Gospel Meeting 10/11/2019

Ecclesiastes ch12 vs1

Genesis ch40 vs9-15, 20-23

Luke’s Gospel ch16 19-31, ch23 vs39-43

Hebrew’s ch10 vs16-18

There are so many things today that we try to remember – and often fail!

We have invented smart gadgets that help us, like phones and clocks that change the time automatically when required. Also, at this time of year the media remind us that it is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember those who fell in the wars for our freedom.

They were all very brave people to whom we are most grateful and who fully deserve remembering, but nothing in comparison with The Lord Jesus Christ… He gave His sinless life and blood as a sacrifice for our own sins, that none of us need to face the coming day of judgement.

What God asks us to remember is of the utmost importance.

In our first reading, we are exhorted to remember our sins against our Creator God and repent before it is too late to do so.

Ever fewer people around us talk about the Creator, preferring to believe the lie of evolution, but the marvel of creation is all around us and in it we clearly see the handiwork of God.

Time may fade many of our happy memories but we should never forget that we are His most precious Creation.

The Lord Jesus Christ will never let you down, but as we saw in our Genesis reading – friends do! The chief butler did not keep his word and forgot about Joseph.

It is a great blessing and comfort to remember that we can always fully rely on God and His Word every day of our lives.

The parable in Luke’s Gospel is another confirmation from The Lord Jesus Christ that there is an urgent choice for everyone to make concerning our eternal destination.

Dear friend, have you chosen to accept the only Saviour of sinners – God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and make Heaven your eternal home, or are you still on the broad road that leads to destruction and a lost eternity?

 My prayer tonight is that you would come in faith and repentance, accepting The Lord Jesus Christ and His offer of Salvation-only available through His work on Calvary’s Cross.

The profuse wealth and position of the rich man ultimately meant nothing and he was found in eternal torment, whilst Lazarus, a beggar was found in Paradise.

The rich man was fully conscious and remembered his life…

“And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”

- Hebrews ch9 vs27

However, God has made full provision that no-one need face judgment and condemnation. He wants each of us to have forgiveness of sins and to know the complete joy and glory of abiding in The Father’s House.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”

- Romans ch10 vs13

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”

- John’s Gospel ch6 vs37

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”

- 1^st Corinthians ch2 vs9

In tonight’s second reading from Luke’s Gospel, one thief on a cross repented of his sins, and believing who The Lord was, asked to be remembered when He came into His kingdom. He was genuinely sorry for his sinful life and recognised that Jesus Christ was without sin. The Lord acknowledged his repentance and faith, assuring him that he would be with Him in Paradise that same day. Forgiven and saved!

Clearly, the dying thief had no time to do any good works, and no-one is ever saved by any amount of good works-only through repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ!

Dear friend, you can cry out “Lord, remember me today”! He will gladly forgive and save you too, and bring you into His kingdom!

In our reading from Hebrews, we are given the most wonderful peace concerning our sins…  “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more”… gone forever!

What love, grace and mercy is still free to receive for “whosoever will" tonight through The Lord Jesus Christ!

1)

 "Whosoever heareth!" shout, shout the sound!
Send the blessed tidings all the world around;
Spread the joyful news wherever man is found:

 "Whosoever will may come!"

  "Whosoever will! whosoever will!"
   Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
   'Tis a loving Father calls the wand'rer home:
   "Whosoever will may come!"

2)

"Whosoever cometh" need not delay,
Now the door is open, enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way:
"Whosoever will may come!"

3)

"Whosoever will!" the promise is secure;
"Whosoever will," forever must endure;
"Whosoever will!" 'tis life forevermore;
"Whosoever will may come."

(Hymn by Philip P. Bliss)

Gospel Meeting 03/11/2019

Matthew’s Gospel chapter 3

Hebrews ch6 vs1 – 3

Romans ch6 vs1 – 6

The speaker continued his series “Building Blocks as a Christian”, with the heading tonight being “The Doctrine of Baptisms”.

After repenting of one’s sinful lifestyle, and in faith accepting The Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Saviour, the next step for a Christian is to be baptised by full immersion.

This is the outward showing of an inward changed life. It is identifying oneself with Jesus Christ in His sinless death for our sins, burial and resurrection.

A new person, with a new nature and a new heart!

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”

- John’s Gospel ch3 vs3

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”

- 2^nd Corinthians ch5 vs17

Baptism is not optional, but another step that should always be taken by a Christian.

God intends us to be a new people in and through His beloved Son, The Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase “in Christ” or similar, appears over 150 times in the New Testament!

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit, so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink”

- 1^st Corinthians ch12 vs12 - 13

Therefore, we are living a new life with Him and for Him, led each day by His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Baptism is never just any old ceremony, but a most personal spiritual reality!

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory”

- Colossians ch3 vs1 – 4

Dear reader, if you are still outside of these assurances and rich blessings, my plea is that tonight you will make your peace with God concerning your sins, through The Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only Saviour of sinners, paying the price for us all on Calvary’s Cross, by laying down His own sinless life. Put your faith and trust in Him and the cleansing blood he gave to make atonement for all our sins. He truly loves you, and with open arms He is ready to accept your prayer asking Him to be your own personal Lord and Saviour. A good starting point to learn about The Lord Jesus Christ is by reading John’s Gospel in the Word of God, the Holy Bible. Please do make the decision to accept Him tonight, and be fully assured that Heaven will be your eternal destination.

