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The scriptures and modern science An extract of an academic study In the bible, circumcision was commanded on the eighth day of life and is found in Genesis 17:9-13 when God told Abraham to circumcise the males on the 8th day of life. [1] Modern studies in haematology have shown that a key blood-clotting factor, Vitamin K, is not formed in human life until between the 5th to the 7th day (Holt and McIntosh, 1953:125-126). A second key clotting factor, Prothrombin develops to 30% of normal adult levels by the 3rd day of life and then peaks at 110% on the eighth day, before levelling off at 100% of a normal adult level (McMillen, 1984:93). More recently, neonatal platelet function has been shown to reach adult levels between the fifth and ninth day of life (Del Vecchio, Motta, and Romagnoli 2015:625). Thus for various converging reasons the eighth day of life is the earliest day for the optimal blood coagulation needed to limit excessive haemorrhage during circumcision. This is a clear example of the Type 1 resonance where the designation of the eight-day for circumcision seems very unlikely to be arbitrary and the ancient practice has the additional benefit of thousands of years of actual experience observed by the participating rabbis. This resonance is accepted as a well-winnowed [2] tradition by its practitioners (the rabbis) over many generations and indeed the practice continues to be observed in modern times. The writer of Genesis displayed a wisdom that was millennia ahead of modern science. This type 1 resonance is considered as positive due to the beneficial effects it has in the prevention of excessive haemorrhage during circumcision. In addition to the blood coagulation resonances between Genesis 17:9-13 and circumcision on the eighth day of life, there is one further scientific resonance that is seldom discussed. The resonance concerns the maternal antibody levels in the neonate’s blood that are also close to maximum levels on the eighth day of life. Maternal antibodies directed against common microorganisms are transferred via the placenta from mother to child thereby protecting neonates and infants during the time of full maturation of their immune system. The very large majority of these maternal antibodies belong to the IgG class of immunoglobulin, and these are preferentially transferred via the placenta up to the point of birth. These passively acquired antibodies enter the bloodstream of the neonate acting as a protective shield throughout the body in the same way as the actively produced antibodies beginning to develop in the neonate. [3] IgG maternal antibodies are known to be highly effective in protecting neonates and infants from most infectious agents like in the case of bacterial and certain viral infections for the first 6-12 month of life (Leuridan et al. 2011:2222 and Kilic et al. 2003:302). [4] As we might expect, in time the transferred maternal antibody titres decline in the neonate’s blood. This due to the maternal antibodies being metabolized so eventually failing to protect the infant from infection. The infant’s own immune system should rapidly develop at this stage of life. It is plausible to suggest that the near maximal levels of maternal antibody in the neonate’s blood are in synergy with the optimal coagulation factors at the eight-day of life. This synergy means that not only will the circumcision be performed with minimal haemorrhage but also with a concomitant low risk of the common infections that can occur related to circumcision. This also is a clear example of the Type 1 resonance (though this time arguably in microbiology as opposed to haematology) where the designation of the eighth day for the circumcision again seems very unlikely to be arbitrary and again the ancient practice has the additional benefit of thousands of years of actual experience observed by the participating rabbis. This novel resonance deserves a mention in the long-standing tradition as practised by those involved in the rite.[5] The command to circumcise male infants on the 8th day of life seems to anticipate the findings of modern science by thousands of years. Surely the author of Genesis was divinely inspired? Amen [1] The biblical focus of brit milah (the covenant of circumcision) is the removal of that foreskin and the subsequent releasing of blood. Available at: http://www.ritualwell.org/ritual/blood-and-men [Accessed 30th June 2016]. [2] See definition by John Bowker (1987:73). [3] Sometimes immunoglobulin isotype IgA antibodies contained in breast milk are also referred to as maternal antibodies. [4] Sometimes a bit longer according to Kilic et al. (p.303) [5] See the review of maternal antibody levels in the neonate by Stephan Niewiesk (2014 5:446). This extract is from Charles Green- dissertation for the Master's degree , School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh (2016). Full references can be obtained on request

Academic study Luke 22:43-44 and the sweating of blood the resonance of this scripture with modern haematology pertains to the field of blood coagulation where Jesus’ facial blood mingled with sweat and clotted before falling to the ground. We now provide evidence demonstrating the physiological support for this text together with evidence for the symbolic use of blood. Translation (RSV); And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. ‘Did Jesus literally sweat blood’? The arguments for and against this will now be given. Luke's account of Jesus' agony and sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane in the original Greek uses special haematological root words such as thromboi haimatos literally clots of blood--see the underlined text above. The related English words thrombus and thrombin are closely associated with clots of blood in modern haematology. Biblical scholar Richard Lenski (1961:1077) commented on thromboi haimatos: 'As clots, thromboi, means that blood mingled with sweat and thickened the globules so that they fell to the ground in little clots and did not merely stain the skin'. Victorian Greek scholar Henry Alford (1874, 1:648) observed that the Greek word hosei ('as it were') refers to condition and not comparison: The intention of the Evangelist seems clearly to convey the idea that the sweat was (not fell like, but was) like drops of blood; —namely, coloured with blood, —for so I understand the hosei, as just distinguishing the drops highly coloured with blood, from pure blood... To suppose that it only fell like drops of blood (why not drops of anything else? And drops of blood from what, and where?) is to nullify the force of the sentence and make the insertion of haimatos not only superfluous but also absurd.