Good Friday - The Darkest Hours

When I was a teenager, I once stayed overnight at a colleague’s home. Before retiring for the night I browsed the bedroom bookshelf and found the most unusual piece of literature…an old, huge handwritten volume of on-the-scene experiences of a young British private in WW1. An amazing book really, filled with on-the-spot drawings of soldiers and war and detailing the young man’s fears, confusion and concerns.

One particular incident gripped me vividly… about a time when certain death faced this young soldier and his little group of outnumbered comrades come the dawn when superior forces would attack. He graphically described that dark lonely night that was filled with personal alarm, horror and fear inspiring tension as he waited in the terrifying blackness during those long trying, uncertain hours.

That the night is always darkest before the dawn is so true! Men wept openly, men prayed to the God they weren’t even sure existed.

Then the dawn. Shouts, battle fire, dense smoke, and a horde of enemy soldiers moving quickly toward the brave but doomed little group.

Then an incredible thing happened… suddenly, just as the outnumbering German forces were about to attack, an army of heavenly soldiers dressed in khaki uniform appeared from nowhere through the smoke and drove back the enemy. Fear fell on the Germans and they fled and the little group was saved.

Just as suddenly as they had appeared the unstoppable ghost army disappeared and a holy reverence fell on the young man and his comrades. Had they imagined it? Had it really happened? There was no other group of British soldiers near them. The dark hours had given way to victory for them despite their fears.

The dark hours
Dark hours…we all have them from time to time. Fear can come in, as can a sense of being alone and no one caring. Doubts can lead us to believing lies. Ever notice how troubles, uncertainties, sicknesses and the unpaid bills always seem bigger - worse - in the dark hours? I guess we’ve all been there.

Let me remind us of a very special soldier who went through his own night of dark hours with no one, no heavenly army, just for us…

‘Good’ Friday
Black Friday, dark Friday, evil Friday. For on that awful day, at noon, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, would begin to die on a rugged cross at Calvary outside Jerusalem to personally pay the penalty for every wrong committed by every member of the human race.

An incredible, amazing and horrible event. The agony he would suffer would become unbearable. Crucifixion was called the worst of deaths, yet it would be more so for Jesus for he would know pain beyond pain as he became a sin offering for all of us and suffer torment beyond torment and the rejection of his friends and – worse – his Father God.

For all for us. Sin is wrongdoing, sin is evil, and sin must be punished. God has said so. But God does not want any one to perish in eternal hellfire. So he sent his Son Jesus to pay the penalty instead. Amazing. Love demonstrated at its highest example.

The dark hours of that historic Friday probably began around midnight. His disciples – his so-called friends – had deserted him in fear for their own lives when the local authorities arrested Jesus. Now, alone and without support, he’s bound and dragged before the priest Annas for questioning, then to Caiaphas the high priest and the whole Sanhedrin – the council of religious teachers.

Somewhere between one and three am he is heavily interrogated, struck on the face, falsely accused, spat on and repeatedly struck with fists followed by successive resounding slaps. And his prophetic ministry and holy personage mocked.

Outside, his previously best friend, Peter, has denied their relationship three times…just as Jesus had prophesied! Jesus is truly alone.

The dark night moves on. There is further interrogation by the Sanhedrin, probably between 6 and 8am, as day dawns. Will it never end? More indictments are railed against Jesus and he is wrongly judged as worthy of death. But the Sanhedrin no longer has the legal right to inflict capital punishment so they cunningly send him bound to Pilate the Roman governor for official condemnation and crucifixion.

Outside the city, Judas, who also betrayed his friend Jesus, hangs himself in self-condemnation and guilt. But there is no remorse among these so-called religious people who do not want Jesus as the God and king of their lives… (Has anything changed today among religious people who profess Christianity but don’t want to submit to Jesus’ right to rule them?)

Pilate also questions Jesus and, admittedly, endeavours to find a way out for him. But the Sanhedrin brings new pressure to bear. Pilate sends Jesus off to the local authority, King Herod. It’s now around 8.30am. Herod fails to get a response from Jesus and he too has him mocked and treated with contempt, then returned to Pilate.

Jesus’ dark hours continue relentlessly…
Pilate, still convinced Jesus is innocent, decides to let him off after corporeal punishment. But the religious leaders and the now gathered crowd won’t have a bar of that. ‘Crucify him’ they scream and scream. How foolish! Their hasty foolishness will become a self-indictment against them before God.

And then it begins…the real dark hours. Somewhere between 9 and 11am, some of Isaiah’s terrifying prophecies of our Saviour’s awful, horrendous ordeal and sufferings are fulfilled.

Picture if you can, the atrocities committed on the Son of God. He’s publicly scourged with a club of leather thongs ending with little metal chains with lead pellets or hooks; he’s stripped and dressed with a scarlet robe, a crown of long thorns is rammed on his precious head; he’s mocked, spat on and struck on the head. His beard is ripped painfully from his face.

An ugly scene. An ugly time. Madness! Satan and evil or misguided people are having their self-centred way.

Yet, incredibly, Jesus says nothing to defend himself or escape the horror, torture and mockery. Such is his resolve to fulfil his Father’s will that he die to save all humankind that he does nothing to protect or free himself either through word or the use of supernatural or angelic power.

He’s returned to Pilate who again tries to release this guiltless man…but then submits to the pressure of the religious leaders and the crowd. Barabbas, a real criminal is released instead. Pilate washes his hands of the whole thing. But only the blood of Jesus can forgive and wash away mistakes, wrong doings and sin! And that blood has yet to be spilled on Calvary.

We move on in the time frame. It’s coming up to noon by now. Pilate has given the order invoked by the very people whom Jesus came to save…’Crucify him.’ Jesus is again mocked, stripped of his supposedly kingly robe and dragged away to be hung on a wooden cross between two thieves.

On the route to outside the city wall, women cry when they see what has been done to the one who had been a friend to so many, had healed so many, had spoken kindly and comforting to so many. Amazingly, in spite of his pain and discomfort, he still has a kind word for them, and a prophetic word of challenge regarding future days.

The weight of the crossbar he was forced to carry, the several beatings he had taken, the agony… has all been too much. Jesus is very weak by now and a visitor from Cyrene is compelled to carry the heavy wooden crossbar.

Oh what it must have cost Jesus to drag himself through the streets of his beloved Jerusalem and up the hill to the area called Golgotha, or Skull Hill. And the worst is to follow.

The dark hours carry on into the fulness of the day
The crossbar is now attached to the upright, lying on the ground. Jesus is forced down onto it. The nails – those long heavy, ugly nails are forcefully hammered into his wrist, the only part of the hand able to bear weight on a cross, and into his feet. He was God but he was human. He would have screamed in new agony with every hammer blow. The Romans knew no pity.

Then comes the pain-bringing jarring through every part of his being as they haul the cross upright and drop it and Jesus with a thud into the prepared hole in the ground. The shuddering would have run through his whole body bringing wracking renewed agony. The terror, the pain of what crucifixion does to every part of the body now really begins…

Noon! Eerie, unexplainable extreme darkness falls across the land as the Son of God begins to really take on the punishment properly due every sinner ever born and the heavenly Father in his own pain turns his face of light away from his Son!

