The Messiah's Secret - Faith and Grace

When someone gives us a promise it is very important to us that it is kept.

God gave Abraham his word, a promise which Paul refers to in his letter to the church at Rome. “The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.”
Romans 4: 13
God gave the promise as a gift with no strings attached and no conditions to fulfil.

God promised Abram that he would be the father of a great nation and that all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12: 1-3
Abram pointed out to the Lord God that he had not given him an heir. Eliezer of Damascus would inherit Abram’s estate. ”And the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; your own son will be your heir.” The Lord told Abram to look towards the heavens and if you can number the stars, your descendants shall be as many as those stars. Abram believed the Lord and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:1- 6
Abraham pleased God, through having faith in him. But we understand that Abraham had to learn to live by faith and grace.
At this time Abram and Sarai had no children and she was too old to have any so they decided between them that under Nuzi Messapotainian law it allowed for their servant girl Hagar to bear them a child. Hagar bore Abraham a son who they named Ishmael. Genesis 16: 1-15 Nuzi Tablets – The Messiah’s Secret blog Removing the Veil 15th July 2010

But that wasn’t what God intended, he didn’t want Abraham to work it out for himself. God wanted Abraham to wait upon him so that by having faith that God could do the impossible, to give them an heir.

God changed Abram’s name to Abraham meaning a father of a multitude of nations. Sarai’s name was changed by God to Sarah from her she would be a mother of nations; kings of peoples would come forth from her. Genesis 17: 5, 15, 16.

The Promise Fulfilled.It was a miracle that Sarah bore Abraham a son Isaac, he was the heir to the promise and through his descendants all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Genesis 21: 1-3

In the New Testament Nicodemus a descendant of Abraham.
Nicodemus was a member of the ruling council the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem; he was an important man in Jewish society.

It was recorded by Luke that the Pharisees and Lawyers were opposed to John the Baptist baptism. “Jesus said, “Yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist. When they heard this all the people and the tax collectors justified God, having been baptised with the baptism of John; but the Pharisees and the lawyers had rejected the purposes of God for themselves, not having been baptised by him.” Luke 7: 28-30

Jesus’ ministry was rejected by the authorities (council) Chief Priests and the Pharisees. Jesus was regarded by the Pharisees as a law breaker and blasphemer.
“The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering about him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.” John 7: 32.
The temple guards were sent to arrest Jesus but they returned without having arrested him.
They were questioned by the Pharisee, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards responded, “No one ever spoke like this man!” “The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? (Jesus) But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed.” John 7: 45-49.

We can understand why Nicodemus came at night to where Jesus and his disciples were staying because he did not want to be seen by another ruler consorting with Jesus. Nicodemus was not convinced that the council were right in their assessment of Jesus.

Nicodemus’s own view, he saw that God was at work in Jesus, so he went to him to find out more about him. He believed that they shouldn’t judge a person without first hearing what they are about. John 7: 50.
He expressed this at a time when the officers were in confrontation with the Pharisees.

On entering the house Nicodemus started the conversation by acknowledging Jesus’ teaching and the signs, the healings and miracles; these could only have been accomplished by God working with him. Jesus and his disciples would have been glad to hear these words from Nicodemus; his comments probably put them at their ease.

However, Jesus knowing the thoughts and intentions of every person’s heart touched immediately on the subject of ‘Baptism.’ “Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born anew he can not see the Kingdom of God.” “Unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can not enter the Kingdom of God . . . . . . . verse 11 Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony.” John 3: 1-11.
These words in verse 11 I feel is were Jesus touched on an underlying issue between him and Nicodemus that needed to be sorted out.


“We speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen.”
Nicodemus had already acknowledged Jesus’ teaching and the signs; these could only have been accomplished by God working with him.
“But you do not receive our testimony.” What was the testimony that Nicodemus did not go along with?
John the Baptist and Jesus baptism were in preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. John bore witness to Jesus that Jesus’ words and signs were of God. John 3: 25-36. As we have read in Luke 7: 30 “The Pharisees and the lawyers had rejected the purposes of God for themselves, not having been baptised by him.”
These words would indicate that Nicodemus had not received John’s or Jesus’ baptism in preparation for the coming of the Kingdom of God. John 4: 1, 2.

On that night instead of talking to Nicodemus about John the Baptist’s water baptism, being cleansed set apart, sanctified.  Jesus spoke of the baptism that he was going to give, 'the baptism of water and Spirit,’ which we understand Nicodemus had no knowledge about.

Jesus’ baptism of water and Spirit that was first received at Pentecost. John in his first letter wrote “There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood.” 1 John 5:8
Water is something that we all use for cleansing purposes and when we add a cleansing agent to it removes stains, dirt and germs.
So when we think of Jesus baptism: the water and the cleansing agent the blood of Jesus applied to our heart we can understand the implications, it removes the things that spoil our relationship with God.
So the water and the blood cleanse us and then God adds the sparkle to the water, the Holy Spirit.

The King James’ Bible’s translation the word ‘Quicken’ – to become alive,
Quickening – the period in pregnancy when the mother first becomes conscious of the movement of the child.

”And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2: 1
”Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)” Ephesians 2: 5.

Nicodemus was unsure about Jesus. That night when he came to see Jesus, Nicodemus wanted to confirm that Jesus was the Messiah. Later after Jesus' death on the cross, he openly made his association with Jesus when he helped his fellow councillor Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus’ body down from the cross and carried it to the tomb. Nicodemus he could not have done this without having love for Jesus. Mark 15: 43. John 19: 39, 40.

Today after hearing about Jesus some people need some evidence to confirm their faith. In the 1980’s I can not remember the exact date, I went to a meeting the guest speaker was Farmer Jim Wilkinson of Holly Bush Farm. I remember him telling us a true story about his neighbour who lived on the farm next to his. Jim had witnessed to his neighbour about Jesus being his Saviour, but he did not respond straight away, not until the time of harvesting the wheat. Jim and his neighbours field where side by side and both were being harvested at the same time. The weather was overcast and Jim said that they had prayed for the weather to hold fine in order to get this field of wheat in before it rained. That afternoon it rained but only on his neighbour’s field and not on Jims’ field. His neighbour marvelled at the way God had spoken to him through this incident, as a result he came to faith in Jesus.

Stepping out in Faith. For us it is often in the small things were we learn to have faith and trust as we hold onto the Lord Jesus.



Visual Aid. An 8’ x 5” x 3” plank and a blind fold and plastic boxes.
The plank is raised off the ground at both ends. Place one end of the plank on chancel steps and the other end on a box that is the same height as the chancel steps. Ask for a volunteer to walk the plank. Blindfolding the person whist explaining what it is about.

Stepping out in blind faith can be difficult (tying the blind fold on to the person’s head) holding onto Jesus is necessary (taking the person’s arm they begin to walk along the plank) so as we begin to walk in faith we find it easier to trust in the Lord.
(Taking off the blindfold halfway across the plank, the last few steps to the end of the plank are taken on their own.)

It’s in the small steps of faith that we experience our faith and trust grows. I went to Manchester to a meeting; I turned into my usual car park, but on this occasion the only spaces available where at the north end which meant I had to walk the full length of the car park before the short walk first crossing the road and then on past the Cathedral and on to Deansgate. On my next visit, three weeks ago, I prayed that I would not have as far to walk. When I entered the car park I saw a car just leaving and it was on the perimeter. I only had the short walk crossing the road and then on past the Cathedral and on to Deansgate. The shortest walk that I could have ever had imagined, which gave me assurance that the Lord had heard my prayer.

