GALATIANS 5, v16/25

In all Paul’s Letters, he adopts the pattern of setting out doctrine in the first part, before going on to illustrate practical application.

He has set out in Galatians, the danger of listening to false teachers who tried to impose the need for new Christians, first to accept the restrictions of Jewish Law and practice. Now, in this last half of the Letter, he is warning that freedom, if not properly applied, can turn into license. Christian freedom given to us in Christ, and demands self-control. This passage is full of the mention of the Holy Spirit,

This passage is full of the Holy Spirit, seven times by name, and presented as the One who can tell you what to do, so that you won’t be doing the wrong things, and following our natural desires which are just the opposite. We can read the Bible and other religious writings, and know all the theory, but find it hard to put into practice.

In this passage Paul is calling on us to obey the Holy Spirit’s guidance, so that we will not offend God by following less than proper actions. When we follow our own inclinations, we often engage in such actions as eagerness for our own pleasure, impurity of some kind by word or deed, jealousy, envy, hatred or pride.

There are two sides to all our natures, and often life is a struggle as to which one prevails. In the Christian life, two forces between flesh and the Spirit compete. In the flesh, what we are by nature and fallen condition, but when under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we become the kind of person of which Jesus would approve. In the flesh, what we are by birth; and in the Spirit when we are born anew.

This is where baptism needs to be understood sensibly and theologically. In the baptism service, in some denominations it is declared ‘that this child has been born anew (or again)’. It is both nonsensical and irresponsible to say a new born child, or a child of most ages, knows what being born again means in the spiritual sense. Before a person can claim to be born again, there has to be repentance from sin, and a confession of faith.

Christians will often face an internal struggle intensely, as their own nature dearly wishes to follow a course of life which their spiritual conscience tells them is wrong, and the Holy Spirit will not let them feel comfortable with it. He will convict us by reminding us why Jesus died on the Cross.

The story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is well known. The doctor, who was a respected London surgeon, had discovered a drug which caused him to change his nature and so do shameful things. When he came out from under its influence, he was ashamed of himself, but the drug was too strong to resist and in mental torment he killed himself.

By nature and inheritance, we all have a conflict within us, which at times causes us to do things we know within we should not be doing, and it is only with the power of the Holy Spirit we can fight and resist, for we cannot fight on our own. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to help and give us the ability and the Bible states, ‘if anyone does not have the Spirit of Jesus Christ he does not belong to Christ’. The Holy Spirit provides all the resources, and Paul is saying, be like Christ.

When we are led by the Holy Spirit our lives will reveal love, joy, pace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness and self-control. These are the fruits of the Spirit and fruit depends on the health of the tree. Spiritual fruit means character and producing a quality of life. If we follow Christ we shall produce abundant fruit.

A Christian should always be aware that he or she is a public figure in that when people know you are a Christian, they will watch you and any fall from grace will be noticed and commented upon. As Paul viewed things, Jesus Christ was the most important part of one’s life and the Christian should devote oneself to act in such a way as to be worthy of Him. This is largely the theme of this Chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

The non-Christian may face a moral conflict and never feel guilty, for they are doing what seems normal behavior, but the Christian will feel an internal conflict quite strongly, for the Holy Spirit will not allow a Christian to feel at ease with improper behavior.

The Church is often reluctant to speak frankly on parts of the Bible as many within, both lay and clergy do not subscribe fully to what is written, and often fall down on more than one sin.

It is still a fact that most of us who attend Church strive to live in the way we are called to do so, and to a great degree succeed. When we do fall, we know Christ is waiting to pick us up, having given His life on the Cross to put us right with God.

The works of the flesh are spelled out in verses 19/21 starting with sexual immorality. When Paul wrote this, he was referring to behavior which preachers of today find the most sensitive of subjects. If they preached it as it was meant when written, they would lose many of their congregations, for all sexual relationships outside of marriage were being condemned.

The greater part of the population is living in ‘partnership,’ and, or, indulging in sexual conduct. The psychotic devotees of political correctness now object to the terms, husband/wife. When I am asked about my partner, I reply firmly that I do not have a partner, but I do have a wife and am proud to be a husband.

The press and television have fanned up the flames, giving the impression that free sex is not to be ashamed of. and is quite acceptable and an essential part of life. Almost every relationship portrayed on television, involves an immediate sexual encounter. This had led young, and very young people, to feel odd if not taking part, and led the United Kingdom to have the largest teenage pregnancy rate (and abortions) in Europe, in spite of the legal fact that under age sex is contrary to law. Judges have made rulings which encourage free sexual expression.

The list goes on to mention impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, hatred, malice, jealousy anger, rage drunkenness, wrong doctrine.

Paul adds that anyone who belongs to Christ will have nailed such evil desires to his cross and crucified them there, but we must accept there are plenty of people within the Church who have not done so. There are far too many calling for sexual behavior, which is totally contrary to Scripture, to be seen as acceptable. One year, we had the incredible statement of senior clergy, inviting couples to come and get married in Church and bring their children to be baptized at the same time, a sort of two for one offer. Even society found that mad

We are frequebtkyts asked to do something, and upset if they cannot have their own way. This is a complete affront to Christian teaching and should be condemned when revealed.