[1] Miller (2004:1) finds Alford's interpretation (albeit Victorian) to be persuasive in that Luke was referring to the great mental anguish of Jesus as being literal and producing actual blood mingled with sweat. Further evidence supporting a literal interpretation of the above passage comes in modern medicine from the rare examples in the medical literature of where human subjects literally sweated blood. This condition is known as 'haematidrosis' or 'hemohidrosis' (Allen 1967:745-747) and results in the excretion of blood or haemoglobin in the sweat. Lumpkin (1978) thinks that under great emotional stress, the fragile capillaries in the sweat glands may rupture thus allowing the blood to mix with the sweat. Several cases of stress-related haematidrosis have been reviewed by various authors (see overview by Miller 2004). Holoubek and Holoubek (1996) in a classification by cause of 76 cases of haematidrosis found that 'Acute fear and intense mental contemplation were found to be the most frequent inciting causes’. This evidence from modern medicine seems to accord well with a literal interpretation of actual blood clots mingled with actual sweat. However many modern scholars consider that the sweat was simply being compared to drops of blood. The modern scholars, notably Ehrman and Plunkett (1983:416), question the authenticity of this. However, it should be noted that certain of the church fathers chose to include this passage particularly Irenaeus in his argument against the Docetae. We should also note that whilst these two verses may not be in the original text, they do clearly reflect the first-century tradition (Ehrman and Plunkett p.407-408). If Jesus experienced haematidrosis, this might be an example of how modern science may help us in our exegesis by supporting a literal interpretation of sweating blood. Ehrman’s concession that the interpretation of the literal sweating of blood by Jesus clearly reflects the first-century tradition irrespective of whether the two verses in question were not in the original draws our attention to the extreme mental and emotional anguish Jesus suffered. This is arguably the key point of the narrative. The clots of blood in the sweat would provide evidence of a physiological resonance and the falling of sweat, as great drops of blood are symbolic of Jesus’ agony and effort. Based on the above evidence this author believes that Jesus literally sweated blood. [1] Quoted by Miller (2004:1). This extract is from Charles Green- dissertation for the Master's degree , School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh (2016). Full references can be obtained on request

We all know the blood is wonderful but why? This video is a full length service at Edinburgh Elim on the 22/08/21 but the sermon starts at about 22 minutes into the video. Below is a full transcript of the prepared message. What is so special about the blood of Jesus Christ? The bible is a book dripping with blood! It almost seems that if we squeezed our bible that blood would drip from it. There is something special about the blood of Jesus Christ. When we begin to talk about the blood of Jesus Christ, something dynamic happens in the spiritual realm, it is as though angels bow and demons tremble at the very thought of it. When we speak of the blood of Jesus Christ, we are walking on holy ground! Even as I begin today, something is happening. It is hard to say what exactly, but it is something good, something holy and true. The life is in the blood, and we when bring the blood today, so we bring life. The blood of Jesus is so special and central to the Christian faith. That is why when Jesus gave us Holy Communion, he said do this in remembrance of me. He specifically wants us to remember his body and his blood. Testimony Blood is a subject close to my heart in that in my past career as a biomedical scientist I specialized in immunohaematology i.e. the study of human blood groups from a medical perspective. Interestingly, I think I know what blood group Adam was (AB) and if you want to know the theological and scientific reasons I have for my theory. Please get in touch sometime. Having studied the blood scientifically for many years I read something in the bible, which no haematology textbook had taught me, which was that blood can talk! The blood of Jesus speaks better things than the blood of Abel. What does Jesus’ blood say… it says, ' forgive them’! The relationship between the life and the blood Leviticus 17:11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. I find it interesting that where most people would describe the location of their spirit (i.e. the abdomen or belly) it is in the area with the most blood in it. Our physical blood is multi-functional and contains various cells and proteins that combat infectious microorganisms (another vital function is to permit our blood to clot to prevent excess bleeding). Likewise the blood of Jesus Christ covers and removes the infections of sin and guilt from our hearts and minds. What was blood used for in the Old Testament? In the Old Testament there were at least 6 major applications of blood. 1 Daily sacrifice found in Leviticus chapters 1-6, four of these sacrifices involve blood peace, burnt, sin, and trespass. 2 Consecration of priests Leviticus 8:22 applied to ear, thumb, big toe Aaron's sons. 3 Cleansing of defilement (red heifer) Numbers 19 4 Calendar sacrifices Passover, Tabernacles etc. 5. Cutting a covenant 6. Victory celebration sacrifices The New Testament sacrifice of blood and its applications 1. The Blood of Jesus is a weapon of our warfare! 2 Corinthians 10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. God has given his church mighty weapons to war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We need to be trained and ready to use the weapons that God has provided. Laser-guided weapons that defeat all our guilt, shame, and disgrace. Our mighty weapons include. i. Authority in the name of Jesus when we put our hand up and say stop in the name of Jesus, Satan’s juggernaut must come to a halt! ii. The sword of the spirit (and the whole armour of God). The sword of the spirit is the rhema word i.e. the living word energised by the Holy Spirit. iii. The cross to crucify our flesh, living sacrifice or even martyrdom! iv. The blood of Jesus Christ takes away all our sin, guilt, and shame which things Satan uses to paralyse us in our spiritual warfare against him and his demons. 2. The Blood of Jesus, what does it do? There are several scriptures in the New Testament that clearly describe the various wonderful things that Jesus’ blood achieved for us. These will give you an appreciation of why we call Jesus’ blood precious. (i) Purchased our salvation. (ii) Faith in Jesus’ blood turns away the wrath of God. (iii) We are justified by the blood. (iv) We are redeemed by his blood and have forgiveness of our sins. (v) The blood brings us who were far away, near to God. Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. The sacrifice of Jesus’ blood purchased his church, there was no other price that could have secured the church! Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God … faith in his blood turns away the wrath of God. We only escape the wrath of God for our sins because Jesus gave every drop of his blood to turn away God’s wrath (which we fully deserved) from us. Romans 5:8b But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! We are justified by Jesus’ blood i.e. we are made legally righteous before our Holy God, and God’s wrath is no longer directed towards us. Ephesians 1:7 in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. His blood brings us forgiveness of our sins i.e. this is called our redemption. Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Jesus’ blood brings us (who were nowhere spiritually speaking) near to our Holy God. Wow! In conclusion the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood brings our salvation, turns away God’s wrath, justifies us (makes us righteous), redeems us by forgiving our sins, and brings us near to God. In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls, goats and lambs were only a shadow of the true blood, which would take away the sins of the world. For Christ our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed [1]. However just as the blood of the Passover Lamb was no use just sitting in the bucket but had to be applied to the doorpost and the lintels of the door (using a hyssop branch) to prevent the angel of death entering, so must we apply the blood of our Passover lamb to our lives. How do we apply the blood? 1 We apply the blood by faith, to cleanse us from sin to consecrate our lives etc. We must get the revelation of the blood of Jesus. We must ask God to reveal the importance of the blood to us so that we can apply it by faith to the various areas of our lives. 2. We can apply the blood by giving testimony, Revelation 12:11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Where can we apply the blood: The trail of Jesus precious blood? First a bit of background. Jesus’ blood is effective against the curses of the fall. The curse of the fall of Adam and Eve is described in Genesis 3:14-19 [2] and includes. The curse on the serpent The curse of enmity between the serpent and the woman, and between the serpent and the woman’s offspring The curse of pain in childbirth and the headship of the man over the woman. The curse on the soil producing thorns and thistles meaning that it will take hard work to get its produce all the days of Adam’s life. Man will sweat and toil to make a living an eventually return to the ground where he was taken from. Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. Jesus’ blood was poured for forgiveness of our sins and sprinkled onto the mercy seat in heaven. But Jesus blood was shed in other places too. We can also follow the trail of Jesus blood and apply it specifically to situations. Jesus’ blood was not only sprinkled on the true mercy seat in heaven but was sprinkled on the fallen creation here on earth. The trail of where Jesus’ blood was spilled shows us where the blood of the new covenant can be applied. If you follow the trail of Jesus blood you will see that it was applied to various parts of the original curses that came upon Adam and the earth (Galatians 3:13). Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground. He sweated (sweat was one of the first effects of the curse on Adam) blood in the garden of Gethsemane (for our emotional agony, anguish, and toil). Doctors report some patients going through great emotional distress have reported sweating blood. Luke 22:63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him and smote him. 64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? 65 And many other things blasphemously spoke they against him. His blood trickled through palace and barracks. They mocked him, his blood covers derision and mockery. John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. His blood flowed when his back was lashed (for healing). Isaiah 53:4 Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and his wounds heal us. By his stripes we are healed, healed means literally 'sewed back together'. His wounds released the blood to heal sickness, physical healing is part of the covenant blessing he has purchased for us through his blood. His blood covers the pain and cruelty of man. His blood flowed when the crown of thorns pierced his scalp (could be for our mental suffering) His blood trickled on the streets of Jerusalem, one day it will be redeemed. Sin started at a tree and the blood of Jesus will eventually restore the creation. His blood flowed from his hands and feet. John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and break the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And finally the water and the blood flowed from his pierced side, a ruptured heart, his heart burst for the love of sinful mankind. His blood flowed onto his dead body showing that the dead who receive his blood shall be resurrected. Receive the blood, apply the blood now. You are an able minister of the new covenant and a priest! In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls, goats and lambs were only a shadow of the true blood, which would take away the sins of the world. Blood Covenant God's new covenant with us- I shared this some weeks ago at communion. A blood covenant is the most sacred or solemn type, also the most significant and unbreakable. Marriage should be a blood covenant at consummation! In a blood covenant you promise to give your life, your love, and your protection forever. The New Covenant and You Anyone who will enter covenant with Jesus by accepting His death on your behalf, Jesus will give you the Holy Spirit and apply the blood covenant exchange and benefits to your life personally. The Holy Spirit will come and live inside you so that through Him you can partake of the divine nature of God. The Holy Spirit will be the divine scar on your heart that is God's personal seal and guarantee that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. You will be "born again" as a new person as the Holy Spirit joins you to Jesus in a spiritual union, filling you with His own glorious life. The Covenant Invitation God has provided for every human need through Jesus Christ by the sacred covenant in His blood. And now you can experience this for your own life. If you have not yet entered this wonderful covenant with God. You may do so right now. As an act of faith, pray the following prayer from your heart, and then find a group of fellow believers who can help you live in the fullness of God's covenant life. Your Blessings of the New Covenant We are now going to focus in on certain passages in the book of Hebrews, which pertain to the new covenant. The emphasis is on Jesus, the perfect High Priest, providing a new and better covenant which is not based on the peoples’ behaviour. When we enter the new covenant with God, he puts the fulfilled law [1] into our hearts. Jesus exchanged his life for ours and died for us on the cross. Because of this we ought to live holy lives and not use the grace of God to behave sinfully. Because Jesus completely fulfilled the Law, he swapped robes with us, we became righteous, and he dealt with our filthy rags. Because the fulfilled law is inside us, all the blessings of Deuteronomy 28 apply to us; here is what Jesus left for us in his will! Jesus was the perfect Mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15), providing an eternal inheritance in a way the old covenant could not (compare with Hebrews 12:24). The New Covenant is Everlasting Christ's blood established an everlasting covenant in Hebrews 12:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Conclusion As born-again believers we have been