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Does the church need a reboot according to Acts 2:42? Did you know that God is still at work during the pandemic? Do you know that there are no surprises for God with the global pandemic? Do you know that God is not on furlough, and that God has not retired, and that God has no fears for the future of his church? In fact, presently, many Christians believe that God has a specific plan for His church. Different streams of believers come at God’s plan in different ways although many people agree it has something to do with the book of Acts. Some say God wants to unleash his church, that sounds exciting, many of us have wanted rid of our leashes for years to be fully free to serve. Other believers say that God wants to bring a fresh revival to his people, a renewal, a fresh outpouring, and we say amen to all of that. My own take, on what I feel the Spirit is saying to the church, is that the Lord wants to ‘reboot’ the church. ‘Reboot’ sounds a bit geeky, so, let me explain what ‘reboot’ means. If you have ever been in employment with a company that has an IT department, you will know that when you report a problem, the first things the IT people usually tell you, is to switch your computer off and on again to reboot the system. Very often this is successful, your computer returns to how it was meant to work in the first place and your problem disappears. Reboot means to go back to the original programme and function. So, what if God decides to reboot his church what would it look like? What was his original plan/blueprint for his church? Fortunately, the Lord has recorded his original plan for his church in Acts 2:42, and this is what it looks like. The context: on the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2, we see Peter preaching and telling the crowd to repent and be baptised and in response 3000 souls get saved and water baptized. Here is what happened to the believers next. 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 church were as follows, call them a, b, c, and d. a) Apostles teaching (doctrine) = the apostles verbally communicated the inspired word of God which was then passed through the early church community. These inspired teaching of the apostles have been captured in the bible. So, the rebooted church would have bible study as a main priority. b) Fellowship = sharing lives together, this koinonia fellowship is an intimate sharing of lives, not just a club, a handshake at the door, or a cup of tea after the meeting. Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together sharing in love, faith, encouragement, and materially. That is the essence of koinonia. God himself lives in a dynamic sharing of life and fellowship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 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. That is us, his church, his koinonia fellowship of true believers. To love one another is not optional! 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. The rebooted church obeys Jesus by loving one another c) Breaking of bread = sharing meals together from house to house, not communion in this context. They all ate of the same food, the same bread as they recognised that Christ has brought us into one family. Eating and drinking together, is what a family does. The rebooted church shares meals together. d) Prayer = we communicate with God in 5 main types of prayer, which include 1) confession of sins, 2) praise 3) thanksgiving 4) intercession and 5) petition. The rebooted church prays together and separately. I understand that the Greek in Acts 2:42 suggests a relationship between the more spiritual activities of a) bible study and d) prayer with the two more practical activities of b) koinonia fellowship and c) sharing meals together, like a sandwich in the middle. We need to have all four of these elements to reflect God’s original plan for his church. So, here is what happened next, when the church of Acts 2:43-47 did these 4 things (doctrine, shared meals, koinonia fellowship, and prayer) … Acts 2:43 Then fear came on everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together and had all things common.45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,47 Praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Shared love is a great witness to the unbelievers, our shared love is reproductive in terms of the salvation of unbelievers. Beloved, Acts 2:42-47 is what the rebooted church ought to look like, and the effect we should have on our city/town, so let us get ready for God is still at work during this pandemic. Action: Let us be reading and meditating on Acts 2 just so we know how it should be. Amen Prayer Lord, please prepare our hearts during this pandemic and make us ready to be revived, renewed, refreshed, and unleashed into all you have for us. We acknowledge our need for the church to be restored to its original form and function. Help each one of us, your saints, to be ready individually, as a body and as a koinonia fellowship of believers. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Two kinds of fear, the right kind and the wrong kind. In John 20:19 on the evening of the resurrection day, the disciples were huddled together and locked in (or could we say locked down?) because of their fear of the Jews. Fear tends to lock in or lock down people. When Jesus appeared to them, what does he say, ‘Peace to you.’ God recognises this tendency of people to quickly get into a state of fear. There is still a climate of fear round the world post-pandemic. Remember that God is still in control. Every time in the bible, either the Lord or an angel appears to a believer, the first thing they say is ’fear not’ or the like. It is one of the foremost commands in scripture. Today there is a huge amount of fear around both in the church and in the other communities, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we need to recognise that there are two kinds of fear 1] the right kind of fear and 2] the wrong kind of fear. 1] The right kind of fear- is the fear of the Lord. We are made to fear God but nothing else. Fear God but nought else! God wants to have first place in every part of our lives, but our wrong fear can occupy a place that needs emptied before God can fill it. Perfect love casts out all fear. Amen What is the fear of the Lord? This expression occurs many times in the Hebrew scriptures and once in the New Testament. There are various pictures we can give from scripture. The expression ‘Fear of the Lord’ appears 15 times in the book of Proverbs, whose main theme as you know is wisdom. So, there is a link between the fear of the Lord and wisdom. Here are a few examples, Proverbs 1:7 the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 8:13 the fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the forward (perverse) mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. There seems to be three components to the fear of the Lord a) awe and reverence b) hatred of evil c) obedience to God’s word. Let us cultivate them! There is also a natural fear that we have to protect our bodies from damage e.g.do not touch the hotplate etc. 2] The wrong kind of fear All of us experience the wrong kind of fear sometime in our lives. Fear should be a dissimilar experience for believers and unbelievers. Fear is debilitating and even paralysing and is opposite to faith. Did you know that faith and fear are mutually exclusive? Choose where you are going to live today, in faith or in fear? It is important to realise that our fear of the Lord can be the antidote/answer to the wrong type of