Monday, 8 June 2015

The Messiah’s Secret – God raised Jesus from the Dead. 
Jeremiah 6: 16- 21. 
Since writing the blog I've added what has come from the understanding of the word.

"A  Salvation Army captain was collecting at a local service station. “I am sorry,” said a sad looking middle-aged lady. “I can’t give you anything,I’ve just lost my husband.” Full of love and Christian compassion, the captain asked, “And how long ago since you lost him.   With a quick look round she replied, “Well, about five minutes ago. I think he must have gone to the toilets.”
“Smile, Please!” by Phil Mason Monarch Books.

Jeremiah was a priest, prophet. and a watchman  
Jeremiah as a watchman observed that the people had erred from the ancient ways: they wern't putting into practice the law or listening to the watchman’s words from God.                          

Has the church today erred from ancient ways? 
Today's watchmen or women might bring to our attention: 'replacement theology'. What's that about?

Replacement theology teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan under a new covenant that has a completely new theology that excludes Israel and the Biblical words that have come down the milenniums. Those who follow ‘replacement theology’ believe the Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, and God does not have specific future plans for the nation of Israel.

Has God finished with Israel? 
I personally do not believe that God has finished with Israel. There have been numerous occasions where we read of God being frustrated by their lack of faith and their hardness of heart. On the Exodus journey Moses in his anger when the Israelites had made the golden calf in his absence threw down the two tablets of stone with the ten commandments written on them. God in his dismay considered starting again with Moses, Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; but of you I will make a great nation," Exodus 32: 18. 
Paul wrote that God had not rejected Israel. "I ask then has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin." Hebrews 11: 1

Biblical words that have come down the millenniums. 
Replacement theology changes words that have been part of the churches ministry down the centuries, in order to meet people were they are in the world. For many it's a logical thing to do, but the words that replace the original words in my view are not anointed. It's like the Pharisees adding laws to the laws given to Moses by God in order to gain more righteousness.

Why develop a formula that excludes the words that have come down the centuries? I heard directly on a Manchester Diocese Formation Day that when a church develops this formula of the Purpose Driven Life Church it should exclude groups like the Mothers Union. This I believe creates disunity and tramples upon the all inclusive message of Christ's Church. 
The Mothers' Union at that time had been in consultation at the request of the Prime Minister David Cameron in his support of the MU  'Bye, Buy, Childhood' Campaign. This campaign is in order to give children back their childhood from the commercialisation and sexualisation particularly in children's clothing. 
The MU has a long history of supporting and campaigning for Christian values in family life. See Blog 'The Messiah's Secret - Get on Board.' 

Shortly after the Formation Days had taken place, the then Bishop of Manchester sent a message with an apology around to all who had attended the Formation Days. Apology accepted.

I personally do not believe that God has finished with Israel; God’s love is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13: 6. 
There are those in the church who expect to be spiritually one with others who don't hold their views. But what they don't realise that in the spiritual dimension they have so much spiritual baggage that is not compatible with the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah prophesied Israel’s repentance, “And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look at the one whom they pierced they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps for a first born.” Zechariah 12: 10
This is a future when Jesus returns and takes up with the remnant of Israel. When this happens the Leaders of the nation of Israel will look to the gospels and remember the signs that Jesus gave, proving that he was and is the Messiah, 

They will read about when Jesus and his disciples came into the city just as a funeral was taking place. Jesus said to the mother, “Do not weep.” And raised her son from the dead and we read that they recognised him as a great prophet. Maybe the people watching knew the scriptures that recorded Elijah raising up the young boy from the dead. The boy was the son of the woman who Elijah was lodging with, He was taken ill and died, and Elijah ministered to him and brought him back to life. ! Kings 17: 17-24.

Elisha in the spirit of Elijah also raised up a boy from the dead. 2 Kings 4: 34.                                                                      
Jesus said that John the Baptist was in the spirit of Elijah. But we read John the Baptist in his ministry of baptism he did no signs like raising the dead.  John 10: 41.

