The Messiah's Secret - The Third Temple

Jesus prophesied through the sign of Jonah which inferred his resurrection and the Jews rejection of that sign.
The scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign from him, he gave them the sign of Jonah saying that has Jonah was three nights and days in the belly of the whale so would the Son of man be in the heart of the earth. The people of Nineveh will condemn this generation as they repented when they heard the message from Jonah and take notice something greater than Jonah is here. Some one greater than the Wisdom of Solomon was in their midst, it was Jesus who instituted the temple.

The Messiah’s Secret page 166
"Jesus was with his disciples for 40 days after his resurrection, speaking to them about the kingdom of God. One of the disciples remembered his confrontation with the Pharisees when Jesus had told them the parable of the Vineyard owner. After the tenants had killed the heir, the vineyard was let out to another nation to produce the fruit of it. The disciple asked if Jesus would restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus said that only his Father knew the time of his return and the circumstances of it. He said that he would return within their lifetime, but some of them would not see death before the Son of man would return with the angels and power of the kingdom. Mark 8:38. 9:1"

The Messiah’s Secret
The disciple thought that Israel had lost their opportunity to accept Jesus as their Messiah/Christ – the Anointed One. He did not realise that the Messiah had to die be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven before he could be accepted by the leaders as their Leader and Saviour. Acts 5: 31. For their leaders to accept Jesus the apostles first had to proclaim him as the Christ. Acts 2: 36

The temple was in place, the people were in anticipation of the Messiah’s coming. They were chosen by God to take the good news of the establishing of God’s kingdom on the earth with the Messiah, the King of God’s kingdom at its head. Israel its people, recognised by God as being a kingdom of priests, responsible for the worshipping of God. The nation of Israel had been given the covenants and promises of God. Exodus 19: 24. Ephesians 2: 12.

The Ruling Rod of Iron of the Kingdom.
“Ask of me, and I will make nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel. Now therefore, O Kings, be wise be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet lest he be angry, and you perish in the way for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2: 8-11. Revelation 19: 15.

“The Messiah’s Secret” page 110 A word from the Lord that I was given on 30th May 1996 was that, “The disciples were setting up the kingdom in at the beginning of Acts.”

Looking and Watching for Jesus' Return
They had been told by Jesus to be awake, watching, looking for his coming within their life time, to be about their master’s business.”
Soon after Pentecost the apostles set up a community in Jerusalem. The Mishna rules allowed the setting up of a community with a ruling body that must be one tenth of the whole. There were 120 followers in the house at Jerusalem; Mathias made the number of officers up to twelve fulfilling the requirement of this law.

The disciples had been told by Jesus that in the new world they would as Jesus sat on his throne, they who had followed him would sit on 12 thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19: 28
On the evening of the day of the resurrection Jesus came amongst his disciples and breathed on them the Holy Spirit and gave then his authority to retain of forgive the sins of people.
Peter carried out judgement in the case of Ananias and Saphira. Acts 5
Simon who joined the church had a Godly fear of Peter’s authority and repented. Acts 8: 24
Herod Agrippa1 was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they sent representatives to the king through Blastus the king’s chamberlain to seek peace as they depended on the king’s country for food.
On the appointed day they came before Herod as he sat on the throne, he spoke to them, in response the people present proclaimed that he had the voice of God not of a man. Herod at that moment was taken ill and soon after he died. Luke recorded the words of the person who gave him this account, “Immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was eaten by worms and died.” Acts 12: 20-23.
I understand that the apostles were putting in place the ruling rod of iron of the kingdom of God. They were going about their master’s business in readiness of his return.

John the last of the Apostles did not see Jesus return even though Jesus had implied that he might see the kingdom come in. “The saying went abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was going to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you.” John 21: 23

A God of Justice
Our Lord God in his great love, gave Israel the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Christ at Pentecost and soon after. Acts 3: 17-21 and 70AD (See blog Wheat and Tares)

Today, now is the time to accept Jesus as your Saviour. Jesus has made it known to us in his word that we must make that choice to accept him in our present life. The parable of ‘The rich man and Lazarus’ confirms this. Also Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote of those who die without hearing about Jesus will be judged according to their conscious.
Short prayer: Lord, take me as I am, I accept you into my life, in faith I come to you. Amen.
Luke 16: 19-31. Romans 2: 14-16.

