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Faith and Neighbours/Friends The Good Samaritan Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spend more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, think thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Who is your neighbour? From God's point of view a neighbour is anyone who we see needs our help. Do you have faith to help a stranger or even an enemy? Questions to consider Were the Jews and Samaritans friends at this time? Why did the priest and the Levite not help the man? Who is your neighbour? At home, at work, when we travel? What did it cost the good Samaritan? In what circumstances do you think do you think you might be a good Samaritan? Amen Pray that the Lord will give you daily opportunities to be a good Samaritan. For full text for print out and access to other parts of 'Faith Cameos' click on link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-4

Faith applied in family situations In this cameo we look at faith at work in various serious family situations. Peter's mother in law Matthew 8:14-15 (KJV) 14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. Notice- no one asked Jesus to heal her- notice his gentle bedside manner- simply touching her hand- the fever lifts- her wellbeing and strength are immediately restored- she resumes her role as hostess serving her guests. Question: Does God care about our in-laws? Do we/should we care about our in-laws? The widow of Nain's dead son Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Jairus' daughter Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he says unto them, why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. Questions: Why did Jesus raise these people (Widow of Nain’s son/Lazarus/Jairus Daughter) from the dead? Are there financial aspects to this story? How would the sisters/mother have felt? Does God care about the bereaved/ widows and orphans? How can we help widows and orphans? What about your family, does anyone need a healing miracle today? Amen Prayer For full text for printout and access to all parts of 'Faith cameos' click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-3

Faith applied for healing Over the next 5 sessions we are going to look at a snap shot (cameo) of faith in various areas of life. The purpose of these short teachings to inspire you to use your own faith in these areas. A simple working definition of faith can be 'simply doing what God tells you to do' or else 'trusting God'. Our Focus is to find examples of biblical faith which we might learn from, in the areas of health, finance, family, neighbours and what to do when our faith fails us. 1. Health: The woman who touched the hem [1] of Jesus’ garment Luke 8:42b (ESV) But as he went the people thronged him. 43 And a woman having an issue of blood [2] twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, who touched me? 46 And Jesus said, somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what because she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made you whole; go in peace. This woman was ritually unclean and so was anything she sat on. The social consequences of her uncleanness meant she was a social outcast just like a leper. Narrative- the woman was afraid to speak to Jesus, trying to keep her herself hidden, touch was a point of contact for her faith with his authority. There was instantaneous healing. The meaning of the hem see {2} below. Jesus perceived 'virtue' had gone out of him. Jesus asks 'Who touched me'? The woman self identifies. Jesus blesses her publicly thus not only healing her but also restoring her status status-by pronouncing her to be no longer unclean or a social outcast. What a healer! [1] Hem (tassel) of garment-Tsi-Tsit (Numbers 15:38 c.f. Deuteronomy 22:12) blue and white fringes representing the law of God. Reminder/Warning to the Jews to do all the law of God. [2] Leviticus 15:25 (ESV) If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, not at the time of her menstrual impurity, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her impurity, all the days of the discharge she shall continue in uncleanness. As in the days of her impurity, she shall be unclean. Do you need to touch the hem of Jesus' garment today by faith? We can draw virtue as healing power by faith today. Jesus never refused to heal anyone nor was he unable to heal anyone (although he prayed for one man's eyes twice). Amen Prayer For full text for printout and access to other parts of Faith cameos please click https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-1

The goodness of God part 2 In Part 1 we defined an attribute of God as something of His own nature that He has revealed to us. We then looked at several ways by which God has revealed His goodness to us. Once we recognise the goodness of God: what next? We can give one of two responses to the goodness of God, which are 1.the right response, and 2. the wrong response. The wrong response: by the rich young ruler Matthew 19:16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. The story of the rich young ruler (RYR): we only arrive at a composite description of the RYR by reading sections of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This story can be used to teach many different biblical truths. Today we want to recognise that the RYR called Jesus ‘Good’ and wanted to know which good works would give him salvation. Jesus seems to meet him where he is and tells him to keep the commandments of the Law of Moses, but which ones the RYR replies. Jesus gives him a list. The RYR replies that he has kept all these commandments since his early youth. Jesus identifies the RYR real problem that he is caught up with his status and wealth and bids him to sell his property, give to the poor and follow Jesus. The RYR went away very sorrowful for he was not prepared to give up his wealth to follow Jesus. The right response to the goodness of God: Zacchaeus Luke 19:1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and whose business gave him lots of opportunity to cheat and defraud those from whom he collected taxes. Jesus saw 'wee' Zacchaeus atop a sycamore tree. Jesus tells Zacchaeus to climb down the tree for Jesus wants to be his houseguest. Luke 19: 6 So he made haste and came down and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” No good deed goes unpunished and when Zacchaeus slid joyfully down the tree the bystanders were complaining that Zacchaeus was a sinner implying that Jesus had made an unworthy choice in Zacchaeus. When the