Gospel Meeting 24/09/2017.

The Proverbs ch6 vs6 – 15.

Often when people need help or knowledge they turn to various options, sometimes doctors, professors, or fortune – tellers.

We, who are Christian’s can ever turn to the Word of God – The Bible – always a great guide to all our situations in the world.

In the above scriptures, the ant was a significant creature to God.

It can lift 100 times its body weight…

It can build 500 times its own height…

Incredibly industrious, yet this amazing creature has a life span of only 45 – 60 days!

As Christian’s we can learn much from them – to have a firm plan and be efficient.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” – Proverbs ch29 vs18.

Ants are extremely busy and motivated, using their time wisely – are we the same?

Our efforts are to be aimed at sharing God’s offer of Salvation with everyone – provided through His eternal Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.

He took all our sins on His sinless self at Calvary’s Cross and paid the price of them all, giving His life and shedding His blood, so that we can be forgiven, not having to suffer deserved punishment for them forever in the awfulness of Hell.

The ants do not need telling or cajoling into their work – they all readily join in and do it!

We too, have a goal to accomplish – The Lord’s work on Earth.

It is our service until He returns to take each of His own and loved one’s to Heaven. All those who have repented of their sins and put their personal trust in Him as their Lord and Saviour have an eternal home being prepared for them to receive.

God did not create us to be idle,but to work and be mature - able to bring Him honour.

A single ant is pretty useless, but working together they are a extraordinary force.

The Holy Spirit indwelling, likewise will help us to fulfil all His work efficiently together as a congregation.

Ants always work as a team until their tasks are completed, and this should be our way too, as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ants share their food and protect their young – right and good lessons.

They are ever prepared for the Winter season, and we should have things in order to provide for our families future times.

Friend, are you personally prepared for where you are going to spend Eternity?

Will you be in Heaven, or will it be in Hell?

Will you be in the presence of God forever? Or will you be forever separated, being punished for all your unforgiven sins?  Too late then to do anything about them!

Please ask The Lord Jesus to forgive you for your sins tonight. Turn from them, and ask Him to come into your heart, and begin a new life with your Lord and Saviour.

Tomorrow may be too late - forever.

Ants also help us learn to persevere, adapting to all weathers that come upon them – immediately rebuilding damaged homes and lives.

We too as Christians should be resilient, whether facing hardships or persecution.

Do not surrender your faith, but stand firm in The Lord.

Ants participate in all tasks, for the good of all their own –

A challenge… is it a problem for you to do so?

In conclusion, ants have a great level of performance, total harmony, always prepared, such perseverance, and always working for the benefit of their community.

We can learn so much from one of God’s least!

Our natural instincts should match them!

Regardless of age, we all can most certainly pray for each other and the ongoing Lord’s work in our Churches.

We are employed in business that does not have a retirement age!

Serving The Lord Jesus Christ daily, is far more rewarding than going into any workplace!

The choice is yours…a sluggard or an ant!

The Lord will ever help you as you serve Him – just make yourself available for Him and to do His bidding.

However, all these things will be for nothing if Jesus Christ is not you own Lord and Saviour… repent dear friend, as He longs to forgive you, cleanse you by His precious atoning blood, and give you the assurance of an eternal home in Heaven with Him.

Gospel Meeting 17/09/2017

Luke’s Gospel ch10 vs25 – 37.

Jesus Christ is the best ever teacher and story teller!

Always best prepared and presented to those who were within hearing, but also knowing His words were to be recorded and printed for the nations of the world.

This parable tells of a journey made from the heights of Jerusalem, to the depths of Jericho – the lowest city on Earth.

The road down has a colossal gradient, falling around 1km, and was a notoriously dangerous route for bandits – often resulting in death.

It was a reckless person who would make this journey alone.

The Lord Jesus Christ’s audience well knew these facts.

Although not clearly stated, The Lord is talking about a Jew making this journey, and he took a really bad beating from the thieves.

A priest was first to the scene, but despite recently worshipping God and knowing the scriptures –

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”,Micah ch6 vs8 – he was forgetting to do justly, and be merciful.

He passed by on the other side.

Next along came a Levite, and he having looked at him, also passed by on the other side.

Then a Samaritan came and saw him.