‘One World Government’ before the Tribulation.
In 2008 the discovery of more holes in the ozone layer across the world had caused the world leaders to enter into discussion as to what we should be doing about it. As these debates were going on in the TV and newspapers, these three words came into my mind, ‘One world government.’ In response to these words, I turned to my Bible to the Book of Daniel and to Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s book “The Footsteps of the Messiah” published in 1983.
I subsequently wrote about it briefly in our local newspaper.

“View from the Pulpit” Rossendale Free Press August 8th 2008

Bible prophesies are being fulfilled in our time. The prophecy in Daniel states that in the last times there will be an increase of knowledge. Daniel 12: 4.
I was born before television, computers, CD’s, mobile phones, and artificial hearts, gene technology and dishwashers. This amazing increase of knowledge has come about over my life time.
Another prophecy in Daniel chapter 7 verse 24 “As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise.”
In Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s book “The Footsteps of the Messiah” published in 1983. He writes that the division between the Soviet Union and the Western Alliance has to come to an end before a one world government will come into being made up of ten world powers (ten horns). He argues that this government is not the European Common Market but a world government. This one world government will eventually be dismantled, followed by ten world rulers (ten kings) from which the antichrist will emerge.
Since Fruchtenbaum wrote his book, in 1989 the Berlin Wall that divided West Berlin and East Germany was pulled down by the people living on both sides of the wall. The wall had been a symbol of the cold war between Soviet Union and the Western Alliance.
One world government is on the horizon.
The G6 that was formed in 1975, six world leaders met informally making voluntary agreements on global economic issues. In the 1980’s politics gradually came onto the agenda.
Out of necessity, to save our planet global issues have to be addressed by the nations of the world.
At July’s (2008) meeting of the G8 they had a ‘shared vision’ on climate change, however, the developing nations have declined to sign up to the G8 set emission targets.
Bible prophesies will come true. 32 prophesy were fulfilled in one day when Jesus was crucified.
The Bible also prophesies that those who accept Jesus as their Saviour will come to know Jesus the living God and that prophecy has come true for me and for millions more.”
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The Third Temple
Herod the Great pulled down Zerubbabel's temple and started to rebuild in 20BC. It took 46 years to complete his rebuild. The Jewish people and the church have never accepted that this temple was the third temple or Ezekiel's temple because of the prophecy of  Haggai, "The latter splendour of this house  (Zerubbabel's temple) shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts." Haggai 2: 9. Jesus accepted Herod's as his Father's house.

The question arises will the Israelis build a third temple? Only the ‘Wailing Wall’ remains of the temple that once stood there.

The Jewish Temple Institute in Jerusalem has made replicas of the furniture and equipment according to the pattern given to Moses by God (tent tabernacle) Solomon and Zerubbabel temples. Herod extended the second temple.
Extract taken from The Temple Institute website.
The Temple Institute (in Hebrew, Machon HaMikdash), founded in 1987, is a non-profit educational and religious organization located in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.
“The major focus of the Institute is its efforts towards the beginning of the actual rebuilding of the Holy Temple. Towards this end, the Institute has begun to restore and construct the sacred vessels for the service of the Holy Temple. These vessels, which G-d commanded Israel to create, can be seen today at our headquarters in Jerusalem. They are made according to the exact specifications of the Bible, and have been constructed from the original source materials, such as gold, copper, silver and wood. These are authentic, accurate vessels, not merely replicas or models. All of these items are fit and ready for use in the service of the Holy Temple.”

