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Philippians 3:13 I am focusing all my energies on this one thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. The Apostle Paul knew where he was headed in life, what about you? Everyone’s life is driven by something! A dictionary definition of driven includes guided, controlled by, or directed by. Think of your car when it is driven by you, hopefully you are guiding it and controlling it every moment you are driving! Today a problem, or a pressure or even a deadline might drive you. You could also be driven by a painful memory, an overwhelming fear (phobia e.g. fear of failure) or even an unrecognized belief or mindset. What would your closest family and friends say drove your life? There are literally hundreds of circumstances, values and emotions that can drive our lives. Here are 5 examples of common ones. Many people are driven by Guilt. They spend most of their lives running away from regrets and trying to hide their shame. Guilt-driven people are manipulated and controlled by their memories. They allow their past to control their future! They often unconsciously punish themselves and even may try to sabotage their own success. After Cain murdered his brother, his guilt caused him to become a restless wanderer. This is perhaps a good description perhaps of many people who wander through their lives without a purpose. We may be products of our past, but we do not need to be prisoners to it. God’s purpose in your life is not limited by your past. God turned Moses from a murderer into a national leader and the timid Gideon into a valiant warrior. I wonder what he is going to do with you and me? God specializes in giving people a fresh start. Oh the joy of whose sins have been forgiven (that is us). Many people are driven by resentment and anger. They hold onto their hurts and wounds and never get over them, instead of dealing with the hurt by forgiveness they replay the offence in their minds. Instead of dealing with the hurt by giving forgiveness they replay the offence over and over and keep it a fresh source of negative emotions. Some people repress their anger and pain whilst others explode with rage. Both responses are unhealthy and unhelpful. Resentment gnaws away at us (like a rat in your soul) and has more effect on the ‘offended’ than the offender. The offended person just stews in their own juice. We must learn to let go of all bitterness and resentment with God’s help and forgive people with His forgiveness. Easier said than done, you might say, but doing the right thing surely leads to health and peace of mind. Many people are driven by fear. Fears come upon people in many ways. Some traumatic experience, unrealistic expectations, superstitions, growing up under dominating people or perhaps some people may be more fearful than others by nature. Many fear-driven people miss out on great opportunities because they are afraid to go out or step out into the unknown. Instead they play it safe every time, avoid every risk and always vote for the status quo. Fear is a self-imposed prison which holds you captive from finding God’s purpose for your life. Perfect love casts out all fear and we have the full armour of God to help us deals with its attacks. Many people are driven by materialism. The acquisition of material wealth becomes the overriding purpose of their lives. Remember the parable of the wealthy man who built bigger barns and planned the good life not realizing his time was up. There is the underlying misconception that more material wealth will bring more happiness, more security, and more importance. It would not take to you too long to find examples of many people who could tell you otherwise. Possessions only bring a temporary happiness, then we get bored with them and want newer, better (or even younger) replacements. Your value to God does not lie in your possessions but in your very life, you are his treasure. What is your treasure? Wealth does not make you secure; you can have a billion in the bank but a need for 1.1 billion arises. Wealth can be lost in a moment e.g. the Wall Street crash. We find our security in our relationship with the living God (we have a written covenant with him that is fireproof, waterproof and event proof). Many people are driven by the need for approval. Some people allow the expectations of their parents, spouses, or teachers or even their friends to control their lives. Many adults are still trying to win the approval of their unpleasable parents (can even happen when the parent is dead). Others are driven by peer pressure to conform to the group or gang. We will never succeed in life by trying to please everyone! Jesus said no man can serve two masters, either we will please God or man. Being driven by the opinions of the others will result in us displeasing God. I am sure you will agree that it too high a price to pay. We must be on our guard for anything driving our lives that would lead to our unfulfilled potential or destiny. We need to live our lives guided and controlled and directed by God’s (and only) God’s purposes for our lives. Nothing matters more than to be in his will and purpose in your life and nothing this world has to offer us can really compensate us for missing his purpose for our lives. Without a purpose, life is motion without meaning. Without a purpose, life is activity without direction. Without a purpose, life has no reason. Without a purpose, life is trivial, petty, and pointless. Benefits of living a Purpose Driven Life Here are 5 great reasons of living a purpose driven life. Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your Life. Life without God and hence without purpose is meaningless. Where there is no meaning there is no significance or hope. Live without purpose is a terrible burden. What hope do the godless have? Nothing really matters. Why should anyone care about anything? Each day would drag on and on! Cancer patients with a strong life purpose and desire to live do better generally than those who do not. God has plans for your life, plans to bless you, and prosper you. Is anything too difficult for him? Knowing your purpose simplifies your Life We can simplify our lives into doing either things that… Please God or do not Glorify God or do not Things that are in obedience to God’s word or not. Any new project, plan or proposal can be measured up against your life purpose by asking will it help or hinder my God given purpose. Without a clear purpose we base our decisions to allocate out time and resources on momentary things such as mood, pressures etc. Isaiah 26:3 You Lord give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Knowing your purpose focuses your Life We can become effective by being selective. It is all too easy to become distracted by minor issues. We usually major on the minors. Thoreau said many people live lives of quiet desperation, but Rick Warren has suggested it might be more apposite to say they live lives of aimless distraction like gyroscopes spinning fast but going nowhere. Without a clear purpose we will change relationships, jobs, houses, churches etc. hoping that the next change will make everything all right, but it usually does not. What will help you, will be focusing clearly in on God’s purpose for your life then making any changes based on that. Being focused is more important than being busy. White light is diffuse and not focused and needs a magnifier to get focused, but a laser is highly focused and can cut through steel! God wants you to live your life focused like a laser. Look at Paul, Philippians 3:13, I am focusing all my energies on this one thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Knowing your purpose motivates your Life Purpose produces passion. Nothing energizes like a clear purpose. Passion dissipates when there is no purpose. Meaningless work wears us out quicker than overwork. G.B. Shaw wrote “This is the true joy of life; being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” Which one of these is most like you? Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity Most people want to be remembered when they are dead. Yet, at the end of the day it is now that what our fellow men think and say of us really matters. All our records, trophies and achievements will eventually be surpassed. Living to create an earthly legacy is a shortsighted goal. We need to build an eternal legacy. We were put on earth to prepare for heaven. Each one of us will give a personal account to God for us our stewardship of our lives [Romans 14:10]. He will ask you ‘What did you do with my son Jesus Christ’? Did you accept him and what he did for you? Your answer will determine where you will spend eternity. ‘What did you do with your life (health, strength, gifts, talents, resources etc.)?’ Your answer will determine where you will be for eternity. Knowing your purpose will give you the right answers to these questions. Summary Living with purpose is the path to peace and faithfulness. Let us forget what lies behind and focus in like lasers on God’s purposes for our lives. Amen Prayer This teaching is adapted from The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

