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Standing on Jesus’ Victory

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What happens to our blood when the coronavirus strikes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The heart of the matter

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

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

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

Faith and Grace

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

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

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

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

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

Vascular biology

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

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

The platelets clot the blood.

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

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

Victory in the blood of Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christians are more than conquerors.

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

Only Mark knew that the Lord was there.

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

Jesus’ blood has the potential to save all humanity.

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

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Waiting for the Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Why is God allowing this pandemic?

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

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

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

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

Waiting for the Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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God’s Love in a Crisis

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

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

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

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

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

Love covers a multitude of our sins.

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

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

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

Love conquers fear

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

FEAR                                                      LOVE

Being hurt                          Jesus heals the broken-hearted

Weakness                          Jesus strengthens the weak

Failure                                 Love covers a multitude of sins

Captives                           Release to the captives

Oppressed                      He sets the oppressed free

Blindness                      Jesus gives recovery of sight to inward blindness

Dying                                Life eternal after death

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Street Ministry – In Jesus the Fulness of God

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

‘Introducing the New Testament’ by John Drane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Healing the Human Spirit’ by Ruth Hawkey.

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

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

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

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

A Toe in the Door.

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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Street Ministry – Christian Unity, we all believe in Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Holy Spirit poured out on all who believe. 

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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Christians Together Haslingden 7th February 2020 – Keys to Freedom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of Sylvia’s root problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I whole-heartedly recommend this course for every Christian.

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

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Is there Life After Death?

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Many people nowadays, when asked the question, “Is there life after death?” and say, “When you die, that’s it, there’s nothing beyond death.”

Jesus taught that there is life after death, in his ministry he deliberately proved that there is life after death.

Jesus had been informed that his friend Lazarus was ill,  but we read Jesus wasn’t distraught on hearing the news, he said that his illness is not unto death.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to wake him out of sleep.” They replied, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”

John explained that Jesus has spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep, Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus, is dead.”

The words Jesus used his disciples took literally; Lazarus would be healed through sleep. But the sleep that Jesus referred to, was his actual death.

When they arrived at Bethany Jesus was told that Lazarus had already been in the tomb 4 days. Martha went to meet Jesus and on their way to the house Jesus Martha said to, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died, even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you. Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said, “ I know he’ll rise again in the resurrection on the last day. Jesus said to her I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, though he dies yet shall he live and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” She said, “Yes I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” John 11: 1-44

Receiving the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus.

The Bible contains the words that tells us the results of sin is eternal death.  God sent Jesus born of a woman to save us from our sins.

Jesus died on the cross and he was buried in a tomb, and God raised him from the dead into eternal life and so through faith in Jesus, and turning to God in repentance, God forgives our sin and raises us into eternal life, a new beginning that lasts for ever.

The man crucified alongside of Jesus, asked to be remembered when he came into his kingdom. Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23: 43.

This is the Christian hope that there is life after death.

On arrival at the tomb Jesus called on Martha to have the stone removed from the tomb. As this was taking place Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I’ve said this on account of those standing by, that they may know that you have sent me.” Jesus then said, “Lazarus come out.” And he came out with his bandages still on and a cloth covering his face.

After 4 days it’s impossible for the body to be resuscitated, only God could do this miracle. Jesus fulfilled his own words, “I go to wake him out of sleep.”

Those who believe and have died, are alive in Christ in the place where Jesus is in his kingdom.

Jesus told his disciples that he was going away, Peter asked him, “Where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you shall afterwards.”

 “I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also.”

They would see the resurrected Jesus before his ascension.

“And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 13: 36, 14: 2,3,18.

Jesus knew his disciples were troubled, he informed them that he was going to his Father’s house to prepare a place for them.

 “Father, I desire that they also, who you have given me, may be with me where I am to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world.” John 17: 24.

Jesus in his prayer included those who believe in him through receiving their word in faith about him. The Gentiles were brought into the kingdom through faith in hearing about Jesus. John 17: 20. Romans 10: 8-10.

When Jesus called Lazarus out, he woke him from sleep.

The question arises: Are we awake in the Spirit after death or are we asleep in the Spirit?