goodness of God came to Zacchaeus he received Jesus joyfully, and unlike the RYR began to give away his fortune, giving half his wealth to the poor and offering to restore any financial misdeeds multiplied times four. What a difference between the RYR and Zacchaeus, the former would not let go of his wealth and did not follow Jesus, whereas the latter made generous financial restitution to his customers and began to follow Jesus. What is your response to the goodness of God today? ¨ Be joyful. ¨ Be thankful. ¨ Be willing to share what we have and put wrong our misdeeds. We first encountered the goodness of God at the point of our salvation. But almost every day we can see the goodness of God at work in our own lives and those of others. We can see the goodness of God in his daily provision, protection and blessing etc. Conclusion The main point is that our God, the God of the bible is good, He is friendly towards us because we are His people. Whenever we come to God in praise, worship, thanksgiving, or petition we must never forget that the goodness of God affects our every interaction with Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good! God shows His goodness to us in many ways as seen in this psalm; Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases. 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Amen Personal Prayer

The Goodness of God Part 1 Recently I have been reading The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer. In this book Tozer defines what it is meant by the expression an ‘attribute of God.’ So we are starting this bible study by trying to define what is meant by an attribute of God. A Divine attribute can be expressed in simple terms as ‘something that is true about God.’ Or we could say whatever may be correctly ascribed to God. The attributes of God include the self-existence of God, the eternity of God, God’s infinitude, God’s immutability, God’s omniscience, God’s omnipotence, God’s faithfulness, God’s goodness, the love of God, and the grace of God etc. For the purposes of our bible study today ‘an attribute of God is whatever God has in any way revealed as being true of Himself.’ We can only know of God what He has chosen to reveal to us and that we are somehow been made capable of knowing. We can find out what God is like from the three main ways that he communicates His Divine attributes to us: 1. Through the natural world i.e. the Creation. 2. Through the Holy Scriptures. 3. Through the person of His Son Jesus Christ. The reason that Bible teachers and scholars have chosen the word ‘attributes’ concerning God is to try to avoid the use of mere human descriptions that can only express themselves in human terms. But God can only be described in His own terms if we are to avoid error. The attribute of: The Goodness of God Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. In everyday language the words ‘good or ‘goodness’ mean many different things to different people. For this bible study our approach to defining God’s goodness is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. Psalm 107:1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. He is tender-hearted and of quick sympathy, and His unfailing attitude toward all moral beings is open, frank, and friendly. By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people. Psalm 119:68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. That God is good is taught or implied on every page of the Bible and must be received as an undisputed article of faith. We could say that the Goodness of God ought to colour all our thoughts of Him and help to keep us thinking straight. If God is not good, then there can be no distinction between kindness and cruelty, and heaven can be hell and hell, heaven. The goodness of God is the purpose behind all the God’s blessings He pours out each day on His people. God created us because He felt good in His heart, and He redeemed us for the same reason. We need to understand that the unmerited, spontaneous goodness of God underpins all His acts of love[1]. Psalm 145:9: The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Since God is immutable (unchanging) He never varies in the intensity of His loving-kindness. He has never been kinder than He now is, nor will He ever be less kind. He is no respecter of persons but makes His sun to shine on the evil as well as on the good and sends His rain on the just and on the unjust. The cause of His goodness is in Himself, the recipients of His goodness are all His beneficiaries without merit and without recompense. Always God’s goodness is the ground of our expectation. Our faith in God is faith in the Goodness of God. When believers are thinking straight, we will realise that we dwell under a friendly sky and that the God of heaven, though exalted in power and majesty is eager to be friends with us. When any person approaches God with a petition for forgiveness, healing, or help etc., what is God like and what can we expect when we approach him? John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? When Jesus Christ walked on earth, he showed people exactly what God the Father was like and revealed the true and loving nature of God in all his dealings with humankind. The hypocrites and the insincere will find Him cold and aloof, but the repentant will find him merciful and the self-condemned will find Him to be generous and kind. To the frightened He is friendly to the poor in spirit He is forgiving, to the ignorant, considerate; to the weak, gentle; to the stranger, hospitable. By our own attitudes we may determine our reception by Him. Though the kindness of God is an infinite, overflowing fountain of cordiality, God will not force His attention upon us. If we would be welcomed as the Prodigal was, we must come as the Prodigal came; and when we so come, even though the Pharisees and the legalists sulk without, there will be a feast of welcome within, and music and dancing as the Father takes His child again to His heart. The greatness of God awakes fear within us, but His goodness encourages us not to be afraid of Him. Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. This is a staggering promise in God’s word, that if we walk uprightly before God then He will allow us to have every good thing as He defines them. Amen Personal Prayer [1] Julian of Norwich in Revelations of Divine Love. In Part 2 we consider the practical implications of the goodness of God by comparing the responses of the Rich Young Ruler and Zacchaeus and how we might apply these lessons in our own lives,].

