Episodes
Friday Aug 31, 2012
Friday Prayers
Friday Aug 31, 2012
Friday Aug 31, 2012
Partakers Friday Prayers!
31st August 2012!
We pray together and when Christians pray together, from different nations, different churches and different denominations - that reveals Church unity! Come! Let us pray and praise together!
- Opening prayers
- Confession
- Praise
- Petitions
- Doxology (as sung by Jeff Wooldridge)
Amen!
Right mouse click to save this Podcast in MP4.
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. Thank youClick on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Thursday Aug 30, 2012
Thursday Ponderings
Thursday Aug 30, 2012
Thursday Aug 30, 2012
30th August 2012
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
~
What a glorious promise to hang on to, the most powerful person in the universe has plans for you and me. These plans are for our good. I think this is what prosper means in the context above it doesn’t mean God plans to make us all billionaires. He does however promise to supply all our needs and in a climate like Great Britain – that means a roof over our head and food and water and clothes.
~
He has our future in His hands, it is a future to look forward to in wonder and awe at what God is going to do with our lives. He says they are plans to give us hope, so if your life isn’t the way you want it at the moment , hang on in there, God’s going to change it, all you have to do is be obedient.
~
God loves us so much, this promise proves it for me and if God has declared it, it must be true and it will come to pass. So you can tell Satan to go away, the next time He makes you despair of your future and quote this verse out loud, then believe it.
~
Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can do this by clicking the PayPal image to the left.
Thank you
Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Wednesday Aug 29, 2012
WOW Disciple - Things to Come
Wednesday Aug 29, 2012
Wednesday Aug 29, 2012
Things To Come
Some of the final words of the Bible are in Revelation 22v7 Jesus speaking “Behold, I am coming soon! To which the Apostle John replies in Revelation 22v20, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
As Christian Disciples living almost 2000 years after Jesus spoke those words, this is our hope – to be with Him who is coming again. He who is the object of our faith, worship and life of discipleship! And not just Christian Disciples talk about the “end of the world as we know it”.
There are a plethora of books written about it from all sorts of people, from all sorts of backgrounds with all sorts of opinions. But what does the Bible say about the time when Jesus comes again and how are we to respond to this fact? What does the Bible say about the future things to come, seeing as it is the authorative source for the Christian Disciple?
Right mouse click to save/download this audio Podcast as a MP3 file
1. The Second Coming of Jesus
I will come back and take you to be with me (John 14v3). He will come back the same way He went to heaven (Acts 1v11)
When will He come?
- No-one human knows (Matthew 24v36)
- It will be unexpected (1 Thessalonians 5v1-3)
- There will be signs preceding His coming (Matthew 24)
- When the gospel has been preached in the whole world (Matthew 24v14)
2. Our Response to Eschatological Prophecy
- Be ready, waiting, watching and working (Matthew 24v42-44).
- Be alert, self-controlled, sanctified and encouraging of each other (1 Thessalonians 5v6-8, 11)
3. Different Responses to Eschatological Prophecy
The three main schools of prophetic interpretation are Amillenialism, Postmillenialism & Premillenialism. These 3 views depend on whether the prophetic parts of Scripture are to be interpreted literally or figuratively (Spiritually). I wont tell you my opinion as to which I think is the correct interpretation, but let you decide that for your self!
- Amillenial View - Primarily a figurative/spiritual interpretation. This view sees the O.T. promises to Israel are being fulfilled in the church. The Millennium is the reign of Christ in the Church - the new Israel. The Church is already experiencing tribulation.
- Postmillenial View - Christ will return at the end of the millennium - a golden age of the Church.
- Premillenial View - Christ will return to set up His kingdom on earth for 1000 years (Revelation 19v1-7). God promises to Israel of restoration, a future king and temple will await fulfilment. God has a separate programme for the Church.
4. Second Coming of Christ
The Premillenial view sees 2 stages in the second coming:
- His coming in the rapture. This is when Jesus Christ returns to take His people to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4v16). The dead in Christ are raised and the living are changed (1 Corinthians 15v51-54)
- His coming to Earth (Revelation - parousia). He will return to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14v4; Acts 1v11). He will come with power and glory (Matthew 24v30) and everyone will see Him.
