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Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 Immanuel Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah 7:14 says The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel. Permit me to explain These gracious words were spoken by the Hebrew prophet Isaiah about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. This prophecy like some other old testament prophecies seemed to have a double fulfilment. That is the prophecy was fulfilled in the days around when it was first given for King Ahaz. However, its second and much greater fulfilment came several hundred years later when Jesus Christ was born. We know this Immanuel prophecy about was about Jesus because the Gospel of Matthew 1:23 quotes the Isaiah 7:14 scripture as follows Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Please note that both spellings are acceptable that is Immanuel and Emmanuel. So, what does Emmanuel or ' God with us ' mean? Emmanuel in a sense is an overview of God's full plan of salvation for mankind. First God becomes a actual man of flesh and blood, he can feel pain and the full range of human emotions. This brings God in a new way into a full identification with mankind. He now knows exactly what it is like to be a human being. This baby born in a manger, grows up to become the Messiah the Saviour, who at the end of his life saves mankind from our greatest foe...not the Romans, not the Egyptians, not the Russians… mankind's biggest foe is sin or we could say acting against God's wishes. This unique baby went on to provide a way back to God for mankind for a ll of us have gone astray. Imagine that, God the Son was with us and is still with us! What does that mean to you? Yes, that little baby in the manger, grew up to become the suffering Messiah who has provided a way back to God for all who want it. We can rejoice in Emmanuel We rejoice that God is with us. We can rejoice in God’s greatest ever gift Christmas gift- Immanuel, Jesus Christ who came to take our sins. If this is new to you then check out the teaching below 'How to be born again'. Amen Personal prayer

Why should we celebrate Christmas? As you all know there are two major festivals about to be celebrated shortly, Xmas the world’s version of Christmas but with the Christ taken out of it, includes Santa, Xmas, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas cards, tinsel, stockings etc. For many Xmas is a time of some happiness but Xmas is a very pale imitation of the real Christmas, the celebration of the birth of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the birth of our Saviour today, I pray that immense joy will be your portion today and forever. Let us look at the occasion of the giving of God’s greatest gift to humanity. Luke 2:1-20 Verse 10 ; Good news of a great joy for all the people Verse 11 ; What is this good news that brings great joy, a Saviour, the Saviour of all mankind has been born. After some 4,000 years the promised seed of the woman who would bruise (strike a deathblow to) the serpent's head had arrived. Verse 25-32 ; The consolation of Israel, the Saviour has come to comfort and encourage the few righteous. Isaiah 49:6 The long-promised Messiah, the anointed one had come. Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 The promised child called Mighty God That God had become a man, God with us Immanuel. John 1:14 The Eternal Word was made flesh. In the fullness of time, in the exact place named by the prophet Micah that which the blessed Mary conceived of the Holy Spirit was born. Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God was born. About the Saviour So the goods news of great joy was, and is, that the Saviour of all humanity has been born. A Saviour has been born; To save us from the wrath to come. A Saviour has been born; To save us from eternal separation from God. A Saviour has been born, Who restores our souls. A Saviour has been born, Who delivers his people from evil. A Saviour has been born, Who gives eternal life to his people. A Saviour has been born, Who brings justice and righteousness. A Saviour has been born, Who purchased us by the Holy sinless blood of his cross. A Saviour has been born, Who delivers us from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, from the presence of sin. A Saviour for all humanity, for all who have sinned [ Romans 3:23 ]. That Saviour is Jesus Christ the Lord. Romans 5:6-11 ; The Saviour came at the right time to die for our sins, rebellion, unbelief, disobedience. A Saviour Jesus Christ who saves through His blood. A Saviour who saves us from wrath of God. A Saviour who brings the reconciliation of sinful man to God. So what are we going to do with this good news? Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? We can tell them how this good news of Jesus can be theirs. We can tell them it’s for all people. We can tell them God is making Jews jealous through this gospel. The Saviour, God made man, came to die for their sins and whoever will call upon him will be saved. That Saviour is Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate today the good news of the Gospel of Jesus, as partakers in it and also be sharing the good news. Amen Prayer

Psalms for Christmas As we stated Part 1 few people in the western world do not know nativity story. But let us just have a refresh our memory. Luke 2:8-20 Verse 10 ; Angels announce good news, tidings of great joy Verse 11 ; The birth of the Saviour, Christ the Messiah Verse 12 ; The babe will be found in a manger The ‘world’ today is happy to focus on the baby. He is no threat to their lifestyle, whilst in manger. Yet we in the church are filled with awe and wonder. The eternal word made flesh and yet even we can be caught up with tradition by focusing only on Jesus’ nativity. In our joy and celebration we must not forget the reason the Christ child came to earth. So why did he come? What was the mission of Jesus Christ, the Messiah? It can be put in different ways. To save man from sin To restore fellowship with God To destroy the works of the devil 1 John 3:8b... For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. It is this direction we want to remember today. You may be wondering what it has to do with Christmas, but I hope to show you that this aspect of Jesus life and mission is really at the heart of the Christmas story. And may have greater importance than the traditional view of ‘Baby Jesus’. I first came across the underlying ideas as to why is Christmas is so thrilling to Christians whilst reading “ Reflections in the Psalms ” by C.S. Lewis. In this book I was surprised to find that the Anglican prayer book had appointed 4 Psalms for reading on Christmas day. [ Psalms 110, 45 (covered in Part 1) , 89, and 132 ] We are going to look briefly at one of these Psalms now to see if we can discover any connection between Christmas and the Psalm 110. In Psalm 110 there is not a lot about peace and goodwill or anything from the nativity. This Psalm appears to be a coronation poem/song for a new king or perhaps is a song addressed to a king on the eve of a battle. It predicts victory and empire. Some Christians call it David's creed; because it has has many elements of Christian faith in it. Verse 1 ; Right hand - enemies’ necks under foot. Verse 2 ; Sceptre of authority – ruling Verse 3 ; His people – the church Verse 4 ; Melchizedek – combined priest/king Verse 5 ; Shatter kings – enemies’ death, fallen beings Verse 6 ; Dead bodies abound – chief men shattered Verse 7 ; Samson at Lehi – drank head down at death, lifted in resurrection So what has Psalms 110 got to do with Jesus? Two main things. Jesus quoted it of himself in Matthew 22:44 ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’? Jesus seemed to identify with this Son of David. 