Yet, somehow, through dry, chapped lips Jesus finds strength to throatily forgive all who have wronged him this dark day. Even a dying thief receives a blessing of assurance of forgiveness and heaven ahead.

The Romans had crucifixion down to a fine art to punish those they cruelly hung. Very quickly those crucified would long for death and release. But the agony was deliberately prolonged. And Jesus isn’t dying as one man receiving human punishment; he’s dying for all humankind. His agony is multiplied beyond understanding and counting! He can only take so much.

Three pm, Jesus cries out to his heavenly Father and submits his dying and future to the Holy Spirit. Our Saviour dies alone. In a lonely place. On a lonely cross. In a lonely moment.

The dark hours are finally over
What inner agonies, what bodily pain did Jesus go through for us? Did doubts afflict him; did he wonder if it was really all worthwhile? Where were his friends? Where was his Father God, the Holy Spirit, the angels…!
Not everyone was going to appreciate his sacrifice or accept him as Saviour…people would go on despising him, not believing in him, mocking him, passing him by, and millions would come to use his name as a swear word. Even ‘Jeez’ is a diminutive of ‘Jesus.’ Two thousand years later not a lot has changed - except for those who have accepted him as friend and Saviour and Lord.

Over the centuries many would deny Jesus. Many today say that they don’t believe in that ‘sort of thing.’ But the facts can’t be changed. Humankind has sinned, we all need forgiveness of our sins – the breaking of God’s laws and our spurning of his love and right to rule our lives – we all need a Saviour. Jesus is that Saviour! And we owe him so much!

Thank you, Lord that you carried those dark hours!
Oh dear, dear Lord Jesus…whatever went through your mind – or were you too much in pain to even think about what was going on? – thank you that you did go on to Calvary to become our Saviour. We owe you so much! Yet we are soon so ungrateful at times and forgetful of your grace and mercy. Forgive us afresh and help us today to reverently remember that you did it all for us. Only you – the spotless, perfect lamb of God could have gone through with it all.

Thank you for your determination, your incredible love for God’s wayward creation. Thank you Father God for your awesome plan of salvation. Thank you Holy Spirit that you moved in on resurrection Sunday and raised Jesus from the dead to become our Lord and Saviour with victory over Satan, sin and selfishness, death, the grave and the future! Our hope for today and tomorrow is truly in you!

Come Good Friday Christians remember what Jesus went through for us but on Easter Sunday we’ll celebrate and shout, ’The dark hours are over! He’s alive! He’s alive and he reigns forever more! He’s now my Saviour every day, every hour of every day. Every dark hour in my life will turn to blazing light because he lives!’

Facing dark hours?
If you’re facing some dark hours then this Good Friday - or any day, even today - give them all to Jesus…he understands. He understands your hurts, your uncertainties, fears and pain. He’s been there, he knows…and he has the power to help you, comfort and strengthen you. Just give it all to Jesus. Talk to him…he’ll listen; he’ll move to help you. He loves you; he’s your friend, your Saviour.

Black Friday, dark Friday, evil Friday indeed, yet a great Good Friday for us! Forget about Easter eggs for a moment and praise God for his unspeakable love and sacrifice through Jesus. Hallelujah!

This Good Friday remember - not with sorrow, but with an expectation of victory – to celebrate the fact that Jesus went through dark hours on our behalf. And … that today he lives for each of us to give us great blessings of sins forgiven, reconciliation with Father God, peace, health, happiness and an incredible future through the Holy Spirit’s supernatural help. Not some ghost or angelic army will come to your rescue but Jesus himself. He’s already fought life’s battles for you. Don’t be afraid or terrified, trust him for every victory!

And it’s all because he loves us so. Rejoice Easter Friday; don’t sorrow as those without hope! Don’t wait until Easter Sunday! Remember this…the darkest hours are those before the dawn. Let Jesus take you into a new dawn, a new day… a day of resurrection life and hope for every tomorrow!

The old song, ‘Because he lives, I can face tomorrow…’ still brings great hope!

PARTNER SHIP, SPOUSES AND WAKEUP CALLS

Partner. Now there’s a word that frightens some people. Take on a partner and you take on trouble, say businesspeople.

Yes, that’s one possible outcome, as some have learned to their peril. Yet, on the other hand, many businesspeople have gone into partnership with one, even two or three people, and their company has really taken off and their lifestyle has been bettered. In fact, some businesses would have gone under, or the owner’s health would have failed, if he or she hadn’t made that decisive move.

Spouses, not partners
Married and unmarried couples speak of ‘their other half’ as their partner these days. But the better, more meaningful term for a married person is spouse, not partner.

Dictionaries list a few definitions for ‘partner,’ admittedly including ‘a husband or a wife’ but that’s fourth down in the listing. ‘Spouse’ on the other hand has only one definition - ‘one’s husband or wife.’ And in this connection it speaks of a definite meaningful relationship.

We need to realise that getting married is more than taking on a partner as in the business world. We are accepting a spouse in legal wedlock and all the responsibility that goes along with that commitment of lifetime loving and cherishing.

And of course if a couple have made the right choice in the beginning (prayed about it and been God-led), then they’ll do all right... despite the proverbial ups and downs that are part of life. (More on this further down).

Recent marriage bad news...a wakeup call!
Bad news travels fast, as we all know, and it’s sad to learn through the infamous – at times – web and news media that Benny and Suzanne Hinn are divorcing.

Like other recent breakups of other frontline Christian ministries, this not only saddens followers but brings confusion and a ridiculing of the church and the name of Christ – whatever the reason behind it. Hopefully Benny Hinn’s ministry base will release a more effective statement that what’s been currently published.

In any case, here’s yet another warning or wakeup call as some have described it, to church leaders, whether husband or wife, to be on their guard. Marriage is meant as a long-term bonding to be worked on daily with not a moment wasted, not even with excessive, ongoing away from home ministry appointments. The scriptural rule is Jesus first, then spouse, then family, then career, then ministry and then the church (of course for ministers, ministry and career might be one).

Yes, of course even what starts as the happiest of marriages can develop problems – for various reasons. But we can call on the one who organised this special, sacred oneness in the first place, God himself. We can even ask the Holy Spirit to help us strengthen our marriage. Then, with his help, let’s be determined to work on our ‘holy union’ and safeguard it and if necessary, breathe freshness into the relationship between us and our spouse.

Relational church partnership
Jesus - the best example ever on any matter - was into partnership...see for example John 15:15; 17:20-23. So was the great Paul…see 2 Cor. 8:23; Phl. 17; Phi. 1:5.

Partnership of the right kind, with the right people, with the right attitude, with the right heart, and with the right vision will produce the right results. We’re thinking particularly of Christians in particular partnerships, especially in building relationships and friendships, and committing to serve the Lord in that local church.

Could there still be problems? Of course! We’re all human and mistakes will occur and misunderstandings will occur… When that happens, scripture is very clear…sort it out early! In Matthew 18 Jesus gave precise instructions on what to do… get together as comrades in Christ and work it through because it’s all about unity and witness!

