secret – The Sovereignty of God

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In London on Friday the 29th April 2011 the flags will be flying and the bunting will be waving across streets and buildings. The crowds will be gathered on the pavements and around Westminster Abbey as the young couple Prince William and Catherine Middleton make there way there to be married.

On Palm Sunday the church celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The crowds had gathered along the road into Jerusalem waving their palm branches and laying them down before the donkey, paying homage to Jesus their King.

To make that celebration possible Jesus had to surrender his all to the work of God and that was in response to God his Father’s call on his life. Philippians 2: 5-11
We know that his calling, his mission was to die on a cross to bridge the gulf, the chasm between us and God, to unite us with God. If you can imagine the horizontal bar of the cross being a bridge between us and God. Through repentance and faith we cross the bridge to enter into God’s eternal kingdom.
Having received Jesus as our Saviour, so we enter into God’s sovereign call upon our lives.

Church Pastoral Aid Society Lent Course ‘Exploring God’s Call on our Life’ The course was led by Martin our Vicar and the local Superintendent Methodist Minister. On the first session we looked at the sovereignty of God on the life of Abraham.
Abraham believed and trusted God so therefore he responded to God’s call on his life, God spoke to Abraham saying, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12: 1.
The Methodist Minister shared a conversation that he had with his son about God being sovereign over his life. His son was taken-a-back by his words that God was first in his father’s life. His father explained to him that when he and his mum got married they agreed to put God first in their marriage as they both recognised the sovereignty of God over them. After further discussion his son understood.

Sovereignty of God over Jesus. As we read the Gospels we recognise the sovereignty of God over Jesus. For Jesus to fulfil his mission to go to the cross he had surrendered the riches of heaven, he became a servant and he surrendered his will to God.
Riches in Heaven Jesus pointed to the heavenly riches that last for an eternity which are the true riches: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, grace, love, liberty etc.
Jesus born into this world became one of us, but he taught his disciples and through them us, to abandon seeking material riches.
The rich young ruler came to him seeking how he might inherit eternal life. Jesus suggested to him that he should keep the commandments. The young man replied that he did keep them. Jesus looking upon him, loved him saying to him, “You lack one thing; go and sell and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Mark 10: 17-21
The man turned away because he had many possessions. Jesus went on to say to his disciples how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples were amazed at his words. Jesus continued, “Children how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. It was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” verse 25. An entrance into Jerusalem was known as ‘the eye of a needle’ a fully laden camel could not go through this gate. Jesus was making the point that only the camel could enter through the gate. For us today the riches we store and carry about us have no value in the kingdom of God.
The disciples were astonished and said to him, “Who can be saved?” The disciples had given up their family life to follow Jesus.
Jesus went on to say that the Lord our God would bless them with the abundance of life in every aspect of their lives.
“”Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” Mark 10: 29, 30.
The Lord’s call on Christian lives today to go where he would send us, is looked upon in love by Jesus, as this will bear the fruit of a surrendered life in Christ.

Jesus became the servant King Jesus had surrendered his expectations of being made the king of Israel during his ministry, as he knew that he had to die on the cross and be resurrected before he could take up the throne of King David. The high hopes of his disciples and followers of him being made the King of Israel were dashed as they did not know the scriptures that spoke of it that the Messiah had to die before he could redeem Israel.
Luke 24: 21
Even though on one occasion after the 5,000 the people had been miraculously fed with the loaves and fishes, the people there would have taken him by force to make him King. But Jesus withdrew himself to the mountain, to be on his own. John 6: 15.
If the people had carried out their plan to take Jesus by force to make him their king it would have been insurrection deposing the Sanhedrin, God’s ruling authority at Jerusalem.

To fulfil his calling Jesus surrendered his will in Gethsemane. After the Passover meal Jesus and his disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane. There he humbled himself and wrestled with his own will, he prayed,”Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will but thine be done.”
Luke 22: 42
Jesus chose to do his Father’s will and that meant suffering at the hands of brutal men. They beat, flogged him and they pulled out his beard. Isaiah 50: 6.
The authorities treated him as an unbeliever, a sinner and a blasphemer.
But to God, every wince of Jesus pain was a flag of victory. Every mocking gesture was an, Alleluia, our God reigns.
At the cross Satan was bowing down to Jesus surrendering all his weapons that stood against us, all of creation and the universe.
“That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 10, 11.
At the cross Jesus was being crowned with a crown of an indestructible life. God raised Jesus from the dead, his body being indestructible.

A Flag – Jesus Reigns We are his subjects, we bow to his name. Every generation of Christiains have to learn to surrender their all and take up the cross of Jesus’ suffering.
Surrender our all to Jesus. Knowing that Jesus has died for me and has saved me from eternal darkness, and from the distress at not knowing God. From having a constant conflict within myself over guilt and fears. From the worry over my family and their future. To surrender myself to put myself in the hands of God who loves and cares for me and all that is dear to me, yes I surrender my all, gladly. To go where he would send me by taking a step of faith has been an adventure. I have endured some persecution, but nothing compared to some Christians.

“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Philippians 1: 29.
Paul also wrote in his letter to the Philippians that they should rejoice in their sufferings. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” Philippians 4: 4.
A Flag – Faith Today when we are frowned on when we reveal that we are Christians, Rejoice.
A Flag – Love We rejoice as we stand alongside those who are suffering as a result of upholding Jesus’ name in the work place. Rejoice.
A Flag – Grace We rejoice when a person is miraculously healed or come to faith, we rejoice with them.
A Flag – Serving We rejoice when we are called to serve by visiting, or working or praying or contributing by giving money.

Every Christian will rejoice in experiencing suffering, as we are drawn closer to our Lord God and the love of Jesus.

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The Messiah’s Secret – Faithful Relationships

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Duck pond at the entrance to St. Mary’s on Mothering Sunday

In the picture below Joe Armstrong was about to catch the duckling that had leapt off the ledge of a building.
A few weeks ago whilst watching TV news, the BBC included an item that appears on ‘YouTube’ Joe Armstrong rescuing twelve ducklings from their nest off a ledge, that was just below his office window 5 mitres above the ground. Joe had been keeping an eye on the duck’s nest with its twelve eggs. The day the ducklings hatched mother duck flew down from the nest on to the pavement below leaving her ducklings pacing nervously on the edge of the ledge.
Joe rushed down on to the pavement and stood next to mother duck wondering what to do, when one of the ducklings leapt off the ledge and began plummeting straight down as it was unable to fly at a day old. Joe reached out and caught it. Then another one jumped, until eight ducklings were on the pavement next to their mum. The other four ducklings were removed from the ledge by using a ladder. When all twelve ducklings were safely on the pavement Joe and the crowd of well wishers guided the duck and her ducklings to the river.
Joe is reported as saying, “Oh we did it, man that was an ordeal, I can’t believe we did it, wow, we did it.”

This true story about Joe rescuing the ducklings reminded me of the faithfulness of God. Our Lord God watches over us giving us a helping hand when we take a leap of faith.

Faithful relationships is this years theme for the Mother’s Union.
The Mother’s Union is an organisation that began in 1877 when Mary Sumner, a vicar’s wife, and by this time a grandmother, founded the organisation which was to become a worldwide body of 3.6 million members in seventy-nine countries. Her world was very different from the one we find today.
In 1851, Reverend George Sumner was given the living of Old Alresford, Hampshire. Mary dedicated herself to raising her children, and helping her husband in his ministry by providing music and Bible classes. In 1876, when her eldest daughter Margaret gave birth, Mary was reminded how difficult she had found the burden of motherhood. She was inspired to call a meeting of mothers in the parish to offer mutual support. Her plan was quite radical in it’s day, as it involved calling women of all social classes to support one another, and to see motherhood as a profession as important as those of men, if not more so. The first meeting was held in Old Alresford Rectory.
Today’s members are well aware that family life has changed over the years, and now there is a much broader level of membership, and care for members and their families, including divorced, separated and single women and men.