Jesus taught in his parable ‘The Rich Man and Lazarus’ that we are alive and awake in the Spirit. After Lazarus’ death he went to be with Abraham and the rich man went to a place called ‘Hades’ where he was in torment. Luke 16: 22.

Ecclesiastes 12: 7.  The body returns to dust and the spirit returns to God.

2 Corinthians 5: 1, 6-8. To be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

1 John 3: 14. “We know that we have passed out of death into life.”

When Christians die, we go to be with the Lord and are awake.

Jesus said, “Father, into thy hands, I commit my Spirit.” Luke 23:46.

Stephen said, “Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit”. Acts 7: 58, 59.

Rev 6: 10. The Christians from the Tribulation asked God to appease them.

In heaven we might get answers to questions, “A Christian woman had to do a lot of travelling for her business. Flying made her nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her to read and it helped her relax. On time, she was sitting next to a man and when he saw her pull out her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and went back to what he was doing. After a while, he turned to her and asked, “You really believe all that, do you?” The woman replied, “Of course I do, It’s the Bible.” He said, “Well, what about that guy who was swallowed up by the whale?” She replied, “Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that, it is in the Bible.” He asked, “Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?” The woman said, “Well, I don’t really know. I guess when I get to heaven, I will ask him.” “What if he isn’t in heaven?” the  man asked sarcastically. “Then you can ask him,” replied the woman.” “A Barrel of Fun” J John & Mark Stibbe

Those who believe that’s there’s nothing at all after death, no existence in a spiritual realm, remains to be verified.

People without any religious background have report near-death experiences.

Jesus taught that there is at death a place of waiting for the final judgement. Luke 16: 22, 23.

John’s vision – Death and Hades and the people in them will perish after the judgement in the lake of fire. Revelation 20: 14.

Paul’s words in his letter to the Thessalonians our hope in Christ.

NIV Theological Dictionary of New Testament Words Editor Verlyn D Verbrugge

“Koimao in the fig sense. Paul generally uses participial forms to describe deceased believers as ‘those who have fallen asleep.’”

13 But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 14.

Paul used the words ‘fallen asleep’ to describe those who are have passed out of death into life. He comforted the bereaved, giving assurance that their deceased loved ones are with Christ and will return with him when Jesus calls out the church.

Jesus calling out the church before his return. 

15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; 17 then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so, we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The dead in Christ – God will gather the dust of their bodies and by a great miracle restore their bodies and transform the living, giving to them both immortality, so that together the living and the dead in Christ meet the Lord in the air on his return.

Jesus’ words to his disciples the things that would take place when he calls out his believers, from the world. “Then two men in a field; one is taken the other is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken the other is left.” Matthew 24: 40, 41.

 The Film ‘Left Behind 2014 Nicolas Cage plays the leading role as Rayford Steele. 

The film:       Jesus’ words, “Then two men in a field; one is taken the other is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken the other is left.”  The film relate to our present-day activities through the lives of a family: the father, Nicolas Cage an airline pilot, his wife and son are Christians who disappear, and their daughter Chloe who had resisted mum’s witness about Jesus. At the calling out of the church, Chloe has taken her younger brother to the shopping Mall where he disappears. The father, is on the plane where the Christian passengers disappear and their clothes are left on their seats. The effect on the rest of crew and passengers they don’t know what’s going on.

The question arises what happens next to those who are left behind?

John’s Vision the Book of Revelation reveals the events that take place after Jesus calls out his church. Rev 19: 6, 7..

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The Messiah’s Secret – Faith in Jesus

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Three Crosses

God shows no partiality between Christians.

In the parable of the dragnet the kingdom of heaven is described by Jesus “Like a net thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.” Matthew 13: 47. RSV Bible. I believe that God doesn’t see us in little nets with a label: I’m an ‘Anglican’ or I belong to ‘The Life’ Church etc. I think he sees his believers ‘in a net full of fishes of every kind’ the one church whose faith is in Jesus. Matthew 13: 47-50. Habakkuk 1: 14, 15.

Jesus shows no partiality between the criminal and anybody else.

 “One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 39-43. NLT Bible Translation

There’s no partiality, suffering comes to us all through the effects of sin and its causes in the world.