Guest Blogger ikhide Ehimiyein The Bible is God speaking to us, revealing his heart, his thoughts, his plans, his will, his desires for all creation, his account of his relationship with men, a chronicle that continues to demonstrate his love, mercy and judgement. His word exposes the past, guides us through the present and reveals the future, locked up within it is his creative power and authority bestowed upon all who believe and follow him. The real question is can a book written centuries ago, still be relevant today and hold promise for tomorrow; to understand this, we need to take a glimpse at the nature of the word of God. A) The word is living Hebrews 4:12, Gods words are not just letters they are alive carrying within them an ability (power) to produce, create and transform in “real time” human lives, situations, and circumstances. B) God’s words are spirit and life John 6:63: the origins of God’s word is not earthly, of the flesh (carnal) therefore trying to understand it only from a humanistic or intellectual capacity is an effort in futility, though it may produce a few benefits in wisdom and instruction it will not produce fruit required of a disciple of Jesus. C) The word has a personality in “JESUS” John 1:1,14 to truly engage with God’s word requires a relationship with Jesus, he is the Word, and he can take us beyond the letter of the word into the spirit of how and why it was written. To study the word of God purely from an academic or intellectual perspective is very limiting. To truly experience and encounter God in the word, requires that we search for him and read with our hearts. Only then can we experience the heights and depths of God’s word. The story in Revelation 5:1-5 sheds light on how to approach and access the word of God, Gods word to ordinary minds presents as a sealed book. When Jesus walked the earth, he taught in parables, people heard him and left without really understanding the true meaning of what he said. However his disciples ASKED Jesus afterwards what he had taught and then to explain his words. See Mathew 13:10-23, Proverbs 25:2, and Jeremiah 29:13; an encounter with the word can be like being on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-32 In verse 32 the disciples exclaimed that their hearts burned within them. The spirit of Jesus is still very present with us and wants to reveal to us God's plan and intentions for us, so we can live victoriously see John 16:12-15, and 1 Corinthians 2:4-16. So, whenever we approach the bible, we should remember that it opens to those who read, not just with their minds but with their hearts. When we do that the word of God helps us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) so we can truly understand the will of our God. Amen Personal prayer

How do I read the Bible? Practical advice Background We established in our first two studies 1(a) and 1(b) that the Bible is the verbal, plenary, infallible, inerrant, and inspired Word of God. In other words God breathed it. We now address the practicalities of reading the Bible. We want to know how you can go about studying the Bible and will now give some practical suggestions and hints. Background Every person who is born again who calls himself a Christian ought to be spending time every day in the word of God. They should of course also be spending time prayer every day Unless we do these daily acts of spending time in the Word of God and in prayer, we will become weak, ineffectual, and even unstable. Each of us needs to regularly spend some time with the Lord each in his word so that He can speak to us and we can speak to him. If you are not having a regular time with God every day you will probably begin to feel that God is far away from you and has stopped communicating with you. This can often become a pastoral issue although it might take a while for your pastor to get to the bottom of it. It is part of your spiritual growth towards maturity and is common to all who want to go on with the Lord. We must ask ourselves how long we spend in God’s word each day. Many of us, including myself, often listen to various forms of media for hours every day. Surely, we can spare some time to meet with the Lord in his Word? Some Christians call this their 'Quiet Time' where there is communication with Lord whilst reading our bible (and prayer of course). If you lack the self-discipline to do this then consider meeting someone (friend, spouse, work mate etc.) for say 30 minutes for both of you to simply read the bible in the same room but not the same passage together. This can help get some people get up and running and can develop into a discipline. Suggestions, pointers, and considerations to help you develop your bible study. Which translation should you use? You must choose carefully which version of the bible you will use. Please remember that the only true inspired Bible is the one which was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. I apologise if that offends some of you who think the King James Bible is the inspired one and only acceptable version, but the inspired Bible is the one written in the original languages not any of the translations. This has caused problems for me with one of my outreach teams. One team member reckoned only the KJV was the inspired word of God and all other translations were of the devil. He was entitled