2 Chronicles 7 v 14

For most of this year Christians have not been able to meet for worship. A lot of Ministers have shown much ingenuity by using technology to its fullness, so being able to maintain however minimal communication.  In doing so, they have touched many more than imagined, and people who previously had no contact and would not have gone near the Church, have now shown an interest. It is therefore of paramount importance when we resume next month, as we have been allowed to meet again, to present a united message based on the teaching of the Apostles as passed down by our Lord Himself, and for God’s sake (literally) stop all the liberal nonsense that has poisoned the true gospel.

A most relevant message at this time would be, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles Chapter 7 14,)

 Here is a God given chance for there to be a renewal where the lost will be found, and the weak would be made strong.  Here is God promising us He will respond if we will answer and fulfil His invitation.  This is such a profound offer we need to consider carefully piece by piece.                      

In 960BC Israel was in moral and spiritual decline with people failing to worship God.  Solomon pleaded with God to forgive the nation of their sins, and God answered that if they humbled themselves, prayed, sought His face and turned from their wicked ways He would heal their land.

As we look and consider life in this country at the present time, it must surely give to all intelligent people grave cause for concern, for we see a nation in moral and spiritual decline where the barriers of decency have been swept away, so that we are left without restraint.  All around us storm clouds are falling on a world so different from what many of us knew.

We have all witnessed the traditional foundations of law and order, social cohesion, morality based on biblical values and teaching, Christian education being given in schools, politicians creating legislation based on Christian principles. Much of those foundations have been destroyed to such an extent that there are now no moral absolutes, all is relative and one does one’s own thing. We are living in an evil world as a casual look at the newspapers point out each day.

What hope does the Bible give us?

God said, ‘if my people who are called by my name’.

This verse is directed to particular people. God’s people are those who worship Him, who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, who profess Christ and own up to doing so.  They are people who regularly attend Church to worship Him week by week, not only those who have a nodding acquaintance with Him at Christmas time. Remember, Jesus said ‘I am the only way to God, NO one comes to the Father except through me’

In all our Churches in this country this morning there will be people like you who devotedly come week by week to join in worship. After the service most will return home and probably have little to do with the Church until the following Sunday.  Others may attend a midweek meeting, but even fewer will follow with great interest deeper matters affecting the Church at large.

The majority of people will tell you they believe in God, but it is a tenuous belief which has no credibility. No matter what kind of life a person has led, at the funeral service it is firmly believed the person is going to heaven. God is seen as a benevolent old man, always ready to unconditionally receive us and answer all we ask for.

When you go to visit another country, you need a passport to prove your worthiness as a law abiding person, a health certificate to show you are a fit person, and a booking to confirm a reservation.  In the minds of most people you have no need to prove anything about yourself, God would never send anyone to hell, the only alternative to heaven, and that is right, God never would consign anyone to hell, He lets the person make the choice for him(her)self here on earth. Jesus said to unworthy people, ‘get away from me I never knew you. get away from me you who broke God’s laws’

I hear people expressing regret at falling attendance, which I share, due mainly to illness preventing attendance, dying or frustration.  I take services in quite a number of Churches of mixed denomination, and particularly notice difference from previous visits. The sad point is we are just not attracting the younger generation, or even men and women less than 50 years of age, especially in the case of the Church of England from the middle class of society. This is understandable when you hear some of the preaching.

‘if they will humble themselves’.

Both as a Church and individually there is need for repentance.  As a Church we begin by humbling ourselves by casting ourselves on the mercy of God, and asking for His forgiveness for failing to stand out fully for righteousness.

As individuals, not being proud.  Satan said, ‘I will exalt my throne above God’, and some people want to do the same.  They become obsessed by their own importance and if not given due acknowledgement and granted their way, become disruptive.

All Christians should be pleased to be known as God’s people, whereas there is often a reluctance to identify oneself as a Christian.  Sadly, this is more the case with men who unnecessarily feel embarrassed at doing so.

