The final approach

Sermon notes from Sunday 29 December 2019 pm

Luke 19 verses 1 - 10

The Final Approach

I am sure for each of us these words are very familar to us.  We know much of this man Zacchaeus and the visitation of Jesus to Jericho one day.  This would be the final time Jesus would ever pass through Jericho.  The last time for men and women to find salvation in God in Jericho that day.  There is something very solemn as we reflect on a year gone by.  Here`s a man Zacchaeus who realises that Jesus is passing through Jericho for the last time.  Maybe it is the thought that he would never pass this way again.  Maybe that is why he made the effort to see Christ.  This visit would change a man`s life for time and for eternity.  A wonderful day for Zacchaeus, the greatest day in his life.  Was there such a day for you, when you accepted Christ as Saviour?

The last visit to Jericho brought a tremendous privilege to this man Zacchaeus.  God gave him a wonderful opportunity.  We have to think of the many privileges God has given  to us.  Many opportunities in past days in the past year when God has spoken to our hearts but we have done nothing about it.  We don`t know how many opportunities he had in the past to hear Jesus.  He was getting an opportunity on this day.  Have you ever had such an opportunity with Christ himself?  As we look at this man we might think he was rich and so he was because verse 2 says that.  We cannot point the finger just because he was rich.  He was a tax collector.  A good job.  Maybe he lived in a good part of Jericho.  Maybe he had a lovely house.  The great privileges he had.  The privilege Christ was giving to him, would see this man`s life changed for all eternity.  God has extended to you his offer of mercy.  He wants to save your soul.  You have heard it so often before bt this may be your final change to hear it.  What a privilege to know Christ.  He loved me with an everlasting love.  He was willing to turn his back on everything he had done, left it all behind.  He came down to walk in the villages and cities, came down to be spat upon, accused, rejected, to be put on the cross for your sins.  Only he could do it.  As Jesus came up out of Jordan after he was baptised the voice came from heaven said "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."  He fulfilled his father`s will to die on the cross for the sins of the world.  Only he could atone for your sin.  What a privilege.  Opportunities come and opportunities go.  We cannot catch the opportunity once it goes by.  The opportunity comes tonight to close in with God`s mercy and his offer of salvation.  This opportunity will fly past you once again.

The final visit was met with passion - verse 3.  He sought to see Jesus and who he was.  A deep hunger in his heart.  He wanted to see the Lord, to find out more about him.  Matthew was a tax collector, sat at the seat of custom.  One day the Lord came by and said to him "follow me".  He got up from the custom desk and he followed after the Lord.  Zacchaeus was also a tax collector.  Maybe he knew Matthew.  Maybe Matthew told Zacchaeus about the day Christ came across his pathway.  One day maybe that witness interested Zacchaeus.  Matthew told him how Jesus restored sight to the blind, restored strength to a man.  Maybe he became interested.  Perhaps conviction of his sin was setting in.  Maybe told he was a sinner and need to be saved.  A passion coming up in this man`s heart.  Isn`t it wonderful when God creates a passion in the heart after the Lord.  No-one could be saved until the Lord does that for us.  Peter preached in Acts 2 and "the people were pricked in their hearts."  God convicted them of their sin.  Lydia was similar - "her heart was opened by the Holy Spirit."  We have to close in with his call of mercy.  Only when he is calling us.  That is what happened to Zacchaeus.  He wanted to see who Jesus was.  He wanted to discover Jesus himself.  Maybe he had heard about him.  "O taste and see that the Lord is good."  No-one can taste the Lord for ourselves.  You cannot do it through anyone else.  You have to come in yourself, you have to bow at the foot of the old rugged cross.  It is all right for another person but doesn`t do it for you personally.  The Pharisees could have been asked by Zacchaeus what they thought of Jesus.  He is the devil himself, Beelzebub the chief of the devils.  Maybe could have said to Nicodemus what he thought of Jesus.  Nicodemus would have said he is a teacher come from God.  Look at the miracles and teachings he has done.  No-one can do these except God is with him.  Maybe could ask some of the people in Jerusalem, some of them would say some are saying he is Jeremiah one of the prophets, a mighty prophet.  Zacchaeus would go away confused even more.  He knew to find out for himself.  We need to find Christ for ourselves.  We cannot somehow go with the crowd tonight, say we are on the way to heaven and somehow go through life drifting along.  We need to taste and see that the Lord is really God.  He asked the question to his disciples "who do men say that I am?"  Peter replied "thou art Christ, the son of the living God."  Jesus told him "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven."  This is a revealed Saviour.  Unless it is revealed to you in the meeting your great need of salvation, who you are dealing with and who has bought that salvation, we will never be saved.  The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of what Christ has done for me in drawing me to the foot of the cross for myself.

The final visit brought a great problem to this man.  When Zacchaeus put his nose out the door he realised everyone had also realised it was Christ`s final day in Jericho too.  The Bible says "he was little of stature".  He could not see over the crowd of people.  It brought a great problem to him.  Maybe God has put a passion in your heart to show you your need of salvation, given great privilege but the problem is the crowd you are friendly with.  What holds you back from coming to Christ?  There is no call for this salvation you say.  The crowd can keep you back.  In Acts 13 there was an official in Paphos.  Paul preached the gospel and this man was anxious to hear the word of God.  He sent for Paul and pleaded to hear of Christ.  A man in his office tried to prevent him and turn him away from the faith.  Many are listening to friends and family, listening to crowd around them.  What an influence.  Pilate was listening to his own conscience.  Sometimes that conscience can put us off.  Pilate`s wife came to him and told him not to have anything to do with him.  The crowd came in and said "if you let this man go you are not Caesar`s friend."  Maybe as you speak about Christ`s salvation they will tell you you are alright.

The final visit brought a great plan in place.  Luke 19 "he ran" down the street.  This was this man`s plan and nothing would hold him back.  This man wanted to know everything about Jesus.  His final visit takes place where Zacchaeus was to be found.  He was sitting in that tree wrapped in foliage.  Jesus came to where he was.  He stopped there and told him to come down.  No-one has to point Christ to you.  He knows exactly where you are tonight and all the problems in your life.  He comes right to the place where Zacchaeus would not be disappointed.  Jesus stopped at the place where he was, then he asked him to come down straight away.  That is what Jesus does to us.  He doesn`t ask us to clean up our lives first.  He comes to exactly where we are and to what we really need.  That would be a special place for Zacchaeus in the future.  It became so significant for him.  Have you a special place tonight?  Remember the woman in John 4.  Every time she walked down the street she saw the well and remembered what happened there.  The man at the side of the pool for 38 years would always remember that place, remembered what happened there.

The peace that he received.  Verse 9 Jesus said "this day is salvation come to this house."  The peace of God flooded into his soul.  A debt was paid and peace reigned for ever more.

The leading of God

Sermon notes from Sunday 29 December 2019

Deuteronomy 32 verses 1 - 13

The book of Deuteronomy is one of the 5 books written by Moses.  The word Deuteronomy comes from 2 words - Deuter to mean 2 or second and nomos meaning law.  Moses is giving to the people the second law.  This book is made up of 34 chapters.  There are 3 discourses by Moses himself then a blessing and a song.  It all revolved around Moses` death and his burial.  Graham Scroggie said when he heard of those who were trying to condemn the book as false.  David went to face the great Goliath, he picked up 5 stones by the brook and put them in his pocket.  Only one of those stones was used against the giant.  The Lord himself spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness.  He took 5 books with him and only used one of them when the devil came against him - 3 times he quoted from this book of Deuteronomy.  Moses was coming to the end of his days.  Chapter 31 verse 14 "the Lord said unto Moses behold, thy days approach that thou must die."  The Lord knows the day of our birth and our departure.  Our latter end is in the hand of God.  He told Moses to fetch Joshua and come together to the tabernacle of the congregation.  Moses would not lead the people of Israel into the promised land, Joshua would.  Let us consider Moses` song.  In it Moses is looking back, then forward and on into the future.  At the end of another year it is good to reflect on the things that have gone by as well as where we are in the light of God`s presence.  We should also look to the future, it can be bright as we follow after God.  Verse 10 "he found him (Jacob) in the desert."  Jacob is described here as the nation because he became known as Israel.  This is God speaking through the prophet Moses to the nation but we can take it to mean something to ourselves today. 

