Gospel Meeting 29/10/2017

Matthew’s Gospel ch8 vs5 – 13

                               ch27 vs54

In Matthew’s account, we find several similarities of names or events in the earlier chapters which then match up in the latter chapters.

Examples are:

 Joseph, husband of Mary… then Joseph of Arimathea, who went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

Mary, mother of Jesus … then Mary Magdalene, who’s life was transformed.

The wise men visited Jesus as a young child to worship Him – with exceeding great joy … then the women visiting the tomb of Jesus and finding it empty, ran to tell the others with great joy.

Also, in tonight’s message, we find two Centurions – both unnamed – who can teach all of us two vital lessons:

1^st Centurion in the earlier chapter had a true appreciation of himself…

2^nd Centurion in the latter chapter had a true appreciation of The Saviour.

The 1^st one counted himself “not worthy”, being neither boastful or proud.

How different to many in our society today, which promotes “self”!

Luke’s account tells us he was highly respected, which was unusual for Jews concerning a Roman.

He recognised that Jesus Christ had the authority of Heaven – much higher than his or that of Rome!

He showed great faith in Jesus Christ, “speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed”.

An appreciation of self should also be our starting point – do we consider ourselves “not worthy” in the sight of the righteous and holy God?

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” – Romans ch3 vs23.

Our root problem is sin, which separates us from holy God.

But Jesus Christ, God’s Son, tells us “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” – Matthew ch9 vs13.

Two good examples of having an appreciation of self are found with:

Jacob – “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies , and of all the truth , which thou hast shown unto thy servant” – Genesis ch32 vs10.

John the Baptist – “there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose” – Mark’s Gospel ch1 vs7.

Not a single one of us can get to heaven by our own efforts or what we have done.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” – Ephesians ch2 vs8-9.

Salvation is found in the person of The Lord Jesus Christ alone!

The 2^nd Centurion, a hardened soldier in charge of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, stood observing all things… the crown of thorns, His garments gambled over, the cruel treatment, the earthquake and the supernatural hours of darkness.

He glorified God and said “Truly, this man was the Son of God”, also calling Him “a righteous man”

He would have witnessed many crucifixions in his position, but never one like this…Jesus Christ offered no resistance – wholly different to the others,

Whilst Christ’s own brethren did not believe Him, neither His own people (John ch1 vs11), yet this Roman soldier recognised Him as the only One who was righteous, and come from Heaven.

His death was unique… “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” – 1^st Peter ch3 vs18.

For everyone, there is now a way back to God!

Dear sinner, you can be cleansed of your every sin – past, present and future – by coming tonight in faith, with a repentant heart and asking The Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you and to be your personal Lord and Saviour.

There is no forgiveness other than Jesus Christ’s atoning work on Calvary’s Cross, through His cleansing blood which was given for all!

Like the 2^nd Centurion, have a true appreciation of The Saviour.

Come to Him tonight for full and free Salvation - be saved for Eternity, and have a home with this wonderful Saviour forever in Heaven.

Gospel Meeting 22/10/2017.

1^st Thessalonians, Chapter 5.

In this chapter, Paul speaks of being ready for the Lord’s return, and gives a good list of things that should be evident in our lives as Christians awaiting Him.

Sanctification is one of the great New Testament words, but not often used today.

It is being set apart, consecrated, to purify, to become holy.

When we have Christ within, our lives should be changing – our attitudes, actions and language should be transforming, becoming a process.

We are becoming holy from the inside out!

However, every person’s first step must always be to come to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, confessing our sins and putting one’s faith and trust in Him as Lord and Saviour.

Accept that He alone paid the price of all our sins and took our punishment, when he became the sacrifice for them by being crucified on Calvary’s Cross, giving His sinless body and His spotless all - cleansing blood.

Then turn away from your past sinful life, showing true repentance.

Two pictures of Sanctification are:

Genesis ch2 vs1 – 3…

The seventh day was set apart.

Exodus ch30 vs26 – 30…

The table and its vessels were set apart for that holy purpose only.

Why does The Lord want us to be set apart?

That we might be His own special people, for His purpose and glory.

We are His, obeying His Word, and to live an entirely different life!

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. – 1^st Corinthians ch6 vs20.

We must surrender self to His will (vs23), in order that every part of our lives can be sanctified wholly...

Body -  “…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. – Romans ch12 vs1.

Minds – “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”. – Philippians ch4 vs8.

Soul – is a very deep part of us, affecting our passions, desires and relationships, for the glory of God.

These three things should be blameless (vs23) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ – easier to preach and say, than to do!

