To the Cross

When I look at the blood

2012-01-22T19:54:00.006Z

When I look at the blood

All I see is love, love, love.

When I stop at the cross

I can see the love of God

But I can't see competition

I can't see hierachy

I can't see pride or prejudice

or the abuse of authority

I can't see lust for power

I can't see manipulation

I can't see rage or anger

or selfish ambition

But I can't see unforgiveness

I can't see hate or envy

I can't see stupid fighting

or bitterness,or jealousy.

I can't see empire building

I can't see self importance

I can't see back stabbing

Or vanity or arrogance.

I see:

surrender,

sacrifice,

salvation,

humility,

righteousness,

faithfulness,

grace,

forgiveness

Love Love Love........

When I Stop!....at the cross

I can see the love of God.

Godfrey Birtill 2004 © Whitefield Music UK Admin Copycare

The Perfect Christmas Gift!

2011-12-30T15:19:00.010Z

This early Christmas morning we are going to think of people who saw baby Jesus for
who he really was: Isaiah: The Shepherds and Jesus' mother Mary.

Isaiah prophecied the coming of Jesus more than 700 yrs before his arrival - doesn't
that blow you mind?
In Isaiah 7 (not read this evening): Isaiah filled with God's Holy Spirit sees with his mind's eye a virgin who is impregnated with child giving birth to a son: Immanuel: GOD WITH US!
Somehow within a tiny baby Isaiah sees and declares
that the great God who flung billions of stars into space, the majestic God who created universe the planets, the earth, the skies the seas, the incredable God who created the animals and the plants .. the God who created you: - Isaiah saw this majestic all powerful great big God somehow becomingsmall (God incarnate! God made flesh! )

700 yrs later John records this Gospel – this good news event like this: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. THrough Him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made ... THe Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. God with us! God incarnate! Great Big God made flesh as a tiny vulnerable baby.

And in our reading from Isaiah 9 – we capture something
more of Isaiah's vision :
Unto us a child is born
Unto us a son is given
All government will be on His shoulders

Isaiah here sees a picture of a child who encapsulates all authority. It is as though he sees a sceptre over child’s shoulder and from day one this child has the authority to rule – like a
king. Indeed authority to rule over everything!

He will be called
Wonderful
· Isaiah sees a child full of awe and wonder –
perhaps one who is both a miracle and one who performs many miracles – who
performs many acts of wander
Counsellor
· one who is full of Awe and wisdom: Wisdom that can only come straight from God Himself
hence he is:
Mighty God, Eternal Father
· Here Isaiah builds on his earlier understanding
of this child to be Immanuel – the vision makes no mistake that this Messiah, is a vision of God himself
Further He is
Prince of Peace
· because he comes to make peace between man and God, but only with those who respond to him
· for this child is born to bring about both judgement and justice to the kingdom that only He may rule.
A God of wrath, a God of judgement and justice are not easy concepts for the church today – rather they are subjects that are in many churches avoided – but we need to understand that the character that Isaiah saw was that of one who demands justice.
This is a Holy God who can not stand the presence of sin, a God whose
justice involves casting any sinfuness away from his presence.
The penalty of sin writes Paul is death (and that means eternal separation from God).

Barbara and I have been blessed with a grandson this year (1st grandson, 3rd grand child)
yes you are right – I don't look old enough! But it is true.
When Leona went into labour: we were waiting patiently for news of the new birth. I think we were probably the first to know about the new birth – but in this day of multi texting I am not
quite sure. Of course we were delighted when we heard that Zachary Ethan Grace had been born!

But can you imagine what a thrill it must have been to the shepherds that night to hear news of baby Jesus before anybody else? You see the shepherds were seen as the lowest of the low, they were seen to be in a dead end minimum wage job. Living in the fields with sheep day in day out was the total sum of their lives. It was often very boring type of job where nothing out of the ordinary ever happened,
But on this night God chooses them to be the very 1st people on earth to hear that the Saviour of the world has just been born in local village.
Half asleep they may have been –
but when the angel of the Lord appeared to them – I guessed they jumped up with
a start. And we hear that the skies around the field were filled with God's glory.

"Do not be afraid” said the angel

Is there fear in your life?
Do you consider your life to be meaningless?
Do you know that in God's presence, when the glory of God fills your heart, when you declare Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour and God’s Spirit fills your heart to the brim, all our fears are taken away?
Do you know if you have a healthy fear of an awe filled God, there is really nothing else to fear?
Does your life, like the shepherds, feel somewhat without a true purpose?
Do you know that when your heart is filled with the Glory of God – when your heart is filled with God's Holy Spirit - you begin to realise that even your life – yes even your life isn't meaningless after all?
Do you know that?

Anyway then the angel of the Lord tells the shepherds THE GOOD NEWS (are you in need of good news? – then listen to this:)
a Saviour has been born to YOU - He is Christ the Lord
As this was declared - so that the shepherds could get a real taste of God’s glory - a host of angels appeared in the sky saying:
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests

The Christ! The anointed one of God! The Lord has been born. He has been born so that if you (Romans 10:9) confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart ... you will be saved.

So excited were the shepherds at this news that they sprinted all way to Bethlehem.
And they like Isaiah 700 yrs before saw (not in their minds eye – but in the flesh!)
Immanuel – God with us – fullness of God in helpless babe!

Yes the shepherds saw Jesus for who he was, the Christ, the Saviour the Lord – the one who takes your fear away, the one who lifts up the lowly, the one who brings life and gives meaning to
life itself!

And so important in the shepherd's eyes was this baby Jesus that the shepherds couldn't keep that good news in – they spread the word – they told everyone they met – as they returned
glorifying and praising God for what they had seen.

There are so many people in Selby, so many people in our families
· who are lost – living lives apart from God (which is no life at all!)
· who are living with no sense of hope
· who feel totally insignificant,
· who live with fear in their eyes (upto their eyeballs in debt, fear of loosing their jobs/ fear of not being able to pay their mortgages, who are afraid because of broken or bad relationships)
· who have fallen out with their families
· who feel low, who have no self esteem
· whose lives by their thinking is meaningless

Can you see this baby Jesus event – like the shepherds? Is this good news event important enough, is it Good news enough to tell everyone we meet, or at least those we know – who don't know Him?
That there is hope! There is salvation! That there is light that can shine in their darkness! That their lives do not have to be meaningless! That Jesus can make a difference. Is this good news enough for you who know Christ to start introducing others to the life giving, life changing, life saving Grace of Jesus?

With that thought move to Mary:
Luke records:

Mary treasured up these things and pondered them in her heart.

Here is Mary trying to make sense of all that she now sees.

Greek word translated pondered
means to see with the mind’s eye – to imagine (it appears twice in the New
Testament).
I wonder: can you with Mary see in your mind's eye - that sight of the new born baby?
(P W Creek)
"Royalty wrapped in rags
Majesty in a manger
Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and straw
The creator of the universe now dependant upon a teenage girl and a sleepy
carpenter. Genius! Pure Genius!"

But could you imagine what it was like for Mary?
On that first angel visit when you’re told you’re going give birth to no other than the Son of God?
Can you imagine having the trust and confidence in God to say to him ''Even though I don't understand – I will put my trust in you O Lord – Let it be according to your Word!"

(ladies) can you put yourself in Mary’s position and imagine what it was like to go through the labour pains as you pushed baby out into the world, imagine that first cry of the Son of God as He enters the world through you?
Do you see this baby Jesus as Mary sees him? The result of God's promise, the result of God's Word? Are you able to put your trust in Him and His Word even when life is confusing, when life is challenging and tough when you simply can’t understand?
...

There has been a miracle happen in our household over Christmas.
For the 1st time in my married life – my present to my wife Barbara was the 1st under the Christmas tree (now surely that is worth an applause?)

Christmas is of course a time for giving and receiving presents
There are a number of things we can do with a present that is given to us:
1. Pretend it's not there (Christmas day has come, we have seen the present but decide to
ignore its presence)
2. Acknowledge that the present is there but decide even though it has your name on it
that it is not for you, perhaps convince yourself that you are not worthy of that present
3. or one might just admire that beautifully wrapped up present – saying to
yourself ‘wow what a wonderful present’ but it still there next Christmas and
the Christmas after: a present that never gets unwrapped!
4. Ahhh –one might open it and find a“fantastic – a jumper – and declare that it is `just what I wanted’ – but never the less you leave it in its packaging – admiring it from a distance -
5. Or you might go all the way: scramble the Christmas present open, with joy and excitement in your heart, to find that it is not just what you wanted but moreso what you need – it's a jumper and you've been feeling cold since winter crept up on you and … You know what … you’re going to put it on! And oh how warm that feels!

Isaiah writes For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is ... what? Right … given!
This child, this Messiah that Isaiah sees is GIVEN … this baby is the greatest, purest, richest gift we will ever receive and like Mary we need to treasure it in our hearts.
But I wonder how you have received this gift?
· Pretended it's not there? That the Christ child isn't real?
· Acknowledged that it is there and real – but declared that it is not for me – it might work for others – but not for me
· perhaps you have convinced yourself that you are not worthy – don't wait until you are worthy – no one is worthy – but God gives anyway!
· Maybe you've opened the gift – but just in the same way that I might have left the jumper in the wrapping – you have left Jesus in the manger.
· You’ve put Jesus on one side
· Maybe your understanding of Jesus has not grown as Jesus has grown out of that manger and headed towards that cross

Isaiah didn’t leave Jesus as a child in manger – no he prophesied the most cruel death known to mankind – he showed us that by Jesus dying on the cross, we can have peace with God: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah didn't leave the gift in the gravyard either - but goes on to prophecy his resurrection!
This is a gift – writes Isaiah that has all authority, authority over life and authority over death
· You hand him your darkness and this gift of Jesus is able to transform that darkness
into light
· You hand him the mess of your marriage and
relationships and this gift of Jesus has authority to change you and yours as He becomes Lord
of your relationship
· You hand him your sin and failings and this gift of Jesus .. by his cross has authority to forgive your sin and transform your failings
· You hand him your fear and this gift of Jesus has authority to transform your
fear and replaceit with hopes and dreams
· You hand him any part of your lifestyle that is not of God and he will replace it
with the gift of life – life in all its fullness – and a joy and peace beyond measure!

You accept this gift and like Mary treasure it you heart and like the shepherds give it to others and Jesus has the authority to (Ephesians 3:20) do immeasurably more than all we might hope or (that word again) imagine according to His power that is at work within us.

How can Jesus possibly have authority to do all these things?

Because this baby Jesus is no other than THE AUTHOR OF LIFE ITSELF!

Go on open that present fully this Christmas/don’t neglect it/don’t leave it half open - don't leave Jesus in a manger He is Jesus - he is the Saviour!

Open your hands to receive ALL that this Jesus has to offer
Be confident in Him through the tough times … and enjoy the life that only He can bring.