fear. The right fear overcomes the bad fear. Again, we get to choose which type of fear is going to be active in our lives. Choose well, choose life, choose the fear of the Lord! If we live by our feelings, they can drag us down into the pit of fear. But we need to see our situations in life through the lens of faith and through the lens of the bible not through the lens of doubt and fear. Could it be that because modern society is so steeped in fear it has collectively lost the fear of a holy God? Yet many people today fear death, sickness, poverty, helplessness, loneliness, future, commitment, failure, etc. So, what is the answer? How do we deal with fear? Here is a practical approach. Firstly, we need to get ‘historical not hysterical’ {1], in other words, we need to review the Lord’s track record in our lives, in our previous times of trouble, in previous trials or difficulty. If you keep a diary or journal, you will find that God keeps coming through for you, He is a faithful God! If you have no written records, then just meditate on God’s track record in your own life- He has got you through it all up to now and He will take you through this present challenge as well. Remember God has not changed, His truth has not changed and still sets us free, His character has not changed, God is still on the throne, God loves you and is there for you to take you through each attack of fear. Do not let fear cause amnesia of all that God has said and done. Do not allow fear to cause you to forget your identity in Christ. Fear is like a virus and can rapidly spread between people! The fear virus may have done more harm than did the pandemic. Let us distance ourselves from all sources of the wrong fear and bring the disinfectant of God’s word to others who have succumbed to the fear virus. Let us continue to take every thought captive through the lens of the bible. We need to avoid being overpowered by our feelings. Do not let the culture condition your mind but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Prayer, Lord we ask in Jesus’ name, that you teach us to develop the right kind of fear in our lives and that you also teach us how avoid the evil fear in all its forms and disguises. May you cause the fear of the Lord to dispel all ungodly fears and make us bearers of hope and love to those around us. Cause us to remember all that you have done in the past to strengthen us for today. Bring those who are paralysed by fear to your people to be set free. Amen Personal Prayer Fear not, fear nought but God! [1] Pastor Ed Young (2020) The Fear Virus

Introduction I have been blessed recently to hear three of our recent speakers mention the fruit of the spirit (FOTS), notably the sister who correctly identified the FOTS in the character of the Shunamite woman. As you all know we find the FOTS in Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. As we consider the FOTS you will begin to see that what we are really looking at is the character of God. The Lord wants us to become Christ-like and therefore it is essential that we know what the character of Jesus is like, so we know what we are aiming at in our own lives. Popular Misconceptions about the Fruit of the Spirit There are a couple of popular misconceptions about the FOTS where we find in Galatians 5:22-23. The Greek word for fruit is karpos (also see John 15:1-8) is singular and therefore it is incorrect to refer to the fruits of the spirit. Rather, the idea conveyed by the expression ‘fruit’ is that of a blended whole and not nine separate items. The blended whole is love which expresses itself in various ways: Love is Joy. Love is Peace. Love is Longsuffering (if your translation says patience then it is less accurate). Patience is standing on a cold, wet night at bus stop and waiting an hour for your bus. Longsuffering is the same but with someone poking you with a stick, but you do not respond to the poking! Love is Gentleness. Love is Goodness. Love is Faith and Faithfulness Love is Meekness. Love is Temperance (self-control) Sometimes we can spot the fruit of FOTS in people just like the sister did with the Shunamite woman. Fruit spotting is a lovely hobby! So how can we understand what a blended whole means? a] If you drink a tropical fruit punch your will be able to recognise the various flavours pineapple, mango, grapefruit etc. Love is the fruit punch, but you can taste or recognise its components the joy, peace etc. b] Think of what causes a rainbow. When white light (the sunlight) shines through a raindrop (the drop acts as a prism) it is separated into red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The colours in the rainbow merge so that it has hard to tell where one ends and another begins, so with the fruit of the spirit. The love (like the white light) is shed abroad in our hearts (acting like a prism) by the Holy Spirit and as it passes through us the love is split into its component parts such as joy, peace, faithfulness etc. which can be seen in our lives. Romans 5:5 tells us that as the Holy Spirit sheds the Love of Christ into our hearts, the love then enters our souls and the FOTS is produced. The Holy Spirit is reproducing the life/the character of Christ in us. This process involves our obedience both to the written word and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Word and the Spirit work together. In John 15:1-8 is a fruit-filled portion of scripture. Jesus is the vine; the Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. The Holy Spirit is the sap (liquid love that is pumped into hearts and through us) that causes leaves, flowers, and fruit to appear in our lives. We can hinder this process by disobeying the word of God i.e. sins such as, selfishness, unforgiveness etc. are like ligatures/blockages that stop the flow of love out to others. Abiding in the vine (which means walking close to the Lord in obedience) allows a steady flow of the liquid love that produces the FOTS. Spiritual fruit as with natural fruit takes time to develop. Fruit in the natural sense (think apples and oranges) contains the seeds for reproduction. When an unbeliever tastes or sees the FOTS in your life, a seed of love is sown in their hearts which God can bring to life. This in effect is love reproducing love. Just in closing the Greek word for love in Galatians 5:22 is agape which became the characteristic/defining word of Christianity. The Holy Spirit brought new meaning to this word. Agape love is the love of God himself and is selfless and seeks to do good to all men, but especially to God's children. So, as the Holy Spirit sheds his agape love into your heart, let this love flow unhindered from your heart, into your soul and be transformed into the FOTS that others will taste. It is all about love! Amen For full text for printout and access to our full sermon library please click on the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-fruit-of-the-spirit