The Third Temple known as the Tribulation Temple.
In Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s book “The Footsteps of the Messiah”. “Nevertheless, prophetically speaking the Old City of Jerusalem had to fall under Jewish control. This can be deduced from the prophesies dealing with the third temple, sometimes known as the tribulation temple. There are four passages of scripture that speak of a specific event in relationship to the tribulation temple that will occur in the middle of the tribulation. They are as follows:

The prophesies of Daniel was quoted by Jesus in reference to his return, “But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those in Judea flee to the mountains.” Mark 13: 14

“And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week; and for half of the week he shall cause sacrifice and offerings to cease; and upon the wings of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate.” Daniel 9: 27

“Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every so called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”
2 Thessalonians 2: 3, 4.

“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told: “Rise up and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there . . . And I will grant my two witnesses power to prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Revelation 11: 1-3.”

We do not know when and where the third temple will be built in Jerusalem and the course of events that will bring it about, only time will tell. Arnold Fruchtenbaum writes that whilst none of these passages spell out a time factor as to when this was to occur. . . While the six day war itself was never predicted by scripture, what it accomplished clearly was.” Chapter 9 page 69

There are Three Millennium Views in connection with the Second Coming of Jesus (See Blog ‘Saved by the Blood)
I take the pre-millennist’s view that the church will be called out from the earth by Jesus before the tribulation takes place. 1 Thessalonians 1: 10. Romans 5:9. We are raised together with those who have died in the faith and we meet Jesus in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-17 Together we ascend with Jesus to where the marriage of the Lamb (Jesus) takes place. The Bride being the church, followed afterwards with the marriage supper. Revelation 19: 7-9.
Jesus returns to the earth with the saints and the armies of heaven and will defeat the antichrist and his allies and a remnant of Israelis will be saved. Revelation 19: 11-21.
We shall reign with Jesus Christ during the Millennium. Revelation 20: 4

Our bodies the temple of Jesus
The church on earth is the body the living temple of Jesus Christ; we are Christ’s presence on earth. The church will for ever be the temple of Christ’s body. “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.” Revelation 21: 22.
But the millennium temple that Jesus builds is in fulfilment of this prophecy in Chronicles. It is in looking forward to these future events we can not limit God because they are part of the plan of God.

Jesus will fulfil the Davidic Covenant.
“He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son; I will not take my steadfast love from him . . . In accordance with these words, and in accordance with this vision, Nathan spoke to David.” 1 Chronicles17: 12 -15. 2 Samuel 7: 11-16. Isaiah 60: 7, 13. Psalm 89: 3,4,29,34-37. Jeremiah 33: 15-26. Zechariah 14: 16-21.

Ezekiel’s Millennium Temple
This is about Jesus building a house for worship at the beginning of his 1,000 year reign on the earth, ruling with a rod of iron. “From his mouth issues a sharpe sword with which he will smite the nations.” Ezekiel 40 Revelation 19:15.
Millennium Temple Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s book “The Footsteps of the Messiah” & ‘Ezekiel’ Ralph Alexander Published in 1976.

Christ’s house of worship will be on top of a mountain.
Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s book “The Footsteps of the Messiah”
“At the time of the second coming of Christ the land will undergo some tremendous geographical and topographical changes. One of the key changes in the land of Israel will be the rise of a very high mountain which will become the highest mountain in the world. On this mountain the millennium temple will stand. Isaiah 2: 2-4. 27:13. 66: 20 Ezekiel 17: 22-24
But not Jews only, for Isaiah 56 6-8 points out that this great mountain of Jehovah’s house will become a place of prayer for all peoples, Jews and Gentiles alike: Isaiah 66: 20-23. Psalm 24.

‘Ezekiel’ Ralph Alexander Published in 1976.
In the book of Isaiah we find millennium worship. Isaiah 60: 7, 13. 66: 20-23. Zechariah 14: 16-21
The sacrifices made in this millennium temple are made by all the people living on the earth.
Ralph Alexander writes that the sacrificial system described in Ezekiel is similar, though not identical, to the Mosaic system. Not all of the Old Testament Feasts or pieces of temple furniture are included; like the Feast of Pentecost, the Day of Atonement. No lamb is offered in the Passover in the millennium. No High Priest in the millennium instead the prince acts as both ruler and priest, a representative of the people.
Gentiles (foreigners) worship with the Jews and offer sacrifices. Isaiah 56: 6-8

Theologians make a comparison with the Lord’s Supper saying that the bread and wine are to commemorate the sacrifice Jesus made at Calvary. The sacrifices made at the millennium temple will too will be commemorative, looking back to the Mosaic Covenant.