Gospel Meeting 27/10/2019

Exodus ch12 vs5 -13, 23 - 29

Hebrew’s ch6 vs1 –

 The speaker continued his series “Building Blocks as a Christian”, with the heading tonight being “Faith Toward God”.

“,,,repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”

- The Acts ch20 vs21

Having repented and turned away from one’s old sinful life, now the Christian is wholly turning in faith towards God, fully trusting in Him alone for Salvation.

Getting right with God while we still have time is everything – our eternal destination is fast approaching for every soul!

Every man, woman, boy and girl needs to be saved from the penalty of our sins. We all need to be forgiven, if we are to have eternal life.

In His great love, grace and mercy, God has provided a way – the ONLY way – for us as sinners to obtain forgiveness and have peace with God.

It requires faith, and a faith that is more than just head knowledge.

The Word of God tells us “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James ch2 vs19), so faith involves personal trust, confidence and commitment.

Also, the story is often told of the great tightrope walker Charles Blondin, who famously crossed over the Niagara Falls (the tightrope was over 11.000 feet long and 160 feet above the torrent). After successfully completing this breathtaking event a couple of times, he asked his astonished onlookers if they thought he could do it carrying a man across in a wheelbarrow… “of course” they cried – “you’re the greatest tightrope walker in the world. We believe”! When he asked who would like to volunteer, not one person went forward…

They believed he could do it, but none had the faith to personally trust him!

However, we can ALL have full confidence in God’s provision for settling the question of our sins.

Throughout God’s Word we read and see His plan of Salvation coming to us through the ages…

Genesis ch3 – After Adam and Eve had brought sin into the world, they sewed fig leaves together for aprons, but God provided better, making them “coats of skins” through the sacrifice of an animal. A divinely produced garment, a “type of Christ”, that the first sinners might be made fit for God’s presence.

Genesis ch4 – Cain’s offering to God was without any adequate sense of sin, or his need for atonement, but his brother Abel’s offering involved a lamb’s shed blood in confession of his sins. The first did not have God’s respect, but the second had God’s favour.

Here, another “type of Christ”, as the coming “Lamb of God”, that would deal with our sin question once for all.

Then in tonight’s first reading (Exodus ch12), “the Passover lamb”, once more a “type of Christ”, as our Redeemer.

The lamb had to be without blemish and tested so. The lamb had to be slain. The blood had to be applied.

“…and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”

- Hebrews ch9 vs22

God’s one provision for our sins to be eternally forgiven duly came to us at the right time…

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”

- John’s Gospel ch1 vs29

“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world”

- 1^st Epistle of John ch4 vs14

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God”

- Hebrews ch10 vs11 -12

Dear reader, will you come in personal faith tonight and ask The Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your own sins? Are you truly sorry for your sins and want to live a changed life? Would you not want to live with the Son of God and worship Him for all eternity – the One who loved you and gave Himself for you?

At Calvary, on a cruel cross, The Lord Jesus Christ gave His sinless body and cleansing blood as the only acceptable sacrifice for your own sins, and the worlds.

There is no other person, or any other way any of us can make amends for our sins and their eternal consequences. But, in love, He paid it all!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”

- John’s Gospel ch14 vs6

Dear friend, who else could you possibly trust today that would make peace between you and God?

Tonight, your sin question can be answered fully and forever settled in God’s court through accepting His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ!

Please do so before you lay your head on the pillow, and know His great peace and joy!

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man”

- Psalm ch118 vs8

Gospel Meeting 20/10/2019

Isaiah ch38 vs1 – 8, 17 – 22.

In this portion of scripture, we read of king Hezekiah’s sickness(vs1), sorrow(vs3), sign(vs8) salvation(17), and songs(vs19/20)

Hezekiah was a great king who lived in a day when God’s Word was neglected. However, his first act was to repair and reopen the temple, restoring worship and the Passover.

We read that he grew sick unto death, though he was only a young man. No matter who we are, from a king to a pauper, we are all subject to death. He was told to set all his affairs in order for his successor.

Hezekiah wept bitterly and The Lord having heard his prayer, granted him another fifteen years to live.

How would you feel about knowing exactly how long you had to live? Many are thankful they do not know… but are you ready right now for eternity? Have you prepared for your final destination? Have you settled the question of your sins?

We each must face a holy and just God.

“And it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgement”

- Hebrews ch9 vs27

In Luke’s Gospel ch12, The Lord Jesus Christ tells a parable about a rich man who was planning on doing even better, and looking forward to many years of good living. However, God told him he was a fool, because his life was going to be demanded of him that very night, and he was more interested in storing up treasures for himself rather than riches towards God.

God must quite rightly judge all sin! It is entirely abhorrent to Him.

We all like to see and hear of justice being done – we know it is good and right for the guilty to be punished for their crimes, and we feel frustrated when they escape on a legal technicality. God is all – knowing and fully aware of our every sin against Him. There is a judgement day fast approaching - no matter how much this world mocks or derides such a thing!