2. The Mention of Melchizedek in Ps110:4 (now see Hebrews 7:14-17) 14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning [ c ]priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” Lets remind ourselves about this mysterious Melchizedek from Genesis 14:18-20 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. Things to note about Melchizedek; No details of where he comes from Blesses in name of the Mighty Holy God Assumes superiority over Abraham Ministers bread and wine A wonderful mysterious character but the fact that He is King/Priest made him the character in the whole Old Testament most like Jesus Christ. Psalms 110:4 links Messiah to Melchizedek's priesthood and not to an Aaronic or Levitical priesthood. Psalms 110 with the 3 other above psalms restore the ‘ Balance in Seeing Jesus Christ ’ as the victorious King of kings, our conquering hero not just a baby in the manger. Further study Let’s look very briefly at parts of the other ‘Christmas’ Psalms. Psalms 45:3-7 ; Note threatening tone to enemy. Verse 5 ; Sharp arrows in heart Psalms 89:20-29 Verse 23 ; Enemies crushed before Him Verse 27 ; Receives whole earth Psalms 132:17-18 Verse 18 ; Enemies shamed, and His crown is flourishing. These Psalms are very militant with Messiah as a champion, a giant killer, a hero King to fight and defeat death, hell, demon, and hordes. For this purpose Jesus Christ appeared to destroy the works of the devil. If you look at all the Old Testament scriptures quoted by Jesus, the evidence is that this is how he looked on Himself. Not in terms of His infancy but as the all-conquering King yet in gentleness and humility. Paradox: The Messiah came to destroy? Praise His Holy name that is exactly what he did. He defeated death, Satan all the powers and principals cancelled out our debts. Nailing them to the cross disarmed the enemy and publicly triumphed over them. Lead captivity captive ascended on high, gave gifts to men and sat at Fathers right hand far above all rule and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this but in the age to come and is head of His church. Hallelujah!! So when we remember the ‘Baby in the manger' let us also remember the all-conquering, victorious hero King who came and completely fulfilled His mission. Amen Prayer

An Advent story Today our topic is an Advent message: What happened to the baby in the manger? Advent, (Latin adventus , “coming”) in the Christian church calendar, is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 and then runs for a total of 4 full weeks of Sundays. In 2024 advent starts a four-week observation beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which began on December 1 this year and will finish on Sunday the 24th of December. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ's birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and charitable deeds what the true meaning of Jesus' birth is. At this time of year many people think of the baby in the manger, and it is good to reflect on the beautiful story of the nativity. However, Jesus Christ did not remain a baby but became the mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Saviour of the world, and the Bridegroom of his church. So often we can focus in on the wonderful meekness and humility of Jesus (the suffering servant of Isaiah 53; the crucified Messiah) and yet neglect His power and majesty as the mighty conquering King! Through the blood of the cross He defeated him who had the power over death and having risen entered the holy of holies and presented once and for all His holy sinless blood on the mercy seat as a propitiation (turned away God's wrath) for the sin of man. We are now going to consider Jesus Christ as the conquering hero. Psalm 45 is a didactic psalm i.e. Maschil is a psalm that teaches us (about the power and majesty of God). This is a delightful psalm bursting with royalty and nobility, power, and majesty. This is about the Messiah. The first part of the psalm is about Jesus the conquering hero (vv.3-6) and the second part about Jesus the Bridegroom (vv.9-14) see link below for the second part. 3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth, meekness, and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach these terrible things. 5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Comments v.3 Get ready for battle with the sword of the spirit, for the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. In the wilderness Jesus defeated Satan with the word of God and at the end of time He will destroy His enemies with the breath of His mouth. O most mighty, there never was anyone else who was able or worthy to this title, the one who defeated Satan, death, and hell by His death on the cruel cross and now has the keys of death and hell. O most mighty Jesus Christ. The Lamb of God is the only one worthy to open the scroll in the book of revelation. v.4 When Jesus preached the Gospel He rode on the Word of Truth and meekness and righteousness not only proclaiming these but living them out before the very eyes of men. The glorious eternal Gospel was His chariot to bring salvation to fallen man. The Gospel prospered, turning certain peoples’ worlds the right way up! Jesus at the right hand of God brings salvation to the humble but a terrible and everlasting condemnation to the unrepentant wicked. There is no hiding place from the Son of God. v.5 His words are arrows and never miss the mark! No one can stand against Him and survive. We are also His arrows in His quiver for he fires us out at the lost so that as we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ by His spirit, he pierces their hearts with conviction of sin of righteousness and judgement! Some enemies fall convicted leading to salvation others refusing to repent to eternal condemnation. We were once His enemies but now are of His royal household! v.6 This most mighty warrior is none other than God Himself, God the Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal word made flesh, He who was in the beginning was the eternal Word and was with God and was God. It is Him who has an eternal throne not like any earthly king but a divine and everlasting Kingship. Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Praise his holy name. he who was once a babe in a manger shall rule the nations with a rod of iron. His rule, His sceptre is the only right and lawful rule that is fitting to stand for eternity. Soon He is coming for his bride. Even so come Lord Jesus. Amen Conclusion That same baby in the manger is now the risen Lord, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Therefore the Christmas story is so very wonderful. Amen.

