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Identity crisis Many believers today seem to be experiencing an identity crisis. What I mean by this is that the life they are leading does not match up the life of the believer that is found in scripture. The identity crisis leads to them being defeated, dejected, downtrodden and beaten up by life whereas the scriptures tell us we should be living in victory and that we are more than conquerors, we are the head and not the tail, we are the winners and not losers etc. We are being conditioned to believe we are less than God says we are, conditioned to believe we have nothing to offer in the Kingdom, conditioned to only see the natural instead of the supernatural. Satan seeks to steel our identity in Christ. We must remember that we are no longer under the circumstances, but we are overcomers through Jesus Christ. The basis for victory in the believer's life comes from the magnificent victory of Jesus Christ. The magnificent victory of Jesus Christ God expects us to live victoriously in and through Jesus Christ. Jesus victory was achieved via the cross and resurrection but especially in his ascension to the Father’s right hand. In this way Jesus who was 100% man and 100% God, took his humanity on to the level that increased our ranking to above the angels and fallen angels.[2] John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Ephesians 1:19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. All things are under Jesus' feet. Jesus is head over all things pertaining to the church. Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) When Jesus Christ won the victory over sin and death at the cross and then ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of the Father he gave us victory in every area of life; we are completely identified with Jesus Christ. The picture here is like a victorious general returning to Rome, with his legions, and fierce captives, in Jesus case he defeated the fallen angels. When we become born again we move from the old creation into the wonderful new creation. Old creation vs New creation God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit I Born again believers Old Creation Order New Creation Order Angels (Elect and fallen) Angels (Elect and fallen) OT believers Unbelievers OT unbelievers Animals Animals Hebrews 2:5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? 7 You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honour 8 and put everything under their feet.” Although mankind was created a little lower than the angels when we become born again through Jesus Christ we are so identified with Jesus that we receive his ranking which is now above the angels and this includes fallen angels/demons. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 3 we consider Jesus as the glorified man

Part 1 Jonah This is a new 4-part mini- series in which we will have a brief look at the ministry of four prophets. You could say the prophets of old in a sense were God’s trouble-shooters. Today’s trouble-shooter is Jonah, and we are going to explore God’s view of the Ninevites and his lesson for Jonah. What is a trouble-shooter? Someone sent into a tricky situation, who brings the answer to the problem, this often a ‘specialist’ e.g., in the twentieth century, Red Adair for oil well fires or Roy Leeming for dealing with rogue elephants. We shall see there is a lot more to Jonah than in the popular view of him being a ‘jinx’ to the sailors i.e. bringing calamity to companions. So, let us look at the book of Jonah from the viewpoint of Jonah being God’s trouble-shooter and see what we can learn from it. We will take brief look at whole story then begin to focus on certain verses Chapter 1:1-3 Jonah is called by God to go and preach repentance to the Nineveh who as Assyrians were an enemy of Israel. Jonah opts out of God's instructions but heads in a different direction to Tarshish. Verse 4; Jonah confesses to being the cause of the problems for the sailors and is thus thrown into the sea and was swallowed by great fish. If you feel like disobeying God, this is something to bear in mind. Chapter 2; Jonah’s prayer Chapter 3; Jonah goes to Nineveh this time. We could wonder what might have happened if he had not? Jonah preaches to the Ninevites about the coming wrath of God and the Ninevites turn in repentance from their wickedness to God. Chapter 4; Is it a happy ending and if so for whom? Verse 2; The key to understanding Jonah is to know his outlook was that of a typical home nation patriot! I know you would be gracious and forgiving to your nation’s enemies and let them off? What Jonah was really saying was that these people, the Ninevites were the sworn enemies of the Jews, they were a numerous and powerful people, and they were going to overrun the Jews. Jonah thinks he is acting more righteously than God! This story at best tells of Jonah’s blind patriotism or at worst may reveal some form of racial prejudice or even hatred. Verse 3; His prejudice was more important than his life. Do we have prejudices more than the life of God in us? Verse 10; The plant was a ‘son of the night’, Jonah did not plant or labour for, nor nurture or cherish it. Verse 11; God is telling Jonah how he feels about Nineveh, where there is a vast multitude of real human beings. 