Hezekiah was most sorrowful over his sins.

 Dear friend, has your own offences ever caused such feelings as to bring about repentance in your life towards God?

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone – an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this by raising him from the dead”

- The Acts ch17 vs29 – 31.

“…repent ye, and believe the gospel”

- The words of Lord Jesus Christ (Mark’s Gospel ch1 vs15)

Repentance is never optional, it is demanded and necessary!

This always involves a real change of one’s heart and mind toward God, and therefore, a change in one’s daily life.

Our old manner of life offends God and has terrible eternal consequences if we should die without our sin question having been settled through The Lord Jesus Christ.

“… repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”

- The Acts ch20 vs21

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all…”

- 1^st Timothy ch2 vs5 -6

God heard Hezekiah’s cries - and He hears ours too. How wonderful that is!

 Dear friend, would you not give a prayer tonight, saying sorry for your sins and ask His forgiveness?

“If you declare 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, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

- Romans ch10 vs9- 10)

This is truly a most wonderful promise, whoever you are!

The Lord Jesus Christ fully paid the price of all our sins, when He laid His life down on The Cross. Being God’s eternal Son, He never sinned and was able and willing to be made sin for us, taking our punishment, that we might have forgiveness and eternal life in Heaven with Him.

This is how much he loves and values YOU!

1.

Low in the grave he lay,
Jesus, my saviour,
waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord:

Chorus

Up from the grave he arose,
as the victor over all his foes;
he arose in triumph from the dark domain,
and he lives for ever with his saints to reign:
He arose! He arose!
Alleluia! Christ arose!

2.

Vainly they guard his bed,
Jesus, my saviour;
vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord:

3.

Death cannot keep his prey,
Jesus, my saviour;
he tore the bars away,

Jesus, my Lord:
Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

Hezekiah asked for a sign, and remarkably, the sun went backwards.

We have a sign too…

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”

- Isaiah ch7 vs14

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of sinners!

Hezekiah said The Lord was ready to save him (vs20) and he was going to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise – for evermore!

Dear friend, will you not also trust Him and give worthy thanks unto this wonderful Saviour? He is still ready tonight and willing to save you!

Gospel Meeting 13/10/2019

1^st Thessalonians Chapter 1.

How was the Gospel delivered to those in Thessalonica?... it came not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in great assurance (vs5).

The Word of God can be entirely relied upon as the truth, so unlike the many falsehoods that our media would have us believe.

“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven”

- Psalm ch119 vs89

“The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away : but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you”

- 1st Peter ch1 vs25

Yet, though it is the eternally abiding Word of God and brings great news, such is mankind’s hatred towards it being spoken that they hurl abuse and anger towards those who seek to share it.

From the very heart of God, it brings mankind the best message ever - the Gospel!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

- John's Gospel ch3 vs16

Dear friend, what do these words mean to you?

 What will you personally do with this Gospel message of Salvation that brings total peace and joy to the heart and mind?

It is the “gospel of the grace of God” (The Acts ch20 vs24), which brings forgiveness for our sins, along with the promise of eternal life, and cannot ever be earned or bought.

It is a great blessing that none of it is of ourselves – Salvation's work is already completed, and it is our part but to repent and believe the Gospel!

We are all full of sin, but The Lord Jesus Christ is completely holy.

Not one person in Heaven will ever say “I am here because of what I did in my life”...

It is all about what The Lord Jesus Christ did for you!

On Calvary’s Cross, God’s Son, Jesus Christ laid down His sinless life as the one and only atoning sacrifice for your own personal sins, and for the whole worlds. His perfect sacrifice, shedding His blood, was absolutely accepted by His Father, and He was raised from the dead. A living, loving Saviour!

Man gives false hopes about himself, and has many ideas and dreams, but God tells us the truth that we are all sinners in need of a Saviour – who He has provided in His great love for you.

Dear friend, it may not be nice, or indeed difficult to dwell upon, but nonetheless it is true – our hearts are minds are just so sinful, and we can never enter Heaven in that condition. One must come to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, trusting that His sacrificial blood will cleanse you from all sin and guilt. 

If one rejects His offer of forgiveness, then one must face the consequences of that choice - eternally separated from God in that most awful of places, Hell.

The Apostle Paul reasoned and told the people all that The Lord Jesus Christ had suffered for us. He alone saved us from the eternal penalty of our sins. He took our place and was punished… that is the cost of our wonderful Salvation – God died on The Cross for His Creation!

“I am he that liveth, was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore…”

- The Revelation ch1 vs18

Words of truth and triumph from the blessed Man of Calvary!

Dear friend, this Gospel is personal.

 It is for you.

 Please consider the love, grace and mercy God is offering you tonight.

Countless lives across the world have been transformed by those who have taken God’s Word seriously and accepted Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Saviour.

 Will you not also call upon The Saviour of sinners this night?

1 O do not let the Word depart,
And close thine eyes against the light!
Poor sinner, harden not your heart,
Be saved, oh, tonight!

Chorus:
Oh, why not tonight?
Oh, why not tonight?
Wilt thou be saved?
Then why not tonight?