5. Christ’s return to Earth
- To judge the antichrist and his followers (Revelation 16v12-16, 19v11-16)
- To bind Satan (Revelation 20v1-3) during the Millennium. Amillenialists see this as having already been done. However, Satan is still the ruler of this world (John 16v11).
- To save Israel (Zechariah 14v1-3). Israel will repent, recognizing the One they pierced (Zechariah 12v10-13v1; Romans 11).
- To judge the nations (Matthew 25v31-46; Joel 3v11-17)
6. Premillenial return of Christ
Christ will come and set up an earthly kingdom for 1000 years (Revelation 20v2-7). Amillenialists see this as speaking figuratively about Christ’s current reign in the Church.
7. History of Premillenialism and Amillenialism
The view of the church for the first 2 centuries was of a literal millennial return of Jesus Christ after the Holy Spirit’s return. Early church fathers such as Papias, Ireneaus and Justin Martyr taught this, and these men were not far removed from the Apostle John. Origen promoted the figurative (spiritual) method of interpretation and Augustine developed an Amillenial view, identifying the Church with the fulfillment of the O.T. promises to Israel and this became official Roman Catholic doctrine. Many scholars returned to the Premillenial (literal) view after the Reformation.
8. Pre-tribulation Return of Christ
Rapture - The tribulation is a time of judgment for unrepentant men (2 Thessalonians 2v9-12). God’s people would be excluded from such judgment (1 Thessalonians 1v9-10; 5v9). The Lord will come suddenly bringing destruction, while people are saying ‘peace and safety’ (1 Thessalonians 5v1-3). These conditions will exist before the Rapture, but not at the end of the tribulation.
Resurrection - The bodily resurrection of the dead, saved and unsaved, is clearly taught in Bible (John 5v28-29; Acts 24v15). Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15v20-22)
Christian Disciples
- Like Christ’s glorious body (1 Corinthians 15v49; Philippians 3v21; 1 John 3v2)
- Not flesh and blood (1 Corinthians 15v50ff)
- Not partly spiritual (Luke 24v39; 1 Corinthians 15v42, 53)
Unbelievers
- They will be resurrected (John 5v28-29) and cast into the lake of fire
Timing of the resurrection
- 1st Resurrection - when Christ comes in the air to take Christian Disciples (1 Corinthians 15v23; 1 Thessalonians 4v16); some place resurrection of O.T. saints at the end of the tribulation.
- 2nd Resurrection - Resurrection of the unsaved after the Millennium (Revelation 20v5, 11-13)
Judgment - Certainty of judgment - He will judge the whole world with justice (Acts 17v31). Humanity is destined to die once and after that to face judgment. (Hebrews 9v27)
The Judge - God is the judge of all the earth (Hebrews 12v23). The Father has given all judgment to the Son (John 5v22-27)
Judgment of Christian Disciples
- Christian Disciples will not be judged for sin - this has been judged already (Isaiah 53v4-6; 1 Peter 2v24)
- Christian Disciples will be judged for their works. We will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14v10). We will be judged according to our works (2 Corinthians 5v10). The quality of our work will be tested (1 Corinthians 3v11-15). Our motives will be exposed either for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 4v4-5) or for our own glory.
- We will give account of the opportunities and abilities entrusted to us (Matthew 25v14-30)
- Rewards may be gained or lost (1 Corinthians 3v14-15)
- Incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9v25)
- Crown of glory (1 Peter 5v4)
- Crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4v8)
- Crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2v19)
- Crown of life (James 1v12)
Judgment of unbelievers
- The Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20v11-15).
- After the Millennium (Revelation 20v11-15, 21v8).
- They will be cast into the lake of fire with satan and his angels (Revelation 20v15; Matthew 25v41). This punishment is eternal (Matthew 25v46).
For more to think about please do. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.
Q1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5v6-11. How am I living out these Scripture in my life as a Christian Disciple?
Q2. Read 2 Corinthians 5v10. If I were to give an account of my work today, what would occur?
Q3. Read Matthew 25v31-46. As a Christian Disciple, how does this affect my urgency to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
You can make a comment by clicking on the word "Comment" below! Thank you!