Of course we’ll always have those seeing things differently. Some will have a fixed mindset of what they expect or think should be happening in church life...especially what the pastor should or should not be doing or saying.

Truth is that some expect too much but don’t contribute themselves or participate in events or fellowship with others. Some are just too judgmental and don’t ask the right questions or seek to help. But, thankfully, there are others who really love Jesus and people unreservedly, recognise God’s calling on them and back up the outwork of the church’s vision and other ministries in every way possible.

For any church to pursue its God-given vision, which includes reaching out to the unsaved, requires each member deepening his/her own relationship with God and seeking, even at a personal cost, to fulfil every aspect of God’s plans for them, both personally and corporately within their church. In other words, we must enter into deeper and more meaningful partnership… genuine partnership with each other and with the Holy Spirit. This involves releasing the three ‘ts’…time, treasure and talents. Nothing is ever lost that is sown faithfully into the kingdom! It grows, develops and touches lives and delights God.

Equal opportunity not equal sharing
History reveals that great people of destiny, such as Churchill and Lincoln, recognised that while they themselves might have leadership skills, they could not fulfil their dreams, aspirations and goals alone. They knew they needed others of like-mindedness and vision alongside them… a working partnership. Not one of equal sharing but equal opportunity.

Jesus recognised this principle and gathered together his famous twelve (some may have said ‘infamous’ twelve but he knew what he was doing!) The great apostle Paul also recognised this principle in building the kingdom of God. In the Philippians scripture above, he talks about the joy of partnership one with the other in the ministry of spreading the gospel.

Yet both Jesus and Paul had a few hiccups with their team players! (Some were pretenders, not real players!) But, in the grace of God, hurdles were overcome and the work of the kingdom continues to this day.

Genuine partnership is close to God’s heart! The very trinity is a partnership...an incredible choreography of movement in unison in action to achieve great outcome. There is no claim to superiority by any one individual but rather a flowing together in skills and unity with purpose for the greater cause. A completing of, not a competing with, each one’s designated role. A grand display of unity and togetherness that changes lives and circumstances.

If, in our individual church, we can be passionate about others and the lost above caring about our own selves, flow in unison, recognise and utilise our callings and support one another’s, we will please God and fulfil his will. We are not in competition with each other’s gifts but are meant to accompany and strengthen each other in life itself and in ministry for Jesus’ glory. Encourage ministry where you see it and get involved where you can!

God’s wakeup call
God is real...get into a relationship with him, then make it a partnership where you allow him to be boss of your life. Great things will happen! Treat the thoughts above as a wakeup call from the Lord to build his church into the most dynamic ‘house’ on earth!

Oh, back to our spouses...let genuine, undemanding love be the name of the game!

CHARLIE CHAPLIN'S GREATEST AMBITION

The great comedian Charlie Chaplin, whose antics as the pitiful but beloved Little Tramp in silent movies brought laughter to millions, once explained that of all his unfulfilled desires, one of his greatest ambitions was to play the real character of Jesus Christ on screen.



By ‘real’ he meant this of Jesus… that Christ was a splendid, virile, red-blooded man of strength personified and powerful intellect, delighting in the fellowship of others. That his very appearance at any gathering would immediately create an atmosphere of good humour and happiness. And that he was full of life.

A distorted Christ
Chaplin claimed that in having ‘long studied the Bible and many works on the Christian religion’ he considered Jesus Christ ‘the most powerful, most dynamic and most imposing character ever’ but one that ‘has been terribly distorted by tradition.’

Jesus, he once wrote, was not a man ‘speaking with a sepulchral voice, and looking exceptionally tired and distressed...I once saw Christ depicted in a film. He appeared to be suffering from stomach-ache. It was awful and ridiculous. I was so angry I walked out.’

70 years ago the Little Tramp’s creator shared these thoughts, beliefs and role ambition in Bravo magazine. It would have been a great role well acted. And although it was his ambition, Charlie Chaplin never got round to playing it. But we can!

But it must be for real!
Now we don’t mean ‘play-acting’ as such but fulfilling the role for real. Remember...Charlie Chaplin was a master craftsman at his profession. To win his audiences he didn’t go for anything that reeked of phoniness. And if he ever would have ‘played’ the role of’ Christ he would have enacted the real Jesus, not some phony that people would see through and walk out on, turning away in disgust.

So it must be with Christians! It has often been said that the only gospel some people will ever see and read is the ‘fifth one’ ... ‘The Gospel According to You.’ True! And it has got to be right! There’s enough phoniness in the world and people are looking for real hope. They have a right to expect realness and truth in the church but their initial contact is usually local through Christians... us, the people from the local church, out there in the marketplace.

For Christians that means being in the public eye, the spotlight, and we just better be for real!

Jesus frequented the marketplace
One of the great things about Jesus Christ was that he was a marketplace man. What do we mean by ‘the marketplace?’ Simple...wherever people are.

And that’s not always at church! Many don’t or won’t go to a church for several reasons. We like the sign over the exit doors of one church we know...as people leave after services, they cannot miss the large letters challenging: ‘You are now entering the mission field!’

Jesus regularly visited the mission field - places where he could catch up with locals and bring comfort, straight answers, healing, miracles and all sorts of help. Marketplaces, beaches, hillsides, weddings, funerals, homes, dinners, cities and towns as well as ‘churches.’ And in doing so, he was in the spotlight, the limelight and he had to be genuine, the ‘Real McCoy.’

And Jesus was real all right. His words rang true. People looked to him. He could be trusted. They could expect something solid from him. John 7 is a great chapter about such contacts in the life of Jesus as he walked around Jerusalem, his chosen marketplace for the day.

The local people, living in expectation of the Messiah, loved his sharing, the strength and comfort he brought, and the miracles he did. Committing themselves to him in faith many boldly said, ‘Will the Messiah, when he comes, provide better and more convincing evidence than this?’ (Verse 31 Message).

All amazed and impressed, wondering where Jesus’ understanding and learning came from (v15). Even tough police officers declared, ‘We’ve never heard anyone speak like this man’ (v46). But of course Jesus’ jealous enemies, the religious Pharisees, tried to verbally degrade him but couldn’t. They couldn’t even seize him that day. He was a man apart!

Do we come across like Jesus, men and women apart?
At the start of each new year wise ministers bring cheerful sermons of ‘new things in God this year’ to encourage their flock. That’s acceptable and actually necessary as it brings great and needed hope and a vision for the coming year.

But the real challenge comes afresh...are we living as Jesus would have us live before the immediate world around us? How do our workmates and colleagues see us? What impressions do we make on people when that all-important first contact is made? Has it been friendly and open enough to develop later into an opportunity to share our faith? Closer to home, does our spouse and children see Christ in us? Do other Christians wonder about us?

Really closer to the bone, how does the all-seeing eye of Jesus see us? Scary, huh? But every now and then we all – and that includes the author – need to hear this and be challenged afresh lest something precious slips away!

Of course we can’t be like Jesus regularly working the supernatural (although miracles can happen as we trust him, pray in faith and live in expectancy!) or be crucified - that’s been done on our behalf!

But there are certain simple, everyday ‘Jesus standards’ we should live out.