2 Tomorrow’s sun may never rise
To bless thy long deluded sight.
This is the time, oh, then be wise,
Be saved, oh, tonight!

3 Our Lord in pity lingers still,
And wilt thou thus His love requite?
Renounce at once thy stubborn will.
Be saved, oh, tonight!

(Elizabeth Reed)

Gospel Meeting 08/09/2019

Luke’s Gospel ch6 vs46 – 49

Tonight’s message from the speaker was an introduction to a forthcoming series which will be entitled “Building Blocks as a Christian”.

The heading given for this introduction is “Foundations for Growth”.

The Word of God gives many truths for Christian people, enabling themselves through The Holy Spirit to be built up and prospering spiritually.

If we listened to the wordly philosophies around us, it is a very different picture.

For example, many people consider themselves to be the centre of the universe, with their own thoughts and feelings reigning supreme. This amounts to a completely selfish outlook on life.

Another philosophy, that is sadly being taught in schools, is that we are all merely a collection of atoms. Just material beings, without a soul or anything spiritual within. Therefore, we are entirely worthless!

However, The Word of God affirms that the truth is entirely different:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he them; male and female created he them”

-  Genesis ch1 vs26 – 27.

What an absolute blessing for all mankind!

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved, blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”

-  1^st Thessalonians ch5 vs23.

So, our beliefs trigger our actions – if we thought that a bomb was about to be detonated we would take immediate action, but alternatively if we thought there was no danger at all, then we would not take any action.

God has given us His great truths to wholly rely upon and live by.

The speaker asked the question of us all – “what is the foundation of YOUR life”?

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ”

-  1^st Corinthians ch3 vs11.

If we are to grow increasingly into being more Christ – like, then we must heed His message from tonight’s passage in Luke’s Gospel… hearing is simply not enough, we must be a doer of His Word!

Why is it, if Jesus Christ be your personal Lord and Saviour, but yet choosing not be obedient to the wisdom of His teachings?

The Lord Jesus Christ is an immoveable Rock, and to act upon His truths will bring a steadiness and assurance to any life!

“On Christ, the solid rock, I stand –

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand”

(chorus from hymn by E. Mote)

“But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds”

- James ch2 vs18

Any ideology outside of Jesus Christ will crumble and fail.

So, here is the challenge dear reader, and to include myself… are you continually growing more like Christ? How can we?

Well, we can consider a baby – it develops! It will begin to crawl, then walk, learn how to speak and communicate. It will move off from milk and onto solid foods, and so on and so forth.

Our spiritual walk and life with our Lord and Saviour is very similar. He intends and wants us to become developed and mature in every area of our Christian lives.

As with a baby, we are designed for growth.

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil”

-  Hebrews ch5 vs12 -14.

Wonderful truths we need to embrace, in order that our lives may be ever changing to bring further glory to His Name!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”

-  Romans ch12 vs1 -2.

What we believe in always affects how we act…

Daily decisions and choices when walking with The Lord Jesus Christ and His Word produces changes in us that are for much the better!

No other foundation can ever fully satisfy.

Dear reader, be further encouraged - living your life this way will also affect others as they witness your maturity in Christ. The ripple effect will grow and grow!

Perhaps you have personally never yet entered into these rich blessings by accepting The Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

 If not, then please do so tonight dear friend without delay. He longs for you to come in repentance of your sinful way of life. Come in faith, acknowledging that He is the sinless eternal Son of God, who laid down His life and gave His sin – cleansing blood for everyone on Calvary’s Cross.

Know real peace with God, real forgiveness, and the promise of an eternal home in Heaven with your Lord and Saviour!

1)

The wise man built his house upon the rock

The wise man built his house upon the rock

The wise man built his house upon the rock

And the rains came tumbling down.

2)

The rains came down and the floods came up

The rains came down and the floods came up

The rains came down and the floods came up

But the house on the rock stood firm.

3)

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

And the rains came tumbling down.

4)

The rains came down and the floods came up

The rains came down and the floods came up

The rains came down and the floods came up

And the house on the sand fell flat.

5)

So build your life on The Lord Jesus Christ

So build your life on The Lord Jesus Christ

So build your life on The Lord Jesus Christ

And the blessings will come down.

6)

The blessings come down as your prayers go up

The blessings come down as your prayers go up

The blessings come down as your prayers go up

So build your life on The Lord.

(chorus by Anonymous)

Gospel Meeting 25/08/2019

Galatians ch4 vs1 – 11

Here, the Galatian church was wandering from the true Gospel message of how one receives Salvation through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ alone.

It had come to the Apostle Paul’s knowledge the Galatians were teaching that obedience to the law is mingled with faith as the ground of the sinners justification. Also, that the justified believer is made perfect by keeping the law.

Paul made it absolutely clear to them that Salvation comes from faith alone in Christ alone!

Paul reminded them how it was before Jesus Christ’s redeeming work on The Cross. No – one is able to keep the law and all were in bondage to it, but Calvary frees us from that bondage!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that is was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”

-  Romans ch8 vs1 – 4

vs5 tells us we have been redeemed from being under the law and into the family of God!

The law demanded a price for those who broke it – death – but God’s eternal Son, Jesus Christ, paid the full price of our sins once for all.