The battle between the spirit and the flesh Our key text is 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 study the fruit of the Spirit you will begin to see that we are really studying is the character of God. We must become Christ-like and therefore it is essential that we know what he is like, so we know what we are aiming at in our lives. Jesus says ‘by their fruit shall ye know them’ referring to the character of the false prophets. We need to know what good fruit is like to be able to spot the false prophet. This is important in these last days of increasing deception. Or how about a marriage, business, or ministry partner or even a leader in the church. It is all about character. We need to be able to compare the lusts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit to recognise whether we are walking in the flesh or in the Spirit. This provides a measure of our growth and maturity as we mortify the deeds of the flesh and walk in the Spirit. If any of the lusts of the flesh are still present in our lives, we need to repent and forsake them. The fruit of the Spirit being manifest in a believer’s life is a much more accurate way of assessing maturity than to consider their operation in the gifts of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit in your life will draw those who are open to salvation to you and will cause those who hate God to hate you. Fruit in the natural sense contains seeds for reproduction. When an unbeliever tastes or sees the fruit in your life, a seed of love is sown in their hearts which God can bring to life; love reproducing love. The battle between the spirit and the flesh Galatians 5:16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. v.16. To walk in the Spirit means to live your life constantly in the truth of the word of God, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being led and guided by them working together. This involves being constantly aware of the reality of all the promises of God to you and of the reality of all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ Jesus. It also involves constant refusal to yield to selfishness, unforgiveness and all other forms of sin. Love must always be our motive to please God. See also below 'How to walk in the Spirit' v.17 From the moment that we are saved there begins a lifelong battle between the flesh and the spirit. Our flesh has the old sin nature in it and is selfish, sinful, and indulgent and always insists on getting its own way. The regenerated human spirit has been made in the image of God and its nature is the selfless love of God. The flesh seeks to dominate and rule over the spirit whilst the regenerate human spirit seeks to crucify the flesh. The victory in any given situation is decided in the mind of the believer when we decide to obey God or yield to the flesh. v.18 Jesus Christ completely fulfilled the Law and when we are led by His spirit, we are not under the Law but are at liberty by the grace of God. We are free to choose to obey His royal law of love which is written in our hearts. We are free to choose life, that zoe abundant life! Amen Personal prayer

This is the character of Jesus Christ 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

The dictionary definition of Advent states that it is: - a) The coming or arrival of something or someone that is important or worthy of note b) An arrival or coming, especially one which is awaited So who is coming? And who is waiting? Most sources say that Advent is a four-week season in the church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or “advent” of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King”. This means that Advent is an occasion for the church and we’re waiting for the arrival of Jesus? But we know that Jesus was born, and died, and rose again. He is our living Saviour. Although yes, He is coming back again. He is also the long-awaited ‘Messiah’ and ‘King’. Messiah? That’s Hebrew for ‘anointed’ is משיח – the anointed one. The Saviour/Deliver. That’s an odd concept – we are waiting for the arrival (birth) of King Jesus, knowing that He has already been born! And the Messiah is the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible – Old Testament). Christians are awaiting the second coming of Jesus. Jews are waiting for His first coming. A number of years ago as we approached the season of Advent, I looked for a study on it, so that I could prepare. We tend to go in and out of Christmas without giving much thought to the actual birth of Jesus. In church our focus is often on the fact that He came, to die for our sins. I wanted to think deeper about the actual birth aspect and not being able to find a good study, I decided to write one for myself. This meant I had to do some research. I will share some of the thoughts I had, and what I discovered. Why was Jesus born? To fulfil scripture. The Tanakh/Old Testament has numerous passages prophesying His birth. Jesus would be ‘from the seed of Abraham’ (Gen 22:18/Matt 1:1); promised through Isaac (Gen 21:12/Lk 3:34); from the Tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10/Micah 5:2/Lk 3:33); from the family of Jesse (Is 11:1/Lk 3:32); from the House of King David Jer 23:5-6/Lk 3:31); born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2/Lk 2:4-7); born of a virgin Is 7:14/Matt 1:18); worshipped and presented gifts by Kings (Ps 72:10/Matt 2:11); Worshipped by shepherds (Ps 72:9/Lk 2:8,9); there would be weeping for the children Jer 31:15/Matt 2:16). he would flee to Egypt (Hosea 11:1/Matt 2:13-14); he would be called Lord (Ps 110:1/Lk 2:11); He is the Son of God (Ps 2:7/Lk 3:22/Matt 3:17/Mk 1:11). These are just a few. His mother and father were Jewish. The lineage of both of them can be traced back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Matt 1:1-16 & Lk 3:23-28). His real name is Jewish – YESHUA – which means ‘He will save’. He was circumcised on the 8th day after His birth. His mother took 2 pigeons to the Temple in Jerusalem as a sacrifice, according to Jewish law (Lev 12:2-8/Lk 2:21-24). Simeon was waiting for the ‘the Consolation of Israel’ (Lk 2:25-32) and the prophetess Anna ‘gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem’ (Lk 2:36-38).   