120,000 young children (or ignorant adults) and animals. God loves the innocent and always seeks to protect them. Here are some examples… Sodom and Gomorrah could be saved for the sake of ten righteous/innocents. Children’s angels behold the Father’s face. Jesus warns us not to cause the little children to stumble. God in Old Testament forgave the sins of Israel because of innocent blood (of the lamb/goat) at the Passover. God in the New Testament forgave the sins of humanity because of innocent blood (Jesus’ blood). God breathes his breath into each human person making them living souls. He formed the Ninevites in their mother’s wombs. He feeds, sustains us, and heals us. His love extends beyond race and colour. God loves his enemies and allows no prejudice. Rather we ought to pray for them that despitefully use us! Jonah never considered the innocent people of Nineveh; he only saw one side of the story that is as a Jewish patriot. God’s love is not limited by man’s characteristics, such as young and old, fat, and thin, clever, and not so, black, and white or even rich or poor. Man’s love often can be subject to prejudice, for example, the disciples asked if they should call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans! What if God called one of us to go preach repentance to another local fellowship and made it clear a major revival would come to that fellowship? Man’s love is jealous. God’s love rejoices with all his body. Trouble-shooter Jonah learned that God’s love was wider, deeper, and higher than he had appreciated. God taught Jonah about his divine nature whilst Jonah was on his mission. Personal Prayer Father we ask in Jesus' name that you show us how to love with your love. We confess our prejudices before you now, show us them by your Spirit. We repent and ask you Jesus to fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit and your love. Amen

John 15:1-7 Disciples ought to bear good fruit John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Jesus tells his disciples that ‘I am the vine, and you are the branches’ This describes the relationship between Christ and his church in way to help us to understand it. You could say the picture of the vine and the branches is a model but one that reflects the spiritual reality very clearly. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of Christ is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like liquid love in our hearts and produces the fruit of the Spirit which is the character of Christ. In other words, the liquid love of the Holy Spirit is like the sap that nourishes the branches and leads to the fruit of the vine growing on us the branches. This liquid love is constantly being poured into the believer’s heart. God the Father is the gardener, farmer or vinedresser and lovingly tends his vine and branches. J15:2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. The best way to interpret the word fruit (Greek karpos) here is as a return or yield for what has been put in (in this case the Holy Spirit into the believer). The branches that not bearing fruit are ‘taken away’ (Greek airo), but this means to be lifted to catch the sunlight better and get another chance to produce fruit. The grapes that are ready are then harvested, the love that has filled us brings the character and the virtuous deeds of Christ which we then share with those in need. This consumption of the fruit by our virtuous deeds stimulates the branch to produce more fruit. 3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. The word clean (Greek katharos) means honed or fine-tuned for a specific purpose. There are two aspects to this cleansing, firstly a removal of all external hindrances to fruit production in our behaviour, and secondly, an internal honing with removal of all hindrances and development of all good qualities in our hearts. There is some overlap in the two processes. Jesus tells his disciples that they are now ready to produce fruit. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. The word for abide (Greek meno) means to stay and this root gives us words including remain, maintenance, and even mansion. This is cause and effect, and if we abide in the Vine then we can bear fruit. The abundant life flows from Christ in the form of the liquid love from the Holy Spirit. We must be fully connected to the vine and receive his nourishment as we pray, study the word, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The fuller our connection to the vine the more fruit can be produced. If we lose our ongoing connection to the Vine, our branch cannot produce any fruit. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. This verse emphasises the fact that if we are not abiding in Christ, we cannot produce any yield, or fruit nor a dividend to the Lord. The more and better we are connected to Christ the more fruit we will produce. 6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If we are not connected to the Vine, our branch has no life and is only useful as firewood. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Jesus tells his followers that if we focus our lives in on him, so that all his words and sayings are flowing in our hearts and minds, whatever we ask for will be done for us as our flow of words and deeds line up with his. Prayer: Lord teach us how to abide in the Vine with a full connection into your flow of love in our hearts. Teach us to bear fruit for you. Amen

Disciples ought to bear fruit John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Jesus tells his disciples that ‘I am the vine, and you are the branches’ This describes the relationship between Christ and his church in way to help us to understand it. You could say the picture of the vine and the branches is a model but one that reflects the spiritual reality very clearly. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of Christ is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like liquid love in our hearts and produces the fruit of the Spirit which is the character of Christ. In other words, the liquid love of the Holy Spirit is like the sap that nourishes the branches and leads to the fruit of the vine growing on us the branches. This liquid love is constantly being poured into the believer’s heart. God the Father is the gardener, farmer or vinedresser and lovingly tends his vine and branches. J15:2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Perhaps the best way to interpret the word fruit (Greek karpos) here is as a return or yield for what has been put in (in this case the Holy Spirit into the believer). The branches that not bearing fruit are ‘taken away’ (Greek airo), but this means to be lifted to catch the sunlight better and get another chance to produce fruit. The grapes that are ready are then harvested, the love that has filled us brings the character and the good deeds of Christ which we then share with those in need. This consumption of the fruit by our good deeds stimulates the branch to produce more fruit. 