 On The Cross, He became the sacrifice for our sins. His Father punished the only person never to have sinned.

Dear reader, this is how much Jesus Christ loves you – He gave His life and blood that you personally can be forgiven and free from condemnation!

No – one can become a son of God outside of The Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul questioned why they should want to go back to their old ways, now they were not slaves to the law they could never keep.

vs6 tells us we now have the Holy Spirit resident within our hearts and will never leave us. A personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ, able to call God “Father”! It emphasises that we are now a close member of His family!

What absolute blessings are ours who have repented of our sinful ways, and in faith accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour - even an heir of God through Christ!

Despite the world and its opinions, we Christians know by the assurance of the Word of God where we are going to spend Eternity. Would anyone want to go back to how life was before we knew Christ as our Saviour? Not a chance!

We enjoy the most wonderful peace and certainties through our loving Saviour, and by walking daily with Him.

Paul, in vs9, reminded the Galatians of the great dangers and loss by returning into slavery and bondage. Trying to contribute something towards your own Salvation is totally futile, nothing we could ever do would achieve or change a single thing. We should all be most thankful that Salvations work is already complete!

“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

Well intentioned deeds may be very good, but they are meaningless concerning one’s personal Salvation.

“And we have seen and do testify that the father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world”

-  1^st John ch4 vs14

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”

- The Acts ch4 vs12

Dear friend, the grace of God to each of us is a wonderful thing. The work of our forgiveness and Salvation was all done and accomplished for us On Calvary’s Cross through Jesus Christ.

All that is required on our part is genuine repentance, faith in Jesus Christ and His sin – cleansing blood that He gave for you personally.

If you have never yet done so, please come to Him this day and ask His forgiveness.

Gospel Meeting 18/08/2019

The Lamentations of Jeremiah ch3 vs21 – 26...

21. "This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope.

22. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.

24. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

26. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

The writer deliberately turns from the utter turmoil and devastation of his situation to God. Despite his own circumstances and that of his people, he speaks of God’s love, compassion, sufficiency and goodness, summed up in vs23.

When things turn out well for us, it is easy to praise The Lord, but it most certainly was not like that in these times for Jeremiah. However, we cannot measure God’s faithful grace by personal circumstances. Through most difficult times, King David’s personal trust also remained in The Lord.

So, what does it mean for God to be "faithful”?

The speaker brought out two points:

1)    God is always true to His person. His acts are always consistent with who He is.

Many people still question God’s existence because of the terrible state of the world. Bad news and evil behaviour abounds, but we know inside that this is not the way things should be. We all know God is, and that things are not the way He ordered.

Many like the idea of “a god”, but invent and shape their own views and ideas about what he should be like (often just to suit their own lifestyle).  This immediately reduces him to one’s own thoughts, and full of limitations.

The Word of God clearly explains much about the only true and living God - and most wonderfully He desires to have a relationship with each one of us! This can only be achieved through accepting and knowing His Son, Jesus Christ, as one's personal Saviour.

There are so many excellent characteristics in God!

“And He passed in front of Moses proclaiming, The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness”

-     Exodus ch34 vs6

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he”

-     Deuteronomy ch32 vs4

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”

-      Psalm ch100 vs5

The true God is holy, good, loving, just and faithful!

No matter how things may look to us, God is assuredly acting through His purposes out of love.  People are unpredictable each day in many ways, but He changes never!

He is always certain.

 2)     God is true to His promises. He does what He says.

“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”

-      Hebrews ch13 vs8

Who else could you trust 100% on every single thing through the span of your life?

We sadly live in a world of broken promises every day, whether it be governments, contracts, families or relationships. Through this, we can feel much lasting heartache and pain.

 “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself”

-       2^nd Timothy ch2 vs13

In our weakness and failings, The Lord may act in a way that we don’t wholly understand or fully appreciate, but He is always loving and faithful.

Our lives may already have many difficulties, and when we have personally trusted in The Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we are warned to expect persecution – such is the world’s hatred of Him and His followers.

God’s promises…

a)     He will one day judge all evil and wrongdoings. God will step in and bring justice.

We are all sinners, totally deserving of God’s punishment, but He promises complete forgiveness for all who will repent and put their personal trust in His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is sinless, and took upon Himself the sins of the whole world. He laid down His life on The Cross and was punished by His Father, that we can be forgiven and have everlasting life, instead of facing an eternal condemnation for rejecting His most costly offer of full and free Salvation.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”

-     1^st John ch1 vs9

b)      He is a holy and just God, and cannot ignore our many sins against Him. Yet, He has made the most perfect provision for our eternal happiness through His beloved Son. He is ever consistent with His Word. Sin must rightly be punished, and what supreme love was shown in the giving of His sinless Son as the sacrifice for my sin and yours!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life”

-  John’s Gospel ch3 vs16

c)  He will be with His people!

For those who have accepted The Lord Jesus Christ in true repentance and faith, then the relationship broken between us by our sin, is restored, Whatever trials of life may come upon you He has promised to be with you through them always, by His indwelling Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

“… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So, that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

-       Hebrews ch13 vs5 – 6

c)     Eternal life with The Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven!

