Sifted and weighed in God's balance

Sermon notes from Sunday 20 October 2019 pm

Daniel 5 verses 1 - 9, 16 - 31

The scene that is set before us is a very solemn one.  Belshazzar`s life and death is in the balance.  He has come to the end of his life.  Nothing further he can do.  All his works and exploits have been collected to be sifted and weighed in God`s balance to see if he comes up to the mark of God`s righteousness.  Yet to the very last moment of this man Belshazzar`s life he is just having a ball of a time.  He hasn`t got health nor medical problems at all.  It seems he is in the fullness of health at this very moment of time.  If you were speaking to him about the future he would tell you it was very good.  My kingdom will go on for years yet - what could be better than having a great party with his 1000 lords?  All the trappings and frivolity went on in that time.  If that wasn`t enough part of the pleasure was the public blasphemy of the God of heaven, as if raising his fists to God.  Not only does he debase himself he defiles the vessels of the temple of the Lord.  There is no fear here in this crowd of people.  He takes in the vessels of the temple of the Lord, the golden vessels.  In verse 5 we read "that same hour".  When he was at the very height of the frivolity a finger of a man`s hand began to write on the plaster of the wall.  The verdict was guilty as charged.  God`s judgement comes suddenly and in this instance it was shocking.  All the frivolity stops and one by one there comes a deadly hush that fills the place.  What a contrast when God speaks.  The noise of that place to bring that down to a deadly hush.  God has stepped in.  Belshazzar`s face changed colour, his thoughts troubled him, he begins to tremble.  Such a sight had never been seen before.  He cries out with a loud voice "bring in the interpreters, I want to know what is going on."  Think tonight of Belshazzar`s trial and judgement and parallel it to the poor sinners trial from the destruction of his soul. 

There is a balance of God`s fairness tonight.  "Thou art weighed".  It is not about any of these lords around about but Belshazzar is separated out.  His time has come to an end before God.  He stood alone.  Some people will say "if I am going to hell I am taking all my friends with me."  You stand alone, there is no-one in hell with you.  "Thou wilt be weighed."  It is not in the past tense nor in the future but the present.  The weighing process has been done.  God has already weighed up this man`s life.  He had outstanding success, the ruler of the greatest kingdom on earth, his achievements were known world wide at that time.  No-one had accomplished what he had.  He was the richest man on earth, the ruler of a great kingdom, his power was absolute.  Whatever he said went.  If you came in to be judged before this man and he said you lived you lived.  No-one questioned him.  His power was absolute.  That is the human balance.  If men and women were weighed up by what they have done could be said to be popular, have many friends, many achievements and well thought of.  Now Belshazzar is being weighed in the divine balance of eternal justice.  Into the scale God places "thou shalt have no other gods before me."  Well he couldn`t deny that commandment because he had been worshipping other gods.  Who do you worship tonight?  Your money or your home, your husband or wife, your children - who do you put in place of God in your life?  Do you know of the mercy that God has for your soul, of the one who bled and died on Calvary`s centre tree.  Have you got the Lord tonight?  If no the balance goes down.  "You shall not make unto you any graven image."  "You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain, bear false witness, covet."  All these are put in the balance and the balance goes down.  If you are not a Christian put them all on the scales.  You are a good, righteous person, a church goer - put them all on and measure them up.  You give to charity, good to your neighbours and friends.  Put it all on the balance.  Brought up in a godly home, taught right from wrong.  Put it all on the balance.  Went to Sunday school and never missed a day.  What have you got today?  Parents, grandparents were saved.  How will you weigh up in God`s balance?  When you weigh up your life and mine is it too light or perhaps too heavy?  It doesn`t weigh up to God`s balance.  John 3 verse 18 "he that believeth not is condemned already."  What you have put in the balance will be brought up against you.  The Lord will look at what your life has been.  He will place the blood of Christ, the sacrifice of Calvary on the other side and will say it is not enough.  Haven`t come up to my standards.  You are weighed in the balance and found wanting.  Matthew 7 verse 21 "not everyone that says unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."  Some say "I profess the Lord."  Remember the devil believes and trembles.  It is not worth anything.  It is possession.  Romans 3 verse 23 we all have come short of the mercy of God.  We haven`t reached his standards.  Have you done anything pure and holy?  Perhaps you are a very religious person.  Isaiah 64 verse 6 "all your righteousnesses are as filthy rags."   Mark 7 verse 6 "these people honoureth me with their lips but their heart is far from me."  What is God searching for?  That will weigh up the balance.  He is searching for repentance.  "Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."  Have you ever repented?  Have you ever come recognising you are a hell deserving sinner?  The Lord sent the Lord Jesus Christ to die for you.  If you put repentance on that balance it will come up and tip over.  God will recognise that you have accepted Christ who died on Calvary`s cross for the penalty of your sin.

There is a witness called forth.  The first witness is conscience.  The trouble with eternal reality is that you are faced with the question "what shall I do with God who is called Christ."  The gospel has been preached.  People have been conscious of their need.  They know what they have to do but they tune out the voice of conscience.  The preacher will be brought out as a witness.  He will have to give an account for all his preaching.  Many do not preach the gospel.  The Holy Spirit is a witness too convicting men of sin.  Christ himself will say "I stood at the door and knocked."  People still keep the door closed.  What about the word of God.  John 12 verse 38.  This man had a knowledge of who God was.  Many have read the word of God more times than God`s people.  It is not enough because although this man had a knowledge he did nothing about it.  Maybe you have a great knowledge of the scriptures but you have done nothing about it.  The witnesses are called forth.

