L U K E  24 v 13-35          

                                                 

When this passage begins, it is Easter Sunday and two followers of Jesus were walking along a road when they were joined by Jesus.  They did not know who He was, but they got into conversation, telling Jesus of events that had happened.  Eventually they rrealize who He was, but Jesus suddenly disappeared.  The two men made their way to Jerusalem and heard the Lord had arisen and they were able to tell of their experience.

The disciples were met behind locked doors for fear of being attacked when Jesus came in amongst them.  The eleven men there were those who had shamelessly denied and fled from Him, denying they knew Him, yet Jesus was prepared to forgive them.  This shows us that no one is too bad to be forgiven and offered salvation.

Jesus showed them His hands and feet, to convince them of His real presence, and we know from John’s gospel that Thomas was not present, and would not believe without proof.  There are many people who just cannot accept that Jesus was physically resurrected, even some holding high office in the Church.  Here we have testimony from men who lived with Jesus, and gave us statements that Jesus was real, objective and physical, and we must be prepared to believe them over some academic sitting in a study somewhere, looking for some objection and probably the chance to make a (dubious) name for himself. 

Those disciples were hard men, not likely to be deluded or kidded by an impostor.  The Apostles Creed states ‘I believe in the resurrection of the body’ not ‘I believe in  the resurrection of Jesus’. No one should recite the Creed if they cannot accept the physical resurrection.

An Anglican priest has no justification for doubting this.  All ordained clergy swear to accept the Articles of the Church of England, one of which states’ Christ did surely rise again from the dead and took again his body with flesh bones and all things appertaining to the perfection of man‘s nature’.  We are bound to honor this for the Bible expects us to believe in the solid, tangible resurrection. If we are going to be faithful to Jesus we must be prepared to believe He conquered death and as Lord of heaven and earth is One who can give life to the dead.  It was long part of the plan of God that all that took place should have done We are told that Jesus ate fish with them and instructed them in the Scriptures.  He promises to send the Holy Spirit, but they are to stay in Jerusalem until they are filled with power.  He then ascended back to His Father in heaven.  The fact that Jesus entered through locked doors indicates that His body must have been of a different kind to His earthly body.  Paul in his Letter to the Corinthian Church, explained this when he drew the analogy of a seed being planted to grow into a plant, and likens it to our one day being changed to a spiritual body.  Paul went in to great detail to try and make this understood that our new bodies will be totally different to our old one.

   An awesome duty has been placed on the Church to continue the mission Jesus gave to those first Apostles that they were to take the gospel to all people.  Jesus wanted us to tell that forgiveness is real and available to those who will accept Him as Savior.  Most people of course will never confess to being a sinner, they are confident in the misplaced belief that as long as they help others, and are honest and kind they have a ready made passport to heaven.  The Church has too often not lived up to our Lord’s expectations.  The doctrine of heaven and hell, is widely rejected as being positively unacceptable, with claims actually being made that all will be in heaven when they die.  It is accepted that cruel dictators, may not, but it cannot be told what will happen to them or where they will end up.  The purpose of the Church is to proclaim the teachings of Jesus Christ, this is given in all four gospels, and if the Church does not rest on Scripture it has no function in life, and any such Church should be avoided.

 

Give thanks to God for his Glorious Gospel. Praise Jesus Christ

 

 

W H Y  D I D  G O D  C R E A T E  A  W O M A N   ?                       

                                 (Genesis 2 v 18)

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.

        ( That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one)

The last act of God in creation was making the woman. . "The last and best, of a   God’ s gifts to men. ,  and most normal and reasonable men will readily  agree   The woman is not in any way inferior, and was not to be taken as a servant    .Matthew Henry once stated, she was taken from the man’s side to be equal to him; Matthew Henry, in his Commentary on the Whole Bible, describes woman as being created from Adam's rib, to be equal with him, protected under his arm, and loved near  his heart, not from foot rather than to be ruled over or trampled. He emphasizes a complementary partnership, focusing on mutual affection, protection, and shared dignity in marriage.

A man alone n is, by nature, a social creature; God created us to need companionship. and a man alone cannot  by himself complete God’s purpose. This is why God created Eve as a “help meet”: to complete Adam, to provide society for him, and to enable him to produce children. Eve was exactly what Adam needed—a helper suitable for him. God made man and then made woman, with a totally different body and nature,   so they could  marry and have children, and for to love one another. Women are generally more caring, and by their personalities easier to talk with, She is now the husband’s priority above all others.   A reason for a woman

 Marriage was the first institution God created, before Church or anything else, From time immemorial, in every nation in the world, in every way of life and belief, the normal way of life was the joining of a man and woman, in a sacred service of matrimony before God, a once for all union, which would raise a family, and this has been the practice through the ages.    A reason for a woman

Marriage is a divine institution ordained by God, a foundation for stable living .We live  time of  immorality, where there are no absolutes, you just do what you feel is right. This is the reason there are so many failed marriage, is because God’s  Biblical pattern, where the secrets for a happy marriage is not followed.

A marriage is one of the biggest decisions of  a person’s life, a sacred ceremony  Some people see it as an urge to seize a chance that appeals. A man or woman must find out the ways and beliefs when they meet, before it is e too late to  correct,  True, divorce has become too easy through governments having little if any, religious affection.  They appear together at Church to get married, I and pledge their faithfulness to each other, and there is the giving of a ring(s). The ring has no break, no ending, signifying unending love. The ring is made of gold, precious and for longevity. This is what God intended. They make vows to be true to each other, pledging to stay together until death, not as the modern way of until we get fed up with each other.   

Billy Graham held a service for young people, and called on them not to engage in sexual activity with an intent for  having marriage,  It is so necessary to know your partner, and really love them and not be content with a false affection

People as usual scoffed, but I liked Billy and knew he was sincere. I had chosen the girl I was going to marry, and whilst I have met many women in my life’s work, I never met anyone to equate her.  When she died, I received a condolence card which stated, God must have loved you Eric,  He gave you one of His special daughters. I have no doubt He did, she was so kind and loved to help people who were handicapped. Congregations adored her.  A reason for a woman

   Jesus confirmed marriage in the New Testament, and His first miracle was at a wedding.