3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. The word clean (Greek katharos) means literally honed or fine-tuned for a specific purpose. There are two aspects to this cleansing, firstly a removal of all external hindrances to fruit production in our behaviour, and secondly, an internal honing with removal of all hindrances and development of all good qualities in our hearts. There is some overlap in the two processes. Jesus tells his disciples that they are now ready to produce fruit. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. The word for abide (Greek meno) means to stay and this root gives us words including remain, maintenance, and even mansion. This is cause and effect, if we abide in the Vine then we can bear fruit. The abundant life flows from Christ in the form of the liquid love from the Holy Spirit. We must be fully connected to the vine and receive his nourishment as we pray, study the word, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The fuller our connection to the vine the more fruit can be produced. If we lose our ongoing connection to the Vine our branch cannot produce any fruit. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. This verse emphasises the fact that if we are not abiding in Christ, we cannot produce any yield, or fruit nor a dividend to the Lord. The more we are connected to Christ the more fruit we will produce. 6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If we are not connected to the Vine our branch has no life and is only useful as firewood. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Jesus tells his followers that if we focus our lives in on him, so that all his words and sayings are flowing in our hearts and minds, whatever we ask for will be done for us as our flow of words and deeds line up with his. Amen Prayer: Lord teach us how to abide in the Vine with a full connection to your flow of love into our hearts. Teach us to bear fruit for you. Amen

John 15:1-7 We are the branches 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Jesus tells his followers that ‘I am the vine, and you are the branches’ This describes the relationship between Christ and his church in way to help us to understand it. You could say the picture of the vine and the branches is a model but one that reflects the spiritual reality very clearly. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of Christ is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like liquid love in our hearts and produces the fruit of the Spirit which is the character of Christ. In other words, the liquid love of the Holy Spirit is like the sap that nourishes the branches and leads to the fruit of the vine growing on us the branches. This liquid love is constantly being poured into the believer’s heart. God the Father is the gardener, farmer or vinedresser and lovingly tends his vine and branches. J15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Perhaps the best way to interpret the word fruit (Greek karpos) here is as a return or yield for what has been put in (in this case the Holy Spirit into the believer). The branches that not bearing fruit are ‘taken away’ (Greek airo), but this means to be lifted to catch the sunlight better and get another chance to produce fruit. The grapes that are ready are then harvested, the love that has filled us brings the character and the good deeds of Christ which we share with those in need. This consumption of the fruit by our good deeds stimulates the branch to produce more fruit. J15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. The word clean (Greek katharos) means literally honed or fine-tuned for a specific purpose. There are two aspects to this cleansing, firstly a removal of all external hindrances to fruit production in our behaviour, and secondly, an internal honing with removal of all hindrances and development of all good qualities in our hearts. There is some overlap in the two processes. Jesus tells his disciples that they are now ready to produce fruit. J15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. The word for abide (Greek meno) means to stay and this root gives us words including remain, maintenance, and even mansion. This is cause and effect, if we abide in the Vine then we can bear fruit. The abundant life flows from Christ in the form of the liquid love from the Holy Spirit. We must be fully connected to the vine and receive his nourishment as we pray, study the word, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The fuller our connection to the vine the more fruit can be produced. If we lose our ongoing connection to the Vine our branch cannot produce any fruit. J15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. This verse emphasises the fact that if we are not abiding in Christ, we cannot produce any yield, or fruit nor a dividend to the Lord. The more we are connected to Christ the more fruit we will produce. J15:6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If we are not connected to the Vine our branch has no life and is only useful as firewood. J15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Jesus tells his followers that if we focus our lives in on him, so that all his words and sayings are flowing in our hearts and minds, whatever we ask for will be done for us as our flow of words and deeds line up with his. Amen Personal Prayer

