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Zoe life vs Bios life What quality of Life do you have today? What kind of Life has God? What quality of Life does God enjoy? We know both from scripture and by experience that “God is Love.” his being, his life is Love with the Father and the Son in a dynamic loving relationship. A relationship full of joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. In God`s life there is no sin, no pride, no envy, no injustice, and no selfishness. God`s life is full of creative power, power to create the Heavens and earth, power to create plants and animals, power to create man in his own image. On the day that you believed in Jesus Christ the very life of God entered your being. The uncreated life of God dwells inside each believer shedding abroad love, joy, and peace in our hearts (Romans 5:5). This is the abundant Life Jesus came to give to his church. In the New Testament there is a special Greek word for this abundant Life of God is named Zoe. You may have heard it as a girl`s name; what a beautiful name, meaning “Life as God lives it.” All human beings who are alive possess “Bios” that is the natural biological life. But only those who are born again of God`s Holy Spirit possess Zoe life (together with Bios). The word Zoe (although we derive words like zoology from it) has been given a special meaning by God in the New Testament This is similar to the way that agape (the Love of God) has a special meaning in the New Testament and is different in meaning from phileo (brotherly love). So what does Zoe mean. Zoe (Definition): The main thrust of word in New Testament is... Zoe is Life in the absolute sense. Zoe is the uncreated life. Zoe is life as God lives it. Zoe is eternal life. Zoe is the life the Father and the Son have in themselves. Bios is natural life; is flesh life, and is the mere animal life. Zoe life left Adam on the day he sinned against God. Zoe life entered into you on the day that you believed in Jesus Christ. Key Scripture: John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life (zoen) and have it to the full." Jesus came to give us Zoe life. Zoe life is superabundance, life in excess, overflowing, more than sufficient, profuse, and abundant life, and life as God lives it. Zoe life rising within you brings fullness of joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness and kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Most of us will know by now that Zoe and Bios are at war within us. The Bios the natural (sinful) life of the flesh is selfish, wants to be coaxed and praised, often takes advantage of others, exploits people and situations for its own benefit or selfish purposes. Bios hates Zoe and wants to avoid its influence like the plague. The natural Bios life recognizes that Zoe is much stronger than it and given half a chance Zoe will crucify Bios. Thus Bios fights Zoe every inch of the way as in Mark 14:34-36. Mark 14:34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” v34-36 we see Jesus' natural Bios life responsding to the upcoming crucifixion. Yet at the end of v36 we see the Zoe life of Jesus empowering him to say ''Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 we will continue to look at the battle between Zoe and Bios.