     I  have conducted many funerals, and the ones that touched me  most were those of a married man or married woman, knowing what that loss would mean.  I found that men got more distressed than most women, who of course were also distressed, and I was conscious that it would happen to me one day. and it has..  A massive loss  even with a loving family cannot fill the breach..

I have been watching a series on television about life in a small town in America, and the actors are so realistic, that one can feel they are part of the story, and three of the men have lost their wives, so  are portrayed as being devastated, and  depict What being widowed is really like; all saying like real men. I can’t  imagine life without  her.  This is why God made a woman.

 How God blessed men, when He gave us women to fulfil our lives and give such unrealized support.  Generally,  women are easier to talk with; there are of course  exceptions. Aways there to support and strengthen. Another reason for a woman

God has made clear for those who belong to Jesus Christ, and who can truly say they believed that Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of their sins, when He gave His life on the Cross, and believe He was resurrected from His death.  God by His free gift of grace,  will grant salvation and we have eternal life in heaven.  Luke in his Gospel speaks of being able to meet our loved ones who have gone before us. 

At every funeral, there is generally a belief the deceased was such a good person, despite the fact they had not been active followers of Jesus.  There cannot be any pretence, God knows the truth of all people and what the truly believe,

Marriage is a gift of God, and needs to be respected. There needs to be time spent getting to know the everyday ways of the other, the irritations there may be. All who are Christians can ask God to guide them, and He would lead them to the right man or woman. The husband and the wife will have a happier and stronger marriage if both are Christians, because it was the way God planned for us, Christian couples find it easier to share all in their lives, leading to peace and fullness in the home, which God intended.  He made two people, man and woman, the perfect answer, someone who could complement man in every way, physically and mentally in a way other men could not, and men throughout the ages have appreciated and recognised this. God wanted to supply what was lacking in man’s life, and together they could have children and create the ideal family. He made men and women to have a natural attraction, opposites attracting. God planned the human heart to love, marry and have children. Most men if honest, would concede how their wife had been of sp much help.       yet another reason for a woman

 So we have two people, equal yet different, no question of superiority or inferiority. They were not meant to be identical, men are generally stronger physically, more aggressive, with a greater propensity for leadership, women softer and sensitive and caring, specially equipped to be mothers. In all ways of life, men and women can however perform the same tasks, but God did give special gifts to each.

 In the film ‘my fair lady’, Rex Harrison playing a professor of phonetics asks, ‘why can’t a woman be like a man, and                   gets he answer, ‘because she wasn’t created to be’. God has laid down total disapproval of divorce, which for many years was not a practice the majority of people sought, they were more respectful of their vows, and tried to be reconciled

The Bible does in the New Testament, allow divorce, if one partner in a marriage is unfaithful and commits adultery, leaving the innocent party to be free of blame. To obtain a divorce, it was necessary to show some worthy cause to justify. How different now, that the government have made it so easy, that man or woman can obtain a divorce without reason, or even seeking the other partner’s agreement.

For centuries down the ages, marriage was expected to be the natural course of men/women and people expected and prepared for getting married. it was only in the latter part of the last century, that people began to change their way. We have now reached the stage, where the whole of God's original plan for men and women has been widely abandoned. just as in the days of Malachi described in the Old Testament, there is a spiritual decline with people forsaking God, and an alarming breakdown in family life.

 God intended men and women should have children, which means having a father and mother. Children need both for a balanced upbringing, and to receive the benefit of both characters in their lives. Family meant husband, wife and children. This is the ideal, which cannot be attained by two people of the same sex.. You need a woman

Research after research, has resulted in being agreed that a home without a father and mother, leads to a child’s failure to rise to its ability. Children have fallen into Crime, and other misdeeds when devoid of the two parents. Many children have grown up in a lot of sadness, when their parents fall out and/or parting.. Grown- ups should act accordingly, and think of the children they created, and the responsibility they owe them. A further need of a woman

To disagree with same sex marriage is not homophobic or bigotry, such opposition is not biased against sexual orientation, but Ministers of the Church are vowed to speak in the name of Jesus, and on respect for tradition and biblical teaching. The Marriage Service’s themes of love, hope, faithfulness,, sacrifice and trust are at the heart of the Christian gospel.

A Minister is in the Church to represent Christ and speak for Jesus. We are called to preach the gospel that Jesus commanded and ordered His Apostles to teach, not the wishes of society. Has commitment and integrity been abandoned altogether in some Churches?.

     I worked in a big city, with a lot of different districts, and I once remarked to a Jewish Rabbi, that I had never known a Jewish boy     (or girl) get into trouble for anti-social or violent behavior I asked what he  attributed this to, and he said ‘the Jewish Mama, she keeps control of her family.’ I am sure that is true, but there are many Christian mamas too, perhaps not as many as hitherto. Why we need women

All my working life has been in public life in every class of society, and have been horrified at the treatment of man to woman.  If the football team lost,  or meal was not  liked there was trouble. Women attending Church services warned to stop or the husband would  leave with the children.  Money spent on alcohol, wife struggling to buy food.  In addition, there are so many homes where the man has found another interest, and leaves his wife and children, which is heartless.

All of such things mentioned. relate to actual happenings There were 2.2 million cases of domestic  abuse caused to women from the age of 16 upward in En gland and  Wales in one year. This is something that is totally unacceptable, and government should enforce punishments.    Any woman walking in public places after darkness, is placing herself in peril

There are many people who would eagerly wish to live a peaceful life, but have just been unable or unfortunate to meet the right person.  If two married people are unwilling or perhaps one partner is, there can be no justification to engage in physical aggression,  but seek peaceful ways of healing through marital agencies, Church Minister or friends.