to his opinion, but then he set about unsettling the rest of the team! Unfortunately. most of us do not know the original languages, so we had to choose a version of the Bible at some time. When I got saved in 1981, everyone quoted from the King James Version. However today the choice of translation is much more complicated because we have got so many versions. Most of us will base our choice of translation on which version is the most accurate or perhaps on which translation is the most readable version that we can use (see next section below). My own preference is for the King James Version. That is not because I feel that there is something special about the King James Version. Do remember that when the King James Version of the Bible came out, that there was no real competition, and many older Christians today still like to use the KJV. One advantage of the KJV is that its various quirks etc. are well known and understood. Until recent times all the complementary reference books were geared towards the KJV e.g. commentaries, concordances, and lexicons etc. However this is no longer the case with a wide choice of translation and a growing list of supporting reference and study aids becoming available. So how do we choose our translation? Your choice could likely be based on two factors. a) Accuracy of the translation from the original manuscripts into English and/or b) Readability It is advisable to stick with whatever version you do choose so that you get to know at least one version of the Bible well. Most people usually have a second version for backup to help them with difficult passages. My favourite Bible teacher recommends the following versions (please bear in mind that there is no perfect translation); the KJV, the NKJV, the NIV -which is very readable but messes up a few passages such as Hebrews 11. The NASB is one of the most accurate translations of the scriptures, again one or two corrections are needed but overall the NASB is particularly good. Other recommended versions include the Weymouth Bible, and the Williams Translation which has the most accurate verb tenses for those interested in this. Another one I like and use from time to time is the Youngs Literal Bible which can help when I cannot get a foothold on a particular passage [1]. If your children or new converts are reading other Bibles, you might want to point them to some of those recommended above as some other popular translations have little to do with the original text! Here are a couple of quick test verses which might help you to spot whether a particular translation is any good or not. Two useful Test Verses In Psalm 84 in the KJV at the top of the Psalm is an instruction…'To the chief musician upon Gittith, a Psalm for the sons of Korah'. These introductory notes are part of the inspired text and must be in your Bible. If they are not there this is a poor reflection on the translation in question. In Romans 9:5 check to see if the translation supports the Trinity or not. The KJV supports the Trinity. An example of a translation which does not support the Trinity is the RSV for it separates Christ and God. Check it out! Amen In our next study we will consider what other resources you might want to use to aid your Bible study. [1] For other recommendations on bible translations please listen to BBS 083 by Roger Price -see link in the 'Additional Resources' section of website. For full text for printout, video version, and access to other parts of 'about the bible' click https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/about-the-bible-part-3-a

How do we read/study the Bible?- practical suggestions continued In study 3 (a) we saw some possible approaches to choosing a good translation. We now turn to our next steps (2-7 below). 2. Always pray before you read your Bible and make sure that you are in fellowship with the Lord. This might involve you observing 1 John 1:9 if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Ask the Lord to deal with your worldliness. The Garbage In Garbage Out (GIGO) principle applies in our lives. James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Only put good things into your soul such as the engrafted word. Give up your junk food (the filthiness and naughtiness) and eat God’s best! 1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking,2 As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Ask the Lord to give you a revelation of what the scripture means. 3. Read the bible first before you try to do an in-depth study and it is OK to enjoy reading the bible! Go at your own speed but it is ok to pray for answers to specific questions you may have. With short books like Philippians read them through in one session to get the overall feel of the letter. 4. Good bible studies usually have good structures so it can be good to develop an overview of the book structure in the bible. Try doing this with, for instance with a book such as Genesis (see BBS083 for details in ‘additional resources’ section). This can also be done in other ways for instance, the four sections of King David’s life or according to historical time approach with 28 sections (see BBS083 for more information). If you can do a whole series of basic bible studies such as BBS series this will put some structure into your basic understanding of the Bible. 