Jesus in his own personal suffering on the cross ministered to the two men going through suffering at either-side of him.

When we as Christians are faced with suffering in our own lives and find ourselves being called to minister to a friend or a relative in their suffering, so where do we draw our strength from?

Jesus in his weakness was faced with this on the cross: in the impulse of the moment one of the criminals said, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”   Jesus was hearing the words of ridicule being repeated by the criminal that had been shouted out by the rulers and soldiers, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked him . . . “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”  Luke 23: 35-37

In that moment of great agony he never retaliated or tried to explain that it was God’s will for him to be lifted up on a cross. Instead His Father God intervened in His great love for Jesus and upheld him by the other man’s response to his words he said, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”  This man’s remarks indicated that he believed that Jesus was Christ the King of Israel.

His Father undertook by allowing this other man’s words to comfort Jesus.

From the man’s remarks he stated that he was being punished for his crime against society, death by crucifixion, but he believed that Jesus was innocent because he was Christ the King. “

The man’s humility when he made his commitment to follow Jesus. “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus responded to the criminal’s faith in him, 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The man labelled as a criminal, Jesus showed no partiality when he responded to this man’s request, it proves that through faith in Jesus whosoever, can enter God’s kingdom.

Jesus had God’s strength to bear the sins of the whole world and mercy and grace to forgive all sins against God, including those who responded in ignorance. Jesus was heard from on the cross to say, “Father forgive them; for they no not what they do.” Luke 23: 34.RSV Bible

As I understand, his forgiveness included those who mocked him, because he knew that his fellow Jews had been taught from the law that the Christ would remain for ever.  John 12: 34. ‘The Messiah’s Secret’ Dorothy Newton.

Faith in Jesus being our strength.

“I Believe in Miracles” by Kathryn Kuhlman “The disciple’s faith was with them all the time: it had never left them for one second. He was their faith; but the mistake they made was in forgetting the fact of His Presence, while discerning the fact of the storm! That is exactly what Jesus meant when he said, “Without me you can do nothing.” He, then is your faith.”

In our suffering and in support of others in their suffering, we draw our strength from our faith in Jesus. Jesus is the unseen assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11: 1.

 “Jesus said, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17: 20, 21.RSV Bible

Paul in his letter to the church at Colossae, “For this I toil, striving with all the energy which he (Christ in you) mightily inspires within me.” Colossians 1: 29.. RSV Bible

The Holy Spirit’s Presence

“I Believe in Miracles” by Kathryn Kuhlman wrote, “This was the beginning of this healing ministry which God had given me; strange to some because of the fact that hundreds have been healed just sitting quietly in the audience, without any demonstration whatsoever, and even without admonition. This is because the Presence of the Holy Spirit has been in such an abundance that by His Presence alone, sick bodies are healed, even as people wait on the outside for the doors to open.”

Kathryn Kuhlman in her book emphasised that it’s by simple faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit’s Presence witnessed to them in healing wholeness: body, soul and spirit. Faith is a gift from God, so we look to Jesus the author of our faith and without faith we cannot please God.

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Jesus is God’s Gift to us

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Jesus is God’s Gift to us this Christmas

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1: 1-5

 After Christmas three children were asked what they did on Christmas Day. One, the son of a minister, said that the family had been to church, afterwards at home they opened their presents and sung a carol.  The second boy said, that he’d been to Mass and at home he’d opened his presents and sung a carol. A little Jewish boy said, that his father owned a toy factory, and after breakfast they had visited the factory, looked at the empty shelves, all their Christmas toys they had sold out,  they sang, “What a friend we have in Jesus.’

We all like opening our gifts on Christmas day.

I’ve brought with me a gift to share with you today. Would someone help me open this gift.   Gift 1    (Contained in this gift box two more boxes.)

From the Jewish people we have received the ancient Bible where it tells us about God the creator of the earth and the heavens, the universe.

We are able to navigate into the universe because we understand the laws of the universe put in place by God.

The gift box held up by IB and me

Earth and Universe (2)

God’s gift to us: our planet: It takes a year for the earth to orbit the sun and the moon orbits the earth in 271/4 days, a month, consistently over millennium keeping the same orbits.