The sinner's guide to repentance When we sin as believers our attitude to the sin is all important. Sometimes we might try to pretend there is no sin or even to justify it, other times we point the finger to others. David was a believer who committed a terrible sin. This Psalm teaches us what to do if we also fall into sins. Structure of Psalm 51 Verse 1-12 – King David’s confession and plea Verse 12-19 – King David’s anticipation of forgiveness and restoration Read Psalm 51: 1-19 Comments Verse 1; Plea not for just deserts but mercy according to God’s nature Verse 2; Thorough cleansing needed inside and out Verse 3; The repentance process can only begin with confession Verse 4; All sin is ultimately against God. His laws are right and just. Verse 5; The fallen nature of man but cannot be used as an excuse Verse 6; God not only desires truth in our hearts but is able to impart it to us Verse 7; At Passover, the hyssop was dipped in the blood of the sacrificial lamb Verse 8; David’s heartfelt desire to be freed from the destructive effects of his sin and restored Verse 9; Only God can cover and then remove our sins Verse 10; David’s heart was unclean, but he recognized his need for God to create something in him that was absent Verse 11; Part of the fear of the Lord is the dread of being banished from His presence. In the new covenant Jesus promised not to remove the Holy Spirit from believers, but we can still grieve the Holy Spirit with our sins Verse 12; Plea to restore first love and sustain us in it Verse 13; Only when our hearts and lives are right before God can we be in any position lead unbelievers to the Lord. Verse 14; Only God can remove the stain of the sin of murder from a man’s heart. The graceful act of God’s forgiveness produces our most joyful praise! Verse 15; By faith David begins to receive his cleansing and forgiveness Verse 16; The Lord wants heart repentance not ritual offerings Verse 17; The Lord will accept truly repentant people Verse 18; Once we are restored to fellowship with God then He can begin to rebuild our lives and ministries and the Church of Jesus Christ. Verse 19; Then with clean heart and hands we are in the right position to offer our service to the Lord Summary of key points When believers sin we need to 1. make full confession and acknowledge of our sins and guilt (1 John 1:9) 2. realize that our sins hurt God and that only He can forgive them 3. realize that the blood must be applied 4. know we receive our forgiveness by faith 5. know that when we are restored, it is right to praise God and rededicate our service to Him. Amen Lets do it, lets pray!

A wife of noble character who can find? More than rubies The marvellous woman described in Proverbs 31 is the type of wife that a Christian man should seek after. It is also an inspirational challenge to Christian women describing in detail the character and activities of a godly woman. But does it have anything to do with Christian men? Well, everything, because this virtuous woman is a ‘type’ of the Bride of Christ. This is also a description of the church that Jesus Christ is coming back for! Bearing this in mind, there are some wonderful truths for both men and women in it. Proverbs 31:10-31 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. His bride (or a Godly wife) is a very capable woman and as such is highly sought out treasure of incredible value. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value that a wife could bring. She cares for her husband and children spirit, soul and body. Jesus has placed His confidence and trust in us as his Bride and gave us all that we need for life and godliness. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. The Godly wife does only good not evil to her husband all the days of their life together. She need not be perfect but always have the best of intentions. As his church, it is our duty and privilege to bless and serve God, never to offend or dishonour Him all the days of our life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. The good wife and the church prepare the raw materials, good deeds, and is eager to work for her husband’s benefit or her Lord’s glory. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. The good wife (and church) is prepared to go out of her way to provide for food and nourishment for her own family/flock. Pastors please note. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. The good wife is up early, praying and providing for their families in various ways. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. This is no limp wristed, simpering woman, but a strong decisive woman. She did not need permission to do this and even more, she financed the transaction herself! 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She is spiritually speaking fighting fit, ready, willing and able to be about the household’s or the Lord’s work. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. She knows that her labour in the Lord is not in vain. Our hearts and homes should always be open to the needy. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She is ‘hands on’ with the work of her household and so the church with the Lord’s people and work. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. She recognises the Lord’s attitude to the poor and is obedient to it. Giving to the poor has come her lifestyle! 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. When adversity comes her family will be ready because she has prepared them. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. She clothes herself with good deeds in every area of life, private and public. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. Because this good wife runs all the things in her home so well, this frees her husband to do God’s work and perhaps participate in civic leadership. Our husband (of the church) is the King of Kings and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes. The good wife (as well as the church) supplies good things that can be passed on to others, and are profitable. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. This good wife trusts the Lord and enjoys his all-round security. We in the church are clothed with the robe of righteousness and are secure in Jesus Christ. (See our sermon on eternal security). 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She speaks the truth of God and realises that as part of his church, we are the only people with the truth available to share. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. She is vigilant, guarding everything important to her family. The believers should be guarding our Church Fellowship and families and keeping ourselves busy with the master’s business. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: I do praise my own wife for her being this type of wife and mother 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Well done thou very capable woman, you are a top-class wife! 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. The believing wife who fears the Lord is truly blessed and truly a blessing to her family. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. One day the Lord himself will praise such a wife. I am so blessed to have one. We shall receive an eternal reward from Him who has the holes in His hands. Summary of key learning points This message is for both women and men, whether as a virtuous wife and/or as the Bride of Christ You are a vital part of the Bride of Christ. You have a noble character, so much so that you are rarer and more expensive than rubies. Jesus has placed his confidence in you and has put all his riches at your disposal. You will try to honour Him and strictly avoid bringing shame or dishonour to His holy name. You are busy about your master’s business, redeeming the times for they are evil. You are prepared to go well out of your way for his purposes particularly to help the church family. You rise early to pray and be about our God-given chores particularly in providing for your family and His. You are strong in the Lord and are entrusted to make important decisions and are able on occasion to finance ventures yourself. You are spiritually fighting-fit, ready, able and willing to do the Lord’s work. You know that your service to the Lord is not in vain and you are always opened to helping the needy. You are a ‘hands-on’ person regarding the Christian life and walk. You recognise God’s great love to the widows and orphans and are willing to bless them. When problems and difficulties come you can handle them, even your family is prepared. You clothe yourself with good deeds in every area of life, both private and public. Your husband is King of Kings and is seated at the Father’s right hand. You are not only to do good deeds but teach others how to profit from your example. You are clothed with the robe of righteousness and are secure in Jesus’ love. You and your brothers and sisters are the only ones speaking the truth in this life. You are vigilant and alert watching out for threats or danger to your family and God’s family. You want to hear the divine accolade ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant’. You fear the Lord and are mightily blessed because of it. If this is you then you will receive your eternal reward from the holed hands of Jesus Christ, bless His holy name! Amen Personal Prayer

Truth is a person The facts of life (about human reproduction) are usually given to our children in response to such questions as these. Where do babies some from? What about gooseberry bushes? Storks? What are the birds and the bees? What about the facts of eternal life? How does a person receive the new birth and become a follower of Jesus Christ? What is the truth of the new birth and how do we find it? Pontius Pilate asked of Jesus ‘What is Truth’ and I suspect Pilate asked in a very cynical tone. His meaning was probably that, how could there really be any solid, unshifting truth? There is something in the heart of a man that greatly desires a solid reality, an absolute measure, or a rock-solid basis for our human lives, yet so few find it. Morals when made relative to the times, the ideas and philosophies of men are like shifting and sinking sand. We are constantly bombarded by lies from the media, press, TV, cinema, and music. The best minds in the world in 1491 thought the world was flat, although it is described in the bible as a globe suspended on nothing. In a court of law witnesses take an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God, because justice can only be done through knowing the true facts of the case. What about you, do you promise to be truthful? What is Truth? Dictionary Definition of truth: conformity to fact; honesty conformity to reality. A truth (can also mean) a religious tenet based on revelation. Anyone who wants to know the meaning of life, God, and the universe most know the basic truths i.e. the facts which conform to reality, so that they can develop an informed opinion. Consider this, that the truth cannot be shaken or broken down, but only disbelieved. Tonight we are going to look at the true facts of life and then consider what we must do with them. John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33They answered him, we are Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how say you, you shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, verily, verily, I say unto you, whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. 35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. John 14:5Thomas says unto him, Lord, we know not whither you go; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus says unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. 