Ministers in the Church must accept their first duty is to teach God’s Word, as it is written in Scripture, not as they might like it to be written. It is a sad fact that there are those in ministry whose priority is to further their own careers and are more interested in their ‘c.v’ than spreading the gospel, so subscribe to a neutral line.

‘if my people pray’

Every revival is preceded by prayer. Nehemiah when the Jews returned to their homeland; In Acts when the people listened to the Apostles; the 1904 Welsh revival with Evan Roberts; John Wesley in England; Campbell Morgan in Scotland; Mary Queen of Scots trembled at the preaching of John Knox; the Billy Graham Crusades

Jesus told us to pray without ceasing and gave examples of desperate prayer.  Jesus told us to keep on praying, stating ‘ask, and you will receive.’  

Whilst there are many tasks the Church has to undertake and requires people to help, age or infirmity often prevents some willing folk, but all can serve God by praying for His Church. When Israel was at war and Moses and Aaron were too old to fight, they stood alongside and prayed, and Israel were successful.

The story is told of two ladies who prayed for many months for a revival to come to their town, and eventually a Billy Graham Crusade was held close by causing many to find their Saviour.

‘If my people will seek my face’.

God wants us to turn to Him to answer our needs and create a relationship with Him.  We have to realise we have to be dependent on Him for all things, not seeking intellectual answers or our own solutions.

Too often we find God’s help is the last we seek. We have to learn to seek His will in all situations. God’s people accept that life’s problems can only be solved by divine intervention.

‘if my people will turn from their wicked ways’

God expects us to put Him first in our lives, but we can relegate Him.  First there is a slipping away from attending Church, followed by a lack of Bible reading.

God says there are certain things I don’t want you to do. God says certain behaviour is sinful, but some disagree and try to justify disobeying by saying times have changed and society accepts such behaviour. Things which were once unacceptable now become acceptable.  We turn to worldly things and become uninterested in Christian teaching. The conscience which once gave warning doesn’t seem to work anymore. There is a need to root out ways which are unworthy of us as Christians

The Church has failed to speak out on moral issues.  Too often the attitude seems to be ‘we can’t beat them so let us join them’ and we compromise.  The Church must speak out in condemnation against what passes for acceptable behaviour and is contrary to that laid out in the Bible.

The Church should be such a prominent voice in society that it can influence, and stop politicians from promoting behaviour expressly forbidden in Scripture.  It should be the leader in moral issues, not just another (reluctant)follower.

This apprehension was proved well founded when I read of the Church upholding and approving what is unequivocally described as sinful in the Bible. It was with a mixture of alarm, despair, astonishment and frankly disgust, that I read of the then Archbishop of York calling for Synod to reject a motion which stated there was ‘a need for the Bible to inform our understanding of the common good’; in other words rejecting the authority of the Bible. There was also the case of Bishops, the senior Officers of the Church, supporting motions which were in direct contradiction of the Bible’s teaching; in other words what God has called us to follow.

 

Then we had the Archbishop of York stated he could not sleep at night when he thought of therapy being offered to people who wanted to change from their homosexuality, even though it was their decision to do so. He didn’t seem to be disturbed when they went in the opposite direction.

Now we have an Archbishop of York who is reported to have told a Vicar if he wanted to follow the biblical teaching on sexuality, there was no place for him in the Church.

If we cannot get clergy believing, supporting and living according to the Bible, we cannot expect God to bless and add to the Church. Remember, the Bible states it is God who builds up the Church  It is frustrating to hear senior clerics from Archbishop downwards calling for the abandonment of Scripture to avoid upsetting people who have different views. In the Consecration of Bishops and the Ordination of Clergy we all vow to faithfully teach only what is in Scripture and will banish all false doctrine.

Our nation is in the rebellious state it is in because the Bible has lost its influence. Whereas it was taught in schools and colleges, it is now seen as hate literature by the State’s examiners who want to eradicate any biblical term, and would rather have taught explicit sexual education, which is NOT an exaggeration. Even Church Sunday schools come under scrutiny. We have gone farther away from God's Word than we should ever have done.

The nation will get back to the Bible when the Church does so and repents for tossing aside the Bible, also stops being selective in what it preaches.