The Jews and Samaritans hated each other.

When journeying, Jews would make a great detour around Samarian soil, rather than setting a foot inside it.

However, this Samaritan’s heart was not hardened – he went over to him and showed love, concern and consideration.

He had no thought of his own safety as he tended to his wounds.

He then set him on his own beast, despite the demanding road and took him to an inn.

The Lord Jesus then asked the question of a lawyer, who was seeking to justify himself as to who was his own neighbour, that he should love –

“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?” –

He answered –

“He that showed mercy on him” –

And Jesus replied –

“Go, and do thou likewise”.

The Lord’s reply is much more significant – it is to all of us. Anyone who is in need and in our own life's footpath is our neighbour to love and help. Even if they have brought it upon themselves, have compassion to all.

Personal challenge… do I always act with compassion towards my neighbour?

The Lord Jesus Christ in two earlier parables – “The Sower”, and “The tares among the wheat”, explained their meanings and set the pattern for all the other parables to be interpreted.

One can now go deeper into “The Good Samaritan” parable…

A “certain one” left Jerusalem -  the place of peace with God, and going DOWN into Jericho – a cursed city under the judgement of God which should never have been rebuilt.

Who is the attacker – the murdering Devil and his fallen angels.

The Priest was the “sacrificial man”, who was unable to deal with the problem…

“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming – not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeatedly endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship”. – Hebrews ch10 vs1.

However, there is someone coming who is able! …

“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest no, but a body thou hast prepared me”. – Hebrews ch10 vs5.

The Levite represented the law and lawyers – but none were saved through the Law.

Law brings us the diagnosis of our sins, but cannot do anything about them.

The Samaritan “came where he was”…

The Lord Jesus Christ did not just look upon us from Heaven, but came here for us.

His heart went out to us all.

The Samaritan bound the wounds, pouring in oil and wine …

The Lord gave His sinless life and shed His spotless blood, a sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross, to pay the price of all our sins so that we can be forgiven from the penalty and eternal punishment we deserve for them.

The Samaritan showed all love and attention – he took the man to a hostel to be cared for…

The Lord Jesus Christ brings us into the care of His church.

The Samaritan was to return and see the man – “when I come again”…

Our glorious and risen Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ is also returning – to take to His home in Heaven all those who have personally repented of their sins, and put their faith and trust in Him as Lord and Saviour of their lives.

Friend, if you have not yet done so, please ask forgiveness tonight, and invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart and life as your own Lord and Saviour.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the best neighbourly example of all! - 

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief".
 - 1st Timothy ch1 vs15.

Gospel Meeting 10/09/2017.

Mark’s Gospel ch16 vs9 – 17.

John’s Gospel ch20 vs24 – 25.

When we speak to people and they do not believe or trust what we are telling them, we tend not to like it.

So many today refuse to believe or accept all what God has told us in the Bible, or about His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.

They would rather trust the words of mere men – which are continually shown over time to be lacking in truth or wisdom.

Many in the above scriptures also would not believe that Jesus Christ conquered death and rose from His sealed grave – even those who knew Him well.

Why did the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ leave the heights of glory in the first place, to come down into this dark and sinful world?

He came to do His Father’s will and had a work to do…

He came to save you from the eternal penalty of your sins!

By being sinless and holy Himself, He was the only one able - and willing -  to be the sacrifice for all our sins by taking them on Himself at Calvary’s Cross. There, God punished Him, that everyone of us can be forgiven and have everlasting life in Heaven.

However, this Salvation has to be accepted - you must come personally, with repentance and faith towards The Lord Jesus Christ.

In Matthew’s Gospel ch9, a woman showed great faith, believing that if she could but touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed of her longstanding ailment.

The Lord Jesus Christ felt her touch and she was healed. Whoever you are friend, you are just as valuable to Him – remember, He came to save YOU!.

Before, and on The Cross He suffered all, for you personally…

 “Just as there were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness”. – Isaiah ch52 vs14…

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that BELIEVE on his name”. –

John’s Gospel ch1 vs12.

Do YOU believe that Jesus Christ died in agony on Calvary’s Cross, and rose again for you?

“Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

in my place condemned he stood;

sealed my pardon with his blood.