God  created a wonderful world and created two people to share their lives, but too many people are making an evil environment. I with many other Church Ministers. can only pray for those who are victims in both genders, and  hope there will be couples who will resolve their problems.  Think carefully if children are to be considered, it is tragic that their young lives will be ruined by selfish parents. For those little ones who do get upset to see their Mom and Dad not being in harmony.

A prayer for those seeking to heal a broken marriag"Heavenly Father, we come to You with heavy hearts, seeking Your divine intervention. Please soften the hearts,  removing all bitterness, anger, and resentment. Replace a desire to be 'right' with a desire to understand and love each other again. Where there is distance, bring closeness; where there is brokenness, bring healing. Restore the love and trust we once shared, according to Your will.             May God bless all

  J O H N   20  v19-end

The Gospel passage for this Sunday comes from John’s gospel in Chapter 20, and is the story of Jesus appearance to His Apostles in the Upper Room on the evening of the first Easter Sunday. 

The Apostles were in the Upper Room, terrified in fear for their lives.  This was because rumours had been spread around Jerusalem that they must have stolen the body of Jesus, and they feared the authorities might take action against them.  The doors were firmly shut, yet Jesus appeared in the room to their amazement, but also joy.   This suggests that His body was a supernatural body, and so if we are to be like Him in heaven, our future bodies will also be supernatural.   Jesus was giving a demonstration in confirmation He was alive.   This was no animation of a corpse; it was Jesus in a new form of being which could pass through doors.

You can imagine the reaction of the Apostles who must have thought they were hallucinating, for most people do at some time have visions, especially if you are longing for someone whom you never expected to see.  The Apostles were delighted to see the Lord however.

Jesus greeted them with the traditional Jewish greeting Shalom, words which mean not only ‘peace be with you’, but every kind of blessing.  He then showed them His hands and side, to prove that it was the same Jesus they had known when they were with Him, but by showing His wounds it verified that this was the Jesus who had been on the Cross and was now an alive person,

The Apostle Thomas was not present, but would not believe when he was told they had seen the Lord, and refused util he could examine the body of the Lord.  When Jesus returned the next week, he was challenged to touch on the body of Jesus, but he declined and answered  my Lord and my God.  Jesus was not impressed, and praised those whobelieved by faith not by seeing proof.

We have to sympathize with Thomas who just a natural fellow responding as most people would not accept a dead man was alive.

Then Jesus gave them command saying, just as God had sent Him He was now sending them out to preach the gospel in His name.  This is essentially and fundamentally what the Church should and must be doing, preaching the gospel that He left us and abandoning all the modern fancy ideas aimed at pleasing society.  We don’t go out saying the Bible says…,but, I’ve got a better idea, we go in His name saying what  He said. 

Jesus then when parting He again said ‘peace be with you’ as a form of good-bye, and then breathed on them.  At His baptism, the Holy Spirit was poured out on Jesus, and He now tells the Apostles as God had given Him the Holy Spirit, He (Jesus) was giving them the power of the Holy Spirit to go out and tell the world about His offer of eternal  salvation for all who accepted and believed in Him.  If anyone did not, they were condemned eternally.

Jesus has passed on this mission to the Church all down the ages, to go out and speak for His message, so that when people hear that message from us, they are indirectly hearing the words of our Lord.

Jesus also said He was giving them the Holy Spirit in which they could forgive people’s sins, or if necessary to refuse to do so.  It is from this passage that the Churches of Catholic persuasion, Roman or Anglican, claim authority to pronounce absolution.  This is contrary to Scripture, which teaches that only God can give forgiveness, and there is nothing in the Bible that I can find which supports priestly absolution.

Every Christian can seek forgiveness from God directly, but if we are considering wanting to make a confession of sins, and seeking assurance, then for good order and discipline, one could reasonably state a priest is the person to approach rather than just any member of the Church.  I have known instances, where people have met for study groups and during the meeting been invited and encouraged to speak out on personal troubles, which is quite seriously unwise as there is no moral demands on friends to keep confidentiality.  There is no doubt that by talking out a worrying matter, it can ease one’s mind, but a priest (or ordained minister) is the one who should be approached, bound as he is not to reveal any confidence. 

What Jesus is meaning, is that when the Apostles were convinced a person had truly repented o their sins and accepted Jesus as Savior, they could be assured God had forgiven them; but if as on a later occasion when Peter was not assured of a person’s sincerity, they could not be given assurance of forgiveness.

The Church has to a large degree lost its purpose for being; we are here to preach the gospel, but there is a greater desire in many places to be more busy in social activities as well as political.  Bishops were very active in advising how to vote in the Brexit referendum, and some are now participating with advice how to vote in elections.  If they were as active in advising how to fill the Churches, which are emptying at an alarming rate, they would be fulfilling their proper day job.

God wants us to be out into the world doing what Jesus did. At His baptism, God sent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove on to Jesus so that He could go in the name of God and make disciples.  Now Jesus is sending us out in the power of the Holy Spirit to be His hands and feet and voice.

This chapter will not be fully explained in some Churches today, as there will be a problem, namely that there are clergy who do not believe in the physical resurrection. A man who had challenged the resurrection was some years ago, being consecrated into his Office as a Bishop in York Minster. Later the same night a bolt of lightning struck and blew out the rose window of the Cathedral.  When this was suggested to be God venting His anger, that was mocked and ridiculed by the liberal establishment, yet there was no such experience in any other part of the city. People will say about a passage you can’t expect me to believe that, it is now 2026.  Yet they will believe many things even harder to understand.

A team of meteorologists, studied weather maps of the whole county area at the time of the incident, and those experts unanimously declared the only answer can be, it was an act of God.

If I press 13 buttons on my mobile phone I will within seconds speak to my son in China, the words flying across thousands of miles across millions of other messages being transmitted.  Explain that.  You drink white milk taken from a black cow, which eats green grass without working it out. Why do people limit the power of God?  But they do.