Paul then turns to speak of the fruits of the Spirit, which come when the Holy Spirit controls our lives. When we are Christian we must produce care, which is the opposite of selfishness and having a caring nature;-- joy and making people feel cheerful;-- peace, not looking to make trouble; --patience, being long suffering and having endurance;-- kindness, always willing to be helpful and giving of oneself; --gentleness, a sensitive feeling to people;-- faithfulness, having dependability and reliability;-- and self -control, not being ready to respond aggressively.

For all those people who mock and ridicule Christians and the Bible, a time of reality will one day come when they will wish they had taken our way of life.

The Bible states ‘heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad and its gate is wide enough for all the multitude who choose its easy way. But the Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow and only a few ever find it.



Make sure you choose the right road.



Praise God for His Holy Gospel

 

 M A T T H E W   15. V 10-20

 The highest Scribes and Pharisees came down to ask Jesus why His disciples did not wash their hands, according to the tradition by esteemed Rabbis?   This  would mean hands and feet being washed before performing any duties.  The Pharisees made it  a ceremony of purity and to avoid any uncleanness, and it involved all believers.

 Jesus made a distinction between the Old Testament which was a command of God, and the Pharisaic tradition of human pronouncements. The term given to God, is a technical term for a formal vow in order to help needy parents who would have committed a serious transgression according to the teachers

 The Pharisees were deemed to be hypocrites for two reasons.  Their actions were merely external  and do not come from the heart; and their teachings are not from God, and are just human tradition.

Jesus called the people and said, you honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me.  In vain you worship me, teaching as if doctrines are the

commandments of men.  Jesus said, it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles the person, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles the person.

 

The disciples went to Jesus, and asked Him if He knew the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying, but Jesus answered every plant that my Father planted will be rooted up.  Let them alone they  are blind guides, and if the blind leads the blind, they will all end up in the pit.

 

The disciples were surprised at the strong language of Jesus. The Pharisees had probably been accepted at the hands of many people, to be regarded as the best of men  They were upset at being called hypocrites, and charged with transgressing a commandment .

 

The plain meaning of the Lord’s words, was false doctrine of the Pharisees was a plant to which no mercy should be shown, for it was a plant His Father had not planted,  if it contradicts the Word of God destroy it. His disciples had to learn that it was to resist all false teaching, be forsaken and was to be left alone and be forsaken by all teachers.  Soon all false doctrine will be completely overthrown and put to shame.  (how relevant to Charges now)   There are lessons of wisdom in the saying of Jesus, which serve to show light on the duty of every professing Christian. In al ages,

 

Peter asked Jesus to explain this parable to them. Jesus replied, are you still without understanding? Do you not see whatever goes into the mouth, passes into the stomach and is expelled.  But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and fulfils a person. Out of the mouth also comes evil thoughts, murder, slander, theft immorality and adultery.  These are what defiles a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.

 

This teaches, hypocrites generally attracts attention to outward matters in religion.  The action of the Pharisees is a case in point.  They criticise the Lord and His disciples, not for any unfaithful way, it was just they had acted against the tradition of the elders.

 

We see the action of the Pharisees played out in our day. There are many professing Christians who give their attention according to what they think necessary.  Trivialities are made to look important.  I often wonder if some people come just to make trouble. I was assisting at one Church when a man and wife each Sunday would find something to complain about.  I asked the Minister of the Church to tell them not to attend, but quite a number of clergy were then real gentle-men, whose life had been peaceful and reluctant to engage with such people, and troublemakers always pick easy targets to pick on.

 

We learn the great danger of trying to add or take away, anything from the Word of God. The closing words of the Bible read I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book. If anyone adds to what is  here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book

If anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy Godwill remove that person’s share in the life of and in the holy city as described in this book. He who is witness to all these things says, Yes I am coming soon. Amen come Lord Jesus.

 

The Lord Jesus answers the Pharisees by asking why they also transgress the command of God by traditions,  he exposes their hypocrisy by their traditions.  He speaks the great truth never to be forgotten, there is always a tendency in traditions to make the Word of God have no effect.  We still see it in Churches when false doctrine replaces the Word of God just to seek favor with  society. Men think God;s law is too strict and narrow, and make something to suit themselves. 

 The Church of Rome attaches monastic  vows; vows of celibacy, feasts and fasts.  It is  to credit that Pope Leo has prepared a new  set of procedures to make the Catholic Church make more contact with people, and shows a sincere approach, which will glorify both God and Church. There will be some resistance inevitably, but true Christians should remember to pray .

 learn lastly, that worship which God desires is worship of the heart. Jesus quotes Isaiah, This people draweth near me with their  lips,but their hearts are far from me.

 

The heart The heart should be principle between husband and wife and between parent and child,  The heart should be the principle which we attend in all relations to God and our souls. This is essential to a Christian, that God wants us to pray before Him.

