Meetings for week commencing 16/03/2020 d.v.

With deep sadness, the decision has been taken to close this Assembly from today, 19/03/2020, until the coronavirus Covid-19 has been conquered. The health of every one of our dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, both here in our own Assembl, and for the many who visit us, is of the utmost importance. Lord bless and keep you all safe and well, and we pray we will be able to gather again soon to further glorify His Name.

Easter Message 10/04/20

A Man of Sorrows, and Aquainted with Grief”

It is truly heartbraking to see and hear of so many people across the world suffering from this awful disease, Covid-19. But it is ever good to consider and reflect upon The One who suffered more than any man ever has. His name is The Lord Jesus Christ, and His sufferings were for me, you, and all the people in the World.

 

He left His Father’s side and took flesh, being born of a virgin, and became the Saviour of sinners to all who would repent of their sins and believe His Gospel message of Salvation.

Jesus Christ - fully God, yet fully man - had great compassion on the people, healing everyone that came to Him carrying many diseases and ailments. We read in John’s Gospel account (chapter 11) that “Jesus wept” over a family bereaving the death of their brother.

 

Jesus Christ also wept over Jerusalem, (Luke’s Gospel account chapter 19) knowing of it’s forthcoming ruination.

 

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15)

 

Yet, this most lovely Man still had to go to Calvary’s Cross and lay down His sinless life, being crucified, that each of us can be forgiven for our own sins, know real peace with God and have eternal life in Heaven with Him.

The prophet Isaiah foretold (chapters 52 & 53) that Jesus Christ would be so scourged and brutalised at the hands of wicked men, to the extent that His form would literally be unrecognisable as that of a human being. These verses also tell us He would be known as “A Man of Sorrows, and aquainted with grief”. Further to these appalling physical atrocities, He suffered intensely, (Luke’s Gospel account chapter 22, and Matthew, Mark, John), anguished at fully knowing the horrors shortly to be when He would take all our sins upon Himself and all that entailed. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”... “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him”...”And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground”. 

 

Yet even more suffering was still to come. The greatest suffering of all.

 

Hanging on The Cross, at the height of the day there became a darkness over all the land for three hours. The Father there punished His Son, who had taken upon Himself my sin, your sin, and the sin of every person in the world. Alone, rejected by men, Jesus Christ cried out with a loud voice “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”. We cannot even begin to enter into the depth of these sufferings.

Isaiah, again speaking of Jesus Christ says “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted”... “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin”.

 

What wonderful love beyond expression The Lord Jesus Christ has for you and I! “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2nd Corinthians 5:21).

His sinless sacrifice - once for all - was completely accepted by The Father and Jesus Christ arose from the grave fully justified. A living, loving Saviour!

“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore” (The Revelation 1:18)

 

Yes, He indeed knows more about sufferings than anyone, ever, and I repeat - it was all for our sakes. If you still do not know this most wonderful Man personally as your own Lord and Saviour, I urge you with all my heart to accept Him today. He will never let you down!

1. Thy suffering love, Lord Jesus,
   Our hearts delight to trace; 
   The love that sought and claimed us,
   In strong yet tender grace.
   
2. We think of Thy devotion,
   Thy blest obedience rare;
   Thy holy, deep emotion,
   Thy grief that none could share.
   
3. Thus to our hearts Thou speakest;
   Blest Lord, we hear Thy voice;
   We know its charm, its sweetness,
   And in Thy love rejoice.
   
4. We wait the consummation
   Of love’s own work divine,
   And now in adoration
   We joy that we are Thine
   (G.A.Lucas)

Gospel Meeting 23/02/20

2^nd Corinthians ch5 vs17 – 21

Ephesians ch1 vs3 – 14

Hebrews ch12 vs1 – 2

When we were naughty as children and inevitably found out, we promised we would not do it again. We have all been there!

It is the same in other fields – professional sports people promise not to overstep the rules and be banned, but it rarely lasts because they revert to type.