Alexander makes distinctions between Ezekiel’s Temple and Jerusalem and John’s Jerusalem in Revelation
In both there is no temple in the city of Jerusalem. Ezekiel 48: 8-22. Revelation 21: 22. Jesus' body is the temple of God.
In Ezekiel the temple and Jerusalem are two separate identities. In Revelation there is no temple at all and the measurements are not the same.
Both Fruchtenbaum and Alexander give detail diagrams of the layout of the temple, priest’s quarters and city.

Arnold Fruchtenbaum “The Footsteps of the Messiah” Published by Ariel Ministries Press 1983.
‘Ezekiel’ Ralph Alexander Published in 1976. The Moody Bible Institute at Chicago.

The Messiah’s Secret – ‘Christ in You’ Part 2

Evening Service following the Lectionary
The ‘Hovis’ advert on the TV is an interesting one, as it shows a young boy going to the shop to buy a loaf of bread. On his journey back home the streets he passes through are scenes from 100 years of our nations and the bakeries history.

In John’s Gospel Chapter 6 the Jews ask Jesus for a sign like the one God gave Moses the ‘Manna’ that sustained their ancestors on their wilderness journey. This took place 1400 years before Christ. In response Jesus said to them, “ Their fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die.” John 6: 49, 50.

The Jews were outraged at Jesus suggestion that he was the bread of life, coming from God. He went on to say, ‘unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you shall not have life within you.’ Even some of his own disciples were upset by Jesus saying this and they ceased to follow him.
For Jesus to suggest that they should eat his flesh and drink his blood was against the laws relating to food.
Under Law they were not allowed to eat shell fish, pork and other foods that would make them unclean. No meat could be eaten without first draining the blood from it, because life is in the blood. The blood removed from the meat made the food spiritually sinless and clean. Food was spiritually part of them. Leviticus 11: 1-end 17: 11
What the Jewish people did not understand was that to enter into the New Covenant, the Old Covenant had to come to an end. Jeremiah 31: 31-36
Jesus’ body, his flesh would be the final sacrifice ending the laws relating to food. Mark 7: 19.

When Jesus said ‘unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood’ he was referring to them partaking of his death and resurrection, his sacrifice, the final sacrifice.

The Messiah’s Secret page 93
“At the last supper Jesus introduced the New Covenant through his body and his blood, his life laid down for the final atonement, for sins against a Holy God. When a Jewish person made a sacrificial offering for sin, an offering of an animal, fowl, or meal, was brought to the temple, were the person would place their hand on to the head of the animal to be sacrificed, their sin was transferred by prayer into the sacrifice; its blood was then sprinkled upon the altar to make atonement, a covering for sin. This was repeated time and time again. Leviticus 1: 4. 3: 2
This offering would be accepted to make atonement, reconciliation, and pardon. This meaning of the word atonement is ‘to cover.’ The transfer of guilt to the sacrifice, brought forgiveness to the offender. The sacrifice was regarded as a person’s substitute for breaking the laws of Moses.”

Today, when we turn to Jesus in repentance saying sorry to him for our sins against God. Jesus becomes our substitute taking our sin upon him on the cross, so releasing us into the freedom of God’s forgiveness through his resurrection.

On the night of the Passover Jesus introduced the New Covenant.
The Bread
The bread is representing Jesus’ body.
Luke 22: 19 ‘Jesus took the bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
The Chalice
The Chalice holds the wine representing the blood of Jesus, the blood of the new covenant.
Matthew 26: 27 ”Jesus gave thanks and said,’ Drink this all of you for this is my blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.’ ”

New Covenant”
It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh is no avail; (profits nothing) the words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.” John 6: 63.
Signifying a change from being under law to grace which means undeserved giving from God.