 

God’s truth is in peril.  True followers of Jesus should be speakers of truth.  It is our duty to reject all false doctrine and ban its teaching, and ignore those who contraict the Words of God.  We do not use weapons, but just respect peace, preaching, and prayer.  Respecting the heart of man, we should have  a clean heart.

 What an awful picture we have of human nature, drawn to by one who was man,  Seeds of evil our Lord has exposed by lying within and ready to start an active life,

Let it be a settled resolution that in all the state of our believers hearts. We have a deep heart fight in the sight of God

Finally .let it be a settled resolution to keep our hearts in diligence all the days of our lives.

 

We Praise God for His Holy Gospel. May His Holy Name be Glorified

---

 

 

Colossians Chapter 1

                                                                  

In the Epistle from Colossians.  False teachers had infiltrated the Church just as we experience today, and when there is false teaching there is inevitably division and ill feeling.  We do not know what the trouble was in Colossae, but it was serious enough for Paul to write and admonish them.

Paul describes Christ as the first born of all creation; pre-eminent over all creation; the One who holds all things together; and the head of the Church. All these statements are to emphasize the deity of Christ and His having Supremacy over all in heaven and earth.

It is in Jesus’ position as head of the Church which I am concentrating on this morning.   Jesus is the one that builds His church, so all His servants need to be careful to follow all He directed. Whilst all His followers should respond to Him, there is a special duty placed on all holding Office within the Church to lead by example.

The last words of Jesus before His ascension were to His Apostles:  ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  AND teaching them to observe all that I have commanded.   Here in the words of our Lord is the purpose for which He founded the Church.

The church began on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, and the first Church was founded on the teaching of the Apostles who took the gospel around the ancient world, and that church was a model from which we might do well to follow as the Bible states the people were devoted to such teaching.

The Apostles taught the truth about Jesus Christ. They taught about the way in which he fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures in order to bring people to salvation through His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection. They also taught how salvation in Jesus Christ was to be worked out in the life of the believer. They are not teaching something that they have made up in their own minds, but only things which have been revealed to them by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already made it clear to them that their teaching was to be consistent with His.

What should occupy our minds is to consider if the Church is still preaching the message of the Apostles, and is it fit for the purpose Christ and His Apostles built it?  That is a hard question to answer; in places yes, especially the Pentecostal Churches; but in the main denominational Churches, only to a limited extent. In order to justify that let us reflect.

Jesus gave strict commands on spiritual, moral, ethical and social matters.  Paul warned that there would be those who would not wish to here sound doctrine and would seek false teachers who would say what they wanted to hear and there are plenty of them in the Church today. Never forget, the church does not belong to men (or women) it is Christ’s church and he builds it through the teaching of the men who were His Apostles.

When we hear their teaching on a regular basis, not only does our faith grow, but also our ability to defend and help others to understand, especially those most closest and dearest to us who are not yet followers of our Lord.  We may not remember all we hear, but will be inspired by the power of what has been preached.  We will learn to be guided by the Scriptures and will come to know more about God and His Son and how we should live according to His commands.

Charles Wesley taught that the value of a person’s life was to be measured by their faith, so we need to get our way of life in order to justify our faith.

I am sure that many Church members do not realize the danger our faith and Church face.  There are forces out to annihilate Christianity from the public arena and silence biblical quotations on moral and ethical issues.

Paul taught it would never be an easy task for us, that opposition would be met, but said we do not have a spirit of timidity, be strong. We should show no fear or favour and never ever be ashamed of our faith. But that is exactly what is happening in some of our Churches, especially in the Church of England.  We are bound to preach what people need to hear rather than what some might prefer to be taught.

If we are to be the witnesses for Jesus, we must first be sure we have experienced His presence, and secondly tell positively what Jesus stated and commanded. It is not enough to say we know about Him, even the devil could say that, we must have accepted Him as Savior and believed in all He did and commanded. We cannot amend or put on an application which He obviously would not have approved.  Being a witness is something that falls to all Christians to be and it doesn’t mean theological knowledge required, or being intrusive, we can be a most effective witness by just letting it be known we attend Church, which tends to show we are followers of Christ. If the Church is to survive in any meaningful way it is down to the ordinary Church members as there is now no one on the national scene with any notable charisma.

The responsibility for teaching falls principally on the clergy, and the Bible states a preacher is given a solemn task to preach in the name of God and Jesus Christ, and will one day have to answer as to how faithfully we carried out that privilege.

We have to tell our faith is not something someone made up. There is testimony from people alive at the time of Jesus’ life on earth, and not only from His followers but from literary men of the time, and it has been recorded. 

The Bible has many prophecies in the Old Testament made many years earlier which most have come true.  There are so many interlinked stories none of which have been contradicted, and not even the most sophisticated computer could excel. 

Our Gospel is that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.  This, which was an early Christian confession, give us the heart of the gospel and show that the resurrection is an integral part of the gospel. The reality can be verified by the Scriptures and historical evidence as the empty tomb and the eye witnesses

Only Christianity has a Cross at the center of its faith. Only Jesus suffered an horrific death on the Cross, a death made for criminals who were made to parade through the streets with a crown on his head beaten 39 times with a leather belt fitted with metal studs to cut the skin, stripped of clothes and nailed through His hands and feet on the cross, and all for the sake of paying the penalty for the sins you and I commit.