Like Abraham we have faith in God’s Promises
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11: 24.
I was waiting for a special delivery of Transfers the 150th Celebration of St Thomas’ Church Musberry from Mr Cross of Pilling Pottery my supplier. The deadline was drawing near and they still had not arrived it was only two weeks away. Another week went by and still they had not arrived. Mr Cross confirmed that he had sent them to me by registered mail and I should have received them.
I rang the Royal Mail Parcel depot, the man who answered took my address and he said that a wagon had just arrived at the depot and he would go and ask the men unloading to look out for my parcel.
Within minutes the phone rang and a very excited man told me, “When I reached the bay the wagon was just starting to be unloaded. I asked the men unloading to look out for your parcel and I gave them your address. As soon as I read out your address a man coming off the wagon had it in his hand and he gave it to me” and he said that they were all amazed.
I thanked the Lord; I went straight away to the depot and picked up my parcel. The pottery was completed, at least enough to present on the day of celebration at St. Thomas’ Musberry.

Precious Promises “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him, Jesus who is called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises . . . . . . and become partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1: 3-4
“Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do, because I go to the Father. Whatever 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 14:12-14
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.” John 15: 7
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3: 20

The Messiah's Secret - Elijah and Elisha

In 2 Kings 2: 1-14 Elijah and Elisha went to say goodbye to the prophets at Bethel and Jericho from there the made they way to the river Jordan. There Elijah took his cloak rolled it up and struck the water, and it parted from one side to the other.
Elijah and Elisha walked across on the dry ground of the river bed of the Jordan. In conversation together as they walked, Elisha asked Elijah if he could inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah replied, “You have asked for a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.”
As they continued on their way, a chariot of fire came between them and caught up Elijah and took him into heaven. This is seen spiritually as entrance into the Promised Land and entrance into the kingdom of God.
Therefore because Elisha saw this, he duly received the portion of Elijah’s spirit that he had requested. Afterwards he had to prove it to himself, so he took the cloak and struck the water of the Jordan with it and immediately the water parted, just as it had done earlier when Elijah struck it.
Elisha had followed the example of Elijah in the spirit of Elijah.

We see a similarity in the New Testament when Jesus called his disciples together and gave them his authority to preach the message of the kingdom and heal the sick. On their return they told Jesus how the demons were subject to them in Jesus' name. Jesus rejoiced with them in the spirit thanking God for their witness. The disciples had followed the example of Jesus, in the Spirit of Jesus.

Today like the disciples of Jesus we have been commissioned to take out the message about Jesus and to pray for the sick, following the example of Jesus and his disciples in the Spirit of Jesus, God our Father and Holy Spirit.

Faith and Grace
A man came to Jesus and asked if he would heal his son, who was suffering from epilepsy, he went on to say that he had brought him to his disciples and they could not heal him. We read of the father’s persistant faith, he had not been put off by the disciples inability to heal his son. Jesus healed the man's son of epilepsy.
The disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal the boy? Jesus’ response was to point out to his disciples that they had turned away in unbelief resulting in having little faith. If they had the faith a small as a mustard seed they could remove mountains. Matthew 17: 14-21

Mustard Seeds
There are two species that florish in the Israel: a plant and a tree, beside the black mustard which is cultivated as a condiment. All produce minute seeds. Unger's Dictionary.


The mustard seeds of faith are part of our inheritance as we are heirs of the kingdom of God. By having faith in Jesus we are beneficiaries of the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9: 16, 17.

On Monday evening 28th February we watched the local TV news program, ‘Look North’ An item of news that drew my attention to it was about a lady Joan Nicholson had died leaving her whole estate to ‘The Lakeland Housing Trust’ in total £1,000,000. The Trust buys and renovates properties in the Lake District for Local for people to be able to afford to live there. The Lakeland Trust and the people who will live in these homes are the beneficiaries of Joan Nicholson's estate.

Jesus has bequeathed his whole estate to those who have faith in him. The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, God our Redeemer and Saviour. Creator of all things invisible and visible and the sustainer of life.
We have moved from being commoners to becoming members of the Royal family of God. The recourses that belong to Jesus are now ours, we are entitled to use them to the glory of God: Christ-like life.

In a state of grace
Grace means undeserved giving from God. It also is about entering into a state of grace, which is to be at ease, at peace, resting, unworried and having liberty to act on God’s behalf.
We have been given authority to remove all obstacles that cause obstruction whether it’s a sickness or a problem. We can look to and rest upon our inherited promises:
"I will never fail you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14: 12, 13
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Ephesians 1: 3
"Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." James 5:16
Prayer is the key that engages the action of the Word and the Holy Spirit together releasing that person from the sickness or problem.
It is like turning the key that starts the engine of a car. After we have started the engine, we then move the car forward by engaing the gears.
Some sickness will persist unless we fast as well as prayer.
We are called to serve in a spirit of compassion and in humility. Always to seek the lowest place.

The Messiah's Secret - The Transfiguration

Mrs Paris was the wife of one of our church Wardens at Christ Church Walmersley Bury. She was a very quiet reserved lady, I could tell that she had a strong faith and she knew her Bible well. One day we were talking and she told me of her encounter with Jesus. Before she was married she worked in a sewing factory, it was as she was busy at her work, when she looked up and saw Jesus standing at the side of her machine he was all in white and shining and in a moment he was gone.

The Transfiguration
“And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.” Matthew 17: 1-9

Jesus transfigured – A change of form
Jesus was shining from the top of his head to the tips of his fingers and toes, and his clothes were glistening. Jesus did not want the vision that the disciples had seen to be made known before his resurrection for two reasons:
1/ If the people had heard about this vision and that the prophets Moses and Elijah were present in the vision, the expectation of Elijah heralding in the Messiah would have been very great. Jesus told his disciples that John the Baptist ministered in the power and spirit of Elijah. Luke 1:17. Matthew 17: 11-13. Mark 9: 11-13.
2/ Jesus had to die on the cross at Calvary before he could be received by the nations leaders as the Messiah, the call of the Messiah was first to the nation of Israel.

1/ The Jews were taught that Elijah would announce the coming of the Messiah’s Day of Judgement. Malachi 4: 5.
The people were in expectation of Elijah heralding the coming of the Messiah. If the disciples had told the people about Elijah being present in the vision then the people would have expected seeing Elijah not John the Baptist in the power and spirit of Elijah.