The prophet Elijah was translated into heaven and the Jewish people expected him to return before the great and terrible day the Lord. The people looked for Elijah to come and take Jesus down from the cross. “The man in the crowd said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” Matthew 27: 49.    Jesus’ heart was speared by the sword of the soldier. Jesus had died on the cross;
Medical science says that blood and water separate after death, blood and water issued out from the heart of Jesus.  John 19: 34                                                                                                                  
Scripture says that Jesus tasted death for everyone. Hebrews 2: 9.                          
Also in Hebrews he writes that we are all prisoners held captive by our sin against God until we come to Jesus believing that he is able to change our lives and release us from all that can binds us.

On Wednesday and Thursday last week I was on a Langley House Trust Chaplaincy Retreat in Leistershire. 
Langley is a Christian Charity that provides rehabilitation for people leaving prison. While in prison the system strips away their dignity they are told what to do and when to do it. They become withdrawn, shutting out what is going on around them, just to survive. 
Langley serves the people who live in their houses across the UK with the heart and in the Spirit of Christ, accepting people for who they are. They help ex-offenders  in a loving, but firm way learn to basis social skills and uphold Christian values.  In every house the work is under pinned with prayer and Bible study.

On the Retreat during the worship time on Wednesday afternoon, the Lord gave me in my mind, in the Spirit, a picture of Jesus rolling back his grave clothes. On the left I tried to draw the picture.
Only God could raise Jesus from the dead as His human frame had been badly beaten and his joints disjointed, in death he was lifeless, a corpse. Only God could raise Jesus up from the dead and release his bound body from the grave clothes, the linen clothes covered in myrrh and aloes. John 19: 39, 40.
When Jesus rolled back his grave clothes he had overcome the devil’s power over death and the things that binds humanity.
Added word: Before I set out on my journey to Leicestershire, in my prayer time the Lord gave me a word,"Rolling back the stone" It's only now two weeks later that I realise the importance of that word. Receiving that word before the picture confused me and I was so moved by the picture of Jesus rolling back his grave clothes that It's taken time to realise the full impact of what rolling back the stone means; it completes the healing process releasing us from all that would bind us in darkness as Jesus rolls back our grave clothes and the rolling back of the stone releases us into the light, freedom and healing, being raised up with Christ. 
(Some would say that the linen clothes lying in the tomb indicated that Jesus rose from the dead through the clothes. But for me one experience is worth a thousand arguments. John 20: 6-8.) 

As followers of Jesus, Christians are called to be Christ-like; in Paul’s words we have Jesus Christ’s abiding presence within us, ‘Christ in you.”

Peter filled with the Spirit of Jesus raised Tabitha from the dead. 
We know the story in Acts 9: 36-43 "Peter turning towards the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing  Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet."                                               

On Wednesday evening on the retreat Lawson Main from the’ Zacchaeus’ Project at St. John’s, Worksop came to tell us about the project. They  help people with drink and drug problems.   

He told us this true story, a young man who attended the Project came to Lawson telling him that his friend was dead in a flat after taking an overdose of drugs. They prayed together before going to the flat. The paramedics had been called.   
When Lawson and the young man arrived, the paramedics had pronounced him dead and as they began to put him in a body bag, to their astonishment, the man came back to life.  God had raised the young man up. 
At the project many have been set free from their addictions.  

This is what Langley House Trust hopes to achieve in all their projects ‘Helping people to live crime free lives.’  

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, the truth shall make you free.” John 8: 31, 32.

The Messiah's Secret Revealed. 
I was brought up in a Christian family and I believed which was the general belief in the church, that the time for the Jewish nation to accept Jesus as their Messiah was before his death on the cross. 
However, the Lord revealed to me that in order to fulfil God's plan of Salvation Jesus had to die and be resurrected from the dead and Ascend into heaven before the nation of Israel could receive Jesus as their Messiah. 
The early believers in Christ's Church expected Jesus to return quite soon. 
"Now brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold by the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent  then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that the times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you - even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything." Acts 3: 17- 26  

'The times of refreshing,' the Messiah's Jubilee. See blog The Messiah's Secret - Joy to the World.
www.messiahs-secret-revealed.co.uk for an in depth study of the Messiah's Secret.