Zoe life vs Bios life What quality of Life do you have today? What kind of Life has God? What quality of Life does God enjoy? We know both from scripture and by experience that “God is Love.” his being, his life is Love with the Father and the Son in a dynamic loving relationship. A relationship full of joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. In God`s life there is no sin, no pride, no envy, no injustice, and no selfishness. God`s life is full of creative power, power to create the Heavens and earth, power to create plants and animals, power to create man in his own image. On the day that you believed in Jesus Christ the very life of God entered your being. The uncreated life of God dwells inside each believer shedding abroad love, joy, and peace in our hearts (Romans 5:5). This is the abundant Life Jesus came to give to his church. In the New Testament there is a special Greek word for this abundant Life of God named Zoe. You may have heard it as a girl`s name; what a beautiful name, meaning “LIFE AS GOD LIVES IT.” All human beings who are alive possess “Bios” that is natural biological life. But only those who are born again of God`s Holy Spirit possess Zoe life (together with Bios). The word Zoe (although we derive words like zoology from it) has been given a special meaning by God in the New Testament This is similar to the way that agape (the Love of God) has a special meaning in the New Testament and is different in meaning from phileo (brotherly love). So what does Zoe mean. Zoe (Definition): The main thrust of word in New Testament is... Zoe is Life in the absolute sense. Zoe is the uncreated life. Zoe is life as God lives it. Zoe is eternal life. Zoe is the life the Father and the Son have in themselves. Bios is natural life; is flesh life, and is the mere animal life. Zoe life left Adam on the day he sinned against God. Zoe life entered you on the day that you believed in Jesus Christ. Key Scripture: John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life (zoen) and have it to the full." Jesus came to give us Zoe life. Zoe life is superabundance, life in excess, overflowing, more than sufficient, profuse, and abundant life, uncreated life, and life as God lives it. Life rising within you full of joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness and kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Most of us will know by now that Zoe and Bios are at war within us. The Bios the natural (sinful) life of the flesh is selfish, wants to be coaxed and praised, often takes advantage of others, exploits people and situations for its own benefit or selfish purposes. Bios hates Zoe and wants to avoid its influence like the plague. The natural Bios life recognizes that Zoe is much stronger than it and given half a chance Zoe will crucify Bios. Thus Bios fights Zoe every inch of the way as in Mark 14:34-36. Mark 14:34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” The battle between Bios and Zoe The battle between Bios and ZOE is fought in the mind and decision is made by our WILL which should be for ZOE to win. This battle between the life of God in us and the old sinful nature of the flesh is being fought out in our being everyday of our lives. ZOE will transform us into sons of God Bios will transform us into selfish failures Who do you want to win, ZOE or Bios ? You choose. If Bios wins you will be a Carnal Christian, lukewarm in your faith. Concerned not so much with God`s will as your own convenience, You will become a self or man pleaser rather than pleasing to God. You will not be prepared to make any sacrifices since Bios always looks after No. 1. You will take part in envy, strife, and division. You will fall away from God. If you choose ZOE; you will grow spiritually and develop into a full maturity in Christ. You will manifest the fruit of the spirit in your life such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. You will fulfill all your destiny in Christ Jesus and become a son of the Living God. Our Bios natural life must be crucified for Zoe to have the victory. Look to the Master Jesus Christ, he was rejected of men, lead a life of comparative poverty, he was misunderstood by his closest family, betrayed by an intimate friend, jeered at, beaten by the Roman authorities, tortured, and finally executed by death on the cross, just the perfect way to kill the self-life. Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The joy set before him is part of Zoe. The joy opened the way to be able to endure the suffering shame and death. What was the Joy set before him? 1. His obedience to Father 2.His salvation of his Church “Follow me” says Jesus Christ. Will you endure crucifixion for the joy set before you? John 6:67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Do you also want to go away now that you know that you will have to co-operate with God? in the crucifixion of your natural life? It is not going to be easy! Or do you say with Simon Peter in John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (Zoe). Amen Personal Prayer

How to live with singleness of heart How do we live with integrity? Firstly, we must know God’s word, this is His righteous standard for our lives. Often our own ideas and thought have been shaped by the world and it is only reading and obeying God’s word that our minds are renewed and transformed. We also need to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Most of us believers at one time have had a check in our spirit when proposing to take a certain course of action. It is important to acknowledge this and take another look at the proposed course of action. Sometimes it is not as dramatic but as this, but you lose your peace over the matter, maybe tossing and turning in your bed at night. Again we need to take heed of any loss of peace. Pray through any major decision that might compromise your integrity. Another time to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit is when we take communion. Paul says let a man examine himself before partaking. We need to ask God regularly if we are missing it or displeasing Him in any area of our lives. Sometimes when I do this I see a face or situation come before me and I know that I need to repent before I partake of the Lord’s table. There will be times when we need to take Godly counsel. Psalm 1 says ‘how blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly’. Only take counsel from a brother or sister who is trying live a life of integrity before God. If something is doubtful then do not do it! Hindrances to integrity Fear of man and respect of persons. James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? When we show preferential treatment to people based on their ouitward apprearance then we are not walking in integrity. As you know God looks at each person's heart not their clothing. God commands us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. For us to be able to do this we must adopt a uniform approach to our life. That is we must put His way, His word and His will as our first priority. If our choice is to please ourselves, our relatives, friends, or God , then integrity of heart and singleness of life demands that we please God . What about you today, are you a man-pleaser or a God-pleaser? Matthew 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Jesus counted those people who obeyed God's will as much as his close family. Backlash When we walk in integrity of heart there often is a backlash, people attack you and your stand but who are you going to please? Remember the disciples after being beaten and forbidden to preach in Jesus name any more. They asked should we obey man or God, what about you? The backlash sometimes comes from within the church, Satan sometimes inspires jealousy or mistrust in us to get us to persecute the person who is refusing to compromise. All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution! The backlash is to try to stop you showing integrity the next time a similar situation arises. Conclusions Integrity of our heart demands that we apply the same righteous standard of life and conduct consistently to every situation irrespective of who or what is involved. We must know God’s word to know what His will is in any particular situation. As we read and meditate on the word we are being trained to walk in integrity. As we pray and fellowship with God, we become more sensitive to the voice and prompting of the Holy Spirit. We must search out suitable sources of godly counsel when we need it. Then we must walk in the light of the truth that we have at that time. We can then begin to lead a daily life of refusing to compromise but with humility. Integrity of heart and life is God’s will for each one of His children and when we walk in the integrity and singleness of our hearts we will touch many lives inside and outside the church. Amen Personal Prayer