He could have refused to go there, but went willingly so we could be forgiven and put back in to a relationship with God and made us fit for heaven, where we will live on day with Him.  God said this is what man has shown and done to my Son; this is what I have done, and showed by raising Him to life again.

Our Gospel is that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.  This, which was an early Christian confession, give us the heart of the gospel and show that the resurrection is an integral part of the gospel. The reality can be verified by the Scriptures and historical evidence as the empty tomb and the eye witnesses

Only Christianity has a Cross at the center of its faith. Only Jesus suffered an horrific death on the Cross, a death made for criminals who were made to parade through the streets with a crown on his head beaten 39 times with a leather belt fitted with metal studs to cut the skin, stripped of clothes and nailed through His hands and feet on the cross, and all for the sake of paying the penalty for the sins you and I commit.

He could have refused to go there, but went willingly so we could be forgiven and put back in to a relationship with God and made us fit for heaven, where we will live on day with Him.  God said this is what man has shown and done to my Son; this is what I have done, and showed by raising Him to life again.

 

Let me close with the words of John Wesley, 

I want to know one thing, the way to heaven: how to land safe on that happy  shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way; for this very end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book! O give me that  book! At any price, give me the Book of God!  I have it: here is knowledge enough for me.

 We thank God for His Holy Gospel, 

 

LUKE 10 V 1 /20

This Chapter is a story of Jesus sending out some of His followers on an evangelistic mission, ahead of His visiting the towns He intended to visit.

Jesus sent out seventy two disciples in two’s, into Gentile territory where He Himself was planning to go. Two people working together can be most useful as they can complement each other, and this is in fact a practice from the Old Testament.

     Jesus calls for prayer for those He is sending out. Like to-day there was much to do, and few to do it.  The Bible states the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective, and whilst a lot of people are not able to perform much physical work because of age and infirmity, they can pray for those physically able.

     The Bible tells how Moses and Aaron were physically restricted at one time so engaged in prayer, and when they did so the Israelites were successful.

     Jesus warned the men He was sending forth of the dangers they faced, saying they were like lambs going amongst wolves, meaning wolves eat lambs Jesus never called on anyone to act under false pretenses, but rather pointed out the possible cost.  He knew they faced danger, and so many in Christian ministries do today.  Churches in Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, and even Canada, suffer attacks, and in numerous Eastern hemisphere nations are imprisoned, arrested and charged with offences, and murders too take place.  Not a lot of people want to hear of these brave men and women who face such ordeals in the service of teaching about Jesus.  They are often brilliant minded people, fully able to earn lucrative salaries in other occupations, but commit themselves willingly to serve the Lord.

     Jesus further stressed the need of devotion to their mission. This message is applicable to the Church at large, and whilst primarily to Ministers, applies to all Christians.  Jesus wanted them to concentrate on the purpose for which He was sending them, that is to preach the gospel.

     In modern times it has become fashionable to engage in profound theological debate, sometime questioning the veracity of Bible teaching, which is unlikely to win one soul for Christ.  All that is needed is simple and plain statements clearly and convincingly made, by people who truly believe in what they are teaching.  Simple gospel truths, leaving the Holy Spirit to complete the work.

     There next follows three things for the disciples to avoid. They are to travel light, must not be cluttered up with material natters.  It appears there is now a temptation for preachers to get involved with political and social issues, a craze to talk about climate change, or government schemes, especially by bishops who criticize without offering any alternative. These have no place in pulpits, especially as they tend to divide Christian worship.  The issues of the world should not transcend spiritual matters.

     The disciples are not to be over concerned for comfort, but place their trust in God to provide. We are all entitled to enjoy the luxuries of life, but not to become predominant. Since their business was urgent, they were mot to waste times in greetings, but concentrate on the task they were sent on.

     In eastern countries, the custom was to have long conversations on greeting someone, resulting in lost opportunity for what they were sent out for. This did not mean they were to be discourteous, nor seek attention, but that they should not linger when there was so much to be accomplished.

     Thirdly, the preacher should not seek personal gain from his Ministry, or other benefit. At that time it was ruled if a prophet stayed in one place without working for three days, he was a false prophet.  The laborer was worthy of his hire, but cannot be seeker of gain. It has to be faced, there are those in Christian ministry today more interested in enhancing their c.v. and promoting themselves, than promoting the gospel.

     I remember a wedding shown on television, where the Vicar after performing the ceremony, saying to the congregation, ‘let’s dance’, and then she led in what more resembled rather wild body shaking than dancing, with some of the congregation  standing on the pews to do so.  Whether intended or not, it enabled the Vicar to start on a television career, gathering her a collection of fans,- or the alternative. (N.b. The service is called, the Solemnization of Matrimony’)

     Jesus stated stay faithful, even in the face of rejection, warning His workers they would be rejected, something most Ministers have experienced. Since Jesus was Himself rejected, we should not be surprised. It has become more a badge of honor to be criticized or rejected, but experience has shown me the people who do complain are usually bullies who shy away when confronted and challenged. I remember one Vicar saying in frustrated tones to me after having had a hard time,’ well at least they can’t crucify me’

     Jesus makes clear in verse 16, what it means when His messages are rejected. He said, ‘he who rejects me, rejects the One who sent me’. He is warning those who do so, will be in great trouble. A person will be judged by what they had a chance to know. It is a terrible thing to reject God’s invitation, for it can lead to eternal condemnation.  God will not force Himself on anyone, We all have the freedom to respond or reject Him, and judgement will one day be meted out accordingly.  This is why coming to Church is a serious business, for every time we hear God’s Word we face the choice to heed or ignore.