After the birth of John the Baptist, his father Zacharias prophesied about Jesus (Lk 1:68-79). Look at verses 72 and 73 ‘…….and to remember His Holy Covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham’. It is interesting to note the meaning of the names of John’s parents. Zacharias (Z’kharyah זכריה) means ‘The Lord Remembered’ and Elizabeth (Elisheva אלישבע) means ‘God’s oath’. So God remembered His oath! It’s important to remember though, that the Messiah also came for the Gentiles (non-Jews) and we are included throughout the Tanakh, beginning in Genesis. In fact, there are 4 Gentile women mentioned in the lineage of Mary, in Matthew’s Gospel, and Simeon’s prayer mentions the Gentiles (Lk 2:29-32).   When was Jesus born? Well, not on 25th December as we know! Some people say Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). Some say Pesach (Passover). Apparently, it all began in Babylon and was the date of Nimrod’s birthday. Then it was adopted by various other pagan religions over the centuries to be the birthday of their pagan gods, until the Emperor Constantine decided that we would celebrate the birth of Jesus on that day. It doesn’t really matter. We celebrate the birth of the Light of the World around the time the Jewish people celebrate Hanukah – the festival of lights, on 25th Kislev. Hanukah is about light, a miracle, God’s provision. Just to throw another spanner into the works, Jesus was born between the years 4-6BC! So our calendars are wrong. The main thing to remember is that we are celebrating the birth of a wonderful, incredible, amazing Saviour!   Where was Jesus born? That we are certain of. Bethlehem. To fulfil Micah’s prophecy. It is also mentioned in the Talmud (the Jewish Oral Writings) that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem in Hebrew is Beit Lechem – בית לחם – which means ‘the house of bread’. One of the names of Jesus is ‘the Bread of Life’. The sheep which were used for the Temple sacrifices were born and reared in Bethlehem. Jesus was our sacrificial lamb.   My vicar in England told me that he loved the season of Advent because it gave him a great opportunity to speak about Israel. The first two weeks he would preach on the first coming of Jesus, the last two on His second coming. He said you can’t speak about the second coming without mentioning Israel. Why? Because when Jesus comes back, He is coming back to Jerusalem! There are many Scriptures to confirm this, but too much to put in here. My favourite Advent hymn is O come, o come, Immanuel. ‘O come, o come Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear’ Amen Personal Prayer by Guest Blogger Batnabas aka Linda Morris

Abraham's Two 'Covenants'. 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. ✦ Verse-by-verse comments ✦ Verse 21: “Do you not listen to the law?” Paul’s challenge : He is speaking directly to those who want to follow the Mosaic Law, asking if they truly understand what it teaches. Irony : They are appealing to the law for righteousness, but Paul will use the law itself to show that it leads to slavery—not freedom. ✦ Verse 22: “Abraham had two sons…” Historical setup : Paul references Genesis—Abraham’s sons Ishmael (one by Hagar, the slave) and the other Isaac (by Sarah, the free woman). Symbolic contrast : These two sons represent two radically different spiritual realities. ✦ Verse 23: “Born according to the flesh… through promise”. Born according to flesh vs promise. Ishmael : Born through human effort—Abraham and Sarah’s attempt to fulfil God’s promise on their own terms. Isaac : Born miraculously, as a fulfilment of God’s promise—representing grace and divine initiative. ✦Verse 24: “Interpreted allegorically… two covenants”. Allegory : Paul uses the story symbolically to represent two covenants: Hagar  = Old Covenant (law from Mount Sinai), leading to slavery. Sarah  = New Covenant (promise), leading to freedom. Bold move : Paul reinterprets a foundational Jewish story to support the gospel of grace. ✦ Verse 25: “Hagar is Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem”. Geographical and spiritual link : Hagar is tied to Mount Sinai (where the law was given) and to “present Jerusalem”—the centre of Jewish legalism. Slavery theme : Those clinging to the law are spiritually enslaved, just like Hagar and her descendants. ✦ Verse 26: “Jerusalem above is free… our mother”. Heavenly Jerusalem : Represents the spiritual realm of grace, freedom, and promise. “Our mother” : Paul identifies believers with Sarah and the heavenly Jerusalem—not with the earthly system of law.  Insights Paul’s allegory is radical. He is saying that those who rely on law are spiritual descendants of Hagar , while those who live by faith are children of Sarah —heirs of the promise. It is a call to reject self-effort and embrace divine grace. Verse 27 For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labour! For the desolate has many more children Then she who has a husband.” ✦Verse 27: “Rejoice, O barren one…” Isaiah 54:1 is quoted : Paul uses this prophecy to show that God's promise brings life where there was none. “Barren” = Sarah : Though she was childless for years, she became the mother of the promised child. Spiritual meaning : The gospel brings fruitfulness to those who were once spiritually barren—the Gentiles included. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. ✦ Verse 28: “You… are children of promise”. Identity shift : Paul affirms that believers, like Isaac, are born not of human effort but of divine promise. Encouragement : This is a reminder of their spiritual heritage—they are heirs, not outsiders. ✦ Verse 29: “He… persecuted him”. Historical echo : Ishmael mocked Isaac (Genesis 21:9), symbolizing how those born of the flesh oppose those born of the Spirit. Present-day parallel : Paul sees the Judaizers as spiritual Ishmaels—persecuting grace-filled believers by pushing legalism. ✦ Verse 30: “Cast out the slave woman…” Genesis 21:10 quoted : Sarah demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away so Isaac could inherit alone. Spiritual application : Paul uses this to say that law and grace cannot coexist as paths to salvation. The law must be “cast out.” ✦ Verse 31: “We are not children of the slave…” Final declaration : Paul closes the allegory by reaffirming that believers are the free children of Sarah, not Hagar. Freedom in Christ : This sets the stage for Galatians Chapter 5, where Paul will urge them to stand firm in that freedom. Insights Paul’s use of allegory is bold and deeply symbolic. He is not just retelling history—he is redefining identity. His message is clear: salvation is by promise, not performance . The children of the promise live by faith, not by law. Amen Personal Prayer Materials consulted R L Solberg Galatians  Lessons 1-5 YouTube. David Pawson Unlocking the Bible Galatians Part 1 and 2.