Sunday, 31 May 2015

BLOGS - The Messiah’s  Secret.  
Please enter Title and subject on the search bar.

176 The Messiah's Secret - Today's Unemployment in the UK
176. Jesus God's Son
175. Existence of God.
174. Fasting and Prayer UK Referendum
173. Jesus Walking in His Father's  Footsteps.
172. Adopted Children of God
171. Pentecost
170. Jesus the Strong Arm of God
169. Jesus at the Centre
168. Easter Reflections
167. Jesus at Bethany  
166. Jesus our Shield and Refuge
165. Numbered with the Transgressors
164. The difference between John and Jesus' Baptisms 
163. Grace and Truth 
162. Jesus Born in Mary
161. Zechariah and Elizabeth
160. Crooked Paths made Straight
159. The Beatitudes
158. God Appointed Positions
157. Times & Seasons 
156. A Child-like Faith
155. Hidden in God
154. Coming from within Jesus the Word of Truth. 
153. Jesus the Bread of Forgiveness
152. Ecclesiastes 3 Time and Eternity
151 Love for God
150.God's Timing
149. Holy is the Lord
148. God raised Jesus from the Dead
147. Blog List. 
146. Haslingden Christians Together
145. Jesus' Prayer John 17
144. Jesus the Perpetual Light
143. The Doors were Shut 
142. Jesus is Alive 
141. Jesus and the Cross  
140. Bethany                                        
139. Discernment
138. Church of England Today in UK
137. The Lighthouse
136.The Refining Fire
135. The Calling of Nathaniel
134.Showers of Blessings
133. Christ Born in us.
132. The Prodigal Son
131. Fulfilment of Prophesies 
130. Jesus Reigns
129. The Great Commission 
128, The Crimson Worm
127. Visions and Dreams. 
126. A Heart/soul Transformed
125. The Wheat Harvest
124. Celebrating the Ascension
123. Who is Jesus.
122. the Tower of Babel and the Gift of Tongues.
121. Our Inheritance in Jesus.
120.The Way, the Truth, the Life.
119. Celebrating 20 Years of the Ordination of Women.
118. The Messiah's Secret-  The Temple of Jesus Body
117. Shalom - Peace
116. 34 Prophesies Fulfilled in One Day
115. Jesus Heals the Two Blind men
114. James the Brother of Jesus
113. James remembers Job
112. short study of Job
111. Baptism of Tears
110.New Start
109. Jesus the First-born
108. Jesus the Vine.
107. The Samaritan Woman at the Well
106. Advent of the Star of David
105. Mary Chosen by God
104. Updated Book www.messiahs-secret-revealed.co.uk
103.Jesus the cornerstone
102. The Holy Spirit's Ministry
101. Good King Wenceslas
100. The Rich Man and Lazarus
99. The Lost Sheep
98. The Lord's Prayer.
97. Treasure in Heaven
96. How Great is our God
95.Jesus the Bridge
94. Jesus had nowhere to Lay His Head.
93. The Woman with the Alabaster Flask.
92. The Surging Crowds.
91. Pentecost.
90. Early Christians and the Essenes.
89. A Stone Rolled Away.
88. A Christian View of Freemasonry.
87. The Resurrection in Christ.
86. Fall & Rise.