For God so loved the world (writes John) for God so loves you … that he GAVE

Jesus GAVE UP his majesty to be born as a gift of a baby – he emptied himself of all but love ….
So that if you trust and believe and cleave to this gift – you will not die – you will not be separated from God but will receive the free unearned gift of eternal life (it is a quality life
in the presence of God instead of a life in His absence – it is a quality of life with God that starts now and goes on for ever and ever and ever!

Go on – receive this gift today!

Amen

Damming words from a false prophet

2011-11-21T23:09:00.006Z

Brigham Young is consideredas a major prophet and leader of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. His racist words and views are self condemming.

Young said, "You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind …. Cain slew his brother.
Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race - that they should be the ‘servant of servants’

This too appears to be the teaching of Joseph Smith the organisation's founder. My conclusion is that not only were they false prophets but appear to be quite evil!

Check This Out (Evolution)

2011-08-02T21:51:00.003+01:00

To check out truth about evolution click here

Darwinism and Morality

2011-06-21T21:47:00.004+01:00

"Darwinism asserts that only materials exist, but materials don't have morality. How much does hate weigh? Is there anatom for love? What's thechemical composition of the murder molecule? These questions are meaningless because physical particles are not responsible for morality. If materials are solely responsible for morality then Hitler had nor real moral responsibillity for what he did - he just had bad molecules." (' I Don't have Enough Faith to be an Atheist' - Geisler and Turek)

"Take out the garbage - mom"

2011-06-07T21:55:00.003+01:00

"Sixteen year old Johnny came down from his bedroom and stumbled in the kitchen to get a bowl of his favourite cerial - Alpha Bits. When he got to the yable ,he was surprised to see that the ceral box was knocked over, and the Alpha - Bits letters spelled "TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE - MOM" on the placemat.

Recalling a recent high school biology lesson, Johnny didn't attribute the message to his mum. Afterall he had just been taught that life itself is just a product of mindless natural laws. Why couldn't this message be a product of natural laws as well? Maybe the cat knocked the box over or an earthquake shook the house....

The incredible specified complexity of life becomes obvious when one considers the message found in the DNA of a one celled amoeba .... the message found in just the cell nucleus of a tiny amoeba is more than all 30 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica combined, and the entire amoeba has as much information in its DNA as 1,000 complete sets of Encyclopedia Britannica ....

Now we must emphasise that these 1,000 'encyclopedias' do not consist random letters, but of letters in a very specific order - just like real encyclopedias.

So here's the key question for Darwinists like Dawkins: if simple messages such as 'Take the garbage out - mom' require an intelligent being, then why doesn't a message 1,000 encyclopedias long require one?"
... That's why I Don't Have enough Faith to be an atheist. " (Geisler Turek)

I don't have enough faith to be an atheist!

2011-05-31T12:59:00.002+01:00

"(1) The scientific evidence overwhelmingly confirms that the universe exploded into being out of nothing. Either someone created something out of nothing (the Christian view) or no one created something out of nothing (the atheist view) Which view is more reasonable? The Christian view. Which view requires more faith? The atheist view.

(2) The simplest life form contains the information – equivalent of 1,000 encyclopaedias. Christians believe only an intelligent being can create a life form containing 1,000 encyclopaedias. Atheists believe non-intelligent natural forces can do it. Christians have evidence to support their conclusion. Since atheists don’t have any such evidence, their belief requires a lot more faith.

(3) Hundreds of years before hand, ancient writings foretold the coming of a man who would actually be God. This man-God, it was foretold, would be born in a particular city from a particular bloodline, suffer in a particular way, die at a particular time, and rise from the dead to atone for the sins of the world. Immediately after the predicted time, multiple eye witnesses proclaimed and later recorded that those predicted events had actually occurred. Those eyewitnesses endured persecution and death when they could have saved themselves by denying the events. Thousands of people in Jerusalem were then converted after seeing or hearing of these events, and this belief swept quickly across the ancient world. Ancient historians and writers allude to or confirm these events, and archaeology collaborates them. Having seen evidence from creation that God exists, Christians believe these multiple lines of evidence show beyond reasonable doubt that God had a hand in all these events. Atheists must have a lot more faith to try to explain away the predictions, the eyewitnesses testimony, the willingness of the eyewitnesses to suffer and die, the origin of the Christian church and the corroborating testimony of the other writers, archaeological finds and other evidence."

(I don't have enough faith to be and Atheist: Geisler and Turek)

When is a duck not a duck?

2011-04-08T21:45:00.007+01:00

Edgar Andrews in his book "Who made God?" describes how scientists agree that the DNA of living things is imprinted with informaiton in a manner reminiscent of an advanced modern language. As I understand Andrews without this organsised language written in a comprehensible way, life itself cannot exist.

In his book Andrews says that in the same way that that if a monkey started to type random letters on a computer key board - it would never in a million years produce the works of Shakespeare, this advanced language could never be written by accident - it needed a designer: "I was brought up to believe the duck theorum - 'if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck it is probably ... a duck'. That is why I have problems with people who
(1) admit that nature gives every evidence of being intelligently designed;
(2) introduces an alternative materialistic explanation for the appearance of design; and then
(3) without further discussion conclude that only their alternative explanation can be true.

Meet the neo duckians, whose logic demands that 'if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it is indubitably a chicken.' Such are those who tell us that the cell's molecular language is merely an acident of nature. We have seen that storage and use of information in the living cell exhibits many, if not all, the characteristics of human language.

Let's set this out clearly: 1. As in human language the cell employs a code, specifically a four symbol alphabet. 2. As in human language, the cell organises its symbols into words (codons) 3. As in human language, the words have an agreed meaning so they can be recognised by the ribosomes and 'translated' into an alternative amino acid 'language'. 4. As in human languages, punctuation is used to demarcate genes. 5. As in human language, words are organised into instructions that specify which one of many possible proteins is to be made by copying a given gene. 6. As in human language, the cells language has a purpose - namely to construct protein sequences that will fold in specific ways to provide functional keys and catalysts to operate the cell.

In other words, the molecular information system in living cells not only resembles a language - it is a language and it looks remarkably like intelligent design." But it isn't any intelligent designer that Andrews is proposing but more specifically no other than the Creator God of the Bible. In his brilliant book which throughout argues a hypothesis for the God of the Bible he states that we shouldn't be surprised that life requires such an advanced language to exist. After all the Bible is quite clear that God spoke his creation into existance!

Who Made God?

2011-01-20T20:56:00.003Z

" 'How long is a piece of string?' is a nonsense question not because there is no such thing as a piece of string, nor because a given piece of string has an indeterminate length. It is a nonsense question because it fails to define which piece of string is being talked about. 'WHo made God ' is unanswerable for the same basic reason - the word 'God' is left undefined. What if we define 'God' as 'the uncreated creator of all things'? Then the nonsense of the question becomes immediately obvious - 'Who created the uncreated one?'

Edgar Andrews 'Who made God?'

At the turn of the new year you might be asking: Is there more to life than this?

2010-12-31T11:33:00.002Z

Your Love (Psalm 139)

2010-12-31T11:09:00.006Z

Just love this video! Used it at my Rocky Kidz (children afterschool drama group) this year and the children really seemed to connect with God as we performed a beautiful dance to it.

2010-12-22T21:54:00.006Z

Sozo: the verb 'To Save'

2010-08-09T10:07:00.004+01:00

When Peter saw Jesus walking on water - he stepped out of the boat to walk with him. On taking his eye off Jesus and noticing the increasingly large waves around him Peter began to sink. Peter cried out "Lord save me!" (Greek: Sozo)

Similarly when they were in a boat and Jesus was asleep a storm frightened the disciples as the waves poured over the boat. They cried out to Jesus: "Lord save us! - we're going to drown"

We will only call out for a saviour when we realise that we need to be saved.

John 3: 16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. Less famous are the two verses that follow:

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through him. Whoever believes in (trusts in , clings to, relies on) him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

Like the disciples on the boat we are in need of a saviour to save us from imminent death - total separation of God.

"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a)

Since: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) like the disciples we are urgently in need of a saviour:

"but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6: 23b)

As our sinless Christ suffered (the most excruciating death penalty devised by man) on the cross he took the full wrath of God for our sin on his shoulders.

Are you trusting in, clinging to and relying on Jesus for forgiveness of your sin? If not here is what I suggest you urgently need to do:

(1) Recognise that you are in danger
(2) Cry out to Jesus "Lord save me!"
(3) Repent: Turn away from ALL that is not of God and turn to God - (This is possibly a good time to say sorry to God the stuff that you have done that is against His will and perhaps a good time to thank Jesus for dying on the cross)
(4) Rely on the saving blood of Jesus Christ for salvation:
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
(5) Ask God's Holy Spirit to come and live in you
(5) Enjoy your new relationship with God through Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Enjoy 'eternal life' - the best quality of life in the presence of God - a life that starts today and goes on for ever more.

If evolution is true ...

2010-07-07T10:11:00.006+01:00

mmmm if evolution is true - how come there are so many humans that have been left behind????

America and Soccer

2010-06-25T01:02:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to all my friend from the United States for their topping their group in the World Cup Football (Soccer). You put England into second place - what's that all about then?

Who closed your mouth?

2010-05-27T10:45:00.002+01:00

I have been thinking about Peter quite alot recently. His mouth was closed by no other than a servant girl - someone of no authority whatsoever! With a heart full of fear Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. At Pentecost we hear that with a heart full to the brinm of the Holy Spirit Peter was compelled to go out and talk about Jesus - his witness was so powerful that 3,000 people became Christians that day.

But would his new resolve last? What if he was brought in front of the authorities - would Peter be silenced once again? Well he didn't have to wait too long before he would find out. In Chapter 3 of Acts we read that Peter full of the Holy Spirit is used by God to heal a lame man and he was dragged in front of the Sanhedrin - the workplace of no other than Annas and Caiphas - the very men who with Judas plotted Jesus' death. If he was going to have his mouth closed it would be now!

Instead of being silenced he told them that they were responsible for Jesus' death - and then with John declared the all time truth:

There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them'

The religious court did not know what to them - but warned them never to speak of Jesus in public again.

Peter and John replied:

"You decide whether God wants us to obey you rather than him!"

"We can not stop telling people about the wondrous things we saw Jesus do and heard him stay"

If we want revival - we need to bend down on our knees and get to the point where we can not stop telling people about the wonderous things we have seen Jesus do and say!

Who has closed your mouth?

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

2010-04-17T13:55:00.003+01:00

Had this sent to me via e-mail:don't know if it is true -hope so!

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days... The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days..

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays..".

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

Porn and Politics: What happened to integrity?

2010-03-13T15:17:00.005Z

Anna Arrowsmith - Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate - is a director of Pornographic movies.

She claims to be a ' keen campaigner for women's rights'. Why then is she so willing to exploit women, through the world of pornography?

The fact that Liberal Democratic leader Nick Clegg supports her shows that the world of politics is getting seedier and seedier. His comments suggest that her private life does not affect her integrity. Rubbish! Integrity is about the whole person. If she is so willing to exploit women in this way for her own wealth, - what lengths will she go to to get where she wants to be in politics! Anyone who is willing to exploit women should not be able to represent the public in parliament! Christians should take matters like this seriously before casting their vote.