God is searching.  God is not found by accident.  He knows every situation we face today.  This song comes from Moses reflecting on what has happened to the nation of Israel.  They had been blessed with so much but there was a danger in them turning away from God now.  We too can forget about God`s blessings on our lives.  Deuteronomy 31 verse 19 "Now therefore write ye this song for you and teach it the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel."  Deuteronomy 31 verse 27 "For I know thy rebellion and thy stiff neck, behold while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the Lord and how much more after my death?"  Deuteronomy 32 verse 7 "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations; ask thy father and he will show thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee."  Most writers agree that in this verse Israel is spoken of as being down in Egypt.  Jacob took his family down to Egypt at the time of famine.  Joseph was ruler, he was in charge but then things changed and a new king came to the throne who "knew not Joseph."  This new king began to put the Israelites into slavery.  God said "I have heard their affliction" and he sent Moses down to deliver them.  The wilderness is a place of want and hopelessness.  Where did God find you?  The people of Israel were shackled by an evil king and encompassed by an evil nation.  Egypt is a picture of the world and Pharaoh of the devil himself.  The Laodicean church in Revelation has a picture of Jesus knocking at the door of the church.  The people were saying "I am rich, I am increased with goods, I have need of nothing."  Do you realise you are blind, wretched, miserable and poor?  The Lord says "my son is standing at the door of your heart waiting to come in."  If only we would let him in.  Matthew was busy at his work recording the tax coming in, he was making sure it was all written down.  The Lord came to him and said "follow me"  Many a person is found in their work place.  The woman at the well was living in such a sinful state.  She came to the well and found the Lord there.  She didn`t want her immoral life to be seen.  The Lord found her though.  Remember the woman bent double in the synagogue.  She worshipped the Lord of heaven.  Right there in the midst of the people God found her.  Where were you found by Christ?  Has God found you today?  Can you look back to a day when he changed your life forever?  Do you know your sins have been forgiven today?

The schooling - verse 10 "he instructed him."  Once he found him, brought him out of the wilderness he needed to be instructed.  That is the character building of the Christian life.  God expects us to learn when we come into his family, to learn more of him.  Nehemiah leading the people, reflects back to the wilderness journey "thou givest also thy good spirit to instruct them." (Nehemiah 9 verse 20)  God`s Holy Spirit instructs us today.  Is the Holy Spirit leading us in the scriptures today?  Are we growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord?  Are we gaining more each day?  Psalm 32 verse 8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go."  We are saved but are we just content with that?  Wouldn`t it be awful to come to heaven and know nothing of the man who saved us?  Christians are born again but not fully grown.  So many things we have to learn, to mature, to develop.  Peter said "as new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word of God."  Once we begin to crave after the word of God it is just like milk for a baby.  The place where we find knowledge is in the word of God.  The writer to the Hebrews was writing to a people undergoing so many trials and were in danger of turning away from God.  The writer speaks of how they have been taught in the things of God first in case they went back, in case they lost the taste for the things of God.  There are many things coming to take us away from the things of God.  He found you and he schooled you.  He wants the people to keep their eyes on him.  The people were entering into a new land, a new day but he doesn`t want them to forget how they had come through the wilderness.  Hebrews looks at a people who should be more advanced than they were "you ought to be teachers of the word." (Hebrews 5 verse 12)  Paul went out into the dessert of Arabia to study the word of God for 3 years after he became a Christian.

The strengthening.  "He led him about."  God strengthens us for the road ahead.  People could look back to deliverance from Egypt, from the harsh taskmasters.  Imagine the joy in their hearts coming out of Egypt, deliverance from Pharaoh.  No longer prisoners having to make blocks. Deliverance by the mighty hand of God.  They sensed the presence of God.  God didn`t leave them.  He didn`t deliver them and tell them to get on with things.  God is still with them.  He does the same to us today.  He doesn`t just save us and leave us alone.  The pillar of fire went before the children of Israel reminding them of his presence with them, teaching them how to walk with him each day.  Whatever we face today he gives us the strength to face each situation.  God is there in the midst whatever we face today.  Sometimes we don`t understand the leading of God in our lives but God is in the midst of it all directing us.  Exodus 13 verse 17.  God drew the people out of Egypt but he wouldn`t take them through the land of the Philistines.  I wonder if Moses questioned that.  The reasoning was for God said "peradventure the people repent when they see war and they return to Egypt."  Do we feel God leading us today?

The security - verse 10 "he kept them."  In verse 11 the picture is given of the eagle who builds its nest on the highest of rocks.  When the young are led out of the nest the eagle will flutter overhead.  When eventually the eaglet comes to the edge of the rock the mother eagle will swoop underneath so that the young can rest on her wings until it gets strength to flap its own wings and actually fly.

The sufficiency of things to come - verse 13.  Hebrew scholars say that this verse is written in the future tense, every verb speaks of the future not the present.  There is sufficiency for the years to come.

The bigger perspective

Sermon notes from Sunday 15 December 2017 am

Luke 2 verses 1 - 7

The bigger persective

As we consider the events taking place in this passage we are reminded that some times things come into our lives, situations that arise, difficulties and problems.  Do we concentrate more on them rather than what it means in its coming into our lives?  Nothing comes into our lives by chance  God has allowed it to be so.  We can learn that lesson from Job, see how the devil would have loved to have marched into his front room and bring him down to the depths but he hadn`t the authority  Satan had to go into the presence of God and ask for his permission to test Job.  nothing comes into our lives but God knows about it.  Nothing happens by surprise.  It is good to step back and see the bigger picture.  Psalm 8 verse 3 "when I consider".  Think of the letter to the Hebrews written to so many under pressure and persecution.  The writer said "consider him".  We want to consider him above all.  We saw that in Esther`s life.  A crisis came into her life.  The hand of God was working in the background.  He was doing that in her life.  Remember again that God is still on the throne, he is still ruling and reigning.  Sometimes when we get down to prayer we want to remember that.  He does remember his own.  In a week gone by we have seen many changes, upsets, things that humanly speaking we did not see happening.  Many are anxious and concerned today.  Remember God is still working out his purposes today.  He has a plan this morning.  In this passage a government decree went out.  What did that mean to the people around?

A strategy that was unfolding.  Here`s a decree going out from Caesar Augustus.  He was a leading light, he had changed his name, he was a nephew of Julius Caesar and took this name to show his position and greatness.  He was sitting making plans with all his delegates.  The word used for "world" here means the Roman jurisdiction he had control over.  The tax referred to here is similar to our census.  He really wanted to see what everyone owned whether in land or property. He didn`t really think about what he was doing.  God was working behind the scene.  He would bring his only begotten son into the world.  God was working it all out.  This was spoken of 5 or 600 years before through the prophet Isaiah.  Malachi the prophet also told where he would be born - Bethlehem.  God had announced it years before this man made this decision.  I wonder have you ever considered that God is working behind the scenes in our lives?  Perhaps it is not in sickness but rather you can hear someone praising God for his blessing in their life but nothing is happening in your life.  Perhaps we don`t see God working it out at present.  God was working everything out before this man would come to the throne.  In Daniel one night when the king Nebuchadnezzar put his head on the pillow he saw an image of a man made up of different materials.  The head was made of gold, the breast and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of brass, the legs of iron and the feet partly of iron and clay.  That image was of the various empires that would come to pass in days yet to come.  This is the role God will play in this land.  Each part represents a kingdom that would come to pass.  The head of gold represents your kingdom Nebuchadnezzar.  The breast and arms represented the Medes and Persian empire and in Daniel 5 we read they took the empire from Babylon.  The belly and thighs represented the Greek empire while the iron represented the Roman empire.  God was singling out every empire that would come to pass.  Remember Joseph in the Old Testament who was the Saviour of the nation Israel.  One morning he got up at 17 years of age and his father asked him to go and see how his brothers were doing.  He didn`t know when he left that day he would not see his father for 20 years.  I`m sure his father cried many nights, his heart was broken thinking of his son dead.  God was working it all out behind the scenes when he would bring Joseph to be head of the nation of Israel.