 You hold meetings in your Churches, a function of the PCC is to promote mission in the parish.  Without a fixed spiritual leader this is a difficult task, but we hope it will soon be resolved and the function can be exercised.  One essential for every Church I have always believed, is to emulate business.  Firms spend millions on advertising their product; we are in the Lord’s business, and have what no other business can offer, yet we fail to circulate any message. 

I published my Church magazine for 17 years, and so have had an interest in Church magazines. I find articles about past events, articles of much interest to members, but little or nothing for the outsider; never a gospel message   We hold Church fetes to which locals attend, and what a great effort is made to make cakes and collect items all for sale, and work hard in the process.  Yet how much effort is made to get people inside the main building; in most events little, if any, effort is made in advertising our Sunday Services.   Compare with the publicity political parties use, and little of it is true. We are to be equally vibrant with our unique message, which makes an offer no other party or institution can.

We have just come out of Easter, and most Churches had large attendances, responding to glorious hymns and preaching about Jesus, This proves people do still have a need and desire to worship if they are offered such similar services,  Obviously we can’t offer Carols, but Our hymn books are filled with delightful spiritual hymns and music of Charles Wesley.

When you receive Communion this Sunday, you are part of a tradition which has been passed down from that Upper Room.  Many people have tried, and are now trying harder than  ever to take Christianity out of public life, but while empires have come and gone, the Christian Church has survived, and millions and millions of people have found their lives enriched by their faith, and the words of Jesus are still relevant, ‘the gates of hell will not prevail against it’.    There may be resistance in this and other Western nations, but in Africa, China and beyond there is massive turning to the Lord Jesus; devoted Christians face opposition in countries where Christianity is not the main faith, and yet are leading others to hear of Jesus.

The Church in England has adopted the false doctrine of accepting same sex marriage, and cannot therefore expect God’s blessing, but there are still many Churches who have rejected that doctrine. 

When Jesus was first seen after His resurrection by Mary Magdelene, He told her to go and tell His Apostles.  Such a challenge is laid on all Churches and Christians, go and tell you have found Jesus.

If you are looking for a Church to attend, choose where the Bible is at the heart of the service; where you can find salvation which leads to a future life with Jesus in heaven.

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter days, and pray that you will continue to worship and serve the Lord Jesus

.Praise the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God for His Holy Gospel

 

 

 M A T T H E W  16 v 18

 I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.  These are the words of Jesus as He makes His way to the Cross.  He has met with His Apostles and asks them who they say He is.  They tell Him various names but Peter responded by saying ‘you are the Christ, the Son of the living God’.  Jesus is thrilled by this answer and said on that statement He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it.

When Jesus used the word ‘Church’, He was referring to an assembly of believers meeting together in worship.  The Church has a special place in the plan of God and we have to know how we are to live and function within that plan.

It does not belong to any nation or place. It is one composed of those who have joined to Christ in faith.  It is a Church with one body, one heart and mind, holding the same beliefs and believe the same doctrine for salvation. It is a Church with one head, Jesus Christ

Jesus was referring to an assembly of believers meeting together in worship; to be committed to the teaching of the Apostles, which Jesus gave; to learn about the Bible

God has promised to care for all his people, if they have observed all that God has laid down in his manual, which will lead to eternal salvation; it is called the Bible. The alternative is eternal darkness

Having delegated first to Peter and the Apostles to continue the work He had begun, Jesus now passes the responsibility down to us in our age to continue to preach the gospel, and every Christian has the duty to play their part in the spread of the gospel.   The Church has a special place in the plan of God, and we have to know how we are to live within that plan,   God calls us to listen, to accept follow Jesus, bringing the message of the gospel, which would lead people to gain salvation.

 In John 17, Jesus prayed for His  people, and clearly referred to those who were not of the world   It was never intended to be seen as a building in which anyone could call to have some infant or child baptized  as a once off protection against an illness or other mishap; nor to be a nice setting for a wedding,

The first Christian Church was formed on the day of Pentecost, when the Apostle Peter preached the first sermon to Jews and Gentiles, after which 3,000 people asked Peter what they should do.  He told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy spirit.  They did so and devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles, which is the foundation of the New Testament.

Acts 2, we find the early Church responded without coercion, to meet to listen to the preaching of the gospel as given by the Apostles, and we see they grew daily as they acted upon that teaching.  God blessed that Church and added to their number.

This raises the presumption that God will not bless those who now lead the Church,   as it celebrates that which contradicts His Holy Word. The Bible is the supreme authority for the Church, the conveyance of all truth.

Every Christian who values and loves their Church must at times feel depressed at the level of attendances at Church, unless of course a baptism or wedding is desired when people feel the Church can be useful and offer them something.  I accept that numbers are not the be all and end all of Church worship, or a verdict on any particular Church, but there must always be a need for every Church to consider whether the worship offered is as worthy as it ought to be.  In many cases I do not think it is. 

There is much that can and should be done to make a Church appeal to non-members.  The building itself should look smart and be clean looking, which is not always so.  Selected men and women, recognised for their engaging personalities, need to be appointed to greet people attending so that visitors feel we are glad to see them and make them feel welcome.  Regular members too need to be encouraged to speak and be friendly with visitors, rather than look at them as if intruders. 

In Anglican Churches the services can be confusing to strangers as there are so many alternatives offered.  I have officiated at numerous Churches and not found the same service exactly at any two Churches, so an offer to help and guide may be appreciated. Having changed the worship of the Prayer Book to the Alternative service Book, which had meaningful forms of service, we now have Common Worship in which the formulators couldn’t make their minds up as to which Eucharistic prayer should be used. I used to advise my Church stewards to try and introduce a stranger to someone of like age and sex to make them feel more comfortable.  When leaving after the service, the Minister(s) should always be at the exit to meet people. 

However, the most important part is that between the coming and leaving.  Services should be bright with tuneful hymns, perhaps altering tunes to hymns that are felt necessary if the set one is of the mournful type.  I was at a service where for ten minutes a choral rendition of Purcell’s ‘Rejoice in the Lord’ was sung, followed later by Stanford’s ‘Te deum’, which is fine for the right place, but an ordinary parish Communion is not my idea of the right place. 