Sadly, many people who have destructive addictions also slip back.

Deep down, we are all like this.

The most wonderful news though, is that anyone can be made a whole new creation!

This is not just turning over a new leaf or some temporary make-over, but a whole new person.

The Lord Jesus Christ told Nicodemus “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John’s Gospel ch3 vs1 – 21). Nicodemus questioned this, as he rightly struggled with the idea that a man could re-enter his mother’s womb. However, Jesus Christ was referring to a spiritual new birth, through the Holy Spirit of God.

How can this happen? How does one enter into a new spiritual birth and become a partaker of this new divine nature, and of the life of Christ Himself?

The only way is through reconciliation… we have all sinned and this has caused us to be separated from God, facing eternal condemnation.

 But the Apostle Paul, here, repeats the great news of the Gospel, that through the redeeming work of The Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross, each person can have forgiveness of sins and be reconciled to God.

Reconciled, means to re-establish a close relationship, to settle or resolve a difference, and to make compatible.

When God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the only One who never once sinned, became the holy sacrifice for our sins in laying down His life, He paid our penalty in full that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Dear friend, There at Calvary, Jesus Christ, in love, took your personal sin and mine and His Father punished Him. God must and will judge all sin!

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

- Hebrews ch9 vs27

Absolutely nothing else will do. There is no other means of reconciliation, than the finished work of The Lord Jesus Christ. He lived, died and arose again – once for all people!

Again, dear friend, you can have your sin problem dealt with tonight – forever!

Many people across this world continue to seek or invent different ways of obtaining a “new birth” and eternal life in Heaven, but this is rebellion against The Lord Jesus Christ, and all efforts are utterly futile.

“… This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" 

- Matthew’s Gospel ch3 vs17

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

- John’s Gospel ch14 vs6

In tonight’s reading from Hebrews, Paul encourages believer’s that although we will still be hindered in running our race well for Christ by the many sins which still seek to ensnare us, we can overcome them by keeping entirely focused on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Satan will still be present to tempt and annoy, but as Paul earlier stated in his epistle to the Romans – sin shall no longer have dominion over us! When the believer is having a struggle or trial, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin! (1^st John ch1)

We have a wonderful provision from God – a daily cleansing through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time”

- 1^st Timothy ch2 vs5/6

Dear reader, this includes you too. Jesus Christ loves YOU! Will you turn away from your sins and put your faith and trust in this one Mediator?

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”

- Galatians ch2 vs20

It is personal… make it personal and call upon your Saviour tonight!

1. Redemption! oh, wonderful story—
Glad message for you and for me;
That Jesus has purchased our pardon,
And paid all the debt on the tree.

Refrain
Believe it, O sinner, believe it;
Receive the glad message—’tis true;
Trust now in the crucified Saviour,
Salvation He offers to you.

2. From death unto life He has brought us,
And made us by grace sons of God;
A fountain is opened for sinners;
Oh, wash and be cleansed in the blood! [Refrain]

3. No longer shall sin have dominion,
Though present to tempt and annoy;
For Christ, in His blessèd redemption,
The power of sin shall destroy. [Refrain]

4. Accept now God’s offer of mercy;
To Jesus, oh hasten today;
For He will receive him that cometh,
And never will turn him away. [Refrain]

(Hymn by Mr.S.Sayford)

Gospel Meeting 09/02/20

2^nd Corinthians ch5 vs1 – 10

The Revelation ch20 vs11 – 15

The speaker shared with us that he is required to attend two work appraisals each year.

His boss would review his recent performance, integrity and ingenuity, etc. Was their customer’s satisfied?

The boss would then judge his employee on the facts… would he get a bonus? Would he be worthy of keeping his position?

The speaker knew that it was of the utmost importance to prepare diligently and fully for his appraisal. Failing to do so meant he would very quickly be found out and have a price to pay.

However, in a fast approaching day, every single one of us without exception will have an appraisal for something far more crucial – the outcome will decide where we spend our whole Eternity.