John the Baptist was preparing the nation through a baptism of repentance, restoring the people under the Law of Moses. He spoke of the need to prepare themselves for coming of the Messiah he would baptise them with the Holy Spirit and bring in a fire of judgement. To give them understanding he described the Messiah using his winnowing fork to separate the chaff from the wheat. The chaff he would burn with unquenchable fire. The chaff represented the unbelieving lawless, selfish people who would enter into eternal darkness and the wheat the people who believed and were obedient to the Laws of Moses sharing what they possessed with each other they would enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 25: 31-46

Paul and Barnabas on their first ministry tour, when they arrived at the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia Paul spoke of John the Baptist that he had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. But he was not the Christ; he was the one opening up the way. Acts 13: 24.
Just like Elijah who threw his mantle onto the water of the Jordan as he did so the waters parted opening up the way across the Jordan. Both he and Elisha walked on the ground of the dry river bed. 2 Kings 2: 1-12

2/ The disciples Peter, James and John heard the voice of God, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” On hearing these words they responded by falling upon their knees in awe, Jesus touched them and said “have no fear.” The touch of Jesus was comforting, re-assuring and strengthening his disciples. Jesus' gentle touch on our lives especially when we’re in difficult situations from my experience gives a sense of being lifted up and comforted.
On another occasion the people heard a voice in response to Jesus speaking aloud to his Father. Jesus said that his time had now come to fulfil the purposes of God, “Father glorify thy name.” In reply the voice of God saying, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” It sounded like thunder, others said that an angel had spoken to him. Jesus told them that this voice had come for their sake, not for his. He also indicated the death he was to die, “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” The people had not been taught that the Messiah would come and die for their sins. They assumed that when he came he would remain for ever. “The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that when the Christ comes he will remain for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” John 12: 33, 34.
The people were wondering if Jesus was referring to another Son of man, because they realised that he was speaking of dying on a cross, which they did not know anything about.
Mark records the words spoken by the chief priest and the scribes, “He saved others but he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Mark 15: 31, 32.10.

Paul taught that the Christ had to suffer and die
Paul made it known to the people in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia that those who lived in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognise Jesus or understand the utterances of the prophets, the scriptures that refer to the Messiah’s suffering and death, they fulfilled these prophesies by condemning him. Acts 13: 27.

Here are two prophesies out of over thirty prophesies fulfilled by Jesus (see blog Mercy not Sacrifice)
“Yet it pleased him to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand;
Fulfilled. It was in the plan of God that Jesus would suffer and be killed and that on the third day God would raise him from the dead.
“Jesus said, “For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was reckoned with transgressors’; for what is written about me has its fulfilment.” Luke 22: 37.
25. Prophecy. A great Calvary miracle prophecy uttered about 800 years before. “ And it shall come to pass in that day, said the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.” Amos 8: 9
Fulfilled. This is one of the most profound prophesies of the word of God. On the day that the Saviour would be crucified, there would be darkness at noonday.
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. (12noon – 3pm) Matthew 27: 45.

On the hill of Calvary Jesus was crucified
Jesus in his suffering cried out, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” “And some of the bystanders hearing him, “Behold he’s calling Elijah.” And one ran and, filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait lets see if Elijah will come and take him down.” Mark 15: 35, 36.
They was watching to see if what they had been taught by their leaders would happen. God hearing his plea, would he send Elijah to come before he died on the cross and rescue him. The death of the Messiah was hidden from their understanding. Even Caiaphas the leading man of the council of the Sanhedrin did not understand, God had hidden these prophesies concerning the death of the Messiah from him and the other members of the council.
But Caiaphas had received a prophesy from God, prophesying that one man would die to save the nation. He believed that he was doing God’s will in pursuing Jesus death.
It was God’s will, Caiaphas had accomplished what God intended without knowing that Jesus was the Messiah who had to die to fulfil those prophesies given by God to the prophets. John 11: 49-52

“The Gospel in the Feasts of Israel” by Victor Buksbazen’
“At the Passover table a place is set for Elijah, the herald of the Messiah, and he would announce that the Messiah had at last come. For the rabbis say the Messiah is most likely to come on the night of the Passover, so the traditional cup and an empty chair awaits him.”
Jesus was crucified on the eve of the Passover, on the Day of Preparation when all the lambs were killed at the temple in Jerusalem.
Jesus the sacrificial lamb, his blood brushed onto the doorposts and lintels of the repentant heart of every believer. As a result we pass over death, on the dry ground of the Jordan on having our sins forgiven and we are translated into the kingdom of God.

Luke records at the transfiguration that Jesus was heard to speak of his departure from Jerusalem, that departure being his resurrection and ascension into heaven to be with his Father.
Elisha walked with Elijah across the Jordan. A chariot of fire came between them and caught up Elijah and took him into heaven and because Elisha saw this he received the portion of Elijah’s spirit that he had requested.

“I pray you; let me inherit a double portion of your spirit?” And Elijah said, “You have asked for a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 2 Kings 2: 9, 10.

After Pentecost the Holy Spirit is given as a gift to every believer in Christ.
Today the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe in Jesus, he comes to us to witness to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of God's saving love for all people. Jesus embraced death to give us life, eternal life. Elijah was translated into eternal life without going through a physical death. Elijah has witnessed to what every believer in Christ receives. Paul wrote, "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Authorised or King James Version. Colossians 1: 13.
We have entered into the place were Jesus is in heavenly places in our union with him in the Holy Spirit.
(Unlike Elijah we do go through a physical death.)

The Messiah's Secret - The Way

Some of the changes I’ve experienced over my life time:

Decimalisation of our currency.
Bible written in modern language.
The computer age- This has meant learning a new way of communication involving the computer itself, how to operate it using its functions like emailing to another computer or looking up pages on the web.
Sat Nav – On screen map with voice giving directions to the programmed destination.
Mobile phone having access to the web and a camera as well.
Moving towards the future widespread use of the electric car.

Gospel of Change
2,000 years ago a major change was imminent, Jesus was teaching under God’s ruling authority the end of the Law of Moses as the people knew it.
On the mountainside Jesus was teaching a crowd of Jewish people, “You have heard it said, ’An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Matthew 5: 38
Jesus has quoted from what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 19: 15-21.
When a charge was brought against someone it could not prevail unless it was confirmed by two witnesses. If one of these witnesses gave false witness against the accused, I quote from Deuteronomy, ‘that person you shall do to him as he had meant to do towards his brother, so you shall purge the evil from the midst of you. . . .Your eye shall not pity; it shall be a life for a life, eye for eye, tooth for a tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

The severity of the law.
Even today 2011 in some countries of the world, some crimes are punished by the removal of limbs. A friend of ours lives and works in Dubai she says it’s a very safe place because the laws are so severe anyone found stealing, the law punishes them by cutting off their hand, and there is no leniency.

Liberated from the Law
In February 2011 when I saw on TV the release on the faces of the people of Egypt from their laws, it brought it home to me that Jesus’ teaching must have been so liberating, releasing the Jewish people from fear and the harshness of the law. God was making changes to the laws he gave to Moses that would liberate his people from their way of life and ultimately the world.

(Matthew 5: 29 Jesus made the point and used the law 'pluck out your eye if it causes you to sin 'metaphorically' to demonstrate how God feels about the sin of adultery to make it clear to the listeners so they would understand.)

Jesus making the change to the law of the false witness, “But I say to you, do not resist the evil one.” Don’t contend or struggle against the person who bears false witness against you, turn away from them, as Jesus says ‘turn the other cheek.’
Jesus was arrested and taken to trial before the chief priest Caiaphas and the ruling council. They brought false witnesses against him, the witnesses couldn’t agree. Jesus’ response he was silent, he turned away, and he turned the other cheek.