given a new spirit and God has written his law in our hearts. Even better is the fact that the law in our hearts is the fulfilled law, the Old Testament law that was completely fulfilled (all 613 parts) by Jesus Christ. We have an everlasting covenant with God through the blood of Jesus Christ. Our eternal life has already begun. Our sins have been completely forgiven, eternal judgement avoided, and we have been admitted into the royal family of God. We will rise from the dead and live with him forever. In this life all the blessings of Abraham are ours through Jesus Christ. Study the word of God, day by day to see all that you have been freely given through the blood covenant of Jesus Christ. We need to apply it into every situation, God wants and expects you to know the terms of the covenant. This will bring greater victory in your life and consequently more glory to God. David knew the old covenant and took on Goliath. How much more should we conquer the giants in our lives by knowing our covenant relationship with the living God. Let us always remember that we have been purchased by the blood of our Passover Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Summary So what is so special about the blood of Jesus Christ? We can declare the truth about Jesus’ blood. Because Jesus’ blood is so special, we can declare these specific truths today… 1 John 1:7 Through the blood of Jesus, I am continually being cleansed from all sin. Romans 5:9 Through the blood of Jesus I am justified, made righteous, just-as-if-I had never sinned. Hebrews 13:12 Through the blood of Jesus, I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God. Hebrews 10:19 Through the blood of Jesus, I have boldness to enter the presence of God. Hebrews 12:24 The blood of Jesus cries out continually to God in heaven on my behalf. The Covenant Prayer "God, I thank you for the covenant you have made for me through the blood of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness and salvation. I willingly turn from my sins and commit my life fully to you. I now accept and receive Jesus as my covenant Lord and Saviour. I ask You to forgive me of my sins and send the Holy Spirit to come and live inside me and fill me with Himself so that I can walk with You and enjoy the fullness of Your covenant life forever. Amen! Please contact us if you want references to study the blood in more depth.

Is your church boring? When churches stopped meeting together and resorted to online services as a result of the pandemic, I couldn't have been more relieved. I now had a very feasible reason for not going to church and better yet, I could do it free from the worry that I would be setting a bad example for my kids. Truth told, I hadn't had a truly enriching church experience in over 10 years, at home and abroad. It was clear it wasn't a denominational issue, a cultural or even leadership problem, because since I have been saved, I have attended a variety of churches in a number of countries and I found they all had things in common. I'm not talking about the pillars of the faith, I'm talking about the format of the service, the programs and 'kids work'. It seems no matter what church you attend, or where in the world it is, many churches have rigorous scheduling for all aspects of the service - notices, worship, teaching, prayer, coffee and biscuits. The order of which may change but that's the Christian experience on a Sunday by and large. And I now feel free to admit that it's boring and here's the daring part, I believe God finds it boring too. After all, wouldn't he show up in our services more often otherwise? I started praying earnestly and honestly about it. How can someone like myself who loves the Lord, is a relatively mature Christian who reads the bible and prays regularly find church so incredibly dull? What is wrong with me? Doesn't the book of Hebrew's warn about not meeting together as believers? It wasn't long before I received an answer and the answer is much bigger than me, that's for sure. I soon realised after confessing to friends how I felt about not going to church that I wasn't alone. It was startling to hear how many other strong believers shared the same relief that the pandemic brought in relation to attending church. They would say things like 'I will struggle to go back when the time comes' and 'I'm actually quite enjoying the break from church'. Who knew?! So it wasn't just me, it was a widespread sentiment and again, these folks were strong believers, people I admire in the faith. So what did God say. Well I need to speak prophetically here and of course I expect you to pray and use discernment as you read it. The Lord is shaking the world and all that can be shaken including His church. The church as we have made it has been redundant for many years, set in its ways, ineffectual and in self deception. Buildings and walls will no longer contain His people, who have become inward looking and occupied with their own activities and routines. Pastors and leaders have become salaried employees. Church has become a career option. Congregations will shrink massively because the pandemic has brought realisation to many that the way of doing church is not fulfilling them. Church leaders will need to find alternative means to support themselves financially. Believers who have been revitalised in their relationship with the Father because of the pandemic will never want to go backwards and sit in a pew; sing when it's time to sing, sit when it's time to sit and listen when it's time to listen and all of it done under the guise of Christian worship. I have called you to worship me in spirit and in truth. Church pastors have become obsessed with teaching. Pastoral care and Pentecost revivals have been replaced with incessant teaching because it is easy and safe. Pastors have for too long hidden behind pulpits to teach and in doing so disparaged my many gifts. Wake up. Believers do not need any more teaching. The world outside needs the power of God to save in these last days and for that all believers are responsible. The Lord will close many churches which have for too long served as bunkers and barricades, hiding you from the world and at the same time giving you a sense of religiosity. No sinner cares if you attend church, but when my children will go out into the world and seek to save the lost you will face opposition. Don't you see the enemy has had you where he wants you? In church, doing your own thing and all the while convincing yourself that I am being glorified because you have opened up a bible and given up some of your time? The lost do not care. People will continue to cling to the old ways of doing things and will speak of those who stop attending Sunday services as the fallen away. But for those who live and move and have their being in me, they will find revival of many kinds. The Lord is blowing through his church to scatter His people, will you let go and let God or cling to the former things? Pic 1. The church when effective Pic 2. The church as we made it Pic 3. The church now Please pray and share your comments. Guest Blogger Marcus Doherty