Integrity is living with singleness of heart A useful example to illustrate the idea of integrity is to consider a 30-mph speed limit sign. It is always 30 mph when you pass by it. It does not vary with the time of day, the weather or is altered by whether it is a rich or poor person who is driving past. Can we say today that we handle God’s word in such a way, uninfluenced by our mood, our health or with respect to who it is the has done something contrary to God’s word? Do we say, yes, it is wrong for others to do this, but I do allow myself to do it! There is a great temptation for Christians to indulge themselves and their families or friends when we ought to be confronting the situation in love and humility. Nathan the prophet displayed great wisdom and integrity when he confronted David with his sins of adultery and murder. He did not let David’s position as king or the fact that he might be killed, stop him from confronting David. Would you be willing to risk your life as a matter of integrity? or how about a friendship or relationship? or even your popularity? Too often believers give tacit approval to open sin by saying nothing just in case they might ruffle a few feathers! God does not want us to have two sets of rules or standards either for ourselves or our loved ones. There have been times in my life that I have let the Lord down and have not walked blamelessly before Him, but I am convinced that it is His will that we adopt a lifestyle with a singleness of heart before Him that is a lifestyle of integrity. Definition of Integrity: The state of being complete or undivided [1]. Terms which occur in parallel with integrity (Hebrew tom, tomim) suggest it has shades of meaning including: righteousness (Ps. 7:8). uprightness (Ps. 25:21). without wavering (Ps. 26:1).[2] blameless (Ps. 101:2).[3] Examples of persons of integrity Here are five examples of Old Testament characters who were designated persons of integrity: Noah (Gen. 6:9) Abraham (Gen. 17:1) Jacob (Gen. 25:27) Job (Job 1:1,8; 2:3) David (1 Kings 9:4) English translations frequently render the underlying Hebrew as perfect or blameless. Perhaps the inclusion of Jacob is surprising since he is also known for his deceit.[4] English translators describe Jacob as a plain (KJV), or a peaceful, or a quiet man in other translations.[5] New Testament In the New Testament, integrity occurs only at Titus 2:7 in reference to teaching [6]. The idea of singleness of heart or mind is frequent: see also Matthew 5:8; 6:22; James 1:7-8; 4:8. Walking in integrity is an example. Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. The bible says, ‘train up a child in the way to go and when he is old, he will not depart from it’. One of the most effective ways of training people is by example! The parent who says do as I say but does not do it themselves is likely to exasperate his children. What a legacy it is for our children when they see us consistently applying God’s word and ways in our day to day lives. They are doubly blessed, to see our example and to be free from the consequences of our otherwise disobedience to God. When we walk in integrity, we are an example to the whole church. It is a sad thing to see when a new believer sees an experienced believer compromise on God’s word and then tries to justify it, thus setting a bad example for the new believer. This scripture will also apply to our ‘spiritual’ children, those recent converts who will follow our example of walking in integrity. Their Christian walk will be blessed by our example. Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Amen Personal Prayer Footnotes [1] Strong's Hebrew: 8537. תֹּם (tom) -- completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate. [2] Found in the NRSV, NASB, and NIV [3] Found in NRSV in this verse the Hebrew uses tom twice, otherwise translated integrity. [4] Jacob’s deceitfulness (Gen. 27:5-27; 30:37-43; 33:13-17). [5] In various translations such as the NASB, NRSV, NIV, and REB. [6] Found in translations such as the NRSV, NIV, and REB). In Part 2 we consider how we can live our lives with integrity.