The Way
Jesus founded in himself the way of love, love fulfils the law.
‘The Way’ was the name given to the early church because it professed a way of life that followed the teaching of Jesus.
The Apostles remained in Jerusalem after the dispersion of the community of believers from Jerusalem. The structures of the church were put in place by the Apostles and Elders of the church in Jerusalem and all the churches came under its authority.
Saul and Barnabas on their first ministry tour after establishing a church they appointed an Elder. On there return to Jerusalem they told the apostles about the gentiles accepting the good news.
It was decided that a letter should be sent to the churches, telling them to abstain from food offered to idols.
Peter as one of these leaders was mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, on a visit to the Corinthian church he baptised member's there.1 Corinthians 1: 12. 15: 5.

Paul as a member of ‘The Way’ came under the authority and was accountable to the church leaders at Jerusalem. Acts 15
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy he described the offices: Bishops, Deacons and Elders. “If anyone aspires to the office of Bishop, he desires a noble task.” 1 Timothy 3: 1 These offices are part of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. “Tend the flock of God that is in your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5 : 2, 3.
Paul was taken to trial before Felix he spoke in his defence about, ‘The Way. “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets, having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust.” Acts 24: 14,15, 22.
Felix was aware of this branch of Judaism known as ‘The Way’ Paul emphasises its beliefs: in the God of Israel, the writing of the prophets and the hope of the resurrection.

Jesus continued his teaching telling the people there and us today how to respond to the demands of people for example someone who borrows.
When I was a child growing up in the 1950’s I remember how the neighbours would borrow from one another, soap powder, sugar, butter etc. Now and again things wouldn’t be returned, but as I remember it wasn’t held against anyone.
The basis for this attitude was in loving one another. Jesus taught that we should not with hold anything from some one in need.

Jesus went on to say “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’" Matthew 5:43
Jesus was maybe referring to this incident on the Israelites exodus journey from Egypt as they made there way towards the Promised Land. Moses recalled how the Ammonite and the Moabites would not go to meet the Israelites and give them bread and water. As a result they were not to seek peace with the Ammorites or the Midianites all the days of their life, for ever. Deuteronomy 23: 3-6
These people were afraid of the Israelites so they treated them as their enemy, their rivals.

There tends to be a lot of rivalry between football supporters. There are a small minority that take this rivalry to its limits by their attitude and actions they bring the whole game into disrepute.

Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthian church made the point that their support of various leaders had led to arguments, falling out with each other had brought the whole church into disrepute. He reminded them that the church was founded in Jesus through faith in him, nobody else. 1 Corinthians 3: 11.

“Jesus went on to say, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5: 44.
We have an example in the Old Testament in 2 Kings 5: 1-16 concerning this, it also points to Jesus and the church.

A young Jewish girl was taken by a band of Syria raiders into captivity in Syria; she became servant to Naaman’s wife. Naaman was a general in the King of Syria’s army.
The Israelite girl noticed that Naaman had leprosy so she told her mistress about the healing ministry of Elisha the prophet. As a result of this girl’s concern for her enemy, Naaman went to the King of Syria and told him what the girl had said about Elisha.
Naaman was not deterred by the two nations being enemies, his faith rose above it. The King was pleased to give Naaman a letter of introduction to the King of Israel.
However when the King of Israel received the letter he was displeased, “Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends word to cure a man of his leprosy.” He saw it as blasphemy, to indicate this and he tore his clothes. He was being asked to make a decision whether this man lived or not. He also thought the king of Syria was seeking to quarrel with him.
When Elisha heard about Naaman’s situation he wanted to help him, he saw the bigger picture. It was an opportunity to glorify the God of Israel and so Naaman was invited to Elisha’s home. On his arrival he was met by Elisha’s servant who delivered the prophet’s message to him saying that he should go and wash in the Jordon seven times.
This wasn’t what Naaman expected and he became angry because Elisha had not met him in person and he decided to leave.
Naaman’s pride caused him to become angry, his self importance became a stumbling block and I feel that he might have felt persecuted because of his leprosy. In Judaism lepers were separated from other people, as they were regarded as unclean.
Naaman’s servant convinced him to do what Elisha had said and so he relented and went and washed himself in the Jordon seven times and amazingly he was completely healed of his leprosy. Naaman wanted to give Elisha the gifts that he had brought with him. But Elisha refused to accept them. Naaman rejoiced having recognised that the God of Israel was the one true God.

The Jewish girl had shown love, respect for her enemy.
While she was held in captivity, she had sown a seed of faith, hope out of love, respect for her captor Naaman. She must have prayed for him to be healed of his leprosy and rejoiced when she heard that he had been healed through the ministry of the prophet Elisha and by grace he now believed in the God of Israel.

We can see the bigger picture of God’s love for all of the nations. Naaman was a gentile, who had integrity and humility and he had faith, in the God of Israel, believing that he had the power to heal him through his word to the prophet Elisha.

Isn’t this what we believe today? The Lord our God reaching out through his people to the unbelievers in our communities pointing them to ‘The Way’ to find a change taking place within themselves in the heart through faith in Jesus. Where they will find inner peace, joy, love, hope and truth in our Jesus.

The Messiah’s Secret page 148
“The Ministry of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost.”
“The promise of the presence of the Trinity within a person, Jesus said to his disciples before his death, “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 fruit of the 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 also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever 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." 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. John 14: 12-14.
The promises that are made by Jesus are part of the divine nature of God. 2 Peter 1: 4.
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 - Jesus the Physician

The Physician - A title of the Messiah

The Physician, the Balm of Gilead.
Jeremiah wrote of God grieving for the spiritual health of Israel and he pointed to the Messiah, the Physician who would restore the nation’s health.

God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, “My grief is beyond healing, my heart is sick within me. “Hark the cry of the daughter of my people from the length and breadth of the land: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?” “Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with their foreign idols?” “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my people not been restored?” Jeremiah 8: 18-22

Jesus the Messiah and Physician was sent by God to restore the health of the nation. When Jesus stood and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah he quoted the words of healing: to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who were oppressed and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Jesus’ most important healing, the grieving heart of his Father God over his people, Israel.
Jesus restored the whole person for instance: the lady who was unclean in the eyes of the law because of her issue of blood. When she touched the hem of Jesus garment she was physically healed, which restored her under law. Luke 8: 43-48
The leper who came to Jesus for his healing, “If you will you can make me clean,” Jesus moved with pity, stretched out his hand and touched him, and said, “I will; be clean.” The man was healed. Jesus then told him to go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for his cleansing as it was the custom under the Laws of Moses. Mark 1: 40-45 He was healed and restored under the law of Moses.

The Messiah’s Secret
Afterwards Jesus sternly told the man who had been healed of leprosy not to tell any one about his healing and that he should go and be examined by the priest to show that he was clean, free from leprosy and make his offering according to the law.
Jesus did not want him to publicise his healing. He wanted to keep his identity of being the Messiah a secret because he had to die and be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven before he could return with the holy angels and be their Leader and Saviour.
“Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” Mark 8:38. 9:1.

The Balm of Gilead
The soothing, comforting ointment of our Lord God, his words of forgiveness and hope. His healing touch bringing release from fear, freedom, love, joy and peace. The Holy Spirit opening the eyes of our understanding to know the living God, and giving us assurance of his sovereign rule over the entire universe.
In Gilead there was a tree that was well known for its healing properties, Balsam tree. The resin from the tree was used as an ointment. It is recorded in Genesis 37: 25, 28. “The Ishmaelite Midianite Traders coming down from Gilead with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to Egypt.” They used these to barter with the Egyptians. This tree is no longer is found in Gilead. Unger’s Dictionary page 1134

As part of healing and wholeness the Lord has given to the church gifts of healing.