I don’t think it is generally recognised how important music is in a service. Music stirs the mind and moves the heart.  In every Crusade, from Sankey and Moody, the Welsh revival and most notably the great Billy Graham Crusades, the singing of hymns and spiritual songs has been a dominant feature to complement the inspirational preaching. The Evangelical Churches mostly pursue this format, which needs to be introduced into more Churches, and dispense with the philosophy that seems to pervade that as long we put something on it will suffice.

The sermon has been relegated in importance where once it was a central feature.  Sermons are there for a purpose, namely to tell the good news about Jesus Christ.  How can people be taught to believe the good news of the gospel if the Church fails to tell?  This is our business first and foremost.  The pulpit is there for the declaration of the gospel, and any Church which fails to respond cannot justify its reason for being there.  Ministers are to be messengers from God, bringing God message to congregations.

Sermons often lack sound teaching however, with preachers watering down the message to provide spiritual potions which will make people feel happy and guiltless.  One Vicar tells me regularly sermons need to be nice and friendly so people won’t be upset.  This always amuses me for Billy Graham use to preach to audiences of up to 80 thousands and beyond regularly, and tell them they were all a lot of sinners who would go to hell if they didn’t repent, and people flocked to hear him. 

In the Church of England we have softened our messages, had all sorts of changes,  all sorts of gimmicks, and we are still losing members. 

Surely we need to rationalise our number of Churches.  At one time every village and neighbourhood had its own parish Church (in addition to Catholic and Free Churches) and congregations were strong enough to maintain them.  This is no longer the case yet we are still trying to keep that system going.  To do so we have Vicars fleeing from one Church to another offering a token service which does no one any good, or a local preacher  who however well intentioned often has not been properly trained and rides his/her own hobby horse rather than preaching the Bible.

There is no justification for such services. Whilst there would be horror at the thought of closing some and spoiling the quintessential view and feeling of the villagers at losing their lovely Church, it should be remembered attendance is the point of having it.  There is every incentive for people living in idyllic situations, to give just an hour each week in thanks to God for such place.It would be far more sensible and realistic to prune the number of Churches.  We have seen evangelical Churches, drawing people from a wide area and offering inspiring worship, and similarly High Churches offering beautifully conducted and meaningful worship.  People find no difficulty travelling to Tesco or Sainsbury’s, which are not on their doorstep, and with some innovative transport offers the Church could be in a like position.  

Attending Church is not optional.  The Bible assumes people who are believers are connected to a local Church, where they live out their faith. Individual or independent Christianity, cannot be found anywhere in the Bible. Whilst Jesus is present bodily in heaven with believers, He is also present on earth by His Spirit so that when people are gathered  Jesus is amongst us just as surely as when He was present with His Apostles.  The Bible uses several terms to describe the Church, the most powerful being a family, consisting of people of different backgrounds, experiences, class, ages and gender.  This family extends right across the world, so that wherever you go you can have fellowship with other believers.  There is much pleasure in doing this, something no other organisation with such capacity. There is a uniqueness about the Church, was we are separated from the world’s standards and from the others of society.

But of course the Church does not exactly encourage people when it is seen to be unable to resolve theological and procedural problems quickly and quietly.

Experience has shown that when political parties are divided in their beliefs, people will think if they can’t agree amongst themselves, there is not point in them trying to give support. Similarly, such applies to the Church. 

It has to be faced there are men with a personal agenda who seem determined to undermine the Church.  The Leaders of the Church have firmly opposed same

sex marriage’, yet, senior clergy, are challenging in a disloyal, irresponsible and shameful way with no respect for unity within the Church or for Bible teaching.  This and other issues are liable to split the Church of England within, but separate it from the universal Church which includes Catholic and Orthodox Churches. 

It would be less damaging if we followed the example of  the Anglican Church of North America and formed a new Anglican Church of Great Britain based on the same foundations as of our American friends.

In the meantime each Church should strive to be true to its calling with vows honoured, and work independently of the national scene.  I firmly believe that if  a Church is a welcoming one, offers a well constructed service with tuneful hymns and an inspiring message, it will surely attract members.

Give thanks to God for His Holy Gospel. Paise the Lord Jesus Christ

      

 

Matthew 21 v 1 -11

Jesus had entered Jerusalem for the Passover festival having just raised Lazarus from the dead, and was receiving an enthusiastic welcome from crowds of people gathered for the event. This was the major festival held annually, to remember how God saved Israel. This was Jerusalem’s big annual religious festival: we might compare the Passover to our Christmas, when the Churches attract many people who attend not so much from a religious attitude, but see it as a social event.

At such a time as this, many non-Jews would go to the city to join in the celebrations. Great crowds of pilgrims had also gone to the city from the country for this Festival Feast, Many of the pilgrims had seen and heard Jesus when He was in Galilee, and wanted to welcome the opportunity to proclaim Him as the Messiah.

Matthew states the entrance of Jesus on a colt, fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah, and the presence of Jesus was an open declaration, that He was the Messiah as stated by David, and there as also a prophecy by Jacob who stated ‘your king is coming to you’ whose rule would extend over nations.

Jesus entered into Jerusalem humbly on a donkey.  Jerusalem is described in the Bible as the City of the great King (God), the centre of Israel’s religious life and Messianic expectations. Jesus referred to Himself as Lord, the Sovereign figure of the day. Matthew alone mentions a donkey and a colt, which may have been because the  moving in such a noisy entrance to the city, may have disturbed the colt so the donkey would add stability. In any event, Jesus had commanded His Apostles to fetch a donkey and colt.  

Cloaks had been spread over the ground to symbolize the crowds acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, and palm branches were also thrown to show Jewish nationalism, with a sign of victory and with the Festival of Tabernacles.

The phrase ‘daughter of Zion’, is a term for the people of Jerusalem. Son of David means that Jesus is the Messiah, spoken of by the great king of Israel who the crowds acknowledge.  The Jewish religious leaders were troubled that Jesus was being received so well, He might usurp their power.