The One who will be judging our personal appraisal is God. The Lord Jesus Christ will give His verdict.

Whether anyone is famous, rich, poor, royalty or servant, every person will give an account of their life to God.

What a most sobering thought.

As with the speaker, it is imperative that our preparation has to be done before the meeting. Leave it until your meeting with God and it will be tragically too late, with great consequences.

“…PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD…”

- Amos ch4 vs12

In tonight’s scriptures we read about two groups of people who will have very different appraisals by God at their personal meetings.

The apostle Paul told Christians in Corinth that each believer would come before the judgement seat of Christ for their life to be reviewed. This is not a judgement of sins, but a judgement of works – every personal sin has been atoned for the Christian person through their repentance and faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, and His redeeming work on Calvary’s Cross. But here, the believer’s works are judged, whether good or bad.

How immensely pleasing would it be to hear God say to us personally –

“…Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” – (Matthew’s Gospel ch25 vs21).

How many of us shall wish not having had different actions, or speaking in a more gracious tone?

Yet this personal meeting and appraisal will be completely honest, just and irreversible. The Judge is holy and perfect in every way!

But whatever our many regrets shall be at this appraisal, not one person is lost – all are ushered into The Father’s House for Eternity!

This group of Christian people were well prepared.

Not by reading their Bible, regular Church attendance, or simply through good works – as much as these things are to be greatly encouraged – but solely because they all had trusted The Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Preparation for forgiveness of sins and to enter Heaven is based solely on God’s Son, Jesus Christ. 

The prior work on your appraisal is down to you – and it begins with your response to The Lord Jesus Christ and His sinless sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross for your many sins.

Dear friend, do you believe Jesus Christ loves you so much that He willingly laid down His life and shed His precious blood to pay the penalty of your own sins?

In agony, he paid the price that we could never pay, in order that you and I can be completely forgiven and no longer face condemnation.

 I urge you tonight, simply call upon The Lord Jesus Christ in faith, and in repentance of your old sinful way of life. Ask His forgiveness and accept Him as your personal Saviour.

The apostle John spoke of another time and a different group of people having their personal appraisals. They have the same Judge – God.

But what a horrendously different outcome for each of these people’s appraisals.

Forgiveness was offered to all these people too, but all had rejected God’s plan of Salvation, and their names were not found written in the book of life.

What an eternal tragedy!

The consequences of personal sins having not been forgiven by God, means a lost Eternity in torment and darkness.

Such is the absolute seriousness of our sins against the Holy God.

“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, in love and concern I must inquire, are you with the first group of people spoken of in Corinth by Paul, or with the second group spoken of by John in The Revelation?

I pray that tonight you have fully prepared for your appraisal with God, having accepted The Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. Then you will know His great peace and joy personally!

“…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation…”

- 2^nd Corinthians ch6 vs2

1. Life at best is very brief,
Like the falling of a leaf,
Like the binding of a sheaf,
Be in time.
Fleeting days are telling fast
That the die will soon be cast,
And the fatal line be passed,
Be in time.

Refrain
Be in time, be in time,
While the voice of Jesus calls you, be in time.
If in sin you longer wait,
You may find no open gate,
And your cry be just too late, be in time.

2. Fairest flowers soon decay,
Youth and beauty pass away,
Oh, you have not long to stay,
Be in time.
While God’s Spirit bids you come,
Sinner, do no longer roam,
Lest you seal your helpless doom,
Be in time. [Refrain]

3. Time is gliding swiftly by,
Death and judgment draweth nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly,
Be in time.
Oh, I pray you count the cost,
Ere the fatal line be crossed,
And your soul in hell be lost,
Be in time. [Refrain]

4. Sinner, heed the warning voice,
Make the Lord your final choice,
Then all Heaven will rejoice,
Be in time.
Come from darkness into light,
Come, let Jesus make you right,
Come, and start for Heav’n tonight,
Be in time. [Refrain]
(Hymn by Charles Harrison Mason)

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