{Pointing to the spacecraft on the board) In March 2004 the Rosetta spacecraft was launched, it was on a mission, to enter the orbit of a comet in the inner solar system. Rosetta’s lander module landed on the comet as planned, ten years after being launched. The achievement was described as like, “ a fly landing on a speeding bullet.’ Scientist were able to calculate by understanding the laws that govern the universe. www.esa.int

Frederick Larson his explanation of ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ is that in 2 BC Jupiter lined up with Venus to produce this bright star that the wise men from the East saw and believed that a King had been born, so they followed to Jerusalem around the time of Jesus’ birth. Matthew 2: 1-5.

Our second gift – Gift blueThe Bible is in two parts the Old Testament. In the Old Testament God gave words of prophecy to Isaiah of Jerusalem, his prophesies gives light and hope to the world. “A virgin would conceive and bear a son and he would be called Emmanuel which means – ‘God with us,’ and “A child is born a son is given and his name shall be called ‘Wonderful, Counsellor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. . . “ Isaiah 7: 14. 9: 6. These rpophesies were fulfilled in JesusGift prophesies (2)

Third gift –Gold Gift

Helped to open the gift by a young child, who took and showed baby Jesus to everyone present.

Below:  Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus.Gift baby Jesus

The New Testament reveals that Jesus is God’s gift to us. We receive this precious gift by faith when we acknowledge our need to make peace with God.

Jesus’ mission to enable us to be reconciled to God, making our peace with God through his death on the cross, his resurrection and ascension. God loves us and he’s reaching out through Jesus, to say I’ve dealt with all that has separated you from knowing me, just believe in Jesus.

So by belief, simple faith we can receive God’s gift to us.

If this Christmas you want to make peace with God say this prayer with me:

Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me for ever. Thank you, Lord Jesus, Amen.

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The Eye of the Needle

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Trying to disprove the saying ‘You can’t take it with you when you die’ a stingy old lawyer instructed his wife to fill 2 pillowcases with money and put them in the attic above his bed. He planned when he passed away to reach out and grasp the pillow cases on his way to heaven. Several weeks later after his funeral, his wife was cleaning up in the attic and came across the pillowcases stuffed with money. “Oh, that old fool,” she exclaimed, “I knew I should have put the money in the basement.”

Luke 18: 18-30. RSV Bible

The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked, “What must he do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus quoted five of the commandments to him and he responded saying that he kept the law. Jesus then said , “One thing you lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” the young man’s body language indicated that was too much to ask of him. “Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Kingdom of God.”

Jewish proverb ‘the eye of a needle’ referred to the narrow entrances into the walled city of Jerusalem. Camels would have to go through unloaded, their heavy burdens removed and on their knees to access through these entrances.

Likewise, on entering God’s kingdom we are released of heavy burdens: guilt, shame, rebellion, fear, envy and worldly love that is tainted with sins of the flesh, our love of self.

Jesus’ yoke is easy and his burden is light. and he is gentle and kind and gives rest to those who follow him. Matthew 11: 28-30.

The early church fulfilled Jesus words they sold their possessions and the proceeds were distributed to the needs of the community at Jerusalem. They were expecting Jesus to return in the power of the kingdom. Personal wealth would mean nothing to them. The love of self was replaced with love for God and through receiving His love their hearts were content and their needs satisfied. Mark 9: 1 ‘The Messiah’s Secret Revealed.’

The thread running through the eye of a needle: the love of God.

It speaks of coming to faith through God’s Holy Spirit convicting of the way to find God’s love, “Enter by the narrow gate . .  . For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7: 13, 14.

The love of God shed abroad in our hearts God’s love is pure and holy, and brings us into a relationship with the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

After Pentecost Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into the world from the Father. God is love; His Spirit is love.

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

God the lover, loved us so much that he sent Jesus, the loved of God revealed in the flesh to redeem us through his death and resurrection, enabling us to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit of love.

Jesus says to anyone who believes in him to ask the Father is the giver of good things: the gift of his Holy Spirit.

If you would like to begin a personal relationship with Jesus today pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask your forgiveness. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me for ever.

Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen.