Right mouse click to save/download this audio Podcast as a MP3 file
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can do this easily by clicking the PayPal image to the left. Thank you
Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Monday Aug 27, 2012
Think Spot
Monday Aug 27, 2012
Monday Aug 27, 2012
Think Spot 27th August 2012
How is your reading going?
When I was first converted over 45 years ago I was privileged to be converted in a church which had regular expository preaching and keen prayer meetings as well as a strong support for several missionaries abroad and in England. Week following week we had a feast of good things as we were taught on Sunday evenings the depth of the meaning of each of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. On each of those same Sundays in the mornings we went through a section of Paul's letter to the Colossians a few verses at a times. I had no idea how important this type of teaching was for me. I didn’t realise at the time how privileged I was. Little did I know also that God had carefully arranged my spiritual education to prepare me for future ministry. He called me first to Missionary work in London. “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” ( Luke 5:1ff) I was then encouraged to wait upon the Lord for a clear word from Him to lead me into such a valuable, important and necessary work in an extremely hard place, a city with a multitude of different nationalities and religions, where only a sovereign God could break through . This teaching concerning God's almighty power was so vital for me to grasp before I began. “Go now therefore and I shall be with your mouth and teach you what to say” Exodus 4:12. Before church membership it had been a regular feature I believe, to be taught three important teaching sessions on three major doctrines, Justification, Sanctification and Glorification. Yes we were certainly grounded in the faith and discipled which was so important when about to be sent into such a challenging work for God. This work in London witnessed God moving in and changing peoples lives of all ages through His powerful Word. This was followed by various Bible teaching posts in evangelical churches throughout the country. Time and time again I praised God for such a great education at the beginning of my christian life. Such brilliant preachers and mature Christians ready and available and so willing to help a young believer. Now retired and having a lot of time to write devotional booklets to help all kinds of Christian through my life experiences I can now advise from personal experience which good Christian books to read which have helped me. Two questions I would like to ask as I look at the church today. First I ask “Is discipleship such an important part of a regular church programme today?” I think of Jesus called his disciples for three years training before He sent them into the mission field. The second question I ask is how much do Christians read today of Christian Doctrine and experience? I thought I would share my knowledge of good christian authors and books which have helped build me up in my faith and have been such a help to me in all kinds of different situations which needed clear understanding of how to deal with them. Books on Prayer which have helped me are Hallesby on Prayer as well as David Pawson's teaching online on the subject of “The Lord's Prayer” from the Sermon on the Mount, so helpful to build you up in your faith in addition to your regular dipping into the Scriptures to feed your souls. Prayer is not easy and can he helped by lessons learned by these men of God. The first books I was given to read as a new christian were JC Ryle's “Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.” These are still excellent to use in your daily devotions today so easy to read and understand and divided very helpfully into useful portions to use on a daily basis. I recommend them highly. USB Notes are also very helpful and “Our Daily Bread” from RBC Carnforth. But in addition to this form of study may I suggest you read regularly biographies of some great men and women of God from the past. I was helped early on in my Christian life in reading Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Biography “The Early Years” and the second volume called “The Full Harvest” He was one of the greatest preachers this world has ever known. His writings are still popular today 150 years after his death. Corrie Ten Boom books are much smaller but excellent reading. If you need further encouragement in prayer then read the narratives of George Mueller and Billy Bray the Cornishman's story “The Kings Son” which was also so helpful to me. Finally Pilgrims Progress by John Bumyon is a must for every Christian written now in modern English. And there are so many more. Paul the apostle wrote “Study to yourself approved of God” In his epistles he makes it clear that we should give attention to reading and when in prison he asked his friends to bring him the parchments. There is a wealth of good christian literature, but we need to be guided into what is really useful for us. We can waste a lot of money without the right advice from more seasoned Christians who we know and trust. Ask for their help and take care and may God richly bless your reading and listening. Joys Prayer Dear Lord and loving Heavenly Father, You have taught us today how important it is to not stand still in our christian life. To make sure we grow in knowledge and in our understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Forgive us for laziness and being distracted by other things such as Television and other social pursuits which have been additional to what is really necessary in our lives. We are thankful Lord for Christian programmes on TV and we know the need to keep ourselves fit and healthy with exercise but we also know how these things can slip in and replace our prayer life and our life of usefulness to You. Please forgive us and recharge us as we listen to Bible teaching or read Christian books which are helpful for us to maintain our souls and to enlarge our hearts and minds. We are made aware through Scripture we are in a battle and need all the resources we can get to strengthen and equip us for each days battle and in our daily witness to your marvellous Truth. Our love for you Lord is always in response to Your love for us and we want to show Your love to all we come into contact with each morning whether at work, in retirement or in the social world. Lord help us to be shining lights for You and may we never forget to give You all the glory and praise due to Your Holy Name. In Jesus Name Amen
Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file
Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website
iTunes
Friday Aug 24, 2012
Prayer - Churches
Friday Aug 24, 2012
Friday Aug 24, 2012
Partakers Friday Prayers!