This years theme ‘Faithful relationships’ we are making the connection with people’s relationships that occur in the Bible and with Christian relationships today were we support one another through good times and bad times.

St. Mary’s Players
We have all had or got a mother and the sketch gave us a Christian view of faith seen in our mother.
Sketch: Whilst mum was preparing the meal the members of the family arrived and on arrival they were asked the question by dad, “What is faith?” Each one in turn gave a word that in the end described faith in mum.
Mum is: truthful, honest, reliable, steadfast, loyalty, trustworthy and having assurance in.
If we put together these words with Peter’s words in his second letter Chapter 1 verses 1-8 and Hebrews Chapter 8 verse 10.
The seed of the word, Jesus, received by faith contains all the righteousness of God. The characteristics of faith in the divine nature of our Lord God: truth, honest, reliable, steadfast, loyal, trustworthy and having assurance in, virtue, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, Godliness, brother and sisterly affection with love, compassion, kindness and the commandments written in the heart.

We grow in faith gradually becoming more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicting us of our shortcomings. Maybe we find ourselves saying the things that result in us having a difference of opinion with some one.
A couple were travelling down a country road, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had lead them to an argument, and neither wanted to concede their position. As they passed a farmyard, in the yard there were pigs and donkeys. The husband said sarcastically to his wife, “Relatives of yours.” His wife replied, “Yep, in laws.”

The fruit of the seed of faith in Jesus we see in faithful relationships.
I see an example of faithful relationships when after the Ascension of Jesus the apostles, the women, Mary and Jesus’ brothers were gathered in the upper room in the house at Jerusalem. Acts 2: 12-14.
11 apostles, 10 women followers (Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and John, Salome, Joanne wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, Susanna, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary mother of James the younger, Joses and Salome, Mary mother of James and Joseph, Mary the mother of Jesus her sister Mary, wife of Clopas,) (Not all of these women may have been there.)
Mary and Jesus’ brothers; James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Jesus’ sisters are not present. Matthew 13; 55,56 Mary must have had at least 7 children.

I tried to imagine the scene in the upper room. Their expectation and excitement as Jesus had told them to wait in Jerusalem and pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit from Heaven and having the peace of the Lord in their heart, as they were now no longer afraid of the Pharisees knock at the door.
I would also think that they shared their meals together. It was customary for Jewish people to reminisce over meals.
At some point after Jesus’ resurrection Mary would have shared the story of Jesus’ birth with the believers. Remembering the day when the angel Gabriel visited, telling her that she had been chosen to bear the Son of God.

Joseph’s heart must have been broken when he heard that Mary was pregnant. The same as any man would feel today. But we can’t always see the whole picture, we jump to conclusions which often proves us to be wrong conclusions. Mary’s honesty had tested her relationship with Joseph. We know he considered ending their betrothal.

Mary must have known the pain that Joseph was suffering, but her loyalty to God made her faithful, reliable, truthful and trustworthy.
God comforted Joseph by giving him assurance in a dream, he was told by the angel that the baby was of God and that he should marry Mary and name the child Jesus.
Joseph and Mary’s relationship was restored.

I’m sure that everyone gathered around the table would have been eager to hear of Simeon’s prophecy to Joseph and Mary.
Joseph and Mary took Jesus when he was 6 weeks old to be presented at the temple. On arrival in the temple, Simeon saw them and immediately went up to them and took Jesus into his arms and blessed him, prophesying over him. He declared him to be the Christ and Saviour of Israel and also of the Gentiles.

Then Simeon spoke directly to Mary giving her a prophecy that her Son would bring to pass the ‘Fall and rising’ of many in Israel and a sword would pierce her own heart.

How relevant it would have been if she shared it with the apostles and followers at that time so soon after it had been fulfilled.

The Fall and Rising.
The Fall It had been apparent that the disciples James and John had desired to sit one on Jesus left and the other on his right in his kingdom. This would indicate that they expected Jesus to be their King.
How their hopes were dashed when Jesus was arrested and brought to trial and then crucified by the Romans. The disciples fall from the height of expectation of Jesus being the King of Israel to the anguish of the cross his suffering and death.
Mary with some of the other women and John the disciple were at the cross. Mary would have suffered as most mothers would, at seeing her Son going through an agonising death. She surely would have remembered Simeon’s prophecy to her, ‘A sword would pierce her heart.’
Mary perhaps didn’t recognise at the time the significance of Jesus’ death he died to save the whole of humanity.

Mother duck needed the help of Joe Armstrong to enable her ducklings to survive the fall from off the ledge; otherwise they would have suffered and died on the pavement.

Jesus has saved us; otherwise we were heading for destruction and death. We are saved through faith in Jesus; he has touched our hearts with his love for us. His arms outstretched to embrace us.
Just as God raised Jesus from the dead, so we are raised up with him, from death to life eternal.

The Rising Jesus being raised from the dead surely must have filled the disciples with joy and amazement. For 6 weeks he was with them teaching the things concerning the kingdom of God.
God is faithful Jesus had told them that he would send the Holy Spirit to comfort them. They waited and prayed for only 10 days in the upper room, when he came, the sound of a mighty rushing wind filled the whole house and they were too filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ever since that day the Holy Spirit has been filling people’s hearts and lives.

So as we sit quietly and sing ‘Come breath of life come sweeping through us fill our hearts with life and power, O Breath of Life, come cleanse renew us . . . . O Breath of Love, come breathe within us renewing thought and will and heart . . . O Wind of God, come bend us, break us till humbly we confess our need; then in your tenderness remake us, revive, restore for this we plead. MP 488

After the Hymn has finished a prayer for the sealing of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those present.

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The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus the Light of the World

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Miriam, who had started to come to church, asked me, “How do I talk to God? How do you pray? Do you say your prayers like the ones on the service sheet?” “No,” I said, “When I pray I talk to God like I’m talking to you.” Not long afterwards she told me that she understood about prayer, she said, it was like scales falling from her eyes. The eyes of her understanding had been fully opened.

John the apostle recorded Jesus healing a man of his blindness; this man had been blind from birth. When his neighbours found out that he had been healed, they went with him to the Pharisees to give testimony of his healing and to offer thanksgiving to God. The response from the Pharisees when they heard, they criticised Jesus calling him a sinner for healing on the Sabbath Day.
In verse 18 we read that the Jews did not believe that the man had been blind at all. They knew of no one born blind being healed. They called his parents and questioned them, but their response did not satisfy the Pharisees. They questioned the man for a second time, he challenged them claiming if God were not with this man, he could do nothing; the Pharisees refused to believe and threw him out.
Jesus heard that he had been cast out, so he went to the man and asked him, “Did he believe in the Son of man?” The Son of man one of the names associated with the Messiah. The man replied, “And who is he, sir, that I might believe in him?” Jesus identifies himself as the Son of man. The man acknowledged Jesus, “Lord, I believe” and worshipped him. John 9: 1-38 Mark 1: 44.