What is the purpose of the local church fellowship? We want to consider specific questions such as: Does our enemy Satan want you to come to church? If not, why not? Why do we come to church? What is the main priority of church life? Is it bible teaching or preaching or perhaps evangelism? Or is it something else? Before we tackle the question of priorities, we need to consider the fact that every church fellowship should have aims and a vision. The aims are simply the goals ahead, i.e. the direction of the fellowship. When you play darts you have to aim at something. Most times when we aim at nothing, then that is exactly what we achieve nothing. The vision is obtained by mixing faith to the aims that we believe God has given us. If a fellowship has the aim to preach the Gospel in a new local area, then by adding faith to the aim then they might have a vision to a start a home group of some form of outreach there, believing God that he will bless them in it. Having a vision keeps you going when times are difficult. Jesus has a vision for his church which kept him going through the agonies of the cross. You must stick to the aims and visions that God has given to your fellowship through thick and thin! Priorities of Church Life Are there any models in scripture that can help us assign priorities to the various functions in the church fellowship such as evangelism, praise and worship, bible study etc.? Fortunately, there are! John 15:1-8 (see sermon at bottom of this page- The Vine and the Branches) John 15:17-19 The pattern here is that we abide in the vine i.e. we share in intimate fellowship with the life of Christ, then flowing from this communion, we begin to show that same agape true love to each other. Then we can interact with the world in terms of evangelism etc. This is the general pattern in Colossians and Ephesians. The Purpose of Fellowship Life Fellowship life is all about expressing and developing our commitments. First, we must show commitment to God, next to each other and then to those in the world. Here are the main reasons we come to church. 1. To express our love to God. 2. To produce maturity, stability, and holiness in our lives. 3. To encourage believers to love each other with good works flowing from love. 4. To promote the care of the poor (widows and orphans) 5. To preach the Gospel. 6. To do good in the world. Let us now look at these 6 main reasons. # To express our love to God The shorter Westminster catechism puts it like this “the chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” God created us for his own pleasure. He must become our greatest pleasure. The main thrust of attending church must be the Lord himself, with all the good works following on from this. We can express our love to Him in many ways. Thanksgiving, praise, and worship. Thanksgiving is acknowledging what he has done. Praise is acknowledging who He is, and worship is a heart-to-heart connection with the Lord. We also show our love to him, by fellowshipping with him in prayer and bible study. The bible is the word of God and is our daily bread. In the bible we find out who He is and what He has done. Prayer is like breathing as we give and receive communication to and from God. Giving is part of our worship acknowledges who is our source of all good things. If you love him, you will keep his commandments. # To produce maturity, stability, and holiness in our lives God has placed the fivefold ministry gifts in the body specifically to bring maturity so that each person will be able to perform their unique God-given ministry and therefore the church will be built up. Even when we know the word of God, we often neglect to learn how to apply it at church. God has specifically placed leaders in his church not only to preach and teach but to show an example of how to live godly lives. Stability comes from having sound doctrine. Holiness will grow as we mature; it is our love for the Lord in a sense that determines our rate of maturing! God desires stability in the flock, people who do not know the bible will never be stable. # To encourage believer to love with good works flowing from Love It is at church we are often reminded of the command to love God and each other, not in word only but indeed, practically, and sincerely. Faith without works is dead. We need to ask the Lord to bring us into the good works he has prepared for us from before the foundation of the world. A good deed is any deed performed for God’s glory. A good deed is motivated by love (of God and our neighbour). A good deed is performed by faith working through love. No genuinely good deed shall go unrewarded, not even a cup of cold water. # To promote care of the poor (windows and orphans, and those in want) God wants us to look after our own. Our own includes our natural family and our super-natural family i.e. His family, the church of Jesus Christ. No one in our midst should go without any of the basics of life when someone in the church can supply it. Lord, make us sensitive to the needs within our part of the body. What do we have that God did not give us anyway and what better way of acknowledging this than to share what we have? # To preach the Gospel The gospel is preached in the local church fellowship. The wonderful message of the gospel is taught and is then exported by the congregation to their relatives, friend, workmates, and neighbours. It is the body’s duty to take the gospel out not just the evangelists and leaders! # To do good in the world Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, and since we are in Christ and he is us, that same light shines through us, illuminating the acts of love and kindness which God inspires us to do. Preaching the gospel, healing the sick, casting out demons, being a peacemaker. These and every other good deed bear witness to the unbelievers that Jesus Christ is alive and still performing miracles through his body the local church. Amen Prayer

How to be endued with power from on high to boldly witness about Jesus Firstly, it is important to realize that the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not set any believer who has received this, above any other believer who has not. There are no second-class citizens in the church of Jesus Christ! Before we explore the purpose and method of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it is important to consider the Holy Spirit himself. Teaching on the various doctrines about the Holy Spirit are complex and usually involve many scriptural references. The purpose of this study is to try to simplify the topic of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and as such is presented in an abbreviated form. There are two vital things to appreciate about the Holy Spirit. 1. The Holy Spirit is a person 2. The Holy Spirit is God His Personality So many people talk about the Holy Spirit as though he was a force and refer to him as ‘it’. A person can talk to you and understand you, but a force cannot! A person can love you, but a force cannot! John 16:13-14 His Divinity Acts 5:3-4. We are now going to consider the time sequence of the disciples’ experience of the Holy Spirit. The Disciples receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22 “Receive” in the Greek is in the aorist meaning receive now! If you carefully read the above full chapter (John 20) you will find that this took place on the same day as the resurrection! This is the birth of the church when the Holy Spirit first came to permanently indwell believers. There is no record of any outward manifestations. Mary was not allowed to touch Jesus, but Thomas was permitted eight days later! So what happened in between? Jesus was lifted to heaven on the first day of the week (compare John 20 with Leviticus 23) and waved before the Father God as a first fruit offering. We find the next special offering on the fiftieth day (Pentecost). Acts 1 vv3-5 This message was spoken to men who had already received the Holy Spirit that they should wait for the promise of the Father, that they would be baptised with (or immersed in the Holy Spirit). v8 the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to fill us with power to witness to Jesus Christ. The ministry of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit comes to regenerate us when we believe. He comes to indwell us forever. He is the one who baptises us into the body of Christ. He seals us i.e. puts God’s mark of ownership upon us. He gives spiritual gifts of his choice to the believer to edify the church. He has many other ministries. Enduement with power from on high Luke 24:49 Hebrews 6:4-5 The power of the world to come can be experienced by believers! What a difference this enduement with power made to the disciples. One day Peter is frightened to be associated with Jesus and fifty days later Peter is standing up in public preaching Jesus Christ to thousands. This enduement with power can be referred to in various ways, as the baptism of the Holy Spirit or the filling of the Holy Spirit. When we are born again and receive the Spirit it is as though we get a pilot light inside us but the baptism in the Holy Spirit switches the full burner on! The Holy Spirit baptises us into the church, but it is Jesus who baptises us into the Holy Spirit. Jesus plunges us into or immerses us in the Holy Spirit. Picture a sunken ship surrounded by water inside and outside, or a sponge saturated with water! Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. On the day of Pentecost 120 believers were gathered in the upper room when there was the sound of a mighty rushing wind. This reminds us of the dedication of King Solomon’s temple when 120 priests blew trumpets and the Shekinah glory of God fell on those present. It was as though God was filling his temple with his Spirit and this is also what happened on the day of Pentecost for God filled his new temple i.e. the believers’ bodies. Some would argue that what happened on the day of Pentecost was simply them being born again but in Acts 4 we find the believer being filled again with the Spirit, so that this would mean they were being ‘born again’ again! Similarly in Ephesians 5 where Paul says be filled with the Spirit, in the Greek it is continuous i.e. keep on being filled with the Spirit (moment by moment, day by day). We need the oil of the Spirit daily to lubricate our lives and ministries! When we are getting empty of the Spirit, we are like grinding metal! The Subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts Acts 9:17 Paul had believed in Jesus when he received his vision of him. Now what he needed was to have his sight restored, to be baptised in water and to be filled with the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Acts 10:44-46. The gospel is preached at Cornelius house and the gentiles are filled with the Spirit. Acts 19:1-7. These men were disciples and obviously as such, believers! They were then baptised in water and then were filled with the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. In the book of Acts Jews, Romans and Greeks who had first believed in Jesus were subsequently filled with the Holy Spirt thus enduing them with power of service. The initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was usually them speaking in other tongues! Receiving the enduement with power today Some people are fortunate enough to receive this on the day that they first believe like those of Cornelius household! The original 120 disciples had to tarry at Jerusalem because Jesus was obeying the law of the feast of weeks or Sabbaths (Leviticus 23) and the timing of the baptism of the Spirit fell on the day of Pentecost. There is no obvious reason for believer to tarry today. Some people have been filled with the Spirit while praying or when meditating in bed! We cannot put the Spirit in a box, but the key thing is to be open! There are four important things you must bear in mind when considering asking for this enduement with power. Luke 11:9-13 1. Father wants you to have this experience and Jesus is willing to baptize you. Every one that asks, receives! 2. Confess any unrepented sins and be cleansed so that God can fill a clean vessel. 3. Get your motives right. This enduement of power is for your witness and ministry not for your personal desires. Remember the parable of the friend chapping up his neighbour for bread for his visitors! Be persistent, keep knocking until you receive for the benefit of others not yourself. 4. Come expectantly to Jesus, believing that you will receive the filling of the Holy Spirit! Do you want this? Do you believe God is willing to do this? And if you have been filled before it is OK to ask again! As D.L Moody said, ‘I have been filled with the Spirit, but I leak’! Prayer for the baptism in the Holy Spirit Lord Jesus fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can be bold in my witness to your wonderful salvation. Lord endue me with your power from on high and give me divine appointments to share my faith in you with many other people. Amen Personal Prayer

How to cultivate an attitude of gratitude Each day and each part of the day affords us opportunities to express our thanks to God. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our hearts which will produce a lifestyle of thanksgiving to God. His mercies are new every morning and we can start our day by committing it to the Lord. At the end of the day, we can give thanks for that day’s blessings. Thanksgiving in scripture Luke 22:17-20 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave to them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Jesus always gave thanks to Father God at every meal and we should follow his example albeit public or privately. 1 Timothy 4:3 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. Giving thanks at the family meal table is a good idea as it teaches our children that God is our provider and that he not only provides for us but can bless and sanctify (make holy) our food. The offering time in the church is also an excellent opportunity to thank God as provider and to acknowledge him as our source. Ephesians 5:20 20 Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The bible encourages us to give thanks for all things through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through Him that every blessing comes. In times of difficulty or trouble, we can thank God for his answer that will surely come, and for the grace to come through the trial with honour to the Lord. Thanksgiving is a good point to start your petition because as we do it, we realize how good he is, and this stimulates our faith in Him to receive our petition. Prayer Lord we ask in Jesus’ name, that you deliver us from our hard and ungrateful hearts. Soften our hearts with your oil and wine. Give us thankful hearts that give you all the thanks and praise that is due to your Holy Name. Lord we ask in faith, believing that we will receive this from you. Amen and Thank-you. Our heartfelt thanksgiving is pleasing to God and helps us hear what he is saying. For a print out and much more please click on the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/thanksgiving-is-a-lifestyle

On the road to Emmaus How does God communicate with you? How does God make His will known to you? This is an important question for each one of us as we are all seeking the way ahead with the Lord. God speaks and makes His will known to us in many ways. Firstly, the Lord speaks through the words in the bible e.g. You shall not steal. Also, God can speak through the still small voice of the Holy Spirit saying, ‘This is the way walk you in it.’ Sometimes the Lord gives us a check in our spirit, where we just know not to do or say something or to go someplace. Remember Paul was forbidden by the Spirit of Jesus Christ from going in to preach the Gospel in Asia but rather received in a dream the Macedonian call. God sometimes speaks through circumstances; you ask God for something and you do not get it, the door is closed etc., sometimes this is because the thing requested is not God’s will for you. However, we must be careful that it is not the enemy holding back God’s answer causing us to give up too soon. There are probably other ways that God will speak and make His will know to us e.g. seeing His blessing on something or receiving a supernatural confirmation (I had a dream one night of the pastor’s wife sending me a parcel in the post. It arrived at my door the next morning!). Today we are going to look at two men who were beaten, disappointed and downtrodden. Two men who did not know just what to do next. All their hopes were dashed, where could they possibly go from here. Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17 And he said unto them, what manner of communications are these that you have one to another, as you walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said to him, are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and has not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said to them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done. 22 Moreover certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre. 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, saying, abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went into tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. 36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood amid them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Sometimes when the Lord is communicating with us, our hearts are burning within us, even though we do not recognise that it is the Lord who is speaking. The two disciples recognised retrospectively that it was Jesus who had been speaking to them. When they sat down to a meal, Jesus blessed the bread and gave it to them, then their eyes were opened, and He vanished before their eyes. But what happened next? They somehow understood that they had to go back up to Jerusalem to be with the other disciples. But what has this to do with us today? Well, we are going to have a communion meal with the Lord today. Jesus has given us true bread and true drink. Jesus has been speaking to us all the way (over the last few weeks and months) and maybe our hearts have been burning but we did not know why. Perhaps as we meet with Jesus in communion today our eyes will be opened to the Lord and his will and then we will know what to do next. In closing, my idea is that yet another way for the Lord to reveal His will to you and I, is to give us burning heart, producing a great enthusiasm, and thus showing us what to do next for the Lord. Amen Prayer: Lord God, give us a burning heart and a great enthusiasm to do your perfect will today and to find the way ahead in every area of our lives, we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen

How to protect the lambs of your flock My sermon today is about an outrage in which not just one infant was brutally murdered but in fact dozens of baby boy’s aged two years and under were systematically put to death to appease the fears and insecurities of King Herod. Jeremiah had prophesied it, that there would be weeping and great mourning, Rachel (who was buried in the Bethlehem area) weeping for her children. Imagine the desolation and heartbreak for those families. All their baby boys put to the sword. Herod wanted to make sure that he had killed the Messiah child to prevent him growing up and becoming the new King of Israel. But God had another plan that Jesus’ life would not be taken but rather given out of love and obedience to the Father as a sacrifice for the sin of man. What possessed Herod or what moved him to do such a wicked and despicable act. Well, we can work it out who is it that fuels and feeds our fears and insecurities? Who was it that stood to lose the most to the Messiah the prince? Whose kingdom would be destroyed by the Christ. Whose head would be crushed by feet side. Yes, you are right, Satan and his wicked spirits. They are the ones who invite men to commit wicked deeds by playing on their fears and insecurities. But God had another Plan Jesus Christ delivered the ultimately fatal blow to Satan’s head when he died on the cross and paid in full for all your sins and all my sins. Yes, the devil only has a short time left until that blow finally carries him, his fallen angels, and the unbelievers into the eternal lake of fire. Satan is defeated and all that he can do now is to try to hurt and destroy God’s children as a last defiant gesture of a defeated rebel. Yes, it is Satan, the spirit of Herod who motivates and promotes millions of terminations every year, innocent babies in their mother’s wombs sacrificed on the altars of fear, self-interest, and convenience. These poor girls and women have been deceived by the spirit of Herod. Thank God, that the precious blood of Jesus Christ is available to take away the guilt and shame of these poor girls and women if they want it. Yes, the spirit of Herod is alive and well and has also targeted other babies to steal, kill and destroy, they are the baby Christians. He particularly likes to get them before they have known Jesus for more than two years and tries to kill off their faith before they can grow up into a maturity in Christ. For Satan knows that every Christian baby (who he cannot kill off) will grow up in faith and power and authority and will go on to destroys Satan’s kingdom and see God’s kingdom established here on earth in their own life, family, and church. For we are the Christians, the Christ like ones, the little anointed ones. Be alert you young Christians for Satan wants to kill off your faith. But God has another plan; and today we are going to expose the spirit of Herod and find out how to thwart his attempts at killing off baby Christians. Main Text Matthew 2:1-4 1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Verse 4; Troubled by thought of a new king, someone more powerful than Herod. Satan tempted Herod, jealousy perhaps it was the same spirit who tempted Saul to kill David? These babies were helpless, but God does not leave his babies helpless. Verse 16-18; Great weeping and mourning in and around Bethlehem. What is a Baby Christian? In 1 John 2:12-13 the Word of God identifies four stages of spiritual growth. We start with the baby Christians. Little Children (Babies) Characteristics like that of Babies 1. Need protected and defended, lots of care and attention 2. Have difficulty feeding themselves; need nourish milk of word 3. Need their nappies changed 4. Cannot help others, focused on own needs 5. Unsteady feet, might be up and down Can you identify yourself or others at this stage? This is what we are like during our first couple of years as a Christian. Satan tries to kill you off then as it is much easier to get you as a baby than when you have become a fully armed, armour wearing, faith filled, Spirit led, soldier in God’s army. If you had to remove an oak tree, when would you do it, as a sapling or fully rooted tree? Satan’s tactics to kill of Baby Christians. He seeks to take out of our vital supplies. 1. Food – word of God [1 Peter 2:2] 2. Air – praying to God 3. Fellowship with the Lord by attending church But how does he deceive us into giving them up? Matthew 13:18-23 Verse 21; Affliction or persecution, falling away. Baby stunted or killed. Stops feeding on the Bible. Stops praying. Stops seeing spiritual parents. Verse 22; Worries and cares or even riches like word. Baby is stunted or killed. Keep your heart and mind on Jesus Christ not the circumstances. Another baby killing tactic is condemnation. Satan condemns us when we sin, he right in there ‘you might as well give up’, ‘It’s not for you’, ‘you’re a sinner’, ‘You’ll never make it’ (so stop praying, reading the bible and church going). Yes, you will make it, he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Remember, little children your sins are forgiven. Remember 1 John 1:9 is there for you when you sin. Remember what Jesus said to the woman taken in adultery. Neither do I condemn you... Go and sin no more. Jesus never came to condemn but to save. Today, if we confess our sins, he forgives and no condemnation. “Little Children your sins are forgiven”. Babies What are three things you need (show of hands) recognise you are at risk. Build these three things into your life. Do not let the spirit of Herod kill off your walk with Jesus Christ before you become 2 years old. If you are a Mature or Maturing Believers Remember our spiritual babies by recognising they are highly at risk to the spirit of Herod. Pray for them. Ephesians 3:16-19 Name them before God; befriend them in sincerity, most people who leave any fellowship in the first 2 years have not made any special friends. You must close the back door of your fellowship. Disciple them Love them. Be there for them counsel them, guide them, fellowship with them, shepherd them. Do not let spirit of Herod get them! He draws them out the back door of the church then kills off their faith. We must close back door of our church. Yes, the very same spirit of Herod who slaughtered the babies in Bethlehem is alive today and seeking to devour our Christian babies. But we must not allow it, we must protect, feed, tend them until they are strong enough to defeat Satan in their own lives. (And they will, if given the chance) and go on to victorious life Christ. Amen. Prayer Lord, in Jesus name, give us pastor hearts to protect our lambs. May we guide all our lambs through to maturity in Christ. Amen. For full text for printout and access to much more please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-spirit-of-herod-is-at-work

Even when our world today is changing fast Two years ago we were just beginning to hear about the Covid-19 virus which went on to cause a worldwide pandemic. In our lockdowns, many jobs and businesses have already gone bust, many families have lost loved ones and many with health concerns cannot get access to the proper medical treatment. New types of vaccine have been developed at a pace never seen in human history. Most people do not know where to look for security and safety and yet during our most difficult times in our lives God is saying to us today “For I, the Lord, do not change... Malachi 3:6 There are several scriptures in the bible which tell us that God does not change. In the new testament we see Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. It is part of God’s being to be eternal and unchanging. It is difficult for us to imagine what eternity is exactly or indeed what an eternal being is like. Eternity is not a long, long stretch of time but rather eternity is timeless. We should note that, whatever is going on the world today has not caught the Lord by surprise and even if we cannot see what his plan is, be assured that he does have a plan. He is carefully weighing everything. God has ever been and will always be entirely consistent to his word as written in the bible. His character and approach to the unfolding of history is entirely consistent. His love and protection of his old covenant people and his new covenant people is permanent. The God of old testament that opened the Red Sea for Moses and his people to cross over, is the same God for the church today and tomorrow. The seasons in our lives change but God is the same. God is immutable. Our God is a God of the ‘big picture’ in terms of what is going on in the world. I want to give you an example of this from the book of Daniel whose main message is ’Heaven rules’. We pick up the story in Daniel 5 the infamous Belshazzar’s feast. The king and his drunken guests toasted the false gods and had the impudence to use the holy vessels from the holy temple in Jerusalem. 