The judgement is pronounced - verse 27 "thou art weighed in the balances."  Time is over.  The seriousness of it all.  Time is up.  Time as you know it is over and you are standing before God.  You are not your mother, neighbour, friend, work colleague or some debased fella down the street.  It is you tonight.  Have you any righteousness to plead?  If you have that makes the difference between the sinner and the saint.  We have no righteousness of our own but we have Jesus` righteousness.  "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  As the hymn writer said "Jesus took my sin and my sorrow and he made them his very own."  He died and shed his blood and accomplished the substitutionary work on Calvary.    People tonight have health problems, things are not looking good for them, they push the Lord away.  The Lord is standing, he is reaching out.  People say "I want to stay in my sin."  Isn`t that an awful thought.   We can push away the perfect righteousness of  the Lord.  How does that weigh in the balance of your life and all your accomplishments?  He accepts it for Jesus` sake, he justifies me.  God justifies the sinner for Jesus` sake.  Nothing qualifies that.  You are a sinner.  God`s son Jesus` blood cleanses us from all sin.  There is now no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus.  "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in the Lord Jesus." (Romans 3 verse 24)  What do you present tonight?  Thou art weighed in the balance.  Are you found wanting tonight? 

It is a balance of solemn fairness.  The witnesses are called forth.  You notice that Belshazzar was speechless.  When God calls forth on that day you will be speechless with nothing to say.  You will stand before God and the judgement will be pronounced.  How important it is to become a Christian.  For this people to realise that they need the Lord is a solemn message but if you are here and not saved it is the message you need to know there is hope.  Jesus Christ is merciful and he is willing to take our sin upon himself.  A balance of solemn fairness.  The witnesses are called forth and the judgement is pronounced - "thou art weighed."

Gathering wheat into the garner

Sermon notes from Sunday 13 October 2019 pm Rev Eric Stewart

Matthew 3 verses 1 - 12

We are not far into the gospel of Matthew when we encounter this amazing preacher.  He had a strong voice and a new voice in the countryside.  When Malachi passed on it was the end of a period of prophetic ministry in history.  400 years had now passed, people had lived and died and the people had heard nothing from God.  What a remarkable figure John was.  He was preaching a powerful message.  It was like a voice of one crying in the wilderness.  His raiment was strange as was his diet.  People were arrested by this unique man in his ways and in his message.  People began to travel out from the town and city to hear him not just the religious leaders and soldiers.  Such a scene on the banks of the river Jordan.  He spoke with conviction and from the heart.  He laid it out simply, calling them to repentance.  It is the first gospel message in the New Testament.  Jesus who came 6 months after John`s ministry preached a similar message - "repent for the kingdom of God is at hand."  The word "repent" means a radical turn around, a transformation from within.  "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 23 verse 7) When the heart is changed through true repentance there is a transformation in the life of any person.  As John preached people were so stricken, concerned that they sought the Lord.  They came to John and were baptised in the River Jordan.  They confessed their sins.  When the Saviour came later he said "the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4 verse 18)   The message has never changed.  The Lord can change those who are broken hearted and set the captive free. 

In this chapter we have a harvest scene.  It speaks about Jesus who will follow John.  This man is greater than me, he will baptise with the Holy Ghost and we read "whose fan is in his hand ... and gather his wheat into the garner."  He will gather his wheat into the garner.  My life is hidden with Christ in God.  He has no favourites.  "for whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  He gathers the wheat into the garner by the ministry of his word.  It is through the incorruptible seed of the living word that liveth and abideth forever that we are brought into the experience of life.  "He that goeth forth weeping bearing precious seed  shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126 verse 6)  Gathering people into the family of God.  We do it with the ministry of the word of God.  His message has living power.  He takes the spiritual dead and births them into the family of God through the preaching of his word.  He brings life, light and liberty.  God`s spirit takes the word.  "My word shall not return unto me empty."  As God`s word takes root in your heart you are born of his spirit, washed in his blood through the message of the word of God.  He gathers people in through the proclamation of his word.  Jesus said "I will send the Holy Spiirt to come and take the word of God to arrest us in our spiritual deadness, to bring conviction and will convert the heart."  The reality of the blood of Jesus, his Holy Spirit brings us his concern.  He creates that faith to reach out and touch the Lord.  He gathers people by his Spirit.  If you are concerned about your soul the spirit is here to bring you to the Saviour.  You might not be on the wild side but you are on the broad way.  Jesus has come to bring you to the narrow way.  Someday soon Jesus is coming again, the signs are all around us - are you ready for his return?  Only God knows the day and hour when he will come again.  All those who belong to Christ will be drawn out when he comes again.  Are you ready for that day or will you be left behind?  Do you need to get ready?  You can be harvested in with the garner.