Paul’s fears for the churches in Galatia Believers have been set free 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? ✦ Verse 13: “Because of a bodily ailment…” Unexpected circumstances : Paul’s initial visit to Galatia was due to illness. This suggests his missionary journey there was not planned—it was providential. Physical weakness : His ailment may have made him appear unimpressive or even repulsive, yet they still welcomed him. Some think malaria (quartan) others think an eye condition. Verse 14: “You did not scorn or despise me…” Radical hospitality : Despite his condition, they received him with reverence—“as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.” Contrast with current attitude : Paul is highlighting how far they have drifted from their original warmth and openness. ✦ Verse 15: “You would have gouged out your eyes…” Hyperbolic affection : This vivid metaphor shows how deeply they once cared for him. Some scholars think Paul’s ailment may have involved his eyes, hence the reference. Loss of joy : “What has become of your blessedness?”—Paul is lamenting the loss of their spiritual joy and gratitude. ✦ Verse 16: “Have I become your enemy…?” Painful irony : Paul’s truth-telling, meant to protect them, has made them turn against him. How often this happens in Christian life e.g. John the Baptist and Charlie Kirk etc.. Emotional tension : This verse captures the heartbreak of a teacher whose students have rejected both the message and the messenger. This section is deeply pastoral. Paul is not just defending doctrine—he is defending a relationship. He is showing that truth and love must go hand in hand, and that spiritual deception often begins with forgetting how we first received grace.   17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19My little children, for whom I labour in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Verse 17: “They make much of you…” Flattery with an agenda : Paul warns that the Judaizers are showering the Galatians with attention—not out of love, but to manipulate them. “Shut you out” : They want to isolate the Galatians from Paul and the true gospel, so the Galatians will depend on them instead. Power dynamics : This is about control. The false teachers want admiration and authority, not spiritual growth. ✦ Verse 18: “It is always good…” Affirming healthy encouragement : Paul is not against being “made much of”—he is against flattery used for selfish ends. Consistency matters : He is saying, “Don’t just respond when I’m around—stay grounded in truth whether I’m present or not.” Verse 19: “My little children…” Tenderness and pain : Paul uses maternal imagery—he is in “anguish of childbirth,” longing for Christ to be fully formed in them. Spiritual formation : This is not just about belief—it is about transformation. Paul wants them to reflect Christ in their lives. Repeated labour : He already “gave birth” to them spiritually, but now he is going through the pain again because they are drifting. ✦ Verse 20: “I wish I could be present…” Tone of frustration and love : Paul wants to be with them so he can speak more gently and clearly. “Perplexed” : He is genuinely confused—how could they abandon grace after experiencing its power?  Insights This passage reveals Paul’s heart as a spiritual parent. He is not just defending doctrine—he is fighting for their souls. It is a reminder that truth without love is cold, and love without truth is dangerous . Paul shows both. Amen Personal Prayer Materials consulted R L Solberg Galatians  Lessons 1-5 YouTube. David Pawson Unlocking the Bible Galatians Part 1 and 2.   Next time we look at the significance of the two different covenants starting in Galatians 4:21

1-7 Sons and Heirs Through Christ Abba Father! Previously we saw the following facts in Chapters 3a+3b. 1. It is  Faith, Not Law, which brings the Spirit Paul asks: “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?”  (v.2). The Galatians began their spiritual journey through faith, not rule-following. This sets the tone: salvation is by grace, not performance.       2. Abraham is our Model of Faith Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (v.6). Paul shows that true children of Abraham are those who live by faith—not ethnicity or law.      3. God’s Promise to Abraham The promise made to Abraham was based on faith and came before the Law. Paul emphasizes that the Law, introduced 430 years later, does not nullify God’s covenant of grace. 4. The Law’s Temporary Role The Law was given to expose sin and function as a guardian until Christ came. It was never meant to be the final solution for righteousness.     5 Unity .and Identity in Christ Through faith in Jesus, believers become children of God. Paul declares radical equality: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female”—all are one in Christ.     6. Heirs of the Promise Those who belong to Christ are considered Abraham’s offspring and heirs to the promise. This inheritance is spiritual, not based on ethnicity or legal status.   Now as we proceed to study Galatians chapter 4, we find the Apostle Paul at his most earnest in pleading with the Galatians not to trade their spiritual freedom for religious bondage. Here is the essence of the chapter: 1. From Slaves to Sons: Paul begins by comparing believers to heirs who, before maturity, are like slaves under guardians. But through Christ, they are adopted as sons and daughters of God, receiving full rights and inheritance. 2.Freedom Over Law: He warns against returning to the old ways—living under the law and its rituals (like observing special days and seasons)—which he calls “weak and worthless principles”. 