The Pharasees did not discern this miracle was of God. In verses 39-41 Jesus pointed to the Day of Judgement when those like the Pharisees who had the knowledge, the oversight of the scriptures were accountable to God would be answerable to Jesus as God has given judgement to his Son. John 5: 22.
Matthew Henry in his concordance wrote, “The Pharisees gloried in that they weren’t blind, they saw with their own eyes and relied upon their own ability for their guidance.”

Let your light shine
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he advises every Christian to walk in the light, in the knowledge of Jesus Christ so that our deeds are pleasing to God. Ephesians 5: 8-10

Composition of Light – ‘Chemistry of the Blood’ Chapter 4 Chemistry of Light by Dr DeHaan
Light rays can be seen as shafts of light streaming through the clouds, seen, but not felt.
Heat rays are felt, but not seen. Chemical rays are invisible they can neither be seen nor felt.

Jesus in him there is no darkness at all; he is the lamp light of the world. His light reveals our creator God through his words. The words of Jesus are a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Psalm 119: 105.

Jesus’ words have been recorded in the Gospels and Letters they give people from all walks of life an opportunity to make a choice to believe or not to believe on the evidence in the writings.
Even though written 2,000 years ago, the recorded evidence takes on sight, inwardly in our soul/spirit. The words of Jesus are living words and eternal. The parable of the sower shows us that the sower sowed the word and the word is received by faith. Mark 4:14, 20

The fruit of light is found in all that is good and right. Ephesians 5: 9
.Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness. Genesis 15: 6. Romans 9: 30.
The seed of the word, received by faith contains all the righteousness of God. Characteristics and attributes of faith in the divine nature of our Lord God: truth, honesty, loyalty, trust, perseverance, and assurance in, commandments, virtue, self-control, knowledge, steadfastness, Godliness, brother and sisterly affection with love, compassion and kindness. 2 Peter 1: 5-8
Our deeds are brought to the light at the Judgement Seat of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5: 10. Romans 14: 10. We come before Jesus for rewards not punishment. Our deeds that were worldly will be burnt up and only the deeds of faith are seen like gem stones and are rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3: 12.

We reign with Christ in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Abraham looked for a city whose founder and maker is God. Hebrews 11: 10
John the apostle saw the heavenly city Jerusalem and described its appearance as a jewelled city.
“And in the Spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel was inscribed; on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Revelation 21: 10-14

The twelve gates bearing the names of the tribes of Israel. On the high priest’s breast plate were the names and gem stones of the tribes. Exodus 39: 14.
The breastplate was covering the heart, worn close to the heart signifying how precious the tribes, the sons of Jacob were to God. ”So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment upon his heart, when he goes into the holy place, to bring them to continual remembrance before the Lord.” Exodus 28: 29.

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Revelation 21: 14.
“The foundations of the city were adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eight beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.” Revelation 21: 19.
Jesus said that the twelve disciples would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Three gates on each of the walls, “The wall was built of jasper, while the city was of pure gold, clear as glass.” verse 18

The twelve gates made of twelve pearls.” And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl.” verse 21
Under law the Jews were forbidden to eat shell fish, therefore it must be under the grace of the new covenant for the gates to be made of pearl and have the names of the twelve tribes inscribed on them. Leviticus 11: 9-12. Deuteronomy 14: 9, 10.
The pearl is known as ‘The Pearl of Salvation’ to understand its meaning we look to how a pearl is produced; it is after an oyster’s shell is damaged, as a result a parasite enters the shell, this parasite would destroy the oyster. However the oyster sends to the parasite a solution ‘Mother of Pearl’ that covers it and the interior of its shell. After a period of time the solution builds on the parasite and forms the pearl. (In cultivated pearls a grain of sand is inserted into the oyster’s shell, which irritates the oyster. It sends the mother of pearl solution in the same way to the grain of sand which eventually forms the pearl.)

Pearl of Salvation
When we look at this process spiritually; the parasite is sin, the solution is the blood of Jesus for forgiveness of sin, which takes place within the darkness of the shell. The shell is opened to reveal the pearl and this is symbolic of the resurrection and Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

Entrance into the heavenly city through the Pearl of Salvation.
In the heavenly city the gates are the twelve tribes no longer under law but under grace.
The disciples all Jewish men were setting up the kingdom of God at the beginning of acts in anticipation of Jesus’ return with the angels of God. They were given the task of making Christ known as the promised Messiah, it was a national calling. Peter addressed the crowd at Pentecost, “Men of Judea . . . . Men of Israel . . . Brethren, I say to you confidently of the patriarch David . . . “First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Acts 2: 14, 22, 29.

Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus that it was God’s plan to unite Jew and Gentile into one body and one Spirit.
”So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Ephesians 2:18-20

Jesus founded the church through the apostles, they witnessed to the death and resurrection of Jesus. They proved through the prophetic writings of the prophets that Jesus was the promised Messiah. The Holy Spirit gave them direction, guidance and gave testimony to Jesus, by signs following the word.
The Jerusalem church put in place the structure of leadership; Bishops, Deacons and Elders.
(See blog The Messiah’s Secret – The Way)

The prophecy of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit at the Feast of Tabernacles.
“The Day of the Great Hosanna” The Gospel in the Feasts of Israel by Victor Buksbazen.
“The ritual of water pouring lasted six days, climaxing on the seventh day, which concluded the Feast of Tabernacles. This day was called Hoshana Rabba, The Day of the Great Hosanna. It had special messianic significance. . . . the pouring of water from the Pool of Siloam into the altar basin, the blasting of trumpets by the priests, the singing of Psalms by the Levites, and the prayers of the people, “Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord,” when the Messianic fever was at its highest pitch, that the Lord Jesus Christ stood in the temple crying: “If any man thirst let him come to me and drink. He that believeth in me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John7: 38. “What our Saviour said by implication was: “I am the answer to your prayers.”

The Permanent Light of the Heavenly City Jerusalem.
In the first and second temples at Jerusalem the temple were permanently lit using olive oil.
In 163BC the temple was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes he had pigs sacrificed on the altar.
After the Jewish revolt led by Mattathias Maccabee the temple was re-dedicated. In the temple they found a jar of cruise oil which was used in the temple for the permanent light. This jar contained only enough oil to last one night, by a miracle the oil lasted for eight days. The Feast of Dedication ‘Hanukkah’ in December celebrates this event.
The church celebrates Jesus the light of the world coming into the world, his birth in December.

The Feast of Tabernacles is also a celebration of light. The temple was filled with light.
The Gospel in the Feasts of Israel by Victor Buksbazen. ‘Temple Lights and the Light of the World.’
“Another central feature of the Feast of Tabernacles was the illumination of the temple in Jerusalem. The festive pilgrims came to the temple bearing lights and torches; while in the temple itself the golden candlesticks were lighted, transforming the temple into one brilliant focus of light which illuminated most of Jerusalem and surroundings. What an eloquent symbol of the Sanctuary of God which was to be a light of the world. Amidst all this splendour and the brilliant lights in the temple, our Saviour stood proclaiming: “I am the light of the world.”

The eternal light of Christ is in every believer.
I’ve seen the light of Christ shining in Christians on a number of occasions: In my twenties I saw the light of Christ in a young man who today would be described as having learning difficulties. It was lunch time and my sister and I were passing through a room where this young man was sat reading. We asked him what he was reading. He looked up and said that he was reading his Bible and began to quote from what he was reading; as soon as he spoke I saw his face was glowing in the light of Christ.
On another occasion I was at a church function the room well lit and full of people. I happened to look across the room and saw around the head of Ron Freeman our Vicar, a halo around his head and in the light the word ‘love.’
On another occasion a lady came to my market stall as we conversed she told me that she was a Christian as soon as she started to tell me this her face shone with the light of Christ.