5. Sometimes developing an interest in a specific topic e.g. the life of Elijah can promote significant learning across the Bible. Or doing a topical study such love, faith, fasting etc. can increase your knowledge and understanding. List of Reference aids for serious Bible study (many of these are available online) a) a good concordance such as Young’s Analytical Concordance (I personally use Strong’s exhaustive concordance). b) W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary Bible Words. c) a study Bible such as Ryrie or Schofield (NB be aware of authors prejudices e.g. they are anti-baptism in the Holy Spirit). Other study aids include companion bibles, topical bibles, chain reference bible (e.g. Thompson’s), an annotated Bible (by Dake), Unger’s bible studies, a Pictorial Encyclopaedia of the Bible, 6. Read good Christian books as well (this brought me on my understanding, particularly in my early years. It is advisable to read different authors and of course different topics. 7. Share the things that you have received from the Lord, you need to bring water out of the well so that fresh water can fill it! We can share with individuals as well as in groups. Advanced Bible Studies (see also BBS 083) perhaps not for everyone Learn the basics of the Biblical languages. You need to know English grammar before trying the Biblical languages to understand verb tenses etc. An interlinear translation i.e. English written out with Hebrew or Greek written below in line. Another useful tool for advanced study is a lexicon (word book of Greek explained in English e.g. Arndt and Gingrich or Thayer’s). Other advanced study aids are suggested including the recommended commentaries please see BBS 083 for details. Conclusion 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. So keep teaching the Word of God, keep teaching the truth, whether it is convenient or not, keep bringing correction or rebuke and patiently exhorting your hearers with your good teaching. Amen For full text for print out , video version , and access to the other parts of 'About the bible' click https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/about-the-bible-part-3-b

The verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit - the practicalities of tongues The practicalities of using the gift of tongues There seems to be two main roles for the gift of tongues. 1. The manifestation that often occurs at the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Thereafter it is used for communicating messages to God. 2. The operation of the gift to communicate a message from God to the church. Although not all spirit filled Christians do talk in tongues, they have the ability. If you are in that position and would like to operate in the gift of tongues, we will be discussing how to remove any hindrances. Some people just seem to take off either speaking or singing in tongues right away. Others pick it up a few words at a time! Possible hindrances to speaking in tongues. 1. Fear or shyness; sometimes people are called forward at meetings and are prayed for and told ‘just start speaking in tongues!’. This can be a nightmare for people who are very shy and would not even speak in English in front of a group of people! Such people who are shy should be allowed to manifest the gift of tongues at home or in a small supportive group. We need to be sensitive when ministering in this area. Sometimes at a meeting where most of the congregation are speaking in tongues it is much easier for the first timer to just join in. 2. Ignorance; some people believe that speaking in tongues is involuntary. That is not the case since scripture is clear that we have control over the gift, since we can speak quietly in tongues or sing or shout in tongues. Some people have been filled with the Spirit for many years and want to speak in tongues but do not realise that the gift is operated by faith with our co-operation. Sometimes new tongue talkers get stuck repeating one phrase and need to ask the Lord to develop their tongue. Many spirit-filled believers operate in more than one tongue and seem to be able to recognise the change of tone. When the new tongue-talker hears the words coming out of their mouths they sometimes think that is just coming from themselves. However, we must have the humility to admit that we would not recognise most other known languages if we heard them. If a small boy were learning French and said to his dad ‘oui oui’ or ‘bon bon’ then his dad might say ‘wee wee’ and ‘bon bon’ are not French words, but he would be wrong. Likewise, we will not recognise the syllables and words in our other tongues. Although counterfeit tongues are exceedingly rare, if you are not sure about your tongue whether it sounds fight or not ask a small group of believers (or your leaders) to listen to it to see how it sounds to them. 3. Unbelief; sometimes people can be in bondage over this gift and need a prayer of deliverance to set them free to move in the gift. Bondage can be brought about through sitting under wrong teaching on tongues or might even be due to fear of man about looking or sounding silly in front of others. We need to realise that the gift of tongues was a normal part of the spirit-filled church life in the new testament church. Why is God so interested in our tongue? James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. God knows that we need