However, (vs24) He will do it! It is a work of God.

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy”. – Jude vs23.

Dear Christian, have a humble desire to completely walk with God, until the return of The Lord Jesus Christ for all His own people.

Gospel Meeting 15/10/2017

Hebrews ch12 vs1 – 11.

Is religion or faith just a matter of opinion?

Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed, all had various opinions, but Christianity has a most significant difference…

Jesus Christ did not have discussions with other wise people and come to a conclusion on matters – he absolutely knew all things from the very beginning!

He spoke like no other religious leader ever did, and came to tell us what He already knew was facts and truth – not just what he thought like the others.

He had the ultimate authority to do so – He created us and everything else!

Therefore, we all need to take His words with the utmost seriousness.

You may ask, how do we know Jesus Christ is God’s eternal Son, coming from Heaven?

The Word of God over 4000 years prophesied 100’s of details about the coming Messiah, all proving to be exactly fulfilled!

These included His birthplace of Bethlehem, and His race – of the tribe of Judah.

The truth recorded in the Bible is thrilling and indisputable!

The speaker then gave us a heading for the message –

“Living the Life of Faith in Jesus”…

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to the Jewish Christians, who were lapsing back into Judaism, and having second thoughts at that time.

In earlier Chapter 11, we are given a list of people who had amazing faith in God.

They were great witnesses with wonderful testimonies, showing the beginnings of the faith of Jews.

But now in Chapter 12, the people were being reminded and confirming that Jesus Christ was bringing that faith to completion -

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

Looking away from all others!

He alone is our example, our inspiration, the only One to focus on.

As Christians, we are encouraged to “run with patience the race that is set before us”.

It is a demanding race, but one that is very rewarding.

We need to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us”.

This can mean cutting out of our lives anything that hinders us in following and serving The Lord Jesus Christ. This may include things that are not bad, as innocent interests can also get in the way.

God knows each of our personal battles against sin and hindrance, and we must persevere!

Jesus Christ endured all things for us, all the way to Calvary’s Cross.

He set His face as a flint to go to Jerusalem…

“… who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.

The Lord Jesus Christ showed us what faith is, ever doing His Father’s will and entirely trusting in Him.

We too all need to trust the work of Salvation that Jesus Christ did for us on The Cross in dying for our sins, and putting our personal faith in Him.

We do this individually, by asking Him to forgive us for all the sins we have done against Him - the Holy God. Ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart and life as Lord and Saviour, turning away from your old sinful way of life and living the new life pleasing to Him.

“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him”. – Colossians ch3 vs10.

Whatever you may have done in the past, whoever you are, if you come to Him in repentance He will not refuse you –

“… him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”. – John’s Gospel ch6 vs37.

“… there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth”. – Luke’s Gospel ch15 vs10.

In this race, let all our sights be set on Jesus Christ and Heaven – a place of timeless joy!

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”. – Psalm ch16 vs11.

That’s what is before us for all eternity!

 Friend, if you have never yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please do so tonight.

Gospel Meeting 08/10/2017

Epistle of Paul to the Romans ch1 vs1 – 6, 14-23.

The apostle Paul had a great longing to preach the Gospel and to teach in Rome.

This letter completely embodies the theme of Salvation.

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Gospel – of which Paul said:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…”. – vs16.

Neither should we feel ashamed or embarrassed, but rather shout it from the rooftops!

In this passage, Paul clearly explains that it is God’s gospel, and no – one should ever seek to alter it. It is entirely faithful and truthful.

Paul tells us that the good news is all about God’s Son, The Lord Jesus Christ – who is Lord and Saviour to all who would believe and trust.

God is offended by all our sins. Every single one of them.

Without believing and accepting that Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for our sins on The Cross, we are without hope.

Forgiveness and salvation is only through Jesus Christ, in personally confessing your sins, and asking Him into your heart and life to be Lord and Saviour.

Jesus Christ is the source of our happiness.

Everything about Him is of absolute importance – His person, His work leading to The Cross, and of course, His work of salvation on Calvary’s Cross.

God had revealed through the prophets, the promise of the coming Saviour.

At the appointed time, His Son - Jesus Christ came, born of a virgin.

God’s plan of salvation was not something new!

Salvation, is being delivered from the penalty, power, and presence of sin in our lives.

All we have ever done in our lives against God – every wrong action or thought is utterly offensive to Him. There is no such thing as a “little sin”.

He is totally clean, moral and righteous through and through.

Martin Luther was quoted as saying that the absolute holiness of God terrified him!