Ouija Boards on sale for 8 year olds

2010-02-22T14:08:00.003Z

I am disgusted and outraged to find out that Hasbro Waddington sell a Ouija Board 'game' aimed at age 8 to adults. How sick is that?

Anyone wanting to protest about this product can do so as follows:
Telephone 888-836-7025
or e-mail: consumer_affairs@hasbro.co.uk

"I thirst"

2010-02-20T10:27:00.007Z

I thirst!

The desert place: a place of identification

Father

I thirst

In this desert place

I thirst

I thirst for an understanding of my identity in you

If! .. you are .. the Son of God …. he said to me

Abba … I do not question your Word

You declared me to be your Son

But for a deeper understanding of all that means

I thirst

Entered into human shell

Human hands

Human feet

Human heart

Human mind

I AM … called to encapsulate all that you are

Father

I thirst

In this desert place

I thirst

for a deeper understanding

of my identity in you.

The desert place: a place of Trial and Temptation

Father

I thirst

In this desert place

I thirst

I thirst for your righteousness

Abba

Above all

I thirst to remain right with you!

He knew … he knew …

that tempter that deceiver knew

The optimum moment to strike

In that place of human weakness

Body breaking

Head pounding

Stomach craving

The evil one pounced:

‘tell these stones to become bread

test your God – throw yourself down –

let the angels attend

bow down to me

and all you could ever want for

will be yours’

But Father

This desert place

paradoxically

Is a place of unparalleled

intimacy

And in human weakness

You are made strong.

Father

I thirst

In this desert place

I thirst

I thirst for your righteousness

Abba I thirst to remain right with you!

The desert place: A place of preparation:

A place of transition

Father

I thirst

In this desert place

I thirst

I thirst for direction from you.

The desert place

The place of the scapegoat

Now ravaged by the wild beasts

The High Priest having placed the sin of Israel

Upon its shoulders

According to my Father’s word

Driven into the wilderness to die!

Father in this desert place

I find my reason for being

My purpose discovered

The direction you will take me revealed

Father here in this desert place

You are leading me

preparing to take me

where no other can go

A place of unquenchable compassion

A place of total reconciliation

For I AM

Being led to that place

Where I will say

“I thirst”

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

We thirst

We thirst for identification in you

We thirst for righteousness

We thirst for justice

We thirst for compassion

We thirst for understanding

We thirst for direction

We thirst for living water

We thirst for you

For only you O Lord

Can quench our thirst.

When God is on the Case

2010-02-05T13:00:00.005Z

Yesterday I had an operation on my bowel which had a '1 in 20 chance' (doctor's words not mine!) of resulting in complications. There were a great number of people praying for me. My given Psalm reading for the day (I am following a read the Bible in a year pattern) was Psalm 16:

v 1 Keep me safe O God for in you I take refuge

v 5 Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure

v 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken

v9 therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices: My body will rest secure

As I finished my reading my wife brought to me her given readings for the day which she thought was for me - they included Psalm 91:
v 9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place no evil will befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling
and 1 Peter 3:
v 12 the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentitive to their prayer
and Job 11
v 18 You will have courage because you have hope. You will lie down in safety. You will lie down unafraid.
Ever had a strong feeling that God was saying that He's on your case? The incredible peace that was in my heart as I was laying down on the operation table awaiting to be given the anesthetic was beautiful! God's presence was tangible!

Today I am feeling much stronger than I should be.

Where's the hope in all this?

2010-01-15T11:07:00.005Z

Images on our tvs from Haiti have disturbed and hurt us and if you are like me cost sleep. One image that did give hope was the sight of Christians worshiping God in the streets. Paul who when whipped and imprisoned and left to rot and die sang praises to God wrote: "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who ...fall asleep (die), or to greive like the rest of men who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

It is not that we shouldn't grieve but that we shouldn't grieve like those with no hope. Christian hope is a sure hope - a certainty! We have a certain hope because of Jesus' promise that those who trust and believe in Him shall have eternal life.

Paul continued: We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep IN HIM. (v14) He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him (5:10)

That is why those people in Haiti are able to worship their God in the most difficult of circumstances!

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philipians 3:4)

A time for giving

2010-01-14T11:00:00.006Z

Haiti needs our help. We should be as generous as we can.

It was someone's intention that the cosmos in all its vastness and microscopic detail should come into being

2010-01-13T18:54:00.002Z

"To make up your mind that there is a God affirms something tremendously important about being alive. It means that you believe that you do not exist by accident. Someone knows that you are there. Someone decided that you should be there. It was someone's intention that the cosmos in all its vastness and microscopic detail should come into being. That was and is God.

Christians reject the view that the presence of humans on this beautiful planet has come about by an unplanned sequence of events. They do not accept that life is merely a phenomenon that overtakes some planets in their dying years. Instead they believe that God always intended that human life, with its capacity for intelligence, goodness and love, should be the climax of a vast plan. We are incredibly fortunate to be part of that plan, because we are alive, and human life is bursting with potential."

From Now a Christian.org

Global??? warming

2010-01-05T18:03:00.005Z

God has revealed His absolutes (He also reveals His grace)

2009-12-27T19:37:00.003Z

"We would prefer the bliss of a kingdom without moral absolutes, presided over by a God without wrath and entered through a Christ without the cross. But the price of this would be to discard not just this or that bit of the Bible but the whole God - given book, for in it God has revealed his absolutes and that He is a God of intense, fiery holyness. Jesus died bearig our sins in his body on the cross, for that is what sin merits, and saving us from the wrath to come, for that is where sin leads." (Alec Motyer: 'Exodus' 2005)

Some may read this passage and feel condemned, others will read it and discover God's grace (perhaps for the first time). For me the good news is that we are all in the same boat - that is to say, All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3: 23) we are all in need of a Noah's ark to escape the wrath of God - and that ark has been provided through the blood of Christ.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2: 24

Posada 2009

2009-12-21T14:24:00.014Z

The Prison of Pornography

2009-12-19T10:25:00.005Z

I write this post in response to the person who has decided to become a follower of my blog using a pseudonym and photo (for a joke?) that suggests that he/she is involved in pornography. First to note is that I have blocked their picture and name (not them as follower).*

Some Statistics

World wide in excess of £100 Billion is spent on accessing pornography every year (what might be achieved if the world put that sort of money to good use?)

In a US survey 20% of those asked admitted to accessing pornography at work

40 million US adults admitted to visiting pornography websites on a regular basis

10 % of adults admitted to internet sexual addiction.

I haven't got statistics for British pornography but I would assume it follows similar trends to that of the US.

Like many of Satan's prisons, pornography causes breakdown in marriages, breakdown in family relationships and drags people into a dark lonely existance. Since the day's of Adam and Eve, Satan uses glamour as he tries to deceive the eye and the mind - offering you something better than what God can offer you - only to reveal a shame that takes away all sense of self worth. In the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe the white witch offers Edmund Turkish Delight as a tempter to bringing his siblings with him, but when he is imprisoned he realises that the Turkish Delight is really nothing but the most awful of stale bread.

A friend of mine who openly admitted to using web pornography regularly has become a recluse and is not happy with himself at all. He is very inward looking, no longer visitis friends and family, is totally imprisoned and in his shame has become a recluse. There is only the cleansing blood of Jesus that can set him free.

* Unfortunately I have also accidently blocked other people's photos at the same time and am unable to retrieve them

Faith-knowledge

2009-11-26T22:12:00.002Z

"What sort of knowledge of God’s action in Christ’s death may we have? That a man named Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate about AD 30 is common historical knowledge, but Christian beliefs about his divine identity and the significance of his dying cannot be deduced from that fact alone. What further sort of knowledge about the cross, then, may Christians enjoy?

The answer, we may say, is faith-knowledge: by faith we know that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. Yes, indeed; but what sort of knowledge is faith-knowledge? It is a kind of knowledge of which God is both giver and content. It is a Spirit-given acquaintance with divine realities, given through acquaintance with God’s word. It is a kind of knowledge which makes the knower say in one and the same breath both ‘whereas I was blind, now I see’ (Jn 9:25) and also ‘now we see as in a mirror, darkly . . . now I know in part’ (1 Cor. 13:12). For it is a unique kind of knowledge which, though real, is not full; it is knowledge of what is discernible within a circle of light against the background of a larger darkness; it is, in short, knowledge of a mystery, the mystery of the living God at work.

‘Mystery’ is used here as it was by Charles Wesley when he wrote:
‘Tis mystery all! The immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!"
(J Packer)

Any thoughts?

Pseudo intellectual protesteth too much

2009-11-04T21:32:00.012Z

"I do find it rather comical anyway that you need to scrabble around for ‘evidence’ (often pretty dodgy evidence) when it suits and then spend ages refuting any empirically tested evidence with all ‘sound and fury’ when it doesn’t suit."

(A comment posted to me on an earlier post)

I have yet to see any empirically tested evidence that a creator God does not exist. Or that Jesus did not resurrect from the dead. Or That after receiving the 'death sentence' from doctors my friend wasn't miraculously healed of cancer IMMEDIATELY after another friend prayed and heard Jesus say that he (Jesus) was going to heal him - even the doctors were quoted in the papers as stating this was a miracle!

If there is empiracally tested evidence for such things, why is that many who I suspect are greater and more intelligent thinkers even then those who post negatively on my blog (if that be possible - given the rudeness and patronsisation of some 'intellectual' protestors) believe otherwise???

Then I get accused of needing evidence to sustain my faith. The implication is that I should take on board: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Heb 11:1"

I feel that on this one I just can't win. I am damned if I offer evidence for my faith, and damned if I appear to have blind faith. Well the truth on this matter is that I am sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see, but am also greatful that I can enter into the world of appologetics using the evidence that is before me.

Man is nothing but ...

2009-10-22T16:17:00.009+01:00

Man is nothing but:

FAT enough for seven bars of soap

IRON enough for one medium size nail

SUGAR enough for seven cups of tea

LIME enough to whitewash one chicken coup

MAGNESIUM enough for one dose of salts

PHOSPHOROUS enough to tip 2,200 matches

POTASH enough to explode one toy crane

SULPHUR enough to rid one dog of fleas (C E M Joad)

OR PERHAPS MAN IS SOMETHING MORE THAN THIS .... PERHAPS HE IS SOMEONE WHO CAN EXERCISE FREE WILL! PERHAPS HE IS SOMEONE WHO IS ABLE TO RATIONALISE! PERHAPS HE HAS A SOUL AND A SPIRIT! PERHAPS HE HAS A REASON FOR BEING!

The human soul consists of our mind, our free will and our emotions. To say that free will does not exist, that the choices that we make are random, would make the penal system unjust. Why should one be sent to prison for murdering (even a child) if all we are is a combination of physical matter? It would also rob us of any sense of conscience any purpose or meaning of life. Evidence for the soul can be based on experience of ourselves - the fact that we are conscious of our being who we are. Evidence of the soul is our ability to rationalise and take responsibility for the decisions that we make.