 This nation has fallen into great evil, and much of the blame for this is that the Church stopped setting standards and values of Scripture, allowing the nation to become disconnected from the Word of God. I am asked what does the Church believe, and if truthful I have to say I don’t know, but I do know what it should believe.

When the Church allowed a Conservative government, (in name only) under David Cameron to begin introducing legislation, which prior to his election falsely claimed he would not do, in sharp contrast to the teaching of the Bible, and which was exacerbated by making legislation which virtually stopped people from protesting for fear of being accused of hate crimes, the slide began. We owed it to the nation to be opposed in the strongest terms, but there was neither the will nor courage, only complete silence

A Court encouraged by such legislation, actually ruled that verses from the Bible, the very Word of God, could be considered to have contravened the law. The persons quoting were heavily fined, but fortunately common sense was shown by an Appeals Court. The Church never uttered a word in protest, especially when women and young girls were placed in danger because of it.

The answer to the crisis of our times is submission to the Word of God. We need to repent and go back and retake God's Word as our objective, which we have so hastily and wantonly cast aside

I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

God has given a promise so all of us need to have a passion for revival and we are poor Christians if we do not feel concern for the Church in this nation. 

God's warning to the nation of Israel is also God's warning to His church today.  - He is speaking not to the nation as a whole, but to the people of God.

Politicians, academics, social workers have all failed society miserably causing a mindset that sees virtually anything is permissible as long as it leads to a peaceful political life, whereas ordinary people know there is so much wrong.  I do not intend to go into those things; they have all been spelled out in other postings on this blog.

Revival only begins with God’s people, but with the power of God becomes so strong it soon affects society.  We know God answers prayer and the promise of this verse is that if we do the things God has asked of us, He will surely respond.

    Matthew 10 v 24/39   

Turn to this gospel reading, first to see what Jesus is saying, before we look at how it relates individually to us in our lives.

Jesus had just appointed twelve Apostles and is in this passage giving them instructions and advice for the work they are going to do in his name. He begins by telling them, (which applies to all Christians who wish to serve him in his mission to the world), a disciple is to be like his Master, to follow his guidance and not try to be above.

The opponents of Jesus called him Beelzebub, meaning he was the devil, so he said by calling him that, it makes his followers be condemned. He tells his followers they should not be afraid, for whilst up to then the Jews were noted for their secrecy, a time would come when all will be revealed about them and they would be exposed to the world.

Jesus said there would be those who would want to kill or harm them, but whatever they could do to the body, only God could harm the soul. Sparrows were cared for by God, and none could even fall to the ground without God knowing, and if God was always watching over us and will protect us from harm.

Jesus wanted his people to acknowledge him, but some were denying any relationship with him. He also wanted them to realise his followers would be challenged and persecuted just for being his people.

Finally, he said he did not come to bring peace to the earth, but rather a sword.  

So what message is there for us? If we are really faithful followers of Jesus, we will let him be our example and try to practise his ways, and most certainly follow his teaching.

Today, Ministers of the Church are ever ready to give different interpretations of Scripture for fear of upsetting people, or/and because the Bible is unacceptable to them in its original form.

As I have said many times, we cannot claim to be Christians if we come to hear all Jesus is and said, and then ignore to do our own thinking. Paul made it clear in his Letters that it was false, and clearly unacceptable, to listen to the words of Scripture, and then go and do the opposite of his commands

But things are going beyond that even. There are clergy who from the highest level to the lowest, who are deliberately and purposely, teaching and practising that which is complete contradiction to what they are bound to preach. This is blatant arrogance and a betrayal of vows made by Ministers at Ordination, and Bishops atmber of bishops are campaigning for same sex marriage, and abandonment  their consecration service, yet a substantial nuof biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality.

Jesus was here warning them to count the cost of following him, knowing that his followers would face hardship abuse and be isolated from, friends. He always sought quality, never quantity, just people ready to be loyal to him.

Christian Concern is a legal defence team, formed to help Christians who are penalised in any form, because of having expressed a belief. So many cases have been reported to them that they are constantly defending in the Courts.