Things to remember when your faith is hanging by a thread or your faith candle is smouldering out As Christians we all appear to go through times when we seem to be getting overwhelmed by the circumstances or by the difficulties in our lives. Disappointment, rejection, apparent failure, illness, stress, family and financial problems to name but a few of the things that come against God's people. This may give us a feeling that God is somewhat distant, uninvolved or uncaring or at worst he has forgotten about you. But is this true? How does God feel about us when we are hanging by a thread? Let us turn to His word to see how God feels and how God deals with His people when they feel that they are hanging by a thread. Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul. delights: I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgement unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he has set judgement in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Jesus, your Jesus, my Jesus, our Jesus, mild and yet so strong, not seeking to draw attention to himself. Quietly going about his father’s business, not striving by his flesh for the weapons of his warfare are not carnal but mighty. through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Jesus is patient and kind. towards his own, and you are his own! When we are crushed and bruised, he sets a limit. Precious spices and ointments need to be crushed to give their aroma! He never allows us to be tempted above. our measure. Remember the story of Joseph and his brothers. When your faith flame is only smouldering, he will not put it out, he never intended to, quite the opposite. The devil means to break us and snuff out our light (this little light of mine) but Jesus wants us to be whole and to burn brightly with a pure light. Matthew 12:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgement to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he sends forth judgement unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. Jesus shows power and grace in bearing up the weak and the suffering, to produce perseverance, but never to kill or destroy our faith in him. Sometimes, God needs to deal with the comfort in our lives to confront and destroy our pride of life, complacency, self sufficiency, wrongful dependence on others. Ultimately whatever we go through it is for our benefit as it says in Romans 8:28. Although a wonderful truth this does not make it easy for us but produces confidence that in the end it will be for our benefit and blessing. In his name the Gentiles trust, are you trusting him today in your particular situation? The reed is made up of long strands or filaments but when enough of them are. bruised or broken the reed just snaps in two and is no use for its purpose. Reeds can made into papyrus which as you know was the ancient world’s version of paper. God wants to heal your broken strands so that he can write his gospel message of love on you and in you. You are God's perfumed living love letter to your fellow. man and woman! Amen God does not kill or destroy his own wounded. He binds up the broken-hearted and restores us to wholeness. Do you remember Elton John’s song ‘candle in the wind’, In the song the woman's flame is tossed to and fro with absolutely no control. However Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world…and yet it seems that problems and difficulties in our lives seem to cut off the either the air or the flow of wax vapour. In the case of the flax, smouldering is the final stage before the flame is extinguished. When we feel we are hanging by a thread or our faith is about to smoulder out, Jesus comes to strengthen and breathe his life into us again. At school, in the chemistry class, the test for oxygen was that it relit a glowing or smouldering taper. So the awareness of the presence of Jesus Christ by his spirit relights our love and faith in God. We just need to get into his presence and allow the oxygen of his love to re-ignite our hearts. We must remember all his precious promises to us! Then we can go on to be once again Gods love letter, living and perfumed. epistles to our fellow man and bring the light of the world into the hearts of the unbelievers. Jesus does not just want to keep you hanging by a thread or smouldering but wants to bring you back into fullness, whole and burning brightly! Strong and gentle Jesus! Make us whole and burning brightly for you today. Amen Prayer

How to move in the gifts This teaching is not just about the gifts of the Holy Spirit but is also about how to be able to move in them so that the church of Jesus Christ can be built up. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers. 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: v8 Victorious Roman generals on returning to Rome paraded the biggest and strongest of their captives so that the Roman citizens could see the extent of the legion’s victory. They would also have their men shower the crowds with trinkets such as coins and small pieces of jewellery so that the people could share in the victory. So it was that when Jesus Christ won the greatest victory of all time triumphing over the devil and all his powers and principalities and made an open show of them! When he ascended back to heaven, he showered men (the church) not just with trinkets but the wonderful and precious gifts described in verse 11. These gifts are known as either the five-fold or four-fold ministry gifts and their purpose is to bring the church of Jesus Christ into a full maturity so that the body can perform the ministry. All the ascension gifts are dependent on the anointing of the Holy Spirit and it may well be that these gifts are not just limited to the ministry gifts (v.11) but also include many other (if not all) the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the gift of gifts Himself! 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to other divers’ kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. Please notice in verse 7 the gifts are given to every man to profit the body of Christ. These gifts are not just speaking about natural talents, e.g. the gift of tongues means that someone is good at foreign languages. This cannot be referring to the spiritual gift of tongues since there are many unbelievers who are gifted at languages! There are nine gifts of Holy Spirit described here and these can be conveniently divided into three groups for study purposes. 1. The verbal gifts; tongues, interpretation, and prophecy. 2. The inspirational gifts;(God shows us something we otherwise could not know) word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discernment of spirits. 3. The power gifts (demonstrating the power of God); healings, miracles, and faith. Although the power gifts may be the most spectacular of the gifts the emphasis of the bible is on the verbal gifts with over half the Scripture about the gifts devoted to these. 1 Cor 14 teaches solely about the verbal gifts. There is not a whole chapter devoted to either the inspirational or the power gifts. We are also taught to desire the gift of prophecy above all others! In the early church we find that the verbal gifts were the gifts most manifested in the church. If we follow the example the Corinthian church there should be tongues, interpretation, and prophecy at every church meeting! Interestingly the other six gifts tend to be used more in personal ministry with occasional manifestations in the church meetings. The verbal gifts are often the gifts that open us up to begin to move in the other six gifts. In some ways they are easier to move in since these gifts are under our control i.e., we can either speak or keep silent! Regular use of the verbal gifts seems to keep us open and ready to operate in the other six gifts when the Holy Spirit gives them to us. They help us to recognise the voice or leading of the Holy Spirit. The gift of tongues is especially useful to us in that we can use it for our personal edification almost anywhere, doing the ironing, in the car and we can use it without speaking out! For those of us who can speak in tongues it should be a daily exercise so that in addition to our personal benefit we are ready to give a tongue at church if the Spirit wills. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interprets, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God; I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20 Brethren be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so, falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. . 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Comments by verse v.1 We ought to desire spiritual gifts especially that we should prophesy! v.2 When we speak in an unknown tongue, we are not speaking to men but to God. It is a direct communication between man and God or vice versa. Although our minds do not understand we are speaking mysteries about God. What do you think the angels make of this? v.3 Prophecy is in English and is understood by the church thus building them up. v4. Tongues builds up the speaker, but prophecy builds up the church. see also Jude v20. v5 Paul wants everyone to talk in tongues but even better if they prophesy so that others can be fed. However, if there is an interpretation of the tongue it has the same effect as a prophecy i.e. it is understood! v6-12 What good is done in public if no one can understand what you are saying. Love considers others not just our own profit. If you want to give a tongue for the church pray and ask God for the interpretation as well so that everyone will be blessed. v15. Spirit filled Christians should pray and sing, sometimes in English, sometimes in tongues. Both are OK and one should not preclude the other. v16-17 Do not give thanks at the meal table in tongues since no one can understand and say Amen. v18 Paul appreciated the gift of tongues and used it more than anyone else! v19 but we must know the correct context for the use of tongues i.e. do not confuse the private use with its public use. At the meetings concentrate on what benefits the whole church. v21.-24 There appears to be an apparent contradiction between verse 21-22 and 23-24 in that in the former tongues is designated as a sign for the unbeliever but in the latter as a sign for the believers. The explanation lies in that on the day of Pentecost the Jews who first heard the other tongues were fulfilling the prophecies of the old testament (Isa 28 and Deut 24 v29)to show the Jews that they were in unbelief. However, the reference to tongues in v23-24 is for the Church and therefore is for a different purpose i.e. for the believers not the unsaved. v27 Let tongues and prophecies be given in batches of two or three and then give the congregation time to digest them and to discern what the Lord is saying to the church. v39 Do not forbid the speaking in tongues. v40 Be sensitive to the Spirit and others. Never behave in an unseemly or outrageous way for the church is the household of God. The practicalities of using the gift of tongues There seems to be two main roles for the gift of tongues. 1. The manifestation that often occurs at the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then used for communicating messages to God. 2. The operation of the gift to communicate a message from God to the church. Although not all spirit filled Christians do talk in tongues, I personally believe that they have the ability. If you are in that position and would like to operate in the gift of tongues, we will be discussing how to remove any hindrances. Some people just seem to take off either speaking or singing in tongues right away. Others seem to pick it up a few words at a time! Hindrances to speaking in tongues 1. Fear or shyness; sometimes people are called forward at meetings and are prayed for and told ‘just start speaking in tongues!’. This can be a nightmare for people who are very shy and would not even speak in English in front of a group of people! Such people who are shy should be allowed to manifest the gift of tongues at home or in a small supportive group. We need to be sensitive when ministering in this area. Sometimes at a meeting where most of the congregation are speaking in tongues it is much easier for the first timer to just join in. 2. Ignorance; some people believe that speaking in tongues is involuntary. That is not the case since scripture is clear that we have control over the gift, since we can speak quietly in tongues or sing or shout in tongues. Some people have been filled with the Spirit for many years and want to speak in tongues but do not realise that the gift is operated by faith with our co-operation. Sometimes new tongue talkers get stuck repeating one phrase and need to ask the Lord to develop their tongue. Many spirits filled believers operate in more than one tongue and seem to be able to recognise the change of tone. When the new tongue-talker hears the words coming out of their mouths they sometimes think that is just coming from themselves. However, we must have the humility to admit that we would not recognise most other known languages if we heard them. If a small boy were learning French and said to his dad ‘oui oui’ or ‘bon bon’ then his dad might say ‘wee wee’ and ‘bonbon’ are not French words, but he would be wrong. Likewise, we will not recognise the syllables and words in our other tongues. Although counterfeit tongues are exceedingly rare, if you are not sure about your tongue whether it sounds fight or not ask a small group of believers to listen to it to see how it sounds to them. 3. Unbelief; sometimes people can be in bondage over this gift and need a prayer of deliverance to set them free to move in the gift. Bondage can be brought about through sitting under wrong teaching on tongues or might even be due to fear of man about looking or sounding silly in front of others. We need to realise that the gift of tongues was a normal part of the spirit filled church life in the new testament church. Why is God so interested in our tongue? James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. God knows that we need to sanctify our tongues and when we are speaking in other tongues in a sense God is taking control of our tongues whilst we still retain overall control. If the Lord can gain control of our tongue, then He can be begun to take over the rest of our lives as well! When we are using tongues as a manifestation of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we are praying to God and we can all do it together. God can hear all of us at once! (remember the day of Pentecost). However, when the direction changes to when God wants to speak to the church a different rule applies. Usually only one person speaks in tongues at a time and everyone listens because we are not like God and able to receive all the tongues at once. Although most tongues that can be translated by someone present give glory to God, very rarely there might be an impression of something wrong with a tongue. In such a case a prayer of deliverance is needed. remember, when you ask God for something good that is what He gives, not something bad! When a tongue is given in a meeting someone should bring forth the interpretation in English. Amen Prayer