Living out real Christianity
For example, do we take opportunities, God-given or as they come up, to brighten someone’s life? When we come across someone ill, do we readily pray for them? If someone shares their personal problem with us, do we offer them hope from heaven? What would Jesus do?

On a personal characteristic note, do we smile enough or are we always frowning? Are we positive people that others delight to be around? Or are we always negative, repeatedly moaning and whinging at life and even at church life(!), lacking vision, purpose and imagination. And passing that disease onto others? And for that matter do we display that we really trust our God in everything that life throws at us? How would Jesus live life today?

Chaplin said that he had read scripture and indicated that he believed he knew the real Jesus. Do we know the real Jesus? Not just as Chaplin believed he did from only reading the Bible about Christ but from our daily personal relationship with Christ?

And how do we do that – and live out those other Christian principles of being bright, friendly and positive, at ease with the current world situation, upsets and even satanic attacks, caring and praying for people and expecting miracles and answers to prayer?

Relying on our own energy, confidence and talent won’t be enough. However Jesus gave his listeners the answer that John 7 day when he spoke of the coming refreshing Holy Spirit. Read about it in those famous verses 37-39 and take it all on board!

Jesus himself did all he did, speaking and acting effectively, and achieving all God required of him though the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit who indwelt him. Peter confirmed this in Acts 10:38. So can we!

Talk about this to a Spirit-filled Christian or pastor in whom you see and hear the real Jesus. Be filled - empowered - with God’s Spirit and be determined to real, to live positively for Christ. And let the Spirit reveal the real Jesus and enable you to build a trust in him as you read the Bible and pray and act in faith.

No more looking like you have a stomach-ache!
With the Spirit’s help you’ll be able to ‘act’ it out yourself, revealing the real Jesus to others. Be full of life, not dull. But causing others to be delighted to see you, to enjoy your company as you bring humour, happiness and an atmosphere of positiveness and real hope to their lives. Opportunities to share Jesus on a meaningful level will arise.

Have a great year following Jesus Christ, the only real hope for 2010 and the world.

CHRISTMAS? So what, who cares...rah, rah, rah!

Yeah, it’s the usual end of year thing…a rush to complete a lot of stuff, planning parties, family get-togethers, presents still to be bought, gifts exchanged, road safety warnings, holidays, marriages, babies born, Christmas focused movie reruns, popular carol services, Christmas cakes, puddings and turkeys.

But it can also be a time of broken hearts as some tragedy strikes. Unexpected tsunamis, deaths, marriage break-ups, sicknesses, ongoing wars, car and home accidents, evictions, job losses, people feeling so lonely and unwanted…and other such sadness.

And for those without faith based on a solid Christian upbringing or background, it is a meaningless time – apart from a brief holiday and perhaps some parties and gift giving. For many, Christmas church activities and Christian’s beliefs about Christmas are a lot of ‘Rah, rah, rah, so what, who cares?’

Forgotten original meaning
In today’s busy commercialised world, the original meaning of this festive time is usually neither understood nor appreciated. Santa Claus or some other revered figure has replaced Jesus Christ! Christmas debt has replaced God’s free gift of a Saviour. The odd manger scene is cute but not understood. Commercialism has replaced the spirit of Christmas generosity.

New Age or occult teaching that we can save ourselves by looking out for number one has replaced the need of a God-provided Saviour due to universal sin.

Even some Christians don’t bother celebrating the true meaning of Christmas any more. Corporate and individual thanksgiving is neglected. Churches’ Christmas services don’t get the attendance figures they used to know.

The first Christmas gift
Yet Christmas is the second most important Christian event on the church calendar (Easter must always be number one!)

The Bible states that God valued the world so much that he freely allowed his Son, Jesus Christ, to become our Saviour so that we could find forgiveness of sins and a real satisfying and meaningful life through him. And so God sent Jesus from heaven to earth some 2000 years ago…the first Christmas gift as it were…because he cares for us and loves us.

God is good! He is love itself! He doesn’t want anyone being robbed of a good life and without any hope for eternity. He doesn’t want anyone living miserably. He wants to bless us all, give us support, and all kinds of security and help.

Why Christmas?
Most mature Christians realise that no one knows exactly when Jesus was born but that long ago it became traditional for believers to celebrate his birth at this time of year with joy and thanksgiving to God. A time to rejoice and relax with family and friends

Our giving of Chrissie presents is symbolic of God giving his present – the greatest present possible – his own Son, Jesus, to become our Saviour by dying in our place … the perfect and only substitute for the punishment we are guilty of through our sins, waywardness, rebellion and wrongdoings, even evil deeds.

What a gift! And what a hope for 2010 and the future! (if we will fully trust in a good and generous God!)

Despite financial recovery in some nations, we still live in uncertain times. Sicknesses, criminal acts, pornography, divorces where couples aren’t prepared to work on their problems, desertions, job insecurity and increasing subtle witchcraft. And in churches the rise of the notorious Jezebel spirit.

A lot of people have no real assurance of a good life at this festive season. And that's sad!

Message of real hope
But the real Christmas story is one of hope for the Bible gives a promise of good news and hope…'Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour – yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem…Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all whom God favours’ (Luke 2:10, 11, 14).

That was the great and welcomed message God’s angels brought to troubled hearts all those years ago. Today the message of hope is still real. No matter what troubles us this Christmas, we can receive stupendous comfort, not from an angel but direct from the Lord himself. This can be your best Christmas ever!

Yet some people begrudge Christmas. They don’t understand its real meaning or why it’s so important to Christians – and to the world. While some misled people seek to remove or marginalise Christmas and not allow schools or stores to celebrate Christmas, it’s good to know that there are mayors, principals and government leaders that refuse to be influenced or pressured this way.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s think of others. Let’s take God-given opportunities to share the real meaning of Christmas. Perhaps there’s some lonely person we can invite home or give a simple pressie to.

Remember when you’re saying grace for Christmas meals and gratefully receiving your own pressies, to joyfully give thanks for your and your family’s salvation through the greatest of all gifts – the Lord Jesus Christ.

And spare a prayer for those who do not know him or the real reason for the season.

12/09

Dilemma

To my horror I recently heard a well-known and highly respected Bible teacher/pastor on a Christian radio program give absolutely no promise of hope to his audience!

Christian radio stations, by the way, attract many unsaved as well as believers, so who knows how many people outside church circles but with desperate needs were listening! They would not have found great encouragement that particular day.

But before I share what I and many others heard, let me make two feisty comments. Firstly, I was wisely taught that all preachers must always wrap their message with hope, both for Christians and non-Christians. Also that a text out of context is a pretext!

Yet this particular radio personality broke these two golden rules!

Disappointment
By the way, I like him, even respect him, but I personally felt disappointed as he wrapped up his short ‘fill in’ message. Oh, he initially quoted scripture accurately. But when he referred to his second main scripture he didn’t really explain his point and ended up not giving hope for the future. Rather he left a cloud hanging over listeners who are still troubled by past sins.

I really felt for the unsaved as well as Christians who were probably going through some lows that we all feel at times because of the past. Here’s the gist of what I heard…

Driving to an appointment, I had tuned into a Christian radio station and on hearing whose segment was coming on next, I thought, ‘This‘ll be good.’ Especially when he began with that classical scripture from the apostle of love: ’If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9). Spot on, I silently cheered.