Evidence for our soul is the God given ability to LOVE..

Is the Old Testament God a God of wrath and the New Testament God a God of Love?

2009-10-21T23:20:00.003+01:00

Is the Old Testament God a God of wrath and the New Testament God a God of Love?
This is the question we have been looking at tonight at a superb presentation by two leaders in our church. In the next few days I will attempt to summarise what has been said and add a few thoughts of my own. Meanwhile what do you think?

Where does the ability to love come from?

2009-10-21T00:26:00.002+01:00

Perhaps a silly and too basic a question, but I wonder if you have sat and thought about the question: "Where does the ability to love come from?"

There is a new film out about Charles Darwin's life and of course his theory of evolution. The theory (and that is all it is!) describes a dog eat dog existence - where only the fittest survive. In all this the theory fails to address the existence of love. I'm thinking about the type of sacrifical love that we see clearly in the life of Jesus Christ. The type of love that on a good day we might manage to emulate.

The Bible of course is absolutely clear about the source of love.

Dear friends (says John) let us love one another, for love comes from God. And more clearly goes on to say: God is love!

In the New Testament there are 3 words for love:

Philia (family loyalty)

Eros: (physical intimate love)

And Agape: (sacrificial, life transforming, Christ like love)

All these are gift from God but it is the third Agape - the love that bucks the trend of a dog eat dog existence that can not be adequately be explained by those who put their faith in the theory of evolution. For this type of love there is but one explantion: that it comes from a creator God who created man in his own image.

Dear friends let us love oneanother, for love comes from God (1John 4: 7)

50 Days to Save the Planet

2009-10-20T23:13:00.003+01:00

A couple of days ago Prime Minister Brown boldly and declared that we have 50 days to save the planet. He was referring of course to Copenhagen summit. A blog by my friend in America (here)
picked up on his comment and it set me wondering if there is anyone out there who would put their trust in politicians to save the planet. My second thought had an eschatological slant: If the planet had 50 days left - would that sharpen Christians' resolve to evangelise their part of the planet.

The truth is we do not know the day or the hour of Jesus' return. But we do know that His return will triger the end of this planet as we know it. Why then is the church still nonchalent in its aproach to obeying Jesus' command to 'Go and make disciples of all nations.' ?

'There is a heaven after death. I've been there and I know" (Sailing into the sunset)

2009-08-20T22:05:00.005+01:00

"For centuries in Europe, people debated the question as to whether there was a land beyond the western horizon, beyond the sunset. SOme said there was, others expressed their doubts. Then one day Columbus and his men sailed out from Europe across the vast Atlantic Ocean into the sunset. When they returned they could say, 'we've been there and we know'.

In the same way, for generations people have debated the question of life after death. Some have said, 'Yes, there is life beyond the grave', others have denied it, 'No there isn't.' Then one day Jesus sailed out into that 'undiscovered country', and he came back, and in coming back, still says to us, in Isaac Watts' verse:

There is a land of pure delight
Where saints immortal reign;
Infinite day excludes the night
And pleasures banish pain.

'There is a heaven after death. I've been there and I know!' "

(From 'Heaven and Hell' Bruce Milne)

Clouds in North Wales

2009-08-15T22:42:00.007+01:00

My family and I are just back from a lovely few days in North Wales. Weather wise we were quite blessed, but from time to time there was a gathering of cloud (and rain!) on the hills. For some reason being near to clouds never fails to fascinate me. As they perched on the hills I was awestruck. I couldn't help but gaze upwards.

After (Jesus) said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee", they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Invisible Unicorns

2009-07-28T21:27:00.004+01:00

The BBC are today reporting on an atheist camp - an alternative to the Christian Camps that happen throughout summer:

"For the "centrepiece" of its scientific approach to religion the camp asks its participants to search for two invisible unicorns. The unicorns cannot be seen or heard, tasted, smelt or touched, they cannot escape from the camp and they eat nothing. The only proof of their existence is contained in an ancient book handed down over "countless generations". A prize - a £10 note signed by Professor Richard Dawkins - is offered to any child who can disprove the existence of the unicorns."

This is of course indoctrinatioin of the highest order - the very thing that atheists like Dawkins complains about. It is implying that the only proof of God's existence is an ancient Bible - of course this is not the case. I have never seen any person change their lives around from violent robber/drug addict/theif/ to servant simply because they have 'discovered' there is no God. I have seen many a person do so because they have discovered redemption in Jesus Christ.

Church of England in Panic Mode over SwineFlu

2009-07-28T13:41:00.004+01:00

The orders from the head of the Church of England to 'prevent' catching Mexican Swine Flu in church:

(1) Only the Priest may partake in the wine during the Lord's Supper

(2) Those distributing bread should first wash their hands in a cleansing gel

(3) All physical contact should be avoided during the church service at all costs

What foolish panic!!!

You might as well put out a notice "Don't come to church - you are likely to catch swine flu". It is effectively banning all social functions in church (especially where food is served), banning the laying on of hands for prayer, and more importantly banning full participation in the Lord's Supper.

Why do I get the feeling that the leaders of the church have not prayed this one through and asked God for His guidance?

Why do I get the feeling that Jesus is saying "Oh ye of little faith!"?

Does Jesus believe in Hell?

2009-07-26T16:36:00.006+01:00

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off, it is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where
"their worm does not die
and the fire is not
quenched." (Mark 9: 43-48)

From this teaching of Jesus we can see:

(1) That Jesus certianly does believe that hell (greek - geenna) exists. (Indeed if there is no hell, as many churches are now teaching, Jesus suffering was futile!)

(2) Jesus is asserting the fact that no one who has sinned can enter the kingdom of God. (Gulp! that's all of us!)

(3) The fate of the sinner is so serious that it is worth endless self-denial/self sacrifice in order to avoid sinning.

(4) Hell is like an eternal (never ending!) fire.

Bruce Milne observes, "Elswhere hell is 'a place of darkness' (eg Matt. 8:12) 'a lake of fire' (eg Rev 19:20) ... a place where we can be 'beaten with blows' (Luke 12:47) a condition which evokes "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (eg Matt.8:12) a fate describable as being 'shut out from the presence of the Lord" (2Thess. 1:9)

Now I would never preach about hell and judgement without mentioning God's grace. Our God is a God of justice indeed can not be unjust. This means that God must pronounce the just judgement given to all the guilty - the separation from God that is like entering an eternal fire. The good news is that God is also a God of grace. In His love God the Father has sent his one and only Son to die on the cross, to pay the price of our sin. All we need to do is make Jesus the Lord and Saviour of our lives and we will escape this terrible fate.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save.
TIll on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
(Getty/Townsend)

Question: Does Jesus believe in hell?

2009-07-23T23:01:00.002+01:00

Perhaps a strange question, but the way many churches talk (or refuse to talk) about hell, you would think he didn't. In the next few days I am going to remind people about the truth about Jesus' beliefs on this subject, according to the most reliable source - ie the Bible.

DNA to 'Come' or 'Go?'

2009-07-20T20:39:00.007+01:00

Question: What is the first verb in Jesus' great commission (Matthew 28:20)
That is right we are told to "GO ... therefore and make disciples of all nations". Simple isn't it?

Why then have we continuously expected people to 'come' to church, to come to us?

Jesus' model for the Church is for the Church to Go! This verb should run through our veins, should be our reason for being, our very essence/DNA. It's about time the whole church got out there in the community to proclaim to the world the Good News of Jesus Christ.

A church that is not continuously looking outwardly is dying inwardly!

Who do you Trust the most?

2009-07-16T16:58:00.005+01:00

So I arrived at Elim Church Huddersfield expecting the usual good worship and challenging sermon, only to find that this evening was going to be different. Yes there would be some worship but then we were to be sent out into the market square to witness to passers by.

How refreshing is that!

We were to use use a questionnaire called 'Who do You Trust the Most?' to start off our conversations with people and invite them to a service on this subject the following week. For some, this was their first experience of public witnessing in this way.

Conversation with Chris and his two friends

There were three students sat outside McDonalds and I felt that the Holy Spirit was guiding me to them. They were most willing to fill in the questionnaire and treated me with some respect. One of the questions was about who we trust the most. Whilst to Chris politicians were the least trustable, he thought that he himself was amogst those he trusted the most:-

Neil: What makes you think that you can trust yourself.

Chris: Well I'm a good person.

From this point our conversation turned to the subject of heaven. He thought that God was real and if there was a heaven, he would surely deserve a place there.

Neil: Chris you describe yourself as a good person, but have you ever sinned?

Chris: I don't believe I have.

Neil: OK let's take the ten commandments, one of them commands us not to tell a lie - have you ever told a lie? Even a small one?

Chris: Well yes I have occasionally lied.

Neil: Ok so you have broken one of the Ten Commandments. Another tells us not to steel - have you ever stolen anything - and bear in mind that you have already admitted that you are a lier (smile on my face).

Chris: Well yes there has been a couple of things that I have stolen.

Neil: Oh dear not doing too well here are you? - you have admitted to being a liar and a theif. Have you ever committed adultery?

Chris: No!

Neil: Are you aware that Jesus said that if you even look at a woman lustfully you are committing adultery - have you ever looked at a woman lustfully?

Chris: (Smiling) Well yes of course I have.

Neil: So let's get this straight, you are a liar, a thief, an adulterer - have you ever used God's name as a swear word?

Chris: (Sheepishly) well yes.

Neil: And now you are admitting that you are a blasphemer! Chris you told me you were a good person! (smile)

Are you aware that the Bible says that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God?' - it goes on to say that 'the wages of sin is death' - ie separation from God. The good news is that God has made a way back to him throught the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says 'For God so loved the world (including you!) that he gave his only son that whoever believes (and trusts) in him shall not die but have eternal life.'

Now Chris did not say that he trusts and believes in Jesus for eternal life, but he was excited about the fact that there is a service that will allow him to find out more and he and his two friends agreed to come next Sunday. In fact so excited wre they that they bumped into two other friends and told them about the discussion. They asked for a leaflet for directions to the church.

What about you: Who do you trust the most? Can you be certian without a shadow of doubt that if you died tonight you would be in heaven?

Radio One DJ gets excited about watching church on TV

2009-06-11T22:45:00.002+01:00

Radio one Dj Chris Moyles had an amazing conversation about a church service he watched on TV the other day. Although clearly non-Christian, there was a real sense of exuberance and excitement as he described the service. Well worth a listen!

http://bendigital.com/blog/2009/06/01/chris-moyles-comments-on-thats-the-spirit/

Satan is a Liar

2009-05-21T21:46:00.002+01:00

Satan is a liar - Jesus calls him "the father of Lies". One of his greatest lies to the church (in England) over recent years is that you can not set up a toddlers club, an retired person's dinner club, an after school club etc that mentions Jesus. He tells us that relational evangelism is the only way to reach the lost - that encounter evangelism doesn't work any more. (Personally I believe both are effective - as long as in our relationship we don't forget to mention Jesus). Satan is implying that the Holy Spirit has lost His power to convict. Satan tells us that the Gospel is no longer "The power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes".