The subjects that are unveiled - verses 2 and 3.  All went to be taxed.  Everyone.  Not one left out.  The light now begins to shine on Joseph and Mary  Mary and Joseph would make their way to Bethlehem.  It was at a time when Mary was great with child.  The ordering of the decree led to Mary and Joseph being brought to Bethlehem.  What is happening in your life at this moment in time?  Are you a light that people are attracted to?  To bring people to God?  God was fulfilling the promise of Micah 7 verse 2.  Can you see the picture unfolding.  Joseph cannot see it.  It was an awful situation for him.  He had to take his wife Mary and make that journey to Bethlehem.  If this had been some other time but God has allowed this to happen specifically now.  It was the second time in his life that everything was turned upside down.  Just before their marriage Mary told Joseph she was pregnant.  She had no relationship with Joseph.  He wanted to put her away quietly then the angel appeared and told him not to be afraid but to take Mary for his wife.  This is now the second time when his life was turned upside down.  He didn`t know what was happening.  Think of the angel giving him that news.  The angel did not tell him that at the end of her pregnancy they would have to make a journey like this one.  Joseph handled the situaton really well.  A decree has gone out.  I`m sure he was thinking how is the Lord doing this?  This is God`s will.  God only shows him a little at a time.  God is doing something in your life.  Are you saying "I could do very well without this?"  God has a bigger plan.  David said "thy word is a lamp unto my feet."  God only shows a little bit at a time.  He doesn`t show us the end from the beginning.  The old hurricane lamp only shows a step at a time.  The lamp would only take him so far.  That is what God does with us.  Think of the early church and Saul of Tarsus.  He had such plans to destroy the Jewish people.  He wanted to take those who were Christian and imprison them, even put some of them to death.  He was persecuting the Christian believers but as a result they were spread outside of Jerusalem.  People didn`t realise it at the time.  It was the means God used to spread the gospel to others.  Today many are being persecuted for their Christian faith.  They don`t ask for prayer to be taken away from persecution but rather that they might endure through those hards times and see their familes saved as a result.  It took 20 years for Joseph to see the plan God had for his life.  Just enough was shown to him, a little at a time.

The supreme undertaking.  I`m sure Joseph thought this was bad timing.  He could have said it would have been better next year.  He could have done without the journey at this time.  He surrendered himself to the decree.  It is good to surrender ourselves to the will of God.  Moses out in the wilderness - for 40 years God was preparing him for what lay ahead.  One day he heard the word of the Lord out of a burning bush.  God told him that he would send him back to Egypt.  All those times in the desert.  This is the totality of it all.  I want you to go and bring my people out of Egypt.  Romans 13 verse 1 surrendered to the totality of God.  I wonder as Joseph picked up and got on with the journey to Bethlehem did he think God was in the plans ahead?  Jeremiah "for I know the thougths I have toward you, plans for good and not for evil, plans for your future."  Think of the 3 Hebrew children carried into captivity in Babylon.  Nebuchadnezzar asked everyone to bow before this image he had set up.  The 3 Hebrew children wouldn`t do it.  They made a choice.  God is in this.  They could see the bigger picture.  Esther said "I will go before the king, if I perish I will perish."  Mary and Joseph surrendered to the decree which took them to Bethlehem, to their child being born to be the Saviour of the world.  What a God we have.  As we look at this scene - God brought everything into being.  We should want to worship and love God more and more when we see what he has done for us.  Look at the bigger picture today.  God is working in the background today.

Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Sermon notes from Sunday 8 December 2019 am

Esther 4 verses 13 - 17

"who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" verse 14

Mordecai in this passage has a burden on his heart and a vision.  These were dark days, desperate days.  All of the Jewish nation would be wiped out.  The 127 provinces of the Mede Persian kingdom had received the command to put all the Jews to death.  Somehow this man Mordecai got a great vision of what would happen.  He knew where the answer lay - in the King Ahasuerus.  The only way to approach him was through his wife Esther.  We too are living in dark days.  How do we know we are not saved for such a time as this?  Wouldn`t it have been great to have lived through the 1859 Revival or through Nicholson`s revival but we were not brought to the kingdom for such a time as that but we are now.  Mordecai could see the situation and he knew one woman could make a difference.  Maybe as God looks down on us today, maybe he points the finger at us and says "you know you could make a difference."  The thought came to my mind of responsibility.  You and I cannot shrug our shoulders and turn our backs.  There is a responsibility for you and I today.

Firstly think of Esther and her position.  This is Esther`s position now.  She was queen and married to King Ahasuerus.  She had taken over from Vashti.  In chapter 1 the king held a party, a drunken orgy and he commands Vashti to come and she refuses.  That annoyed the king,  All the princes and governors were there.  They told the king that if she has done this to you others will do the same, we will no longer have any authority.  The king put Vashti away and a command went out to find another queen.  Esther must have been charming and mannerly to bring her before the attention of the king.  She was one who would change the situation.  She would be the king`s bride.  The one person who could touch his heart - his wife Esther.  What is our position today?  We are part of the body of Christ.  When you come to the cross of Calvary, are drawn to Christ himself, realise you have sinned, when the Holy Spirit has shown you your sin, that you have come short of the glory of God and take Christ as Saviour, Christ made you part of the bride of Christ.  "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  Whenever we come to God in prayer we can touch his very heart.  That is what happened here.  A Jewish girl, God had put her in this position.  You might not be thought highly of but the Lord has placed you in a position.  Do you realise the position you have today?  You have to touch the king`s heart on behalf of others.  This was just a Jewish girl living in one of those provinces in Shushan.  The Lord had brought her to that position for that day.  Think of Naaman`s maid.  She was in such an important place.  She was on speaking terms with Naaman`s wife.  She was positioned there for a purpose - to go into Naaman`s wife and tell her she had the answer to Naaman`s problem.  It is with God alone.  She came to that position - how?  The Israelite armies went out to fight and saw the girl.  They carried her captive and brought her into this special place that she might be positioned just where God wanted her.  God brings us into the place where we are of use.  Esther and that maid were there by the providence of God.  God`s name is not mentioned in the book of Esther but his hand is seen moving through the pages.  Sometimes when we sit down and contemplate and ponder the hand of God on our lives, the difficult times, the hard times, to be in the position we are in, then we can see God`s hand in and through it all.  What a tremendous position we hold today.  This was the reign of the Medes and Persians.  Daniel 5.  Belshazzar threw a great feast and in the midst of that feast there came a hand writing on the wall.  Time was up, judgment was come.  That night Belshazzar was dethroned and the Medes and Persians took over.  In that kingdom Haman worked his way up, he became Prime Minister in that day.  He had great sway with the king.  He sought to change the laws of the land.  In chapter 3 verse 13 we read that letters were sent to all the 127 provinces "to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish all Jews."  Haman hated the Jewish nation with a passion.  We can see the working of Satan behind it all.  We see it way back in Exodus, in the Babylonian capture, through the establishment of the Medes and Persian empire, seen it in Hitler`s regime.  This man meant business.  He didn`t want to see the Jewish people live.  Esther was included in this edict.  One woman could make a difference.  Esther couldn`t walk into the king`s presence.  She had to wait until the sceptre was held out to her to grasp.  Today we can come into the presence of the king at any time because of what Jesus has done for us.  Satan has a ploy today.  He wants to see everyone damned to a lost sinners hell.  That has been his wish from the day of creation.  He wants to take over from God,  to take over the affairs of man.  Like Esther we must stand up and speak out.

Esther`s priorities.  This was a challenge to her priorities.  Notice what Mordecai said to her in verse 14 - "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this."  This is the very point God has brought you to.  This is the position God wants you for right now.  To save Israel.  We are brought into God`s kingdom right for this moment in time.  The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty through God, to pull down the strongholds of Satan.  God is still on the throne and he still reigns.  Does he see us as a Mordecai or an Esther today?  Prepared to get before the God of heaven to see these things changed.  Not only was Mordecai questioning her position but her priorities.  God could see the darkness in the land but he also could see the light shining through it.  Esther had her own role too.  She was probably invited to various places but then Mordecai comes with a great challenge.  Her priorities have to be sorted out.  God had blessed her with charm, beauty, good looks but God had done this for a purpose.  God had brought her to a place of prominence.  What about our priroities today?  God has saved me yes but what have we done as a result of that?  God has to mould the areas in our lives that need to be changed.  I see here Esther coming into this place, given all these things such as good looks, charm, manners to bring her to this role.  What has God done for us today?  He has given us great ability and talent to use in this day and age we live in.  "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  God has given us a good job, a respectable name, opportunities.  They are all from God himself.  "Every good and perfect gift comes from his bountiful hand."  Our priorities have to change.  God first and everything else second.  Remember Saul who was sent to look for some donkeys by his father Kish.  What was God looking for instead?  A king. His priorities had to change.  Joseph`s father told him to go out and see how his brothers were.  What was God looking for instead?  A Saviour for the nation.