There are times we all hope that something nice we planned or wished for ahead will maybe actually happen, but this is our "blessed hope"and another of God’s promises and certainties!

“… but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation”

-      Hebrews ch9 vs26 -28

“… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”

-      John’s Gospel ch14 vs2 -3

His own people shall be forever free from sin and struggles, pain, death and Hell!

The Lord Jesus Christ’s victorious work at Calvary’s Cross forever defeated them!

Dear reader, this eternal victory is freely available for you too tonight – what an incredible gift from God, through His Son! Please accept and embrace this most lovely and faithful Man tonight as your own Lord and Saviour.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift”!

-      2^nd Corinthians ch9 vs15

1.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness,

great is Thy faithfulness;

morning by morning new mercies I see;

all I have needed Thy hand hath provided –

great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

2.

Summer and winter, and spring -  time and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

3.

Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

(Hymn by T. O. Chisholm)

Gospel Meeting 11/08/2019

Matthew’s Gospel ch22 vs1 – 7

Here, The Lord Jesus Christ tells a parable about a marriage feast.

Weddings are happy occasions, and as with this one many were invited to the banquet. The king sent his servants to personally say to those invited “come”.

However, they refused the invite, and worse still some of the servants were killed.

The king was understandably wrath and great calamity came upon those who were responsible for their actions.

Friend, God is personally inviting you also to “come” unto Him this evening.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”

-  Isaiah ch1 vs18

“now” is emphasized, because no – one is ever assured of having a tomorrow…

It is a most sad fact that sin is so often openly laughed at by people today.

Most of the world has largely forgotten about the holiness of God and turned against Him. Hearts have become so hardened towards Him and rebellion against His holy ways is rife.

However, sin is deadly – and our full graveyards testify to this.

“And the LORD God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die”

-  Genesis ch2 vs16 – 17

Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree - sin and death had entered in.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…”

-  Romans ch5 vs12

We are all affected in the same way and God makes it very clear –

“And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement”

-  Hebrew’s ch9 vs27

After our earthly life ends, we have an eternal state. Each person that ever lived will be found in either Heaven or Hell forever. No sin can ever enter into His presence, but Heaven is where you are graciously invited to come - God has made a way for us sinners to be forgiven and reconciled unto Him. God abhors sin, but loves the sinner.

God’s plan was formed before the beginning of time – the Lamb of God that would be sacrificed for our sins was foreordained.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you”

-  1^st Peter ch1 vs18 – 20

In His great love, God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world, and He laid down His sinless life on The Cross at Calvary. He gave His blood that we can all be forgiven through having personal faith in Jesus Christ and repenting of our sinful way of life.

Many people put things off until a later time, but God always bids you to come now!

In His Word, God tells you about yourself and Himself.  When The Lord Jesus Christ met the Samaritan woman at the well, (John’s Gospel ch4) He knew her innermost secrets.

The Lord knows our hearts, and they are all marked by sin.

“… for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart”

-  1^st Samuel ch16 vs7

The Lord Jesus Christ is unique! He is absolutely sinless and born of a virgin. He came here with one view – to be the Saviour of sinners.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”

-  Matthew’s Gospel ch1 vs21

God still want you to come and reason with Him tonight, dear friend.

“Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did…”

-  John’s Gospel ch4 vs29

“… we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathaniel said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see”

-  John’s Gospel ch1 vs45 – 46

Will you tonight come and see this most wonderful Saviour?

At Calvary’s Cross, God’s supreme love was shown for all people. The Creator of the universe and more, laid down His life to pay for all our sins. Without the sacrifice of The Lord Jesus Christ we would all be heading for a lost eternity in that most awful place.

For those who reject Him and are separated from God, they will be conscious forever that they missed the opportunity of accepting His offer of forgiveness through The Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ knew He was going to suffer greatly at the hands of wicked men and in being made sin for us, but never swayed from going to that cruel Cross.

1.

How matchless is God’s wondrous love!

He gave His Son from Heav’n above,

That none should perish who believe,

But everlasting life receive.

It was for me; it was for me,

The Saviour died on Calvary;

Salvation full, at highest cost,

God’s “Whosoever” saves the lost.

2.

Herein is love, ‘tis love indeed;

A love that meets our deepest need,

A love that passes human thought,

He loved us when we loved Him not.

3.

To sinners lost, our God commends

His perfect love, which never ends;

The death of Christ that love has shown;

Was love so wondrous ever known?

4.

His love dismisses all our fear,

And to Himself He brings us near;

The Father’s house we soon shall see,

To dwell in love eternally.

(Hymn by I. Fleming)

Parents pass on their genes, i.e. – blue eyes, long legs, maybe a crooked nose! Adam passed down his sin.

“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me”

-  Psalm ch51 vs5

There is Salvation in none other.

Friend, what will you do with God’s Son who paid your great debt of sin?

Please accept this blessed Man of Calvary tonight, if you have not already done so.

The two thieves who were crucified either side of The Lord, chose different eternal destinations. One repented, trusting Jesus Christ as His Lord and Saviour, and went to Heaven. The other was unrepentant, disbelieving, and went to a terrible lost eternity.

1.