7 If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know him and have seen him. 8Philip says unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it suffices us. 9 Jesus says unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and you hast have not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father? 10Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he does the works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father. 13And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Comments Verse 6; The Gospel truth and reality is that absolutely no person comes to Father except through Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus is the reality of God is confirmed in verse 9. All of God that can be seen, was seen, and is seen in the person of Jesus Christ. Unbelievers do not know or believe this fact. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life, and so we learn that ‘truth’ is a person! Verse 12; Truth and reality. If we have faith in him, we can and will do similar works and perhaps even perform creative miracles. Do you believe this? John 14:15-17 The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, the Spirit who reveals reality, the spirit of actual (eternal) facts. The sad fact is that the unbelievers do not know him. John 17:17 Your word is truth because it was inspired by the Spirit of truth. 2 Timothy 3:16 says all scripture is God breathed and inspired by Spirit of truth. Each time we read bible, we are comparing our lives and actions to the truth. So we know when it says in Colossians 1:21 that we obtain peace through the blood of the cross. We know that this is an absolute fact and the Gospel truth. Did the truth about Jesus Christ change your life well if so, it seems that the truth can be known? Matthew 16:13-20 Verse 16 The revelation, the reality, the factual truth of who Jesus Christ is. Verse 18 Petros (Peter) is a small moveable rock Petra a large unmovable bedrock, is the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, as revealed by the Spirit of Truth. We proclaim this truth, and we know from our experience that it is true. 1 Timothy 3:15 The people in the church are called the ‘pillar and foundation of the truth’, no one else has the truth. So what do we do with all this truth? Live it and give it. If you saw someone going to walk over a cliff inadvertently, would you try to stop them? Of course you would! Would you try to stop someone you love from going to hell, would you tell them the truth, tell them the spiritual facts of life and death, of heaven, and of hell? Only those who have the Spirit of truth can tell the truth to those who do not have the Spirit. The government, the army, the intelligentsia, the press does not have the truth to give. Only the Church of Jesus Christ Only the individual churches Only the individual believers like you and me Are you going to keep the truth to yourself? Are you going to keep tight lipped, and watch them drown in their sins or will you throw them some solid truth to cling to? The cost of telling the truth;John the Baptist told the truth about the Light of the World and about the King’s sin, so they cut his head off. Jesus is the truth, the reality of God in the flesh so they crucified Him. The disciples preached the true gospel so most of them were martyred. And if you tell the truth so you will be probably be rejected, despised, ostracized, cast-out or maybe even worse. Nevertheless Jesus commands you to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey all the truth. Jesus will be with you, as you tell the truth at work, in the street, in the garden, in the schools, in the prisons, yet know this that wherever you go to tell the truth Jesus will be with you. The truth is only in the church, it is not out there, it is in here! Tell the truth and shame the devil! Amen Prayer

Guest blogger Alan Scobie When I was about 10 years old, it was Christmas, and I remember hearing a family friend tackle the "Xmas" word. "People need to stop taking Christ out of Christmas" he said, and I daresay there was solid agreement from all the adults present. I have heard that phrase repeated many times since, and I expect you have too. It's probably a fact that many a commercial outfit have used "Xmas" for trendy marketing purposes, and quite possibly secular organisations with an axe to grind with Christianity have jumped on the same bandwagon, believing it to strike a blow against the faith undercurrent that has prevailed for centuries at Christmas. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have a wee chortle when Xmas seems to be used as a means to erase the name of our Saviour at this time of year. What most do not seem to realise is that Xmas is putting Christ even more firmly into Christmas. Even here in the UK, "X" was used instead of "Christ" as far back as the 1400 and 1500's, and not at all for irreligious reasons. This harks back to a very early tradition that our earliest Christian forebears employed to give special meaning to sacred words related to Jesus. Our most ancient New Testament manuscripts, going right back to the 2nd century, show the use of the letter X as an abbreviation for Christ, often combined with another letter to form an artistic ligature. (the New Testament was first written down in koine Greek and X is the letter "Ch", used as a special abbreviation for "Christos" (Greek Χριστός). So, if you get a Christmas card this year with Xmas, or see some shop advertising their Xmas wears, rejoice! Those early believers would have recognised Jesus instantly, and our Lord is being embedded deeply, presently, and historically into Christmas. Merry Xmas everyone! Are there Christmas traditions around us today that you feel are not appropriate, or that diminish the story of Jesus’ birth? Comments are welcomed on this post.