Esther`s promise.  She is now challenged.  She begins to think very seriously and realises the role she must play.  The day was far gone here but Mordecai reminded her this was the day she was prepared for.  She could easily have been put to death if she went into the king.  It would cost her her life - verse 16 "I will go in unto the king, if I perish I perish."  She would lose out but she had given much thought to it all.  Mordecai gathered up all his friends and they fasted for 3 days and 3 nights.  It is a time of prayer and fasting.  Esther said we will do it.  Mordecai did it all according to the plan.  I`m sure they thought it would be lost as the day had already been planned out.  Mordecai and Esther realised they could touch the kings heart and he could change the law and regulations.  Can we touch the king of kings heart today and see everything changed?  Jeremiah lived in a dark day.  He was challenged to buy a field.  Why?  Because 70 years later when the people returned from captivity, this would be his claim on the land.  Jeremiah 32 verse 26 "then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah saying behold I am the Lord the God of all flesh is there anything too hard for me?"  Is there anything too hard for our God today?

Esther`s patience and Esther`s prize.  Notice the patience she brought when she invited the king and Haman on 2 occasions to meet with her.  Her prize was the king realising what was about to happen.  Haman had prepared a gallows to hang Mordecai on but on that day when the king realised what would happen he ordered Haman to be hung on it instead.

Barnabas` next mission

Sermon notes from Sunday 1 December 2019 am

Acts 11 verses 19 - 26

We have seen Barnabas as the one who probably gathered with the disciples to pray after their arrest and told not to preach in the name of Christ again.  Then he took Saul by the hand and introduced him to the apostles in Jerusalem.  Now we read of Barnabas being sent out by the disciples to see if what they had heard was true.  He was selected, pircked out.

First the examination of the work of God.  Acts 11 verse 22.  The background to this verse is found in verses 19 to 21.  News had come back to Jerusalem of what was happening in Antioch.  The leaders decided to send Barnabas to discern what was happening down there.  People were turning to the Lord and professing that they believed in God as their own Saviour.    These people had heard the word of God proclaimed in their own language but persecution set in.  They were scattered outside of Jerusalem.  The disciples back in Jerusalem wanted to know if the foundations were right.  It is good in a personal sense to evaluate ourselves, examine ourselves.  Barnabas was going down to examine the foundations to see if this was genuine.  Paul said a similar thing when everyone is gathered around the communion table - "let a man examine himself" (1 Corinthians 11 verse 28).  It is good to go back to Calvary and gaze on the Lord as he suffered, bled and died, to hear those words "it is finished".  My salvation is finished.  I have to surrender my life, turn from the existing life and to Christ.  It is good to refresh ourselves.  We should never take the work of God for granted.  Many can say they have gone to church, read their bibles, even go so far as to say they have preached in the name of Christ but one day will they hear the words "I never knew you" from Christ himself?

The evidence that is presented.  Barnabas was not going to be deceived easily.  We should not put others down because their standards are not the same as ours.  Here was a man full of discernment.  Barnabas looked for the evidence of this work and could say of it "and had seen the grace of God" in their lives."  This was around the time of Stephen`s death.  Sometimes our lives are turned upside down, we are not able to do the things we used to do.  A turn of events comes and we are no longer able to do what we once did.  God can still use us in those events.  Antioch was a city of culture, it was classed as the third most famous city in the world at this time but it was also a very wicked city.  Notice that the people who had come to faith in Christ are not named - verse 19 refers to "them" and "some" in verse 20.  Also in verse 21 we read "and the hand of the Lord was with them."  We need that hand of God in our work today - not some big named speaker or a great testimony or singer.  Our work will be in vain unless the Lord`s hand is seen.  "Christ sent me not to baptise but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." (1 Corinthians 1 verse 17)  Barnabas looked for faith in the Lord.

The expression that he was looking for that was clear.  Barnabas looked at the evidence of what they believed.  The Holy Ghost had taken the scriptures and they were applied to their lives.   In Samaria when Philip preached many were delivered from evil spirits, raised up from beds of sickeness and "there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8 verse 8)  The evidence was belief in the word of God.  The expression of that faith was in the joy they had.  We are saved by the grace of God and there should be that same joy in our hearts.  Sometimes we are afraid to use the term "good works" but the bible clearly states that good works follow as a result of faith.  Paul told his writers to "work our your own salvation in fear and trembling" (Philippians 2 verse 12).  Notice he did not say work for your salvation but rather it should be shown by our faith.  Ephesians 2 verse 10 "for we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works."  

The encouragement that he gave - verse 23 "exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord."  There would be difficult days ahead but as long as they stayed close to the Lord things would work out.  We need to keep our eyes on the Lord today.  Peter could say "you are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1 verse 5)

The go betweener

Sermon notes from Sunday 24 November 2019 am

Acts 9 verses 23 - 31

We want to return to look at Barnabas - the go betweener.  He came between the apostles and Saul when Saul came to Jerusalem.  It took Barnabas to bring him to the apostles and sort things out.  It is good for us to examine the lives of these men.  They are ordinary men, just flesh and blood but they were out and out for God.  They were sold out to the cause of the Lord.  They had to become fishers of men.  The Lord has a purpose and a plan for ever life in this house today.  Do not excuse ourselves because we are too old or too young.  The Lord has endeavours for each of us.  One day we must stand before the God of heaven and give him a report of all we have done for him.  Have we verred from the purpose God has for us?  The apostles were unlearned, ignorant men but they had been with Jesus.  That is what makes the difference as we spend time in the word of God, seekng time in prayer.  Just as when Moses came down from the mountain he couldn`t look at the people and the people couldn`t look at him - why - because he had been in the presence of the Lord.

The concerns of this man of God.  He has one deep concern - for the work of God.  He has got a concern for the work of God.  Not a concern about himself or his reputation, more about the work of God.  God looks for that concern from us today.  In our hearts are we concerned this morning?  King David looked around him, looked to his left and right hand but could find no refuge - he said "no man cared for my soul."  Barnabas had a conern for the word of God.  He was given a name of identity by the apostles.  He was the son of consolation, an exhorter, an encourager.  That is what Barnabas was.  Someone who comes alongside, has a friendly handshake, an arm around the shoulder.  Paul said the one thing that weighed him down was the care of all the churches.  He was willing to lay down his life for the churches.   Barnabas steps into the forefront again.  In Acts 4 Barnabas was there when the apostles returned from the scribes and Pharisees.  They had been questioned after they seen a man healed.  He hadn`t walked for 40 years and they wondered how this was done.  Pharisees threatened them not to preach in that name again.  Peter stood to his feet and said "we would rather obey God than men".  When they left they realised this was a matter that had to be taken to God in prayer.  When they got to that secret place the first one they met was Barnabas.  They "went unto their own."  They got together and prayed.  They prayed for boldness that they might preach the word of God.  Sometimes we get worked up and concerned about things happening around us.  Maybe illnesses, difficult times we are going through.  That is all we pray for.  We really need to pray for boldness, that the Lord would help us in the affliction we are in, to carry out his plan and purpose.  2 other people who had a similar concern were Aquilla and Priscilla.  They were waiting on Paul when he came to Corinth.  They were going to take Paul into their own home.  They were of the same trade - tentmakers.  They would make sure his needs were met.  They wanted to make sure that Paul only had to preach the word of God.  They would take the rest on themselves.  Paul could say of them in Romans 16 verse 4 "these people have laid down their life for me."  There was a man who spoke one day in the local synagogue.  He was very eloquent in his preaching but something was lacking.  Apollo was his name  Aquilla and Priscilla took him to one side at the end and expounded the word of God more fully to him.  They were encouragers in the work of God.  Barnabas took Saul by the hand and brought him to the apostles.  The Lord is looking for similar people today.