85. The Messiah’s Secret –  Isaiah 53
84. Mary Anointed Jesus 
83. Faith, Fasting and Prayer                              
82. What is the Messiah’s Secret                        
81.  The Wedding at Cana 2                                
80. The Wedding at Cana 1                                
79.  A Slender Thread
78.  The Birth of Jesus                                                                                 
77.  Joy to the World                                            
76.  Water & Spirit                                                
75.   The True Saviour                                          
74.  Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream 
73.  Entering into God’s Rest 
72. Called by God
71. Held in the Lord’s Hands
70. Jesus is the Lord our God.                        
69. Jesus is the Christ                                          
68.   Law & Grace                                                 
67. Fire of God.                                                   
 66. Running the Race                                         
 65. Community Issues – Why Does God Allow Suffering.                              
64. True Riches.                                                  
63.  Community Issues –  Diversity of People     
62. The Sceptre.                                                 
61.  Community Issues – Unemployment             
60. Shoe Industry.                                               
59. Treasure.                                                      
 58. Get on Board.                                                 
57.Resurrection.                                                   
56. The Vineyard – Christ in You                         
55. The Days of Noah.                                        
54. I AM the Resurrection and the Life.               
53. Transfiguration kept a Secret.                       
52. Morning Star – Christ in You Part 7.      
 51. The Sower - Christ in You Part 6.                  
50. Opening the Scroll.                                         
49. Flight into Egypt.
48. Archangel Gabriel’s Message to Mary
47. A Stone of Offence.
46. Sheep and Goats.
45. ‘Gideon’ Christ in You Part 5. 
44. Render to God the things that belong to God.
43. Christ in You Part 4  
42. Jonah.
41. Christ in You Part 3
40 The Third Temple 
39. Christ in You Part 2.                                      
38. Christ in You.                                                 
37. Jesus Removes the Blindfold.                      
36. Wheat and Tares.                                          
35. Children at Play in the Market Place.            
34. The Ascension of Jesus.                               
33. Mary the Mother of Jesus.                              
32. God the Mathematician.                                 
31. The Lord of the Dance.                                   
30. The Evening of the Day of the Resurrection.  
29.The Sovereignty of God.
28. Faithful Relationships. 
27. Jesus the Light of the World.
26. Faith and Grace    
25. Elijah and Elisha.
24. The Transfiguration 
23. The Way.  
22. Jesus the Physician. 
21. Saved by the Blood.  
20.Lamb of God.  
19. Baptism of Jesus.  
18. Emanuel. 
17. Criminal Saved.   
16. Jesus the King of Kings. 
15. Jesus the Messiah. 
14.  Pray Continuously.  
13. Healing Ministry of Jesus.   
12. Measured by Love.   
11. Communion with God   
10. Removing the Veil.
9. Faith, Justice and Mercy. 
8. Isaiah’s Prophesies Fulfilled.  
7. Jesus the Living Bread.
6. The Two Witnesses  
5. Jesus the King.  
4. Jesus the Son of God.  
3. The Messiah’s Secret Revealed  
2. A Kept Secret 
1. The Imperishable Seed.                                                     
  
                                                    

Saturday, 23 May 2015

The Messiah's Secret - Haslingden Christians Together Meeting 
Friday 22nd May 2015

David asked if he could opened the meeting singing Graham Kendrick's hymn 'Such love' David sang unaccompanied, he sang it beautifully. (David sings tenor in Haslingden Choir) 

“Such love, pure as the whitest snow, such love weeps for the shame I know; such love, paying the debt I owe; O Jesus such love.

Such love, stilling my restlessness; such love, filling my emptiness, such love showing me holiness; O Jesus, such love.

Such love, springs from eternity, such love, streaming through history; such love, fountain of life to me; O Jesus, such love.

Mission Praise 619 Graham Kendrick Make Way Music/Thankyou Music.

Lectionary reading:1 John 4: 7-12
Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 

God is love, his Spirit is love.
When John wrote his letter he wrote of God’s love not being a commodity, a token of God’s affection, but his all consuming love that we receive through faith in Jesus.
God’s ultimate love shown to us by sending Jesus his Son to lay down his life, to pay the cost for our sin, and so we receive the love of God, his Spirit is love. 

In preparation for today I remembered this true story                                                           
“In the eleventh century, King Henry 111 of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made an application to Prior Richard to join a local monastery. “Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “Do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a King.” “I understand,” said Henry, “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.” Prior Richard said, “Then will I tell you what to do, go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has called you to.”  Extract from "A Barrel of Fun" by J John & Mark Stibbe Monarch  Books.