"But he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire"  John was particularly clear about what the issues were.  The wheat and the chaff, the gathering into the garner, consumption in the flame.  There is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.  Death focuses our thinking and you will know how close it is.  "Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burning?" (Isaiah 33 verse 14)  God has made it possible for every person who will come to escape that day and have a glorious end.  I believe in God`s eternal heaven rather than in a eternal hell.  The harvest season brings wheat into the garner which consumes the chaff to the fire.  You and I are like wheat or chaff.  God knows you, knows whether you are in the kingdom or outside.  Thinking about or not thinking about it.  Concerned or unconcerned.  He knows you are not here by accident.  Once to every man and every nation he comes with the decision to be made.  What will your decision be as he speaks into your heart, as he moves toward you?  Will he move toward you?  

Ruth chapter 1

Sermon notes from Sunday 13 October 2019 am Rev Eric Stewart

Ruth chapter 1

Moab was different to the land of Israel  It was a land of idolatry, they did not follow the way of God.  Elimelech as head of the family decided because there was a famine in Bethlehem to go to Moab with his wife and 2 sons.  They only meant to stay there a short while because it was not a good environment for any of them.  They stayed longer than planned - 10 years in total.  During those years 3 of the men of the family all died.  We now find 3 women - Naomi, Orpah and Ruth left.  Orpah and Ruth were young women from Moab.  Naomi hears there is food again in Bethlehem and decided to return.  She felt like a stranger in a strange land.  She wanted to get back to the land she knew and the people she remembered.  Sometimes people drift from the Lord, they become backsliders from the Lord.  They once loved the Lord and God`s house but something happens.  They find themselves in a strange land.  How wonderful it is to come back to the Lord.  God wants to bring you back - you are not here by accident today but by appointment.  On their journey Naomi stops and talks to the girls.  She tells them they should go back to Moab.  They had a choice to make.  One girl, Orpah decided to go back to Moab and her god.  Sometimes the people of Moab would offer sacrifices to their god, children would be offered by fire to appease or gain favour from their god.  We only have to accept God as our Saviour today, no sacrifices are needed.  Orpah went back but Ruth by the choice she made decided to go on with Naomi.  She made a memorable decision.  Naomi knew that Ruth really meant it.  She was stepping out to follow the Lord.  She said "your God wil be my God."  It is great to make a choice like that when you are young.  The 2 travelled on until they arrived in Bethlehem and it is the beginning of the harvest.  The next morning Ruth says to Naomi "I want to go and work in one of the harvest fields."  So she set off and found a field, helping to harvest some of the grain.  Later in the day a man appeared on the scene.  He looked over the people and saw Ruth. He inquired about who she was.  She must have looked good because he asked about her.  They told her who she was and that she had come with Naomi whose husband was Elimelech from Moab.  Ruth had married Elimelech`s son and Boaz knew that Elimelech and his 2 sons were buried in Moab.  He also knew Ruth was part of his family.  Boaz`s name means strength.  He was well respected in the community, known for his generosity.  He was a kinsman to Ruth.  A kinsman could purchase property that belonged to a relative and that is what Boaz was going to do.  When he bought the property he was also challenged to buy Ruth to redeem her too.  We have today got a redeeming mortgage on a house.  It means when you pay for the mortgage it becomes yours, it belongs to you.  Boaz was going to have to buy Ruth.  This widow became his wife.  In that thought we have the picture of the Lord who came to the same town many years later.  He was God`s Boaz.  He was so rich - the bible says "he became poor that we through his poverty might become rich."  He didn`t have a place to put down his head.  "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."  He went to the Mount of Olives, he borrowed Peter`s boat to sail across the sea of Galilee.  He didn`t have money to pay the taxes but told Peter to go down and catch a fish with a coin in its mouth and that coin would pay for the taxes.  This is the creator of the universe who is strong enough to save all who come and trust in him.  Have you accepted him, do you know him as your redeemer today?  The transaction was made at the gate of Bethlehem.  Boaz bought the ground and Ruth.  She is called Ruth the Moabitess 5 times in this book.  Think about the number 5 and when it occurs in the bible - David had 5 stones when he went to kill Goliath, there were 5 loaves and 2 fishes used to feed the 5000, there were 5 arches where the lame man lay.  5 means grace.  When Ruth left that morning to go to the field she said "I want to meet someone in whose eyes I will find grace."  3 times she says this in chapter 2.  It is the word favour but it is the same word.  Who gives us grace today - Jesus himself.  There is nothing you can do, all your works, prayers, the gifts you bring - it is simply trusting in Jesus that we can come to know him.  She became a notable woman.  She met a remarkable man and became a notable woman.  The sixth time she is mentioned in the book of Ruth she is called Ruth the wife of Boaz.  She had a new name.  When the Lord comes into your life the heavenly Boaz gives you a new name.  His name is in your heart and life.  She became part of a new company of people, the people of God.  When we come to know the Lord we become part of the company of God.  A year later a little boy was born and they called him Obed.  When he grew up and married he had a boy called Jesse who had a lot of boys, the youngest of whom was called David and the Lord was called the son of David because he came from David`s line.  He is mentioned as is Ruth in Matthew 1.  There are 5 women mentioned there.  Ruth is one of them  Jesus is God`s greater son.  Ruth could never have dreamed that the day she stood on the path leading from Moab to Bethlehem that the decision she made would result her name would be remembered all over the world even today.  That many will gather in their different places to praise the name of Jesus who have come to know him as their own and personal Saviour.  You can know what it might mean to you to accept the Lord God as your Saviour.  There is an amazing future for anyone who will come to him and trust him.  It becomes an adventure.  Orpah went into the mist never to be spoken of again but Ruth followed the Lord and became a notable person, a new creation.  How exciting that can be for you too.