Romans 3:9-31 a short commentary Last time in Chapter 2 and the first 8 verses of Chapter 3 we saw firstly that the wrath of God was also coming upon the unrighteous Jews. These Jews thought that simply because of their race and the fact that they were the chosen people and were taught the Mosaic Law then because of these things then they were in right standing with God. They completely missed the point that they also had to obey God laws not just read them or listen to them. They were certainly in no position to look down on the pagan Gentiles. Paul then described two very large groups of mankind, one group who were faithful people and enjoy the approval of God. The other group was the disobedient people who prefer the praise of men. Paul reminded everyone that God will repay every human being according to the deeds done which reminds us as believers we are accountable to God. It is not the external things that make one a true Jew but rather it is those who have had an ‘internal’ circumcision of the heart that makes it sensitive to God. Paul continued that it was still a privilege to be born a Jew naturally speaking and even if some were unfaithful to God (both then and now). However God Himself always remains faithful to His covenant promises to Israel. Finally someone asked if our sin shows the glory of God more clearly then should not we sin all the more?.. Perish the thought. The doom and gloom of Chapter 3 continues until verse 20 when the glorious light comes flooding in. No One Is Righteous 3:9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. Whether we are from a privileged Jewish background or a Gentile background there is nothing to choose between our natures since we are all under the power of sin i.e. we are sinners. Surely not you say, well here is the evidence that all men are unrighteous and deserving the wrath of God; Welcome to human nature class 101 Man’s nature;. This is what human beings are really like naturally speaking. Paul quotes from numerous psalms, the prophets and even the writings 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”[b] Here is another cascade of evil (like those 21 evils in Chapter 1. This is what God thinks about the nature of man. Sin amongst men is universal and ubiquitous and there are no exceptions. No man is even really trying to search for God and His ways but we prefer to turn away in a different direction. No one understands , no one is even capable of doing good as God defines it. Paul continues and shows what he means by mankind being under the power of sin; 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.”[c] “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”[d] 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[e] Man’s organs of speech; the human throat is like a grave swallowing people alive in anger and spitefulness. The tongue is often used to lie and deceive or even to flatter for gain. The lips emit smooth speech but the deadly poison is behind them in the tongue. Our mouths are used to curse and abuse our fellow men and even commit perjury against them. 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[f] 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[g] Man’s actions; men are prone to commit life threatening violence. They usually choose to live ruined and miserable lives. The concept of living in peace they neither know nor indeed want to know. They neither recognise nor acknowledge their Creator. If the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord then the large major since they have no fear of God lack any wisdom for living. (examples of what human nature is really like from Lord of the flies by W Golding and a story about the ordinariness of Adolf Eichman). 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. The law of God (probably meaning the whole OT in this case) will expose all that is wrong in the fallen human nature, the hard hearts and sinfulness and when the charges are read out against fallen mankind no one will be able to answer even one word in their defence. All men will keep silent before the Judge of all the earth. At this stage it is clear that mankind is absolutely doomed unless there is divine intervention there is no hope! Righteousness Through Faith (Here is the Good News) 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. Suddenly a brilliant white light is turned on dispelling the darkness, doom and gloom. It is the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. This glorious gospel message is the very one and the same as that the all the prophets of old foretold and that all the scriptures point towards. The fullness of time has indeed arrived in which God promised to bring a ‘new’ way of salvation through His messiah Jesus Christ. This ‘new’ way of salvation is a wonderful way to be in right standing with God through belief in Jesus Christ and is not based on keeping the laws (which nobody ever managed). Truly the light has shone in the darkness and the darkness could not comprehend it. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in [h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Paul returns to his major theme of the letter, we are brought into right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ and it is the same for all of fallen mankind whatever the ethnic background. We all miss the target. 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, [i] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. All who believe in Jesus Christ receive the free gift of being made righteous before God through the sacrifice of Jesus’ life blood. This blood when we receive it turns away the wrath of God (propitiation) from us. The life is in the blood and Jesus’ life was poured out with His blood for you and for me. When we believe then God imputes our guilt to Jesus Christ and declares us to be righteous and all our sins are washed away in the holy, sinless blood of the Lamb of God. God has always shown tremendous long suffering with sinful man and held back His righteous judgement as long as possible to give fallen man time to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the “law” that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. There are no bragging rights here for any man or woman. This is the passage where Martin Luther inserted faith ‘alone’ in his translation. Although the word ‘alone’ is not in the text we can see where he was coming from. So if salvation is all about faith does that mean that the OT testament laws have been made redundant? Whatever our background there is but One Lord and access to Him by one faith which brings tremendous unity to the churches. Paul stresses that believers should uphold the law (OT scriptures) to make it clear that although our justification is by faith this does not mean we have a license to sin and break God’s commandments. Footnotes: b Romans 3:12 Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccles. 7:20 c Romans 3:13 Psalm 5:9 d Romans 3:13 Psalm 140:3 e Romans 3:14 Psalm 10:7 (see Septuagint) f Romans 3:17 Isaiah 59:7,8 g Romans 3:18 Psalm 36:1 h Romans 3:22 Or through the faithfulness of i Romans 3:25 The Greek for sacrifice of atonement refers to the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant (see Lev. 16:15- 16).