The King sought to release himself from the pressure he was under by joining the monastery. Cutting himself off from the demands that his office required.
But what he was looking for we don’t find in a place, as I found out on Monday of this week God has spoken to me in a very direct way through this story. I suggest we find the answer not in a place like the King going to the monastery or us going on a retreat, we find it within ourselves.

Whatever the pressures or concerns are: illness, financial or family problems, for me it was on 17th May last Saturday night/ Sunday morning at approx 2.00pm I was woken up by a spiritual attack upon my head, my head was being vigorously shaken with some force, I was frightened and horror struck, I tried to cry out but I couldn’t. My husband was woken up by what was going on.
My spirit wasn’t affected, but it took me two days to recover. This story of the King and the Prior’s word, brought me into finding my recovery and it lay within myself. Every Christian has had a God experienced.
The Lord has taught me to draw strength from an experience of God on 11th March 1981 that is 34 years ago.
It was on a Wednesday, earlier on that day I had taken my mum to relaxation classes and later I made two skirts for my girls. At 8.30 pm I was sat by the fire studying Isaiah 59. In verse 16 it read that that there was no intercessor for Israel and 21 stood out. “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My Spirit that is upon thee, and the words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth.” I remember seeing these words in verse 21 light up with a golden glow, shekina glory.  At 10.00pm I started praying confessing the sins of our church and I remember I started with the two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, strength and to love one another.   
In a moment I was spiritual in the presence of God feeling his pain, which spiritual really hurt and tears gushed out like I’ve never experience before or since. God the Father was hurt because we were not coming to him with our needs.  
I also experienced the love of God in the place where God was, it was completely made up of love, the substance of it was love. Our atmosphere the substance of it is air, but in that place it was love, pure, holy love.  It happened so quickly and was over in a moment.                                                                                                
At the time Christ Church Walmersley the building had several outbreaks of dry rot and it was going to cost a lot of money to repair it, we were seriously considering closing the church and using the church hall for our services.
At the crucial meeting of whether we would close the building or repair it, on that very day our treasurer received a cheque a legacy for £5,000 from William Street (Bury and Masco Felt Manufacturers). The Parochial Church Council decided to restore the church building.

I am amazed that by looking again at that experience and not focusing on God’s pain, as I always have done, but instead focusing on the experience of God’s loving presence, as a result all the pressure of the attack has been taken from me and I am surrounded in his love and at peace.

I give thanks because through preparing to come here today and asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in what word to bring, I have learnt a valuable lesson and it’s all part of drawing on our faith in times of need, and drawing on those times when we have experienced something of God through his abiding presence.

David shared with us, the occasion when Jesus spoke to him, calling him to 'come to him' and afterwards when he was prayed for he was filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Monday, 18 May 2015

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus’ Prayer John 17

Lectionary Reading: John 17: 6-19.
Jesus' prayer recorded by John took place just before they left the house for the Garden of Gethsemane. It was very much a prayer that reflected what was going on at the time. 

Short Power Point Presentation 
From Jesus' prayer we thought about our own prayers: we usually start by addressing God with a title that reflects our relationship with God and our reverence towards him. Several titles were suggested: Father, Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Lord and Father God etc. 
In Jesus' prayer he spoke of his fellowship with his Father, his Father always heard his prayers. He noted that his disciples believed in him and his words and that he had been sent by God. Jesus recognised that prophecy had to be fulfilled in Judas. Jesus was concerned about his leaving his disciples, he was concerned for their safe keeping. He asked his Father to keep them safe from the evil one. 

In our prayer we know that God always hears our prayers and we asked for strength and for unity with Jesus and each other and the Lord to keep us safe. Our current situation at St Mary's that is relevant to our prayer, is that the Lord would choose the person who will become our next Priest-in-charge. 
Jesus put emphasis on the name that God his Father had given him 'Jesus' the name above all names. Jesus promised that when we pray in his name: "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: 13, 14. So we end our prayer in Jesus' name. Below a short, but to the point prayer.