This event was celebrated in a different way to that which Jesus normally acted. He usually preferred to keep out of notice, sometimes be in the wilderness, which meant He fulfilled the prophecy, that He should not strive, nor let His voice be heard in public. Here, Jesus appears to come out of His normal way, and chooses to seek public attention. He makes a very public entrance to the city, at the head of His Apostles,

He rides surrounded by many people who were calling Hosanna, like king David returning to his palace in triumph, as mentioned in the Book of Samuel. All this was at a time when lots of Jews were gathered from many lands, stretching out of  Jerusalem who had come to celebrate the Passover. It was certain every house in the city had known and talked about.

The events we are reading about are important in our Lord’s life, and are told in different parts of the Bible, and for centuries in the Church, has been celebrated as Palm Sunday.  Junior Church young people would parade in streets on the way to and from the local Church, and I am sure in the religious cities of Europe and elsewhere will do so on Sunday.

Now n this country, our schools are more concerned to teach young people about sexual activities and gender change, and a lot of parents having no religious education themselves, cannot help them. Pam Sunday will not have any meaning to them, even if told what day it was.  How sad, most people of earlier generations were brought up with at least a basic religious teaching, which gave them a solid foundation for life.    

 We learn here how Jesus went into Jerusalem for one purpose, to die on this last journey. He had spent most of His life away from the city, but when the time came to give up His life for our sakes, He took care to tell the rulers, Jewish religious leaders, Scribes and Romans.

Jesus knew the greatest event in all the world’s history was about to happen, as He would suffer in the place of  sinful men and women, the momentous sacrifice for sin ever to be offered. He, the Passover Lamb about to be crucified as the principal priceful  atonement, for the world’s sin to be made. He ordered that His death be made public, so that all eyes be made on Him, and then He decided there would be many witnesses.

How sad, so many eyes will not see and many ears will no hear, the importance of the death or sayings of Jesus; of the things He taught, or try to follow His way of life, or learn of His coming back one day, when He will care for all those who accepted Him, and judge those who rejected Him. From his death, we have all our hopes, as we remember all He did for us.

Notice that when He rode into Jerusalem, it was not in a royal carriage with massed bands playing, and a host of servants like the kings (and Queens) of this world. He came on a colt, sitting on the coats of his Apostles, and without a saddle. He never had any riches or wealth, and would be buried in a borrowed tomb.

There is nothing dishonourable in being poor, through birth or other circumstances. There is nothing wrong in working in a low capacity. Always remember, many men adwomen are working to serve others, are as honourable in many ways, and far more so in many cases. I find it objectionable to see people in hotels, treating waiters and waitresses so casually, as people so inferior to themselves, when such people work for low payment, and are so often more acceptable in God’s eyes than those they are serving.

Let us do what we have to do, in the way God sees us, and not feel ashamed whatever that is, if we are acting honestly. The Savior of the World cares for all people, irrespective of their place in society.

Give thanks to God for His Holy Gospel,  Praise to Christ our Savior.

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 John’s gospel in Chapter 12,verses 20-33. 

Turn with me to this passage which John alone tells.

Jesus had entered Jerusalem for the Passover festival having just raised Lazarus from the dead, and was receiving an enthusiastic welcome from crowds of people gathered for the festival.  This was the major festival, held annually to remember how God saved Israel.  But there were some who did not welcome Jesus, and indeed were actively plotting His death. 

At such a time as this many Gentiles would go to the city. and although not Jews would join in the celebrations.  Some Greeks were amongst the crowds, who having heard of Jesus,  were determined to meet Him.  Having heard the stories of what Jesus had done, they realized something was missing from their lives, and wanted to receive from Him that something  So when they said they wanted to see Jesus, they were in fact seeking a meeting with Him.

They were from a settlement in the North of Galilee and went to Philip who came from near their area and said to him, ‘Sir, we want to see Jesus’.  Philip told Andrew, and they told Jesus who agreed to meet them.

When Jesus was told of their request He was pleased and responded immediately.  He had not gone to Jerusalem to enter for the same purpose as the crowds had in mind, events were building up and were leading to the time of our Lord’s road to the Cross.   So when the group of people were genuinely seeking Him, He said, "The our has come for the Son of man to be glorified.

The Jews would not have understood what Jesus meant.  For them, the Son of Man conveyed an image of someone who would lead to world conquest and so attain glory, but Jesus meant it was time for Him to make the supreme sacrifice for the world by dying on the Cross ,so bringing glory to Him and to God.

He went on to say "Truly, truly, I say to you."   Whenever Jesus used those words, it meant that He was going to say something important. Jesus said, "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone."   He was pointing out that when a seed died it brought forth fruit, and death brings life through people. 

As Christians were martyred for the faith, so the Church grew, and He was here meaning that He was like the grain of wheat and unless He went to the Cross, His whole purpose in coming to earth will have been in vain. He knew what He had to face, and that He is going to be glorified through the sacrifice the Cross, because by that cruel death the way to forgiveness for all believers was made possible.  If He had not made the sacrifice on the Cross, you and I and everybody else, could not have forgiveness. His death meant eternal life for all who believed in Him.

When He met those Greeks, it was as the first sign that the gospel was to go to all the world, and be part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles, the symbol of the great harvest for which He came.

If He had not died, we probably would not know any more about Him, for He would have just been another figure of history, of no greater significance than any other great religious leader. Because of the Cross, He was able to do something He could never have done otherwise.

Jesus said, the one who loves their life will lose it.  He was referring to those who live solely for themselves, and out to get as much as they can without thought for others.  Billy Graham received offers which would have made him a very rich man, but made clear his greatest desire was to preach the gospel, for which he only took the salary of an ordinary Baptist Minister.