3.Personal Plea: Paul reminds them of their love for him when he first preached the gospel and expresses heartbreak that they are now turning away from the truth. 4. Allegory of Hagar and Sarah: He uses the story of Abraham’s two wives to illustrate two covenants—Hagar represents slavery under the law, while Sarah symbolizes freedom through God’s promise.   We now consider chapter 4 on a verse-by-verse basis. Galatians 4:1 “Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all.” Paul uses the analogy of a child heir to show that before spiritual maturity, believers—though destined for inheritance—are under restrictions, much like slaves. They lack authority despite their future promise. Galatians 4:2 “But is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.” Just as a child is supervised until a set time, believers were under the law (guardianship) until God’s appointed time—when Christ would come and fulfil the promise. Galatians 4:3 “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.” “Elements of the world” refers to basic religious principles or legalistic systems. Paul says we were spiritually immature, enslaved to these external rules. Galatians 4:4 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” At the perfect moment in history, God sent Jesus—fully human and subject to the law—to redeem those under it. This marks the turning point from law to grace.  Galatians 4:5 “To redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Christ’s mission was to buy back (redeem) those bound by the law and elevate them to full family status—adopted children of God, not just rule-followers. Galatians 4:6 “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” This verse emphasizes intimacy. “Abba” is an affectionate term like “Daddy.” The Spirit confirms our new identity and relationship with God—not distant, but deeply personal. Galatians 4:7 “Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” The conclusion of vv.1-7 is that Christian believers are no longer enslaved to law or sin. They are sons and daughters of God, with full rights to God’s inheritance—freedom, grace, and eternal life. This passage is the peak of Paul’s argument that believers have come from bondage to belonging, from law to love.   Ch 4:8-11 Paul’s fears for the Church [1] Galatians 4:8 “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods’’. Spiritual ignorance : Paul reminds the Galatians of their past—before they knew the true God, they were spiritually enslaved. False gods : These “not gods” refer to pagan deities or spiritual forces that held sway over their lives. Paul emphasizes their powerlessness and false nature. Bondage : The term “enslaved” suggests a lack of freedom, being dominated by religious systems or superstitions that offered no salvation. Galatians 4:9: “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more’’? Transformation : Paul highlights the radical shift—they now know God personally, and more importantly, are known by Him. This speaks to intimacy and divine initiative. Warning against regression : Paul is astonished that they would consider returning to “elementary principles”—basic, worldly religious practices that are powerless to save. “Weak and worthless” : These are harsh words. Paul sees the law (when used as a means of salvation) and pagan rituals as equally ineffective compared to the grace found in Christ. Slavery again?  He is rhetorically asking: why go back to bondage when you have been set free?  Insights Paul is not just talking about paganism. He is also critiquing legalism—specifically the Judaizers who insisted on Torah observance for salvation. His point is that any system that replaces grace with works becomes a form of slavery , whether pagan or religious. Galatians 4:10 “You observe days and months and seasons and years!” Religious calendar observance : Paul is referring to the Jewish ceremonial calendar—Sabbaths, new moons, festivals, and sabbatical years. These were part of the Mosaic Law. Concern about legalism : The issue is not the observance itself, but the motivation behind it . Paul fears they are doing this to earn favour with God, rather than living by grace. Echoes of paganism : Ironically, Paul sees this return to religious rituals as similar to their former pagan practices—both are forms of spiritual slavery when used to justify oneself before God. Galatians 4:11: “I am afraid I may have laboured over you in vain.” Emotional plea : Paul expresses deep concern and disappointment. He has poured his heart into teaching them the gospel of grace. “In vain” : This phrase reveals the gravity of the situation. If they abandon grace for law, it undermines everything Paul taught and worked for. Pastoral anguish : Paul’s tone here is not just theological—it is personal. He is worried that their regression means his previous efforts to teach the Gospel were fruitless. Paul’s warning is timeless: rituals without relationship  can become chains. Whether it is ancient festivals or modern religious routines, the danger lies in thinking these practices can earn salvation. Paul’s gospel is clear, that faith  in Christ alone  is what saves, not calendars or customs.  Galatians 4:12   Verse 12: “Become as I am…” Paul’s plea: He is urging them to live in the freedom he now enjoys—free from the law. “I became as you are”: Paul reminds them that he once adapted to their Gentile ways to reach them with the gospel. Now he asks them to reciprocate by embracing his gospel of grace. “You did me no wrong”: He is softening the tone, affirming their past kindness and respect toward him. Amen and Personal Prayer Next time we pick up our verse-by-verse study in Galatians at 4:13.   Materials consulted R L Solberg Galatians  Lessons 1-5 YouTube. David Pawson Unlocking the Bible Galatians Part 1 and 2.