     Jesus told His disciples to wipe the dust off their feet if they faced rejection, a symbolic action to signify the place is standing before God.  This becomes hard when those rejecting God’s Word are those closest to us personally. We long for them to accept Jesus as their Savior, and shed tears at the thought of their eternal destiny.

     The Bible clearly states, as indeed Jesus clearly expresses here, that we have the chance and should take it before it is too late. We should therefore do all we can to make sure they hear the message, but we cannot believe for them.

     When the seventy two returned, Jesus told them to stay humble. Some were so excited with triumphs in winning people for Jesus. He warned them against pride and realized things fall away constantly.  When Billy Graham, conducted his Crusades in the years he was in England, many people attended and offered themselves to Christ, inspired by  glorious singing by massed choirs, and hearing the greatest and most successful preacher in Christian history. But when they returned to their local parishes, they often found indifference from Vicars who probably disliked Billy, and they showed little interest. People were so disillusioned they fell away,

     The Bible sees a world in open defiance against God, and those who stand for God will be mocked and harassed.  The Bible calls for a different society, one which responds to the cry of a loving Savior who wants people to turn to Him in repentance and faith.

The world is divided between those who choose the Kingdom of God and the light of Christ, and the other world of darkness led by evil, which will seek to destroy all that is good and holy. We each have to decide which side we are on.

     Some years past, one of the finest liners ever built, the Queen Mary, was taken out of active service, and was taken to Long Beach in California as a tourist attraction. She was as luxuriously made as could be, but during the 1939 war was converted into a troopship. She is now a museum. 

     Today, it seems that the Church is following a similar course; it sees itself in peacetime conditions, when in fact it is under sustained attack on all sides.  We expect the Christian life to be painless and easy, whereas the Bible teaches us that we are called upon to expect wartime conditions. The prospect is that the Church will become a museum as attendances are falling, and writers are already forecasting its demise within ten years.

     Jesus always made it clear that following Him would never be easy.  Indeed, He taught it would be very hard.  Jesus warned that we need to count the cost, before committing oneself as it meant carrying a cross and placing Him first in all considerations, above all else.

     We are in fact engaged in a war, and called upon to be soldiers of Christ.  Regrettably there are many within the Church, both lay and ordained, who wish to avoid all militaristic references and terms. We have the word soldier removed, and Onward Christian soldiers, one of the greatest hymns written, has now become in some Churches as  the ridiculous Onward Christian pilgrims, so vandalising such a beautiful hymn. Anyone so weak-minded, should avoid the hymn altogether if cannot accept the writer’s words.

     The fact is that the Bible often uses the term soldiers, and we sing Soldiers of Christ arise, and Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the Cross, the Apostle Paul used the term as an analogy, but it all seems to be an irrelevance to those who eulogise the word ‘love.’  We have to face reality, there is so much unlovely things and people, in this world. Turn to your Bible, you will see it speaks of God’s wrath, and you have to go into many Chapters before we start talking about love. We are engaged in a bitter war, with the world being a battlefield with aggressive activists, not a playground. 

     Our opponents do not believe Jesus is the only way to God; the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross; the definition of marriage; God’s Order of Creation, to mention just a sample of doctrine, which they challenge at every opportunity, and have campaigners within the Church aiding them.

     Jesus called for decisiveness and radical self-discipline and commitment.  This is in contrast to the readiness on some Christians part, to accept all that is hurled against them. 

In the previous chapter, Jesus had sent out His Apostles with specific instructions.  Here Jesus sends out 72, widening the net to indicate He is sending out His followers to all parts of the earth.  We can see what He expects from us. 

     All Christians should try and spread the gospel, and often this can be done in an easy manner by bringing your local Church to people’s notice. For many people, as we know to our own experiences, God is an irrelevance until they have a personal problem, there is no such human being who is a true atheist.

     We are called to be steadfast in our faith, and be assured God has given us all an individual gift that we can use for His purpose, it just takes time to realise what that gift is. The Bible spells out clearly there are so many gifts we can use in serving Him. One lady in my Church took  on the task of arranging the flowers which are placed in position each week, and her work was cherished by members who got so much pleasure and comfort as the meditated prior to and during the service. (probably a relief during some sermons) There are other similar tasks, think about yourself, may make Church more important to you personally and inspire others

.

We thank God for His Holy Gospel and pray He guide us in our service                                                                                         

    

LUKE  15  v 1-10

I am turning to the gospel of Luke, in Chapter 15. This is a very well-known passage which contains a message for people of all ages.