Humble yourselves 1 Peter 5:5-6 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Verse 5 Likewise, you that are younger (and of lesser rank) be subject to the elders, the ministers and spiritual guides of the church, giving due respect and yielding to their counsel, clothe (apron) yourself, all of you, with humility. Wear the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, wear the humble garb with freedom from pride or arrogance toward one another. For God sets himself against the proud, the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful but rather opposes, frustrates, and defeats them. But God gives grace to the humble therefore humble yourselves. When we put on clothes, they go everywhere our bodies go! Humility is a lifestyle. Our clothes can often make an outward statement of the type of person we are on the inside. What, would you guess unbelievers would think of a Christian clothed in humility. Verse 6 Yes, you say, but how, do I put on the garment of humility. Here is how, turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his glorious face and his sinless character and then begin to compare yourself with him! His life – your life His love – your love His holiness – your holiness His power – your power His forgiveness – your forgiveness His strength – your strength His humility – your humility Then you are beginning to put on the garment of humility. This whole area of pride vs humility is rooted in the ‘act of comparing’. Pride arises when we compare others unfavourably with ourselves. We speak like a Pharisee ‘I thank you Lord I am not like him or her’! Such pride can destroy fellowships. What would happen if a church leader says to their team, you are just not in my league? If you must make comparisons Start with yourself and Jesus Consider others more worthy than yourself Form an honest opinion of your life in the light of Jesus and God`s word. Remember also that it is the very pride in our own hearts that gets annoyed at pride in others! I am beginning to slowly learn this lesson. Watch out for tell-tale signs of pride in everyday life. Are you too busy to speak to someone? Are you always late for a meeting because your time is more important than theirs? Amen Prayer

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus If someone invited you to come to their house/church to meet a visiting Christian and told you that this visitor was the most Christ-like person that they ever met. What do you think he/she would be like? Quiet or talkative? Friendly or distant? Overwhelming or withdraw? Powerful or powerless? Proud or humble? What picture do you have in your mind? In some modern church circles the man of ‘faith and power’ is a tele-evangelist with a million-dollar lifestyle. He usually has had several visions of being taken into heaven and in his latest vision God has shown him a pair of shoes. He tries them on, a perfect fit. He must be God’s man for the moment. He is the Lord`s anointed and reminds everyone of this by saying ‘watch you do not touch the Lord`s anointed’. Is that Christlikeness? Was that how Jesus behaved? Compare this with the apostle Paul who was a man who suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel. Paul was stoned to the point of death. He was caught up to the third heaven, where he heard words that he did not dare to repeat and mentioned it to no one for 14 years. Yet Paul would only boast of his weakness and asked that people would just take him for what they could hear and see. All through God`s word we find that a clear hallmark of men and women of God is their humility and is this grace of humility that we are studying today. Humility definition: The state of being humble or free from pride. Dictionary definitions tend to define humility in negative terms. This often happens when describing God`s character, holiness (freedom from sin), but humility (like holiness) is a very positive thing. It is just we find it so hard to accurately define humility. Humility alternative definition: a state of being full of power and authority but not full of pride in that state. The world always associates power with pride. True Humility: This is best illustrated in the life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:27-30 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Verse 27; Note all things, power, and authority given to Jesus by our Father. Verse 28; Be set free from the drudgery of sin and enter his rest. Verse 29; Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart We must learn of Christ, who is God in the flesh. Although Jesus is Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, yet Jesus associates his power and authority with lowliness. We need to renew our thinking. Philippians 2:5-11: Christian (means a Christlike one) 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Verse 5; Let this mind be in you, be like our Lord Jesus and value what Jesus values. Verse 6; Jesus was equal to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit but was not defrauding or underestimating the Godhead in any way when Jesus said that he was the Son of God. Verse 7; But (Jesus) put on flesh and came as a servant. Almighty God became a man of sorrows, a man of no reputation. Verse 8; He who exalts himself shall be humbled but he who humbles himself shall be exalted. Pride comes before a fall, Crucifixion was the most humiliating death for a Jew. Verse 9; Jesus is now the name above every name, yet he suffered the ultimate humiliation of the cross. Verse 10; Every knee shall bow in Heaven, earth, and under the earth Verse 11; Every tongue shall confess that Jesus is God to the glory to the Father See also the related post 'Be clothed with humility 2' and learn how to be clothed with humility. Click on the link below this teaching A word of warning about false humility (spiritual pride) Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind Note that ‘voluntary humility’, is not commanded and is based in pride. Cling to your head, the Lord Jesus and do only what he has commanded. We should be of this mind, like Christ Jesus, who although equal to God, yet made himself of no reputation and humbled himself to the point of the death. Death on the cross was the ultimate humiliation which lead to the ultimate exaltation when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. In an orchard, it is the branch which bears the most fruit that bows the lowest. Amen Prayer