Christians generally are called to put service of the Lord first, and indeed there are many men and women who could have followed brilliant careers for rich rewards, but chose to go on mission fields far away from their homeland. We see the humanity of Jesus displayed when He expressed his fear at the thought of the Cross, but was ready to give obedience to God and suffer much pain which would ultimately lead to triumph.  God spoke to Jesus in His hour of torment, just as He did at His baptism and when on the Mount of Transfiguration.  God is always ready to give strength, when we seek it.

At the Cross, Jesus underwent the judgment we deserve, and paid our debt to God.  His death gives us hope of everlasting life with Him one day. He wants to give you that hope in your life today. He alone can give you that new life that can never fade, and you can find that new life by meeting Jesus.

People in these high pressure days, are so often weary and depressed and looking for that spiritual something.  People are looking for something beyond themselves, looking for a way that gets the most out of life, yet carrying a load of guilt, fear and worry.  Jesus said, ‘come unto me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest’

A day is coming when we will all see Jesus. The Bible says everyone will assemble before Him as He sits on the judgment throne. Some will go one way with the goats, some the other way with the sheep.  We will have either joy in the after-life with Jesus, or eternity with the lost. The criterion is how we respond whilst we are here on earth.  The bible says ‘now is the time of God’s favor, now is the time of salvation’.  It will be too late after we have died, and no amount of intercession will then save us. 

One of the most saddest things is this life, is the fact that there are thousands of children and young people especially, who have not the slightest knowledge of Jesus; who have only heard the name when their elders are using it as an expletive. Parents have not the inclination nor the knowledge themselves to tell their children.  Gone are the days when schools held assemblies, which contained a hymn perhaps, and a Bible story. However, I read that the school curriculum gives no place for religious education, even if there were enough teachers to teach the children. 

he same day there was a teacher replying to a parents who had complain about their children being at classes for sexual teaching.  When Church schools are at the front and include it in their classes, the hope of realistic action is revealed.  Without a basic religios foundation, children are being seriosly deprived.  This of course is not a setback for children of ethnic faiths, who are committed to their faith.

I had the joy of preaching recently at a small Methodist Church which had the same words inscribed on the pulpit. It is a call to the preacher that he must only preach Jesus Christ, and not engage in philosophy, politics, or be submissive to political correctness.

These words were the theme of the preacher when I was ordained at Chester Cathedral, one of the godliest men you could possibly meet.

In many evangelical churches in the United States, they have these words inscribed on the pulpit to remind the preacher, that people have come to hear about Jesus Christ.  There are in the United States, Churches which are a joy to visit, with sound expository preaching

 To see Jesus is to see God’s salvation.

To see Jesus is to see God’s Light and revelation.

To see Jesus is to see God and His way revealed.

May we ever be like the Greeks in our passage today, and want to see Jesus, and seek Him with all our hearts.

 

Thank God for giving us Jesus. May God be praised and Glorified

John  11 v 1-45

 

The New Testament, tells of Jesus having a personal relationship with a family in Bethany, and on occasions would visit them.  The family consisted of a brother named Lazarus and two sisters, Martha and Mary.  One day Lazarus had become sick, so his sisters sent a message to Jesus. When he heard this, Jesus decided he would visit him, saying the sickness would not lead to his death.  But Jesus decided to wait for two days then said they would go to Judea to see him.

When Jesus mentioned going to them, the disciples were concerned because on a previous occasion, the people there tried to stone Jesus. They said if Lazarus had fallen asleep he would wake up.   The words fallen asleep means died. Death is compared to sleep from which people will one day awaken.

Jesus said, there are twelve hours of daylight, and anyone who walks in those hours will not stumble for they see this world’s light. it is when people walk by night that they stumble for they have no light. This means Jesus is the light of the world, and to walk in the light that Jesus gives, is to walk in fellowship with him, believing and obeying his words. In contrast, those who walk in darkness means to walk against the words of Jesus, and have no spiritual life.

After he had said this, Jesus said our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, I am going to wake him up. The disciples were still not happy about going, saying he will get better.  Jesus then told them, Lazarus was dead and they were going so that they may believe.

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.  Bethany where the family lived, was less than two miles from Jerusalem so that many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.  When Martha hard Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here my brother would not have died, but I know that even now God will give whatever you ask.  Jesus told her that her brother would rise again.

She replied, I know he will rise again in the resurrection, at the last day.

Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live even though they die, and whoever lives their lives by believing in me, will never die.

Jesus, once again deeply moved, told them to take away the stone.  Martha  warned, by this time there will be bad odor. They took away the stone, when Jesus said you will see the glory of God.

Jesus then thanked God for hearing him, for the people to benefit of knowing that God sent H  im.   Jesus then loudly called come out Lazarus, and he walked out.  Many of the Jews had gone to be with Mary who was  most upset and having seen what Jesus had done, went to tell the Pharisees.  A Council was called to determine what they should do to silence Jesus

We thanks to God for His Holy Gospel and praise the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

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 MOTHERING SUNDAY

  We have come to the fourth Sunday in Lent which is traditionally known as ‘Mothering Sunday’, the day we remember with love our mothers.  Those who have fond memories of our mothers, however many years have passed since we were in their arms; will not forget as we acknowledge the love for our mothers and all they meant to us. To bear a child is a costly and sometimes very painful act, calling for endurance sometimes beyond the mother herself.  Mothering Sunday calls on us to remember it is the giving of  herself.

We dedicate this service to them

This tradition originated in the 17th century when most of population would the attend Church, usually to the Church at which they had been baptized.  Often whole villages, would have processions to the Church with banners, the servants of large houses would be allowed time to attend. 

In the United States, President Woodrow Wilson passed an Act of Congress in May 1914, decreeing that the second Sunday in May should be known as ‘Mother’s Day,’ in order that love and reverence for mothers could be shown.   Retailers and non- Church members, in this country have adopted that title rather than the English understanding of the religious significance, which makes it special.  This day, also gives us the opportunity to remember Mary the MOTHER of Jesus, and think of how our Lord honored motherhood, even by showing concern for His mother when dying on the Cross.