5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. D5:7-9 As with his grandfather before him, none of the astrologers, Chaldeans, or soothsayers (wise men) were able to interpret this message from God. D5:10-11 The queen tells Belshazzar to send for Daniel, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him. Daniel had been chief over the groups of wise men under Belshazzar’s grandfather Nebuchadnezzar. The king summoned Daniel offering great rewards including be promoted to the third ruler in the empire. Daniel declines all rewards and reminds Belshazzar how the Lord God had to humble his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar by driving him mad for seven years. Daniel points out that despite Belshazzar knowing all this and much more about the God of Daniel, he was lifted by pride, and had insulted the Living God, by toasting idols using the vessels from the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Daniel now interprets the writing on the wall, and it is extremely bad news for Belshazzar. D5:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. 25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. 26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it. 27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. Whilst the banquet was still in progress the Medes and Persian troops had captured the city of Babylon and King Belshazzar was put to death that very night. He had mocked the Lord. Learning points: How is this relevant to us today? 1. No matter how powerful kings, presidents, and rulers are, God carefully weighs their actions in his balance. It is a sobering thought that God weighs the actions of mankind. Thank the Lord, we can get ongoing forgiveness through 1 John 1:9. Proud people seldom change and revert to their sinful ways all too quickly. God gave Nebuchadnezzar a second chance but not Belshazzar. God really looks at the the human heart. Now here is the good news: God is saying to each one of his people today… I am the Lord I change not. No matter what is going on in your life with the pandemic, the failing economy, your family, your job, your health concerns and other worries, no matter what life throws at you...God will have the last word. So remember heaven rules, remember God rules. He will get you through everything that the world, the flesh, and the devil can throw at you and even when this life is ended …underneath are the everlasting arms. He has got you covered in life and He has got you covered in death. He has got your loved ones covered. Prayer Unchanging Father, in Jesus name, we cast all our cares and fears upon you today because we know you care about every detail in our lives, even the number of hairs on our heads! We put all our fears, cares, worries and the like into your barrel and roll them over to you. Lord we take one hand off the barrel now we take the other hand off the barrel. As we take both our hands off the barrel, we hand over all our fears, cares, worries and suchlike for you to deal with in the full confidence you genuinely care for each one of us. Lord we rest in you. Amen Personal Prayer

Our natural identities change when we get married to become a husband and a wife and that is a big change for the good but how much more are our identities changed in Christ? Prayer (from Ephesians 1) Father of glory, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, give us this day the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, 18 that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened; that we may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of your power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power 20 which You worked in Christ when you raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Amen There is a story about a young Christian who bumped into an experienced Christian whilst out for a walk one day. The older man asked the younger man, how are you? The younger man replied that under the circumstances, I am a bit depressed. The older man was shocked and said to the younger man, well if you are born again you should not be under the circumstances but, in Christ you ought to be on top of them. It was as though the younger man’s identity as a born-again believer had been taken from him. Identity Theft Where do you take your sense of identity from today? Many Christians today gain their identity more from their family background, work or human relationships than from their biblical identity in Christ. Are you one of them? Or perhaps you started out taking your identity from the bible, but someone diverted you? Identity theft not only can happen at the level of the individual believer but to whole churches. A church that God has called to be holy and pure , a beacon to the lost, can also have its identity stolen, becoming involved in hyper-grace, wrong theology, including the wrong prosperity message (i.e. the best definition of prosperity it for God to meet any given need at any given time- or what about John Wesley who gave to the poor everything he earned over the £30 he heeded per year to keep his family), morally permissive, willing to bend the scriptures to accommodate people. If the salt has lost its savour, then it is no use to the lost. In modern society, it is becoming increasingly common for thieves to steal someone’s identity so that they can plunder their bank accounts, credit cards etc. There is no doubt about it that this is a wicked crime in taking what belongs to an honest citizen and giving to a thief. Yet we don’t seem to realize that this very problem is rampant in the church of Jesus Christ, where Satan is robbing many true believers of their birth right and our true riches in Christ. Identity Crisis Many believers today seem to be experiencing an identity crisis. What I mean by this is that the life they are leading does not match up the life of the believer that is found in scripture. The identity crisis leads to them being defeated, dejected, downtrodden and beaten up by life whereas the scriptures tell us we should be living in victory and that we are more than conquerors, we are the head and not the tail, we are the winners and not losers etc. We are being conditioned to believe we are less than God says we are, conditioned to believe we have nothing to offer in the Kingdom, conditioned to only see the natural instead of the supernatural. Satan seeks to steel our identity in Christ. We are no longer under the circumstances, but we are overcomers through Jesus Christ. The magnificent victory of Jesus Christ God expects us to live victoriously in and through Jesus Christ. Jesus victory was achieved via the cross and resurrection but especially in his ascension to the Father’s right hand. In this way Jesus who was 100% man and 100% God, took his humanity on to the level that increased our ranking to above the angels and fallen angels.[2] John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Ephesians 1:19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 4 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) When Jesus Christ won the victory over sin and death at the cross and then ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of the Father he gave us victory in every area of life; we are completely identified with Jesus Christ. The picture here is like a victorious general returning to room, with his legions, and fierce captives, in Jesus case he defeated the fallen angels. Old creation vs New creation God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit I Born again believers Old Creation Order New Creation Order Angels (Elect and fallen) Angels (Elect and fallen) OT believers Unbelievers OT unbelievers Animals Animals Hebrews 2:5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? 7 You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honour 8 and put everything under their feet.” Victory through Jesus Christ the glorified man 1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Victory with the devil under our feet Psalm 110 1The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Victory over demons Colossians 115 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Do you remember your first encounter with the demonic? As a young Christian I recall that a man at a worship service began to manifest demons. The senior pastor, pastor and an elder invited me to join them to minister to this man in a cloakroom. There was something in the man’s eyes that moved independently of his pupils I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The man locked eyes with each of the ministers trying to psyche them, but he was the one who had to break his gaze. Then he came to me the least experienced Christian, when he locked eyes on me, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit flood through me and I knew for sure that ‘’Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world’’! Needless to say, the demonized man broke off his gaze. Victory over sin and the ability to pull down strongholds 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Our mighty weapons through God are used in the context of our righteous living (armour of God)and include the Word of God (that Rhema living word), prayer, the name of Jesus Christ, and the Blood of Jesus Christ. Victory over our circumstances 1 John 5 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Pray for God’s will, his good, and pleasing and perfect will in your life not what is gratifying to your fleshly desires. New Birth right Jesus marvellous victory purchased us our new birth right. What does the bible say about new believers? 