John the Apostle in his first letter described Jesus as the word of God covered in flesh.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life. The life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us, that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1: 1-3
We are nourished and sustained by Jesus’ words becoming to us spiritual food.
The word, the ‘Bread of Life’ Jesus said “I am the bread of life.’

Christ in You
At Antioch the followers of Jesus were given the name of Christians meaning ‘Christ-like’ people.
St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians, “The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1: 26, 27.

Paul knew personally the meaning of ‘Christ in You’. In his encounter with the Proconsul Sergius Paulus and the Jewish false prophet Bar-Jesus also known as Elymas the sorcerer.
On the first ministry tour Barnabas and Saul arrived at Cyprus. They proceeded to travel around the island preaching the Good News about Jesus. At Paphos they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet Bar-Jesus. He was with the Roman Proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was regarded as an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Paul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Bar-Jesus or Elymas (which means sorcerer) withstood them, seeking to turn Sergius away from hearing their message. Paul said these words to Elymas, “And now the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind and unable to see the sun for a time. Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.” Acts 13: 11.

This is what happened to Paul on the Damascus road after he saw the vision of Jesus and heard the Lord’s words to him. When he arose from the ground he could see nothing; so the soldiers led him by the hand and took him to Damascus.
In that situation with Elymas coming against the Christian message, Paul saw himself in those early days were he came against the disciples and followers their message about Jesus. Now through Jesus Christ being in him, he imitated Jesus.

The words Paul used, he put the hand of the Lord upon Elymas, 1400 years before Moses had used those same words when he approached Pharaoh asking him to let the people of Israel go and he refused. The animals of the Egyptians were hit by a plague but the animals belonging to the Israelites were not touched by the plague. Pharaoh was seen as an rival of God.
Paul saw Elymas as an opponent of God when he tried to turn Sergius Paulus away from hearing their message about Jesus. In Paul’s words he was making the path of the Lord crooked. I do not believe that God penalized Elymas, just as in other instances were blindness was used by God to show the works of God. John 9: 3
Paul was seen as an opponent of God when he rounded up the Christians and put them in prison and when he was consenting to the stoning of Stephen. Steven forgave him and all those involved in his death. Acts 8: 3. 7: 60
Paul was visited by Ananias who prayed for him: to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

From reading the Acts and letters we do not know if Elymas became a Christian.

In the next chapter of Acts Paul and Barnabas were witnessing to the crowd at Listra where we read a crippled man was healed. Acts 13: 8-20
Paul and Barnabas were applying the Christ-like ministry giving the bread of life to the people listening to their message about Jesus. One man in particular caught the eye of Paul. He saw that this crippled man had faith to be healed. Perhaps Paul saw in his mind this man standing and walking.

From the perspective of the man who received healing, he had accepted the good news about Jesus. This meant that he was entitled to all the blessings of the risen Christ.
Jesus’ body had not been corrupted by all the sickness and disease that he bore on the cross, ‘the uncorrupted bread of his risen body.

Matthew realised the significance of what Jesus did for us on the cross, in his death and resurrection. Jesus has redeemed us from the causes of sickness and disease and through faith in him healing and wholeness comes as the application of the word that is acted upon by the Holy Spirit.
"That evening they brought to Jesus many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8: 16, 17. Isaiah 53: 4

Paul shouted to man, “Stand upright on your feet.” and the man sprang up and he was healed.

2,000 years ago the Holy Spirit acted upon the word spoken by Paul about Jesus that bringing healing to the crippled man.
In 1978 I was healed as the Holy Spirit acted upon the words spoken by Harold Oldham Minister of Winton Baptist Church about Jesus, followed by prayer and the laying on of hands.

“Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday and for ever.” Hebrews 13: 8

The Messiah’s Secret page 148 The Ministry of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost.
“If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make their home with him.” The apostles and followers were the first fruits of Jesus’ resurrection having received from Jesus the Holy Spirit. The combination of Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit made those who believe ‘Christ-like,’ Christ in you this was the mystery that Paul spoke of in his letters through faith in Jesus; God has made those of faith sons and daughters, children of the living God.
Jesus said to his disciples,” Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will do greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. What ever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14: 12, 13, 23.
Love, joy and peace are the nature of Jesus Christ. We are called to abide in his love that his joy and peace may be in us. The promises that are made by Jesus are part of the divine nature of God. A Christian empowered by the Holy Spirit manifests the life of Christ in the world. The graciousness of Jesus, abundant kindness, patience, humility, gentleness, longsuffering and faithfulness.”

The Messiah’s Secret – ‘Christ in You’ Part 1

After the 5,000 people were fed, it was evening so Jesus sent the crowd home. He gathered his disciples together and made arrangements; they would go to Capernaum by boat. Whilst he went to spend some time quietly on his own before rejoining them at Capernaum.
In John’s account we read that they rowed across the Sea of Galilee. John 6: 16, 19.

When I was growing up my father and mother used to take my sister and me and sometimes my cousins to Heywood Park where we would make straight for the rowing boats. On one occasion my cousin was about to alight into the boat when the boat moved away from the jetty and as a result she had one foot in the boat and one on the jetty and ended up in the water. She eventually saw the funny side to her falling into the water.

The team work involved when rowing in a big boat like the Oxford and Cambridge boats is very significant, pulling together in perfect timing. The Helmsman has an important role he keeps watch on the rowers timing so they pull together in order to propel the boat forwards.
Our Scout leader brought some oars and we had a demonstration and a bit of fun as some of the congregation had a go at rowing, sitting on chairs with their oars.
Jesus calls us to pull together in our churches, he is at the helm.

On the Sea of Galilee a strong wind prevailed against the disciple’s boat so they struggled to make progress.
The western governments are struggling to make progress as they are try to get a grips with their countries finances. The results of this are now being felt by most families in the UK in various ways: price increases, redundancies, stress levels rising. In my own family we have experienced this.
In times of stress we tend to focus on the problems and fall back on ourselves to sort things out and lose sight of putting our faith in Jesus to help us.

The disciples were making headway painfully slow. They had been rowing for several hours and had only travelled 3-4miles. They must have been tired and wet and when they saw the figure walking on the water coming towards them, they were afraid. Jesus realising this, shouted to them, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come to me” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; and when he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got to the boat the wind ceased.” Matthew 14: 27-32

If you are going through a difficult time turn to Jesus and fix your eyes upon him. Find the time to share your situation with a Christian friend and pray about it together.

In the 90’s my daughter’s friend Julie came to stay with us, she told me a remarkable story of an instance were the unexplainable happened. I wrote her story down. Julie was a Life Guard at Blackpool, a busy place in summer.
Julie’s own words, “This particular day I was walking along the promenade, the tide was in and the sea was choppy, when I heard racing past me the sirens of the police, ambulance and fire brigade. They stopped at the pier; I began to run towards the pier, on arriving a policeman told me that someone was in the water at the end of the pier. I could just see something bobbing about near the stanchions. I took a lifebuoy and jumped into the sea. I reached the person in the water and grabbed out to get hold of her. The waves were so big I lost my hold of her and she hit her head on the stanchion and disappeared under the water. I remembered feeling afraid and I thought that I was going to drown. I prayed for God’s help. I found the person again and began towards the shore, bouncing along on the sea bed, holding the woman in front of me.
We both survived the ordeal. On returning to the Life Guard base, I was debriefed, I told them what had happened, bouncing backwards on the sea bed. But the guards told me that it was impossible to have done that because of the depth of water.”
Julie went on to say that God had put a platform under her enabling them to reach the shore.

I have since wondered if this is what Peter experienced, a platform under him as he walked towards Jesus on the water of the Sea of Galilee.

Even though it had been a struggle for Julie the Lord needed her arms to uphold this lady and save her life.
Both Peter imitated Jesus walking on the water and Julie her faith enabling her to save the ladies life, Christ in her.