to sanctify our tongues and when we are speaking in other tongues in a sense God is taking control of our tongues whilst we still retain overall control. If the Lord can gain control of our tongue, then He can be begun to take over the rest of our lives as well! When we are using tongues as a manifestation of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we are praying to God, and we can all do it together. God can hear all of us at once! (remember the day of Pentecost). However, when the direction changes to when God wants to speak to the church a different rule applies. Usually only one person speaks in tongues at a time, and everyone listens because we are not like God and able to receive all the tongues at once. Although most tongues that can be translated by someone present give glory to God, very rarely there might be an impression of something wrong with a tongue. In such a case a prayer of deliverance is needed. remember, when you ask God for something good that is what He gives, not something bad! When a tongue is given in a meeting someone should bring forth the interpretation in English (or other Indigenous language depending on location). Amen Personal Prayer

The three verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit In Part 3a we considered the description of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. We are now going to focus on the description of the 3 verbal gifts (tongues, interpretation, and prophecy) in the following passage. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interprets, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God; I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20 Brethren be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so, falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. . 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Comments by verse v.1 We ought to desire spiritual gifts especially that we should prophesy! v.2 When we speak in an unknown tongue, we are not speaking to men but to God. It is a direct communication between man and God or vice versa. Although our minds do not understand we are speaking mysteries about God. What do you think the angels make of this? v.3 Prophecy is in English and is understood by the church thus building them up. v4. Tongues builds up the speaker, but prophecy builds up the church. see also Jude v20. v5 Paul wants everyone to talk in tongues but even better if they prophesy so that others can be fed. However, if there is an interpretation of the tongue it has the same effect as a prophecy i.e. it is understood! v6-12 What good is done in public if no one can understand what you are saying. Love considers others not just our own profit. If you want to give a tongue for the church pray and ask God for the interpretation as well so that everyone will be blessed. v15. Spirit filled Christians should pray and sing, sometimes in English, sometimes in tongues. Both are OK and one should not preclude the other. v16-17 Do not give thanks at the meal table in tongues since no one can understand and say Amen. v18 Paul appreciated the gift of tongues and used it more than anyone else! v19 but we must know the correct context for the use of tongues i.e. do not confuse the private use with its public use. At the meetings concentrate on what benefits the whole church. v21.-24 There appears to be an apparent contradiction between verse 21-22 and 23-24 in that in the former tongues is designated as a sign for the unbeliever but in the latter as a sign for the believers. The explanation lies in that on the day of Pentecost the Jews who first heard the other tongues were fulfilling the prophecies of the old testament (Isa 28 and Deut 24 v29) to show the Jews that they were in unbelief. However, the reference to tongues in v23-24 is for the Church and therefore is for a different purpose i.e. for the believers not the unsaved. v27 Let tongues and prophecies be given in batches of two or three and then give the congregation time to digest them and to discern what the Lord is saying to the church. v39 Do not forbid the speaking in tongues. v40 Be sensitive to the Spirit and others. Never behave in an unseemly or outrageous way for the church is the household of God. Amen Personal Prayer

The power gifts of the Holy Spirit continued : Faith and the Gifts of Healings The Gift of Faith Although we know that every believer is dealt the measure of fawhen there is a specific need God gives us an extra injection of faith. This increased level of faith may only apply to the specific purpose and may last only until the conclusion of the matter. The person receiving the gift of faith might even be surprised to hear themselves say 'Yes, the Lord is going to do this...' and then think where did they get the strength to believe for this level of faith. It is very encouraging to the rest of the church to see/hear this gift in action as this gift will keep them holding on in faith to receive the desired outcome (e.g. a bigger church building). Or what about the gift of faith to raise the dead (e.g. Lazarus). Most of us would need a huge injection of faith to perform that ministry. Roger Price tells the story of a woman who died during the praise and worship at her local church. There was a doctor present who confirmed that there was no pulse. The elder leading the meeting although aware