Search Results

The ongoing remedy for our sin: 1 John 1:9 explained 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. All Christians have an ‘old sin nature’ inside us. See Paul’s comments in Romans about his 'old man'. v9, we need to name our sins before the Lord and somehow God is able to cleanse us from them all –perhaps even the ones we did not remember! This verse is constantly available to all true believers. The verb 'confess' is in the continual tense meaning ongoing. Yes it is available every time as often as we need need it. We receive our forgiveness instantly by faith. This allows us to pick up on our walk with the Lord. Unconfessed sin festers inside us and makes us unable to conduct the Lord’s work. When we confess our sin then we agree with God that it is a sin and are instantly brought back into fellowship. PTL The ongoing remedy for our sin- Keywords ¨ Repent-metanoeo (Greek) means to change your mind. ¨ Confess- homologeo (Greek) means to say the same thing (used in a court of law). Meta =change noeo = mind So what this word Repentance means is to ‘change your mind.’ This means that we have changed our minds about the sinful things we have previously done and then we agree with God's view of the sin . We then confess (say) to the Lord the particular sin, which means we now are taking the same view as the Lord. Paul called the Jews to repentance (change their minds about Messiah on a big white horse defeating the Roman invaders etc.) Paul called the Gentiles to believe (did not know anything about the Messiah). 2 Cor 7:10 Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians had produced godly sorrow leading them to repentance and life in contrast the world’s sorrow can only produce death. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 4 We consider the three parables in Luke 15 in the context of both salvation and fellowship.

The 3 parables of Luke 15: the lost sheep , the lost coin, and the lost son. Part 4 The three parables in Luke 15 Definition: A parable means something to ‘lay alongside’ something else. The story in the parable lays it against a truth to make it easier to understand. These three parables are usually thought to be about salvation but let us consider them in the context of fellowship. The parable of the lost sheep Luke 15:1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Lost in this passage does not mean dead, the sheep always refers to believers e.g. not 99 sheep and 1 goat! The 100 sheep belong to the shepherd, but one wanders off out of the shepherd's sight c.f like a Christian getting out of fellowship. The shepherd goes after the lost sheep finds it and put it on his shoulders. That is how the Lord feels when out of fellowship believers are found by him, there is great rejoicing in the same way we rejoice over sinners who come to repentance and faith in Christ. The parable of the lost coin Luke 15:8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The woman owned the silver coins. Of course, this parable can be applied to the ‘salvation’ situation but does need a bit of tweaking as to who was the owner of the lost coin. Again, there is great rejoicing over a sinner come to repentance i.e. changed their mind. The joy is from God in the presence of the angels. The parable of the lost son 11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! This parable is the best example of how God feels about sinners returning to him. By faith we are all children of God (Galatians). This is a believing family. No matter what we change we remain our father’s son. Life lived out of fellowship does not produce fruit for God. Both sons got their inheritance (v12). God gifts and talents are to be used in his service. The younger son wasted all his inheritance and got out of fellowship with his father. v15 younger son comes into discipline by looking after pigs (no self-respecting Jew would do this). No-one would help him. He was in a bad place with no friends. v17 Comes to his senses, he repents (changes his mind), and he comes to terms with his lifestyle. 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ v20 and the father ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. That is what the Father God did with you and me when we first repented and believed. How might the Father react to our repentance today? v21 Confesses his sins as in 1 John 1:9. Luke 15:22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it and let us eat and be merry. 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. v22 His privileges are fully restored as a son, as are ours when we repent. v23 A feast of celebration is organised, repentance is a time to be celebrated. v24 This father’s love for his lost son reminds us of the fervent love of our heavenly father who embraces us when we confess our sins in repentance. When we do sin, we must keep short accounts with the Lord and come into repentance ASAP. Conclusion Confessing your sins is agreeing with God that it was wrong and inappropriate for us as God’s family, then we can immediately receive our forgiveness by faith and come straight back into fellowship with the Lord. Amen Personal Prayer For an in depth study of this topic please refer to Roger Price audios BBS 012 and BBS 021.

The chastening of the Lord Hebrews 12:5 How does God deal with Christians who are out of fellowship?: Hebrews 12: 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. v5 Chastening= humbled by defeat or wrongdoing with a view to doing better rebuke=express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behaviour or actions: scourges= whips v6 When the Lord brings us correction (chastening which may involve grief and pain), we need to be willing to accept it (or even welcome) since we are true sons and daughters of God. We ought to be pleased that the Lord loves us enough to chasten and rebuke us. v7-8 We need to come under his discipline of our Father (discipline is a family matter-see Zechariah 3:3) v10 God only chastens (trains) his children for their benefit which should lead us into holiness. v11 The Lord’s chastening is painful for a season but later brings peace and a more holy lifestyle. Carnal vs Spiritual Christians ¨ Carnal = a Christian who is out of fellowship with Lord ¨ Spiritual = a Christian who is in fellowship with the Lord 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? A carnal Christian can behave just as badly as an unbeliever. An unbeliever cannot receive the things of God see 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 A spiritual believer can operate through the Spirit, 1 Cor 3v3 mere men= unbelievers Amen In Part 3 we consider what confession and repentance means.