In contrast Jesus tells us that "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."

Whose report do you believe? I believe the report of the Lord!

There is a brilliant post on this on FriendFluence's blog here

One Way Jesus

2009-04-10T16:11:00.003+01:00

This card was made by my sister. I like it because it reminds me that Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to the Father. It reminds me that there was only one way in which we could be redeemed from the consequence of our sin and that is through Jesus taking the Way of the cross and by our believing and trusting in Jesus and the victory that He claimed there. For this it takes pride of place on my shelf in my office.

Jesus answered "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:11:00.004+01:00

Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

(Isaiah 53:4-6 NKJV)

('borrowed' from my good friend Wayne on Dawgonthelawn)

Be still and know that I am God

2009-04-01T17:08:00.001+01:00

“ (True) Quietness of heart is not achieved through escapism, optimism or any newly invented technique, but through a relationship with Christ”.
(Doctor Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

Abortion adverts to be allowed on tv: Molech strikes again

2009-03-27T17:52:00.002Z

I am speechless! (But if we don't speak up for innocent babies then who will?)

"He desecrated Topheth, which was in the valley of Ben Hinnom, so no one could use it to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech." (2 Kings 23: 10)

A Church that is not living outwardly is dying inwardly! (and a set of precious stones)

2009-03-05T13:27:00.024Z

There are churches out there that have no intention of offering salvation to the lost. Many are very inward looking, with an "It's all about us" attitude - "they can come and join us if they want." A church that is not living OUTWARDLY is DYING INWARDLY!

Church was never meant to be like this -in Acts it was all about the church moving outwards (being sent). God is indeed a sending God - not a 'let's hang around and see what happens' type of God.

God sends his Son, Jesus send us and sends the Holy Spirit to motivate us to GO.
Our first motivation for mission is of course Jesus command to "GO and make disciples of all nations."

It is because Jesus is Lord that we say "Yes ... Here I am ... send me" and in fact we should need no other motivation than this.

For me though I have a picture in my mind when I am doing mission and sharing God's grace and means of salvation. It looks something like this:

Beautiful isn't it?

The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. (Revelation 21:19,20)

You see, when we are doing mission I believe we are helping to build the very foundations of the new Jerusalem itself!

But our greatest motivation to do mission will always be what Jesus has done for me!

Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
for God, the just, is satisfied
to look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there the risen lamb
My perfect, spotless, Righteousness
the great unchangeable I AM
The King of Glory and of Grace

One with himself I can not die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour and my God.
(Charitie Lees Bancroft)

There will never be any greater motivation for church to get involved in mission than this!

If you believe Jesus died for your Sins, why not share this good news with someone else today?

Craft

2009-02-14T10:20:00.008Z

My sister Michelle has amazing gifts as a craft designer. She is involved with a craft club and designs cards and stuff which can be seen here

I have no doubt that her gifts are God given!

I sometimes pop into a school breakfast club where again (mainly mums) there is regularly some fantastic crafting going on. It was here that I put my hand to designing this fish, painted on wood. My wife liked it so much that she put it up on the wall in our lounge and I felt really encouraged! No I am not a natural but enjoyed making it never the less.

Craft has very much been on my mind just recently. I need a craft designer for a Christian after school drama club that I am launching next week. I have my first craft in place. We are thinking about Jesus calming of the storm and so I have designed a boat. On the sails of the boat is written 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10). This 'being still' talks about that peace of God that passes all understanding! - even when we are going through the storm!

Any way I am needing someone to design a stick of sweet rock with 'Jesus' written all the way through (as opposed to 'Blackpool'), a lighthouse, a picnic basket, etc etc. The catch is that they need to be simple enough (a) for me to do! (b) for a child to complete within 15 minutes.

Any offers?

Freedom of Speech

2009-02-05T17:04:00.006Z

"In highbrow circles, ridiculing Jews is Nazism, ridiculing blacks is racism, ridiculing feminists is sexism, but ridiculing Christians is freedom of speech."

(William Reel writing in the The Times - taken from my good friend Peter Graystone's book: Ready Salted)

[Ironic smile]

Be careful who you offer to pray for!

2009-02-03T11:33:00.006Z

Are you a person who is prepared to witness in your work place? As a retail manager a few years ago I had to go into Leeds to close down a shop. One of the girls was very distraught at the thought of her loosing her job and nonchalantly as anything I offered to pray for her (I meant that I would go home and lift her up to the Lord in prayer) and to my amazement - there and then on the shop floor she closed her eyes expecting me to pray. (Gulp!) I had no choice but to pray. A couple of days later she came running into the shop shouting at the top of her voice - "Neil I've got a new job - your prayer has been answered!"

I mention the above having learned today that a Christian nurse in Somerset has been suspended from duty after offering to pray for an elderly patient in her care (see Ekklesia).

Caroline Petrie who is a Baptist said "I'm not angry and I do understand if people don't believe in the way that I do. But I am upset because I do like this job and this is a very valuable part of the care I give. I saw my patients suffering and I do believe in the power of prayer, I began asking them if they wanted me to pray for them. They are absolutely delighted."

I am convinced if Caroline had offered some off the wall - new age/pagan alternative remedy - she would not have been suspended and would be working today.

All this of course has serious implications for those who wish to witness in their workplace. But witness we must if we want to win people for Christ!

Of course Jesus did warn us about facing oppression - so we should not be surprised.

It wasn't me!

2009-02-03T11:29:00.002Z

I woke up this morning to find that the more elegant snowman that I referred to yesterday has had its head chopped off. You guys need to know - IT WASN'T ME!

Global warming?

2009-02-02T21:25:00.003Z

Not the economy - but the biggest nation wide snow fall for 18 years (I'm talking inches not feet) in England has brought the nation and particularly London to a stand still. Why?

I am told (correct me if I'm wrong) that in New York it can snow for days and life carries on as normal.

Anyway it gave me and my daughter opportunity to build this rather elegant looking snowman. Well I thought he looked rather elegant anyway - until that is I looked outside my front door window and saw one twice as big donned with a hat and scarf.

All this leaves me with 2 questions: (1) Is coveting the neighbour's snowman really a sin? (2) What has happened to global warming?

Answers on a post card please.

Is your church covering up the cross?

2009-01-18T14:05:00.006Z

The production team of Coronation Street got a blasting in the press this week for covering up a cross that was fixed onto the altar in a church where they were filming a fictitious wedding of two characters from the Street. Their reason? Because they did not want to offend anyone. This of course is political madness gone crazy! We shouldn't be too surprised about this: It was Paul who said that the cross is an offense to unbelievers and considered foolishness to those who are perishing - "but to us who are being saved it is the power of God!" 1 Corinthians 1:18

I am however more concerned for parts of the church who effectively cover up the cross in their denial of the doctrine of penal substitution! - The fact that Jesus took the punishment for our sin, so that those who trust and believe in Him shall not go to hell but have eternal life.

This doctrine is absolutely central to the Christian faith and to deny it is as far as I am concerned is to cover up the cross and to deny Christ.

Called to be an Evangelist?

2009-01-09T16:03:00.006Z

Is God calling you to be an evangelist in the UK?

Why not check out Church Army's Website and view the film entitled: 'Mission Based Training' ?

And for further information check out this lead

If you want a chat about how exciting this calling can be - contact me by e-mail - details available on my profile.

One thing I can confirm for sure: It will be life changing!

Celebrating Christmas - an abomination?

2008-12-22T14:34:00.003Z

Through a friend of my wife - it has been brought to my notice that there are Christians who think that celebrating Christmas is an abomination in God's eyes. There are those who hold to Arthur Pink's views on Christmas

Pink's main arguments as far as I understand them are:

(1) There is not a word in Scripture which tells us to celebrate Jesus' birth

(2) That the date of Christmas is a pagan festival and most people who celebrate Christmas - do so without any thought for Jesus

(3) That Christmas (Christ Mass) is a Roman Catholic celebration and therefore an abomination

(4) That Christmas cards are an abomination to God (even if they have a verse of God's word inside) because God's word forbids unholy mixtures

I am not sure if the argument belongs to Pink, but there are people also arguing that Christmas trees are an abomination to God - because "when we are kneeling down to put presents under the tree - what do we think we are kneeling down to?"

Discuss!

Mutilated Christian girl, 10, forgives attackers 'They were out of their minds, they do not know the love of Jesus'

2008-12-18T15:28:00.009Z

This is a photo of a 10 year old little girl called Nayak from Orissa in India. Her home was bombed by Hindu extremists because she was from a Christian family. But this ordeal has not shaken her faith, indeed she is thankful to God for saving her life.

"Christmas" she says, " is a time to thank the baby Jesus who saved me from the fire and saved my face which was disfigured and wounded."

This is a traumatic time for Christians in this part of India.

"Hindus have offered money, food and alcohol to anyone who murders Christians and destroys their homes – especially pastors. Thousands of homes and churches have been destroyed, and Christians have been forced to flee the violence. Many have been doused with kerosene and torched after refusing to renounce their Christian faith." (World Net Daily).

Nayak said: "[W]e forgive the Hindu radicals who attacked us, who burned our homes," she told Asia News. "They were out of their minds, they do not know the love of Jesus. For this reason, I now want to study so that when I am older I can tell everyone how much Jesus loves us. This is my future."

What an amazing witness and beautiful faith this little girl has. Praise God for her faith and determination and pray that her witness will have impact opn those who persecute her.

(Thanks for Wayne Dawg for bringing this news item to my attention).

Posada

2008-12-17T00:46:00.012Z

On Monday evening The United Church and St John's Kirkheaton had a fantastic night as we had a life size 'Posada', taking the message of Christmas to the people of Kirkheaton. Starting with craft and games and dressing up as Mary and Joseph and wise men, shepherds and angels we set off through the village of Kirkheaton led by a real live donkey.

Posada is Spanish for 'Inn' and is a Mexican custom of remembering the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The Church Army have adopted this idea by encouraging churches to pass round a figures of Mary, Joseph and the donkey around the homes of the parishes. We decided to go one further and make it life size and hopefully took out a strong message of what Christmas was all about.

On the way we called at people's homes and a local 'inn' to sing carols. Through drama at the journey end we discovered that Angels had declared Jesus to be: 'The Christ', 'the Lord', 'the Son of God' and 'Jesus (the Lord is salvation), because he will save his people from their sins'. Whilst connecting with people's sentimental feelings of the baby in the manger it pointed away from this to the cross. By the end of the procession we had well over a hundred people amongst us, a good number of whom I am sure, were non Christians.

I hope to strengthen this next year by handing out tracts and inviting people to another evangelistic event.

10 Questions to ask Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses

2008-11-27T23:01:00.007Z

I have come up with 10 questions to ask Mormons and JWs:

(1) What does one of Jesus’ names ‘Emanuel’ mean? Answer: God with us!