In the year 2,000 Rev Mark Pearson came and spent a weekend teaching the churches on the Lord’s healing ministry. I bought his book at the time and from it and on the weekend he stated four ways in which the Lord uses to heal people. (I’ve only taken the headings and included the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law.)

1/ Skill and Science.
Rev Mark Pearson tells us that the Lord uses doctors and surgeons using their skill and knowledge. The scientist that produces medicine and medical implants and appliances. The nursing profession and carers are all used to bring healing to our bodies.
Mark reminded us that Paul suggested to Timothy that he should take a little wine for his stomach problem. Also Dr Luke accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys attending to his medical problem. This shows us clearly that the Lord intends to use both the skill of doctors, surgeons and science for our well being.
Combine the ministry of Skill and Science with prayer and the sick person is upheld, strengthened and at peace.

2/ Spiritual Gifts
Jesus spoke of himself as being the Physician in the house where many tax collectors and others who were regarded by the Pharisees as sinners. A Pharisee observed, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus heard what he said and replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." Matthew 9: 10-13.
Jesus fulfilled Jeremiah's plea the physician, the Christ bringing healing to the nation.
Even though there was opposition to his ministry of healing we read that Jesus healed all those who came to him. The man with the withered hand had just been healed in the synagogue, "But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. Jesus aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all." Matthew 12: 14, 15.
Matthew wrote that at Nazareth they took offence at him, and as a result he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Luke 4: 23. Matthew 13: 57, 58.
Simon Peter’s mother–in-law was healed at Capernaum.
Mark 1: 29-31.
The healing ministry continues today I myself have been healed see blog "The Messiah's Secret - The Healing Ministry of Jesus."

Jesus with his disciples left the synagogue at Capernaum and went to the family home of Andrew and Simon Peter. Simon’s mother-in-law lay poorly with a high fever. Jesus was informed and immediately he went into the room to her, where he stood over her and rebuked the fever and then taking her by her hand, he lifted her up, finding that she was healed of the fever. Without any delay she helped serve the meal. Mark 1: 29-31. Luke 4: 38, 39. Matthew 8:14-17
The faith of Andrew and Simon brought his mother-in-law’s need to the attention of Jesus. He responded in love to her need. I think the lady having a high fever would not perhaps be aware of what was going on, so her healing did not depend on her faith.

Faith.
Faith means to believe in some one or something e.g. If we’re feeling ill we go to the doctor, we have faith in the doctor that he will prescribes some medicine that we believe or have faith that it will make us better.
It takes the same kind of faith to believe that the Lord will heal us through his promises in his word.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21: 22.
“And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to them that believe.” Mark 9: 23
“What so 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: 13, 14.
“And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 8:48

Mark refered to the healing gifts listed in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Church should be viewed like a sandwich: Chapter 12 The gifts are used when there is a need. Chapter 13 without love they are administered from the position of what I do, rather than being motivated by compassion. Chapter 14 Faith reaches out in the Lord’s love to comfort and pray for healing and wholeness.
Jesus rebuked the fever, he addressed and named the cause praying for her release from it.
When we pray for someone in a similar situation it is good to follow the pattern that Jesus has given to us in the gospel.
Quietly praying with the authority that he has given to us in his name and in his words of scripture. The power is not in the rebuke it is in the Word.
Dear Lord, we bring before you our sister or brother who is dear to you and us, just as you touched the hand of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and restored her to health we pray for your healing touch as we rebuke and release our sister or brother from ----in your precious name. Amen

Church Services
When a person is ordained for the priesthood, they are anointed with oil for the ministry of the sacraments.
Two sacraments: Holy Communion and Baptism. (Church of England Articles of Religion)
Looking briefly at one of these sacraments Holy Communion.

Mark Pearson calls the sacraments vehicles by which God uses to bring healing and wholeness to our lives.
At the Communion the tokens the bread (body) and the wine (blood) representing Jesus’ victory over all sickness and disease.
The Communion service is regarded by many as being a healing service; the Common Prayer Book states that as we receive the bread and the wine ‘we enter into all the benefits of his passion,’ which are many: forgiveness, comfort, strength, support, endurance, peace, healing in various ways and many more.

In Matthew’s account of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law he adds the words from Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew linked this prophecy after Jesus had fulfilled it. Matthew knew that the cross is where Jesus took(bore) upon himself our broken bodies in his suffering and death to bring us healing and wholeness.
On the evening of the Day of his resurrection the disciples touched Jesus’ risen body where the marks of the nails and the Centurion’s sword pierced his heart in his side. Matthew must have also realised that in Jesus’ risen body he was free from all infirmities placed upon him. His risen body was free from corruption.

Jesus touched the hand of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and then he lifted her up by her hand.
The healing touch of Jesus.
Jesus heals our broken bodies and restores us to health and wholeness even when we knowingly eat the wrong foods which can be detrimental to our well being.
Today a lot of illness is a result of eating food that is not good for us because it’s high in fat and sugar. But it is these foods that are pleasant to eat; at least they are for me. I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Roman church, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7: 15
Ongoing Wholeness.
The Holy Spirit enables us to discern what we eat and convicting us when we are eating too much fatty and a sugary food that is not good for us. We can be also convicted to change our habits; the need to take regular exercise and having regular meals. The Lord will also prompt us with the scriptures concerning these things. I find it works to pray for the Lords help when I’m struggling to avoid the things that are detrimental to my health.
Jesus died on the cross and God raised him from the dead overcoming all the things that are detrimental to our life.
Whatever our circumstances we can look to Jesus to continue to make us whole.

4/ Prayers of all Christians

The next day Jesus got up very early to spend time in prayer with his Father God. Simon Peter and others who were with him pursued him, and they found him.
To begin the day with a time spent in prayer with the Lord prepares us for the day before us. I believe that Jesus is waiting, wanting to hear from us and we don’t have to search for him. We should, if we can set aside time in a quiet place, were we can talk to our Lord God about the things that are on our heart. Some Christians use lists so they don’t forget to pray for the people and their needs, that are precious to them.
At the end of each day we rejoice in all things and recollect were our prayers have been answered and for the things still to do.

Mark writes: "The church ministers healing co-corporately through members love for one another." "Christian Healing" by Mark A Pearson Published by Chosen Books a division of Baker Book Company. Grand Rapids.
Church service intercessions embrace of the whole worshipping body praying for the world poverty, Queen and country, mission, ministers of the church, community, environment etc.

At St. Mary’s we have a small prayer group who pray for the sick and housebound members of our church. The Lord has ministered through those prayers; we have seen a decline of sickness in our church.
Most churches have a ‘Prayer Chain’ were a number of Christians are linked through email or phone praying for not only church members but anyone who asks to be put on the chain.
We have opportunities to attend healing services in a number of churches in the Rossendale Valley. The Diocese of Manchester holds Healing Quiet Mornings and Diocesan Healing Days.

The Messiah's Secret - Saved by the Blood of Christ

We have an awesome God and the heavens declare the glory of the living God.

God revealed his future plan to the Apostle John.
John the Apostle saw in heaven a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet. She was wearing a crown of twelve stars. Revelation 12: 1 - 6
"And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2/ she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. 3/ And another portent appeared in heaven; behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads.4/ His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth; 5/ she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6/ and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days."