24th August 2012!
We pray together and when Christians pray together, from different nations, different churches and different denominations - that reveals Church unity!
Today we are specifically praying for churches and church services this weekend! Come join in! Play & download the video!
Right mouse click to save this video as MP4 file.
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully
consider making a donation. Thank you
Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Thursday Aug 23, 2012
Thursday Ponderings
Thursday Aug 23, 2012
Thursday Aug 23, 2012
23rd August 2012
Luke 10:38-42 tell the story of two sisters. Jesus drops in for a visit and Mary sits at His feet listening to Him whilst her sister makes preparations for the meal. Martha complains to Jesus that Mary has left her to do all the work but Jesus says that Mary has chosen the best thing.
How often do we fill our lives with church meetings, church activities and leave out the most important thing - spending time with God? Of course there is a place for church meetings and house groups and prayer meetings but sometimes we miss out doing the things that God would have us do like visiting those in prison or hospital, feeding the hungry, befriending the lonely because we simply don’t have any time to do those things after we’ve been to all our church meetings.
So take time out to ask God which meetings He wants you to attend, you may be surprised at the result. And then if He frees up some time for you ask Him what He wants you to do instead, it may be joining the local golf club so you can tell people there about Jesus or it may be spending time with your family. But you won’t know until you ask.
Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can do this by clicking the PayPal image to the left.
Thank you
Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Monday Aug 20, 2012
Think Spot
Monday Aug 20, 2012
Monday Aug 20, 2012
Think Spot 20th August 2012
The Battle is the Lord's!
Recently I have been in contact with several Christians who are struggling in their witnessing as the devil attacks them bringing fear doubts and seeming defeat when they close in on his territory. It reminded me when preaching several years ago, when I had an unbelievable attack from the enemy which I have never forgotten. I had been preaching one morning in my church, where I was pastor. I was speaking about Moses leading Israel across the River Jordan and about to take Jericho and I had made the point that the devil doesn't give up even one inch of ground easily. Jericho would not be taken by Israel apart from God intervening and working with them. During the evening service as I began my address I felt very uneasy. I was made to think the Lord was not with me in the pulpit. He had deserted me. What made me think like this you ask ? Well for starters, our organist appeared to be asleep (actually he was meditating) and people looked so bored to tears. I stopped in mid flow in my preaching on the conversion of Rahab the harlot and said “There is no point in proceeding with this service God cannot be with us I do not sense His presence.” I closed the service ten minutes before the average normal time. This was one occasion when the last thing I wanted to do now, following the service , was to go and shake hands with people at the door. Nevertheless I made the effort. One dear old godly lady came to the church door and whispered in my ear, “Jim, God was with us this evening. Think back to what you preached about this morning.. You said The devil doesn't give up one inch of his territory easily, that is what he was attempting to do this evening.” I was so thankful for this wise woman's words of encouragement and I have never repeated that response when not feeling God's presence again. The devil is powerful, thankfully not all powerful and is a real threat to us. However we need to be clothed in the armour God has given to us which we read about in Ephesians 6:10-18; “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might that we might stand in the evil day”We need to get into the habit of clothing ourselves spiritually through prayer as we put on our ordinary clothing each day. Remember Put on the whole armour of God.” Sanctified common sense tells us to be prepared for each day especially if we intend to witness bravely for Christ which is our daily mission. We have a glorious gospel to share and it is powerful. Romans 1:16; makes that very clear! God also promises that His word will not return to Him void.” So preach it brother and sister!!” Remember God is always working through His marvellous message of amazing grace. The truth will set people free. “Be always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor 16). We are on the winning side never forget it my dear friends. The battle was won at Calvary and we walk in the knowledge of that great truth. Read the last few verses in Isaiah 53 and see the prophesied promised result from Christ's sacrifice and righteous life. The Holy Spirit working in and through us is no match for the devil. The Holy Spirit wins every time. May I encourage you to read Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyon to see how Christian struggled with the evil one and how he overcome him. See also in Matthew 4 how Jesus defeated the devil in the wilderness through His Word which truly is more powerful than any two edged sword. Have a good day of victory.Joys Prayer
Gracious God and loving Heavenly Father, how we need to be so aware of the strength of the enemy ,our own weakness and the all surpassing power of God which can defeat the devil. Lord strengthen us afresh each day and give us such a confidence in yourself that we be not frightened by the enemy and believe we shall succeed through You. In the past we have succeeded and we remember your presence with us then, how precious You were to us and how immediately you were with us wherever we went. You never left us you were, for us, a very present help in time of trouble. Thank you Lord we love you; The clouds may have been low, heavy and exceedingly dark but by faith we could see You in full control and sovereign over all. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name AmenRight Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file
Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website
iTunes
Friday Aug 17, 2012
Friday Prayers
Friday Aug 17, 2012
Friday Aug 17, 2012
Partakers Friday Prayers!