The challenge now that is offered.  Things are beginning to change in the church.  The apostles had doubts in their minds about Saul.  Barnabas steps forward, he sees the challenge before him.  It is easy to go with the flow.  We are challenged every day, it is a new day of grace.  What are we going to do for God this day?  Are we stretching ourselves today?  Facing challenges?  Moses was 40 years in the wilderness.  He had an unfinished task.  Moses is sitting at the burning bush and God is speaking to him.  Maybe we have started something and maybe the road has become difficult and hard, friends have deserted us.  We left off that task but God doesn`t forget about it.  God wants Moses to return to Egypt.  Caleb one of the spies went into the Promised land.  He said it wouldn`t be easy, he knew the enemy was there to be defeated but he told the people "if God is for us we can take it."  The Israelite people turned against Caleb, Joshua and Moses but 40 years later Caleb was still challenging, he reminded God of his promise 40 years before and asked for the promise to be renewed.  Has God been challenging you today?  Is there perhaps something you need to step out and do for God?  Verse 27 "Barnabas took him".  Great encouragement for Saul.  That this man would step out, believe in him and introduce him to the apostles.  It showed great courage.  He was willing to step up to the mark.  It didn`t matter what others thought of him.  He reached out.  Ananias had been told to go and find Saul praying.  Ananias was afraid because he had heard much about Saul that was not good but he had to step up to the mark.

He was conforming here to the events.  He not only stepped up but spoke up.  He knew that in the past Saul had put so many people to death, what will the apostles think of me now when I introduce Saul to them?  These apostles were men that trusted Barnabas.  So often that stops us from serving the Lord.  Fear what others might think or say about us.  Barnabas didn`t care what people thought of him.  He had one thing on his mind - to see people saved.  Esther found favour with the king.  Then there was the plot by Haman to put all the Jews to death.  She had to step up to the mark.  She had to forget about what everyone thought of her.  She was willing to take her stand and speak up to save her people.  Barnabas vouched for Saul - verse 27 "and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way."  I am laying my life here on the line for this man.  Are you willing to lay your reputation on the line, to give yourself wholly to the Lord?

The cheer that Barnabas` message brought - verse 31 "then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost were multiplied."  We need one who is willing to step out, stand up and speak.  Can you imagine if Barnabas had stopped in his tracks, shunned this man Paul.  What a tragedy that would have been.  Maybe someone in our families tells they are being shunned today.  Maybe you need to go and see them.  Maybe they need you to go and say "come with me."  Maybe they would never enter into the church because of so many fears but if you brought them with you they might come.

The beginning of revival

Sermon notes from Sunday 15 September 2019 am

Acts 16 verses 1 - 10

In chapter 16 we read about Paul and evangelists waiting patiently on the lead of God.  There were various areas they could have gone into but the spirit of God closed the doos to them.  There are various places he would have gone but somehow they were closed to him.  In a vision in the night Paul receives a message from one man "come over into Macedonia and help us."  Thinking again of the man Cornelius the Roman centurion.  The events in his life, the marks and the features of a God given revival.  Cornelius was unsaved man.  We are only looking at the features of a revival around his life, prepare our hearts with the same vigour and zeal he had at the very thought that God was coming.  In Acts 16 the man from Macedonia pleaded for God to come over.  Acts 10 glimpse of Cornelius.  First glimpse of a man on his knees.  This is the beginning of revival.  

First of all here`s a man wanting God to do something.  Sitting in his own home on his knees before God of heaven pleading and praying.  Reminder of Hannah being taunted by the second wife to discourage and get her down.  She took the whole situation to God in the temple - "she poured out her heart."  The bible says that is where God begins to move.  When we get before God and pray, it is then that God sees the desire of our heart.  Man of Macedonia sees the need in his heart and prays and pleads for Paul to come and help him.  If ever we needed anything in 2019 it is a move of God.  We need a people to pray for the province again.  We need God in these days.  This man sees the need all around him, gets before God and prays, pleads with Paul to bring the gospel to them.  Psalmist looking over the apathy around him.  Psalm 119 "it is time for thee , Lord to work." (verse 126)  The Psalmist had come to the end of himself.  His heart was burdened down, weighed down and says to the Lord "it is time for you to work."  Here was Cornelius falling on his knees, wanting God to do something for him that could not be done by anyone else.  Revival has spread through the villages and byways.  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6 verse 33)  "Ye shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29 verse 13)  "without faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11 verse 6)  Cornelius sitting on his knees praying and pleading for God to work.

A man waiting on God.  It is a lonesome place.  Lone figure praying then saw angel coming into him.  That angel brought a message from the throne room of heaven.  That is where we are told to come to find help and mercy in our time of need.  God has promised that.  Here`s Cornelius getting this word.  This answer was to send for Peter.  How precise that word was.  Knew where Peter was.  He is lodging with a man called Simeon.  He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.  He sends off immediately for Peter.  He must wait for the word of the Lord from Peter himself.  He had a the promise of the word of God.  Jonathan Edwards said "revival will break out when a man or woman will sit down with the Bible and believe it word for word."  Acts 10 verse 30 4 days ago.  He waited for that length of time.   Romans 5 verse 3 "we glory in tribulation also knowing that tribulation worketh patience."  Patience is a great characteristic as we wait on God.  Luke 18 parable on prayer.  Shows us widow woman following after an ungodly judge, only thought of himself, never caused her a favour.  She needed that favour from him.  She followed him day after day with the same complaint.  He came out and gave her her plea.  The Lord says this is an example of prayer.  Men ought to pray and not give up.  That woman did not give up.  She followed that man until he came out and asked what her problem was.  Then she poured out her heart.  The Lord said look at this woman "lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said Hear what the unjst judge saith.  And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them."  1 John 5  "And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask anything according to his will he heareth us." (verse 14 )

Here`s a man watching for God.  Acts 10 verse 24 he called his kinsmen and nearest friends to tell them what was going to happen.  Peter was going to come to where this man was and tell him how we might be right with God.  Important news.  Jesus speaks of a hell "where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched", where suffering never comes to an end.  "Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24 verse 35)  "Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people."  Made up of people who gave themselves over to the Lord himself.  Cornelius went and told his friends and family.  

A man working for God.  He invites people to come and hear the word of the Lord.  He was telling everyone, gathered all his kinsmen and friends.  Matthew left his seat of custom and invited all his friends into his home for a great supper.  Then he invited Jesus.  He loved his friends and family but he now loved Jesus more.

A man witnessed great things.  Not disappointed because in verse 44 we read that Peter came into his house, stood up and began to preach the words God gave him.  As he did so the Holy Ghost fell on them that heard the word of God.  He witnessed the power of God coming down into that house.  This man witnessed the Holy Ghost coming and seeing people reached.

  

We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said I will give it you

Sermon notes from Sunday 17 November 2019 pm

Numbers 10 verses 29 - 36

You will be aware as we broke into this passage that we are dealing with a situation as Moses is leading the children of Israel across the wilderness to the promised land, of a conversation Moses is having with his relatives.  Verse 29 shows a confession of Moses` faith.  He is witnessing of what God is going to do "we are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said I will give it you."  When Paul was preaching the word of God he said "I am what I am by the grace of God." (1 Corinthians 15 verse 10) Are we what God would have us to be?  Are we taking the Lord as Saviour tonight?  The Psalmist could say "The Lord is my shepherd."  What a wonderful confession of faith.  We cannot look away to the church we belong to and say we follow them.  That has nothing to do with it.  The Psalmist David when fighting Goliath took 5 little stones.  Goliath laughed at this young boy`s attitude - to step out and face him.  David told him "I am coming to you in the name of the God of Israel."  He testified that when out in the wilderness with the sheep and the bear had come against the flock he had put it to death.  He could say "I shall not want."  Can we trace our story back to Calvary?  We are journeying to the place because God has promised it to us.  Pau said "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1 verse 12)  There is a day coming when we must leave this world behind and step into God`s eternity.  Paul was not worried about that day coming.  "I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4 verses 6 and 7)  He had no last minute plans or plots.  That is how we should be - ready to leave this sin cursed earth into the glories of heaven, into the presence of God for all eternity.  In Exodus 3 Moses was out in the wilderness with his sheep when he saw something he had never seen before.  He stood and marvelled at this bush burning but it was not consumed.  It should have gone up in smoke in the heat of the desert but it didn`t.  Moses decided to draw near and when he did God spoke to him.  That is how God works in our lives sometimes.  Perhaps through a time of sickness or disappointment.  Perhaps something happening around us in our families or circumstances or community.  God speaks to you through different means.  Will God speak to you tonight?  Will you make certain for heaven and home?  God has promised us this land and we are on our way to this land.  "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice,  harden not your hearts." (Hebrews 3 verses 7 and 8)  God spoke out of the burning bush.  "I have seen the affliction of Israel and I am sending you to my people."  God had seen what was going on.  Pharaoh however would not let the people go as God commanded right to the last plague when all the baby boys were killed.  Then he decided to let them go.  "We are going to the place God has promised" the people were able to say when they left Egypt.  Can you say you are here in this place because of the faith you have placed in Christ one day? It is a gift of God that you can take.  The Philippian jailer as he came into Paul and Silas` cell asked "what must I do to be saved?"  Have you ever asked that question yourself?  Here was a man prepared to do anything yet he got it wrong because there is nothing you can do to be saved.  It is a gift of God.  Accept it.  Make your way to Calvary.  Jesus is giving his life for you on the cross.  Accept what he has done for us.  Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  Have you got that savlation tonight?  Simply believing in Christ is all it takes.  Moses` confession of faith. 