John 3 verse 16

Sermon notes from Sunday 9 February 2020 am (Harold Alcorn)

John 3 verses 1 - 17

One of the best known verses in scripture, seen on telegraph poles.  A verse that contains the gospel in the nutshell.  Jesus and his encounter with Nicodemus.  If he hadn`t come at night to Jesus we might never have had these verses.  It was God`s will however that he came specifically at night.  This man had a conviction that brought him to Jesus.  Verse 2 he had a conviction that God was with Jesus. "Except God be with him."  Major step towards salvation when we realise God is at work.  One of the biggest hindrances today is the belief that God is at work in our work today.  Nicodemus had a conviction that brought him to Jesus.  Jesus turns the conversation of who he really is and puts the focus on Nicodemus - "except a man be born again."  That was his greatest need.  Before could see the kingdom of God, born again, before could be in God`s family he needed a new start.  Speaking of spiritual matters.  Nicodemus however is still thinking physically.  How can a man be born again.  Jesus draws a comparison in verse 8.  Cannot explain everything we know that we are saved.  Verse 14 focus on things spiritually.  Reminds him of the story of Moses lifting up serpent in the wilderness.  He would have known that story so well as he was versed in the Old Testament scriptures.  Look at that great event - Numbers 21 verses 8 and 9.  The last great miracle by hand of Moses before people went into the Promised Land.  The people had sinned and were bitten as a result.  God commanded Moses to lift up a serpent and set it on a pole and everyone that looked at it would live.  They were about to go down and do battle with Amelekites.  Comparison with Jesus and the serpent.  Jesus was sent into the world by God his father.  The serpent was lifted up on a pole.  Jesus was lifted up on the cross.  It was a fiery serpent.  Revelation 1 verse 15 comparison with God himself as he was lifted up to die for our sin.  The people looked and were healed and entered into the Promised Land.  We too can be saved when we look at Jesus being raised up on the cross.  Our sins were taken that day.  The people had to believe as they looked to the serpent.  Only when they looked were they healed.  We too need that faith to believe that Jesus died on the cross, to look to him, to have our sins forgiven.  Many scoff at believing in Jesus can give us eternal life.  Salvation is only found through belief.  Moses was commanded to put that serpent on the pole.  God was looking forward to that day on Calvary.  John 3 verse 16.  He didn`t exclude anyone.  Nicodemus believed it was only to the Jews but all are included.  Notice the word "whosoever".  Take out that word and put in your own name.  The words "for God" are repeated again in verse 17.  Our attention is being drawn to consider God himself.  We need to consider what God has done in the past, doing in the present and what will do in the future.  The purpose of God sending his son is made clear in verse 18 "but that the world through him might be saved.  We need to watch don`t overlook a great truth.  Here the world was already condemned before Jesus came.  He came to lift the condemnation.  Jesus will give the final condemnation.  Matthew 25 Jesus talks of separating the sheep from the goats one day in the future still to come.  He will gather all nations and separate as a shepherd.  We need to always remember he says to those on the left to depart from him.  They have brought condemnation on themselves.  Will you know Jesus as Saviour or as your judge?

3 hours of darkness

Sermon notes from Sunday 26 January 2020 pm

Matthew 27 verses 39 - 46

"from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour and about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice." verse 45

3 hours of darkness - from the sixth hour (midday) to 3 pm in the afternoon darkness covered the earth over all the land.  In those 3 hours of darkness the Lord was bearing and enduring the wrath of God for your sins and mine.  We cannot properly penetrate those hours of darkness, do not know the depth of waters that he crossed.  There are 3 things about those hours of darkness.  What a challenge they bring to us.

Hours of confrontation.  In Luke`s gospel the Saviour is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus says to them "this is your hour and the power of darkness." (Luke 22 verse 53)  His hour to suffer, to go through the agonies of the cross.  For such he came into the world.  What did this mean?  What he was about to endure and suffer on the cross would be hours of confrontation.  The powers of darkness would be let loose on the Saviour.  Satanic power, demonic power would be unleashed on him.  He triumphed over them Paul said but he came to confront him.  "Many bulls have compassed me strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round." (Psalm 22 verse 12)).  The powers of demonic flee from him.  When Jesus was born Satan endeavoured to thwart and overthrow God`s salvation.   Caesar ordered all the children to be killed under a certain age.  Thank God they failed, they did not achieve what set out to achieve.  Through those hours of confrontation Jesus overcame all of them.  Jesus is Lord over all the powers of hell and darkness.  The lifestyles people are getting ensnared in shows that Satan is present on planet earth.  Jesus is Lord over demons.  3 hours of confrontation.

Hours of expedition - God took your sins and mine.  He placed your sins and mine on his son, bore them away.  Remember when John said "behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world."  In those 3 hours of darkness God who knew no sin was placing it on his son that he might bear those sins away.  That is the gospel.  In the Old Testament Leviticus the sins of Israel were confessed over the head of the scapegoat.  The priests would confess the sins and they would be transferred over.  The love God had.  The priests led the goat into the wilderness, carried the sin away.  The Lord did that on the cross of Calvary.  The sins of the world were placed on him.  He bore them all away in those hours of darkness.  Have your sins been cast away?  Behold the Lamb tonight who takes away your sin.