I have stated before how politicians in this country don’t do God; it has become an anathema to them. We have had a continuous line of Prime Ministers, who have been anxious to create legislation which offends Christianity, and in addition have made laws to prosecute any who dare criticise the same.

I find it so hypercritical to hear people expressing criticism of the United States President, just because some liberal minded comedian or BBC television presenter condemns him, when in fact he has given full support to Christians in his country and rescinded the immoral laws of his predecessor.

Jesus tells how God will protect us. He states that we may suffer from physical and verbal attacks which may harm us, but no one can affect or harm our soul. Jesus does this with an illustration.

Sparrows are the smallest of creatures, and a penny is the lowest form of currency, yet God cares for all the sparrows which can be bought for so little. How much more will he care for the sons and daughters in his Christian family, when he knows so much about them,.

God will care for all who stand firm in faith, answering prayers when we turn to him, if we are asking for that which is within his purpose. But remember just as an earthly father will at times not answer what his children ask for, only because he will know to grant what they ask for may not be in their best interests or even harm.

I have heard preachers say you can’t ask God for trivial things, like make it possible for me to find a parking space, to find a lost article, and the like; but God wants to be involved in all parts of our lives, and if he is so prepared to grant big requests, why is it not acceptable to ask for the smallest. The Bible tells us to make our request to God for all things, and it does not put a stipulation regarding the prayer request.

Finally, Jesus warns he did not come to bring peace, rather a sword, by which he means opposition. He states even among families there will be friction because of him.  How true I have found this to be so.

I had a lady who joined my congregation and  had a most captive personality. Within a short time, she brought in other women with their children, and even extended her participation to hold Bible study meetings in her home. 

Her husband worked on a North Sea oil rig and was away from home for weeks at a time. One evening he called home, and heard voices on the phone and asked for an explanation. When she told him, it was a Church meeting, he gave her an ultimatum, give up Church or give up your marriage. Because of her two young children, we didn’t see her again.

The same has happened when children have been drawn to a Church, and found objection from their parents and relationships are broken.

Like all Ministers, I have been ready always, to visit any member admitted to hospital. It was a common request from men, not to go  and see  them in hospital if dressed in clerical dress.

Why do so many men think Jesus died only for women, and was not interested in the male gender. Muslim men are proud of their faith, and vigorously defend and admit to it, and deserve much applause for doing so. Even more macho to stand and declare your faith than cower  away like a frightened child.

Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you. Stand up for Jesus. May the Lord bless you

---

 [ER1]

Romans 5 v.1/11

Chapter 5 begins with the affirmation of the true standing of a Christian, that the Christian through faith in Jesus Christ has been justified and declared to be righteous by God once and for all.  This means the person is no longer in fear of judgement, and, which is not just a feeling but a reality we avoid the wrath of God

Since we have been made right in God’ sight by faith in his promises, we can have peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Christians are justified by virtue, of the blood of Jesus being poured out on the Cross. So making Christians to people with certain future in the life hereafter.

For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.

The peace in which we stand refers to the secure position of the believer’s standing of being justified, and the hope of the glory of God refers to the promise that Christians will be glorified, a hope that rejoices in joy.

We can rejoice too when we run into trials and problems, for we know they are good for us, they help us to be patient, and patience develops strength of character in us and helps us to trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady, and the Holy Spirit gives us power to persevere

Then what happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When the Bible speaks of hope, it is not the casual term we use, such as I hope it doesn’t rain, the Bible meaning is hope brings certainty.

The people of God rejoice not only in future glory, but in present trials and sufferings, not because sufferings are pleasant but produce  a step by step change that makes them more like Jesus.

As followers of Jesus, we have no cause to face judgement day for we now belong to God, and we are loved by Him because the Holy Spirit poured love into out hearts when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Christians are meant to be joyful people, reverent and aware of treating worship seriously, but rejoicing in doing so. Some Christians far from being joyful, stand to sing as if it in an offence to look happy.

I love to see the singing in the black congregations, for the face of people are full of joy, the music is played in such a way to  inspire, and move them physically as well as spiritually, as it is obvious the hymns are not just words but serious messages.