The foundation for every home, is a father, mother, and children. In our time, the home and family are under sustained attack.  The breakdown of  family life is influenced and reflected in the breakdown of the nation’s morality.  It is now unrealistic to expect marriage to be for life but rather until we get fed up with each other.

We are now no longer be expected to use the term husband and wife, and another name for mother has been decreed by the diversity ideologues’.  Only a woman can bear a child, which makes the term

Birthparent an inane statement.

Since  the time of creation, women have treasured the name ‘MOTHER,’ and was so revered in Jewish people, that a woman who could not have a child was seen as looked down on.

 A MOTHER’S presence in the home is essential, and there has never been a more urgent time when good mothers are needed.  I have never known a Jewish child get involved in anti-social behavior or criminal activities, and that is due to the control the Jewish mama has over her family. 

God intended motherhood to be of the highest calling, yet government is advocating children can be brought up by two men, which is irresponsibility of the highest order.  An American psychologist ,stated a child will never come to full development psychologically without a MOTHER in the home.  In an older generation, a woman would not go to work when her children were in infancy, now we see even babies being left in nurseries with strangers to care for them.  I realise it is a different economic and social climate, but children’s development has not changed. 

When God created man, He then created woman to be a partner, the greatest gift He could give to men, and their nature was different so they could have children, and be respected. He made woman, and gave each different characters, equal but different, to fulfil different functions in life, and for women He gave a more caring nature in order to be mothers.   Abraham Lincoln once remarked, that no nation is greater than its mothers, for they are the makers of men.   

An article in a newspaper once said, that women were leaving Christianity for Islam because of the greater moral code.  Without denigrating the strict Islamic moral code, it is also a fact that no religion has greater respect for women than Christianity, and the Christian code is as moral as any, it is just Christians do not adopt it. 

The emancipation of women began with Christianity 2000 years ago, when Mary received a message from an angel and was told she would be the only woman ever to wear the red rose of maternity with the white rose of virginity, and be the mother of the Savior of the world.  When her Son grew up, He gave women a new place in human relations, with a dignity that wherever Christianity has gone, women have been there.

Female politicians, especially in  modern government,  have tried to turn this upside down, and in the false name of equality, have made some women to adopt the worst practices of men.  For 2000 years, women had in many respects been superior to men,  but in  the cause of equality and diversity have adopted the worst vices of men.  

The Bible calls on older women, who have an honored place in society, to play a major part in guiding younger women in the bringing up of children, from their years of experience.  We must have concern for women, bringing up children in a world where all moral values are being eroded.  Theirs is a big responsibility, especially when the nation’s broadcasting system gives out such foul talk ,and explicit scenes that cause weaker minds to think that is the natural way of life. We need women who will lead their families back, to more old style morality decency and purity.  Children are being brought up without any religious knowledge, knowing nothing about Jesus or Biblical characters, even in the homes of whatever class of home.  An idealism prevails as to how children should behave, but it is often a source of admiration and being in  modern phraseology ‘cool’ for a child to be sexually aware.  Schools play little part in educating children in religion, or conduct unless the school is a private one. I read the schedule does

 Not have enough place for teaching religion, but it has enough place

to teach gender change, without a mother’s consent.

Spiritual matters should be of concern to mothers.  Promises are made at baptism services, that children will be brought up in the fellowship of the Church, although few have ever any intention of honoring the promises made.  When my two sons were growing up, my then occupation required me to be away from the home for many long hours, and so much care fell upon my wife.  It is to her credit that they both entered the Christian ministry, after being youth leaders at their local Church.  Today they are successful Vicars at Churches of their own, where they have been a powerful influence in the Churches they have served.  I would encourage every mother to teach their children the stories of Jesus, and other stories from the Bible, it will give them a sure foundation for life.  To bear a child is a costly and sometimes very painful act, calling for endurance sometimes beyond the mother herself.  Mothering Sunday calls on us to remember it is the giving of herself. 

Mothers continue to care and worry for their children even when they reach adulthood.  We have numerous examples of godly mothers in the Bible, as an example for us to follow such as the mother of James and John who sought favor for them from Jesus, Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth Salome, and of course above all, Mary the mother of Jesus.

Women have been asked on radio and television what their occupation was , and have replied, ‘only a housewife and mother’.  There is nothing to justify the word ‘only’, such is one of the most honorable and worthy occupations.  Be sure to  call them MOTHERS..

But, do not let us forget there are mothers who are not appreciated and whose children  have made life difficult. I have seen mothers devoting their lives to their children, many without the fathers being present in the home, and without the love they deserve from their children.

We must also remember the many women who will not be mothers. For some, it will be a choice not to have children, for their own personal reasons, and we must not forget or criticise. We should on this most happy day for mothers, we must offer prayers  for those who cannot physically able to have children, and ask that God in His mercy and grace will answer their desires.

The Bible gives examples of women who displayed utter devotion to the children they bore, and who became such great names in Jewish history. For those who have not been told or who have forgotten, I give a brief story of three loving devoted MOTHERS

The MOTHER of Moses, is a wonderful and emotional story, that is still being told after thousands of years. There was a death sentence on all male Jewish children born, so His MOTHER had to hide him, then place him in  a basket and leave him in a stream, with the hope of someone not Jewish, who would find  and care for him. A princess did so, and took him to her home. The loving MOTHER acted as a Carer, and raised  him without the love of knowing who she really was.(Exodus 2.Hannah was a woman tormented, because she could not bear being unable to have a child, and thereby feeling disgraced. She prayed fervently to God, and was granted a son named Samuel.  The Lord Jesus dying in agony on the Cross, called for the Apostle John to look after and care for his MOTHER

I have referred to MOTHERS of the Bible who faced terrible situations in caring for their children. I would be pleased to think that mothers and children will read the full children stories of their problems in the Bible.

There will be sad women this week who have lost, their children. We should think and pray for them;. to lose a child is a devastating experience for both mother and father.

 

 May God bless all MOTHERS, and in His grace and mercy, help those women so longing to be mothers.