Father God,
we know you always hear us when we pray in faith.
Strengthen us and unite us in Jesus, and may the Lord chose the next person to be our Vicar.
Keep us all safe from the evil one.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We have looked at Jesus’ prayer and we have gathered what was upper most in his thoughts. He was concerned not for himself, but for his disciples, for them to be kept safe from the evil one.
While Jesus was praying in the house, Judas was no doubt telling the chief priest where Jesus could be found and collected his thirty shekels of silver the price for betraying him.

Some 500 years before Zechariah prophesied 
“Then I said to them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty shekels of silver.” Judas fulfilled when he left the Passover meal to meet with chief priest.
The second part of the prophecy, “Then the Lord said to me, “Cast it into the treasury” the lordly price at which I was paid off by them. So I took the thirty shekels of silver and cast them into the treasury in the house of the Lord.” Zechariah 11: 12, 13. RSV Bible.
This was fulfilled when Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to death, he took the money and threw it into the treasury, saying that he had betrayed innocent blood, which meant the sinless blood of the Christ, God’s Saviour of the world. Matthew 26: 14-16, 27: 3-5
In our Acts 1: 15-17, 21-26.reading it is recorded that they brought up the number of Apostles to 12 to fill the apostolic office that Judas had left vacant.
It was on the evening of the day of the resurrection were Jesus opened the disciples’ minds to understand the prophesies in scripture concerning himself. So, they were aware of the prophecy which Peter quoted  ‘Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it’; and ‘ His office, let another take.” Psalms 69: 25. 109: 8. Luke 24: 44-48.

This prophecy was fulfilled when the chief priest purchased a ‘desolate place' without the presence of God’ a burial site with the betrayal money to bury strangers in and the office of an apostle that was to be that taken up by someone else. Acts 1: 20                                              
In Acts 1: 21, 22 we have a Job description for an Apostle.
The office fulfilling Jesus’ prayer and the criteria stipulated by Peter: The Apostles looked for those  among the followers who were of the same mind one with each other in their faith and words of Jesus and those who had accompanied the disciples during Jesus’ ministry from the days of John the Baptist up till Jesus’ ascension and could testify to his resurrection.  (Jesus chose twelve disciples from among his followers. Luke 6: 12).
There in the upper room of the house at Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension were 120 disciples and followers were gathered, probably not many from among 109 disciples would be eligible for the office of 'Apostle', Joseph and Matthias were candidates. 

I have on many occasions wondered why they cast lots (under law) to choose the one to take Judas’ place. I now realise why they cast lots to discern the Lord’s will, it was to fulfil another prophecy, Proverbs 16: 33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord.”  Matthias was chosen by the Lord to be the twelfth Apostle.

In Jesus’ prayer he spoke of his disciples as being as he had been, in the world but not being part of it. They had taken part in Jesus’ ministry walking with the God of heaven putting into practice his teaching and commands and having the joy of their Lord in their heart, the kingdom in their midst, but I think Jesus was also pointing to his ascension
John 17: 5 “And now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.”

Last Thursday the church celebrated Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven
When Jesus ascended into heaven he united heaven and earth and this means to us today, we are citizens of heaven while we still reside on the earth.

Visual Aid
We have been given a passport into heaven through Jesus’ prophecy and promise, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3: 16. Given as a free gift through faith in what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
So as ambassadors for Jesus’ kingdom we offer people a passport into heaven.

Last Thursday at Chatterton Hey House we started our Alpha Course and we were offering this heavenly passport, so that they too can declare that Jesus has taken away their sins upon himself, and know his forgiveness, and like Jesus be raised up with him and are free to enter into his kingdom while being alive on earth.

So as ambassadors for Jesus in our present life, we are also seated with the Lord our God in heavenly places, Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Colossi, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on things that are on the earth.“ Colossians 3: 1, 2. 2.12-15.
Our Lord God calls people to fulfil his tasks, with the mind and Spirit of Christ.
In our current situation here at St. Mary’s like the Apostles we soon will be in that position for someone to take up the office of Priest-in-charge leading our two churches. It is good to note that the burden has been taken away from those who will be chosen from our governing body the Parochial Church Council to interview the prospective candidates, as the choice that they make on our behalf will be of the Lord’s choosing.  Just as our present Vicar and his wife have been called to fulfil the appointment at two other churches.