The prophecy of Joel gives a clear indication that the created light will falter.
“The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and manifest day.” Acts 2: 20
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising and the moon will not shed its light.” Isaiah 13: 10.
“Jesus said, “But in these days after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Mark 13: 24, 25.
These are future prophesies, and other prophesies have yet to be fulfilled before the heavenly Jerusalem comes from heaven to the new earth.

The eternal light of God will light up the eternal city.
“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of the Lord is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light the nations will walk; and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it.” Revelation 21: 22-24.

The church reigns with Christ in the heavenly Jerusalem.
“And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22: 5.

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The Messiah’s Secret – Faith and Grace

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When someone gives us a promise it is very important to us that it is kept.

God gave Abraham his word, a promise which Paul refers to in his letter to the church at Rome. “The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.”
Romans 4: 13
God gave the promise as a gift with no strings attached and no conditions to fulfil.

God promised Abram that he would be the father of a great nation and that all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12: 1-3
Abram pointed out to the Lord God that he had not given him an heir. Eliezer of Damascus would inherit Abram’s estate. ”And the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; your own son will be your heir.” The Lord told Abram to look towards the heavens and if you can number the stars, your descendants shall be as many as those stars. Abram believed the Lord and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:1- 6
Abraham pleased God, through having faith in him. But we understand that Abraham had to learn to live by faith and grace.
At this time Abram and Sarai had no children and she was too old to have any so they decided between them that under Nuzi Messapotainian law it allowed for their servant girl Hagar to bear them a child. Hagar bore Abraham a son who they named Ishmael. Genesis 16: 1-15 Nuzi Tablets – The Messiah’s Secret blog Removing the Veil 15th July 2010

But that wasn’t what God intended, he didn’t want Abraham to work it out for himself. God wanted Abraham to wait upon him so that by having faith that God could do the impossible, to give them an heir.

God changed Abram’s name to Abraham meaning a father of a multitude of nations. Sarai’s name was changed by God to Sarah from her she would be a mother of nations; kings of peoples would come forth from her. Genesis 17: 5, 15, 16.

The Promise Fulfilled.It was a miracle that Sarah bore Abraham a son Isaac, he was the heir to the promise and through his descendants all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Genesis 21: 1-3

In the New Testament Nicodemus a descendant of Abraham.
Nicodemus was a member of the ruling council the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem; he was an important man in Jewish society.

It was recorded by Luke that the Pharisees and Lawyers were opposed to John the Baptist baptism. “Jesus said, “Yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist. When they heard this all the people and the tax collectors justified God, having been baptised with the baptism of John; but the Pharisees and the lawyers had rejected the purposes of God for themselves, not having been baptised by him.” Luke 7: 28-30

Jesus’ ministry was rejected by the authorities (council) Chief Priests and the Pharisees. Jesus was regarded by the Pharisees as a law breaker and blasphemer.
“The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering about him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.” John 7: 32.
The temple guards were sent to arrest Jesus but they returned without having arrested him.
They were questioned by the Pharisee, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards responded, “No one ever spoke like this man!” “The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? (Jesus) But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed.” John 7: 45-49.

We can understand why Nicodemus came at night to where Jesus and his disciples were staying because he did not want to be seen by another ruler consorting with Jesus. Nicodemus was not convinced that the council were right in their assessment of Jesus.

Nicodemus’s own view, he saw that God was at work in Jesus, so he went to him to find out more about him. He believed that they shouldn’t judge a person without first hearing what they are about. John 7: 50.
He expressed this at a time when the officers were in confrontation with the Pharisees.

On entering the house Nicodemus started the conversation by acknowledging Jesus’ teaching and the signs, the healings and miracles; these could only have been accomplished by God working with him. Jesus and his disciples would have been glad to hear these words from Nicodemus; his comments probably put them at their ease.

However, Jesus knowing the thoughts and intentions of every person’s heart touched immediately on the subject of ‘Baptism.’ “Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born anew he can not see the Kingdom of God.” “Unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can not enter the Kingdom of God . . . . . . . verse 11 Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony.” John 3: 1-11.
These words in verse 11 I feel is were Jesus touched on an underlying issue between him and Nicodemus that needed to be sorted out.

“We speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen.”
Nicodemus had already acknowledged Jesus’ teaching and the signs; these could only have been accomplished by God working with him.
“But you do not receive our testimony.” What was the testimony that Nicodemus did not go along with?
John the Baptist and Jesus baptism were in preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. John bore witness to Jesus that Jesus’ words and signs were of God. John 3: 25-36. As we have read in Luke 7: 30 “The Pharisees and the lawyers had rejected the purposes of God for themselves, not having been baptised by him.”
These words would indicate that Nicodemus had not received John’s or Jesus’ baptism in preparation for the coming of the Kingdom of God. John 4: 1, 2.

On that night instead of talking to Nicodemus about John the Baptist’s water baptism, being cleansed set apart, sanctified.  Jesus spoke of the baptism that he was going to give, ‘the baptism of water and Spirit,’ which we understand Nicodemus had no knowledge about.

Jesus’ baptism of water and Spirit that was first received at Pentecost. John in his first letter wrote “There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood.” 1 John 5:8
Water is something that we all use for cleansing purposes and when we add a cleansing agent to it removes stains, dirt and germs.
So when we think of Jesus baptism: the water and the cleansing agent the blood of Jesus applied to our heart we can understand the implications, it removes the things that spoil our relationship with God.
So the water and the blood cleanse us and then God adds the sparkle to the water, the Holy Spirit.

The King James’ Bible’s translation the word ‘Quicken’ – to become alive,
Quickening – the period in pregnancy when the mother first becomes conscious of the movement of the child.

”And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2: 1
”Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)” Ephesians 2: 5.

Nicodemus was unsure about Jesus. That night when he came to see Jesus, Nicodemus wanted to confirm that Jesus was the Messiah. Later after Jesus’ death on the cross, he openly made his association with Jesus when he helped his fellow councillor Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus’ body down from the cross and carried it to the tomb. Nicodemus he could not have done this without having love for Jesus. Mark 15: 43. John 19: 39, 40.

Today after hearing about Jesus some people need some evidence to confirm their faith. In the 1980’s I can not remember the exact date, I went to a meeting the guest speaker was Farmer Jim Wilkinson of Holly Bush Farm. I remember him telling us a true story about his neighbour who lived on the farm next to his. Jim had witnessed to his neighbour about Jesus being his Saviour, but he did not respond straight away, not until the time of harvesting the wheat. Jim and his neighbours field where side by side and both were being harvested at the same time. The weather was overcast and Jim said that they had prayed for the weather to hold fine in order to get this field of wheat in before it rained. That afternoon it rained but only on his neighbour’s field and not on Jims’ field. His neighbour marvelled at the way God had spoken to him through this incident, as a result he came to faith in Jesus.

Stepping out in Faith. For us it is often in the small things were we learn to have faith and trust as we hold onto the Lord Jesus.

Visual Aid. An 8’ x 5” x 3” plank and a blind fold and plastic boxes.
The plank is raised off the ground at both ends. Place one end of the plank on chancel steps and the other end on a box that is the same height as the chancel steps. Ask for a volunteer to walk the plank. Blindfolding the person whist explaining what it is about.