Humility: The state of being humble or free from pride see 1 Peter 5:5 If someone invited you to come to their house/church to meet a visiting Christian and told you that this visitor was the most Christ-like person that they ever met. What do you think he would be like? Quiet or talkative? Friendly or distant? Overwhelming or withdraw? Powerful or powerless? Proud or humble? What picture do you have in your mind? In some modern church circles the man of ‘faith and power’ is a tele-evangelist with a million-dollar lifestyle. He usually has had several visions of being taken into heaven and in his latest vision God has shown him a pair of shoes. He tries them on, a perfect fit. He must be God’s man for the moment. He is the Lord`s anointed and reminds everyone of this by saying ‘watch you do not touch the Lord`s anointed’. Is that Christlikeness? Was that how Jesus behaved? Compare this with the apostle Paul who was a man who suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel. Paul was stoned to the point of death. He was caught up to the third heaven, where he heard words that he did not dare to repeat and mentioned it to no one for 14 years. Yet Paul would only boast of his weakness and asked that people would just take him for what they could hear and see. All through God`s word we find that a clear hallmark of men and women of God is their humility and is this grace of humility that we are studying today. Humility definition: The state of being humble or free from pride. Dictionary definitions tend to define humility in negative terms. This often happens when describing God`s character, holiness (freedom from sin), but humility (like holiness) is a very positive thing. It is just we find it so hard to accurately define humility. Humility alternative definition: a state of being full of power and authority but not full of pride in that state. The world always associates power with pride. True Humility: This is best illustrated in the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:27-30 M11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Verse 27; Note all things, power, and authority given to Jesus by our Father. Verse 28; Be set free from the drudgery of sin and enter his rest. Verse 29; Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart We must learn of Christ, who is God in the flesh. Although Jesus is Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, yet Jesus associates his power and authority with lowliness. We need to renew our thinking. Philippians 2:5-11: Christian (means a Christlike one) 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Verse 5; Let this mind be in you, be like our Lord Jesus and value what Jesus values. Verse 6; Jesus was equal to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit but was not defrauding or underestimating the Godhead in any way when Jesus said that he was the Son of God. Verse 7; But (Jesus) put on flesh and came as a servant. Almighty God became a man of sorrows, a man of no reputation. Verse 8; He who exalts himself shall be humbled but he who humbles himself shall be exalted. Pride comes before a fall, Crucifixion was the most humiliating death for a Jew. Verse 9; Jesus is now the name above every name, yet he suffered the ultimate humiliation of the cross. Verse 10; Every knee shall bow in Heaven, earth, and under the earth Verse 11; Every tongue shall confess that Jesus is God to the glory to the Father 1 Peter 5:5-6; 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Verse 5 Likewise, you that are younger (and of lesser rank) be subject to the elders, the ministers and spiritual guides of the church, giving due respect and yielding to their counsel, clothe (apron) yourself, all of you, with humility. Wear the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, wear the humble garb with freedom from pride or arrogance toward one another. For God sets himself against the proud, the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful but rather opposes, frustrates, and defeats them. But God gives grace to the humble therefore humble yourselves. When we put on clothes, they go everywhere our bodies go! Humility is a lifestyle. Our clothes can often make an outward statement of the type of person we are on the inside. What, would you guess unbelievers would think of a Christian clothed in humility. Verse 6 Yes, you say, but how, do I put on the garment of humility. Here is how, turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his glorious face and his sinless character and then begin to compare yourself with him! His life – your life His love – your love His holiness – your holiness His power – your power His forgiveness – your forgiveness His strength – your strength His humility – your humility Then you are beginning to put on the garment of humility. This whole area of pride vs humility is rooted in the ‘act of comparing’. Pride arises when we compare others unfavourably with ourselves. We speak like a Pharisee ‘I thank you Lord I am not like him or her’! Such pride can destroy fellowships. What would happen if a church leader says to their team, you are just not in my league? If you must make comparisons Start with yourself and Jesus Consider others more worthy than yourself Form an honest opinion of your life in the light of Jesus and God`s word. Remember also that it is the very pride in our own hearts that gets annoyed at pride in others! I am beginning to slowly learn this lesson. Watch out for tell-tale signs of pride in everyday life. Are you too busy to speak to someone? Are you always late for a meeting because your time is more important than theirs? False Humility (spiritual pride) Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind Note that ‘voluntary humility’, is not commanded and is based in pride. Cling to your head, the Lord Jesus and do only what he has commanded. We should be of this mind, like Christ Jesus, who although equal to God, yet made himself of no reputation and humbled himself to the point of the death. Death on the cross was the ultimate humiliation which lead to the ultimate exaltation when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. In an orchard, it is the branch which bears the most fruit that bows the lowest. Amen Prayer