First, there is the shepherd who loses one of his sheep, so he leaves the flock  of the other ninety nine whilst he searches for the lost one. He finds, and is so delighted he carries the sheep with joy, back to his friends and neighbors, finding the one who went astray

Secondly, there is the woman who loses one of ten coins from her head-dress, so sweeps the home until she finds the coin, and after finding the lost, calls in her friends to rejoice with her. Although not worth a lot moneywise, it was equal to a day’s wage. It was not difficult to lose a coin but difficult to find. The house would be small with an earth floor covered with reeds and rushes, and there would be a small round window to give little light.

Trying to find a coin in such conditions was hard, and despite s weeping the floor it looked totally lost. It was a matter of desperation to the woman, and she could not give in. These people needed food and were living on the edge, and without finding the coin there would be no food.  But there was also a romantic reason

In Palestine, the mask of a married woman, was a head-dress of ten silver coins linked together to form a chain. For years a girl would save up to collect the coins for her head-dress, which was like the equivalent of our wedding ring. When she had it, it was a treasure and could not be taken away. This may be the reason for which she was so disturbed over, and longed to find. She searched so hard, as a woman today would for a lost ring. She did in the end find it and clutched it in her hand, full of joy and finding it.    God said Jesus is like that, filled with joy when one sinner returns to him, and angels in heaven rejoice.

Jesus came down to earth to give His life on a Cross, to pay the price for forgiveness for all who return to Him. He did so to be the ‘good shepherd’. Always searching for the lost. Jesus always showed concern, He never just wrote a person off.  Parables were the way Jesus wanted to teach people how to lead their life in a Christian manner.   Here, Jesus was giving a lesson in forgiveness.

An American story, is of their great President Lincoln, who was asked after the Southerners were defeated in the Civil War, if he would claim vengeance, but Lincoln replied, I will treat them as if they had never been away.  God treats us like that.  If you repent after offending God or Jesus, remember God will forgive you. 

We see the testimony shown by our Lord towards his enemies.  The Jewish leaders criticised Him as mixing with sinners.  Not everyone is so charitable as Jesus, but if there has not been any severe harm caused, life is too short to bear grudges.

This chapter contains two parables told by Jesus, and in each parable there is a story of something lost, but then found. In to-day’s world, which moves so fast, in which knowledge advances in almost every year.  In fact, it moves so fast, many people cannot keep pace. Just as in the passage, people are lost. They want all the good things that life now produces in the technological sphere, but are not able to afford, and they wander disgruntled. Much pleasure in life will be lost if you have no purpose  or plan for which to strive for.  If you carefully decide on you’re the career, plan your future.

In our present way, we wish we had thought and acted in in the past, like our recent manner. Many people I am sure, look back on life and how they acted, and think if I could only have acted as I feel able to now, how better life would be. I readily admit I think of my early ministry years, and think how I did things, and wish I had time to make good. I think of the offers I had but never took.. Like lot of people, we realize the way we have learned and improved. Christ is willing to understand, and will graciously pardon us freely, and offer eternal life. Do not hold back in asking to be forgiven, and saved.

Difficult times come when students come to the time of going to University, and that inevitably means living away from home and family. Most young people here, look forward to what they think life will be, free to do what they like, which is a disastrous attitude.  Things are not all that wonderful in a strange city, for temptations are everywhere, and young people cannot resist the lure of alcohol, and the more deadly drugs which are so prevalent in the cities of our country.  

When the age of 19/20 is reached, girls are more ready to have a steady boyfriend, and some boys  take advantage of this, and girls are likely to face a difficult future as the boys run off and leave them. I have felt very sorry for the situation girls are left in. but the hardest word to use in any language is ‘No’.  Don’t be afraid to use it.

Billy Graham, was an American evangelist and the greatest preacher in Christian history, preaching regularly across the world ,to congregations of 80 thousands or more, once to 250,000. He spoke to a young persons’ service and advised that young people should not engage in sexual activity in order to get a quick marriage. If you are a Christian boy or girl, God will find a suitable partner for you. Many scoffed, but I liked Billy and took him seriously, and I had the most wonderful girl any man could have, and we met at a Church club and started to see each other, and were together for many years until God took her back.

 One of my Church ladies described her as one of God’s special daughters, for she was loved by all who knew her.  I wish everyone of you young people hearing this sermon will be blessed by God as I was.

I beseech you, don’t act in haste in any circumstances, think carefully of how you will be best dealing with the consequences.    Find a Church, one where the Pastor preaches from the Bible, not all the preachers do so in Churches. Remember Jesus died, giving his life on a Cross in a most cruel death, and he did so, in order that you and I will be forgiven our sins. God said there is no one who is truly righteous, and he sent Jesus to die for us, so that his death would pay the penalty for sin. God is a God of justice, and like the judges in civil Courts has to give a penalty for wrongdoing. In those cases, the offender has to pay himself, but when we sin God is so upset, only Jesus could pay our penalty.  So if Jesus gave his life for us, we should give him our presence at worship in Church. 