Communion and Prayer Communion As we come to the Lord’s table today, our theme is that our God, the God of the bible, is a God of covenants. Our God is a Covenant making and a covenant keeping God. What is a covenant? A covenant is a formal and legally binding agreement between two parties. In modern life many important things are based on a covenant type agreement e.g. marriage is a covenant with vows taken. In sickness and in health…etc. Such an agreement promotes trust and stability. A covenant usually involves vows or promises made by both parties with mutual benefits and may also contain penalty clauses. Abram had the same dilemma he asked God how he could be sure that God would keep his promise to bless him with millions of descendants. You can read the story of Abram’s covenant with God in Genesis 15:1-18. God guaranteed to fulfil all his promises to Abram by cutting a covenant with him. What is a blood covenant? A blood covenant is the most sacred or solemn type of covenant, and the most significant and unbreakable. In a blood covenant both parties promise to give their life, their love, and their protection forever. God's new covenant with us In the same way as God cut a covenant with Abram so he also cut a blood covenant with his New Testament people (us) When the time came, the eternal, infinite Creator entered time and space through the person of Jesus Christ. Christ, the Son of God, exchanged names with us and became Jesus, the Son of Man. He was the God-Man who came to identify with us in our human condition and cut the covenant for us so that we might be one with God. Because Jesus lived a perfect life, He was able to cut a perfect covenant with God on our behalf. When it was time, Jesus gathered His disciples together to participate in the covenant meal. Jesus took the bread and wine and explained that they represented His own life which was to be offered in our place as the covenant sacrifice for our sins. He further explained that through His sacrifice, we could have our sins forgiven and receive eternal life through union with Him. Afterward, Jesus planted a memorial tree and stained it with His own blood. That blood- stained tree was the cross. There Jesus paid the judgment of sin for-us by "cutting the covenant" with Father God on our behalf. This is where the exchange of natures took place. Jesus took the coat or robe of our liabilities on Himself. He took our sins, our sorrows, and our sicknesses. In return, He gives us His garment of salvation and a robe of righteousness. Through Him, we can have right standing with God and become partakers of His divine nature. Because Jesus never sinned, death could not hold Him in the grave. Three days later, He was resurrected and ascended back to heaven where He now sits on the throne of God with all authority and power over sin, Satan, and death. And He promises to come back to earth to rule over a kingdom of righteousness and peace with His followers (us). As well as being a covenant meal, communion is more than just a memorial to remember Jesus' death and resurrection, the Lord's Supper is also an acknowledgement of each believer’s continual dependence upon Christ's life and a regular reminder of His soon return. The Lord’s Supper is described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11 23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Examine Yourself 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. As we examine ourselves, if you find any sin coming between you and the Lord, remember to invoke 1 John 1:9 and receive forgiveness by faith and then proceed with your covenant meal. Jesus always comes to His own table so let us commune with Him this morning and partake with Him and draw His life and strength into us as we partake of His covenant meal. Blessing the elements and prayer Amen. Prayer for Fathers Our prayer for our earthly fathers today is based on Ephesians 3:14-21 Please join in. 14 Today, we bow our knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, We bow our hearts before You Father God today on behalf of all the earthly fathers in our church. 15 from whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named, Abba Father we acknowledge that the whole concept of Fatherhood and Family derives directly from you. 16 that You would grant us, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might by Your Spirit in the inner man. Heavenly Father strengthen each of us as earthly fathers with might by Your Spirit to be true fathers like you, full of grace, full of truth, and full of wisdom. 17 that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love, As your love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we pray that we as earthly fathers might become established in your love. 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, Father we pray that we can know as a living and practical reality the full dimensions of your love in our roles as earthly fathers. 19 and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. That we earthly fathers might come to grasp the love of Christ as a living reality and be continually filled to overflowing with love. 20 Now unto You Father who are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Father God you can do much more for us and in us as earthly fathers because your power is at work in each one of us as an earthly father. 21 unto You Father God be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. May all the glory in your church return rightfully to you from the lives of your earthly fathers in each church family. Amen You can find the full father's day service on video at edinburghelim.online.church

Should Christians celebrate it? Halloween Should we celebrate it and call it a Light Party or Avoid it - Dress Up for it - Give out Sweets and Receive Sweets - Shout out Trick or Treat to people, decorate Pumpkins? Let us look at some of its origins. The word Halloween celebrated on the 31st October literally means the evening before (All Saints day which is on 1st November) also known as All Hallows’ Evening. The history of Halloween is linked to Samhain a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. On the 2nd November (All souls day) for instance the Celtic druids revered it as the biggest holiday of the year and emphasized that day as the time when the souls of the dead supposedly could mingle with the living. Hence the dressing up wearing costumes and disguising your face with a mask to mix with the dead, so they did not hurt you or plague you and scare you. The three days have all mingled together. When Christianity came and the people began to convert to Christianity and Halloween became “less” popular. The Church instead of getting rid of the pagan practices of Samhain altogether, used these holidays so the people would find it easier to convert to the state religion. Over the years Halloween has built up to become in England extremely popular with the carving out of pumpkins, dressing up as witches, ghosts, and everything in between which embraces darkness. Have you noticed how the Children’s and Adults Costumes recently have become more ghoulish and evil looking with masks to match, painted faces with black eyes and red paint to represent blood pouring out of the mouth and eyes? Doors then knocked on with the shout of Trick or Treat and then rewarded with sweets. So, do we see God in this celebration, does He see it as a bit of fun because it is good for children to have fun and be overindulged with sweets. What does God say in his word the Bible in Ephesians 5:11, it says “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” This text is calling us to not only have no association with any type of dark activity but for us to be His Light in a world because we have the light in us JESUS, in the power of the Holy Spirit Amen Guest blogger Jacky Wilson