Hours of desolation  At the ninth hour Jesus cries with a loud voice.  "Eli Eli lama sabacthani? or my God, my God why hast thou forsaken me."  Jesus suffered those hours of desolation when the father turned his face away.  He had enjoyed the presence of the father.  For so long, now on is withdrawn, left desolated.  His disciples have fled.  Human comfort, sympathy all fled from him.  Now the father has fled.  That humbles you to think he did it for you and I.  Hours of desolation.  Whenever you have a loved one in hospital suffering and in pain what do they do in the hospital drawn around the screens to give them privacy and dignity is the family.  THat is what God did in those 3 hours of darkness, he drew across the drapes of darkness so no one could see the desolation his son was facing.  All the earth fell silent because those 3 hours were hours of desolation.  When the darkness passes the son of God cries out.  Then it is in triumph.  It is finished, bowed his head and gave up the ghost as if he was bowing his head in the bosom of his father.  The work is done.  3 hours of darkness, confrontation, expediation, desolation.  When it is finished it is jubiliation.

No man cometh to the Father except by Christ

Sermon notes from Sunday 1 March 2020 pm

John 14 verses 1 - 6

As we read these verses we remind ourselves that the Lord is speaking to his disciples about the days yet to come.  He will soon leave them to go back to his father in heaven.  He is setting the ground for the disciples, there are things going to take place and your hearts will be troubled but don`t let that happen - "what I must do I must do".  We read that Jesus himself said to his Father in heaven "I have finished the work that you have given me to do."  Look at verse 6 "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me."  Isn`t that a solemn statement - that no man cometh to the Father but by him."  Verse 6 and that statement is the unmistakeable answer that Jesus gave to an honest enquiry.  Thomas said in verse 5 "Lord we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way?"  Jesus tells him "I am the way, the truth and the life."  There is an exclusion zone outside of Christ.  "There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved."(Acts 4 verse 12).   Jesus spoke to his disciples about a place and he was speaking of a decision, how to get there.  There is a revelation - God is revealing his plans to man.  There is also a desire in Thomas to know where he is going and to know the way.  There is a recognition that we want to be there but there is also a restriction that the Lord puts on - no man.    Finally, there is a reflection - by me.

Firstly see this revelation given by Jesus.  This is not something to be reckoned out by our own intellect.  It is a revelation from the Lord.  He has to reveal to us our great sinfulness, that we have sinned and come far short of the glory of God.  That is only revealed to us by Jesus himself.  The natural man cannot receive anything from God for they have to be spiritually discerned.  You are saved because God has given to you a revelation of your own heart.  Pray that God will give you that salvation because you will never be saved until you have.  Remember when Jesus asked his disciples once "whom do men say that I am?" The replies were "some say Elijah, others Isaiah."  Jesus then turned to them and asked "who do you say that I am?"  Peter replied "thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Remember the reply the Lord gave to him "flesh and blood have not revealed this unto you but my Father which is in heaven."  Only God the Holy Spirit can come and break down the hindering blindness."  Only he can show us our sinfulness and what he has done in taking away our sin on Calvary.  He is going to the cross.  Jesus is facing death not as a martyr but going as a substitute.  He was taking your place and mine.  We could never enter heaven on our own accord because of the sinfulness in our hearts.  When he died on Calvary he was reconciling a lost world to God.  The Bible says the soul that sinneth shall die.  Jesus takes the penalty, every sin you have committed he has taken them on his own body.  He bears the marks on his hands and feet, bears the ridicule of those around him, was spat on and had the hairs of his face plucked out.   Jesus has borne our sin on Calvary and justified us in God`s eyes.  Jesus death was predicted and planned.  The timing was planned in great detail.  Isaiah writing 700 years before Christ was born seen his death.  "He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities."  He was dying not for a cause but for our sins.  "With his stripes we are healed."  A revelation from God the Holy Spirit into Isaiah`s heart.  He could see that he was put to death between 2 sinners, robbers, put to death with the transgressors.  He was laid in the tomb of the rich.  That is why we need a revelation tonight.  Time after time he brings us back to what is written and recorded for us in scriptures.  Acts 8 the Ethiopian eunuch reading from the very book of Isaiah, Philip drew alongside his chariot and asked him "do you understand what you are reading?"  The eunuch replied "how can I understand except someone explain it to me."  God has done something for that man listening and reading the word of God.  Philip went up and preached unto him Jesus.  The Philippian jailer listening to Paul and Silas singing hymns.  As the earthquake came to the prison house, he got a revelation of what he was.  He knew he needed to be saved.  "I go to prepare a place for you."  He has gone to prepare a place for you and I.  1 Corinthians 2 verse 9 "Eye hath not seen nor ear heard. neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. "  Are you looking forward to that day when you leave this scene of time and go into the splendours of heaven, when you meet the Saviour for the first time?