of the fact she had died asked the congregation to pray for her and someone called out "Lord bless her'. The life came back into her, and she came round and apologised for fainting! The elder leading the meeting received the gift of faith! Sometimes a collective gift of faith can be manifest through the assembled congregation. A woman with severe post-natal depression was instantly set free and healed when a church collectively prayed for her. The Lord still wants to operate His power gifts to meet the needs of His people let us be open to receive them for His glory! The Gifts of Healings Please notice that it is plural 'gifts' for there are many types of healing. There is such a thing as the healing of emotions and there is a need within the church for this type of ministry. People need to be healed from a wide range of conditions and sicknesses, arthritis, depression, cancer, allergies etc. etc. It is interesting to note that in the gospels there were no instances recorded where Jesus was either unwilling or unable to heal whoever asked him. The gifts of healings are often administered by the laying on of hands. This is a means of identification with the sick person. It is good acknowledge the Lord as the great healer asking Him to impart healing and health to the afflicted person. Healing can be administered in several ways including the laying on of hands, or through the anointing with oil or even transmitted by a piece of cloth. Mark 6:12 And they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall have forgiven him. The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit who supplies the power for the gift of healing to take place. Every Christian has the right to call for the elders and that the elders must step out in faith and obedience to God's word. Sometimes healing takes place when a single prayer of faith is made, and we just know that God has heard and granted our prayer. However there are other times when we must persist in prayer before healing will take place (pray like a hacking cough as the Greek says in one scripture!). As ever we need to be led by the Holy Spirit. When we are needing healing, we ought to pray for ourselves in the first instance. Then, if necessary, ask our family and friends to pray. If you are still sick, then call for the elders. Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. Gifts of healings are sometimes instantaneous but at other times takes place gradually. So patiently wait in faith if you have received prayer for healing! If we give up in unbelief the gradual healing process will be stopped. Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. A healing might be termed as a miracle by being instantaneous or by being unusual in some respect. A Christian I know felt led to pray over a handkerchief when visiting a relative who lived some distance away. A year or so later someone in the relative’s family took seriously ill. When he remembered the handkerchief, it was applied to the sick person’s body and a miraculous healing took place! Often at a meeting where a word of knowledge is given for healing, it can be a prelude for general healing to take place. Amen Personal Prayer Teaching partly adapted from the late R. Price (Chichester Christian Fellowship)

How to prepare your heart for revival Revival is when eternity invades time [1] Revival is God’s radical treatment for a sick and lukewarm church Revival starts with me Revival starts with you God is calling me into personal revival God is calling me to break up the fallow ground in my heart God is calling you into personal revival God is calling you to break up the fallow ground in your heart The fallow ground is the soil of your heart that used to produce fruit The fallow ground in our hearts is overgrown with weeds and thistles and thorns God is calling us into revival through Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves in righteousness Reap in mercy Break up the fallow ground For it is time to seek the Lord Until he comes and rains righteousness on you Context: Hosea chapters 1-3 tell Hosea’s personal story God told him to marry Gomer a promiscuous woman and raise children Hosea had even to buy her back from her lover Their third child a boy had a name something like ‘my daddy is not my daddy’ Hosea keenly felt the pain and rejection of loving an unfaithful covenant breaking wife God keenly felt the pain and rejection of loving an unfaithful covenant breaking people Hosea identified with God’s breaking heart [2] over the sin of his people Our sin breaks God’s heart God’s tender love and mercy towards his people pours out of the book Hosea chapters 4-14 give the prophetic message of Hosea to Israel The land was filled with corruption amongst its rulers Families were unstable and immorality was widely accepted Society was divided and poverty was rife Idolatry was on the rise and the religious leaders had no answers Sound familiar? Could this be Scotland today? Here is God’s solution for a backslidden and lukewarm church Sow for yourselves in righteousness –Sowing; –live right before God- Believe and practice God’s word- let it dwell in your heart richly- Ask the Holy Spirit to water the seed of the word-Pray fervently-share the gospel Sow only good seeds Do only good deeds Reap in mercy; Reaping; when we sowed in righteousness we reaped a harvest of the Lord’s