Comfort one another with these words When we believers go through challenging times, we can become a bit earthbound and be affected by what we see and hear. It is easy to become a little forgetful of the enormous comfort [1] that we receive from God’s word concerning our eternal destiny. Recently a brother was wondering what it would be like in heaven. He expressed the opinion that the bible had little to say about heaven and eternity. I disagreed with him on this, as I find all through Scripture there are clues and tantalising hints about what we believers shall be like and what will happen in heaven in the hereafter. So, today my fellow believer, you are invited to relax and permit me to share with you some of these glimpses from scripture of your eternal destiny in Christ Jesus. The format of this message [2] is not a formal bible study but an opportunity to meditate on and eagerly look forward to your eternal reward! You hear the shout! [3] The voice of the Archangel! it is the Lord himself! The King of Kings! The Lord of Lords! He is descending from highest heaven with the sound of the trumpet. The dead in Christ are arising. We, who are alive, are changed in the twinkling of an eye! Our corrupt bodies become incorruptible! Our mortality is swallowed by immortality! And we are like Him! Yes, like Him! and we are caught up to be with Him, Him who our souls love, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We were told to comfort each other with these gracious words. We then see that we are indeed surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, our fellow saints and we shall be with Him forever! Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Our citizenship is in heaven, no longer eagerly waiting, our lowly bodies transformed and conformed to His glorious body. We are like Him, with glorious bodies. We are with Him! – oh the joy for in His presence is fullness of joy and He is allowing us to share in His glory! And to some of us, the ultimate accolade and the sublime reward of “well done thou good and faithful servant.” With baited breath, we watch as our work is tried by fire [4], some suffer loss, as the wood, hay and stubble is burnt, yet, there is great joy for the gold, silver and precious stones – the Lord’s reward to His faithful. As Abraham’s servant led Rebecca to Isaac with bracelets and ornaments, so the Holy Spirit lifts up the Church and brings us to Christ in the air, bestowing on us precious jewels and ornaments on us that Jesus might present us to the Father without spot and without blemish. We are clothed in splendour, with the robe of righteousness! Next, we attend the marriage supper of the Lamb! Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns. We rejoice and are glad and give the Glory unto Him, for we are come to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and we have made ourselves ready, we are clothed with fine linen, bright and clean, which is the righteous acts of the saints. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. These words we can now see are true. We await the new heaven / earth with no more sea, and the new Jerusalem descending out of heaven. He wipes away every tear, no more death, mourning, crying pain. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard or what has entered the heart of man. All that God has prepared for those that love Him. And we have received the Spirit from God that we might know the things freely given to us by Him. Meanwhile let us not grow weary in well doing for in due time we shall reap that harvest and receive or eternal reward! Amen Personal Prayer Footnotes [1] 1 Thessalonians 4:18 [2] This message is written from a pre-millennial rapture point of view. You of course are free to construct your own ‘glimpses of things to come’ from your own eschatological point of view. [3] 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 [4] 1 Corinthians 3:12-13