Notice the recognition we find here.  It comes from Thomas - "how can we know the way?"  That speaks of an interest in spiritual things.  Is there the same recognition in your heart?  That you want to be in heaven for all eternity.  See that same recognition on the heart and mind of the thief on the cross.  He recognised this world was not his home.  He realised there was a vast kingdom out beyond, that one day he would enter into that kingdom when he would die.  That old thief was ready and willing to turn his back on the world and stake his claim on Christ.  What this thief reckoned was there was nothing in this old world for him he could believe on.  Many have such a grasp on this world, they would rather forfeit home in heaven, never take time to consider life after death, what a lost eternity must mean for a poor lost soul.  Have you ever taken time to recognise what you are holding onto?  If you are not saved you are holding on to that will take you into a lost sinners hell.  The moment you close your eyes in death.  Paul counted all his privileges at one time - his upbringing and position in the Sanhedrin until he got a revelation from God.  He realised he would never be in heaven.  He regarded it as dung that he might win Christ.  That is what it will take if you want to come to Christ and set everything aside.

Notice a restriction that is clear.  Not on how many are saved but rather on the way you come.  "No man cometh unto the Father but by me."  The disciples asked on one occasion "who then can be saved?"  The rich young ruler came and spoke to Jesus then turned his back on Christ.  He thought the riches he had was the blessing from Christ.  They asked Jesus "who then can be saved?"  He began to speak of a narrow gate and few there were that find it.  Many tonight want to be saved and be in heaven but they restrict themselves, will not come to the only door.  Many will say I think I am doing the best I can.  The Lord says if you are trying your best, living a clean life it is opposite to the way Jesus set out.  "No man can come to the Father except through me."  He wants you to come, to trust him.  It is restricted not in the sense that so many are set aside to be saved and others to perish, that God has decreed all this.  No it is our choice.  It is not a restriction on God`s side but rather man`s side because he chooses not to come.

A reflection that is worth having.  Think of the great loss - "no man".  If you may, have the desire to come to the father to go to heaven "except by me."  Matthew 7 they come and they said "Lord".  They were respectful.  They said "have we not done our best, tried our hardest, preached in your name, done many mighty deeds in your name."  Jesus told them "I never knew you."  Will you take a moment to reflect upon it - which way are you going?  Will you come to Christ on the cross?  Will you take eternal life?  Give him your sins tonight.  "What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul."

Daily thoughts during COVID19 - June 2020

2 June 2020 – An Open Door

Revelation 3 verse 8 “I know thy works, behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name.”

It is a door of service, how this church could serve Christ but also how this church would serve Christ.  It is also a door of God’s salvation.

The availability of the door – a door of refuge, a door of safety, a door of security.  The open door speaks of opportunity.  It is not of our making.  We can never purchase salvation ourselves.  God redeemed us with the blood of his son.  “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.”

There is an argument for the door – “and no man can shut it”.  It is open to all.

There is the access from that door – “for thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name.”  We cannot earn our salvation.

3 June 2020 – A closed door – A special visitor – Revelation 3 verse 20

“Behold I stand at the door and knock if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.”

Description – picture of the Lord standing at the door, door represented the heart of man.  2 types of man – natural and spiritual.  Natural = unsaved.  Spiritual = born again of God.  Holman Hunt’s picture of Jesus standing at the door.  Critics told him of one mistake – no handle on the door – handle is on the inside, the Lord was knocking to come in and only person who could open it was you.  You are on the inside – will you open the door to Jesus?

Desire – Jesus is standing wanting to enter in.  “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”  The sinless patient Son of God is trying to gain our attention today.  It is a matter of will, your decision to come to Christ.

Disappointment – finds door closed.  Lord came into world to save sinners.  These people were increased with goods and have need of nothing – verse 17.  Is there any room for Jesus to come into your heart and life?

Delight – “if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me.”

A feast has been prepared and he wants us to enjoy it with him.

4 June 2020 – Main door – no excuse – John 10 verse 9

“I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture.”

The clarity of this announcement – remember when the angel announced to the shepherds “For unto you is born to you in the city of David a Saviour.”  Notice the words “any man”.  “There is no other name given among men whereby you must be saved.”  No salvation in eternity but there is timescale now in the present.

The consideration to be given – consider situation and what he is saying.  Pointing to sheepfold and security of that when sheep come in at night.  Have we considered who Jesus is and what he has done for you?

The certainty here that is shared – no doubts, you can be saved today.  No matter background, racial identity where have come from.

5 June 2020 – A glorious door – Revelation 4 verse 1

“After this I looked and behold a door was opened in heaven and the first voice which I heard was as it were a trumpet talking with me which said, Come up hither and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”

John was banished to the Isle of Patmos because of testimony of Christ.  There he was given vision of things which must come to pass. 

The wonder of this scene.  One great event we are waiting on.  The coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many wonders – Jesus being born into world, Jesus dying on cross of Calvary – dying for you and me, Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus return one day yet to come.

The welcome of this scene.  John heard the voice “come up hither”.

John 14 promised to prepare a place for his disciples.  “I will come again that where I am there ye will be also.”  Coming for church of Jesus Christ.  Disciples were asked “why look ye steadfast into heaven … this same Jesus … shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”  1 Thessalonians 4 verse 16 “in the twinkling of an eye” immediately.  “I was in the spirit” verse 2.