But his next comments flabbergasted me as he inferred that Christians relied on this scripture as an escape route, that for many it was an easy way out from not being responsible for their actions. That even though we can quote that particular scripture and be forgiven, we can’t escape the consequences of past sins.

He then quoted another strong scripture but made it sound like it was flying in the face of John’s great hope-bringing, assuring and comforting one. Galatians 6:7, ‘God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.’ But his lack of a reasonable explanation and needed comfort made it out of context with his theme! It came across as condemning, not comforting.

Responsibility important
Now I agree that we must be responsible for our decisions and actions. That in becoming Christians we do not receive a licence to act wantonly and irresponsibly! In a mixed-up world of loose morals, craftiness, corruption, neither fear nor knowledge of God and do-as-you-please thinking, we have to live as lights in the darkness (Mat 5:14-16).

We are meant to be examples of a better lifestyle, a focused and satisfactory way of living, beliefs, trust in a higher power and great hope for the future.

And we can be…but we have to live it out. We must walk the talk! We have to act responsibly through our actions and speech and how we handle situations and people. We must live up to God’s holy standards with the Holy Spirit’s help. Gal 5: 22-23 – the fruit of the Spirit which really speaks of the character of Christ – must be our guideline and our standard.

The great truth is that the Holy Spirit is our best friend and lives within every Christian. He’s the one who will develop and grow us to be like Christ day by day – because Jesus loves us deeply. Therefore we must not carry a wrong picture of God…one where he’s always looking over our shoulder to chastise us and scold us, particularly for past deeds.

The past is but a fading memory
Yes, some past actions may yet cause trouble but perhaps a better way of looking at these is to consider them scars that remain to remind us not to go down that road again. And to rectify them wherever and however we can – if it’s possible.

The Bible constantly encourages us to move ahead, not to get bogged down by the past. In 2 Corinthians 2:5-10, Paul is prompt to direct the church to get off a brother’s back regarding his past faults and events!

Moving on is a keynote for churches and Christians. Whatever the past mistakes we’ve made, we can plan for a better future! We must not let the errors of yesteryear hold us back miserably from achieving a splendid new tomorrow in Christ.

Hope for today and tomorrow
Which brings me to that radio preacher’s big mistake of not offering hope…

Paul tells us clearly that our great, loving and all-powerful God works all things for good (that means for the benefit of) for us (Romans 8:28). Then he goes on to state that nothing but nothing but nothing can hold back from receiving God’s love in Christ.

Surely ‘all things’ include past mistakes and surely Jesus’ love is the enabling force to help us – not change the past of course…now history – but build a better future and assist us put things right where we can.

Paul’s really positive about this and so should we! We can’t afford to allow the past to hold us back from enjoying the new life that Jesus has given us. Yes sure…maybe those past mistakes and sins have hurt people and caused damage but with the Holy Spirit’s help we can rectify whatever can be fixed up and then leave everything else to the Lord.

But we mustn’t carry any shame or guilt…this has been dealt with by Jesus’ Calvary sacrifice.

As mentioned earlier every preacher should always present hope to troubled people, not leave them hanging in the air! Otherwise they’re left in a dilemma – which is a nasty place between unwelcome alternatives, a predicament. God has given us a great alternative…trusting him.

Let’s embrace Paul’s welcome encouragement of Romans 15:13 – ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ when we find someone, Satan or situations trying to steal our security in Jesus.

09/11

TIME TO TAKE YOUR MOUNTAIN?

Sometimes we just don’t get what we want when we’d like it! Sometimes we just have to wait. And wait…and wait! Even with a promise from God.

But there comes that moment in life when it is the time for us to boldly claim our inheritance.

No Negatives!
There was a guy called Caleb who claimed his mountain – and got it! You can read about him in the Bible, God’s great book of wisdom, encouragement and challenge to trust him fully as you dare to forge ahead.

Caleb was a real man … one of outstanding character, inner strength and courage. He was also a man of vision and forward thinking, open to new things and very loyal.

And he was quick to do whatever his boss requested or demanded…he would serve faithfully from an amazing trust in God’s word and promises. When others had doubts and couldn’t see the bigger picture and possibilities through giving in to their own fears, short-sightedness and weaknesses - and in doing so held others back from gaining ground - Caleb wouldn’t agree with defeatism, negativism and deceitful reports.

He was an encourager and wouldn’t compromise his beliefs. But because the crowd listened to the deceivers (scared spies) instead of him and his associate Joshua, they never received what had been promised to them or achieved what they could have. In fact they lost out and it would be 40 years until another generation was ready and willing to move into God’s promised land!

No Complaints!
And although he wasn’t at fault - he wouldn’t run with the weaker minded - Caleb also had to wait all that time for that worthier go-ahead generation, plus another five years before he could receive his own personal reward of faithfulness…his promise from God.

Interestingly we don’t hear of him complain in all that time. But, perhaps he did...if so, he must have done it privately to God. That’s a good principle incidentally, especially if you’re in leadership.

Maybe he was like Abraham, who had been given a promise of a son when he and his wife were rather old for kids. But believed and hung in waiting for the miracle and it happened!

Maybe Caleb was like David who groaned through his songs about so much but would end up declaring that God would bring him through because he was convinced that his Lord always could and would.

Maybe he even had a few moments of personal agony such as Jesus had in the garden of destiny when he cried out to God and was strengthened to get on with his mission from God to suffer horribly but to save all humankind in becoming our Saviour.

God’s timing and Caleb’s moment to claim came about!
In any case, there came that moment when Caleb knew the time had arrived to claim God’s promise to give him his ‘mountain’… a good piece of the promised land. You can read about it and Caleb’s character, inner strength and determination in Joshua 14:6-15; 15:13-14, especially 14:12.

‘Give me my mountain now,’ he demands, and is immediately granted the okay to go for his promised future security.

Even then he knows he can’t just move in and take it…he has three major enemies to defeat before it is fully his and peace will come! What’s his attitude? Positive of course!

A big fight is but a mere incident for this ‘old man’ in claiming his promise! He declared, ‘Hey! I’m as strong and bold as I was 45 years ago! God has given me an extended life. I’m as vigorous as ever! I can do it!’ And he does! He boldly claims his promise and swings into action to see it fulfilled. And he took his mountain!

Four Questions…
Q1: What’s the worst thing a parent can do to a child? Make a promise that isn’t kept!

God never makes a promise to any of his spiritual children that he can’t or won’t keep! Whatever God has promised you he will fulfil it. In fact, and of great comfort, when God makes a promise, the word for promise means ‘arranged.’ So as far as he‘s concerned, it’s all already been given, even if it takes a few years to come about.

Q2: What promises are you waiting for?
Perhaps now is your time to boldly claim them! Do so boldly!

Q3: Want your family blessed too?
Caleb’s very children were also blessed. Why were they all so blessed and victorious…what made the difference? Because Caleb had a different spirit (heart) from the others who feared people rather than fearing (respecting) and honouring God and his Word…it says of Caleb that he followed God wholeheartedly. Parents…influence your kids and grandkids! Secure their blessings and covering through yourself!