In John’s revelation “the woman clothed with the sun.”
The woman Israel - the wife of God. Isaiah 50: 1. Jeremiah 3: 6-13.
The sun – Jacob. The moon – Rachael. The twelve stars – the sons of Jacob. Genesis 37: 9-11
The woman, one of King David’s descendants would bring forth the Messiah, as Leader and Saviour. 2 Samuel 7: 12, 16. Luke 2:11. Acts 5: 31.

Israel the wife of God brought forth the Son of God, the Messiah.
This was fulfilled when Mary a descendant of King David brought forth Jesus. God was the Father of Jesus. Genealogy of Mary: Joseph the husband of Heli’s daughter Mary. Luke 4: 23
Jesus was born into this world, his mother Mary giving him his flesh, his body.                                            

To have faith in the Virgin Birth is to believe that all things are possible with God. When a person receives healing through prayer, God heals within the body, without touching the flesh.
In 1978 Louise Joy Brown was born, she was the first test tube baby. It seemed incredible at the time. Drs Steptoe and Edwards made medical history when they developed the means were they were able to plant Leslie Brown’s fertilised egg into her womb. We take these breakthroughs in medical science for granted now, but I remember a comment at the time, ‘scientists were playing at being God.’

God fertilised the egg in Mary’s womb, without her flesh being touched. Mary gave Jesus his humanity; God the Father of Jesus gave him his Divinity.

Jesus’ blood, the components of Jesus' blood I believe came from the author of life, the sinless life of God, therefore he had the nature of God his Father. The virgin Mary was overshadowed by God’s Holy Spirit when she conceived. The Holy Spirit convicts us of the truth and we accept this truth by faith.

A local Midwife explained to me how a baby has its own blood.
"The baby’s blood is developed soon after conception, no actual blood from mum goes directly to the baby, and the baby has its own DNA. The placenta is like a giant lung attached to the umbilical cord to the baby. From the placenta the baby receives oxygen and nutriments from mum. The waste and the carbon dioxide go via the placenta and are disposed of through mum’s bodily functions.”

Our blood circulates around the whole of our body. Even though it is uniquely our own, we are linked through blood groups throughout the human race. The blood in our veins, can be given through transfusions to other human beings, whether we are Chinese or English. There are no links in our blood with other created animals. We can not receive a transfusion from a monkey.

Jesus' blood originating from God, the sinless life of God his Father. His blood pouring out from the cross has the potential to cleanse and redeem the whole of the human race. 

Red cells 
There are 5,000,000 red cells per cubic millimetre, red cells are very tiny, and every red cell travels in the blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. After picking up the oxygen a single red cell offloads the oxygen to a single tissue, the oxygen gives combustion and heat to the tissue. The red cell then takes the waste away from the tissue and disposes of it out of the body through the lungs, plasma, skin, bladder and bowel. 
“The Chemistry of the Blood” Dr M.R.DeHaan. 

                                                                                       

Now this is true of the physical body but it all points to a deeper spiritual truths.
Spiritually the blood of Jesus goes into action when a person is hearing about what Jesus achieved through his death on the cross. He made the final sacrifice for all that separated us from God, his blood being accepted by God for the forgiveness of our sin.
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sin.” Leviticus 17: 11. Hebrews 9: 22
Like the red blood cell, the blood of Jesus has the power to spiritually cleanse us and remove our sin and the causes of sin.
"Jesus said at the last supper, "For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26: 28.
“The next day he saw Jesus walking towards him, and said,” Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1: 29
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us.” Psalm 103: 12
“And no longer shall each man teach his neighbour and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31: 34.

Like the red cell takes away the waste from the tissue, so Jesus takes away our sin, and it is remembered no more.
The Holy Spirit like the oxygen gives combustion sparks off the person into the newness of life, to live our lives in the Spirit of God’s love.                                                                                 
The red and white cells work together.
The work of the single red cell to a single tissue speaks of personal salvation; the Lord meets and treats us equally men, women and children.                                                                                                                      
Paul wrote in Romans 12:5 “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” As Christians working together we are one in the blood of Jesus. But like the Trinity individually members of it.

The white cells are the soldiers of the body; they defend the body from bacteria and bring healing to damaged skin.

When for instance we have a splinter in our finger, a message goes to the brain and the brain sends a message to the marrow to produce and send more white cells to the infected area. In the process of combating the infection, the white cells have power to destroy bacteria some of the white cells die along with the bacteria, this forms the puss.

The white cells have built in their structure DNA which the red cells do not have. The DNA produces new skin to heal, restoring and producing new flesh. Amazing.

The blood of Jesus defends us from spiritual attack from the powers of darkness.
Second sign VERSE 4
The red dragon representing Satan, he brought his demonic host against the holy child Jesus when King Herod ordered the slaughter of male children under the age of two years.

There were further attempts to end Jesus’ life before his time: In the wilderness temptations he was tempted to jump by Satan from a pinnacle of the temple. At Nazareth some of the people there threatened to throw him over the cliff. At Jerusalem some Jews there were about to stone him, accusing him of blasphemy.
Jesus identified Satan as the evil one, “I do not pray that thou should take them (his disciples) out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil one.” John 17: 15
The powers of darkness knew that Jesus was the Holy One of God, that he had the power and authority of God. Jesus disarmed, immobilised, but not yet totally destroyed these principalities and powers.

Rebellion in Heaven
The scriptures reveal that there was a rebellion in heaven. Satan claimed equality with God and some of the angels sided with him.
”How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of the Dawn! (one of the many names of Satan)How you are cut to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit in the mount of the assembly in the far north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High.’ Isaiah 14: 12-14

The gods of Egypt were conquered by the one true God of Israel. Even today some religions put their god above the God of Abraham, Satan the deceiver put himself above God when he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth if he would bow down and worship him.

Satan was defeated and evicted from his heavenly home. The words of Jesus in Luke 10: 18 “Jesus saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven.”
After the creation of the earth Satan sought to undermine the fellowship between man and his creator. God created man out of dust and then he breathed into Adam his blood, giving him life. “The life of the flesh is in the blood.” Leviticus 17: 11.

Moses in his God inspired writings wrote about Adam and Eve’s encounter with Satan, who lied to them when he offered them a way to be like God knowing good and evil. They accepted his lie and as a result their lives fell under Satan’s influence; every part of their nature became tainted by sin. Adam’s son Seth was born in the likeness of Adam not of God. (God named the first male and female, ’Man,’ plural ‘mankind.’ Genesis 5: 2, 3.

The Israelites on their wilderness journey they were dying through snake bites. Moses was instructed by God to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole; and every one who was bitten, when they looked at it, would live. Numbers 21: 9

The Messiah’s Secret page 73
Jesus used this incident, in the exodus from Egypt, to demonstrate his death and resurrection.
The Son of man had to die and be lifted up so that those who believe in him and follow him receive eternal life.” John 3: 14.
The result of the fall of the first man,Adam, his sin resulted in death. (Serpent – death) the second man Jesus through victory over sin and death won eternal life. (Serpent lifted up – healing)   

God had cursed the serpent and prophesied that through the seed of a woman the Messiah would bruise the head of the serpent, and the serpent would bruise the heel of the Messiah. Genesis 3: 15 The prophecy of the redemption that Jesus fulfilled.
The serpent bruised Christ’s heel; this happened when Jesus suffered the agony of the wooden cross, the death by hanging on a tree, crucifixion. Deuteronomy 21: 23.