2 Corinthians 5 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! Another translation puts it like this 2 Corinthians 5:17 … that person is a new creation. So many things happen to us when we are born-again, and we become a new creation. According to my favorite bible teacher (the late Roger Price [3]) there are at least 37 wonderful things that happen at the point of the new birth). Our victories are all in Christ; here are a few examples from the 37; All Christians have reconciled to God Rom 5:10 Eph 2:14-17 All Christians have been brought near to God Lk 10:20 Eph 2:13+19 The sins of all Christians have been judged in Christ Rom 4:25 Eph 1:7 All Christians have been forgiven their trespasses Eph 1:7 Col 1:14 All Christians have been justified (declared righteous) Rom 3:24 1 Cor 6:11 All Christians have been redeemed Rom 3:24 Col 1:14 All Christians have a new status; citizens of heaven Phil 3:20 seated in heavenly places Eph 2:6 higher rank than angels Eph 1:20-21 Heb 1:14 Rom 16:19-20. If you want a copy of the 37 things that happen at the new birth please let me know. In Christ new birth realities Ephesians 1 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Romans 14:7 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit Does your day to day life reflect this, living in right standing with God , experiencing heart peace and joy in the Holy Spirit? Are you sleeping well and know that whatever is going on in your life, it is going to be OK, because you are in Christ? There is an example in scripture of born-again Christians who had forgotten their born-again identities and were acting like spiritual babies. 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? God wants us to be mature believers who know who we are in Christ, not babies always squabbling. To maintain our true identities in Christ we must take control of our thinking… Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed[4] by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. The world wants to squeeze us into its mould and form worldly identities in us. But God has given us new identities and wants us to fully embrace them and we find them in the bible. Do you think people will notice your new identity in Christ? How are you doing with your identity in Christ today do you recognize the desired changes? Leaving the old identity and the old life behind I remember well the joy of my own experience of being born again, the burden of my sin lifting off my shoulders, being cleansed in my heart, it felt like a sauna in that every pore of my heart was cleansed. Being delivered from swearing and bad language. My new life in Christ had begun. The selfishness, pride, greed and pleasing only myself had to come off under the water of baptism. Yet we need to keep the old man of the flesh crucified. He would like to get down of that cross, but we don’t need to let him. John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. Nicodemus was around 60-70 years old and probably had a lifetime of personal failures and character flaws behind him. Yet here was Jesus offering him a fresh start free from the old life of bondage. The picture here to a Jew like Nicodemus , is that of the Exodus, where the wind dried up the Red Sea allowing the Israelites to pass over on dry ground. The main point is that we need to leave the old life of bondage behind in Egypt and the old life of being under the circumstances. Being born again is the only way we can turn back the clock of our lives. Summary When we are born again, we are brought into all the victories of Jesus Christ All our blessings and spiritual riches are In Christ In Him we have a higher ranking than the angels In Him we are more than conquerors In Him we ought to be living in victory In Him we ought to be behaving like overcomers In Him we do not have to be under the circumstances Final Thoughts But you say sometimes God does require his people to go through suffering, and yes that is true sometimes. But the question is ‘What kind of suffering does God require us to go through?’ Perhaps the humbling of our pride or reputation, or putting under our fleshly desires? But does God require us to go through depression or live in constant defeat or fear, downtrodden, always be the tail and not the head? The answer is an emphatic No! Prayer and ministry Brothers and Sisters, it is now time to reclaim your true identity in Christ. Let’s do it. Words of knowledge False identity vs True Identity in Christ Defeated Victorious Depressed/Downtrodden Uplifted Cursed/hate your life Blessed/love your life Lonely Part of his family Sleepless Resting in Him Empty Full Worried/anxious Faith filled Poor/lack Rich/plenty Hopeless or a Loser Hopeful or a Winner Oppressed/addicted Set free Panic attacks/under unhealthy pressure Peace of mind Those wanting a new identity in Christ please come forward for prayer Amen Printable copy and much more at https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/our-identity-is-in-christ [1] From Ephesians 1:18 [2] Roger Price, Special Topic Series no. 11: The Glorified Man [mp3]. See Additional resources menu on last dropdown menu. [3] Roger Price, Basic Bible Study no. 102: 37 Things which accompany salvation [mp3]. [4] Greek: metamorphoo (metamorphosis) same word as used in Jesus’ transfiguration, coal to diamond, caterpillar to butterfly etc.

How to prepare your heart for revival Revival is when eternity invades time [1] Revival is God’s radical treatment for a sick and lukewarm church Revival starts with me Revival starts with you God is calling me into personal revival God is calling me to break up the fallow ground in my heart God is calling you into personal revival God is calling you to break up the fallow ground in your heart The fallow ground is the soil of your heart that used to produce fruit The fallow ground in our hearts is overgrown with weeds and thistles and thorns God is calling us into revival through Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves in righteousness Reap in mercy Break up the fallow ground For it is time to seek the Lord Until he comes and rains righteousness on you Context: Hosea chapters 1-3 tell Hosea’s personal story God told him to marry Gomer a promiscuous woman and raise children Hosea had even to buy her back from her lover Their third child a boy had a name something like ‘my daddy is not my daddy’ Hosea keenly felt the pain and rejection of loving an unfaithful covenant breaking wife God keenly felt the pain and rejection of loving an unfaithful covenant breaking people Hosea identified with God’s breaking heart [2] over the sin of his people Our sin breaks God’s heart God’s tender love and mercy towards his people pours out of the book Hosea chapters 4-14 give the prophetic message of Hosea to Israel The land was filled with corruption amongst its rulers Families were unstable and immorality was widely accepted Society was divided and poverty was rife Idolatry was on the rise and the religious leaders had no answers Sound familiar? Could this be Scotland today? Here is God’s solution for a backslidden and lukewarm church Sow for yourselves in righteousness –Sowing; –live right before God- Believe and practice God’s word- let it dwell in your heart richly- Ask the Holy Spirit to water the seed of the word-Pray fervently-share the gospel Sow only good seeds Do only good deeds Reap in mercy; Reaping; when we sowed in righteousness we reaped a harvest of the Lord’s loving-kindness (chesed) Our God is Chasidic-full of loving kindness Our God multiplies the righteous seed we have sown way beyond the measure we sowed Our first cycles of sowing and reaping produced a good harvest But something crept up on us- perhaps the sin crouching at the door? Or the worries and cares of this life? The pursuit of wealth? And now whatever has happened, the soil of our hearts has become fallow ground. Examine your heart...take the Tozer [3] test The fallow heart is smug and can’t be taught much. The fallow heart is self contented. The fallow heart is protected from the shock of the plough. The fallow heart Some hearts have lain fallow year by year, safe and undisturbed The fallow heart focuses on past fruit The fallow heart has a two signs on it; ‘Do not disturb’ and ‘Past-master’ . The fear of the plough means there can be no present fruit The spirit of adventure is dead . The fallow heart is fenced in and God is fenced out The fallow heart smiles indulgently at fasting, revivals, self searching and the need to move on in God. The fallow soil has been hardened and can only support weeds and thorns and thistles The very seeds sown by the world , the flesh and the devil The soil of our hearts lies fallow to varying degrees-what state is your heart in tonight? Examine your heart… and take the Plough [4] test The ploughed heart The ploughed heart practices confession and repentance We need to keep short accounts with God and each other The ploughed heart has a sign ‘not safety first’ The ploughed heart is discontent in God The ploughed heart is yearning and full of godly sorrow The ploughed heart is courageously obedient and ready to bear fruit. Break up the fallow ground; Breaking- humble yourself before the Lord Confess that your heart has become hard, fallow and shallow Acknowledge it is your own responsibility to break up the fallow ground Ask for his help and guidance in the breaking – the Holy Spirit will assist us