1 John 1:9 The ongoing remedy for our sin In some ways when we get saved or born again the Lord could say ‘I have cleansed every sin from your life so go and sin no more.’ However, we know that we often slip and fall into sin (due to the old sin nature), and we would be stuck in sin if the Lord had not provided an ongoing way to get us back into fellowship with him. That is what we are going to study today ‘how do we keep in continual fellowship with the Lord. We can only bear fruit when we are in fellowship with the Lord and when are in sin we can bear no good fruit. This is like playing badminton say 20 years ago or more, you could only score when serving. The suggestion is that we can bear fruit only when we are in fellowship with God. Relationship versus Fellowship ¨ Relationship is permanent. ¨ Fellowship is conditional. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Salvation has two parts to it: kindred relationship and fellowship. If like me, you agree that once saved always saved then our kindred relationship is permanent (eternal). If you disagree then you must consider just how permanent our relationship with Father God is, and what could break it. However, hopefully we can agree that our relationship is stronger than our fellowship. We are born again into the family of God and are secure in it. Fellowship (koinonia) is our ongoing interaction with God and can be broken quite easily. Amos 3:3 can be understood as ‘how can we walk in agreement with a Holy God’? When we are out of fellowship with him through sin. Fellowship in this context is our old friend koinonia which means an intimate sharing of our life with God and with our fellow believers. Fellowship with Him and One Another 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. As always when we want to correctly interpret scripture, we need to put in in context. v5-7 God has no darkness or sin in his being whatever and has no truck with sin. If we live in sin our fellowship (koinonia) with God is broken and we are kidding ourselves on (self-deception). If we walk in the Spirit, we are agreed with the Lord, this brings us into fellowship with each other and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. v8 If Christians say that they do not sin then John says that they are lying indicating an aversion to the truth. v9-10 We will return to these verses further into the sermon. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 we will consider 'the chastening of the Lord'.

Key stages in how Rees Howells “self-life” was dealt with by the cross. Here are the stages in the life of Rees Howells :Intercessor in which the cross was applied to his self-life. For a short biography of Rees Howells refer to the first part of this teaching A) Surrender of personal ambition Early in his life, Howells had: business prospects personal plans God required him to abandon total control over his future. Cross dynamic: letting go of his self-determination. accepting God’s direction but without any guarantees B) The crisis of full surrender A defining moment described in the book is when he yielded: his will his rights his entire life to God’s control This is often presented as a decisive “death to self” moment. But importantly—it was not the end. C) Repeated “tests” of obedience After initial surrender, God continued to deal with deeper layers of self through specific, sometimes uncomfortable commands, such as: giving away money when it felt unreasonable. obeying promptings that risked his reputation. accepting situations that exposed his pride or independence. Pattern: God would ask → resistance exposed → surrender required. This aligns closely with progressive cross application. D) Identification with others through intercession One of the most distinctive aspects of his life: He believed God called him to identify with people or situations in prayer. This sometimes meant bearing burdens that were not naturally his own. In his understanding: Intercession required a kind of “death to self-interest” so that God’s purposes could flow through him. E) Breaking of self-reliance Repeatedly, the book shows God dealing with: independence natural strength personal reasoning So that: his reliance shifted fully onto God This echoes Paul the Apostle’s principle: 'strength perfected in weakness'. Other points The theological framework behind this progressive application of the cross. The book strongly reflects a particular stream of teaching: union with Christ in death and resurrection the “crucified life” as experiential reality obedience as the pathway to deeper spiritual authority In simplified terms: The more the self-life is yielded, the more God can act through the person. Important clarification (this matters) While the book (Rees Howells;Intercessor by Norman Grubb) is powerful, but it should be read with discernment. Strengths: Seriousness about obedience Real cost of discipleship Consistency with “take up your cross daily.” Potential risks if misapplied: Over-subjectivising guidance (“God told me…”) Confusing personal impressions with divine command Placing all believers under identical patterns of experience. Not every believer will be led in the same way or intensity. How it connects to “taking up your cross” in Luke 9:23 In Howells’ life, cross-bearing looked like: surrender of will → “deny yourself.” obedience at cost → “take up your cross.” ongoing responsiveness → “daily” But crucially: It was not a single event—it was a lifestyle of repeated surrender. Final Conclusions The biography portrays the “self-life” being dealt with in two layers: 1. Decisive surrender a clear yielding of the whole life to God 2. Progressive outworking repeated situations exposing deeper self-will. ongoing obedience shaping character. Bottom line According to Rees Howells: Intercessor: God deals with the self-life not only through a one-time surrender, but through a lifelong process of testing, obedience, and deeper yielding—so that the believer becomes increasingly aligned with His will. Remember how Jesus viewed the cross. Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)“Looking unto Jesus... who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” Fix your eyes on Jesus and follow Him in cross-shaped living. What cross is the Lord asking you to take up today? Personal Prayer and waiting on the Lord Amen