Like the white cells in our blood, the blood of Jesus defends and heals our wounds.
Today Satan continues to deceive, denying Jesus’ victory over him. We fend off the fiery darts which often are accusations and deceit coming from Satan with the blood of Jesus.
One of his strategies is to send thoughts to our mind that suggest that we have said or done something wrong which when we reflect on it, we know that we haven’t, but still the thoughts keep on coming.
We disarm Satan by claiming Jesus’ victorious blood over his accusations. He has to retreat because we are justified through faith in the blood of Jesus. Justification means declared not guilty of sin against God.
When God our Father looks at us his beloved children, he sees spiritually the righteous blood of Christ in our being.

Arrow Prayer (This is saying a short prayer while active during the day)
I claim my position in Christ from the word; I then take the shield of faith the blood and make a stand against the principalities and powers, in the authority of Jesus’ name.
Dear Lord, I am your child, “To those who believe, you gave power to become the children of God”, I take the shield of faith which is mine in Christ and block the thoughts coming to me from the evil one that are not true. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Antibodies in our blood.
Antibodies prevent infection; after a person has had a disease cells are produced that have a resistance to that disease. Some are effective for life, others temporarily, immunity only for a time. This immunity is in the blood.

Satan is immobilised by the victory that Jesus has won. It is like the army that is defeated and afterwards surrender their weapons. In prayer we are able to claim Jesus’ victory and discern the activity of Satan and bring it to an end. This may take persistent prayer.

The parable of the wedding feast,  the king gave a marriage feast for his son.
"But when the king came to look in at his guests, he saw a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants. 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness." Matthew 22: 11-13.
Jesus gives us his authority to bind and loose principalities and powers, to render them speechless and powerless in the activity of Satan.

Rev Moody Stories
"When I was speaking to five thousand children in Glasgow some years ago, I took a spool of thread and said to one of the largest boys: "Do you believe I can bind you with that thread?" He laughed at the idea.  I wound the thread around him a few times, and he broke it with a single jerk.  Then I wound the thread around and around, and by and by said: "Now get free if you can."  He could not move head or foot."
Plasma 
The primary purpose of plasma is to transport nutrients, hormones, and proteins to the parts of the body that need it. Cells also deposit their waste products into the plasma, and the plasma in turn helps remove this waste from the body. Blood plasma also ushers the movement of all the elements of blood through the circulatory system. It also has a clotting factor, stops the flow of blood through open wounds. 
The Holy Spirit ministry he convicts the world of unbelief, righteousness and judgement. He shows us Jesus and acts upon Jesus’ words. He divides soul and Spirit with the sword bearing the word of God. He illuminates the word, giving us direction He organises the gifts of the Spirit in the body of Christ.

Prayer 
Praying for protection this day/night with the blood of Jesus over all principalities and powers.  I put the shield of faith, the blood of Jesus, my helmet of salvation upon my head and I apply my victory in the power of Jesus' blood to save, to protect and to heal because Jesus that is in us, is greater than Satan that is in the world. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Jesus has won the victory over all principalities and powers in his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to stand in the continual flow of the righteous blood of Jesus Christ from the throne of his grace and in the word of God against the strategies of Satan.                                                                                                                
It is very important that we study and meditate upon the scriptures. Jesus being the Word of God clothed in the flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1: 1
“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

Future prophecy
In John’s revelation the woman went off into the wilderness for a period of 1,260 days.
Daniel prophesied that there will be an agreement between Israel and the antichrist for seven years. This is the last week of the seventy weeks prophecy of Daniel. Daniel 9: 27
The week is divided into two parts. The first part: for 1,260 days, three and a half years, during that time there will be a period of peace in the world. Second part: the antichrist turns on Israel and the Great Tribulation takes place for the remainder of the week of prophecy.
John refers to the Christians who die to self and live for Christ who are caught up in this, the great tribulation in Revelation 12: 11
“They conquered Satan with the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony, for they did not love their own lives unto death.”
After this terrible time only a small number of Israelis survive and it’s at this point Jesus returns to take up again with Israel and defeat the antichrist. Revelation 19: 13-21.


Three Views on the Millennium Revelation 20: 1 – 15 Eyre & Spottiswoode Bible page 1884

Post Millennium
A Post Millennialist holds that the millennium is a period of world history in which the reign of Christ has been established through His church which is destined to conquer the world with the gospel, and at the end of this golden age Christ will personally return to earth and inaugurate a new heaven and a new earth.

A – Millennium
A – Millennialist denies that there will ever be a literal earth-rule of a thousand years, either before or after Christ’s return. By some the thousand years are taken to be simply symbolic of eternity (although verse 5 poses a serious problem for this view), and the only reign spoken in this passage is an eternal heavenly reign. Christ’s return to earth will simply usher in the “new heaven and the new earth” and His only eschatological rule will be celestial, not in this world. By others the one thousand years of Christ’s reign are taken to be the period between the first and second comings of Christ.

Pre-Millennium
Looks for the return of Christ to earth at the beginning of a literal, thousand year reign upon the earth when “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea” and all the nations of mankind will be completely subservient to the Lord Jesus. At the end of this period Satan will be released again in order to stir up the secretly rebellious portion of mankind to a final open revolt against God (verses 7 – 9). 

The Messiah's Secret - Lamb of God

Clarence House in London announced, heralded the good news about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement on 16th November 2010.

Almost 2,000 years ago John the Baptist heralded the good news of the coming of the Messiah to the people of Israel. As part of the preparation for his coming John called the nation to repentance, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Matthew 3: 3. Isaiah 40: 3.

At Bethany John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him, he was standing with two of his disciples, John remarked, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1: 28, 29.

The ‘Lamb of God’ identified as being a man, the Messiah. The prophet Isaiah reveals this to us in 53: 7. “Led like a lamb to the slaughter, like a sheep before its shearers is dumb, he opened not his mouth.”
We have another reference to the ‘Lamb of God’ being a man. Abraham was instructed by God to take his son, his only son Isaac, whom he loved to the land of Moriah, and offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham did as the Lord requested, he saddled his ass, placing the wood for the burnt offering upon it, and taking with him two servants, and his son Isaac; they set out. After travelling three days they arrived at the place. Abraham told the young men to stay with the ass while he and Isaac went away up the mountain. Abraham gave Isaac the wood to carry for the burnt offering and he carried the fire and the knife. Isaac said to his father Abraham, “Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”

The writer of Hebrews informs us that Abraham believed that God would provide the sacrifice.
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your descendants be named.” He considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead.” Hebrews 11: 19

When Abraham and Isaac arrived at the place where God had told him, he built an altar, upon the wood he bound Isaac and just as he was about to slay him, an angel spoke to him telling him not to do so.
Abraham looked up and immediately saw a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. He took the sheep and offered it as a burnt offering. Genesis 22: 1-14

God knew that Abraham loved and trusted him and would not withhold his son from him.

Reading this account today causes us to realise that God did not withhold his son from making the sacrifice in order to take away the sins of the world.
The cost to God, God is love and the magnitude of the depth of his love is beyond my comprehension.
I see it, like looking at an iceberg, we can only see the tip above the water, the huge amount of ice that lies below the water is hidden from view. The unfathomable, unsearchable depths and riches of God.