17th August 2012!
We pray together and when Christians pray together, from different nations, different churches and different denominations - that reveals Church unity!
- Opening prayers
- Confession
- Praise
- Petitions
- Doxology (as sung by Jeff Wooldridge)
Amen!
Right mouse click to save this Podcast in MP4.
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. Thank you
Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Thursday Aug 16, 2012
Thursday Ponderings
Thursday Aug 16, 2012
Thursday Aug 16, 2012
16th August 2012
Life beside still waters...
Psalm 23:2 “He leads me beside quiet waters.”
For those of you with a hectic life this is of course a blessing and very much appreciated. Any quietness amongst the busy-ness, the rushing around of every day life is gratefully received. But sometimes the quiet waters, if they last for a long period, can cease to feel like a blessing. Most of us get our self worth from what we do, what we achieve in a day; So if something, such as an illness or a change in circumstances, causes us not to have anything to do for months on end, our confidence can plummet. We feel lost and of no value.
Probably God is trying to teach us something. It may be that He wants us to spend more time listening to Him, sitting at his feet. It may be that He wants us to get our self worth from Him just being a child of the King, precious to Him, restored, forgiven, giving us a healthy self esteem. I find when listening to God it helps to have a pen and a notebook handy so I can write down anything He wants to say to me. So if you’ve been laid up for any reason, lost your job, been ill, go praise God and ask Him what He’s trying to teach you. It isn’t easy, I know from personal experience and if you’re not in a place to praise God then tell Him how angry and frustrated you are. God longs for you to be honest with Him, He knows how you’re feeling and He wants to reassure you of His love for you.
Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file
If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can do this by clicking the PayPal image to the left.
Thank you
Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website
Subscribe via iTunes
Monday Aug 13, 2012
Think Spot
Monday Aug 13, 2012
Monday Aug 13, 2012
Think Spot 13th August 2012
Why few or no conversions?