On the Sea of Galilee the disciple’s boat had veered off course they landed the boat on the shore at Gennesaret. Matthew 14: 34
Don’t let go of Jesus, this recession may mean a change in direction or cutting back on the things we may now consider essential like cars, mobiles, 48” TV, designer clothes, but consider this: Graham Kendrick put it into words in his hymn;
“All I once held dear built my life upon.
All this world reveres and wars to own.
All I once thought gain I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now, compared to this.
Knowing you Jesus,
Knowing you, there is no greater thing.
You’re my all, you’re the best,
You’re my joy, my righteousness,
And I love you, Lord.”

Kendrick Graham 1993 Make Way Music.

Ended with a prayer for families effected by our nations debt crisis.

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus removes the blindfold.

Evening Service following the Lectionary

Saul and Barnabas set off from the church at Antioch having been called by the Holy Spirit to take the good news about Jesus to the Jews in other lands. Acts 13: 1-13
It was in the plan of God for the Jewish people to be the ambassadors of the good news to the rest of the world.
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness should be preached in his name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46,47

Later in this chapter the Jews were filled with jealousy as the Gentiles were readily accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
“And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.”

Fasting and Prayer The church at Antioch sought the will of God through fasting and prayer. Fasting enables a Christian to be more focused on prayer and less on the appetite, the delights of food.
Prayer is simply talking to the Lord as you would a friend, preferably finding a quiet place, free from the distractions of family, friends, TV and computers.

Paul and Barnabas travelled to Seleucia, from there they sailed to Cyprus were John Mark joined them. In the early days when they arrived at a town they always found their way to the synagogue, to tell their fellow Jews the good news about Jesus being the Christ.
They made their way from Salamis in the north to Paphos at the southern end of the island, preaching the good news about Jesus as they went. Jesus had said to his disciples when they asked him what they should do to do the works of God, “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, and that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6: 28, 29. The work of God - the message of faith in Jesus taken out.

At Paphos Paul and Barnabas met the Roman Proconsul Sergius Paulus who was accompanied by a Jewish man called Bar-Jesus, who was described by the disciples as being a false prophet. He was also known as Elymas the magician, a sorcerer.

Sorcery – is the practice of the occult arts under the power of evil spirits or demons and has been common in all of the world’s history. Ungers Dictionary
Since the fall of Adam and Eve sorcery entered the world.

Roman Proconsul Sergius Paulus summoned Paul and Barnabas to hear the word of God. But Elymas intervened trying to turn Sergius away from the two disciples; he didn’t want Sergius to come to faith in Jesus.

Elymas was the Proconsul’s personal fortune teller/prophet.

Whilst I was studying this passage I had a phone call from a Christian friend who has since given me permission to write it about it on this blog.
My friend asked me to pray for her son’s wife who had come into contact with a lady who is a member of the Spiritualist Church. The Spiritualist Church do not believe that Jesus is God made visible in the flesh, and their spirituality is like Elymas the Jewish false prophet.(They also falsely communicate with the dead)

My friend said that her daughter-in-law was sat in the waiting room at her doctor’s surgery and as we often do we make conversation with the person we are sitting next too. The result was that she befriended this lady, who on another occasion proceeded to tell her fortune through tarot cards. She has become her personal counsellor.
My friend continued, ‘Whilst this was going on, my friend’s son, his best friend has become a Christian’, Her son told her that his friend had prayed with him and has invited him and his family to join him at the church where he attends.
However, her daughter-in-law is resisting going with her husband to his friend’s church and therefore is making it difficult for her son to go and hear the good news about Jesus.

It seemed that the reading spoke directly into the situation that she was faced with. We prayed over the phone lifting her son and his wife and the spiritualist medium to the throne of God’s grace to undertake in opening their spiritual eyes to the true faith in Jesus.
The following day the Lord gave me a word, ‘he came to release people from captivity and spiritual blindness.’ I use this word in my prayers for them.
(Update January 7 2012 Good news the lady is no longer having fellowship with the spiritualist lady.)