Q4: How did Caleb succeed?
His name means ’capable’ and in Jos. 14:12 he declares that the Lord would help him. A lot of people aren’t capable of living life because they don’t know the one who is always willing to assist them. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and friend, then you have his very Spirit within.

Live the character of Caleb wholeheartedly and your middle name will be ‘capable!’ You’ll make it! As a spiritual son or daughter of God, you too will be able to boldly claim whatever he has promised you. The waiting is worth it!

Time for you to claim?
What has God promised you? Good health? Victory over rotten circumstances? New job?

A Brownlow medallist was once asked what it took to gain such a medal. He responded, ‘Knowledge, commitment and perseverance.’ He could’ve been talking about Caleb types. For it kind of says it all… doesn’t it?

If you’ve been patiently waiting and you sense that now is your moment to claim from God, then go for it! You may have a battle or two to win as you do so, but remember God’s promise is that he’s already arranged the victory for you. That’s good news!

10/09

The Good Shepherd and the CIA

The Good Shepherd... that was title of a movie that claimed to be about 'the history of the CIA and one of its young agents.'

Christians who really know their God and his word, the Bible, with thankful hearts truly understand that there is a real ‘good shepherd’, Jesus Christ. And that he has his own brand of CIA, not centred in Langley but in local churches and in Christians themselves.

This particular, peculiar CIA stands for Connecting, Involving and Advancing.

Connecting

The church of Jesus is primarily a place of personal growth through connecting in worshipping God, in developing a Bible-grounded faith and in being released in serving Jesus.

That’s why we have pastors – caring God-appointed shepherds – to expound the scriptures, ensure we’re flowing in genuine Bible-based worship, growing in our faith and to build a platform of expectation for the supernatural moving of the Spirit in every meeting.

In simple terms, Connecting begins with connecting with Jesus through prayer, Bible meditation and developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Connecting also includes ‘being there for others.’ This is where the rubber really hits the road! Real church … real body ministry that goes beyond what’s been taught but hasn’t been really heard or taken onboard at Sunday services. Christians getting together with one another and caring, advising and praying.

This is why many churches have different connecting opportunities…after Sunday meetings ‘cuppa’ fellowships, various midweek groups, especially home groups or whatever name they go under. And you can create your own connecting time …an invite to a meal or coffee time at home. Then the Holy Spirit can take advantage to open up hearts. Not only have Christians been helped and released at such opportunities but people have got saved!

Bible teacher Chuck Meissler has stated that he believes that this is where the church of Christ is meant to be…into fellowship - connecting - groups. And praise God that many have indeed been richly blessed through being part of at least one of such connecting groups!

Involving

Involvement is the opposite of being on the fringe, to being on the outside or at least only on the bank of God’s river instead of ‘diving in.’ Of being some kind of lone ranger on ones own, not really supporting your pastor and not buying into the church’s vision, programs or needs.

A great sign of a healthy church is when people seek God to be involved in church life and they commit fully to what he has shown them or whatever service opportunity their pastor offers. The blessings flow when we stretch ourselves in trusting the Holy Spirit and build Jesus’ local church through praying, caring, ’being there’, giving, encouraging one another and using our talents and time.

In Luke 15:1-7 Jesus painted a clear picture of a really caring person for whom nothing was hardship or bother when he had to help a sheep in trouble. Now we’ve heard sermons on this about Jesus being the good, indeed great shepherd and how the angels sing in heaven over ‘a lost sheep’ – an unsaved person finding Christ as Saviour and being saved. It’s a terrific salvation based story.

But we need to note two things… Jesus was speaking directly to a number of so-called religious people who did not want to be involved and weren’t caring. He began with ‘Suppose one of you…’ and then he talked about finding and bodily helping the poor sheep that would otherwise be perishing. And he keeps referring to the searcher (whether a shepherd or the actual owner doesn’t matter) rejoicing over finding and willingly carrying the load of the sheep on his shoulders (v5-7).

When we tie this parable in with other biblical insights and directions – John 13:34 (‘Love one another’), John 13:33 (‘Seek first the kingdom of God’), Acts 2:42-46 (Thousands of the early church being in pure togetherness with one another in fellowship including sharing meal times), and of course Heb.10:25 (a very clear instruction not to neglect gathering together and encouraging one another), we see that involvement is important to church and personal growth and development. And that the onus is on us, not just our pastors.

Matthew 6:21 is a great word of Jesus that can be our challenge in respect of church involvement! The big question is: Where does our treasure and heart lie? Start involving yourself in your local church!

Advancing

The kingdom of God is meant to be advancing through the strategy of the local church and every Christian. Numeric growth is important for any church. We need to, we should, grow numerically…especially if the church is in an overall healthy state, the word is taught, genuine worship is welcomed and the Holy Spirit is allowed time to exult Jesus.

It’s the church of Jesus overcoming the kingdom of Satan and the world! A growing church where people are blessed, the Spirit moves and its attendees discover great life principles and develop contented satisfying lifestyles is a shining beacon to troubled neighbourhoods.

And growth comes from us reaching out - connecting - to the unsaved. Salvation is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit but our role is to do what Jesus asked of us… share the gospel’s good news and to make disciples of those who accept him. (See Mat. 28:19-20; Mar. 16:15-16).

There’s an old adage: ‘Sheep beget sheep.’ How do churches grow? Firstly prayer and a burden for the lost (that good shepherd principle again). Then through church folk reaching out to the unchurched and witnessing Jesus. And inviting people along to church and special meetings aimed at touching lives and meeting needs.

But also by us committing our time, talents and treasure to the running and development of our church. Then - and so important to remember this - through a sovereign move of God on prepared soil. Opportunities are around us toady! Let's advance.

Challenge

We have Jesus, the quintessential good shepherd to guard and lead us. And to care, provide and carry joyfully on his broad shoulders.

As for us, let’s really support our local church and buy into the vision. Let’s remember that other Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ and support one another more. And of course also reach out to the unchurched. This way we’ll continue to grow personally and help grow our church!

And – as CIA team members – we also will become good shepherds.

The ROPE Factor - the Church that Jesus Started

Some people have a snobbish pride about the church or denomination they belong to. One gets the impression that theirs is the only church and if you don’t belong to it then you’re not really saved. Even some Pentecostals give this impression!

Not good!

It’s his church!

In Matthew 18:16, Jesus stated clearly that he would build his church. He didn’t put a particular denominational tag on it, just that it was his church.

Now Jesus probably doesn’t worry about the name of the church we attend, or whatever denomination it is under… as long as it is biblically founded and ‘walking the talk.’

He would be concerned though that such a church is truly Christian and proclaiming that salvation is only gained through accepting God’s way…forgiveness of sin through acknowledging Christ’s finished work on Calvary and accepting Christ as Saviour. Also that such a church was endeavouring to touch and influence its local community, and not be a wimpy bunch of closet Christians.