What does it mean? The cross in a church building is usually in a central place. The cross of Jesus Christ has a central place in our faith. Why so? For society the cross is merely a symbol, like a lucky charm and perhaps wards off evil. This is superstition which is offensive to the Lord. So let us turn to God`s word to find the true meaning of the cross. The need for the cross Genesis 2:16-17; Do not eat from the tree Genesis 3; Sin, loss of immortality or spiritual death. Appropriate it was that Jesus crucified on a tree taking away the sin problem back to the tree. Recovering immortality for those who believed. Shadows of Cross in Old Testament Numbers 21:8-9; People murmured, fiery serpents and Moses interceded. Brazen serpent on a pole represented the sin on a tree. They were healed when they beheld sin on the tree. John 3:14-15 2 Kings 18:4; Hezekiah destroyed idols The Cross must not become an idol. Do not offer prayers or worship to a statue. The Cross as an Altar In Leviticus, we see the various offering of sin, guilt, and burnt where the bull, goat, or lamb. Blood was put on horns of alter and rest of blood poured out at the base. Jesus Christ bled on horns of the cross and his blood poured out at the base. The Shame of the Cross Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Anyone hung on a tree was God-cursed, and openly disgraced. Galatians 3:13; Jesus became a curse for us Colossians 2:13-15; Jesus nailed our sin charges to the cross and paid in full for our sins. Colossians 1:20; Restoration through the blood of cross. Ephesians 2:15-16; Reconciliation between the Jews and Gentiles through the cross. Jesus' attitude to the Cross Hebrews 12:2; Joy set before Him Philippians 2:8; Humbled himself to death So what does the Cross mean? 1 Corinthians 18:23; Christ was crucified for Jews (stumbling block) and Gentiles (foolishness) To the believers the cross is the Power of God involving mighty dunamis power. The miraculous power of God cancelling out our debts Effects of preaching the Cross Acts 2:36-37; Hearers were pierced in the heart, leading to repentance. Acts 5:29-33; When Peter and the disciples told them the truth about Jesus Christ the listening crowd wanted to kill them. The preaching of the Cross separates those who will believe or will not believe. But we preach Christ crucified and our only boast is in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Kneel at the foot of Jesus cross today if you have never done so before. Amen Personal Prayer

The case for once saved always saved Is it possible for a true born-again believer to lose their salvation and end up in the eternal lake of fire, separated from God forever? The question usually arises when someone we know or even perhaps ourselves, who previously professed Christianity but is now living far from Jesus and does not seem to even care. As we begin this important study it is crucial to remember that not everyone in any given fellowship may be truly born again! Our question in this study is focused on those who have truly been born-again. This study has three parts to it. 1. The need for holiness in the believer’s life. 2. Bible evidence to support ‘once saved always saved’. 3. Responses to those scriptures which appear to contradict this. Part 1 It is clear from the teaching of the Bible that the Lord wants and indeed expects us to lead holy lives that bear fruit. It does matter how we live in every area of our lives and we must not grieve the Holy Spirit who indwells us by living in constant sin. The grace of God and His righteousness in us are not a license to sin. Even if we do stumble our hearts should be quick to confess our sins to the Lord. Calvinists and Armenians Calvinists (John Calvin 1509-1564) generally believe in Eternal Security. They believe that God knew everyone who would believe from before the foundation of the world, and because of this He called and chose each one. In this viewpoint God has done all the work for salvation in the past and the people will be saved in the future. One drawback from this point of view is that because it is so focused on the past it leaves out how the believers live in the present. When taken to extremes this could be taken to mean that it really does not matter how the Christian behaves and hence opens the door for widescale immorality. Arminians (Jacob Arminius 1560-1609), on the other hand, concentrate much more on the present. They also believe God has called and chosen us, but that this calling works only on a day to day basis. So, if we live a holy life today, we are still saved, but if not, we are in instant danger of losing our salvation. Some Arminians become very legalistic and keep long sets of rules perhaps even to the extent of keeping all the law of Moses. Some are in more bondage to the law than any legalistic Jew! Most of what the Calvinists believe is scripturally correct, but a balanced biblical viewpoint must take the present into account. Jesus is alive today and .... He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever liveth to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:23-25). Israel needed a high priest to represent the people to God and in the same way Jesus Christ our high priest makes daily intercessions for each one of us. Our eternal security and salvation do not only depend in what the Lord has done in the past but also on the fact that Jesus Christ is interceding for us today. This means there is a present aspect to our salvation. In other words, if Jesus stopped interceding for us perhaps, we might lose our salvation. Praise God however that He can save us to the uttermost (panteles) meaning completely, utterly, or finally, or even better everlastingly (forever). This present aspect of our salvation means that God requires something from us today! Our present-day sin is still loathsome to God. Although Jesus paid the price in full for all our sins when we sin today, Jesus has to say to His Father ‘I suffered and died for that sin’. So, there is still a reaction in heaven when we sin though He graciously forgives us when we repent. Our sins are still of real significance today and we must remember that obedience is better than sacrifice. Ephesians 4 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The basis of our eternal security is founded in two equally important things. 1. The work and calling of God in the past 2. The living intercession of Christ for us. If we remember both aspects, they will keep us from extremes of considering sin unimportant or trying to live under the Law. Our love and gratitude to Jesus will lead us into greater holiness. Some Arminian preachers are frightened to preach on God’s grace in case it will promote sin in the believer’s lives. The Bible however teaches that as we acquire an understanding of the grace and love of God and a revelation that Jesus is constantly interceding for us, then we will be inspired to lead holy lives. The supporting scriptures for this motivation to holiness are given below [1]. From these scriptures it is clear that God does not employ fear or outward things to spur us on to holiness but rather it is the truth inside us that will cause a response from our hearts. We respond to God’s love and grace. Those forgiven most, love most! Holiness needs a new nature No matter how good on external appearances people are, only the new birth can really change their nature. People who have only received the Gospel in their heads are often more difficult to convert because they think they are already saved. Part 2 Two Views of Salvation Some people would say that man’s work can help him earn salvation, whereas others say salvation is entirely God’s work. If salvation can be earned or deserved in any way, based on our actions, then there is a possibility that we might stumble and lose it again. This is in effect a ‘social gospel’ a gospel based on good works. This would mean that salvation was gained by doing good works and implies a necessary standard of conduct. If, like most Christians we believe that salvation is entirely the work of God, then we could only lose it through some failure on God’s part. This is of course impossible. The Bible is clear on this point that salvation is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Four Foundational Principles for Eternal Security 1. God’s omniscience; he knows everything, past, present, and future. He knows each one of us at our worst (faults and failings) and at our best. He knew what he was doing when he saved each one of us. He was big enough to complete the task of preparing us for eternity. Romans 8 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. See also 2 Timothy 2 13, Isaiah 46 9-10. 