His commitment to follow.  He saw the strong arm of the Lord in dealing with the enemy, breaking the power of Egyptians, now the people are marching to the Promised Land.  He is now following.  He believed and is now stepping out, was willing to prove God.  When the Lord came to where Matthew was sitting at the seat of custom he said to him "follow me."  Matthew arose and followed Christ.  2 actions were required.  He stood to his feet but then he had to put a step to his feet.  He had to follow after the Lord.  Moses could see what God had done.  He needed the answer.  God had promised the people the land.  Now he must follow.  James said "if any man be a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; For he bbeholdeth himelf and goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he is."  He sees what has to be done then forgets about it and walks away.  God`s word can do nothing for us.  We need to look at Calvary.  What it means.  Jesus stepping into the world, taking the form of a man, allowing himself to be nailed to the cross, to have a crown of thorns placed on his brow.  We go back to that scene once more night after night.  People hear this message all to no avail.  God delivered men and women and set them free out of Egypt but they must follow after the Lord.  God broke the fetters on this people, set them gloriously free but now they must follow.  Many are free but not following Christ.  I wonder will you follow?  You say you believe in Christ, what he has done.  James said "thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devil also believe and tremble." (James 2 verse 19)  Moses needed to move out of Egypt.

The confidence Moses had about the future.  "We are journeying unto the place which the Lord said I will give you."  Moses was looking for the land God had promised.  He was possessed of a hope that was steadfast and sure.  Are you sure of that place tonight?  Jesus said "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also." (John 14 veres 3)  Moses kept his eye on the cloud when it moved and he knew it was time to get up and walk.  When it rested they stopped and waited.  We do not speculate about heaven toight.  It is a certainty, whether we go there or not.  If you are saved you are on your way there.  The confidence of the future.  Joshua leading the people of Israel, going through the Jordan, when the priests lifted the ark of the covenant the people were to keep their eye on it.  "You haven`t travelled this way before."  We dare not miss the ark today.  We need to keep our eyes on Christ.  Are we following tonight?  The Psalmist said "yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."  Have you that confidence?

Moses` concern for his family.  "come thou with us".  Moses knew all that God had for his children, every promise he had and wanted to extend it to his family.  What a man.  We are on our way to heaven and home - have we invited anyone to come with us?  Have we said to our loved ones, asked them to be saved.  They need to come to Christ, trust him as Saviour and Lord.  Moses knew there was a land he was going to but he wanted others to be with him.  Is there a longing in our hearts to see our loved ones gathered with us there?  1 Thessalonians 2 verse 19 "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as his coming?"  Rahab took the spies in, let them down with the crimson chord.  She asked for her family to be saved when they came back.  They told her to have the cord hanging when they returned.  She gathered as many as she could into that house so they could be saved and they were.  David said "no man careth for my soul." (Psalm 142 verse 4)  May we not be a people that have no concern for souls, selfishly going to heaven without attempting to bring our loved ones with us.

The man who stands out

Sermon notes from Sunday 17 November 2019

Acts 4 verses 32 - 37

This pasage tells us about Joses or Joseph.  He was given a name by the apostles inner circle as Barnabas.  The interpretation of his name is the son of consolation or one who consoles.  A man who encourages, always seems to have the word of exhortation.  We live in an awful dark age and there is much discouragement and disappointment.  When we look at Barnabas this was a man who was always there.  It is good to have someone you can depend upon.  He is not the one to shout about it, a man who is aways there.  We see that highlighted in his life qualities.  He is the man who stands out.  

A distinguished man.  Barnabas was a man of experience, a man of God who followed the Lord Jesus.  Acts 11 verse 24 "he was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."  He was not just good by nature alone but with faith.  Many people were added to the church through him.  The wise man Solomon said in Proverbs 22 verse 1 "a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."  This man was simply an encourager.  He stepped out when others stayed in the background.  These were difficult times for the church.  It was the first incident of persecution that had come against the church since Acts chapter 2.  Maybe you are as far as you can possibly go, so discouraged, can hardly lift your head from the pillow, feel cannot go on another step, things have been turning against you.  Somehow you feel you cannot go on.  Take encouragement from this man.  Maybe this morning you need a word of encouragement or consolation or maybe it is possible God wants to use you as that encourager.  Is there someone you know who is going through difficult times and you could be there for them?  Maybe you are the person to take that opportunity.  Barnabas was that kind of man, he was a man whose glass was half full.  He doesn`t listen to Murphy`s Law - if it can go wrong it will go wrong.  This man got up and made himself useful.  This was a distinguished man.  He had a special quality - verse 32.  He was one of them in the number.  Are you in that number today?  Would set this man apart.  He was saved by God`s grace.  Remember when Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost, he preached the gospel of saving grace.  Isn`t it tremendous to see the work of salvation?  It is through the preaching of the word of God that men should be saved.  If we lose that preaching, the anointed preaching of God`s grace that we will see men and women saved.  It is important to invite people in.  The Lord could come at any moment in time.  If that happened there would be many in our families lost and lost for eternity.  We see here the preaching of Peter and God sent the Holy Spirit as a result.  It is through the Holy Spirit that the word of God is applied to every heart.  Remember when Jesus asked his disciples "whom do men say that I am?"  Peter replied "thou art the Christ the son of the living God."  Jesus replied "blessed are you for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you but my Father which is in heaven."  Here on this day of Pentecost Peter preached the word of God and men and women cried out "what will we do?"  The repy came back "repent and be saved."  Barbanas was distinguished because he responded to God`s word.  Elisha as he passed by the woman`s house, she saw him continualy coming.  She knew that there was something different about him.  She couldn`t ignore him.  Remember Daniel carried into Babylon, used there to come in before the kings and interpret the dreams.  Belshazzar threw a feast one day for all his princes when all of a sudden handwriting appeared on the wall.  It brought everything to a standstill.  We can be enjoying life to the fullest and all of a sudden there is the writing on the wall.  None of the wise men could tell the king what this meant until the king`s grandmother came in.  She remembered a time in Nebuchadnezzar`s life when he had a dream and one man distinguished himself.  She told Belshazzar "there is a man in the kingdom in whom there is the spirit of the Holy Ghost."  Barnabas was an encourager, a consoler.  He brought comfort.  He was a child of God.  That is what distinguished him.  We need to have experience of being brought into the kingdom of God.  Verse 36 shows he was from the tribe of Levi, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the order of the priesthood is given to this tribe.  That family was to organise and help in the temple house of God.  They owned no land of their own, they were not to buy land of their own.  This man however owned land.  He came from a good heritage but he still needed to be saved.  Maybe we have a good background, perhaps even attending church every week.  Saul was brought up in a strict religious home but he still needed to be saved.  Am I one of the multitude today?  He was a distinguished man.