Face to face with Christ my Saviour,

Face to face, what will it be,

When with rapture I behold Him,

Jesus Christ who died for me?

Face to face, shall I behold Him,

Far beyond the starry sky;

Face to face in all His glory

I shall see Him bye and bye!

2.

Only faintly now I see Him,

With the darkening veil between,

But a blessed day is coming,

When His glory shall be seen

3.

What rejoicing in His presence,

When are banished grief and pain;

When the crooked ways are straightened,

And the dark things shall be plain.

4.

Face to face! oh, blissful moment!

Face to face, to see and know;

Face to face with my Redeemer,

Jesus Christ, who loves me so.

(Hymn by C. E. Breck)

Gospel Meeting 04/08/2019

Romans ch7 vs18 – 20

Galatians ch2 vs20, ch1 vs21 – 24

Many of us are prone to speaking about ourselves!

It is fine, as long as we are not constantly boasting or self – absorbed.

In these scriptures, the apostle Paul speaks about himself – and its good news concerning God! This world is full of bad news every day, but the Gospel is ever the best news that mankind can hear.

You too can experience the same life – change as Paul, by having the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.

Dear reader, do you know Jesus Christ as your own Saviour? Can you say all your sins have been forgiven?

Paul appreciated both his own sinful state within himself, and the care he received from his Saviour.

“… the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”

Paul knew The Lord Jesus Christ loved him personally, and it is exactly the same for you and I tonight.

Paul was one of the worst persecutors of Christians until being saved by the grace of God and then became one of the great preachers of the Gospel.

Dear reader, he can transform your life too if you would only let him in!

Paul went from saying there “was no good thing dwelling in him”, to “Christ liveth in me”! Jesus Christ changes lives!

Oh, that you too may know a changed life through accepting Jesus Christ as you Lord and Saviour.

We all like to see ourselves in a positive light, but Paul is completely honest to the condition of his heart and before God. He is so very conscious of his sin, calling himself the worst –

“… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief”

-   1^st Timothy ch1 vs15

We each need to look into our hearts like Paul.

By God’s holy standards we have all miserably failed and our sins are most offensive to Him. We are all utterly guilty before God.

Dear reader, whatever you may feel guilty about in your life, Jesus Christ will forgive you and fully save you. There is no – one too bad to be saved, and no – one too good that doesn’t need to be saved.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”

-  Romans ch3 vs23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”

-  Romans ch6 vs23

To stay in sin means a terrible lost eternity.

There are many solemn warnings concerning the reality of Hell for the unsaved, who will face judgement.

Turn to the only answer for sinners -  the Saviour of sinners, Jesus Christ.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”

-  The Acts ch4 vs12

He is not only a worldwide Saviour, but also a most personal Saviour, and Paul basked in the personal love and care of The Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are feeling unloved, come to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith tonight, and know the greatest love of all. It is easy for someone to say they love you, but actions have to prove this.

 On Calvary’s Cross, God’s eternal Son, Jesus Christ, proved His immeasurable love for us all. There, He suffered intensely for us and died to pay the price of our sins through the sacrifice of His sinless body. He was punished for our sins – such wonderful love!

You too can say tonight “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”!

Do you appreciate this love beyond measure?

Do you have a response in your heart?

May you too know this night, like Paul, the reality of the love of The Lord Jesus Christ in your heart and life.

1.      What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

2.      I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

3.      I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

4.      There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

5.      I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

(Hymn by Rufus Henry McDaniel)

Gospel Meeting 28/07/2019

John’s Gospel ch14 vs1 – 6

1^st Corinthians ch15 vs51 – 53

1^st Thessalonians ch4 vs16 -17

THE RAPTURE…

What happens to the saved and the unsaved?

1)      The Saved

The disciples in John’s Gospel had sorrowing hearts and were troubled at the Lord Jesus Christ telling them that He must shortly leave them. However, he told them not to be so, as He was going to prepare a place in Heaven for them and would return for them. The same promise applies to each and every one of us.

 Why? He loves us and wants us to be with Him in that holy place forever.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

-  John’s Gospel ch3 vs16

He is coming back to receive His own!

In order to do this, it cost The Lord His life. We can only enter Heaven if we have been forgiven for our sins and cleansed. Not one person is able to erase a single sin by their own means. But in His great love for us, The Lord Jesus Christ paid the price for the whole world’s sin. He alone was able to do this because as God’s Eternal Son, He was completely sinless and without fault. He became the only acceptable sacrifice and laid down His life on The Cross. Three days later, He was resurrected, fully justified!

1. “Alas! And did my Saviour bleed?

And did my Saviour die?

Would he devote that sacred head,

For such a worm as I?

2. Was it for crimes that I have done

He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! Grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

3. Well might the sun in darkness hide,

And shut his glories in,

When the Incarnate Maker died

For man His creature’s sin.

(Hymn by Isaac Watts)

The Lord Jesus Christ is coming Himself to take us home, and this will happen in the blink of an eye! Our bodies will be changed – and praise be - don’t we need it!

What utter joy it will be for the believer to see His face and to have fellowship with Him forever!

But when? We are not told, but always to be ready – it could be tonight, or before this article has been typed. All the signs foretold concerning this wonderful event are with us… be sure you are ready for eternity!