Confess all known sin, all the usual suspects found in the Ten Commandments Include unforgiveness, bitterness, grudges and resentment- then forsake them Examine your heart… Examine your heart for unbelief Examine your heart for prayerlessness A sinning man stops praying, a praying man stops sinning [5]. Examine your heart for the lost Examine the priorities of your heart Is your first priority in the material world? Is your first priority in human relationships? Is your first real priority to get money, power or possessions? Is your heart, seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness knowing that all these things shall be added unto you? What are you living for? Who are you living for? Next, deal also with the questionable things in your life. It might not be outright sin but does it glorify God? Examine your friendships and associations –do they please God? Develop convictions to protect yourself from falling into sin Convictions help integrate our hearts (inward) with our actions (outward) Job made a covenant with his eyes [6]. For it is time to seek the Lord; Seeking – the time to seek God is now –the time to seek his face is now- the time to seek his face in faith is now- believing he wants you to find him now It is God’s will for you to find him- when you seek him with all your heart Until he comes and rains righteousness on you, persist- how long O Lord? Persist until he comes – he will certainly come if we persist If we focus on the persisting –He will focus on his coming- Yes the very presence of the living God will come down on you- History testifies to this in the Lewis revival Prepare ye the way of the Lord in your own heart- remove every obstacle – and bring the presence of the living God in a new way into your heart God wants to do a new thing in your heart right now. Raining- Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high [7] And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field And the fruitful field is counted as a forest God wants your heart to be an orchard. God promised to pour out his Spirit on the dry and thirsty ground [8] He promised that the crocus and the rose would bloom in the desert place Imagine fragrant flowers and sweet fruit trees in planted in the soil of your heart God desires to breathe in your fragrance God desires to taste the sweet fruit of your character Jeremiah says ‘break up your fallow ground and don’t sow amongst thorns’ [9]. Conclusion The reason we don’t have revival is that we are willing to live without it [10] The alternative to revival is progressive decline into barrenness. Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. Let’s bring the plough of God’s word into the fallow grounds of our hearts tonight asking God to empower the plough by his Holy Spirit and that he shows us exactly what needs to be removed. Are you willing to break the fallow ground in your heart? , are you willing to be made willing? God is willing and God is able to help each one of us break up our fallow ground. Amen. Prayer [1] Unknown author quoted by Clayton Dougan [2] Clayton Dougan in the podcast The breaking heart of God, Sermon Index.com [3] A.W. Tozer [4] Michael Catt The power of surrender; breaking through to the ploughed life [5] Leonard Ravenhill [6] Job 31:1 I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman. [7] Isaiah 32:15 [8] Isaiah 44:3-4 [9] Jeremiah 4:3 [10] Leonard Ravenhill

God can make a little go a long way Some years ago, whilst working in my role as a biomedical scientist, I heard about a patient who had a kidney transplant. Such patients need to take a type of medication called immuno-suppressive drugs. These drugs prevent the patient’s immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ. The doctors were able to gradually reduce the patient’s tablets from several a day at first, over a year or two right down to a half tablet each day. This worked fine and for something like 14 years the half tablet did the job. However, one day the patient forgot to take the half tablet and sad to say, he went into graft rejection and lost the kidney. Although he was only taking a tiny dose it went a long way and unfortunately as soon as he stopped the entire benefit was lost. This story made me think of a recurring theme in the bible of how God can make a little go a long way. Let us bring these stories to mind… Elijah’s tub of flour and jug of oil never ran out during the famine (1 Kings 17:8-16). Elisha prayed that the widow’s jar of oil would keep flowing and she was able to clear all her debts (2 Kings 4:1-7). God filled every vessel of the widow which c.f. with us being filled with the Spirit but he is never diluted or diminished. Jesus prayed and the loaves and fishes were multiplied to feed a multitude (Matthew 14:17-21) and had lots of leftovers too. Again, Jesus tells us (Matthew 17:20) that if we have the tiniest measure of faith, then we can move mountains! God certainly can make a little go a long way! And he does time after time, again and again, Let us now focus specifically on a little going a long way in the context of prayer. Sometimes we think that for certain types of prayer to be effective, then the prayer must be nice and long. But could God act on us merely mentioning someone in our prayers? Well, here are 5 biblical examples from the Apostle Paul, who clearly thought mentioning someone in prayer was very worthwhile. Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention [1] of you always in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. Philemon 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, So, what does it mean to mention someone in prayer? A dictionary definition of the word ‘mention’ -a brief comment or remark, or, to remember briefly. As we get older in the faith our daily prayer lists get longer and longer! Paul’s prayer list must have been very extensive (he prayed for the Galatians, Colossians and many other churches, families, and individuals). But he felt that it was important to continually be mentioning his fellow believers in prayer to the Lord. Sometimes, we think that for a prayer to be effective that it must be long! As an older car battery charger gives a trickle charge, so our making mention of others in prayer is constantly bringing them before the throne room of grace. Sad to say, from my own experience, for several years I used to briefly mention each day two children with serious health problems. They always seemed fine. But I unintentionally forgot them for a year or two. When I next saw them, I was surprised how much they had deteriorated, and I decided that I had to start mentioning them before God each day again. Beloved, God can make your little go a long way. So, give God your littles: (your little prayer, your little time, your little finance and little resources, your little strength, your little capacity to care for others, your little faith can move mountains), and know this that even mentioning someone in prayer to the Lord is positively making a difference in their lives. Let us pray: Father God in Jesus name, we offer to you the ‘littles’ in our lives, our time, our strength and energy, our finance and resources, and all other areas of our lives where we feel ‘little’, asking that that you make each one of them go a long way in the building your kingdom. Amen [1] 3417. mneia, mni'-ah; from G3415 or G3403; recollection; by impl. recital: --mention, remembrance.

Each person needs it to be saved My message today is an overview about Jesus' blood. Have you ever donated a pint of blood? This can be used to save someone’s life. When Jesus was crucified, he gave not a pint of his blood but all of it, every drop. He gave it willingly, not just to save a mortal life but to save many lives eternally. What did Jesus blood achieve for you and I? Acts 20:28 …Be shepherds of the church of God, which be bought with his own blood. Jesus purchased our forgiveness of sins with his blood. Romans 3:25 Whom got hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood… for the remission of sins which means that our faith in his blood turns away the wrath of God. Romans 5:8-9 God demonstrates his own love for us in this; whilst we were yet sinners, Christ died for us 9. Since now we have been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him. We can be justified through his blood, which means that we are made legally righteous before God. Ephesians 1:7 in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Jesus’ blood brings forgiveness for all our sins i.e. we are redeemed. Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ, that means near to God. Christians celebrate the blood of Jesus and all that it has achieved at our communion service. 1 Corinthians 11:25 This cup is the NT in my blood, this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Will you remember Jesus Christ's blood today? All Jesus blood was shed for you and me to wash away our sins, to turn away the wrath of God, his blood brings us near to God and makes us legally righteous before God. Each one of us needs to receive that eternal life-giving blood transfusion from Jesus Christ- Will you consent to receive it today? Amen Prayer See how to become a Christian in the messages below this one. If you need any help with this contact us through the links at the bottom of the home page.