He was also a dependable man.  James describes such a man as "not unstable or double minded".  A man of God and in the work of God.  Barnabas will be be there every time, you could trust in him.  Think of another couple whom Paul trusted so well - Priscilla and Aquilla.  Acts 12 firstly they had to leave their home, they had to up sticks and move away because of persecution.  In chapter 18 verse 2 we read "Paul found a certain Jew called Aquilla ... because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome."  We then read "and because he was of the same craft he abode with them."  Galatians 2 verse 9 speaks of James, Cephas or  Peter and John who "seemed to be pillars."  We need to be similar in the church.  Joshua and Caleb were sent out into the land to investigate and bring back a report.  They came back with a glowing report but all the rest of the spies were not happy.  Caleb and Joshua stood up in front of everyone.  We need people who want to get things done, are dependable.  Verse 23 when the disciples were released "they went to their own company."  Peter had been arrested by the Saduccees and were threatened but they came together to pray.  Barnabas was dependable.  It is good to be dependable.  Someone you can trust.  Samuel was a small boy when his mother took him up to the temple and gave him back to the Lord.  He was a gift from God.  Hannah told Eli "this is the child I prayed for and God has blessed me.  Now I am giving him back to the Lord."  Think of Samuel each day getting up and opeing the doors of the temple and then at night closing them again.  He grew up to tbe the greatest prophet Israel ever had.  He was always there.  Dependable.  To do the chores requested of him.  Could God depend on you?  Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher had the privilege of opening the boiler room to show those who were praying for him.

A man of discernment.  Verse 34 and 37.  The church had many needs at this time.  He was discerning enough to see the need.  He could see what was happening there.  In chapter 11 he was sent down to Antioch to see the work of God.  Barnabas went down.  He realised what these people needed.  He saw the people being saved, transformed and changed.  Here was a need.  This congregation needed something - chapter 11 verse 25.

A man of devotion.  "having land he sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet."  The discerning man sees what needs to be done, sees what is happening.  The devoted man does something about it.  Devoted to the one who save his soul.  He had some land, took it and sold it and gave the money to the apostles to be used wherever it was needed.  He didn`t say someone else can do it, he did what he could.  The woman with the alabaster box of ointment had done all she could.  God does not ask one more thing than is needed.  Barnabas was willing to give to what people needed.  Are we prepared to give what others need?  We can give no less if saved by God`s grace.  God doesn`t want the scraps or left overs  He wants all we have today.  This man took all he had.  It cost Barnabas greatly to put everything he had into the work of God.  Are we putting everything into the work of God, giving God all we have?  Are we devoted today or just getting by in the Christian experience?  Never really giving what it costs in terms of finance, time, abilities and gifts?

The people of Gennesaret

Sermon notes from Sunday 3 November 2019

Mark 6 verse 53 - 56

Mark sets out for us a challenge.  The thought of a welcome visit.  Here we see the Lord approaching Gennesaret.  It is a welcome visit.  Many will feel the benefit of his visit there.  Maybe God tonight will touch our hearts.  Maybe he will speak as he did to Lydia at the riverside on the Sabbath day.  As Mark puts forth this challenge there is a challenge for each of us saved or not.  How big is God?  Jesus exercises his power and authority over the very natures around us.  Not many could take 5 loaves and 2 fishes from the hand of a young boy, break them and feed over 5000 people.  Not too many would step on the waters and walk to Jesus himself.  He was able to do that.  Not too many could heal.  Many of you are saying `I couldn`t be saved.`  The Lord is able to save.  He walked on water and says "all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  He can make you a new creature, give you a new name, new aims and goals but he starts with your sin.

The plight Jesus faces.  As he steps off this boat and steps onto the shore and makes his way into Gennesaret the people recognised him.  In the midst of that voyage there was a real storm in the boat.  Jesus walked across the waters and brought comfort to his disciples.  We find the people recognised him.  They brought all out to meet him.  People that were in beds of sickness just to let him touch those people.  Do we see the consequences of seeing people going out into a lost eternity tonight?  What a terrible plight for such people.  Here was a people who recognised the need, gathered all that were sick in those villages.  Verse 55 they were sick but none too sick for him to heal.  Verse 57 "that they might touch" and "as many as touched him were made whole."  There are many who need that touch from the Lord tonight.  Only if you reach out and touch the Lord.  Maybe the Lord has spoken to you before.  Clinging onto something that is not real.  The Lord cannot save you if you will not reach out.  They were not only sick but they had to be carried.  Could do nothing to help themselves.  Not one of us can help ourselves because of our sin.  God in his great love for us had to send his only son because he loved us, he cared for us, doesn`t want to see us lost.  He died and shed his blood that we might be saved.  What a Saviour.  Verse 55 they brought them to where Jesus was.  No point in bringing them to a place where he wasn`t.  So too we need to bring people to where Jesus is.  Not to a place whre his name is never mentioned.  We cannot do that.  Think of the woman bound for some 18 years sitting in the synagogue.  She hadn`t straightened for 18 years.  Sabbath after Sabbath going through the motions.  She would hear all the singing and preaching, came in and out just as she was.  One day the Lord sought her, called her to where he was, brought perfect healing to her body.  The Lord still calls us to himself.  The situation in our lives when he went out on the streets.  He saw all the sick, he did not rush away from it.  Another time he went into the temple, saw those lying around the pool of Siloam, some couldn`t walk, some were blind.  He didn`t shy away from coming for everyone.  That night in Gethsemane when he realised what would happen in days to come, when he had to die on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the world he said "not my will but thine be done."  The Lord has done that for you and I.  Will you come to Christ, will you trust him?  The Lord wants you to be saved.  That is why he took the form of a servant, why he came into the world in the first place.

The passion he saw.  He saw people who wanted to be well, to be healed.  He saw those who maybe were helped on the streets.  Friends had gone out and brought them to the place where Jesus was.  They wanted those people to come to Jesus.  A ray of hope is in their hearts, jumped at the chance to meet Jesus.  People had to consent to come and be healed.  I`m sure there were those who said no to the invite to come and be healed.  There are those tonight as we meet them they cannot be bothered to come and hear the message of God`s salvation.  These are the lies and excuses of the enemy, the devil.  Remember how Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, spoke to them about their sin.  They were those who stood in the synagogue, brought and preached the word of God.  They would not come and have eternal life.  This people acknowledged they were sick.  That is what we must do first - acknowledge that we have sinned.  People acknowledged they were sick and if so they could be healed.  The Pharisees stood in condemnation of Jesus when they socialised with sinners.  They couldn`t get over this, never thought they were sinners in need of Christ themselves.  Jesus rebuked them.  "they that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick."  If you want to be saved you have to acknowledge you are a sinner.  It is the greatest acknowledgement we have to make.  If you haven`t done that you are not saved.  Here were a people who had a passion to be saved.  Jesus says "him that cometh to me he will not be cast out."

The privilege Jesus offers.  Simplicity of it all.  Just to touch the hem of his garment.  People recognised Christ, then they lifted up their voices, prayed that if they could touch the hem of his garment these people could be saved.  Maybe there is one who is praying for you right now.  Jesus came right where they were, offered this great remedy for those people.  Like the woman who suffered for 12 years, one touch of the masters garment and she was gloriously healed.  Have you called on the Lord tonight?  Called on his name to save you?  There were many on that day when the woman touched his hem.  The people were pushing and shoving but only he recognised and acknowledged the woman.  Maybe there is only one call tonight that God will recognise.  You have come to the point where you realise you need to be saved, you have to call on the Lord.  Coming from a heart that is broken.  A heart that is truthful.  Will you call on the Lord?  What a privilege it was for Bartimaeus that day.  Jesus passed by him.  He also passed by Zacchaeus in the tree.  "For by grace are you saved through faith it is not of ourselves it is a gift of God."  Have you that grace tonight?  Are you saved?  You cannot have a foot in both worlds tonight.  Jesus didn`t ask how long they had been sick.  They touched his garment and they were healed.  Didn`t ask what manner of sickness they had or what was the nature of that illness.  Knew only one touch and they were healed.  Are you afraid to come tonight?  To acknowledge you are a sinner?

The prize they achieved.  "As many as touched him where made whole."  Christ has taken your sin, made it his very own on his body when he died.  He bore it on the cross of Calvary.  He hung and suffered until he cried "it is finished."  Are you saved by God`s grace?  Has your sin been placed on him?  Have you eternal life tonight?  Will you make sure tonight?