Next day John the Baptist saw Jesus walking along the road. Two of John's disciples standing with him, they heard John say, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
These two disciples followed Jesus, he stopped and invited them to the place where he was staying. After spending all day with Jesus, Andrew, one the two disciples afterwards he went and told his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” Peter responded and went to find Jesus.
The next day Jesus went to Galilee where he found Philip and asked him to follow him. John 1: 30-43

Here we read of three ways to find Jesus:
o Hearing the evangelist or preacher’s message.
o Through personal witness giving testimony to Jesus being the Messiah
o Jesus spoke directly to Philip.

As a result of the dispersion of the community of believers at Jerusalem, The Apostle Philip visited a city in Samaria where he preached the message about Jesus. Those who believed he baptised, Jesus' baptism.

Philip was directed by the Holy Spirit to travel towards Gaza following the Jerusalem road.
Philip made his way along the road when he and came upon a chariot. Inside the chariot there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, he had been to Jerusalem to worship and he was returning ; seated in his chariot, he was reading from the prophet of Isaiah. Philip led by the Holy Spirit came alongside the chariot, he heard him reading from Isaiah. He asked the eunuch did he understand what he was reading? He replied, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” He invited Philip to sit with him.
The passage that the Ethiopian was reading: “As a sheep led to the slaughter or a lamb before its shearer is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken up from the earth.” Isaiah 53: 7, 8.
The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself our some one else?” Then Philip beginning with this scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. As they went along the road they came to some water, the Ethiopian stopped the chariot and was baptised in the water. The Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8: 4-38

The Messiah's Secret - Introduction page 10
Luke the writer of Acts recorded this incident perhaps to convey to Theophilus and the Jews reading this account that these verses that were prophesied by Isaiah were definite references to the suffering and the death of the Messiah. The Ethiopian's baptism in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of sin and the prophecy of Joel, the pouring out of God's Spirit upon all flesh in the last days.

For Jesus the ‘Lamb of God’ to take away the sin of the world he was prepared to deal with the origin of sin. Moses inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote about separation that took place between God and Adam and Eve in Genesis.

Adam and Eve began life knowing God in a personal way, their lives were changed when they accepted a lie from Satan, who manifested himself to them, as a serpent.
God had forbidden Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan suggested first to Eve and through Eve to Adam, that if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would be like God knowing good and evil.
They both disobeyed God and as a result they were separated from God and they became gods unto themselves.
Their nature changed to become self orientated which led to self rule, and leading self centred lives. Also this opened a door to death, sickness, wars etc; and enmity against God. Since then their fallen nature has been inherited by every person in every generation.

(Most of the World religions are based on self improvement and training the soul.)

God chose Abraham through Isaac and his descendants to make him known amongst the nations. The Mosaic covenant was put in place by God to identify sin and its causes. A blood sacrifice was repeatedly made at the temple for the forgiveness of sin. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin." Leviticus 17: 11. Hebrews 9: 22.
A person brought their sacrifice a lamb or a bird to the gate of the court of the priests. The person laid their hand upon the head of the offering and transferred by prayer their sin to it. The lamb became their substitute taking their punishment and it was slain and its blood caught in a vessel by the priest and then the blood was sprinkled upon the altar to atone for their sin.

Today when we recognise that our sin separates us from knowing God and we find out that God has made it possible for a person to be forgiven by Jesus becoming our substitute. If we can picture in our mind the person who came to the temple and by prayer they laid their sin on the lamb uniting it with the person, so we are united with Jesus our substitute and his blood has made for us the final sacrifice for our sin against God. The term for it: is being crucified with Christ and just as the person in the temple received forgiveness, so we receive forgiveness.

In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus was tempted not to go to the cross and die. But he did go to the cross and was led like a lamb to the slaughter in meekness and love he gave his life and took upon himself the sins of the whole world.
Jesus was resurrected from the dead, because death and Satan had no dominion over him.
Through faith in Jesus, we die to our sin and we are raised by the action of God, our hearts and nature given newness of life, to have fellowship with God in the Spirit.

A prayer asking for God’s forgiveness:
Lord God thank you that you love us so much that you sent Jesus to be my substitute for all my sin, please forgive me, as I forgive those who have sinned against me. I ask that you would make yourself known to me and fill me with the newness of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"But what does it say? The word is near you, on our lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach); because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:8, 9.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit equips every Christian with gifts to give witness to Jesus being alive and risen from the dead and to the promise of eternal life.
In the church these gifts are distributed among the believers for the work of making Christ known and to herald the news to the world that Jesus is alive, risen from the dead. And he is coming back again and we with him shall reign for ever more.

Place on a board the Gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12: 28 Distribute pictures relating to those gifts which include all the ministry of the whole congregation.

Healing – Prayer, Doctors and Nurses, First Aiders

Next day Jesus went to Galilee
After Philip met Jesus in Galilee he went and found Nathanael and told him that they had found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote about, Jesus of Nazareth.

Moses told the Hebrew people that God would send to them a prophet like him from among their people. God would give him his words that would come to pass. Deuteronomy 18:18
Jesus fulfilled this requirement of the Law. “They shall leave none of the lamb until morning, nor break a bone of it; according to all the statute for the Passover they shall keep it.” Numbers 9: 12
The soldiers did not break Jesus’ legs on the cross because he was already dead. John 19: 33

The prophet Ezekiel prophesied the Messiah being the chief shepherd of his people, “ My servant David shall be King over them and they shall have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and observe my statutes. They shall dwell in the land for ever.” Ezekiel 37: 24

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Isaiah 11: 1

Nathanael doubted Philip’s words to him and said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth.”
Perhaps Nazareth was thought of in Jesus’ day as being a city of no consequence.

Philip took Nathanael to see Jesus and as they approach him, Jesus said, “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no falsehood.”
I’m sure Nathanael was pleased to hear these words, he replied, “How do you know me?” Jesus said, “Before Philip called you, I saw him under the fig tree.” This reply caused him to discern that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah.
The connection is with Jesus seeing Nathanael as being honest, truthful and a sincere man and also him being seated under the fig tree was confirming the coming of the Messiah.
The prophet Zachariah prophesied the branch, the Messiah would bring in the Day of Vengeance a day of judgement. And in that day those who were saved would invite their neighbour to sit under his fig tree.
“ In that day I will remove the guilt of the land in a single day. In that day, says the Lord of Hosts every one of you will invite his neighbour under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3: 8-10.

Jesus said to Nathanael, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” John 1: 29-50

The greater things - Jesus’ baptism of water and Spirit
Water is something that we all use for cleansing purposes and when we add a cleansing agent to it it removes stubborn stains, dirt and germs.
So when we think of Jesus' baptism: the water and the cleansing agent, the blood of Jesus, applied to our heart we can understand the implications, it removes sin and its causes, things that spoil our relationship with God and other people; selfishness, pride, envy, covetousness, murder, deceit, fornication, slander and theft.
So the water and the blood cleanse us then God adds the fiz to the water, the Holy Spirit. We are made alive, a new creation, born again into the kingdom of God.

“This is Jesus who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth. There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has borne witness to his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself . . . .And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in the Son.” 1 John 5: 6-11