The worship of this scene – why – journey is ended, pilgrimage has ended, church is at home at last.  Chapter 4 elders worshipping around the throne.  Chapter 5 nations of world worshipping.

6 June 2020 – A great invitation – Matthew 11 verse 28

“come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

4 Nos

“I will give you rest” – no distraction.  Only one who gives rest in Jesus.  Man has restless soul, cannot find peace until we come to Christ himself.  Naaman soldier was man of valour, many achievements but he was a leper.  In his house there was a Jewish maid, asked if he would go to prophet Elijah he would be healed.  Naaman got distracted, went to king instead of prophet.  Distracted by religiousity, good deeds. 

“I will give you rest” – no doubt that Jesus will do what he says he will do.

I will give you rest” – no debt.  Philippian jailer “what must I do to be saved?”  Nothing we can do, gift from God himself.

Nothing we can do to earn our salvation – believe is all asked to do today. 

I will give you rest – no disappointment.  Jesus promises rest from all concerns about future, a great peace for forgiveness of sins.

10 June 2020 – A great wonder

John 11 verse 28 “and when she had so said she went her way and called Mary her sister secretly saying the master is come and calleth for thee.”

The presence of the Master.  Jesus entered this scene in Bethany because of sickness and death.  The Lord came into this world because of death.  Man had turned against God, man had fallen into sin.  “The wages of sin is death”.  Jesus took on himself the form of a servant and died in our stead.”  Yet while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

The plea of the Master – Jesus pleads for us today.  He told Matthew to follow him as sat behind the lectern.  Peter and his disciples mending nets Jesus said “follow me”.  The Master comes and he is pleading for you.  Why should I turn to him?  It is for the very circumstances that he calls you to himself.  Enoch after the birth of his son “walked with God.”  He recognised his responsibility.

The power the Master has.  Jesus tarried until Lazarus was dead, he was then taken to tomb.  Mary took him to the problem.  Jesus spoke into the darkness of the tomb to come forth.  Very chains of death could not hold him, responded to his calls.  The Lord steps into your situation.

10 June 2020 – Only believe – Mark 5 verses 22 and 23

“And behold there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name and when he saw him, he fell at his feet.  And besought him greatly saying My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee come and lay thy hands on her that she may be healed and she shall live.”

Circumstances that brought Jesus into people’s lives.

Man called Jairus with one problem – brought the Lord into life and home – his daughter lay at the point of death.  Maybe had tried best doctors.  Maybe Jesus was the last resort.  Women in the same episode – for 12 years suffered ailment, tried all doctors, not any better, last resort, heard of the Lord, touched his hem and was made whole.

Young man with inheritance, felt short changed, wanted the Lord to speak to his brother.  Jesus replied “who made me a judge.”

His prayer “and behold a man named Jairus” – teacher of the synagogue, despite crowd got down on his knees and begged for Jesus.  Notice his faith recognised what Jesus could do.  Jesus told him “only believe”.  Respectful to Jesus.  Think of Zacchaeus rich man ran down the street, climbed up sycamore tree just to see Jesus.  Maybe we need to leave our religiousity behind us.

His proof – someone comes from his house to say child is dead.  Jesus told him she was not dead.  He only had to believe.  “who do men say that I am”  Jesus asked.  He is Saviour, the  only one that can take your sin away.

His prize – when went into house Jesus reached for his daughter by the hand.  Healed perfectly whole that day.

11 June 2020 – Losing sight of the important things – Luke 12 verse 13

“One of the company said unto him Master speak to my brother that he divide the inheritance with me.  And he said unto him. Take heed and beware of covetousness for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Young man speaking of money matters yet the Lord had time for him, did not turn away from him.  Sat in his company as Jesus preached – reality of a false religion, reality of heaven and hell, decision that had to be made.  He did not really hear any of it, all he could think of was material things.

The caution the Lord gives – “take heed” and “beware”.  Psalm 64 “when riches increase set not your heart upon them.” Think of Achan in book of Joshua.  Told not to touch spoils in Jericho.  He saw silver, gold and Babylonish garment, had to have them and disobeyed God.  It brought tragedy to himself, his family and nation Israel.

The correction that he taught – find joy when you take the Lord as Saviour.

13 June 2020 - The day Jesus passed by
Luke 18 verse 37 "And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Bartimaeus asked the people why there was so much commotion and noise and the crowd told him that Jesus was passing by.

The circumstances that afforded him a favoured opportunity.  Perhaps Bartimaeus was helped to an area where people passed by each day so he could beg.  If it had not been for those circumstances - being blind, sitting in same place every day he might never have met Jesus that day.  Remember Lydia, a seller of purple, it was her business that brought her to Philippi and to hear Paul preaching the gospel. 

The circumstances that afforded him a final opportunity.  Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to his death, he would never pass this way again. Revelation 3 verse 20.  Genesis 6 "my spirit will not always strive with man."

The circumstances that afforded him a faithful opportunity.  Bartimaeus found a faithful Saviour when he cried out "Jesus thou son of David have mercy on me."

The circumstances that afforded him a fruitful opportunity.  Jesus stopped, the disciples brought Bartimaeus to Jesus and Jesus asked him what he wanted him to do.  He asked to receive his sight and Jesus gave it to him.