In retrospect, I think the Churches here made a colossal mistake in not integrating the incoming black people, instead of allowing and in some cases encouraging them to start their own Churches, as we now see those Churches growing as the old Churches losing members by the thousands weekly. I realise the Bible may have been an embarrassment as it is treasured by the black community, rather than looked upon as a guide to meet the needs of the occasions.

As we look at the Psalms, they are shouting out joy, and the birth of Jesus was greeted with praise. I think of those wonderful Billy Graham meetings with the massed choirs, loudly singing modern praise, only for those attending in a lot of cases returning to their Church to sing mournful chants and canticles.

In the last verses of this passage, Paul tells of God’s love and the sacrifice made when he sent his Son to die on the Cross. Jesus died for the ungodly, for sinners who had rejected him, unrighteous people living without God in their life, whilst God’s righteousness and justice led to salvation through that cruel death of Jesus. 

It was God’s love that motivated the plan.

When we were utterly helpless with no way of escape, Christ came to us just at the right time 

and died for us sinners who had no use for him.

Even if we were good, we really wouldn’t expect any one to die for us, though of course that might be barely possible

And since by his blood he did all this for us as sinners, how much more will he do for us now that he has declared us not guilty. Now he will save us for all God’s wrath to come

And when we were his enemies, we were brough back to God by the death of his son, what blessings he must have for us now we are his friends, and he is living within us.

Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us by dying for our sins and making us friends with God 

Romans 5 v.1/11

Chapter 5 begins with the affirmation of the true standing of a Christian, that the Christian through faith in Jesus Christ has been justified and declared to be righteous by God once and for all.  This means the person is no longer in fear of judgement, and, which is not just a feeling but a reality we avoid the wrath of God

Since we have been made right in God’ sight by faith in his promises, we can have peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Christians are justified by virtue, of the blood of Jesus being poured out on the Cross. So making Christians to people with certain future in the life hereafter.

For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.

The peace in which we stand refers to the secure position of the believer’s standing of being justified, and the hope of the glory of God refers to the promise that Christians will be glorified, a hope that rejoices in joy.

We can rejoice too when we run into trials and problems, for we know they are good for us, they help us to be patient, and patience develops strength of character in us and helps us to trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady, and the Holy Spirit gives us power to persevere

Then what happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When the Bible speaks of hope, it is not the casual term we use, such as I hope it doesn’t rain, the Bible meaning is hope brings certainty.

The people of God rejoice not only in future glory, but in present trials and sufferings, not because sufferings are pleasant but produce  a step by step change that makes them more like Jesus.

As followers of Jesus, we have no cause to face judgement day for we now belong to God, and we are loved by Him because the Holy Spirit poured love into out hearts when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Christians are meant to be joyful people, reverent and aware of treating worship seriously, but rejoicing in doing so. Some Christians far from being joyful, stand to sing as if it in an offence to look happy.

I love to see the singing in the black congregations, for the face of people are full of joy, the music is played in such a way to  inspire, and move them physically as well as spiritually, as it is obvious the hymns are not just words but serious messages.

In retrospect, I think the Churches here made a colossal mistake in not integrating the incoming black people, instead of allowing and in some cases encouraging them to start their own Churches, as we now see those Churches growing as the old Churches losing members by the thousands weekly. I realise the Bible may have been an embarrassment as it is treasured by the black community, rather than looked upon as a guide to meet the needs of the occasions.

As we look at the Psalms, they are shouting out joy, and the birth of Jesus was greeted with praise. I think of those wonderful Billy Graham meetings with the massed choirs, loudly singing modern praise, only for those attending in a lot of cases returning to their Church to sing mournful chants and canticles.

In the last verses of this passage, Paul tells of God’s love and the sacrifice made when he sent his Son to die on the Cross. Jesus died for the ungodly, for sinners who had rejected him, unrighteous people living without God in their life, whilst God’s righteousness and justice led to salvation through that cruel death of Jesus. It was God’s love that motivated the plan.