(2) Complete the Bible passage from Isaiah: He (Jesus) will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty G.., Everlasting F….., Prince of Peace. Answer: Mighty God! and Everlasting Father! (Isaiah 9:6)

(3) Why did the Jews try to stone Jesus in John 10? Answer: For alleged ‘blasphemy’, because Jesus claimed to be God!

(4) God’s 10 commandments include “You shall have no other gods before me” and elsewhere we are commanded not to worship any other God’s. Given that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, why then in Daniel does He give Jesus authority, glory and sovereign power and in His presence allow ‘all people’s, nations and men of every language’ to worship Jesus? (Daniel 7:14) Answer: can only be because Jesus is God!

(5) If God is the only one who can give life – why did Jesus claim ‘I am THE way, THE truth and THE LIFE’ Answer: see (4) above.

(6) Can you complete the following sentence: Jesus said “ . am the resurrection and the Life” Answer: “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE!”

(7) Complete the following sentence: “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s glory and THE E…. representation of his being, sustaining all things …” (Hebrews 1:3) Answer: EXACT REPRESENTATION

(8) Can you complete the following verse: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature G..”? (Philippians 2: 6) Answer: God!

(9) Thomas (John 20), having felt the scars of the resurrected Jesus called Jesus “MY LORD AND MY GOD” (the highest form of worship) why did Jesus not say “Hang on a minute Thomas – you are jumping from the frying pan of disbelief into the fire of blasphemy?” – why instead did Jesus say … “how slow you are to believe”? Answer: because Jesus claims to be God!

(10) WHY THEN CAN’T YOU SEE THAT THE BIBLE IS CLAIMING THAT JESUS IS GOD?

Can you think of any more?

Remember though:

“Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians: 4:6)

What about the Downs children who don't get a chance?

2008-11-26T17:50:00.005Z

"More Down's syndrome babies are being born than before pre-natal screening became widespread, figures show.

The UK saw 749 Down's births in 2006, up from 717 in 1989 when tests came in.

The Down's Syndrome Association surveyed 1,000 parents to find out why they had pressed ahead with a pregnancy despite a positive test result.

A fifth said they had known somebody with Down's, a third cited religious or anti-abortion beliefs and 30% felt life had improved for people with Down's."

So writes the BBC.

In one sense this is encouraging, but isn't it about time that abortion of downs babies is made illegal?

My nephew has Downs and has been a constant inspiration to me and our whole family. He is now at college training to be an actor and has already been involved in film and a number of theatre productions. This week he celebrated his engagement. His life is not without struggles but whose is?

Bus Ministry in Liverpool

2008-11-08T16:42:00.004Z

Above is a video of Church Army's Captain Rob Barker's bus ministry. I have so much respect for this guy - and all that he is doing at Ellesmere Port. As regular visitors to this blog will know I am presently raising monies for a bus ministry. If anyone or any church has a burning desire to support my work in prayer or sponsor my work and particularly a bus ministry, please contact me through my e-mail address (on profile).

God bless

Neil

Is there more to life than this?

2008-11-01T19:42:00.003Z

If you have questions about life, the universe and everything and live in Huddersfield, why not contact me (see my profile for e-mail address) and we can set up an Alpha course.

Say No to witchcraft on Halloween!

2008-10-25T16:31:00.009+01:00

We are busy preparing for three 'Laughter and Light' parties as an alternative to children getting dressed up for Halloween and causing havoc in the neighbourhood: One will take place at Kirkheaton, one at Grange Moor and a third at Rawhtorpe.

Involvement in new age and occult activities is rife in our area and we hope to teach our children to follow the Light of Christ rather than be drawn into following the darkness of the devil and his cohorts.

There is plenty of opposition, so I would welcome your prayers

Atheists join Alpha

2008-10-22T12:52:00.009+01:00

The British Humanist Assosiation are apparently going to do an Alpha (not literally). Supported by Richard Dawkins, they are going to publicise their 'good news' on buses in London. But the liberals have had their way again! (I mean the liberal humanists - as opposed to the conservative humanists). The advert will not deny God outright, but their message will state 'There's probably no God'. Mmmm I thought this was an agnositc view?

Never mind I believe that although the idea of this advertising comes from the devil, it will be counter productive. It will probably enhance the number of those going on the Alpha course who ask: "Is there more to life than this?".

If you want to research the answers to these question click here to find out where your nearest Alpha Course is. Alternatively if you live in Huddersfield, why not e-mail me (see my profile for details) and we will set up an Alpha course near you.

Looking for a rock solid investment? (Part Two)

2008-10-14T15:30:00.004+01:00

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life which is truly life.

1 Timothy6: 17 - 20

Surely this is a word in season. Many people will have read this from the Common Lectionary readings this morning.

Looking for a rock solid investment?

2008-10-09T16:27:00.007+01:00

In these days of market crashes there is one and only one rock solid investment. There is one Trust that you can trust! That is the investment that will provide life long security, total peace of mind, and a better return then you can ever imagine:

Of course the investment and Trust that I am talking about is the trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Repenting of your sins and walking with him in these uncertain times, will bring eternal life - a quality of life that can not be bettered. Everything else will at some stage let you down - but Jesus - never will!

Putting your trust in anything else is akin to worshiping a false god:

I waited patiently for the Lord
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man
who makes the Lord his trust,
who does not look to the proud
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
there would be too many to declare.

The Ten Blogging Commandments

2008-09-29T18:32:00.004+01:00

Evangelical Alliance have come up with Ten Blogging Commandments: What do you think?

1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity.
2. You shall not make an idol of your blog.
3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog.
5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes.
6. You shall not murder someone else’s honour, reputation or feelings.
7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind.
8. You shall not steal another person’s content.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger.
10.You shall not covet your neighbour's blog ranking. Be content with your own content.

PS in view of 8 above I better at least reveal my source: Ruth Gledhill of The Times

Why Preach the Law? Part Four

2008-09-16T10:48:00.004+01:00

4. The Law is Good for Us!

So many people regard the Law as a burden. It is not surprising in one sense because the Pharisees used the Law to burden people. This clearly was not the purpose of the Law and indeed contrary to the Law burdening people, it was seen by many who received it as freeing. In Deuteronomy The Law is repeatedly said to be given "for your own good".

Chris Wright points out that the Psalms are filled with ecstatic praise for God's Law:

The Law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
(19:7)

And then of course in Psalm 119 the Psalmist is constantly expressing his love for the Law:
Oh how I love your Law

I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches (14)

I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold (127)

You see the Law is here valued even more than winning the lottery!
It is so highly valued because it leads to all truth:
I have chosen the way of truth
I have set my heart on your laws. (30)

Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth
for I have put my hope in your laws. (43)

and is the source of grace:
be gracious to me through your Law. (29)

From these words we see that the Law is freeing, there is no sense of legalism here, "the Law is for our own good, it was constantly looking for what would benefit people as distinct to what would limit and oppress them."

As Jesus said about the Law regarding the Sabbath. "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27)

Why Preach the Law? Part Three

2008-09-14T16:03:00.007+01:00

3. The Law is Based on the Character of God:

By obeying the Law the people of Israel were reflecting the character of God.: This is implicit in Deuteronomy 10: 12-13:

"And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees ..."

In Leviticus 19 (v2) the Law states:

"You shall be holy, for I the Lord am holy."

It is my observation that any striving to be holy and to "walk in his ways" is very much scorned upon in much of the church. In Deuteronomy 10: 16 we receive the command: "circumcise your hearts"

Without preaching the Law there is no sense in which we as a church are striving to be like Him, without the Law being written on our hearts there is no sense in which we can claim to be born again.

Why Preach the Law? Part Two

2008-09-09T18:30:00.003+01:00

2: The Law was Founded on Grace

Chris Wright points out the significance that it isn't until the 19th chapter of Exodus that the first law is written. "There are eighteen chapters of salvation and God's grace and faithfulness before there is a single chapter of law."

Indeed in chapter 19 before God speaks about the Law He says:

"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my treasured possession." (Exodus 19:4-5)

Here God places the giving of the Law in the context of what He has already done for the nation of Israel. The Law is given in order to enable Israel to live appropriately in response to God's love.

This is reinforced in Deuteronomy 6:20 "In the future, when your son asks you, 'what is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?' tell him: 'We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand ... The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.'"

God asks us His people to response to His grace and salvation by being obedient to Him. Yes there is justice and there is punishment, but it is within the context of God's grace and mercy and salvation.

Indeed God describes Himself as:

"The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion ad sin." (Exodus 34: 6-7)

Wright concludes: "We must preach the Old Testament Law on the foundation of God's grace. The Law was never intended to be a means of salvation or a means of earning salvation, but was intended to be a response to salvation. It is the same dynamic ad for Christian obedience."

Why Preach the Law? Part One

2008-09-08T18:01:00.003+01:00

I have read a wonderful article by Chris Wright, a man who I have great respect for after hearing him preach on Psalm 119. The subject of the article was 'Why preach the Law.

In the next few days I hope to summarise what he has to say on this.

Why Preach the Law?

1. Because all Scripture is God Breathed
When Paul wrote the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, most of the New Testament had not been written. He was referring to the Old Testament Scriptures and since he specifically says "All Scripture", this must include the Torah and the Pentateuch. It is therefore important that we preach the Old Testament Law as part of God's Word, and not simply to abandon it or ignore it.

For any Bible believing Christian this is a simple truth to grasp. Chris Wright is simply saying that we preach the Old Testament Law because it is part of God's Word. Hopefully, not too many people would disagree with that.

More tomorrow

Hedonist in the Making

2008-08-23T21:03:00.017+01:00

The other day I saw a young girl (about 6 yrs old) wearing a t-shirt that proclaimed: "It's all about me ME ME!"

This young girl is a hedonist in the making.

Little does she know of the prison she is building for herself.

Little does she know of Satan and his cohorts who are all too willing to help her.

The basic idea behind hedonistic thought is that pleasure is the only thing that is good for a person. Hedonism can be conjoined with psychological egoism - where people are motivated only by their self interest.

Isaiah observed this attitude in Israel: "Let us eat drink (and be merry)" you say, "for tomorrow we die!"

How sad that there is a real potential for this child to finish up like this:-

All this only reinforces the importance (and high calling!) of children's outreach in the church.

It was Bill Wilson of Metro Ministries and founder of Kidz Klub that said:

"It iseasier to build boys and girls then to repair men and women"

.
How true!

World view

2008-08-22T22:38:00.002+01:00

The four fundamental questions of every world view are:

* what is the nature of the universe?

* what does it mean to be human?

* what has gone wrong with the world?

* what is the solution to our problem?

"The question that we as preachers need to ask is, whether it is the Bible that is giving them their fundamental understanding of the nature of the world, the identity of humanity, the reality of sin, and the solution that God offers through the cross and resurrection and the new creation that he will bring, or whether it is some other world view. We need to preach the Bible so that people have a coherent understanding of the world and where they fit in the great scheme of things"

(Chris Wright in Preach the Word)

Holiday Club Photos

2008-08-16T18:46:00.012+01:00

"God's always with us - at our Big Top!"