I have come to the conclusion that preachers may be preaching the truth in our Bible but is it changing peoples lives? Should that not be the object of every address delivered from our pulpits.? Is the preacher really seeking God to know what to preach about?. After all he knows who will be present in the services and what they need to hear, doesn't he? If nothing happens something must be wrong as Romans 1:16; clearly says “The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.” recently I have heard people go out from services saying “That was boring” “The speakers were unreal” Yes I know people can make excuses because they do not want to be touched by God but is it all their fault? Why isn't the truth empowered by The Holy Spirit really reaching its chosen mark? Hebrews 4:12; reads "The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God" quickening cutting etc. Is too much of the service being given over to other items not necessarily to be overlooked but are they introduced at such a time in the service that distracts from the real object of the preaching service to either convert or build up?. A service so filled that there is either little time left for the sermon or people are worn out in listening to the first part of service. Read once again Peter's sermon on day of Pentecost , how convicting was that? They were cut to the heart. Did they feel something during that sermon? Could they go home without a response? They felt the fear of God and knew they were guilty-They acknowledged their part in the death of Jesus Christ. Some say you must not preach too personal to any one. How foolish that is. The Word should work reaching the individual's ears of his or her heart saying “John, Julie Janet, this is for you to hear” The listeners to Peter came to a point during God's preached word when they wanted desperately for their lives to be changed. So much so they would be waiting around afterwards for a long while no doubt to be baptized. Remember, There were 3000 waiting.!! Also they would all have been counselled first wouldn't they? Is it possible there are there too many preachers entering our pulpits who are untrained, not called by God and not meant to preach. They haven't the gift of preaching. Is it fair to our congregations to have such men ministering ?? Or even men practising for the benefit of judges to ascertain their preaching ability during Sunday services? Surely there are other occasions suited for that purpose. When I take unconverted people to a gospel service I want them to hear the gospel. Nothing less. Consider this question. What kind of effect does the speaker have on his hearers? When Robert Murray Cheyenne appeared in the pulpit, before he opened his mouth the congregation were stilled and even silently tearful. Why? Here was a man who brought with him into the pulpit a sense of God's presence and the people knew he most certainly would deliver a message heaven sent and it was effective. The awesome sense of God's presence was there. This man only lived into his early thirties but revival broke out in his church even when he was away from it. God honoured this man's faithful ministry There was a seriousness about the church meetings and no flippancy which can be sadly experienced in churches today as if you must have humour to keep the people coming. Who is the preacher trying to please? God or man? My concluding thoughts are concerning the failings in the preacher and the failure in the presentation of God's Truth, the message of the preacher. The preacher has to be a God centred man, a man of integrity, knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. A man whose life to live is the life of Christ and who truly believes that God's Word is God's powerful Word and he has no other message to preach. He is to preach it in a lively not boring manner because he knows it is truth and He is a man who knows The Spirit's work in his own life and knows something of the Spirit helping him in his preparation and delivery of God's message. He has a dynamite stick in his hand and he expects it to explode by the power of The Holy Spirit. To penetrate men and women's hearts. A man who speaks with authority and unafraid of upsetting the congregation and certainly not there to entertain them with humour. He is a dying man speaking to dying men and women. The time given to him must be adequate and not restricted by what follows the service. Football fans do not want the game to end. The theatre show to finish, do they? Read Acts 2:42ff. Day after day the news converts couldn't get enough of God's Word. But what do I hear christians say today? You have to break up the sermon into several parts with some singing between people cannot concentrate for more that ten minutes. That is untrue when a person is truly converted. They are hungry and thirsty for more. “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be filled.” Read your Bible carefully and you will see how true this is. Maybe we have too may intellectual believers who give assent to the gospel but their lives are not supernaturally changed. If not there is something wrong. Examine yourself my friends. The preacher must also never assume that all his hearers are believers. However his hearers may be knowledgeable in the scriptures. However influential they are in the church in helping to pay the ministers wages. They could even be marvellous in prayer meetings, very eloquent. The preacher has no favourites among the church and is not going to preach to please them. He is to preach as if all are sinners. Think about it, they truly are, saved or unsaved sinners. True Believers will not be offended by this but pleased to hear once again the gospel which secured them in Christ. The message must centre on Jesus Christ especially in the gospel service which should be regular each week. His life, death, resurrection, ascension and return in glory. Eternity and eternal punishment must be preached to draw people to Jesus Christ. If not saved we are lost there is no in-between. Please pray and consider what I say. I am sharing my deep concern for you to consider out of forty years a preacher, pastor, evangelist and a believer only by God's grace and in my happiest and holiest moments I cry for and long to see revival in the Church and much much more glory go to God and for His Church to be more more effective.Joys Prayer
Gracious God and loving heavenly Father we acknowledge our need to come to the church meetings in the right spirit and pray very much for our church leaders that they may bring with them a greater sense of our Lord's presence and may our meetings be privileged with that beautiful and awesome sense of Your presence which we know is possible when "They preach The Word." When Solomon's Temple was built there was a tremendous sense of your presence there. It would have been awesome!! All was in keeping with your will and you blessed your people incredibly.. The priests could not stand to minister such was the power of your presence felt. Lord do it again please for your praise and glory. Please send revival into your church. Amen (The views expressed here are not necessariliy the views held by Partakers & Dave G Roberts)