The wide gate

“Jesus said, “For the gate is wide and the way easy, that leads to destruction and those who enter it are many.” Matthew 7: 13.

The wide gate is the world that we are born into, so it’s easier to fit in with the spirit this world that is under the influence of the devil that leads to eternal darkness.

In the reading the crowd listening said, “Then who can be saved.”  “What is impossible with men is possible with God. and Peter said, “Lo, we have left our homes and followed you.” Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife  or brothers or sisters or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18: 28-30.

All things are possible with God

God’s eternal life can only be received by faith and grace, and eternal life is not hereditary passed from father to son or daughter. It’s through faith, that Jesus took upon himself our personal sin and its causes on the cross, his selfless love he laid down his life’s blood for us to receive forgiveness from God and as God raised Jesus from the dead, so personally we are raised up with Jesus into newness of life eternal, a new creation in Christ.

 “Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife  or brothers or sisters or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”  

Whosoever, believes in Jesus become children of God and joint heirs in Christ, we are part of the royal family in Christ, Jesus the King of Kings. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We gain a new family as well as the one we were born into.

Christians are a heavenly people, in Christ before the foundation of the earth.  Ephesians 1:3, 4.

Netfix Series “The Crown.”

Series 3 ‘The Crown’ No 7 ‘Moondust’ 16 July 1969 three astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin lifted off on the journey to the moon that lasted 4 days, 6 hours and 45 minutes, finally landing on 20 July 1969.

Prince Philip’s search for God.

Prince Philip the husband of Queen Elizabeth 11 developed a keen interest in the space programme at the time of the moon landings.

During those few weeks leading up to the space mission, Rev Robin Woods asked Prince Philip for permission to use one of the empty houses on the Sandringham estate as a  Centre for ‘Recovery and Renewal’ for Clergy from around the UK who needed somewhere to go and spend time talking, reading, thinking and discussing with other clergy their problems.

Rev Robin Wood invited Prince Philip to meet some of the clergy staying at the house. When Philip sat down with them and heard their stories, he said, (on the film) ‘He believed in the intelligence of man and they should model themselves on the astronauts who were men of action.’ Robin Wood replied, “We know that the moon is dust, there’s no God behind the rocks and he quoted from scripture, “When I look at the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars which you have established. What is man that you are mindful of him.” Psalm 8: 3,4.

When Philip met Apollo 11 astronauts in person at Buckingham Palace, he asked them, “What was it like out there on the moon?” They responded saying; it was a relief to have landed, fantastic views of the earth, but they had to spend all their time listening and ticking off procedures.  Armstrong said that when he had finished his moon walk, he hoped to get his head down, but the banging noise kept him awake, Philip interrupted asking, “Did the noise come from outside?” He replied “No, it was the water cooler.”

But that wasn’t what he expected to hear, the moon was empty and desolate just as Robin Wood had said.

Philip returned to the Centre and joined the clergy in their group discussions and in the film he shared with them how he felt inside his being, empty and desolate. His mother saw something missing, his faith, he admitted that he had lost it and without it what is there, lonely, anti-climax, faithlessness. Finding wonder divine creation, the solution of problems, not in technology, the answer, inward faith. He apologised for ridiculing them on his previous visit, In the film he said, he was more scared probably than the astronauts going to the moon than coming to St Georges House meeting them. He asked them for their help?

(I made notes of the dialog from the film No 7 ‘Moondust’ Series 3. Fact or Fiction? www.radiotimes.com)

Prince Philip had realised that he needed to find God. 

It is impossible for worldly love to fill the void, the empty space in our being, only God’s Spirit can fill the empty space through faith in Jesus.

Those who seek God’s love will find it in Jesus, he demonstrated God’s love when he laid down his life, to be the thread that goes through the eye of the needle, the entrance into the Kingdom of God eternal life.

Prayer

God of all creation, many have yet to have the empty space filled with God’s Spirit of Love. Many have yet to let go of worldly pursuit of finding answers to the questions of life in the universe. Fill us now dear Lord, with boldness and humility to ask the Lord of all creation to meet us at his cross, the crossroads of our life, to wait upon the Lord, to reveal Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus’ name Amen.