Dear friend, are you ready for eternity?

Many people today say “I hope so”, or “I think so”, but you must be sure, there are no second chances! Make your decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour without further delay.

Acknowledge you are a sinner. Then in faith of who He is, ask His forgiveness and trust in His work of Salvation on The Cross, repenting of your old sinful way of life.

2)      The Unsaved

Here, the speaker tells us he feels burdened and could weep thinking about those who will be left behind and facing eternal condemnation for sins that have not been forgiven.

Unbelievers are increasingly offended these days to hear of this real place called Hell, and many think they are decent people who do not need or want the Saviour of sinners.

The speaker was hurting to think that many precious lives could be dying and heading into eternal damnation before this night is over. It is his responsibility to warn you of this awful place of eternal torment for those who have rejected the love, grace and mercy of The Lord Jesus Christ, and His offer of a full and free forgiveness.

Sin cannot enter Heaven in any way, shape or form. Only Jesus Christ can make you clean and fit to enter in.

You need not have any doubts about where you will spend eternity – accept Christ and have 100% certainty! Can you ask for anything more?

Some people say “God isn’t like that, He wouldn’t send people to Hell”, but God never sends anyone to Hell – a person sends himself by his own choice!

God has made every provision and made the way that no-one need find themselves going there for a lost eternity, to be forever separated from Him.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance"

-  2^nd Peter ch3 vs9

           

“…This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus”

-  1^st Timothy ch2 vs3 – 5

Be saved! Be sure! Cross from certain death to certain life by accepting Jesus Christ tonight!

“O Lord Jesus, how long?

How long ere we shout the glad song?

Christ returneth,

hallelujah, hallelujah, amen,

hallelujah, amen!

(chorus from hymn by H. L. Turner)

Gospel Meeting 21/07/2019

The speaker’s message tonight continued in the series:

“The A,B,C,D,E Route to Becoming a Christian and Beyond”

D = DISCIPLESHIP

The Acts ch2

1^st Peter ch2 vs1 – 10

1^st John ch1 vs1 – 10

Having been converted, then a Christian’s behaviour deepens into discipleship.

The Christian faith is not a standing still faith, it is a “going – on” faith!

In The Acts vs41 – 42, the converts committed themselves. The apostle’s teaching was exciting, glorifying God as he taught the people.

It was a Christ – centred message, interpreting the promises of the Old Testament. Telling of the life, death and resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ and bringing it right up to date. The apostle shared with them the practical outworking of faith – putting words into practice.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”

-  James ch1 vs22

These converts felt a need to become established in the truth, eager for ministry.

They had a spiritual hunger for the Word of God

Here is a personal challenge for each of us dear reader! – are we still hungering? Or do we get by on one spiritual meal per week? A hungering for God’s Word is not only for new converts but for all His people!

God has provided great teachers through the ages to fully benefit our daily lives.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen"

-  2^nd Peter ch3 vs18

Christian people should be constantly maturing – an undernourished baby will not grow as it should. If we treasure God’s Word we will gain constant healthy growth.

Three essential aspects of discipleship for a spiritually healthy Christian are:

a)   Fellowship

b)   Breaking of Bread

c)    Prayers

a)  Fellowship…

1^st John ch1 vs1 – 10

The 3000 that were saved in The Acts had lives that were united in their love of The Lord Jesus Christ. They devoted themselves, and we must respond in the same way. They became as one company, joying in speaking of The Lord and His business. There is a beautiful partnership of love and commitment between brothers and sisters in Christ.

How each lives proves the reality of their faith. A person cannot have fellowship with The Lord Jesus Christ if that life is being lived not according to His Word (vs5 – 7). Are we really wanting to walk daily with The Lord? Then it is well known that we cannot have fellowship with the world and with Christ! We cannot have one foot in each camp, as it is often said.

Far better to be in daily fellowship with the blessed Man of Calvary than with this world and all its dross! How much we should be longing to be more and more like Him and walking in His ways!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”

- Psalm ch139 vs23 - 24

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God”

-    Romans ch12 vs1 – 2

The apostle John questioned people -  were their lives matching up?

One must have personal fellowship with God first, before one is then able to have fellowship with others who belong to Christ.

vs5 tells us to seek after God – He is the light! We too must walk daily in that same light. Then two rich blessings follow…

1= We have beautiful fellowship one with another

2= The blood of The Lord Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

Dear friend, choose very carefully whom you decide to have fellowship with. Stay with those who are walking in the light, and not those with the fruits of darkness.

“… know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”

-   James ch4 vs4

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”

- Colossians ch3 vs1 - 2

We have a great privilege to enjoy fellowship with other believers - and to tell others outside of these rich blessings just how much they are missing.

Dear friend, if you are still outside of these promises and blessings, please make your peace with God tonight concerning the question of your sins. Simply come to The Lord Jesus Christ in faith and sincere repentance, ask His forgiveness, and invite Him to be your Lord and Saviour.

On Calvary’s Cross, He showed His boundless love by taking the punishment for all our sins and laying down His life so that we can be forgiven.

He will never let you down, and He is an all – the – way – home Saviour!