Why is prayer important in your life? In Part 2 we saw that mostly we pray to the Father in Jesus’ name, although sometimes we will pray to Jesus. Praying in Jesus name is a legal expression meaning we are praying on his behalf and there our prayer must reflect his will, character etc. In Part 3 we now consider what is the importance of prayer in your life? Prayer makes you feel connected with your creator and gives you a feeling of security that He's got your back and is always near you. Prayers help you stay grounded, have gratitude, and reminds you that you are a part of God’s family and living His values here on earth. Some Christians describe prayer as a conversation with God. In prayer, Christians lift their minds and hearts up to God. "Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado According to the book of Ephesians, God's desire is for us to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). Still, people are most motivated to pray when they need something from God. But what does the Bible say is the reason God wants us to pray? There are many types or kinds of prayer, including these 5 main types. 1. Confession of sins; 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. "The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'" - Billy Graham. 2. Praise This where we acknowledge the Lord for who he is (many times in the psalms) 3. Thanksgiving This is where thank God for all that he has done including his provision, protection etc. 4. Intercession This is where pray for the needs of other people and it can be for an individual, a family or even a nation. 5. Petition This prayer is for the things we need in life. Philippians 4:6 instructs us to ‘not be anxious about anything but to give thanks for everything and through prayer and petitions make your requests known to God.’ Jesus used all these types of prayer (bar one) and we ought to have a balance in all the types of prayer we may use. "Rather than set aside daily time for prayer, I pray constantly and spontaneously about everything I encounter daily. When someone shares something with me, I will often simply say, 'let us pray about this right now.'" - Thomas Kinkade Amen Make your own Closing Prayer "Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty." - E.M. Bounds Resources consulted for this study; Pete Greig How to pray: A simple guide for normal people R Price audio teachings BBS097 and BBS098 (see additional resources section of this website). E M Bounds The complete collection on Prayer.

To whom do we pray? Do we kneel to pray? In Part 1 we saw that prayer is a communication to/with God. Many believe their prayers are answered and evidence of this is primarily reported in the Old and New Testaments and subsequently miracles and graces have been reported by the Church and beyond. Prayer can change things; your prayer can change things. We saw that we need to be persistent in prayer and saw examples of this including the domino effect, Queen Bertha of Kent, and the hacking cough. Who said this ‘The family that prays together stays together (answer Mother Theresa)? Today we consider some practical aspects of prayer such as to whom do we address our prayers and what position should our bodies be in when we pray? To whom do we pray? We come to the Father in Jesus’ name John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. In my name is a legal phrase like a lawyer speaking on someone’s behalf. So, it must reflect Jesus’ character, personality, opinions, and beliefs. In other words, we cannot ask anything in Jesus name that he would not ask for. So, prayer in the New Testament is usually addressed to the Father (Our Father which art in heaven) following Jesus’ example. Also, Paul prayed to the Father e.g. in Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father… Sometimes however is acceptable to pray to Jesus e.g. Stephen the martyr Acts 7:59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Some people claim he prayed to Jesus because he could see him. However, it seems likely that Paul was addressing Jesus in the following scripture 2 Corinthians 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Jesus addresses the Father in John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. What about the Holy Spirit? Jesus prayed to the Father not the Holy Spirit. Is there a correct posture or position for praying? No. However I do love this quotation; “The hinge of history is a bended knee” @PeteGreig#presencia #madrid14 The Bible does not command people to assume any particular position in talking with God. On the contrary there are various positions people assume when talking to God. In Scripture we find people praying in various ways: Here is a selection: 1. Kneeling, the martyr Stephen knelt as he prayed. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice. Lord do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60). When Simon Peter brought a woman back from the dead he knelt in prayer. But Peter put them all out and knelt down and prayed (Acts 9:40). Kneeling is a popular approach. 2.Standing, the Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself (Luke 18:11). 3.Eyes Open, In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed with his eyes open. Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said (John 17:1). 4. Fall On Face, in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus fell upon His face when He prayed. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying (Matthew 26:39). Hence, we see prayer to God is not so much the position of the body but the right attitude of the heart. The Bible says: But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) Make your own Closing Prayer

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? As we begin a new mini-series our topic will be 'Lord, teach us to pray. Have you ever prayed a crazy prayer? What was it? I once foolishly prayed asking him to give me a bit more difficulty in life, I will let you know when the difficulties stop! Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread.4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’’ "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" - Corrie ten Boom. What is prayer? At a simple level it is communicating with God. Many of us believe that God answers prayer and that indeed situations can even be changed through prayer. Prayer changes things, there are many examples in the bible of prayers that appeared to be answered e.g. in Acts 27:10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Paul was told at first the ship was going to be wrecked and with loss of life, later in 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. Prayer changes things. Amen Luke 11:5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. This teaches us to be persistent in prayer. Pete Greig gives various examples of this … the domino effect… Queen Bertha of Kent prayed 17 years for her husband… Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing is like a hacking cough or a military assault on a castle wall [1]. Luke11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” When we pray things that are in the will of God, he hears and answers our prayers. Closing Prayer. Lord teach us to pray, teach us to know that believing prayer changes things, teach us to be persistent in prayer, teach us to realise that it is your will to give us every good thing which is in your will. Amen [1] Continual prayer is not prayer that goes on without any interruption, but prayer that continues whenever possible. The adverb for “continually” (adialeiptōs) was used in Greek to express a hacking cough. A persistent, ongoing cough that is constant. Paul was speaking of maintaining continuous fellowship with God as much as possible in the course of daily living in which concentration and focus is often broken.