In truth, the church that Jesus founded was and still is based on the ROPE factor…

• R…Revelation that he is the Christ, the messiah (Mat. 18:16)
• O…Obedience to fulfilling his great commission (Mat. 28:19-29)
• P…Personal commitment to him (Luk.11:23)
• E…Empowerment through receiving his Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)

The early church, the church that Jesus founded and was birthed on the Day of Pentecost, was such a church. In truth it was indeed a Pentecostal church! It grew quickly and in no time was accused of ‘turning the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6KJV). In fact, history shows that within two years the early on-fire Christians had spread the gospel to every part of the then known world! And all without TV, DVDs, CDs and the Internet!

Names of the early church

But that doesn’t mean we have to call ourselves Pentecostals as if to prove something! The early church was known variously and simply as…

• 'The believers’ (Acts 2:44)
• ‘The church’ (Acts 2:47NKJV)
• ‘The disciples’ (Acts 6;1-2; 9:19:19, 26, 38; 13:52 NIV)
• ‘The Lord’s disciples’ (Acts 9:1 NIV)
• ‘The Way’ (Acts 9: 2; 19:9, 23; 22:4, 24:14, 22).
• ‘Those who call on his name’ (Acts 9:21)
• ‘The saints’ (Acts 9:13; 26:10)
• ‘The Christians’ (Acts 11:26)
• ‘The church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13)
• ‘The followers’ (Acts 24:4)
• ‘The churches of God’ (1 Cor. 11: 6; Gal. 1:13; 1 The. 2:14)
• ‘The churches of God…in…’ (eg Judea) (1 The. 2:14).
• ‘A peculiar people’ (Tit. 2: 14; 1 Pet.2:9)
• ‘The people of the Way.’

Now the titles or designations may differ depending on which translation you read. But the key is that whatever name they went under they were Bible-believing, Spirit-receiving, Christ confessing and salvation professing!

Have we really influenced our city and local regions as they did? Yet?

When Jesus called his followers – disciples – ‘his church’ he used the word ekklesia, meaning ‘a calling out’ and referring to ‘a popular meeting.’

Those who accepted Christ as Saviour and Lord were indeed ‘called out ones’…called out of a crippling religious system and the devil’s system of worldliness and the flesh. Christians are called out to follow Jesus and to walk the talk by living as he would, and their character and actions be as his (the fruit of the Spirit).

A peculiar people indeed

Even brief studies of Acts 2(NIV) reveals that those early Christians – the original church – the Holy Spirit-empowered church - his church - were indeed ‘peculiar people’! Christianity is indeed the upside-down lifestyle (eg different to fleshly thinking)! We too should be as they were. Acts 2 clearly describes those early Christians as …

• All-together people (Acts 2:1)
• Spirit-filled people (2-4)
• God-worshipping people (11)
• Perplexing people (12)
• Knocked (criticised) people (13)
• Bible-believing and Bible–proclaiming people (14ff)
• Evangelistic people (14-41)
• Devoted Bible and truth–seeking people (42)
• Committed to Christ’s family people (42)
• Don’t-miss-communion people (42)
• Dedicated -to-prayer people (42)
• In-awe-of (the Spirit) and miracle-expecting people (43)
• True believers people (44)
• Unselfish caring and sharing people (44-55)
• Connecting - home fellowships or cell groups - people (46)
• Happy, right heart attitude people (46)
• Praising people (47)
• Community favoured people (47)
• Increasing people (47).

They were on fire for Jesus, filled and led by his Spirit, reaching their families, friends, neighbours, and community and, within a short time, the world. What an example!

So…the challenge: Do you …does your church fully fit this role?

Maybe yes, in which case PTL! If not quite yet, are the foundations there? Hopefully yes.

But … make it a ‘we’ matter…as we and our church continue to allow the Spirit to work within us and in our services, as we take advantage of the various programs, meetings and gatherings put on, as we fellowship with one another, as we give generously to needs and church expenses, as we honour the Lord Jesus and pray/witness for/to the unchurched/unsaved, as we expect much from the Holy Spirit, we will definitely be heading in the right direction.

Rope is a word suggesting strength and security. History shows that The ROPE Factor produces great kingdom results. Actively hold onto that rope of faith and use its strength to succeed for Jesus and your local church.

15 Minutes of Pure Hell!

That was the sales blurb on the packet of ‘Little Lucifer Firelighters’ advertised in junk mail that arrived recently! And there was a caricature of horned Satan with his three-pronged staff. Guess what? He was beaming and winking one eye! Now, of course, we can smile at this. But for Christians the reality of it all ought to hit us deeply.

No laughing matter
For ‘hell’ is no laughing, smiling, beaming or winking matter! It’s a lost eternity of misery as depicted by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31 in the story of Lazarus and Dives. Those who have never accepted Jesus as Saviour are already doomed and destined for hell’s everlasting and unquenchable fire (Jesus’ own words of Matt. 25:31).

Sadly there are people, even Christians, who foolishly use the word ‘hell’ rather loosely as if it was even the Christian ‘in thing.’ It is not; neither is ‘damn’ or ‘damnation.’ In fact to use such words loosely displays a lack of understanding for the biblical meaning of the words and disrespect for the biblical usage of them.

Hell, according to scripture, means ‘the final condition of the lost (wicked) without Christ.’ It’s described as:

• Separation from God (Luke 13:25, 28)
• Outer darkness (Mat. 22:13; 2 Pet. 2:4, 17; Jude 6,13)
• Eternal or unquenchable fire (Mat. 18:8; Mar. 9:43, 45, 48; 2 Pet. 3:7)
• Everlasting contempt (Dan. 12: 2)
• Everlasting torment (Rev. 14: 10,11)
• Everlasting punishment (Mat. 25:46)
• Everlasting destruction or perdition (ruin)(Mat. 7:13; Rom. 9:22; Phil. 3:18,19)
• Where the worm doesn’t die (Mar. 9:44)
• The wrath of God (Rom. 2:5, 8, 9; 1 The. 1:10)
• Retribution (punishment proportionate to the evil) (2 Cor. 11:14, 15; 2 Tim. 4: 14
• The second death (Rev. 20:14; 21:8)

That’s a mean, frightening description list! 15 minutes of pure hell? No way…an eternity of impure hell!

Whatever happened to the good old time religion
Just recently we heard a great message at the church we base ourselves at. It was a clear exposition of end times by visiting speaker Dr Andrew Evans. Later we heard comments along the line of 'We rarely hear sermons like that anymore in churches.'

True. But what about non-church people? What do they hear? And anyway, so many people in the world that we meet aren't really interested; they're living for the here and now under fleshly circumstances.

And sometimes one wonders if Christians really care about the lost, for if we did, we would be witnessing more and praying more. Many old time revivals broke loose only when Christians got a passion (and compassion) for the lost. They came to the prayer group and wept before a merciful God for salvations, especially for family and loved ones. It seems we’re missing something today of ‘that old time religion!’

We owe God everything for his great love and concern for us. As sinners (ie guilty of breaking God’s laws of love and obedience…the stupid things we think, say and do) we were destined for hell.

But a gracious God willingly sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us at Calvary. Jesus paid for the punishment for our sins in our stead, and everyone who accepts him as his/her Saviour is immediately reconciled with Father God and will not face hell.