Stepping out in blind faith can be difficult (tying the blind fold on to the person’s head) holding onto Jesus is necessary (taking the person’s arm they begin to walk along the plank) so as we begin to walk in faith we find it easier to trust in the Lord.
(Taking off the blindfold halfway across the plank, the last few steps to the end of the plank are taken on their own.)

It’s in the small steps of faith that we experience our faith and trust grows. I went to Manchester to a meeting; I turned into my usual car park, but on this occasion the only spaces available where at the north end which meant I had to walk the full length of the car park before the short walk first crossing the road and then on past the Cathedral and on to Deansgate. On my next visit, three weeks ago, I prayed that I would not have as far to walk. When I entered the car park I saw a car just leaving and it was on the perimeter. I only had the short walk crossing the road and then on past the Cathedral and on to Deansgate. The shortest walk that I could have ever had imagined, which gave me assurance that the Lord had heard my prayer.

Like Abraham we have faith in God’s Promises
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11: 24.
I was waiting for a special delivery of Transfers the 150th Celebration of St Thomas’ Church Musberry from Mr Cross of Pilling Pottery my supplier. The deadline was drawing near and they still had not arrived it was only two weeks away. Another week went by and still they had not arrived. Mr Cross confirmed that he had sent them to me by registered mail and I should have received them.
I rang the Royal Mail Parcel depot, the man who answered took my address and he said that a wagon had just arrived at the depot and he would go and ask the men unloading to look out for my parcel.
Within minutes the phone rang and a very excited man told me, “When I reached the bay the wagon was just starting to be unloaded. I asked the men unloading to look out for your parcel and I gave them your address. As soon as I read out your address a man coming off the wagon had it in his hand and he gave it to me” and he said that they were all amazed.
I thanked the Lord; I went straight away to the depot and picked up my parcel. The pottery was completed, at least enough to present on the day of celebration at St. Thomas’ Musberry.

Precious Promises “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him, Jesus who is called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises . . . . . . and become partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1: 3-4
“Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
“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
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3: 20

Elijah and Elisha, mustard seed, promises, state of grace.

The Messiah’s Secret – Elijah and Elisha

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In 2 Kings 2: 1-14 Elijah and Elisha went to say goodbye to the prophets at Bethel and Jericho from there the made they way to the river Jordan. There Elijah took his cloak rolled it up and struck the water, and it parted from one side to the other.
Elijah and Elisha walked across on the dry ground of the river bed of the Jordan. In conversation together as they walked, Elisha asked Elijah if he could inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah replied, “You have asked for a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.”
As they continued on their way, a chariot of fire came between them and caught up Elijah and took him into heaven. This is seen spiritually as entrance into the Promised Land and entrance into the kingdom of God.
Therefore because Elisha saw this, he duly received the portion of Elijah’s spirit that he had requested. Afterwards he had to prove it to himself, so he took the cloak and struck the water of the Jordan with it and immediately the water parted, just as it had done earlier when Elijah struck it.
Elisha had followed the example of Elijah in the spirit of Elijah.

We see a similarity in the New Testament when Jesus called his disciples together and gave them his authority to preach the message of the kingdom and heal the sick. On their return they told Jesus how the demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus rejoiced with them in the spirit thanking God for their witness. The disciples had followed the example of Jesus, in the Spirit of Jesus.

Today like the disciples of Jesus we have been commissioned to take out the message about Jesus and to pray for the sick, following the example of Jesus and his disciples in the Spirit of Jesus, God our Father and Holy Spirit.

Faith and Grace
A man came to Jesus and asked if he would heal his son, who was suffering from epilepsy, he went on to say that he had brought him to his disciples and they could not heal him. We read of the father’s persistant faith, he had not been put off by the disciples inability to heal his son. Jesus healed the man’s son of epilepsy.
The disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal the boy? Jesus’ response was to point out to his disciples that they had turned away in unbelief resulting in having little faith. If they had the faith a small as a mustard seed they could remove mountains. Matthew 17: 14-21

Mustard Seeds
There are two species that florish in the Israel: a plant and a tree, beside the black mustard which is cultivated as a condiment. All produce minute seeds. Unger’s Dictionary.


The mustard seeds of faith are part of our inheritance as we are heirs of the kingdom of God. By having faith in Jesus we are beneficiaries of the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9: 16, 17.

On Monday evening 28th February we watched the local TV news program, ‘Look North’ An item of news that drew my attention to it was about a lady Joan Nicholson had died leaving her whole estate to ‘The Lakeland Housing Trust’ in total £1,000,000. The Trust buys and renovates properties in the Lake District for Local for people to be able to afford to live there. The Lakeland Trust and the people who will live in these homes are the beneficiaries of Joan Nicholson’s estate.

Jesus has bequeathed his whole estate to those who have faith in him. The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, God our Redeemer and Saviour. Creator of all things invisible and visible and the sustainer of life.
We have moved from being commoners to becoming members of the Royal family of God. The recourses that belong to Jesus are now ours, we are entitled to use them to the glory of God: Christ-like life.

In a state of grace
Grace means undeserved giving from God. It also is about entering into a state of grace, which is to be at ease, at peace, resting, unworried and having liberty to act on God’s behalf.
We have been given authority to remove all obstacles that cause obstruction whether it’s a sickness or a problem. We can look to and rest upon our inherited promises:
“I will never fail you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14: 12, 13
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Ephesians 1: 3
“Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Prayer is the key that engages the action of the Word and the Holy Spirit together releasing that person from the sickness or problem.
It is like turning the key that starts the engine of a car. After we have started the engine, we then move the car forward by engaing the gears.
Some sickness will persist unless we fast as well as prayer.
We are called to serve in a spirit of compassion and in humility. Always to seek the lowest place.

chariot of fire., Elijah, Elisha, transfiguration, vision

The Messiah’s Secret – The Transfiguration

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Mrs Paris was the wife of one of our church Wardens at Christ Church Walmersley Bury. She was a very quiet reserved lady, I could tell that she had a strong faith and she knew her Bible well. One day we were talking and she told me of her encounter with Jesus. Before she was married she worked in a sewing factory, it was as she was busy at her work, when she looked up and saw Jesus standing at the side of her machine he was all in white and shining and in a moment he was gone.

The Transfiguration
“And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.” Matthew 17: 1-9

Jesus transfigured – A change of form
Jesus was shining from the top of his head to the tips of his fingers and toes, and his clothes were glistening. Jesus did not want the vision that the disciples had seen to be made known before his resurrection for two reasons:
1/ If the people had heard about this vision and that the prophets Moses and Elijah were present in the vision, the expectation of Elijah heralding in the Messiah would have been very great. Jesus told his disciples that John the Baptist ministered in the power and spirit of Elijah. Luke 1:17. Matthew 17: 11-13. Mark 9: 11-13.
2/ Jesus had to die on the cross at Calvary before he could be received by the nations leaders as the Messiah, the call of the Messiah was first to the nation of Israel.

1/ The Jews were taught that Elijah would announce the coming of the Messiah’s Day of Judgement. Malachi 4: 5.
The people were in expectation of Elijah heralding the coming of the Messiah. If the disciples had told the people about Elijah being present in the vision then the people would have expected seeing Elijah not John the Baptist in the power and spirit of Elijah.