What is the answer? This study is a brief overview of what is happening when our faith level goes down. This is also known as 'backsliding'. Christian believers should understand this and live their lives accordingly. This message is to help us understand when our faith is reducing and also to help us to know what steps to take to prevent it. Hosea 4:16 For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place. The Lord compares his sinful people Israel to a helpless young cow that is sliding backwards down a slope. The cow is moving away from safety and security as is Israel when they move away from God. Definition of Backsliding: five points To turn away from God after conversion To grow cold towards God and his things To harden your heart against him To turn from your first love To turn back to ways of world Backsliding may be caused by Pride or haughty spirit or stubbornness Spiritual blindness Lusting for evil or longing for old life (bondage) Desire for material things Adversity – when the going gets tough Prosperity – when the going gets easy Associating with evil company Unforgiveness and lack of commitment Effects of backsliding Displeases God May lead to punishment Blessings withheld Makes us unfit for God’s kingdom Examples of Believers who were Backslidden Lot`s wife; Longing for old life (sinful) David; Adultery with Bathsheba Peter; Denied Jesus three times Corinthians; Sexual immorality Ephesians; Left their first love (see Revelation 2:4) Scriptures to encourage us when we backslide 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jeremiah 3:12 “Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the Lord; ‘I will not be angry forever.'” Jeremiah 3:22 “Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness.” Behold, we come to you, for you are the Lord our God. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test! Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Hosea 14:1-4 O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God: for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.2 Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so, will we render the calves of our lips. 3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.4 I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. Hosea calls on Israel to turn to the Lord asking him to cleanse all their sins. Only from God can they find mercy. If the backsliders turn to God, forsaking their idols, he will heal their backsliding, and show his love freely as his anger is turned away from them. In the New Testament when anyone backslides a good starting point to recovery is 1 John 1:9 (see above). Prayer: Today, let us pray for those in our fellowships who have slid back. We now ask the Lord to grant the grace for repentance and removal of sin, then He will heal their backsliding and love them freely. Amen

Go and do thou likewise What is compassion? To enter sympathetically into someone’s sorrow and pain. To show fellow feeling. To extend mercy and help when we see someone’s pain. To show pity in the kind sense. Jesus is a compassionate Saviour. So many times he showed compassion. Compassion when expressed usually leads to action whether in healing, prayer, or appropriate help etc. Examples of Jesus' compassion For the Multitude Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. For the blind Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. For Jerusalem Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! For the Leper Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. For the Bereaved Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. The Good Samaritan One of the most outstanding acts of compassion was told in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Q. Who is your neighbour? A. Anyone that you can see needs your help. The Samaritan owed the wounded man nothing but recognized that a fellow human being (made in the image of God) was suffering and needed serious help and care. This compassion is a facet of the Love of God. The Good Samaritan firstly took the risk of assisting the wounded man as the robbers could still have been around. There would be plenty of blood on the victim yet the Samaritan helped him, gave him first aid and took him to a place of safety where he could recover. He also paid the wounded man’s expenses promising that he would meet the wounded victim’s full bill. This Samaritan showed great compassion and gave a wonderful example to us of how to show compassion especially to a stranger. Jesus say to us today 'Go, and do thou likewise.' Amen Personal Prayer

How to touch God in faith Just think of it, day and night every day, millions of people bombard the Lord with prayers , petitions and requests. Just as well that God is omniscient (all knowing) and does not need a switchboard particularly as a switchboard might jam. Some people always seem to get through and connect with God with their prayer, whilst others seem to have less success. I personally believe that all our prayers which are in line with God’s will are answered , Yes and Amen when they are offered up in faith. Let us examine God’s word to find out if this assertion is true. Our first proof text is found in Mark 5:24-34 see footnotes [1]. There was a great multitude pressing in on Jesus. The sick woman says to herself ‘if I only could touch the hem of his garment then I would be healed’. Her faith made a difference and virtue proceeded from the Son of God and healed her. She reached out and touched Jesus the Son of God in a living and expectant way. This is how we must learn to touch God! Faith in God is a major and recurring theme in the Bible. Perhaps one of the best scriptures defining just what exactly is meant by faith is found in Hebrews 11:1-6 see footnotes [2]. Faith is at one level is just simply trusting God. It is an assurance in our hearts and minds that we can trust God both in terms of the truth of the scriptures and when He speaks directly by His Holy Spirit. If you believe that the Lord has spoken to you then faith means that you trust Him and do whatever He has called, you to do. Every believer has been dealt the measure of faith [3]. Faith is the gift of God [4] If we have no faith in Jesus Christ and His words, then there is no salvation. Even if all the people are pressing around God only those who reach out and touch him in faith will connect and receive from him. We can trust the bible when it says that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved [5]. And so our eternal lives begin when we place our faith (trust and belief) in Jesus Christ and His words (the words of eternal life). We begin our faith walk as become poor [6] in spirit by admitting our sins and our own inability to put things right with God by our own devices and thus we begin to inherit the kingdom of God. So our progress continues by faith for it is impossible to please God without it [7]. Praying or acting without faith is like firing a gun with blank ammunition. It sounds and looks like the real thing but does not do the job needed. Our prayers should be heartfelt and offered up in faith knowing that our Abba Father will hear them and grant all those that are in His will. We must realiose that our heavenly Father cares about us in every intimate detail of our lives. We should also be aware that we have access into the very Holy of Holies in time of trouble (I also believe at all other appropriate times because we are His children). We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and are called the children of God. All our activities both secular and spiritual need to be performed in faith. Whether we pray in the Spirit or express thanksgiving, it is our faith that makes the act acceptable to God. Even our thanksgiving and offerings must be lifted in faith. What good would our praise and worship be if we do not enter in by faith? Without faith it is impossible to please God... Look at the staggering promise in Mark 11:23-24 then align your prayers with it… in faith. Sometimes we have to say with the demonized boy’s father ‘Lord help my unbelief’. And the Lord did help him and set his boy free! So in closing, I believe the Lord would challenge us today to consider our ways as to whether we are living our lives as lives of faith? Let us press in and touch Him now in faith believing that we will receive the very thing that we need from our Abba Father now! Amen Personal Prayer Scripture footnotes [1] Mark 5:24 And Jesus went with him; and many people followed him and thronged him. 25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace and be whole of thy plague. [2] Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [3] Romans 12:3. [4] Ephesians 2:8. [5] Acts 2:21. [6] Matthew 5:6-11 Note stepwise progression of the Beatitudes. [7] Hebrews 11:6.