Paul used his gift of discernment and the power of the Lord Jesus’ victory over sorcery and prayed physical blindness upon Elymas. This was a witness to Sergius and he believed and he came to faith in Jesus.

I have found it difficult to understand why Paul prayed for this man temporarily to lose his sight. But what the Lord has shown me through this word is the spiritual blindness on Israel.
“Let their (Israel) eyes be darkened so that they can not see and bend their necks for ever. . . Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren, a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in and so all Israel will be saved as it is written. . . . As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake, but as regards the election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.” Romans 11: 10, 25, 28.

I now realise that at Paul's conversion on the Damascus Road when he opened his eyes he could not see and he was led by the hand to a house in Damascus. The Lord sent Ananias to pray for him to regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9: 8, 17.

Jesus was blindfolded by Roman soldiers. Jesus after his trial was blindfolded by the Roman soldiers who attended him.
“Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” Luke 22: 63, 64
Jesus bore on the cross every spiritual blindness.
“So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying, “He saved others but he can not save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Mark 15: 31, 32.

The Messiah’s Secret - Jesus’ death was hidden (Blindness)from the disciples and the people’s understanding.
Luke wrote in his gospel from material given to him from eye witnesses, the disciples and followers of Jesus. “And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marvelling at everything he did, he said to his disciples. “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of man.” But they didn’t understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.” Luke 9:43-45
“And taking the twelve, Jesus said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon; they will scourge him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise. But they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Luke 18:31-34
What Jesus had told them about his death conflicted with what they had been taught that when the Messiah came he would live for ever.

The people were taught that when the Messiah comes he will live forever. Peter’s response to Jesus’ words concerning his death,”God forbid. Lord! This shall never happen to you,” confirmed what the Jewish people were taught from the Law of Moses that when the Messiah came he would live for ever. “The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” John 12: 34.

The Jews at that time didn’t believe that God would allow their Messiah to come and die. They expected the Christ to come and take up the throne of King David and rule from Jerusalem the eternal kingdom of God. They were the people who God would use to take the news of the Christ to the ends of the earth.

Jesus opened the eyes of his disciples and released them from their spiritual blindness. In Luke’s account of the evening of the Day of the Resurrection when the disciples where gathered in the house Jesus came among them. Jesus opened up their minds to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection.
“Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened up their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness should be preached in his name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem.” Luke 24:44-47

I now realise the Paul when he was converted on the Damascus Road when he opened his eyes he cound not see. He was led by the hand to a house in Damascus where the Lord sent Ananias to pray with him to regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9: 8, 17.

Today there is a blindfold over the eyes of many millions of people. The church today like the Christians at Antioch we are separated and sent out by the Holy Spirit to tell people the good news about Jesus our Saviour.

The church is a sanctified people. Jesus in his humanity was sanctified, “I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth, as thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they may be consecrated in truth.” John 17: 15-19
Sanctification -This means belonging to Jesus made holy by faith in him. It also means being separated from the world by following his ways, and by what he taught, the words of Jesus.
We should pray for the gift of discernment of spirits so that we made aware of the dangers we face when we are being tempted to engage with the practices of other religions. Especially be aware of the spirituality that comes from New Age or the age old practices of Sorcery.

The things we do in secret are seen by a wider audience. The angels watched the shepherds as they watched over their flocks by night in the fields at Bethlehem.
Satan watched Job and challenged God to allow him to test Jobs Godly fear and trust in God.
Many a Christian have fallen into the snare of the evil one, but through sincere love for the Lord’s word and having fellowship with the Holy Spirit, faith triumphs over evil.
The Lord is on our side; his love is always ready to defend us and draw us back to himself and rescue those whom we love through faith in him.

Tell the world that Jesus is risen God uses our weaknesses to reveal Jesus to the world. Jesus uses the church, his body which is made up of people from all over the world, to witness to the world of God’s love towards us.
Nothing can take away the truth about Jesus. Jesus speaks for himself through his recorded words in the gospels, his words are alive and when they are received in faith they have the power to open the eyes of anyone’s understanding.