John the Baptist was preparing the nation through a baptism of repentance, restoring the people under the Law of Moses. He spoke of the need to prepare themselves for coming of the Messiah he would baptise them with the Holy Spirit and bring in a fire of judgement. To give them understanding he described the Messiah using his winnowing fork to separate the chaff from the wheat. The chaff he would burn with unquenchable fire. The chaff represented the unbelieving lawless, selfish people who would enter into eternal darkness and the wheat the people who believed and were obedient to the Laws of Moses sharing what they possessed with each other they would enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 25: 31-46

Paul and Barnabas on their first ministry tour, when they arrived at the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia Paul spoke of John the Baptist that he had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. But he was not the Christ; he was the one opening up the way. Acts 13: 24.
Just like Elijah who threw his mantle onto the water of the Jordan as he did so the waters parted opening up the way across the Jordan. Both he and Elisha walked on the ground of the dry river bed. 2 Kings 2: 1-12

2/ The disciples Peter, James and John heard the voice of God, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” On hearing these words they responded by falling upon their knees in awe, Jesus touched them and said “have no fear.” The touch of Jesus was comforting, re-assuring and strengthening his disciples. Jesus’ gentle touch on our lives especially when we’re in difficult situations from my experience gives a sense of being lifted up and comforted.
On another occasion the people heard a voice in response to Jesus speaking aloud to his Father. Jesus said that his time had now come to fulfil the purposes of God, “Father glorify thy name.” In reply the voice of God saying, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” It sounded like thunder, others said that an angel had spoken to him. Jesus told them that this voice had come for their sake, not for his. He also indicated the death he was to die, “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” The people had not been taught that the Messiah would come and die for their sins. They assumed that when he came he would remain for ever. “The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that when the Christ comes he will remain for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” John 12: 33, 34.
The people were wondering if Jesus was referring to another Son of man, because they realised that he was speaking of dying on a cross, which they did not know anything about.
Mark records the words spoken by the chief priest and the scribes, “He saved others but he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Mark 15: 31, 32.10.

Paul taught that the Christ had to suffer and die
Paul made it known to the people in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia that those who lived in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognise Jesus or understand the utterances of the prophets, the scriptures that refer to the Messiah’s suffering and death, they fulfilled these prophesies by condemning him. Acts 13: 27.

Here are two prophesies out of over thirty prophesies fulfilled by Jesus (see blog Mercy not Sacrifice)
“Yet it pleased him to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand;
Fulfilled. It was in the plan of God that Jesus would suffer and be killed and that on the third day God would raise him from the dead.
“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.
25. Prophecy. A great Calvary miracle prophecy uttered about 800 years before. “ And it shall come to pass in that day, said the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.” Amos 8: 9
Fulfilled. This is one of the most profound prophesies of the word of God. On the day that the Saviour would be crucified, there would be darkness at noonday.
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. (12noon – 3pm) Matthew 27: 45.

On the hill of Calvary Jesus was crucified
Jesus in his suffering cried out, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” “And some of the bystanders hearing him, “Behold he’s calling Elijah.” And one ran and, filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait lets see if Elijah will come and take him down.” Mark 15: 35, 36.
They was watching to see if what they had been taught by their leaders would happen. God hearing his plea, would he send Elijah to come before he died on the cross and rescue him. The death of the Messiah was hidden from their understanding. Even Caiaphas the leading man of the council of the Sanhedrin did not understand, God had hidden these prophesies concerning the death of the Messiah from him and the other members of the council.
But Caiaphas had received a prophesy from God, prophesying that one man would die to save the nation. He believed that he was doing God’s will in pursuing Jesus death.
It was God’s will, Caiaphas had accomplished what God intended without knowing that Jesus was the Messiah who had to die to fulfil those prophesies given by God to the prophets. John 11: 49-52

“The Gospel in the Feasts of Israel” by Victor Buksbazen’
“At the Passover table a place is set for Elijah, the herald of the Messiah, and he would announce that the Messiah had at last come. For the rabbis say the Messiah is most likely to come on the night of the Passover, so the traditional cup and an empty chair awaits him.”
Jesus was crucified on the eve of the Passover, on the Day of Preparation when all the lambs were killed at the temple in Jerusalem.
Jesus the sacrificial lamb, his blood brushed onto the doorposts and lintels of the repentant heart of every believer. As a result we pass over death, on the dry ground of the Jordan on having our sins forgiven and we are translated into the kingdom of God.

Luke records at the transfiguration that Jesus was heard to speak of his departure from Jerusalem, that departure being his resurrection and ascension into heaven to be with his Father.
Elisha walked with Elijah across the Jordan. A chariot of fire came between them and caught up Elijah and took him into heaven and because Elisha saw this he received the portion of Elijah’s spirit that he had requested.

“I pray you; let me inherit a double portion of your spirit?” And Elijah said, “You have asked for a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 2 Kings 2: 9, 10.

After Pentecost the Holy Spirit is given as a gift to every believer in Christ.
Today the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe in Jesus, he comes to us to witness to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of God’s saving love for all people. Jesus embraced death to give us life, eternal life. Elijah was translated into eternal life without going through a physical death. Elijah has witnessed to what every believer in Christ receives. Paul wrote, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Authorised or King James Version. Colossians 1: 13.
We have entered into the place were Jesus is in heavenly places in our union with him in the Holy Spirit.
(Unlike Elijah we do go through a physical death.)

Egypt., Elisha, Naaman, Paul, Peter, The Way

The Messiah’s Secret – The Way

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Some of the changes I’ve experienced over my life time:

Decimalisation of our currency.
Bible written in modern language.
The computer age- This has meant learning a new way of communication involving the computer itself, how to operate it using its functions like emailing to another computer or looking up pages on the web.
Sat Nav – On screen map with voice giving directions to the programmed destination.
Mobile phone having access to the web and a camera as well.
Moving towards the future widespread use of the electric car.

Gospel of Change
2,000 years ago a major change was imminent, Jesus was teaching under God’s ruling authority the end of the Law of Moses as the people knew it.
On the mountainside Jesus was teaching a crowd of Jewish people, “You have heard it said, ’An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Matthew 5: 38
Jesus has quoted from what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 19: 15-21.
When a charge was brought against someone it could not prevail unless it was confirmed by two witnesses. If one of these witnesses gave false witness against the accused, I quote from Deuteronomy, ‘that person you shall do to him as he had meant to do towards his brother, so you shall purge the evil from the midst of you. . . .Your eye shall not pity; it shall be a life for a life, eye for eye, tooth for a tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

The severity of the law.
Even today 2011 in some countries of the world, some crimes are punished by the removal of limbs. A friend of ours lives and works in Dubai she says it’s a very safe place because the laws are so severe anyone found stealing, the law punishes them by cutting off their hand, and there is no leniency.

Liberated from the Law
In February 2011 when I saw on TV the release on the faces of the people of Egypt from their laws, it brought it home to me that Jesus’ teaching must have been so liberating, releasing the Jewish people from fear and the harshness of the law. God was making changes to the laws he gave to Moses that would liberate his people from their way of life and ultimately the world.

(Matthew 5: 29 Jesus made the point and used the law ‘pluck out your eye if it causes you to sin ‘metaphorically’ to demonstrate how God feels about the sin of adultery to make it clear to the listeners so they would understand.)

Jesus making the change to the law of the false witness, “But I say to you, do not resist the evil one.” Don’t contend or struggle against the person who bears false witness against you, turn away from them, as Jesus says ‘turn the other cheek.’
Jesus was arrested and taken to trial before the chief priest Caiaphas and the ruling council. They brought false witnesses against him, the witnesses couldn’t agree. Jesus’ response he was silent, he turned away, and he turned the other cheek.