That’s what the real meaning of Easter, recently celebrated in April, is all about... not cute bunnies and chocolate eggs!

This is good news! If only we could get a million advertisements out there offering ‘An Eternity of Pure Heaven. Almighty God’s Life-lighter, Jesus.’

An easily recognised gospel for all to see...
But would anyone be interested in such an advert? They might be…if we get to prayer!

Meantime, let’s remember that there is one advertisement that they are definitely reading every day – us!

It’s better known as ‘The Gospel According to You.’ Let’s hope they are able to have a good read every day! For 'hell' is a reality and no mere 15 minute matter!

HOLY FIRE! Pentecost Sunday May 31

Sadly there is one really great event mentioned in scripture that gets overlooked virtually every year by many Christians, especially - of all people - Pentecostals and their pastors! And I for one can’t understand why!

Funny thing is…how do I find out each year when Pentecost Sunday is going to fall? Easy! I don’t only count 50 days after Easter, but I phone a local Anglican church! They always know. Yet, such mainline churches don’t relate to the fiery Pentecostal message as we Penties do!

The incredible first Pentecost

Jesus had given his disciples an assurance that they would not be left on their own to fulfil the great commission after he’d returned to heaven. That the great Holy Spirit - the Comforter - would come to assist them in supernatural ways to establish the kingdom.

This stupendous event happened on the first Pentecost Sunday when 120 disciples were gathered in the upper room (Acts 2). Jesus had directed them to wait until they were endued – clothed – with the power of the Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1: 8) and they waited in great expectation.

And he had promised them a Spirit baptism akin to fire (Acts 1:5)! Indeed at times the infilling of the Holy Spirit and his refreshing touches are likened unto fire which cleanses and energises.

The early disciples’ obedience led to incredible events. Read with excitement Acts 2…the infilling of the Spirit (v1-4), worshipping God in languages new for the disciples (v7-11), the birth of the church through the first great outreach and 3000 saved (v41), the expectation for more (v38).

More than worship in tongues!

Some people still wrongly think Pentecost is only about speaking in tongues and they have a couldn’t-care-less attitude toward it. How sad!

Jesus himself received the touch of the Holy Spirit before he began his ministry (Mark. 2:10). So does every Christian who wants to faithfully serve him! This was why he advised his first followers not to leave Jerusalem until they were filled with the power of the Spirit.

Filled with the Spirit, baptised with or in the Spirit, clothed, endued, swamped, overwhelmed… whatever term one chooses to use, we’re talking about the supernatural of God coming on us to assist us mere human beings represent Jesus in our neighbourhood, church, workplace, marketplace, overseas trips, our ministry.

Whatever you may call it, I call this the visa to go through the gateway of the supernatural into the operation of the 1 Corinthian 12 manifestation gifts of the Spirit to help grow the church.

Expect a special Pentecost Sunday every year!

Personally, I delight to share somewhere every Pentecost Sunday. It’s May 31 this year and I’ll have the privilege of sharing to around 20,000 people in India. I’m expecting the Spirit to move, richly bless and bring glory to Jesus! And I have prayer supporters believing accordingly.

What are you expecting in your church? And through you, not just the preacher or pastor?

Here’s what Pentecost should mean to every Christian. It is about the…


1. People

Traditionally it was a time when people gave thanks in anticipation of the coming harvest. Now a new harvest was coming about when souls would be saved and God’s laws would be so written on their hearts so that they would love, obey and serve him with a new inner strength.
It was the first real ‘soaker service’ …120 people waiting on God. And their lives would never be the same again. They would go out, make history, and change the world!

Your own personal baptism in the Holy Spirit is to enable you to be a more effective witness for Jesus and to be a carrier of his good news to a lost generation.

2. Promise

People often let people down through promise-breaking. God never breaks his promises! Read some of them in Eze. 18:31; 36:27; Isa. 32:15; 44:3 and Joel 2:28.

In John 14 -16, Jesus reiterated the promise of something outstanding for his disciples… the Holy Spirit. And, as promised, the Spirit came to enable them to fulfil Jesus’ work on planet earth.

We too need the Holy Spirit. His infilling enables us too to extend the kingdom of God in our day, in this troubled and very insecure world. And we can do so with confidence as we move in faith.

3. Person

The Holy Spirit is the most wonderful person you can know. He is the gift of God! Not a thing or force but an incredibly wise and powerful person. In John 14 Jesus kept referring to ‘him’ as a ’he’… a person. He’s the third person in the godhead!

The Message Bible describes the Spirit this way: ‘I (Jesus) will talk to the Father and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you.’ Hey! I like that. No wonder I call the Holy Spirit my Forever Friend!

We all need the Holy Spirit. I sincerely encourage you to develop a deep relationship with him! Talk to him every day and expect to be used by him powerfully (or simply) to bless others.

4. Presence

He’s also a precious presence…the presence of love. Some sense his touch - the breath of love or a flowing river or a refreshing breeze. Or that dynamic fire mentioned earlier. Whatever, you just know he’s there and he’s going to communicate God’s love and power in some special way.

However you sense him, you’re aware he’s there caring for you. At times you can feel the strength of his arms around you and you get encouraged, renewed and replenished. And you’re enabled to overcome satanic opposition and achieve much for Jesus.

I encourage every Christian to develop a deep relationship with the blessed Holy Spirit through prayer, trust and active service. And to seek a fresh touch of his presence daily. Just ask him!

5. Power

Mark 16:10 tells us that as the first disciples accepted the privilege of the great commission, the Holy Spirit moved with them in power.

The Message Bible puts it this way: ‘(They) went everywhere preaching, the master working right with them, validating the message with undisputable evidence.’ How? Signs and wonders in amazing action as the Spirit responded to their faith! (Read the book of Acts)

We need to soak in the Spirit and believe for signs and wonders to flow through us at every given opportunity! Remember the old chorus ‘We are a People of Power’? Let it be so today! Jesus is in heaven; we are his representatives on earth today. And we have the authority to move in the Spirit’s supernatural to make both Christians and non-Christians take notice.

6. Potential

Satan and doubters and ‘putter-downers’ would have us think that we can’t achieve anything. But we can in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants to use all of us, not just pastors! You are a person of immeasurable potential when you allow the Spirit to flow through you. Believe it!

Great confidence comes as we wait on God and the assurance of an ability to do whatever he wants us to. Don’t let the enemy - or anyone - put us off achieving much for Jesus.

7. Present

The ministry effective holy fire of the Holy Spirit is also about today…the present day!

Some people still foolishly teach that the days of signs and wonders are over, that they were only for New Testament days. That somehow they ‘died off’ after Paul and Peter died. And - worse still - that we don’t need them now because we have the Bible.

How ridiculous! Nowhere on scripture does it teach that the Holy Spirit’s work is over for our day! We need Spirit-filled Christians who will boldly go through the gateway of the supernatural, let the fire of the Spirit fall afresh on us and then and do mighty things for Jesus!

We live in a day of trouble when both unsaved and Christians need to see God in action! And we can…supernaturally through his saints filled with the enabling, the anointed fire of the Holy Spirit.

Let the fire fall afresh this Pentecost!