The Lord's table is a covenant meal As we come to the Lord’s table today, we want to consider that our God, the God of the bible, is a God of covenants. Our God is a Covenant making and covenant keeping God. The communion service is a memorial of our blood covenant with God through Jesus Christ. What is a covenant? Definition of a covenant; a formal and legally binding agreement between two parties. In modern life many important things are based on a covenant type agreement e.g. marriage is a covenant with vows taken. In sickness and in health etc. Such an agreement promotes trust and stability. A covenant usually involves vows or promises made by both parties with mutual benefits and may contain penalty clauses. Abram had the same dilemma he asked God how he could be sure that God would keep his promise to bless him with millions of descendants. You can read the story of Abram’s covenant with God in Genesis 15:1-18. Genesis 15:5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Jumping down to verse 17 17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking fire pot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates-- Blood Covenant A blood covenant is the most sacred or solemn type of covenant, and also the most significant and unbreakable. In a blood covenant you promise to give your life, your love, and your protection forever. God's new covenant with us When the time came, the eternal, infinite Creator entered time and space through the person of Jesus Christ. Christ, the Son of God, exchanged names with us and became Jesus, the Son of Man. He was the God-Man who came to identify with us in our human condition and cut the covenant for us so that we might be one with God. Because Jesus lived a perfect life, He was able to cut a perfect covenant with God on our behalf. When it was time, Jesus gathered His disciples together to participate in the covenant meal. Jesus took the bread and wine and explained that they represented His own life which was to be offered in our place as the covenant sacrifice for our sins. He further explained that through His sacrifice, we could have our sins forgiven and receive eternal life through union with Him. Afterward, Jesus planted a memorial tree and stained it with His own blood. That blood- stained tree was the cross. There Jesus paid the judgment of sin for-us by "cutting the covenant" with Father God on our behalf. This is where the exchange of natures took place. Jesus took the coat or robe of our liabilities on Himself. He took our sins into His spirit, our sorrows into His soul and our sicknesses into His flesh. In return, He gives us the gift of His garment of salvation and robe of righteousness. Through Him, we can have right standing with God and become partakers of His divine nature. Because Jesus never sinned, death could not hold Him in the grave. Three days later, He was resurrected and ascended back to heaven where He now sits on the throne of God with all authority and power over sin, Satan, and death. And He promises to come back to earth to rule over a kingdom of righteousness and peace with His followers. As well as being a covenant meal 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 Institution of the Lord’s Supper is described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 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 11:27 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 comes to His own table so let us commune with Him today and partake with Him and draw His life and strength into us as we partake of His covenant meal. Amen Prayer

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

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

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