Hallelujah! What a Saviour!” –

Hymn by P.P.Bliss.

Do not be like those in Mark ch16, who “believed not”

 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is…”. – Hebrews ch11 vs6.

Friend, do not have the stubbornness of unbelief .

Thomas would not believe the word of all the other disciples and was rebuked for it.

“…because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”. – John’s Gospel ch20 vs29.

So many people reject God’s Word out of hand.

We can’t see Him for ourselves tonight, but we can fully trust the unfailing Word of God about His Son, Jesus Christ.

The strength of unbelief is powerful…

Friend, do not be held captive or characterised by it.

Heaven and Hell are real and eternal places – Luke’s Gospel ch16 tells us of two people, one died in unbelief and went to Hell.

Rather have strength of faith like the other man, who believed and went to Heaven.

Jesus Christ tells us there is a fixed great gulf between these two places, that no one can cross…

Embrace what God says, come believing and be saved for eternity!

The seriousness of unbelief…

“In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”. – 2^nd Corinthians ch4 vs4.

The solemnity of unbelief…

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”.

–        The Revelation ch 21 vs8.

–        Friend, do not be separated from the love of God forever through unbelief!

Come to Christ and accept His offer of  forgiveness.

Sadness of unbelief…

Those who do not personally know Jesus Christ, having no concept of His love or loveliness. They will never get to enter into Heaven.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. – 2^nd Corinthians ch4 vs5…

What language! What a tremendous privilege!

Friend, turn from sin, trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour tonight!

Believe what God has said about Him in His Word.

How foolish to reject this lovely Man and His forgiveness.

Gospel Meeting 03/09/2017

1^st  Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians – ch4 vs13 – 18.

“… ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope”.

All people like to hope that good and happy things will come to happen in their lives.

The speaker told of one who was long hoping to spend retirement in comfort in a warmer and more scenic climate.

The foundation of hope is very different to anyone in the world who either does or does not have Jesus Christ as their Saviour...

The "hope" of this world:

People who have not put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ have but a desire of something happening that they hope will become a reality – but it may or may not!

Human strength or will cannot guarantee anything, i.e. a happy and long retirement.

The Word of God "hope":

“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently”. – Romans ch8 vs23 – 25.

Christians “hope” is founded on the promises of God – fully guaranteed!

“For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth”. –

Psalm ch71 vs5.

God keeps all of His promises, and Christians have the “blessed hope”, KNOWING it will all come to fruition in God’s timing.

What will having this “hope” mean to Christians in the future? –

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall arise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord”.

The Revelation ch1 tells us that there shall be no more death, pain or suffering – all tears shall be wiped away… great and wonderful promises!

What does having this “hope” means to Christians now? –

“Let your conversation be without covetousness: and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.

We need not fear, Jesus Christ is ever with us and providing for us.

Our future is secured for all eternity – and far better than this current world!

However, those unbelievers without Jesus Christ as Saviour are without any hope –

The Revelation ch20 vs11 tells of their horrendous eternal suffering and torment, forever separated from God, for unforgiven sins.

Friend, if you are still without Christ, you have nothing good to look forward to whatsoever. It may be that you are doing so very well at this present time, but you can not take anything with you into eternity –

“Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him”. – Psalm ch49 vs16- 17.

How does anyone obtain “the blessed hope”? –

Be sorry for your sins and turn from them.

Believe that The Lord Jesus Christ paid the price for all your sins, being crucified on Calvary’s Cross, and taking the punishment for them by His sinless sacrifice.

Ask Him to forgive you, and accept Him into your heart and life as your personal Lord and Saviour today.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”. –

Romans ch10 vs9.

Another of God’s promises – simple and without any catches like so much in this present world.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. – 1^st Peter ch1 vs3.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our living hope… He overcame death, rising again!

Friend, accept these most wonderful promises without delay.

Just as with the past global flood, God in a coming day WILL judge all sin.

No man can match God’s holy standards.

However, anyone can enter into Heaven, through belonging to God’s eternal Son - The Lord Jesus Christ.

The world’s hope is very confined in anyone’s abilities, but the Christians blessed hopes are all absolutely guaranteed.

Personally inherit them all today!