When we were utterly helpless with no way of escape, Christ came to us just at the right time and died for us sinners who had no use for him.

Even if we were good, we really wouldn’t expect any one to die for us, though of course that might be barely possible

And since by his blood he did all this for us as sinners, how much more will he do for us now that he has declared us not guilty. Now he will save us for all God’s wrath to come

And when we were his enemies, we were brough back to God by the death of his Son, what blessings he must have for us now we are his friends, and he is living within us.

Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us by dying for our sins and making us friends with God .

 Matthew 28 v.18/20

These verses contain the words of Jesus to his Apostles prior to his ascension, and are known as the ‘Great Commission’.

Earlier in the same chapter the story is told of Jesus being raised from the dead and of the words given to the women who were still at the graveside. Jesus wanted his Apostles to go to Galilee where he would meet them on a mountain, and the women were to pass this message to them. The now eleven Apostles left Jerusalem for the journey along a dangerous mountain road, known for attacks on people using it.  Mountains feature numerous times in the Bible, notably when Moses was given the Ten Commandments by God, now Jesus was giving his command to the Apostles.

In verse 18, told them ‘all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me’. Jesus was given such power over all happening in earth and heaven by God, he was in effect God acting in earth, and later when he ascended in heaven. This had been given because he had risen from the dead and acquired divinity in recognition, and is now King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as sung in Handel’s famous Messiah. With that authority he can send his Apostles into the world to make followers, and teach all he taught them, his commands and teaching on how his followers are to live and act. 

Jesus said they were to go into All the world without there being any restrictions, national boundaries, to people of every colour, creed, race or creed, God loves all the world and loves all people, as Billy Graham used to say.  

The words Jesus gave to his Apostles are important, his last earthly speaking and are meant to apply to his followers to encourage them to take the call of Jesus to family and friends; and especially to his Church to teach his commands and if we had all been faithful to him, the Churches would not be in the parlous state they are. The early Church grew rapidly as the people listened eagerly to the reaching of the Apostles, were inspired, awed, and rejoiced. In our present day, Churches like the Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches are still listening to the teaching of the Apostles, its is called the New Testament now. When the Church widely does the same, it too will grow rapidly. 

Look at those words again, especially in verse 20, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and I am with you until the end of the age. Those words are the crucial element of discipleship. We are to teach only what he commanded, and Jesus is with us.  Bearing in mind Jesus always upheld the authority of the Word of God, (the Bible) and in addition to the fact that all of us who are being allowed to be Ministers of his Church made vows on our ordination to do just that, why are we at the highest level of the Church openly and brazenly teaching that which is contrary to the Lord’s command, and exhorting those we teach to ignore the Bible?

During the current pandemic, many Churches and Ministers have been very intuitive and shown a lot of ingenuity in arranging to continue ministry to their parishioners, and it has been impressive to others not normally Church members.  Probably the Church has reached out more than ever before, and we should try to consolidate this. The world needs encouragement and proper welcome when they come to us, but we make a big mistake if we think we can make followers by just being here and ringing bells.

We are justly proud of our big Cathedrals with glorious architecture and attractive interiors, with participants in services dressed in colourful robes, but few people are won for Christ in such places.

There is a story of a guide in one Cathedral taking a group1960 around and going to great lengths to explain the fittings and history, when an American lady asked, ‘say how many have been converted in the place’?  The guide drew himself up and said in a rebuking voice, ‘madam this is a Cathedral.’  

That means a second thing. It means that Jesus Christ from the very beginning was meant by God to be the Saviour of the whole world. Not just of the Jews. Not just of the Gentiles. Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the entire world. Do you know what else that means? That means that his church is to be representative of the vast variety of people in the world. In his church there are to be blacks and whites, rich and poor, young and old. People from the upper class and people from the lower class. His church is to contain people from all ethnic groups. That’s the real rainbow coalition.

We are to make disciples of all the nations and then we are to teach them whatever they need to know in order to follow Jesus Christ effectively. It was never the purpose of the Christian church merely to get more church members.