loving-kindness (chesed) Our God is Chasidic-full of loving kindness Our God multiplies the righteous seed we have sown way beyond the measure we sowed Our first cycles of sowing and reaping produced a good harvest But something crept up on us- perhaps the sin crouching at the door? Or the worries and cares of this life? The pursuit of wealth? And now whatever has happened, the soil of our hearts has become fallow ground. Examine your heart...take the Tozer [3] test The fallow heart is smug and can’t be taught much. The fallow heart is self contented. The fallow heart is protected from the shock of the plough. The fallow heart Some hearts have lain fallow year by year, safe and undisturbed The fallow heart focuses on past fruit The fallow heart has a two signs on it; ‘Do not disturb’ and ‘Past-master’ . The fear of the plough means there can be no present fruit The spirit of adventure is dead . The fallow heart is fenced in and God is fenced out The fallow heart smiles indulgently at fasting, revivals, self searching and the need to move on in God. The fallow soil has been hardened and can only support weeds and thorns and thistles The very seeds sown by the world , the flesh and the devil The soil of our hearts lies fallow to varying degrees-what state is your heart in tonight? Examine your heart… and take the Plough [4] test The ploughed heart The ploughed heart practices confession and repentance We need to keep short accounts with God and each other The ploughed heart has a sign ‘not safety first’ The ploughed heart is discontent in God The ploughed heart is yearning and full of godly sorrow The ploughed heart is courageously obedient and ready to bear fruit. Break up the fallow ground; Breaking- humble yourself before the Lord Confess that your heart has become hard, fallow and shallow Acknowledge it is your own responsibility to break up the fallow ground Ask for his help and guidance in the breaking – the Holy Spirit will assist us Confess all known sin, all the usual suspects found in the Ten Commandments Include unforgiveness, bitterness, grudges and resentment- then forsake them Examine your heart… Examine your heart for unbelief Examine your heart for prayerlessness A sinning man stops praying, a praying man stops sinning [5]. Examine your heart for the lost Examine the priorities of your heart Is your first priority in the material world? Is your first priority in human relationships? Is your first real priority to get money, power or possessions? Is your heart, seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness knowing that all these things shall be added unto you? What are you living for? Who are you living for? Next, deal also with the questionable things in your life. It might not be outright sin but does it glorify God? Examine your friendships and associations –do they please God? Develop convictions to protect yourself from falling into sin Convictions help integrate our hearts (inward) with our actions (outward) Job made a covenant with his eyes [6]. For it is time to seek the Lord; Seeking – the time to seek God is now –the time to seek his face is now- the time to seek his face in faith is now- believing he wants you to find him now It is God’s will for you to find him- when you seek him with all your heart Until he comes and rains righteousness on you, persist- how long O Lord? Persist until he comes – he will certainly come if we persist If we focus on the persisting –He will focus on his coming- Yes the very presence of the living God will come down on you- History testifies to this in the Lewis revival Prepare ye the way of the Lord in your own heart- remove every obstacle – and bring the presence of the living God in a new way into your heart God wants to do a new thing in your heart right now. Raining- Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high [7] And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field And the fruitful field is counted as a forest God wants your heart to be an orchard. God promised to pour out his Spirit on the dry and thirsty ground [8] He promised that the crocus and the rose would bloom in the desert place Imagine fragrant flowers and sweet fruit trees in planted in the soil of your heart God desires to breathe in your fragrance God desires to taste the sweet fruit of your character Jeremiah says ‘break up your fallow ground and don’t sow amongst thorns’ [9]. Conclusion The reason we don’t have revival is that we are willing to live without it [10] The alternative to revival is progressive decline into barrenness. Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. Let’s bring the plough of God’s word into the fallow grounds of our hearts tonight asking God to empower the plough by his Holy Spirit and that he shows us exactly what needs to be removed. Are you willing to break the fallow ground in your heart? , are you willing to be made willing? God is willing and God is able to help each one of us break up our fallow ground. Amen. Prayer [1] Unknown author quoted by Clayton Dougan [2] Clayton Dougan in the podcast The breaking heart of God, Sermon Index.com [3] A.W. Tozer [4] Michael Catt The power of surrender; breaking through to the ploughed life [5] Leonard Ravenhill [6] Job 31:1 I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman. [7] Isaiah 32:15 [8] Isaiah 44:3-4 [9] Jeremiah 4:3 [10] Leonard Ravenhill