2. The nature of a gift from God; Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. A wage is earned, but a gift is given, the Greek word for gift charisma means a gift. Eternal life is a gift and the Scripture says in Romans 11 :29 ... the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. If we could lose our salvation, then surely God’s omniscience and grace would be in doubt! 3. The work of the Trinity in our salvation All three personalities of the triune Godhead co-operated in our salvation. The idea that any or all of them failed is absurd. a) The work of the Father. Ephesians 1 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Father God planned our salvation and has adopted us into his family. Philippians 1 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: It was the Father who began the good work in us, and He will faithfully complete it. b) The work of the Son Jesus died for every sin; past, present, and future. If even one sin was not covered by his blood, then we would be in grave danger. But thank God that no sin can now affect God’s plan, because they have all been considered since Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. Jesus is our advocate (1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:). The parakletos (advocate) means one called alongside to help. Jesus does not turn his back on us when we sin but rather, he rushes to the Father saying, ‘Yes I know he is guilty, but I paid for that sin on the cross’. When we get to heaven there will be great rejoicing ‘He (Jesus shall see the travail of his soul and be satisfied (Isaiah 53 11). Jesus is both judge and advocate (John 5 22+27). The court is biased in our favour! c) The work of the Father and Son Together. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Father gives men to the Son and He will lose none of them! John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never[2] perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man can pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. d) The work of the Holy Spirit. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest [3] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. We are sealed now of salvation. This implies a ‘done deal’. God owns us from that moment forever. The King of King’s seal cannot be reversed. 4. The family or kindred relationship. We are born-again into God’s family; Galatians 3 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Even if we deny Our Father, He remains faithful to us. Responses to scriptures which appear to be against eternal security There are Christians who believe that they can lose their salvation. It is worth considering just for a moment, that there are only two positions on this matter. Either you can or you cannot lose your salvation! In general, two types of error can be made when trying to interpret a passage of scripture. 1. Either or the verse or passage is misapplied i.e. it is talking about a different subject altogether (and not salvation in this case). 2. A verse can be taken out of context and so it is meaning becomes distorted. An example of such an error is where some people say that because Galatians 5:4 [4] says that we can ‘fall from grace’ then this means we can lose our salvation. This passage is talking about how to lead the Christian life not about salvation! Scriptures used to oppose the doctrine of eternal security Generally, they can be divided into five main groups. 1. Passages dealing with fruit and the judgement of believers works. e.g. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) the main thrust of the story is about people’s hearts and the fruit that they will produce when salvation comes. Only the first category the hard-hearted person who refuses the seed of God’s word is an unbeliever. See also Hebrews 6:7-10 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. 2. Passages about God disciplining believers. Although God does discipline his children, he does not throw them out of his family. The unforgivable sin is of course the sin of not believing what the Holy Spirit and the Word God say about Jesus Christ and can only be committed by unbelievers! In Acts 5:1-11 Annanias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and died! This does not imply that they lost their salvation, but it was a judgement of their works. Their dead works will be burned up in heaven just like ours! See also the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 28 and especially v.19 ...you and your sons will be with me. 3. Passages taken out of context. Matthew 24:13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. The context of ‘saved’ here is that of delivered i.e. will not die but survive. Matthew 7:21-23 ...I never knew you; depart from me your evil who practise lawlessness. This talking about judgement day (every knee ...) and is clearly talking about unbelievers. 4. Passages exhorting believers to live in fellowship. Hebrews 6:1-6 careful study of this passage shows that the ‘repentance of v.6 is referring to the same repentance from dead works’ as verse 1. This is talking about believers who are out of fellowship with the Lord and need to get rid of their dead works. 5. Miscellaneous scriptures. Revelation 3 5 ‘Overcomers’ Some people assume that some believers will not be overcomers and hence lose their salvation. However, in 1 John 5 4-5 defines who the overcomers are i.e. one who has faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:11-13; ‘If we deny (disown) Him....He will also deny us. If God remains faithful our salvation is secure in Him. Conclusion The grace of God should promote holiness in our lives. We are in a relationship with God which cannot be broken although our fellowship can. Your eternal life has already begun so let us live and act in a worthy manner! Jude:24-25 24 Now unto him that can keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion, and power, both now and for ever. Amen. Teaching adapted in part from BBS TAPES 9-11 by the late Roger Price (Chichester CF) see additional resources for links [1] Titus 2 11-13. Ephesians 2:8-10. Romans 6:11-15. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. Ephesians 3:20 -4 22. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Collossians 3:1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 1 John 3:13. [2] Double negative in Greek for emphasis ‘never ever’. [3] Guarantee or down-payment. [4] Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Disciples ought to bear fruit John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Jesus tells his disciples that ‘I am the vine, and you are the branches’ This describes the relationship between Christ and his church in way to help us to understand it. You could say the picture of the vine and the branches is a model but one that reflects the spiritual reality very clearly. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of Christ is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like liquid love in our hearts and produces the fruit of the Spirit which is the character of Christ. In other words, the liquid love of the Holy Spirit is like the sap that nourishes the branches and leads to the fruit of the vine growing on us the branches. This liquid love is constantly being poured into the believer’s heart. God the Father is the gardener, farmer or vinedresser and lovingly tends his vine and branches. J15:2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Perhaps the best way to interpret the word fruit (Greek karpos) here is as a return or yield for what has been put in (in this case the Holy Spirit into the believer). The branches that not bearing fruit are ‘taken away’ (Greek airo), but this means to be lifted to catch the sunlight better and get another chance to produce fruit. The grapes that are ready are then harvested, the love that has filled us brings the character and the good deeds of Christ which we then share with those in need. This consumption of the fruit by our good deeds stimulates the branch to produce more fruit. 3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. The word clean (Greek katharos) means literally honed or fine-tuned for a specific purpose. There are two aspects to this cleansing, firstly a removal of all external hindrances to fruit production in our behaviour, and secondly, an internal honing with removal of all hindrances and development of all good qualities in our hearts. There is some overlap in the two processes. Jesus tells his disciples that they are now ready to produce fruit. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. The word for abide (Greek meno) means to stay and this root gives us words including remain, maintenance, and even mansion. This is cause and effect, if we abide in the Vine then we can bear fruit. The abundant life flows from Christ in the form of the liquid love from the Holy Spirit. We must be fully connected to the vine and receive his nourishment as we pray, study the word, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The fuller our connection to the vine the more fruit can be produced. If we lose our ongoing connection to the Vine our branch cannot produce any fruit. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. This verse emphasises the fact that if we are not abiding in Christ, we cannot produce any yield, or fruit nor a dividend to the Lord. The more we are connected to Christ the more fruit we will produce. 6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If we are not connected to the Vine our branch has no life and is only useful as firewood. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Jesus tells his followers that if we focus our lives in on him, so that all his words and sayings are flowing in our hearts and minds, whatever we ask for will be done for us as our flow of words and deeds line up with his. Amen Prayer: Lord teach us how to abide in the Vine with a full connection to your flow of love into our hearts. Teach us to bear fruit for you. Amen

The Lord’s Table Communion is more than just a memorial to remember Jesus' death and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is also an acknowledgement of each believer’s continual dependence upon Christ's life and a regular reminder of His soon return. The church of Jesus Christ today is becoming somewhat embattled with enemies on the outside and more worryingly enemies of the bible within its own congregations. Let us draw strength and sustenance from this wonderful sacrament that Jesus told his church to remember Him by. The Institution of the Lord’s Supper is described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11 23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Examine Yourself 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come. Jesus always come to His own table so let’s commune with Him this evening and partake with Him in His covenant meal. Prayer and blessing

How to interpret the parables Philip the evangelist [Acts 8:30] asked the Ethiopian church as he read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Today, I would like to ask you the same question “Do you understand the scriptures that you are reading?” We cannot understand anything in the scriptures unless the Holy Spirit reveals it to us. However, God is not in the business of making it difficult for his church to understand his word. In fact, he has appointed some keys in the bible to make it easier for us to understand what he is saying through his word. Today, we are going to look at 3 examples of keys to unlocking the meaning of Psalms, Proverbs and Parables. We are starting with the parables. Parables: is a story comparison where something is laid against something else. It usually is something spiritual laid alongside something natural, with a view to give understanding to God`s people and hiding it from his enemies. The key to understanding the parables is found in the parable of the sower. Mark 4:3-20; Parable of Sower Verse 12; Unbelievers do not understand Verse 13; If you do not understand this parable, how will you understand others. This is the most simple of parables and shows us how to interpret all the other parables. A. Sower (believer) sows’ word (gospel) field (human heart) B. Those by Road (do not understand) birds (Satan) steals it C. Those by Rocks (understood) joyful acceptance but does not give word time to develop roots and when persecuted falls away. D. Word sown in thorns is choked by cares and worries desire for worldly things. Their eyes are off Jesus. E. Word sown on (good) heart understands it and is obedient to it. Produces fruits (good works) by *100, *50, *30 (minimum) Meanings Seed = Word of God Ground field = Human heart Birds = Satan and demons Rocky ground = Hardened heart Thorns = Hearts preoccupied with worries and worldly desires Good soil = Open hearts Fruit = Good work/character So in each parable, the things in it represent the elements of God`s truth revealed in a way to make his people understand. Try another example now Matthew 13:24-30; Parable of the Tares Sower of Good seed = Son of Man, Jesus Christ Field = World Good seed = Sons of the Kingdom of God Tares = Sons of Evil one Enemy = devil Harvest = End of Age Reapers = Angels Tares Burning = evil Check your answer against Matthew 13:36-42 Prayer: May the Lord open his word to each one of us and cause us to understand what the Spirit is saying to us in his church. Amen

FREEDOM IS ONLY FOR BRAVE HEARTS JESUS IS THE BRAVE HEART Picture the scene [1], William Wallace standing before the ramshackle Scots army, when they see their formidable enemy, some begin to break ranks and leave. Wallace addresses the men, “Which of you when you are old and about to die in your beds would not rather know that you had fought today and even died for freedom?” He inspires them and they fight for successfully for freedom. Also, you may consider the reputed address of King Robert the Bruce to his army before the battle of Bannockburn (1314) : Scots wha` hae wi` Wallace bled Scots wham Bruce has often led Welcome tae your gory bed Or to victorie Concludes We shall drain or dearest veins But they shall be free! The human heart cries for freedom Freedom from Oppression Freedom from Slavery Freedom from Bondage But it is not the English who are the enemy today It is not the Irish who are the enemy today It is not the Russians who are the enemy today Jesus never came to defeat the Romans. The true enemy of every man, whatever his race or nationality is Satan. For it is he who comes to steal, kill, and destroy every human being, those who been made in the image of the Living God. He enslaves them in sin. He takes them captive at will, with lies, deceit, and temptation. Human beings have few natural defences against the devil and his wiles. Half of the people today do not even believe he exists! What a lie, what a deception. He just binds