16 June 2020 - The right pathway
Matthew 7 "Enter ye in at the strait gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat.  Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it."

This was at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.  There are 2 sets of two`s here - the broad road and narrow road, the good tree and the corrupt tree, the solid foundation and the false foundation.

Setting out choices - way of life and its description - 2 entrances the narrow and broad, 2 roads we travel on the narrow and broad road. 

There are 2 destinations - heaven and hell.  There are 2 groups of people - people on the broad road that leads to Christless eternity and the people who go in at the narrow gate and find eternal life.  Which gate have we gone through?  Which road are we travelling?  Which destiny are we heading to?  Which group of people are we heading on the road with?  1 group are saved and 1 group are on way to lost eternity.  1 Corinthians 1 verse 18

Decision to be made - enter in through narrow gate.  We are born in sin and shapen in iniquity, we travel on the broad road, we are told to enter in at the narrow gate that leads to heaven.  There is a choice to be made.  Moses "I have set before you this day the way of life and the way of death ... choose life."  Joshua "Choose you this day whom you will serve."  Elijah "why halt ye between 2 opinions, if God be God then follow him."

Dangers - "there is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof is the way of destruction and death."  Disciples asked Jesus "are there few that be saved?"  Jesus told them to strive to enter in at the narrow gate.  It is not of our choosing but rather the Holy Spirit`s leading.

Destinies - wide gate to enter in, a broad road to travel, so many on this way, measure ourselves against others and say "surely I will be in heaven."  We see religious leaders with us on that same road and think we must be OK.  We have got to turn away from the broad road.  We need to confess our sins to Christ, repent and turn to him today.

17 June 2020 - I am the way
John 14 verse 6 "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

On the cross Jesus has bled, suffered and died.  He cried "it is finished".  He provided the way back to God.  There is some confusion here.  In John 14 Jesus is telling the disciples that he will soon depart from them.  He would prepare a place for them and take them there one day.  He said "whither I go ye know and the way ye know."  Thomas answered "we know not whither thou goest how can we know the way?"  Many would say "There are so many ways to get to heaven - obey the commandments, live by the Sermon on the Mount, attend church, say my prayers, read my bible, do the best I can, surely that is the way to heaven?"  It is not through a set of thoughts or processes but through the person of Christ.

Clarity - "I am the way" John the Baptist said "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world."  Matthew sitting at the tax collection table when Jesus passed by and said "follow me."  Matthew arose and followed Jesus.  Remember Moses in the wilderness with the Children of Israel.  A serpent came in to the camp and bit the people.  As the poison began to run through the veins, Moses had to make a brass serpent and put it on a pole in the midst of the camp.  When the people looked to that serpent they would be healed.  You and I are to look to no one else but Jesus for our salvation.  "For there is no other name given amongst men under heaven whereby we must be saved."  The thief on the cross saw the way was in Christ and none other.

Cost  - Jesus was going to prepare the way, he had to go the way of the cross, to be rejected of the priests, the Pharisees, the scribes and religious leaders of that day, to be betrayed into the hands of the Roman soldiers.  On the cross he had to suffer, bleed and die.  It is a free salvation, it cannot be earned or paid for.  It cost the Lord his life, he suffered and bled so that the price is paid in full.  He prayed in Gethsemane "if it be possible let this cup pass by me."  There was no other way.  He had to suffer and die.  In John 17 Jesus said to his Father "I have finished the work you gave me to do."  There is no other way to heaven but by the finished work. There is nothing to add to it or take away from it.

Consequences - "no man cometh unto the Father but by me."  Some say there is one God but many ways to God.  Jesus says differently.  Begins at the cross and it is the only place where sin is dealt with.

18 June 2020 - Fooled
Proverbs 14 verse 12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death."

This man is representeth of number of people, multitude of people content to be on this way.

Attention is given - this man has been taught in the things of God, that he is our Creator, that he loves us and at the end of life there is either heaven or hell.  He believed that if he turned over a new leaf, to try to be better things would be OK.  Reminder of rich young ruler who came to Jesus in the Gospels.  He asked "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  He realised the road he was on was deceitful and he had to do something.  He was a clean living, upright man who kept the commandments but didn`t have the assurance that when he died he would go to heaven.

Appearance this man gives in to.  "There is a way that seemth right"   He was going by the appearance of what he thought was right, not the word of God.  Nicodemus was a religious man and Jesus told him "except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of heaven."  The Bereans listened to the preachers intently but went home and searched the scriptures for themselves  Cain, Adam`s sin was taught in the word of God and brought the firstfruits of the fields to appease for his sin.  Abel the brother brought a lamb and his sacrifice pleased God.  The 2 boys were taught in God`s way but Abel chose the way of God.  The Israelites in Egypt knew their delivery was by a lamb.

Attraction to the way.  Attracted to it because it was a pleasing way.  "If any man follow me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."  The cross is a symbol of suffering, shame and death.  Attraction because of volume of people doing same thing.  Maybe led by a religious society - reading their bibles, saying prayers and singing hymns.  It all seemed right.

Attrocity of the way - maybe listened to many, challenged by the word of God, felt OK and even argued was on the right way.  This man may have been sincere but he was sincerely wrong.  God of heaven asks "what have you done with my Son who died for your sins."  Make sure you are on the right way today.