The Way
Jesus founded in himself the way of love, love fulfils the law.
‘The Way’ was the name given to the early church because it professed a way of life that followed the teaching of Jesus.
The Apostles remained in Jerusalem after the dispersion of the community of believers from Jerusalem. The structures of the church were put in place by the Apostles and Elders of the church in Jerusalem and all the churches came under its authority.
Saul and Barnabas on their first ministry tour after establishing a church they appointed an Elder. On there return to Jerusalem they told the apostles about the gentiles accepting the good news.
It was decided that a letter should be sent to the churches, telling them to abstain from food offered to idols.
Peter as one of these leaders was mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, on a visit to the Corinthian church he baptised member’s there.1 Corinthians 1: 12. 15: 5.

Paul as a member of ‘The Way’ came under the authority and was accountable to the church leaders at Jerusalem. Acts 15
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy he described the offices: Bishops, Deacons and Elders. “If anyone aspires to the office of Bishop, he desires a noble task.” 1 Timothy 3: 1 These offices are part of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. “Tend the flock of God that is in your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5 : 2, 3.
Paul was taken to trial before Felix he spoke in his defence about, ‘The Way. “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets, having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust.” Acts 24: 14,15, 22.
Felix was aware of this branch of Judaism known as ‘The Way’ Paul emphasises its beliefs: in the God of Israel, the writing of the prophets and the hope of the resurrection.

Jesus continued his teaching telling the people there and us today how to respond to the demands of people for example someone who borrows.
When I was a child growing up in the 1950’s I remember how the neighbours would borrow from one another, soap powder, sugar, butter etc. Now and again things wouldn’t be returned, but as I remember it wasn’t held against anyone.
The basis for this attitude was in loving one another. Jesus taught that we should not with hold anything from some one in need.

Jesus went on to say “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’” Matthew 5:43
Jesus was maybe referring to this incident on the Israelites exodus journey from Egypt as they made there way towards the Promised Land. Moses recalled how the Ammonite and the Moabites would not go to meet the Israelites and give them bread and water. As a result they were not to seek peace with the Ammorites or the Midianites all the days of their life, for ever. Deuteronomy 23: 3-6
These people were afraid of the Israelites so they treated them as their enemy, their rivals.

There tends to be a lot of rivalry between football supporters. There are a small minority that take this rivalry to its limits by their attitude and actions they bring the whole game into disrepute.

Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthian church made the point that their support of various leaders had led to arguments, falling out with each other had brought the whole church into disrepute. He reminded them that the church was founded in Jesus through faith in him, nobody else. 1 Corinthians 3: 11.

“Jesus went on to say, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5: 44.
We have an example in the Old Testament in 2 Kings 5: 1-16 concerning this, it also points to Jesus and the church.

A young Jewish girl was taken by a band of Syria raiders into captivity in Syria; she became servant to Naaman’s wife. Naaman was a general in the King of Syria’s army.
The Israelite girl noticed that Naaman had leprosy so she told her mistress about the healing ministry of Elisha the prophet. As a result of this girl’s concern for her enemy, Naaman went to the King of Syria and told him what the girl had said about Elisha.
Naaman was not deterred by the two nations being enemies, his faith rose above it. The King was pleased to give Naaman a letter of introduction to the King of Israel.
However when the King of Israel received the letter he was displeased, “Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends word to cure a man of his leprosy.” He saw it as blasphemy, to indicate this and he tore his clothes. He was being asked to make a decision whether this man lived or not. He also thought the king of Syria was seeking to quarrel with him.
When Elisha heard about Naaman’s situation he wanted to help him, he saw the bigger picture. It was an opportunity to glorify the God of Israel and so Naaman was invited to Elisha’s home. On his arrival he was met by Elisha’s servant who delivered the prophet’s message to him saying that he should go and wash in the Jordon seven times.
This wasn’t what Naaman expected and he became angry because Elisha had not met him in person and he decided to leave.
Naaman’s pride caused him to become angry, his self importance became a stumbling block and I feel that he might have felt persecuted because of his leprosy. In Judaism lepers were separated from other people, as they were regarded as unclean.
Naaman’s servant convinced him to do what Elisha had said and so he relented and went and washed himself in the Jordon seven times and amazingly he was completely healed of his leprosy. Naaman wanted to give Elisha the gifts that he had brought with him. But Elisha refused to accept them. Naaman rejoiced having recognised that the God of Israel was the one true God.

The Jewish girl had shown love, respect for her enemy.
While she was held in captivity, she had sown a seed of faith, hope out of love, respect for her captor Naaman. She must have prayed for him to be healed of his leprosy and rejoiced when she heard that he had been healed through the ministry of the prophet Elisha and by grace he now believed in the God of Israel.

We can see the bigger picture of God’s love for all of the nations. Naaman was a gentile, who had integrity and humility and he had faith, in the God of Israel, believing that he had the power to heal him through his word to the prophet Elisha.

Isn’t this what we believe today? The Lord our God reaching out through his people to the unbelievers in our communities pointing them to ‘The Way’ to find a change taking place within themselves in the heart through faith in Jesus. Where they will find inner peace, joy, love, hope and truth in our Jesus.

The Messiah’s Secret page 148
“The Ministry of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost.”
“The promise of the presence of the Trinity within a person, Jesus said to his disciples before his death, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make their home with him.” The apostles and followers were the first fruit of the resurrection having received from Jesus the Holy Spirit. The combination of Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit made those who believe ‘Christ-like,’ Christ in you this was the mystery that Paul spoke of in his letters through faith in Jesus, God has made those of faith sons and daughters, children of the living God. Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” Love, joy and peace are the nature of Jesus Christ. We are called to abide in his love, that his joy and peace may be in us. John 14: 12-14.
The promises that are made by Jesus are part of the divine nature of God. 2 Peter 1: 4.
A Christian empowered by the Holy Spirit manifests the life of Christ in the world. The graciousness of Jesus, abundant kindness, patience, humility, gentleness, longsuffering and faithfulness.”

Balm of Gilead, bread and wine, faith, Grace, Jesus the Physician, prayer, Prayer Chain, praying hands

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus the Physician

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The Physician – A title of the Messiah

The Physician, the Balm of Gilead.
Jeremiah wrote of God grieving for the spiritual health of Israel and he pointed to the Messiah, the Physician who would restore the nation’s health.

God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, “My grief is beyond healing, my heart is sick within me. “Hark the cry of the daughter of my people from the length and breadth of the land: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?” “Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with their foreign idols?” “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my people not been restored?” Jeremiah 8: 18-22

Jesus the Messiah and Physician was sent by God to restore the health of the nation. When Jesus stood and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah he quoted the words of healing: to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who were oppressed and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Jesus’ most important healing, the grieving heart of his Father God over his people, Israel.
Jesus restored the whole person for instance: the lady who was unclean in the eyes of the law because of her issue of blood. When she touched the hem of Jesus garment she was physically healed, which restored her under law. Luke 8: 43-48
The leper who came to Jesus for his healing, “If you will you can make me clean,” Jesus moved with pity, stretched out his hand and touched him, and said, “I will; be clean.” The man was healed. Jesus then told him to go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for his cleansing as it was the custom under the Laws of Moses. Mark 1: 40-45 He was healed and restored under the law of Moses.

The Messiah’s Secret
Afterwards Jesus sternly told the man who had been healed of leprosy not to tell any one about his healing and that he should go and be examined by the priest to show that he was clean, free from leprosy and make his offering according to the law.
Jesus did not want him to publicise his healing. He wanted to keep his identity of being the Messiah a secret because he had to die and be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven before he could return with the holy angels and be their Leader and Saviour.
“Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 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 8:38. 9:1.