them in his chains. Winston Churchill said, “We shall fight them (The Germans) on the beaches, air, sea, and land.” But the real battle in life for freedom is not fought with tanks, guns, or aircraft. It is a fought in the hearts, minds of men, women, and children against a supernatural foe, who knows our every besetting sin and weakness Who can deliver us from such bondage (to have to keep on committing the same sins)? Praise the Lord for Jesus Christ the Braveheart. He came, he saw, he died He rose and lives forever No one else was worthy No one else was able No one else loved the Father like He did Jesus Christ the Braveheart willingly surrendered himself to false judgement, to lies and to extreme brutality. His skin was flayed, his beard plucked, he was wearing a crown of thorns and yet willingly gave his life on that cruel cross. Yes, even the humiliating death of the cross, that you and I might be set free from the penalty of sin and eternal death. What a Braveheart to live and to die for freedom, not for himself, for he was, is and for evermore is free. But freedom for you and me today, and to all who would receive Him, they would become the free children of God. Jesus the Braveheart came to set us free, God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power to preach the gospel to the poor, to open blind eyes and deaf ears, to set the captives free, to bind up the broken hearted. Jesus the Braveheart mends the broken-hearted. Jesus is the Gospel. And what is this gospel of Jesus Christ Romans 3:23 We are all sinners Acts 4:10-12 Only Jesus can save you Acts 2:34-36 We all need to repent (turn around completely) Romans 10:9-10 We all need to confess Jesus Christ with your mouth and believe in your heart You Christians Jesus Christ the Braveheart stands before you His army tonight and calls each you to inspire each other to victory. To overcome the sin in your life, to keep our eyes on Him. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Our captain was willing to shed his blood for the remission of our sins. Shall we shrink back from the cross? Lord, make us willing to the drain our dearest veins for the freedom not only of this nation but for all peoples. Brave hearts are willing to die for freedom, including dying to sin, to self, to selfish pleasure, to your own hopes, plans, and ambitions but alive to Christ, his will, his Word, and his Spirit. We are God`s freedom fighters We will need to fight mighty powers and principalities over this land, for it is they who hold the people in bondage through the fear of death. We must make every sacrifice that God requires. 1. Prayer, fasted prayer 2. Going the extra mile 3. Loving your enemies 4. Sacrificing for others 5. Forgiving Jesus the Braveheart has led the way, we must follow Him into the thick of the battle and bring his freedom to all people starting at our own doorsteps. To you an unbeliever Definition: People who have never taken Jesus as their personal saviour. Are you brave enough today? 1. To admit you are a sinner. 2. To be willing to turn from your sins with God's help. 3. To believe in Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord? (see prayer and advice on next page) Now is the day, Now is the hour, to let Jesus Christ the Braveheart break your chains and shackles of your sins and bondage. Today is the day of to finally stop being Satan’s slave. Find out how by clicking the link below The bible is clear in Romans 10:9-10 it says v9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. v10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We now need to turn this belief into a prayer spoken from your heart. Dear Jesus , thank you for taking my punishment on the cross, which I deserve for all the wrong things I have done in the past. Help me turn away from the ways of this world and all its the false promises. I ask now for your forgiveness and a fresh start in my life. I invite the Holy Spirit into my heart and mind to show me how to live from this time on. Amen You now need to start praying, reading your bible and find a church where they teach and believe the bible. Bless you , the angels in heaven are rejoicing over your decision to turn to God. [1] As in the movie Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/jesus-our-braveheart

Do you use all of them? There are 5 main types of Prayer in the New Testament Four of them are found in 1 Timothy 2:1 and one in Ephesians 6:17-20. The 5 types are as follows. 1 Timothy 2:1 (KJV) 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 1. Supplication; Simply means calling on the Lord. It is your heart felt response to what is in your heart and mind. God heard the cry of the Israelites in Egyptian bondage and sent a deliverer. Also, in New Testament [Romans 10] anyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Supplication (when done with a whole heart) might contribute towards revival, when we are sick of both our own and our church deadness, we must cry out to the Lord. 2. Petitionary Prayers: This is specific prayer requests like the one by the Rev Yongi Cho. He chooses a specific bicycle, American, 10-speed, blue drooping handles. Or what about a new church bus specifically a 20-seater, <3 years old, under 60,000 miles or a new church building or whatever your own church specific needs are. 3. Intercessions; Deeper form of prayer needing stronger commitment. Type of prayer that identifies with the situation or a person`s feelings, for example pain. It takes the burden. Rees Howells had to go and live with a tramp to identify with him. Jesus is our great intercessor. Intercession can be identified when Queen Esther went before the King at the risk of her life. Daniel identified himself with the sins of the people (Israel) also did Moses. Intercessors stand in gap between man and God asking for judgement to be withheld so that some may be saved. 4. Thanksgiving: Giving thanks gives honour and glory to God in every circumstance. Thanksgiving pleases God, as he sees us focus on him and his provision rather than ourselves. Thanksgiving should be an everyday lifestyle. We can thank God for preventing us going through a trial but sometimes for the grace to go through other trials. 5. Praying /Speaking the Scriptures This can be the rhema word used in prayer warfare (see Matthew 4 below) or you could say the Living Word. The logos word is the written word but the rhema word is the spoken word. Jesus used the rhema word against Satan when he was tempted in the wilderness. The rhema words Jesus spoke against Satan’s temptations are italicized in the passage below. Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward hungry. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And says unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, it is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. 9 And says unto him, all these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then says Jesus unto him, get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaves him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Three times Jesus said 'it is written' meaning this is what is written in the Hebrew scriptures. As Jesus spoke the word of God, it was energised by the Holy Spirit and became the rhema or living word striking down the devil's ploy. Ephesians 6:17 KJV And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; The rhema word is also the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and is effective against the wiles of the devil. Remember to use it when tempted! Let us seek to use all 5 types of prayer as appropriate, to the glory of God. Amen Personal Prayer