The masked man kidnaps grandma

Riding Lights

2008-08-12T17:17:00.012+01:00

Just had an amazing week at Riding Lights Theatre Co 'Summer School', where in one week under amazing direction and incite from Play Directors Peter Hutchinson and Bridget Foreman we put on a play called "Cloud Street".

Adapted from an award winning novel by Tim Winton, the play is about two Australian families who come together to share a huge run down house in Perth in the 1940s. Sam Pickles (played by myself and later a friend - Trevor) was a gamblerholic, married to an alcoholic with 2 children. His world view (god) was based very much around the 'Shifty Shadow' of fate. In contrast to this the other family (the Lambs, with 6 children) find meaning in work and God's grace.

The lambs never the less suffer tragedy when their son 'Fish' gets drowned in a a fishing accident. He is ('like Lazarus') 'brought back to life' but suffers brain damage in the event. Despite the tragedy and Fish's eventual return to the water to commit suicide, this play was very much about hope! A real sense in which God is present in times of disaster.

In our version of the play Fish was played (brilliantly and most movingly!) by Johnathan, a young guy with Asperge's Syndrome. Indeed most of the actors and actresses were much more gifted than I am but it was great to come alongside such talent and share in what was an awesome week.

"I know it's a bit run down and it needs a lick o paint, but yer old man's just had a win love - a big win! The Shifty Shadow's shifted - can't you just feel it!"

(Photos by: Andrew Dyer: Riding Lights)

Holiday Club

2008-08-10T15:16:00.004+01:00

Wot no Posts?

The reason for not posting for a while is that I have just had an amazingly busy three weeks - the first a holiday club, then a much needed holiday and this last week a very busy week in which I took part in a play production by Riding Lights Theatre Company (more on the play later).

The holiday club (with a circus theme) took place between Tuesday and Friday followed by a service and BBQ on the Sunday. The huge hall of Kirkheaton Parish Church's 'Old School' was done out with striped drapes hanging down from the ceiling and striped canvass all round the room to give the image of The Big top. Two 'ringmasters' did the work of emcees, clowns performed to set the theme for the day, an act from a play (written by one of the church members) about an 'evil' masked man who wanted to close down the circus was performed daily, Bible stories were told in creative ways and we had times of worship and craft throughout.

My favourite Bible story was 'Super Sam' - the story of Samson and Delilah - where Super Sam burst onto the stage to the tune of Superman (is it a bird? ... is it a plane? ...). I loved the bit where 'der der der de diderlederr' (in God's strength) he was able to tear apart an attacking lion.

Most importantly each day, approaching 70 children were exposed to the gospel, and good relationships were built with them and their parents and carers.

Please pray for us as this coming week we are doing some follow up, as we contact these families as we try to invite them to more events and even to church.

(Pictures to follow)

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

2008-06-30T15:47:00.004+01:00

What can wash away our sins?

What can make us whole again?

Nothing but the blood

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can wash us pure as snow?

Welcomed as the friends of God

Nothing but Your blood

Nothing but Your blood King Jesus

Paul Colman here sings two beautiful songs beautifully. Enjoy!

Come unto me all you are weary

2008-06-25T12:20:00.004+01:00

Jesus said:

Come unto me you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.

I thought I would repost this - it might speak to somebody!

Those who hunt Christians like a pack of dogs after the fox

2008-06-23T08:23:00.007+01:00

I have recently been making occasional comments on a blog that declares its hate for Jesus and for Christians.

I wonder if we Christians are sometimes partly responsible for their hate. I wonder if sometimes we might be like a resounding gong and clashing cymbal. I'm afraid I have to hold my hand up to this big time!

Some of these 'Jesus haters' have been hunting me down and sending the most crudest of messages about Jesus not to mention messages announcing my death. The latter doesn't bother me - I feel well protected by God. The former, doesn't shock me - I have worked with and served people who try to shock and seen them come into God's Kingdom as they repented and gave their lives to Jesus.

Saul of course was a great hater (even murderer) of those that followed Jesus, he used to hunt Christians like a pack of hounds after the fox! Until of course, his Damascus Road experience.

Christians need to pray for the Sauls of this world, that they will meet and come into a relationship with the Jesus that loved them so much that he was prepared to die for each of their individual lives. The Jesus who took the punishment for their sin and in doing so, offering the best quality of life and an everlasting relationship with God as Father to those who will trust and believe in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Abraham and Isaac: The Uncanny Truth!

2008-06-05T13:51:00.013+01:00

Like much of the Old Testament the account of Abraham's (non!) sacrifice of Isaac foretells the coming of Christ:

In fact the account so coincides with Jesus' death and resurrection that the word "uncanny" becomes a massive understatement.

(You might want to follow the reading in Genesis 22):

(1) v 2 (God said) "Take your son your only son, whom you love": Abraham had one son (who he had waited 100 years for - but that's by the by)whom he loved: God had one son ... "whom I love, with him I am well pleased"

(2) v3 Isaac was traveling to his death with the donkey: reminds us of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as he travels towards crucifixion.

(3)The sacrifice was to take place v 4 "On the third day":

So Abraham had counted him dead until the third day - the same length of time that Jesus was known to be dead.

(4) v 6 "Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac":

In the same way, by God the Father asking for Jesus' obedience, He was effectively placing the wood of the cross on His one and only son.

(5) v 9 "(Abraham)bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar":

Here there is no sign of any struggle - Isaac could easily have over powered this old frail man but even to death is obedient to his father.

Philipians 2 records:

" Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in the appearance of man, he humbled himself and became OBEDIENT TO DEATH - EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS!"

Of course the major difference is that whilst Isaac was saved from death Jesus did die on the cross in place of the 'sons' of Abraham - as Abraham prophesied in v8 "God himself will provide the lamb"

I don't know if you noticed in verse 5 Abraham said something quite curious:

v5 "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU":

Could it be possible that Abraham knew something of resurrection?. After all, Abraham knew that God does not break His promises and God had promised that from the seed of Abraham will rise a great nation.

The good news is that the lamb who was slain instead of the "sons" of Abraham means that you too are invited to join that great nation that God promised.

Any takers?

An Inconvenient Dream

2008-05-29T11:54:00.010+01:00

Last night I had a dream:

I had passed away and had arrived outside Heaven's city walls, where I met Peter. I asked him which way I had to go to enter.

Peter said that before I could enter I had to write down every single sin that I had committed on the black board behind me. I turned round and saw the largest black board you ever did see - the height and length of Wembley Stadium.

Then Peter came up to me with a piece of chalk 30 feet long and six feet thick. He told me that when I had finished I had to walk down to my left and enter the pearly gates.

Well I didn't know where to start and overwhelmed at the task ahead of me, you could imagine how down I felt at this stage. I was in absolute despair.

Until that is I looked to my left and saw someone walking towards me. It was ....

YOU - YES YOU!!!

"Did Peter give you the same instructions as me?" I enquired
"Yes" came your reply.
"Aren't you heading in the wrong direction?" I asked - "the Pearly gates are down there to my left"

"Well yes" you replied, " I'll get down there eventually ... but I was wondering .... have you got any more chalk?"

Of course your sins are not really any greater than mine! But this "inconvenient dream" indicates that we simply do not deserve to be in God's presence. If you were to die tonight how sure are you that you will be able to enter into the kingdom of God?

The Bible says:

No one is righteous not even one (Romans 3:10)

All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23)

The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God) (Romans 6:23a)

but the gift of God is eternal life IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD (Romans 6:23 b)

if you confess with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (treated 'just as if I'd' never sinned) and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

Jesus is your black board eraser - only by repentance of your sin and accepting the gift of Jesus as your Lord and Saviour can you enter into an eternal relationship with God the Father:

What can wash away my sin?
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

The alternative does not bear thinking about.

Above All

2008-05-28T13:33:00.003+01:00

"Like a rose trampled to the ground, you took the fall and thought of me above all."

A Bible Believing Repentance Seeking Evangelising Arch-Bishop

2008-05-20T20:37:00.005+01:00

John Sentamu is a Bible believing Arch-Bishop with tremendous gifts in evangelism. From past experience I know that he preaches the need for repentance and I was pleased to read that last week hundreds of people committed their lives to Jesus Christ following an invitation by the Archbishop of York at the Church Without Walls National Gathering in Scotland.

John Sentamu said, "The National Gathering was a tremendous event. I was thrilled and excited to see so many people come forward and commit their lives to Jesus Christ."

We need to pray for him and his work. When John came into office a couple of years ago now, he said that his mission was to give the church the confidence back to evangelize this nation. He is doing a good job!

" I need someone who will look me in the eye and tell me how to find forgiveness because I am running out of time!"

2008-05-14T22:56:00.007+01:00

The utube - scene from ER - below - brings out the danger of poor teaching in much of the church - in that it doesn't give the answers that people need for salvation. People are lost because much of the church has stopped preaching the message of: Jesus as the atonement for our sins!

The result? Well just look at the mess of the world we live in!

Dying and in need of salvation?

2008-05-13T10:51:00.012+01:00

" I need someone who will look me in the eye and tell me how to find forgiveness because I am running out of time!"

This video reminded me of a man called David:

I used to work for an outreach to the homeless and less privileged. One day, we got a message that David – one of our regulars was in hospital and had only hours to live. He was a drug addict and spent much of his adult life in and out of prison.

When I visited him in hospital he told me that he was going to give all the mess of his life to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. And so there on his death bed, he repented of his sins and entered into a relationship with Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

The next morning a colleague of mine visited David and in tears was absolutely distraught having seen the state of David's once fit body. But this is thing that I want to tell you:- David turned round and prayed for her that she might have peace!

You see overnight the fruit of the promised Holy Spirit had started to grow in David's heart: Fruit of love, joy and peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. There was a real sense in which on his death bed David was more alive than ever we had seen him before!

David passed through the shadow of death soon later knowing that he was going to spend an eternity with God.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? ARE YOU DYING IN YOUR SINS - NOT AT PEACE, BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW THE LOVE OF JESUS? THE BIBLE SAYS "THE PENALTY FOR SIN IS DEATH ... BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE."

Today is the day of salvation! Today is the day that you can enter into eternal life - a God given - God planned life as you come to a point of repentance and enter into a relationship with the one who died on that cross so that you may be forgiven.

Fundamentally Flawed!

2008-05-11T14:16:00.012+01:00

When Darwin proposed his theory of evolution pushing 200 years ago he was convinced that future fossil discoveries would prove his theory to be true.

Darwin himself wrote:

"The number of intermediate varieties, which have formerly existed, [must] be truly enormous," he wrote. "Why then is not every geological formation and every stratum full of such intermediate links? Geology assuredly does not reveal any such finely graduated organic chain; and this, perhaps, is the most obvious and serious objection which can be urged against the theory" (Darwin, pp. 260-261).