Psalm 11

Sermon notes from Sunday 27 October 2019 am

Psalm 11 – Mr Callum Webster, Christian Institute

Why was this Psalm written?  To whom was it written?  What where the circumstances in which it was written?  King David was living through a prolonged period of hostility in his life.  No where are we given details of his specific troubles or what they involved, nor does it refer directly to him but there is reference to “the upright in heart” and “the righteous”.  Although all of us are sinners by nature and practice, if we are trusting in Christ we are counted as righteous.  Some commentators say this Psalm recollects the trials in David’s life during Absalom’s rebellion.  Others say it refers to the time when the inhabitants of Ziph betrayed David.  Perhaps it was even referring to the relentless persecution by Saul.  In a fit of anger he threw a javelin at David and thereafter he pursued David all the days of his life.  Some lessons are learned in the school of life as God deals with us.  Saul hunted David without justice, mercy and reproof.  David lives a life on the run with his foes in pursuit.  Things became desperate and the foundations of his life are being swept away.  The desperate circumstances seem unstoppable.  His friends plead with him to flee to a place of safety.  David instead steadies himself in focusing his trust in God alone.  God is sovereign, he rules over all things, he must prevail.  It is God who tests the Christian believer.  One day God will punish the wicked.  David is consoled by God.  He cannot be overthrown. 

The conspiring foes – verse 2.  David is being hunted down like an animal by a blood thirsty enemy.  He is being pursued without justice or relief.  The enemy is armed with weapons of destruction.  They are loaded and taking aim at David.  The situation is particularly dangerous.  The enemy forces are hiding (privily), lurking in the shadows.  They are behind the scene, not upfront.  It is a secret ambush approaching covertly under the cover of darkness.  These frightening circumstances must have weighed heavily on him.  We can relate to those situations today.  The opponents of the Christian faith are exalting their influence in the society we live in today.

The crumbling foundations – verse 3.  The foundations where the principles on which David could rely.  They were crucial to the stability of any building.  Though hidden underground the foundations support the entire structure, they hold everything in the building together.  If the foundations of a church were destroyed the whole building would collapse.  We do need to consider certain foundations that God has put in place that can never be destroyed either by hidden sinfulness or Satan himself.  The bible is described as foundations which cannot be supressed.  Satan can seek to cast doubt but we are reminded “forever O Lord thy word is settled in the heavens.” (Psalm 119 verse 89)  Similarly the Christian faith is seen as foundational – 2 Timothy 2 verse 19 “the foundation of our God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knows them that are his.”  The word of God and the salvation of God are foundations that cannot be shaken.  There are other foundations explained in scripture that sin can destroy and twist.  The destruction of these will bring hardship, pain and suffering in this life and in the final judgment in eternity.  Sometimes theologians call those foundations creational ordinances.  They apply to all people throughout history whether they are Christians or not.  They are reflected in the 10 commandments.  If these are destroyed or twisted other features of society will falter as well.  Certain things are given for Christian believers.  The Lord’s Supper is not meant to be observed by everyone, only God’s redeemed people for instance.  Other principles are given in scripture to be observed by all people.  The law of marriage, the sanctity of human life.  All human beings are made in God’s image.  The sanctity of marriage – an institution given to the human race between one man and one woman.  The institution of work.  The Sabbath principle of the Lord’s day of rest.  These are given to all people whether they are believers or not.  Governments and nations can destroy those principles – Psalm 82 tells us that judges “know not, neither will they understand, they walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are out of course.” (verse 5)  Isaiah 49 verses 14 and 15 “And judgment is turned away backward and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter.  Yea, truth faileth and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey and the Lord saw it and it displeased him that there was no judgment.”  Saul had violent principles of law and order, he abused his power to oppress one person.  It seemed right would not prevail.  We too today are witnessing the basic foundations being attacked, redefined, undermined in order to open the floodgates of evil gaining momentum in our nation.  The 1967 Abortion Act has resulted in 9 million babies being aborted, 599 were aborted every day on the mainland last year.  The institute of marriage has been attacked for decades by easy divorce, cohabitation.  Twisted and redefined in law to promote homosexuality.  In public sector employment staff are being persecuted to wearing rainbow lanyards in support of homosexuals.  Transgender teaching is becoming prominent in our schools.  There is the promotion of someone being trapped in the wrong gender.  Biblical principles are being seen as extreme.  The very foundations are being destroyed.  Godless laws and politicians gain momentum.  In verse 3 the question is asked “what can the righteous do?”  This is someone at the end of their resources, they have gone beyond the ability to do anything, seems as if they want to give up the fight.  David was being tried as a villain under the government of Saul.  Truth and justice may be denied for a time but they will ultimately prevail.  Creational ordinances cannot be overthrown even if society for a time seeks to do so.

The call to flee.  Against this desperate situation David’s friends were pleading with him to hide.  They felt an attack was imminent.  Circumstances are so harsh - “flee as bird to your mountain.”  The mountain was a place of security.  Humanly speaking David’s circumstances were so desperate, so dangerous, so immediate that there was no prospect of change.  The situation looks set to deteriorate.  His friends reasoned with him.  There is a genuine concern for his life.  That call seems to make sense but they failed to look with the eye of faith.  They did not discern the hand of God at work even in this impossible situation.  Psalm 76 verse 10 states “the wrath of man shall praise thee.”  Acts 4 verse 27 and 28 “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”  God overrules the plans of the wicked to fulfil his purposes.  It would be sinful for David to follow their advice.  It would be an abandonment of duty.  There are certain situations where Christians are commanded to flee from – sexual immorality, idolatry, covetousness and the love of money.  Joseph in Potiphar’s house is an example.  2 Corinthians 6 verse 14 instructs us “be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”  2 Timothy 3 lists those who make an outward profession of Christianity but inwardly show no change.  In 1 Thessalonians 5 we are warned to stay away from things that give an appearance of evil.  Scripture also talks about “the wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28 verse 1)  It is faithless advice given here – to abandon a righteous stand because of opposition and hostility.  We are not to flee from society or to have an easy life.  Creational foundations and biblical ordinances are under attack here in Northern Ireland.  One would expect Christian believers to accept the bible as the final authority, would be clear in our speaking out.  People are urging us to flee.  Others say it might detract from gospel preaching to stand out.  The Lord calls all men to repentance and faith.  We cannot ignore bible doctrine in an evil society.  In every age there are certain truths under more attack that other ages.  We cannot be selective in our discipleship.  The Lord wants us to stand up.  Matthew 5 verse 19 “whosoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.”  In Matthew 7 we read these harrowing words “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.”  We should not duck our responsibility in speaking against the issues of today.  Even Peter, one of the Lord’s disciples begged the Lord not to go the way of the cross (Matthew 16 verse 22).

The constant faithfulness of God.  David would not succumb.  He considered the faithfulness of God – “in the Lord put I my trust” (verse 1) and “The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven” (verse 4).  Although all these things were happening around him he was meditating on the faithfulness of God.  Human societies may crumble but the heavenly throne cannot be shaken.  The Lord will never leave nor forsake him.  His answer was to turn again to God.  Remember it was only one stone that killed Goliath and if it took that one stone then God could deliver him from Saul.  His confidence is grounded in the solid purpose, all powerful, all knowing God.  God is present with true believers.  The God in whom David trusted is sitting on the throne of the universe today working out his purposes in the nations today.  He will strengthen us in the times of trial.

The certain future of man – verse 4 assures us that God’s “eyes behold; his eyelids try the children of men.”  God is watching all men and women, both good and evil.  David’s enemies may have been arming their bows in the shadows but God has already seen them.  God knows all our characters, our secret moves.  He knows our desires and motives.  God knows that person through their heart.  Today many well meaning Christian believers believe that God is only interested in the gospel in a narrow way, the profession of our mouths but Psalm 11 shows God is interested in our thoughts, deeds and living out our lives as well.  Christian believers are not promised an easy ride through this life.  God sends trials. He will not punish us beyond his reach.  He will not forsake us.  He chastens us as his people and will in due time deliver us. As we see things coming to pass in our nation God has allowed those things to be, to test our faithfulness.  God refines us with fire.  None may escape.  It is the channel of blessing.  “Affliction brings out graces that cannot be seen in prosperity” Robert Murray McCheyne.  Psalm 11 assures us of a certain future - verses 5 and 6.  God’s final punishment of the wicked is guaranteed.  There is a day of accounting coming.  God will finally punish one day.  David was faced with conspiring foes, crumbling foundations, friends calling him to flee but he considered the faithfulness of God.  There was judgment ahead.  He strengthened himself in this thought, he was steadfast in those circumstances.  We are faced with challenges in our personal lives and in our church lives.  Some well meaning Christians are calling the church to flee from issues that offend the culture.  God’s word is constant and sure.  We are called to contend earnestly for the faith.  Believers may face trials, may live through times of difficulty but we are called to honour God our Saviour.