To the Cross

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

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 th e 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.

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.

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...

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

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 tr...

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.