I wish you all every ,blessing, and to any young people, hope you enjoy your time together, and pray that you will as you go through your lives, follow Jesus, and have his presence in your life as I did in mine     May God bless you and may your lives be blessed with love and happiness.

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This chapter is well-known to Bible Readers. In these verses we see the response of The Scribes and Pharisees who mocked scornfully at Jesus for receiving sinners and publicans, even eating with them. Their remarks were used by Jesus to show He received such people  in order to pardon them.

The Jews would not understand a preacher mixing with sinners.  The very saying was meant for reproach, but was adopted by Jesus as a true description of His mission, and it led to Him telling parables,

The description by the Pharisees were literally true, but Jesus does care for sinners, he receives to prepare them for salvation. For this reason He came into this world, not just for the righteous, but sinners for repentance. He is at the hand of God, and will be to all eternity. He is really the sinners friend.

If we have committed sin, is there guilt or fear of God’s anger?  Sometimes as we recount our past lives, er may regret and feel ashamed. Christ will receive us gracefully and pardon us freely, and still grant eternal life.

We note in the verses, the remarkable figures which Jesus describes His own love to sinners, We read that in reply to the mocking remark of His enemies. He spoke parables of the lost sheep, the lost piece of silver, and a third parable which is not with this passage. They each show Christ’s willingness to save sinners

The love of Christ is an active working love,  Just as the woman would not stand still until her lost money was found, and the shepherd would not rest, until he found the lost sheep, they both are meant to   show the same truth, so our Lord did not stand still in heaven having pity on sinners.  He left the glory which He had with the Father, and humbled Himself to be made in the likeness of of man.  He came down into the world to seek and save that which was lost. And never rested until He made atonement for our transgressions, brought into

Everlasting righteousness, provided eternal redemption, and opened a door of life to all who are willing to be saved.

The love of Christ is a self-denying love.  The shepherd brought the lost sheep home on his shoulders rather than leave it in the wilderness. The woman lighted a candle and swept the house, searching carefully until she found the lost money.  So did Christ not spare Himself, when undertook to save sinners.  He went to the Cross, was despised and beaten, and laid won His life for His friends.

The love of Christ  is deep and mighty. It is a pleasing thing to stop people from going to hell,  He is far more ready to save sinners than they are to be sought.

Lastly, we see the encouragement which Jesus holds out to repentance.  Oy shall be shown in heaven when a sinner repents.  If a person is too ashamed to repent, they should cast shame aside.  What shall it profit us to know Christ os love if we don’t use it.

 

  We thank God for His Holy Gospel and pray He be Glorified                                     

  

 

M A T T H E W  16 V13-19

 

Jesus said, I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

These are well known verses for the Gospel reading on Sunday next, when we celebrate the worship in memory of the Apostles Paul and Peter.

Jesus went with His Apostles to Caesarea Philippi, a city 25 miles from Galilee. He asked His Apostles, who do people say I am. They answered Him saying. some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.

He then asked, but who do you say I am? Peter replied, you are the Christ. The Son of the living God.  Jesus answered him, Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. I told you, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, and whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven; and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

Tge responses to the question of Jesus are in line with the popular messianic expectations held in Israel from a string of Old Testament Prophets about the great man to come.

Peter had spoken for the group. Christ meant, Messianic or Anointed One, Son of the living God, who is alive.  Blessed in this sense, meant acknowledging Peter’s condition from God’s revelation.  Bar Jonah means son of Jonah.

This passage has been the cause of disunity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Denominations.  The words of Jesus to Peter-thou art Peter and on this rock, I will build my Church, are interpreted differently.  Does it mean that Peter himself is the foundation, on which the Church will be built? This has been seen as improbable.  Above all reason, it can be given why the Lord should not have said, I will build my Church on you, if such had been His meaning instead of on this rock.

The true meaning of rock in this passage, is to be the truth of the Lord’s Messianic and divinity which Peter confessed.  It is as if the Lord had said, you are rightly called by the name you have confessed, that mighty proof as on a rock I will build my Church,

The real meaning of the promise made to Peter appears to be, he was going to have the privilege of first opening the door to salvation to both Jews and Gentiles

Peter preached to the Jews at Pentecost, and visited Cornelius, a Gentile at his home and opened the door of faith.  He said, God has made choices among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the words of the Gospel,

There is the statement that Peter was given power, to decide on sinners whether to forbid or permit;  his is surely for Jesus alone has authority from God.  The Apostles had been given authority to teach the way  to salvation and  were specially inspired to lay down rules for the guidance of the Church in disputed questions.  

Whatever sense Jesus uses the words, they do not have reference tothe Church in Rome.  It should be remembered that the leader of the Church at this time was James, and the Bible states that the disciple Jesus loved was the Apostle John. (John 13 v23)

Finally,  we read the  glorious promises to which our Lord made to His Church. He says the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,  The meaning of this is that the power  of Satan shall never destroy the people of Christ.  He that brought sin and death into the first creation, by tempting Eve, shall never again bring ruin on the new creation by overthrowing believers.