Fellowship (Koinonia) Life is loving and serving one another Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. How would you like to have a church fellowship that is well pleasing to God? Words sometimes change their meaning over time So with the word fellowship has had its meaning changed when we use it to mean a cup of tea and a biscuit, or similar, after the meeting. In the new testament the Greek word for fellowship is koinonia (n=20 times). This word derives from the Greek word Koinonos whose primary meaning is “fellowship, sharing in common, communion, community.” As you know the language of the NT is koine (common) Greek. Koinonia means having all things in common. In practice a group of Christians because of their common faith are willing to go beyond this and are willing to share in every area of the lives. This involves the sharing of one’s very nature and life force producing an intimate relationship of sharing and caring. It is a partnership, a sense of belonging to Gods family in a way beyond the bounds of our natural families. In the ancient world koinonia could be used of marriage where two persons loved one another, had so much in common, that their lives were joined into a mutual sharing of everything in their lives. The intimate sharing of all one’s life, joys and sorrows, pain and heartache like in a family situation. Our true fellowship begins when we come to faith in Christ and ought to develop with our brothers and sisters in the local church. God is calling us back to true fellowship, God is calling Hawick Elim back to true koinonia fellowship. Let’s explore what true koinonia fellowship really looks like. Koinonia is more than a club (or political party) How many of us are in clubs, golf, bowling, darts, fishing, music, dancing etc.? Usually we enjoy meeting our friends in clubs we enjoy chatting and sharing a hot drink. Although we can enjoy this and that is OK, we can’t make the standard of behaviour in a secular club member, the same when we gather in Christian fellowship. Many Christians think that fellowship is simply a matter of having tea or coffee with your fellow believers after a meeting but, it must go much deeper than this. The first occurrence of koinonia is in. Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship (koinonia), to the breaking of bread and to prayer. The four elements of the new and thriving Pentecostal church were. Apostles teaching = bible study Fellowship = sharing lives together Breaking of bread = sharing meals together Prayer = necessary to work with the Lord Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together sharing in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia. God himself lives in a dynamic sharing of life and fellowship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Part of Elim’s vision for 2020 is ‘One’, One Lord and one people and fellowship is how we show that we are one people. The Methodist preacher W E Sangster put it like this; the fulness of the Christian life cannot be known except in fellowship - fellowship with God and fellowship with one another. Moreover, the purposes of God in this world require a social organism by which to express themselves. Fellowship with God 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship (koinonia) with us: and truly our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. The Lord wants each one of us to develop an intimate sharing of life with Him and as a result of this we should begin to develop true and sincere fellowship and friendship with each other. This could be summarized in terms of commitment to God and commitment to each other. Jesus commands us to love one another in John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Well how does Jesus love us? Testimony: about two years ago, we had a new couple in our church, someone stole their laptop during the service, and they were upset by this. In the spirit of koinonia some of our people clubbed together and bought them a new laptop. This is the spirit of true fellowship; the couple were very touched. When a misfortune happens, sometimes we can add something that links to the unhappy memory, e.g. the story of Auntie Jennie and my bike accident. Galatians 5 22-23 The fruit of the spirit is love … Fruit in nature is reproductive because it bears seed. A loving, caring and sharing fellowship will draw and win people to Christ because it is sowing the reproductive seeds of love. Apologies to the SAS but it is not ‘who dares wins’ but rather who cares wins (souls). So, what does this true fellowship Koinonia look like in practice? This growing in fellowship with each other is aided by spending time together and by having meals together. We need to stop holding others at arm’s length. This is a natural defence mechanism that we need to overcome. You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs and you cannot make a true Christian Fellowship without getting involved with each other and with the Lord in the first instance. We are of God’s family and household and like all human parents he wants his children to love one another. The only one who gains from Christians not getting [1] on is Satan[2]! We need to walk in the light. Philippians 2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Koinonia is agreeing with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. Our koinonia with each other is based on our common koinonia with Jesus Christ. What more can Christians have in common, One Lord, One faith, One baptism… 1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. There should be such a complete identification with our brothers and sisters so much so, that whatever touches or affects them also directly affects us. We are members of the same body, the body of Christ. How good are you at Christian fellowship, do you find it difficult, I confess I do, but I see need to obey the Lord in this? What will you do when a member from your church turns up at your doorstep needing help? 1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. Today we are going to look at other ways in which we as brothers and sisters can interact with each other. Just before moving on however, it is necessary to say something about smaller groups within a church fellowship. Importance of smaller groups As a church grows it often becomes difficult to get to know everyone and this can make it more difficult to have true fellowship with each other. This problem can be overcome by forming smaller groups within the church. These small groups may take the form of house groups (as in EE) but also may include ministry teams such as praise bands, children’s workers etc. The key thing in terms of developing koinonia fellowship is to get to know the people in your group, seeing them as close brothers and sisters. In these groups we should really be taking care for each other, developing friendships, encouraging each other, praying for each other etc. etc. As industrious as our church leaders are, and they are, we can all play a part in caring for each other, with the more difficult situations and problems being passed to one of the elders. ‘One another’ scriptures[3] A powerful example of what koinonia should look like can be found in a study of the phrase “one another” in the Bible. Scripture commands us to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), honour one another (Romans 12:10), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8), accept one another (Romans 15:7), serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13), spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9), and love one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12). That is what true biblical koinonia should look like. 1 Pet 1:22 KJV Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently[4]: 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. All these instructions in scripture can be summarised by saying the Lord commands us to live together in love as part of his family in a sincere, a committed and involved way. Each one of us needs a sense of belonging and being a functioning part, together with our brothers and sisters, in the body of Christ. If we do this our church fellowship will be pleasing to the Lord. God is calling this Fellowship today become a true fellowship, a true koinonia, that is an intimate sharing of lives. Amen Prayer Communion 1 Corinthians 10 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (koinonia) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (koinonia) of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (The Greek word is κοινωνία.) One of the places we find this word is in 1 Corinthians 10:16 where the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper are described as a “communion” in the body and blood of Christ. This word gets translated differently according to which Bible you pick up. Some say communion, others participation, and others sharing. I find “participation” to be the most helpful description of what communion is. Resources consulted Roger Price Fellowship Life Series #1 (Koinonia) and #2 (Commune or community?) See additional Resources on main menu. Footnotes [1] 1 John 1 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [2] 1 John 2:9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. [3] 37 occurrences in KJV NT. [4] White hot.