We too may testify to this, when we compare our sinful lives to His holy perfectness.

But, the most wonderful thing is, God has provided a righteousness for those who are not, through Jesus Christ - He is our righteousness!

Through His body given and His blood shed for everyone on The Cross, we can all be made fit for an eternal home in Heaven with Him.

Simply come in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ tonight –

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith”. – vs17.

Nobody is a lost cause – the Gospel is for all people of all nations –

Jesus Christ died for all! 

“O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer, the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives”. –

Hymn by Fanny J. Crosby.

Gospel Meeting 01/10/2017

The Acts of the Apostles ch16 vs16 – 40.

The speaker sectioned his message into 3 headings:

1) The Singing Prisoner –

Paul and Silas were so ill –treated and badly beaten without cause that had these circumstances happened today, they would most certainly have had a right to take legal action…

However, we read that instead of complaining they were praying and singing praises to God, that all the prisoners could hear them!

Why? Because they knew God in their hearts and lives, and it brought them joy.

Also, they knew their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had asked of them -

 “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”. – Matthew's Gospel ch5 vs44.

This is an important reminder for us too in our daily lives.

2)  The Swinging Door –

This was not a normal event. Earthquakes cause huge indiscriminate damage and destruction, but here the doors were opened and the prisoner’s chains loosed!

Amazing too, that none of the prisoners tried to escape – very different had it been anywhere today.

This is a great example of the power and authority of God over nature and the heart of man… God is always in full control.

When things happen in our lives that we may not understand or bring us heartfelt problems – let us have assurance in remembering this.

3) The Saved Jailor – 

with a further 5 subtitles:

a) The Alarm of the Jailor -

Any jailor’s number one rule was “no prisoner is ever to escape”… or it would cost you your own life!

The singing of Paul and Silas failed to awaken him from his sleep – but the earthquake most certainly did.

He was on the verge of ending his life by suicide. Anyone that is not saved from their sins is as a dead man – we have nothing, and nothing good to look forward to beyond our earthly life.

b) The Assurance of the Jailor –

It would have been very easy for Paul , Silas and the prisoners to have escaped if the jailor had thrust his sword through himself, but he was assured that no-one had left and to do no harm to himself.

God speaks to us through His Word to assure us, and wants us to respond accordingly.

Friend, if you have not yet made the decision to repent of your sins, and asked The Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you and be your Lord and Saviour, then you are playing a very dangerous game. Your life expectancy is very uncertain.

Please respond positively – God is speaking to you personally tonight – will you accept His offer of forgiveness, through His Son’s sacrificial death and resurrection and be made fit for Heaven? Or will you reject His salvation and still be on your way to an eternal Hell?

c) The Apprehension of the Jailor –

He was still terrified, and asked the greatest question that anyone who is heading for a lost eternity separated from God, should ask…

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”…

If you had the option of drowning or accepting a hand to save you, you would take the hand!

Friend, why would you not want to be saved from the eternal punishment of your sins? Why would you choose not to accept the loving outstretched arms of The Lord Jesus Christ, as He welcomes you to save you from them?

d) The Answer to the Jailor -

The instant answer from Paul and Silas was given from God, and is still the same and only one tonight…

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

It is not enough to simply believe ABOUT Jesus Christ – the history lessons etc, but to truly believe and trust ON Jesus Christ personally – where He came from, and His atoning work on Calvary’s Cross,where he suffered once for all.

The Lord Jesus Christ IS God!

He was raised from the dead, ascended back to Heaven, and is returning soon to take home all those who have put their faith and trust in Him.

Friend, believe, and be sure you know Him as Lord and Saviour before it is too late.

e) The Actions of the Jailor –

Almost at life’s end through suicide, he is now turned to joy through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour! Knowing too, that his eternal destination in Heaven was secured!

All we believers will see him and be with him there, without any more sufferings… what absolute joy we will all have when gathered there with our Lord Jesus Christ evermore!

Jesus Christ changes lives – and what a transformation we see with the jailor.

Now he is looking after Paul and Silas who he badly handled, looking after them in his own home and treating their wounds!

As fellow Christians they now had a common bond, seeking to help each other in all ways.

The jailor shared the good news with his family, who were also saved and baptised! Do not keep the joyful news of the Gospel to yourself – share it too!

It may seem we are living in a grim and pretty hopeless world, with all the bad news we constantly hear, but God’s great eternal Heavenly home is assuredly waiting to anyone who will come to His Son, Jesus Christ, in repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Friend, you can never get to Heaven by your own strength…

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”.