Given that there is in excess of over a million species today, we should be able to find hundreds of millions of examples of fossil evidence of ‘intermediate forms’ gradually evolving into other species. To date despite a comprehensive world wide search by geologists, the total evidence of intermediate forms is … zero.

There can be no surprise that more and more top scientists believe that Darwin's Theory is fundamentally flawed.

My struggle is more with church goers who describe Evangelical Bible believing Christians as 'unthinking' than it is with scientists who are striving to find truth. Such people are more likely - (without thinking!) - to follow an outdated theory than accept the Bible as the complete truth.

To view a huge list of top scientist dissenters from Darwin's theory of Evolution - click on the title of this post.

God does not believe in evolution!

2008-05-07T15:48:00.009+01:00

'For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth.'

These words are from the Ten Commandments. They are spoken by no other than:

GOD HIMSELF!

Some people argue that when the claim that God made the earth in six days appears in the Genesis account of creation that part of the Bible is poetry or myth. But when God uttered these words was he telling the literal truth or simply being poetic? If the latter we must conclude that God either had a mix up of genre or we must also accept that the Ten Commandments are also nothing but poetry. For me this certainly suggests evidence for any Bible believing Christian to believe that God does not believe in the theory of (ape becoming man) evolution!

Evolution - (blind faith) for dummies?

2008-05-01T11:59:00.008+01:00

I found this on Ray Comfort's website. I have been accused by atheists of having a blind faith. I believe there is no more blind a faith than those who put their faith and trust in the theory of evolution. This (now dying!? world view) that humans have evolved from another species of animal has been followed by millions of people without a shred of evidence for many years. I wouldn't want to put anybody down but (light heartedly) I like Ray suggest that the title of the book just about gets it about right!

Bus Ministry: Saving Souls for Christ

2008-04-25T11:31:00.009+01:00

I am part of a developing team who have a growing vision for Bus Ministry in our town. We would like to raise money for a bus to see it used for example, as a Christian centre/drop in for mums and dads taking their children to school in the morning, for Christian activity for children after school and youth work in the evening.

I am convinced that God will use it to save souls for Christ and it will help to bring the crime rates down in some of our more difficult estates. How wonderful it will be when we see whole families realise their need to turn away from their sin and turn to Christ Jesus!; when whole families come to know the joy of their salvation! I really do believe God is saying that this work will have a huge impact in our area.
Please pray and watch this space!

Priests who talk dirty

2008-04-24T17:16:00.010+01:00

'But among you there should not even be a hint of sexual imorality ... nor should there be obsenity, foolish talk or coarse joking which are out of place' Ephesians 5: 3-4

(This is an edited version of my original post)

The Bible makes it clear that it is wrong for Christians, especially leaders in the church to swear and get involved in obscene talk and sexual innuendo. Unfortunately it is my (recent and past) experience that this too often happens. I would even go as far as saying that in the Church of England this is endemic and I would call for Priests to repent of this! I have known people to walk away from church because there was no fruit in the lives of the leaders. I have also known people who have been very hurt by sexual comments of leaders in the church.

I am THE way THE truth and THE life and 'Indigo Children'

2008-04-22T16:05:00.008+01:00

One thing that gets my goat is the typical post modern attitude of 'What's true for you is fine - its true to you - but it is not necessarily true to me.' This of course is utter nonsense. Truth is truth is truth!

Some time ago there was an article in the Metro paper about 'Indigo children'
Apparently Indigo Children:
* Have an indigo aura around them
* Can read your thoughts
* Can see the future
* Know when you are lying
* Have heightened senses
* Are the next step in the evolution of mankind
* Tend to be disobedient and are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD
*'The special powers of indigo children make them 'older' than the adults around them. They have come to us at this time because we
need old souls to help with the survival of the planet.'
* In short are here to save the planet

I do not know whether this looks like true teaching to you? Apart from the fact that I would rather have someone who is without sin to bring salvation than a disobedient child! Indigo children is new age teaching of today - but we know by tomorrow - these people might well have jumped on another merry go round of belief.

Jesus is quite clear in his teaching. When he says 'I am THE way THE truth and THE life' and that 'no one comes to the Father except through me' he means exactly that. There is only one way to the Father, only one truth and only one source of life and Jesus is the answer to all three.

David in Psalm 119 gives us clear indication as to the essentials of truth:

(1) Truth will always bring you close to God:
v 151: Yet you are near Lord and all your commands are true

(2) Truth is forever and unmovable:
v 89: Your word O Lord is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens
v 91: Your word endures to this day
v144: Your word is forever true

(3) The truth is absolutely and completely true or not true at all
v160: The sum (totality) of your word is truth

Hans Kung said: 'The church which abandons the truth, abandons itself.' How true!

But worse still - the church that abandons the truth abandons Jesus!

Christians on fire for God

2008-04-05T21:12:00.004+01:00

A few days ago my wife and I were visited by two friends whom we were involved in seeing make a strong commitment of their lives to Jesus after some mission work that I did in Sheffield last year. It was lovely to see how they are on fire for God, to hear how they are enjoying some serious Bible study and that God has started to use them in (and out!) of their local church.

I remember during that mission that God was telling us that through it He was going to have an eternal impact on people's lives. He certainly wasn't wrong and our friends June and Julian are a testimony to that!

But that is what is happening when we step out of the church and evangelise the community. We are having eternal impact on peoples lives! Think about it!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T23:21:00.005Z

Isaiah speaks of the Cross: Can these words help to bring salvation to some of our friends?

2008-03-17T16:24:00.005Z

Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the
Lord been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender
shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us
to him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with
suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces,
he was despised, and we esteemed him
not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We, all like sheep have gone astray,
each of us has turned his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was lead like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as sheep before his shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was
taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he
was stricken.
He was assigned a grave for the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Mick (a fellow evangelist) my wife and I were in a discussion with a group of 'nearly Christians' a few nights ago in a nurture group. We were looking at Isaiah 53: 1-10 and I asked them to raise their hands when they thought they knew who and what I was reading about. By the time I had finished they all agreed that it could be about no one else but Jesus on the cross (their words not mine!). I then asked them about v 11 of that chapter 'After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied.' They discerned that this must then be about the resurrection. They were amazed to find out that the passages were written hundreds of years before Jesus was born to Mary. From their discussion and questions, my heart is telling me that they are nearly there.

At least three of these people have said that they hope to come to Friday's 'Sensing the Passion of Christ' (see blog below)

Please pray for them, that they fully receive Jesus into their hearts as Lord and Saviour!

Those who preach the 'gospel' as though it were fiction

2008-03-14T11:41:00.005Z

Found this on Sermonillustrations.com

There is a tale told of that great English actor Macready. An eminent preacher once said to him: "I wish you would explain to me something." "Well, what is it? I don't know that I can explain anything to a preacher."

"What is the reason for the difference between you and me? You are appearing before crowds night after night with fiction, and the crowds come wherever you go. I am preaching the essential and unchangeable truth, and I am not getting any crowd at all."

Macready's answer was this: "This is quite simple. I can tell you the difference between us. I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction.

Don't think I need to say more!!

Sensing The Passion of Christ

2008-02-28T20:59:00.002Z

Many of us are very familiar with the story of the last few days of Jesus. But how might our understanding of the cross be enhanced if we literally engaged our senses to think about what Christ has done for us at the cross - 'The Greatest Expression of Love that the world has ever seen!'
On Friday 21st of March (Good Friday) we are holding an event called 'Sensing the Passion of Christ' at Dalton Baptist Church, which will enable us to do exactly that. When I put this event together a few years ago, I was very wary of the need not to have just a 'touchy feely' service and even though we are using our senses - the event gives a direct explanation of the reason that Jesus had to die and makes it clear that a response (repentance and trust and belief in Jesus) is necessary for the forgiveness of our sins.

God has used this event to bring a number of people into a living relationship with him through Jesus Christ. Sensing the Passion of Christ was took place last year during a mission on a tough estate in Sheffield. At the end of that evening, two people made a first time commitment to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and are now regular attendees of their local church and on fire for God.

If you are local you may want to come and join us. I request one thing only: that if you do come - you bring a non Christian friend with you!

The BBC are airing a film throughout Holy Week called ‘The Passion’ and this is expected to have audiences of up to 10 million viewers. How easy this year it would be to ask our friends and neighbours if they have been watching ‘The Passion’ on BBC’ and then add a ‘By the way, we are doing something on the same theme as the film at church – why don’t you come along and see?’

How wonderful it would be if the Lord was to ‘add to the number, those being saved’ through this event again.

Narnia Holiday Club

2008-02-15T13:52:00.006Z

I am busy putting together an Easter children's holiday club based on CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. Building on the work and connections we have made at Upper Whitley Infant and Junior school, in Grange Moor Huddersfield, we hope that a good number of children will come to know the deep meaning and good news of Easter as we think about Aslan, but also about the real King who came to set us free from the consequence of our sin.

The two day event will have two themes: (1) Slave to Turkish Delight (2) Freed by the King. We will have games, craft and teaching based on these themes. We are very encouraged about the the school's involvement, in that they are allowing us to watch the whole of the film in class, allowing a promotional colouring competition, and an Aslan themed assembly.

I for one am getting really excited about this and believe great things can happen through the message we give and the connections we make. I would value your prayers!!!

Genocide!

2008-02-04T13:11:00.001Z

I had a conversation with a friend today who told me of a relation who is suffering from mental health issues. He believes that a major reason for this is because she has earlier in her life had an abortion.

I do not wish to condemn anyone who for what ever reason has had an abortion, the guilt and suffering that those people go through must be horrendous and certainly healing can take place only through Jesus Christ (see video on my blog dated January 4th below). We in Britain can however condemn the system that allows abortion so freely!

As I understand, according to British Law, the legal grounds for abortion are:
(1) A risk of the pregnant woman loosing their life
(2) A risk of permanent 'grave' physical harm to the pregnant woman
(3) A risk of mental health to the pregnant woman if the pregnancy goes to full term
(4) A risk of serious handicap (mental or physical) to the baby

Never the less, the Christian Medical Fellowship report 'Higher rates of major depression, suicidal ideation, illicit drug dependence, and overall mental health problems' for those who have gone through with abortion.

Why then have the number of abortions risen so dramatically over the last 40 years? In 40 years in Great Britain there has been no less than 6.7 MILLION abortions! Last year alone the figure touched 200,000. Even David Steel who led the campaign to legalise abortions admits that abortion is now being used as a form of contraception in th UK.

(I was going to publish an horrific picture of a 24 week old aborted baby with this post, but I decided that it was too disturbing to view: instead I have downloaded a scan of a living 24 week old baby.)

In God's name: Isn't it time that this genocide was brought to an end?

Is your Church involved in Hope 08?

2008-01-22T12:28:00.000Z

'The vision for Hope 08 is that the whole church goes to the whole nation for a year and beyond and that we tell our country about Jesus, with our words, because we believe in preaching the gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ, but with our lives, because we want to say that believing in Jesus changes our lives - we can't if our lives don't look different!' (Mike Pilavachi: founder of Soul Survivor)