The apostles and followers spent time in prayer.
Following the example of the Apostles they prayed before they cast the lots, and so we give our situation over to the Lord in prayer (not casting lots) resting in the knowledge that Jesus will send his choice to St Mary’s and St Paul’s.

Sunday, 3 May 2015

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus the Perpetual Light

Lord your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, in Jesus’ name.
Isaiah 60: 1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come. And the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” The light referring to the Messiah.
Jesus said that he was ‘the light of the world’ the light that was there before the creation of the sun, moon and stars.
In John Goldengay’s study book of ‘Isaiah’ Genesis 1: 3-5, 14. We read on the first day of creation, “God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light” John points out that from the first day the light continued until the fourth day. On the fourth day God created the sun, moon and stars as signs of seasons, days and years.
So Jesus the light of the world was there before the creation of the sun, moon and stars. I found this re-assuring when I thought of Jesus’ return, “Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” Matthew 24: 29, 30.
It won’t be complete darkness there will be the light, the light that was there before the creation of the sun, moon and stars.

We read of the continual light in the tent tabernacle
Exodus 27: 20, 21. Moses was instructed to burn pure olive oil in the lamp for the light, It was to burn continually and it was placed in the Holy place in the area where the priests worked and it was tended by them morning and evening.

The priests were dependent on the light from the lamp as there was no other source of light in the holy place. Exodus 25: 31-40

Visual Aids.   Candle and Menorah Candlestick.
C. W. Slemming “Made According to the Pattern.” He points out the difference between a candle and the lamp:
“Candles give light at the consumption of themselves, (and its light only lasts the life time of the candle.   Like a person without Christ in their life.)             
The lamp that made the light only bore it. The light was resultant from the pure oil that was constantly being put within it.”
Below: Menorah Candlestick and theCandlestick the symbol of Jesus being the light of the world.
The centre shaft was called ‘the servant’ or attendant. It held three branches on either side, seven lamps in total.
The lamp represents Christ: its branches, the Christian, we are dependent upon Jesus, continually topping us up by his word and Spirit.

Jesus said that he was ‘the light of the world’ and he came as one who served and gave his life for many. 

Jesus ‘risen body containing the continuous, perpetual light.
God said that he had prepared a body in Jesus. In chapter 10 of Hebrews. “Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body thou hast prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure. Then he said, ‘I have come to do thy will, O God,’ as it is written of me in the roll of thy book’”
“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh and since we have a great high priest over the house of God.” Hebrews 10: 5-7, 19-21
In coming to do God’s will Jesus abolished Moses’ covenant with its rituals and sacrifices by fulfilling them through laying down his life, his flesh and blood for the final atonement for sin,
In the cotton factories the machinery became obsolete like the law given to Moses by God and  the obsolete machines were replaced by computerised machines. Under grace the law written in the heart through faith in Jesus.
 When (Christian) Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Romans 2: 4-16                                                
Also as he high priest of God he offered the sacrifice of himself to his Father God for sin before establishing a new living covenant in himself, the temple of his body, the church.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” 
Matthew 5: 14-16 as I see it Jesus pointed to Isaiah’s prophecy “You are the light of the world.(Israel) A city set on a hill cannot be hid. (Jerusalem) Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven.”(All the nations will come to the city bringing gifts)

Mark 16: 9-16. The disciples’ were the light to the world, but on the evening of the day of Jesus' resurrection their light was hidden when they heard from Mary Magdalene that Jesus had been raised from the dead, they didn’t believe her, they were mourning Jesus’ death with heavy hearts and minds.

This reminded me of Holman Hunt the renowned 19th Century artist who had declined religious commissions on the ground that he didn’t believe in Jesus.
However, Holman Hunt’s vision of Jesus, which he painted ‘The Light of the World’ Revelation 3: 20. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
But I also see his painting describing the scene on the evening of Jesus resurrection when Jesus came and stood among them in the house at Jerusalem.