A powerful message by Pastor Jimmie Vowles Stop at the Cross Father, we pray for revelation and understanding. We ask for a deeper knowledge of who You are, of Your love for us, and of Your divine plan for our lives. As we pause and stop at the cross in this moment, Lord, let us see only You, Jesus—no one else. Amen. As I said last week, there is no true knowledge apart from the cross. At the cross, we come to the knowledge of both ourselves and of God. It immediately confronts us with our natural human nature and with divine love. Last week, as we sang that song and focused on Jesus, I could picture Him on the cross—bleeding, suffering, and in agony. Then, as I looked at myself through the words of Godfrey Birtill’s song (When I look at the blood), I realized there was no hierarchy at the cross, no competition, no hatred, envy, or jealousy—none of the things that often mark human life. It cut me to the core. I thought, “Oh my God, Jesus—so often I am all of these things. But when I look at Your cross, I should not be.” When we look at the cross—truly stop there daily—we are faced with absolute beauty and divine love we do not deserve. It is as though we are looking into a mirror, and we begin to see ourselves more clearly. We realize that Jesus, even in His suffering, displayed no unrighteous anger, no jealousy, no lust for power—only perfect love and obedience. The cross helps us see the seriousness of our sin and our complete inability to save ourselves from it. Even our imagination has been tainted by the fall. We can hardly picture what Eden was like—its safety, beauty, peace, and order. It is difficult for us to comprehend how shocking sin was to a perfect world. A sinful world feels normal to us—until we stop at the cross. There, we meet Jesus, and our sin is dealt with. Only then do we begin to see how God truly intends us to live. When you first came to Christ, you felt that deep conviction of sin. You looked at the cross and said, “Oh my goodness—I need this in my life.” And as you walk with Jesus, your old self begins to fall away. You start to think, “That’s not how God intended me to live.” Your actions change; your heart softens. You become more like Him. And as you look at the brokenness of the world, your heart aches because you were once part of it. Scripture says that He “has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” That is the beauty you see when you first come to the cross—and it continues as you walk with Him. When we experience God’s love and presence, when revelation from His Word fills us, we are overwhelmed. That same glory will fill heaven for all eternity. There will be no depression, no anxiety, no sin. That is what the cross brings us into—a deeper understanding of the love of God. The theologian Fleming Rutledge once asked, “Why did the Son of God die in the worst possible way? Why crucifixion and not another method?” The answer: because it reveals the depth of depravity caused by human rebellion against God. The cross shows us how truly broken we are—and how deep God’s love goes to redeem us. I once heard a man say that when he prayed for revelation of the cross, God showed him a vision of Jesus hanging there, every kind of filth and depravity poured upon Him—every unimaginable evil humans commit. Seeing Jesus suffer in that way led him to deeper repentance and greater love for God’s will. Indeed, the cross reveals both the depth of human sin and the height of God’s wisdom and love. C.S. Lewis captures this beautifully through Aslan’s words in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: “The Witch knew the Deep Magic, but there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. If she could have looked further back, before the dawn of time, she would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack, and death itself would start working backwards.” When we stop at the cross, we see the magnitude of God’s love and character. It is beyond comprehension. No film, no novel, no human story of love can compare. Godfrey Birtill sings, “When I look at the blood, all I see is love, love, love.” That is what we see when we stop at the cross—the love of God. But what we do not see at the cross is equally revealing. There is no competition, no pride, no abuse of power or manipulation, no rage or selfish ambition. There is no unforgiveness, envy, bitterness, or jealousy. No empire-building, no self-importance. When I read the lyrics on the screen that morning, every line pierced my heart. How many times have I manipulated others, held grudges, been prideful or envious? Yet at the cross, all these things shrink away in the light of His love. When we truly stop at the cross, we realize how unlike Jesus we are. He displayed none of these traits. And our response must be humility: “Lord, You are the only one who is important. Teach me to walk humbly before You.” We need to go to the cross daily, to let our pride and self-importance diminish in His presence. The Humility of the Cross Philippians 2:1–8 reminds us of this humility: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself… Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… who made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” How hard it is to think of ourselves less! Yet Paul calls us to value others above ourselves. When I come to church, I should not exalt myself above my brother or sister, but lift them up, even when I am struggling. That is the mind of Christ—humility, grace, and love. Jesus, though fully God, humbled Himself in every way. He chose to be born to a poor family, in a stable, to a mother who described herself as lowly. His earthly father was a carpenter. Even their offering at the temple—a pair of doves—showed their poverty. Jesus chose that. He chose humility. Throughout His life, He never failed in submission to God. He said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5:30) For thirty-three years, He was fully obedient. Even in Gethsemane, sweating blood in agony, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) When He came to John the Baptist to be baptized, John protested, saying, “I need to be baptized by You.” But Jesus replied, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15) Even in that moment, the sinless Son of God chose humility. In the wilderness, when tempted by Satan to prove His divinity, Jesus refused. He would not act out of pride or self-importance. And even at the Last Supper, knowing the cross was near, He washed His disciples’ feet, leaving them—and us—an example of humility and servant leadership. John the Baptist understood this when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) That is the essence of Christian humility. If we do not decrease, Christ cannot be seen in us. The cross strips away pride and self-importance until only Jesus remains visible. So we must go to the cross every day. When pride, bitterness, or unforgiveness rise up, we must stop there. Nothing else will shrink these things in us. At the cross, they cannot survive. The beauty of Jesus’ humility exposes and dissolves all pride. Let us pray: “Lord, strip from us pride, envy, unforgiveness, selfish ambition, and all that separates us from Your humility. Holy Spirit, help these things to shrink in our lives. Point us to the cross. Stop us there until we see Your divine love again. Teach us humility. Renew our minds so we may have the mind of Christ.” When we stop at the cross, everything that exalts self, fades away. What remains is Jesus—His love, His grace, His humility. That is where transformation happens. As E.M. Bounds once wrote: “All God’s plans have the mark of the cross upon them, and all His plans have death to self in them.” May we stop at the cross daily—until self-decreases and Christ increases in us. Amen