Jesus always made clear that being a follower of him meant sacrifice, and counting numbers was not part of his call.  He said a person must first count the cost if they were to do so; losing friends perhaps, though no reason for this being treated as someone in a life crisis if a man in some occupations for  taking up a woman’s thing. The men who do turn to follow Christ are usually far more courageous ready to follow a better way of life, and some of the most brilliant of minds have forfeited wealth and status to do so, and never had

regrets.

At the same time, it was never the purpose of the Christian church to produce merely academic Christians. The first followers of Jesus were ordinary working men, fishermen, manual workers and none had a degree.  Yet such men took over leadership when their Lord and teacher returned to heaven and they won the world for Christ.  If they tried to join Church ministry today, they would never get through the first stage. Can you imagine Peter or John being told not to follow Jesus’ teaching of Scripture?  Or Paul being told his teaching of marriage and sexuality was too restrictive and might upset those who didn’t agree. Yet this is what is coming from our leaders, when they are not supporting some left wing fantasy.

All those glorious Bible names coupled with Church giants of yesteryear, like Wesley, Booth, Moody, would cry with shame and horror that bishops would call upon clergy and people not to attend meetings where the evangelist was preaching solidly Bible teaching, just because it offended those who were convicted by the teaching. But this happened when bishops in Birmingham, Sheffield and others spoke against one of the world’s most prominent Bible preachers, and leader of an organisation which gives practical aid to the poor in over 100 countries.

When we model our ministries on those early Church Apostles instead of 21^st century Christianity, God will display His approval and bless our Churches, as He did all those years ago.

We have the promise of Jesus, who said, “Surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age.” I will be with you all the time till the end of time. But there is a condition; Jesus also said teaching all I have commanded. He made it clear here can be no alternative in order to be popular. Jesus never sought to win people by bribing or bending words, and his teaching is clear to those who are honest and sincere enough. We will no doubt upset some people, but then again Jesus did, he saved or drove away. He wanted followers who meant what they said, not just to fill Church rolls with a fake religion.

We may face many problems on our Christian journey, face the loss of a job face financial setbacks. face a marriage with difficulties. Some of us face sickness among our friends and family members, and we wonder what the future holds out for us. But Jesus said, “I am with you always even to the end of the age. I am with you for all time to the end of time no matter what situation you find yourself in.”

We are led to believe this is the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. They are said to be the last words Jesus used, and last words are the issue most on minds and considered most important. Go into all the world and make disciples. May we all try                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             They were said after his resurrection and just before he went to the Cross, and they are as relevant today as when Jesus said them over 2000 years ago.

Earlier in the same chapter the story is told of Jesus being raised from the dead and of the words given to the women who were still at the graveside. Jesus wanted his Apostles to go to Galilee where he would meet them on a mountain, and the women were to pass this message to them. The now eleven Apostles left Jerusalem for the journey along a dangerous mountain road, known for attacks on people using it.  Mountains feature numerous times in the Bible, notably when Moses was given the Ten Commandments by God, now Jesus was giving his command to the Apostles.

In verse 18, told them ‘all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me’. Jesus was given such power over all happening in earth and heaven by God, he was in effect God acting in earth, and later when he ascended in heaven. This had been given because he had risen from the dead and acquired divinity in recognition, and is now King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as sung in Handel’s famous Messiah. With that authority he can send his Apostles into the world to make followers, and teach all he taught them, his commands and teaching on how his followers are to live and act. 

Jesus said they were to go into All the world without there being any restrictions, national boundaries, to people of every colour, creed, race or creed, God loves all the world and loves all people, as Billy Graham used to say.  

The words Jesus gave to his Apostles are important, his last earthly speaking and are meant to apply to his followers to encourage them to take the call of Jesus to family and friends; and especially to his Church to teach his commands and if we had all been faithful to him, the Churches would not be in the parlous state they are.

Look at those words again, especially in verse 20, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and I am with you until the end of the age. Those words are the crucial element of discipleship. We are to teach only what he commanded, and Jesus is with us.  Bearing in mind Jesus always upheld the authority of the Word of God, (the Bible) and in addition to the fact that all of us who are being allowed to be Ministers of his Church made vows on our ordination to do just that, why are we at the highest level of the Church openly and brazenly teaching that which is contrary to the Lord’s command, and exhorting those we teach to ignore the Bible?