The weeds surrounding the door reminded me of the disciple’s unbelief, they had shut the door to believing in his resurrection. We don’t read of Jesus knocking on the door of the house where they were gathered, but after he came and stood among them they believed. He asked for some food and they gave him grilled fish which he ate. Holman said, that he wanted to convey through his painting the substance of Jesus that he wasn’t a vapour, a spirit.

Holman Hunt fulfilled the great commission his painting went on display around the country and the British Empire.

Another thought from this Holman expressed his vision through painting it. Someone made the canvas, the brushes and the paints he used, so is the church is a picture in the process of being painted and we are part of it.

A part of Isaiah’s prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled 
When Jesus returns to Jerusalem the city will be at the centre of the world, a city that will not be hidden, continuous light, where the King of Kings will sit on King David’s throne.
Nations will come and bring their gifts and the Jewish people will be revered, from them the Saviour has come, they will be recognised and be loved by all the people of the world. Revelation 21: 22-26. Isaiah 60: 11, 14.

Jesus was in the beginning: the light in creation to the eternal light of the New Jerusalem. 

On the left model of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21: 9-27

Each entrance was through a gate of pearl and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The wall was made of jasper, the foundations were decorated with gems stones. The street of the city was of pure gold. 
(Model. Play dough walls coloured beads and boxes sprayed with gold 2007) ___________________________

Jesus came to fulfil the laws and the prophets (Matthew 5: 17 in his life and body.)
Menorah Candlestick.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” the lamp stood in the holy place. John 8: 12.
Feast of Tabernacles the whole temple filled with light, Hanukah Festival of Lights,(9 lights) It celebrates the oil that should have only lasted for one day lasted 8 days. 
The oil for the lamp. Jesus said, “My words are Spirit and life.” Reference to the Holy Spirit,John 6: 63.  The Holy Spirit was poured out, to give light to the church and continues to be poured out.  Revelation 1: 20.
Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty let them come to me and drink,” The Holy Spirit river of life flowing out from the temple. The early and latter day rain. John 7: 37-39.
Ark of the Covenant. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. This the great and first commandment and a second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The tablets of stone the laws given to Moses  Three types: Moral, civil and ceremonial law. Moses’ law written in Jesus heart. Matthew 22: 37, 38.
Altar. Jesus said, ”For this is my blood of the new covenant which is poured out fror many for the forgiveness of sins..” The blood of sacrifice for sin. Leviticus 17: 14 Matthew 26: 28. The Day of Atonement. The blood sprinkled on the front of the mercy seat between the cherubim on the lid of the ark.Exodus 25: 22 Leviticus 16: 14
Table of the Shrewbread. Jesus said, “I am the bread of Life” the living word, the 12 cakes/loaves baked by the priests every day. John 6: 35. Exodus 25: 30.
Manna - Jesus laid down his life, his flesh to give life.”Take eat this is my body.” Matthew 26: 26. Jesus ended kosher foods. Mark 7: 19. Acts 10: 12-16.
Unleavened bread -  Jesus’ body and blood sinless Acts 2: 27. Psalm 16: 8-11.
Altar of Incense. Jesus the intercessor and mediator between God and mankind. The great high priest over the house of God. Hebrews 7: 25.
The laver. “We are washed by the water of his word.” Ephesians 5: 26.
The Veil. The veil of his flesh, the curtain that hung between the holy place and the holly of holies. Matthew 27: 26, 51.
The Vine. Alfred Edersheim in his book "The Temple" wrote that a huge vine standing the height of a man was in the temple. Jesus said, “I am the true vine” Israel the vine planted in the promised land. Psalm 80: 8 .John 15: 1
Pentecost Feast of the First Fruits.Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat fall into the earth and dies, it remains alone but if it dies it bears much fruit.”  John 12: 24.
The priestly garments. The fine linen, the white robe of righteousness  Revelation 1: 13. 19: 8.
These and many more all fulfilled in Jesus.
Faith and Grace.
Jesus enlightened his disciples his Father’s words and doing the works he saw his Father doing, and he came among us as one who served. Jesus’ light we are dependent upon to reveal God our Father’s love, word and actions.