Psalm 1 is a powerful introduction to the entire Book of Psalms. It sets the tone for understanding the blessings of living a righteous life and the consequences of choosing a path away from God’s wisdom. This psalm contrasts two ways of life - the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked - and offers profound insights into how we can live in alignment with divine principles. In this post, we will explore the key lessons from Psalm 1 and how they can inspire and guide us today. Understanding Psalm 1 Sermon Insights Psalm 1 opens with a clear distinction between two types of people: those who delight in the law of the Lord and those who do not. The righteous person is described as one who avoids the counsel of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. Instead, they find joy and meditation in God’s law day and night. This psalm highlights the importance of choosing our influences carefully . It reminds us that the company we keep and the thoughts we entertain shape our character and destiny. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, flourishing and bearing fruit in season. Their stability and prosperity come from their deep roots in God’s word. On the other hand, the wicked are compared to chaff blown away by the wind - unstable and without lasting value. Their way leads to destruction and judgment. These insights encourage us to reflect on our daily choices and the spiritual nourishment we seek. By embracing the wisdom of Psalm 1, we can cultivate a life that is fruitful, resilient, and blessed. The Practical Application of Psalm 1 Sermon Insights Living according to Psalm 1 means more than just avoiding bad company. It involves actively delighting in and meditating on God’s law. This can be practised through: Daily reading and reflection on scripture to internalise its teachings. Avoiding negative influences such as harmful media, toxic relationships, or destructive habits. Engaging in community with like-minded individuals who encourage spiritual growth. Applying biblical principles in decision-making, work, and relationships. For example, if you find yourself frequently influenced by pessimistic or unethical people, Psalm 1 challenges you to reconsider those associations. Instead, seek out mentors or friends who inspire integrity and kindness. Another practical step is to create a routine for meditation on scripture. This could be a morning devotional time or journaling about a verse that stood out during the day. Such habits help root your life in wisdom and provide guidance during challenges. What are the three main points of the psalm? Psalm 1 can be summarised into three main points that serve as pillars for righteous living: Avoidance of Negative Influences The psalm warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the seat of scoffers. This progression shows increasing involvement with ungodly behaviour, which must be resisted. Delight and Meditation on God’s Law The righteous person finds joy in the law of the Lord and meditates on it constantly. This ongoing engagement with scripture nourishes the soul and shapes character. The Outcome of the Righteous vs. the Wicked The righteous are like well-watered trees, stable and fruitful, while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. This contrast illustrates the lasting impact of our choices. Understanding these points helps us focus on what matters most: cultivating a life rooted in God’s wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls of ungodly influences. How Psalm 1 Inspires Personal Growth and Resilience One of the most encouraging aspects of Psalm 1 is its promise of stability and fruitfulness for those who follow God’s ways. The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water suggests a life that is well-nourished and able to withstand droughts and storms. This metaphor can inspire us to develop resilience in our own lives. When we root ourselves in positive values and spiritual truths, we are better equipped to face challenges without being uprooted or overwhelmed. Personal growth also comes from the discipline of meditation on scripture. This practice sharpens our understanding, renews our mind, and aligns our actions with higher principles. Over time, this leads to a character that reflects wisdom, patience, and integrity. To foster this growth: Set aside regular time for prayer and reflection. Memorise key verses that encourage and guide you. Practice gratitude and recognise the blessings in your life. Seek accountability partners who support your spiritual journey. By doing so, you build a foundation that supports long-term wellbeing and purpose. Embracing the Message of Psalm 1 in Daily Life The message of Psalm 1 is timeless and practical. It calls us to make conscious choices about what we allow into our minds and hearts. It challenges us to find joy in God’s word and to live in a way that produces good fruit. For those seeking deeper understanding, exploring psalm one sermons can provide valuable perspectives and applications. These sermons often unpack the rich symbolism and offer encouragement for living out the psalm’s teachings. In everyday life, this might look like: Choosing uplifting books, music, and conversations. Setting goals that align with ethical and spiritual values. Helping others and contributing positively to your community. Reflecting regularly on your personal growth and areas for improvement. By embracing these principles, you can experience the blessings promised in Psalm 1 - a life marked by peace, purpose, and prosperity. Psalm 1 offers a clear and compelling vision for righteous living. Its insights encourage us to avoid harmful influences, delight in God’s law, and trust in the stability that comes from a life rooted in divine wisdom. By applying these lessons, we can cultivate resilience, grow in character, and enjoy the abundant blessings of a life well-lived.