The Balm of Gilead
The soothing, comforting ointment of our Lord God, his words of forgiveness and hope. His healing touch bringing release from fear, freedom, love, joy and peace. The Holy Spirit opening the eyes of our understanding to know the living God, and giving us assurance of his sovereign rule over the entire universe.
In Gilead there was a tree that was well known for its healing properties, Balsam tree. The resin from the tree was used as an ointment. It is recorded in Genesis 37: 25, 28. “The Ishmaelite Midianite Traders coming down from Gilead with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to Egypt.” They used these to barter with the Egyptians. This tree is no longer is found in Gilead. Unger’s Dictionary page 1134

As part of healing and wholeness the Lord has given to the church gifts of healing.

In the year 2,000 Rev Mark Pearson came and spent a weekend teaching the churches on the Lord’s healing ministry. I bought his book at the time and from it and on the weekend he stated four ways in which the Lord uses to heal people. (I’ve only taken the headings and included the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law.)

1/ Skill and Science.
Rev Mark Pearson tells us that the Lord uses doctors and surgeons using their skill and knowledge. The scientist that produces medicine and medical implants and appliances. The nursing profession and carers are all used to bring healing to our bodies.
Mark reminded us that Paul suggested to Timothy that he should take a little wine for his stomach problem. Also Dr Luke accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys attending to his medical problem. This shows us clearly that the Lord intends to use both the skill of doctors, surgeons and science for our well being.
Combine the ministry of Skill and Science with prayer and the sick person is upheld, strengthened and at peace.

2/ Spiritual Gifts
Jesus spoke of himself as being the Physician in the house where many tax collectors and others who were regarded by the Pharisees as sinners. A Pharisee observed, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard what he said and replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Matthew 9: 10-13.
Jesus fulfilled Jeremiah’s plea the physician, the Christ bringing healing to the nation.
Even though there was opposition to his ministry of healing we read that Jesus healed all those who came to him. The man with the withered hand had just been healed in the synagogue, “But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. Jesus aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all.” Matthew 12: 14, 15.
Matthew wrote that at Nazareth they took offence at him, and as a result he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Luke 4: 23. Matthew 13: 57, 58.
Simon Peter’s mother–in-law was healed at Capernaum.
Mark 1: 29-31.
The healing ministry continues today I myself have been healed see blog “The Messiah’s Secret – The Healing Ministry of Jesus.”

Jesus with his disciples left the synagogue at Capernaum and went to the family home of Andrew and Simon Peter. Simon’s mother-in-law lay poorly with a high fever. Jesus was informed and immediately he went into the room to her, where he stood over her and rebuked the fever and then taking her by her hand, he lifted her up, finding that she was healed of the fever. Without any delay she helped serve the meal. Mark 1: 29-31. Luke 4: 38, 39. Matthew 8:14-17
The faith of Andrew and Simon brought his mother-in-law’s need to the attention of Jesus. He responded in love to her need. I think the lady having a high fever would not perhaps be aware of what was going on, so her healing did not depend on her faith.

Faith.
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 takes the same kind of faith to believe that the Lord will heal us through his promises in his word.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21: 22.
“And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to them that believe.” Mark 9: 23
“What so ever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name I will do it.” John 14: 13, 14.
“And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 8:48

Mark refered to the healing gifts listed in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Church should be viewed like a sandwich: Chapter 12 The gifts are used when there is a need. Chapter 13 without love they are administered from the position of what I do, rather than being motivated by compassion. Chapter 14 Faith reaches out in the Lord’s love to comfort and pray for healing and wholeness.
Jesus rebuked the fever, he addressed and named the cause praying for her release from it.
When we pray for someone in a similar situation it is good to follow the pattern that Jesus has given to us in the gospel.
Quietly praying with the authority that he has given to us in his name and in his words of scripture. The power is not in the rebuke it is in the Word.
Dear Lord, we bring before you our sister or brother who is dear to you and us, just as you touched the hand of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and restored her to health we pray for your healing touch as we rebuke and release our sister or brother from —-in your precious name. Amen

Church Services
When a person is ordained for the priesthood, they are anointed with oil for the ministry of the sacraments.
Two sacraments: Holy Communion and Baptism. (Church of England Articles of Religion)
Looking briefly at one of these sacraments Holy Communion.

Mark Pearson calls the sacraments vehicles by which God uses to bring healing and wholeness to our lives.
At the Communion the tokens the bread (body) and the wine (blood) representing Jesus’ victory over all sickness and disease.
The Communion service is regarded by many as being a healing service; the Common Prayer Book states that as we receive the bread and the wine ‘we enter into all the benefits of his passion,’ which are many: forgiveness, comfort, strength, support, endurance, peace, healing in various ways and many more.

In Matthew’s account of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law he adds the words from Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew linked this prophecy after Jesus had fulfilled it. Matthew knew that the cross is where Jesus took(bore) upon himself our broken bodies in his suffering and death to bring us healing and wholeness.
On the evening of the Day of his resurrection the disciples touched Jesus’ risen body where the marks of the nails and the Centurion’s sword pierced his heart in his side. Matthew must have also realised that in Jesus’ risen body he was free from all infirmities placed upon him. His risen body was free from corruption.

Jesus touched the hand of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and then he lifted her up by her hand.
The healing touch of Jesus.
Jesus heals our broken bodies and restores us to health and wholeness even when we knowingly eat the wrong foods which can be detrimental to our well being.
Today a lot of illness is a result of eating food that is not good for us because it’s high in fat and sugar. But it is these foods that are pleasant to eat; at least they are for me. I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Roman church, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7: 15
Ongoing Wholeness.
The Holy Spirit enables us to discern what we eat and convicting us when we are eating too much fatty and a sugary food that is not good for us. We can be also convicted to change our habits; the need to take regular exercise and having regular meals. The Lord will also prompt us with the scriptures concerning these things. I find it works to pray for the Lords help when I’m struggling to avoid the things that are detrimental to my health.
Jesus died on the cross and God raised him from the dead overcoming all the things that are detrimental to our life.
Whatever our circumstances we can look to Jesus to continue to make us whole.

4/ Prayers of all Christians

The next day Jesus got up very early to spend time in prayer with his Father God. Simon Peter and others who were with him pursued him, and they found him.
To begin the day with a time spent in prayer with the Lord prepares us for the day before us. I believe that Jesus is waiting, wanting to hear from us and we don’t have to search for him. We should, if we can set aside time in a quiet place, were we can talk to our Lord God about the things that are on our heart. Some Christians use lists so they don’t forget to pray for the people and their needs, that are precious to them.
At the end of each day we rejoice in all things and recollect were our prayers have been answered and for the things still to do.

Mark writes: “The church ministers healing co-corporately through members love for one another.” “Christian Healing” by Mark A Pearson Published by Chosen Books a division of Baker Book Company. Grand Rapids.
Church service intercessions embrace of the whole worshipping body praying for the world poverty, Queen and country, mission, ministers of the church, community, environment etc.

At St. Mary’s we have a small prayer group who pray for the sick and housebound members of our church. The Lord has ministered through those prayers; we have seen a decline of sickness in our church.
Most churches have a ‘Prayer Chain’ were a number of Christians are linked through email or phone praying for not only church members but anyone who asks to be put on the chain.
We have opportunities to attend healing services in a number of churches in the Rossendale Valley. The Diocese of Manchester holds Healing Quiet Mornings and Diocesan Healing Days.