Things to remember when your faith is hanging by a thread or your faith candle is smouldering out As Christians we all appear to go through times when we seem to be getting overwhelmed by the circumstances or by the difficulties in our lives. Disappointment, rejection, apparent failure, illness, stress, family and financial problems to name but a few of the things that come against God's people. This may give us a feeling that God is somewhat distant, uninvolved or uncaring or at worst he has forgotten about you. But is this true? How does God feel about us when we are hanging by a thread? Let us turn to His word to see how God feels and how God deals with His people when they feel that they are hanging by a thread. Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul. delights: I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgement unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he has set judgement in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Jesus, your Jesus, my Jesus, our Jesus, mild and yet so strong, not seeking to draw attention to himself. Quietly going about his father’s business, not striving by his flesh for the weapons of his warfare are not carnal but mighty. through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Jesus is patient and kind. towards his own, and you are his own! When we are crushed and bruised, he sets a limit. Precious spices and ointments need to be crushed to give their aroma! He never allows us to be tempted above. our measure. Remember the story of Joseph and his brothers. When your faith flame is only smouldering, he will not put it out, he never intended to, quite the opposite. The devil means to break us and snuff out our light (this little light of mine) but Jesus wants us to be whole and to burn brightly with a pure light. Matthew 12:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgement to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he sends forth judgement unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. Jesus shows power and grace in bearing up the weak and the suffering, to produce perseverance, but never to kill or destroy our faith in him. Sometimes, God needs to deal with the comfort in our lives to confront and destroy our pride of life, complacency, self sufficiency, wrongful dependence on others. Ultimately whatever we go through it is for our benefit as it says in Romans 8:28. Although a wonderful truth this does not make it easy for us but produces confidence that in the end it will be for our benefit and blessing. In his name the Gentiles trust, are you trusting him today in your particular situation? The reed is made up of long strands or filaments but when enough of them are. bruised or broken the reed just snaps in two and is no use for its purpose. Reeds can made into papyrus which as you know was the ancient world’s version of paper. God wants to heal your broken strands so that he can write his gospel message of love on you and in you. You are God's perfumed living love letter to your fellow. man and woman! Amen God does not kill or destroy his own wounded. He binds up the broken-hearted and restores us to wholeness. Do you remember Elton John’s song ‘candle in the wind’, In the song the woman's flame is tossed to and fro with absolutely no control. However Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world…and yet it seems that problems and difficulties in our lives seem to cut off the either the air or the flow of wax vapour. In the case of the flax, smouldering is the final stage before the flame is extinguished. When we feel we are hanging by a thread or our faith is about to smoulder out, Jesus comes to strengthen and breathe his life into us again. At school, in the chemistry class, the test for oxygen was that it relit a glowing or smouldering taper. So the awareness of the presence of Jesus Christ by his spirit relights our love and faith in God. We just need to get into his presence and allow the oxygen of his love to re-ignite our hearts. We must remember all his precious promises to us! Then we can go on to be once again Gods love letter, living and perfumed. epistles to our fellow man and bring the light of the world into the hearts of the unbelievers. Jesus does not just want to keep you hanging by a thread or smouldering but wants to bring you back into fullness, whole and burning brightly! Strong and gentle Jesus! Make us whole and burning brightly for you today. Amen Prayer

Evidence that the first believers really thought Jesus was God? Jesus is Lord! Christians are right to believe that the New Testament tells us the truth about Jesus. But what do we say to those who doubt it? There are plenty of skeptics who will claim that the original NT writings have been tampered with to fit church orthodoxy, that rival claims about Jesus were simply suppressed, and that the divine view of Jesus that we now take for granted was a late invention, instigated by Constantine and the Council of Nicea in AD325. When faced with this kind of skepticism, we can look at the contemporary records that exist from outside of the New Testament - and here's what we find. - the earliest Christian apology affirms Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God; - the earliest sermon says "think of Jesus Christ as of God" - probably the earliest Christian symbol, the ICHTHYS (Greek for fish) is an acronym used to represent the words "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Saviour" - the earliest liturgical prayer, in use in the first century, says "come Lord!" - the earliest Roman letter discussing Christians reports that they worshipped "Christ, as to a god" - the earliest account of martyrdom has numerous references to Jesus as "eternal", "heavenly" and God's Son - even earlier than the written New Testament, the first Christian communities used oral creeds, which Paul later incorporated into his epistles, including Romans 10:9 - "that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (WEB). As a final point, for those that insist that the gospels were corrupted later to paint Jesus in new divine light, we have early manuscript evidence. Take papyrus 75 - it is the oldest manuscript we have that contains John 1, and could well have been written towards the end of the second century. It says just what your bible today tells you about Jesus: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (WEB). Jesus was Lord, the Son of God, in the first century. And so he remains in the twenty-first century! Amen by Guest Blogger Alan Scobie