The mystical body of Christ shall never perish or decay,   In spite of falls, failures and short-comings; on spite of the world, the devil, the flesh,- no member of the Church will be cast away.

 

We praise God for His Holy Gospel. May He be Glorified

 

 

                             P e t e r  and  Paul

 

This coming Sunday, is when the Church remembers these two great Apostles, whose writings filled fifteen books of the New Testament. There are two Epistles, one for each Apostle.

THE EPISTLE FOR PETER  1 Peter 2 v15-19

The Letter that Peter wrote, was intended for circulation over a great part of the Church. To understand what he had in mind, there were sixty million slaves in the Roman Empire, consisting not only one class of society, but even professional people such as doctors and teachers.

Peter was saying there should be a relationship between man and man, and the Christian must be better than any other man.

 

There was always the danger that the dignity which Christianity created, would make a slave rebel and seek to abolish slavery, for it had been noticed that no Christian writer had called for the abolition.  The reason was, if anyone encouraged the slaves to rise,  it would be a disaster with severe punishment.

 The Christian clearly sees and remember, that it is the teaching of the New Testament that he must fulfil his obligation as a citizen of his country; and must also see, whereas the conditions of the state, he could fulfil that obligation by submission and obedience to the state.  The Christian had a higher obligation than anyone else. Peter stated you must live as freemen, not using your freedom as a cloak for evil, but as a slave of God.

The great truth is Christianity is community, and a Christian is not a isolated unit. Only in Christ is a man freed from self and sin, and freedom comes when a man receives Christ as Lord of his life.

Peter wanted all men to have honor; to love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the king (Jesus) When Peter wrote this Letter, this was something new.  There was the great number of slaves who were counted as things. Peter was pointing out that there was still room for people to be treated properly.

The message was that every man is precious to God,  with the good news that God loves all people. Problems arose, when both master and man were Christians; there were fears the slave might try to take advantage of that.  There are still people who  trade on the goodwill and sympathy of the master,  But Peter makes it clear, the relationship between Christian and Christian, does not abolish the relationship between man and a man.

Peter turned to the domestic and family problems, which Christianity introduced. It happened that a member of a family might become a Christian, but be the only one. This is still the situation, as parents often disapprove their child should be interested in becoming a Christian.

Peter gave advice in greater length regarding husband and wife.

If a husband became a Christian and his wife was not a believer, he could keep his wife. But, if a wife became a Christian and the husband was not, as is the case in many homes yet,  he could if he so wished leave her. I have seen several very sad cases when a man finds his wife wants to just go to Church, or is a committed believer, gives an ultimatum to stop doing so, or there will be a divorce with the husband taking custody of the children.

Peter took the same decision as Paul.

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THE EPISTLE FOR PAUL  2 TIMOTHY 4

Paul is imprisoned in Rome on false charges, levelled against him by the Jewish Church leaders, and he knows his death is imminent. He is at the end of his life and he wants his devoted service to be continued, and he has chosen Timothy as the one to carry on, so he writes offering guidance and words of encouragement.

He wanted stability, and such can only happen when the Ministry of the Church is faithfully committed to following the Holy commands of Jesus.  Paul was committed to preaching the Word of God as it was given to the men God chose to write.

In this passage Paul begins by warning Timothy that there will be those who will not accept the true teaching, but will be driven by their desire to go their own way and make their own choices.

He calls on Timothy to be an evangelist, that is to proclaim the gospel especially to those who do not know it’s message.  He wants Timothy to keep a clear mind, and never be afraid of suffering, as it will inevitably come to all who are preaching the good news of the Lord.

He calls on Timothy to remain calm and steady, not to fall for anything sensational, and to keep to the truth and not engage in myths.

Paul the turns to his own condition, seeing his life has been like a sacrificial drink offering. In other words, he is forecasting the end of his life which he laid down for the good of the gospel, and is now bound for execution and entry to eternal salvation. God is calling him home, which makes it so important to guide and advise Timothy.

He has fought a good fight against evil, false teaching, and served Jesus devotedly planting numerous Churches in different lands over which he cared and nurtured. He uses the image of an athlete who has successfully run a race and has reached the finishing line, he having completed  all that God sent him to do. He now he claims the prize promised to him by God, through earning by the price paid by Jesus. and which is also for all who remain faithful and set their hearts on the return of Jesus.

Luke meticulously recorded the events and travels, which we find listed in Acts of the Apostles.

The above is the explanation of the passage, we now have to consider what we can learn from it.

There is a call to all Christians, lay or ordained, to make the true gospel known to those who do not know. There is no need for theological training, a simple few words, or even just telling of your Church attendance.

There is a very great need for stability in the Church, for all to speak with one voice.

. We should never betray our faith by denying the teaching of our Holy Bible, as too many in high Office delight in doing. It is a sad fact that the Western Church has in many places become decadent.

Every new fashion and whim of society is adopted, rather than following Paul who called for protection of the gospel without timidity, proclaiming as God directed.  Paul was a great man of God, Who when speaking, was the voice of God.

Paul sets a wonderful example for all. Faithful, reliable, dependable, true to the end.

 

We praise God for His Holy Gospel and Glorify His Holy Name