During the current pandemic, many Churches and Ministers have been very intuitive and shown a lot of ingenuity in arranging to continue ministry to their parishioners, and it has been impressive to others not normally Church members.  Probably the Church has reached out more than ever before, and we should try to consolidate this. The world needs encouragement and proper welcome when they come to us, but we make a big mistake if we think we can make followers by just being here and ringing bells.

We are justly proud of our big Cathedrals with glorious architecture and attractive interiors, with participants in services dressed in colourful robes, but few people are won for Christ in such places.

There is a story of a guide in one Cathedral taking a group1960 around and going to great lengths to explain the fittings and history, when an American lady asked, ‘say how many have been converted in the place’?  The guide drew himself up and said in a rebuking voice, ‘madam this is a Cathedral.’  

That means a second thing. It means that Jesus Christ from the very beginning was meant by God to be the Saviour of the whole world. Not just of the Jews. Not just of the Gentiles. Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the entire world. Do you know what else that means? That means that his church is to be representative of the vast variety of people in the world. In his church there are to be blacks and whites, rich and poor, young and old. People from the upper class and people from the lower class. His church is to contain people from all ethnic groups. That’s the real rainbow coalition.

We are to make disciples of all the nations and then we are to teach them whatever they need to know in order to follow Jesus Christ effectively. It was never the purpose of the Christian church merely to get more church members.

Jesus always made clear that being a follower of him meant sacrifice, and counting numbers was not part of his call.  He said a person must first count the cost if they were to do so; losing friends perhaps, though no reason for this being treated as someone in a life crisis if a man in some occupations for  taking up a woman’s thing. The men who do turn to follow Christ are usually far more courageous ready to follow a better way of life, and some of the most brilliant of minds have forfeited wealth and status to do so, and never had

regrets.

At the same time, it was never the purpose of the Christian church to produce merely academic Christians. The first followers of Jesus were ordinary working men, fishermen, manual workers and none had a degree.  Yet such men took over leadership when their Lord and teacher returned to heaven and they won the world for Christ.  If they tried to join Church ministry today, they would never get through the first stage. Can you imagine Peter or John being told not to follow Jesus’ teaching of Scripture?  Or Paul being told his teaching of marriage and sexuality was too restrictive and might upset those who didn’t agree. Yet this is what is coming from our leaders, when they are not supporting some left wing fantasy.

All those glorious Bible names coupled with Church giants of yesteryear, like Wesley, Booth, Moody, would cry with shame and horror that bishops would call upon clergy and people not to attend meetings where the evangelist was preaching solidly Bible teaching, just because it offended those who were convicted by the teaching. But this happened when bishops in Birmingham, Sheffield and others spoke against one of the world’s most prominent Bible preachers, and leader of an organisation which gives practical aid to the poor in over 100 countries.

When we model our ministries on those early Church Apostles instead of 21^st century Christianity, God will display His approval and bless our Churches, as He did all those years ago.

We have the promise of Jesus, who said, “Surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age.” I will be with you all the time till the end of time. But there is a condition; Jesus also said teaching all I have commanded. He made it clear here can be no alternative in order to be popular. Jesus never sought to win people by bribing or bending words, and his teaching is clear to those who are honest and sincere enough. We will no doubt upset some people, but then again Jesus did, he saved or drove away. He wanted followers who meant what they said, not just to fill Church rolls with a fake religion.

We may face many problems on our Christian journey, face the loss of a job face financial setbacks. face a marriage with difficulties. Some of us face sickness among our friends and family members, and we wonder what the future holds out for us. But Jesus said, “I am with you always even to the end of the age. I am with you for all time to the end of time no matter what situation you find yourself in.”

We are led to believe this is the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. They are said to be the last words Jesus used, and last words are the issue most on minds and considered most important. Go into all the world and make disciples. May we all try and answer his command