When I first opened Psalm 1, I was struck by its simplicity and depth. It’s like a gentle invitation to a life rooted in wisdom and joy. Have you ever felt that pull to understand scripture more deeply, to let it shape your daily walk? That’s exactly what studying Psalm 1 through inspiring sermons can do. It’s not just about reading words on a page; it’s about letting those words transform your heart and mind. Psalm 1 sets the stage for the entire Book of Psalms. It contrasts two ways of living - one that leads to blessing and one that leads to destruction. But how do we truly grasp this contrast? How do sermons help us unlock the richness of this passage? Let’s explore this together. The Heart of Bible Study Psalm 1: Delight in God’s Word Psalm 1 begins with a powerful statement: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” This verse paints a vivid picture of choices. It’s about the company we keep and the paths we follow. When I listen to sermons on Psalm 1, I find that preachers often highlight the importance of delighting in God’s law. It’s not about legalism or obligation. It’s about joyfully meditating on God’s word day and night. Imagine a tree planted by streams of water, flourishing and bearing fruit in season. That’s the promise for those who immerse themselves in scripture. Here are some practical ways to embrace this delight: Set aside a specific time each day for Bible reading and reflection. Use a journal to write down insights and prayers inspired by Psalm 1. Memorise key verses to carry God’s word with you throughout the day. This kind of engagement turns Bible study into a living, breathing experience. It’s like watering the roots of your spiritual life so you can grow strong and steady. How Inspiring Sermons Illuminate Psalm 1 Sermons have a unique way of bringing scripture to life. They connect ancient words to our modern struggles and hopes. When I hear a sermon on Psalm 1, I’m often reminded that this psalm is not just about avoiding sin but about choosing a flourishing life. One sermon I listened to recently described the two paths in Psalm 1 as a fork in the road. On one side, there’s the path of the wicked - unstable, barren, and ultimately leading to destruction. On the other, the path of the righteous - rooted, fruitful, and secure. This metaphor helped me see my own decisions more clearly. Sermons also unpack the meaning of “meditating on the law day and night.” It’s not about endless study but about internalising God’s truth so it shapes our thoughts and actions. This meditation becomes a source of strength when challenges come. If you want to deepen your understanding, I recommend exploring psalm one sermons bible study resources. They offer a variety of messages that speak to different life situations, helping you apply Psalm 1 in practical ways. The Blessing of Avoiding Negative Influences One of the most striking parts of Psalm 1 is the warning against walking, standing, or sitting with the wicked, sinners, and mockers. This progression shows how easy it is to slip into harmful patterns if we’re not careful. Through sermons, I’ve learned that this is not about judging others but about protecting our hearts. Negative influences can drain our spiritual vitality and lead us away from God’s path. It’s like a plant trying to grow in poor soil - it struggles to thrive. Here are some actionable steps to guard your spiritual environment: Evaluate your friendships and the media you consume. Seek out uplifting and encouraging company. Pray for discernment to recognise harmful influences. By making these choices, you create space for God’s word to take root and flourish in your life. Living the Psalm 1 Life: Practical Applications Studying Psalm 1 through inspiring sermons is not just an intellectual exercise. It’s a call to live differently. Here are some ways I’ve found to put this psalm into practice: Daily meditation: Spend a few minutes each morning reflecting on a verse from Psalm 1. Let it set the tone for your day. Mindful choices: Be intentional about the influences you allow in your life. Choose relationships and activities that nurture your faith. Fruitful living: Look for opportunities to serve others and share the blessings you’ve received. Like a tree bearing fruit, your life can be a source of nourishment to those around you. These steps help transform the wisdom of Psalm 1 into a vibrant, lived reality. Embracing the Journey of Growth and Blessing As I continue to study Psalm 1, I’m reminded that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. Each sermon I listen to adds a new layer of understanding and encouragement. It’s like walking alongside a wise guide who points out the landmarks and pitfalls along the way. Psalm 1 invites us to choose life - a life rooted in God’s word, nourished by His presence, and blossoming in His blessing. It’s a beautiful promise that speaks to the deepest longings of our hearts. If you’re ready to dive deeper, I encourage you to explore psalm one sermons bible study for inspiring messages that will enrich your journey. Let these sermons be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path as you grow in faith and understanding. May your study of Psalm 1 be a source of joy, strength, and transformation. Remember, like the tree planted by streams of water, you are invited to flourish in every season of life.

Practical Applications— The Cross in Practice with examples from the life of Rees Howells. In Part 1 we considered the biblical basis for taking up your cross daily and following Jesus. We then did a quick biography of Rees Howells: Intercessor, a man whose life demonstrated day by day what it is to take up your cross daily and follow Jesus. A) Control (Self-Will) Luke 22:42 (NKJV)“Not My will, but Yours, be done.” Example: Rees surrendered his life direction completely. Cross expression: Yield decisions and release control. B) Possessions and Security Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)“You cannot serve God and mammon.” Example: He travelled without money for a train ticket, trusting God many time for provision. Cross expression: Trust God beyond visible provision. C) Reputation and Pride Philippians 2:7 (NKJV)“He made Himself of no reputation…” Example: Rees appeared before the nobility without a hat (a major faux pas), risking serious misunderstanding. Cross expression: Rees accepted the loss of recognition. D) Obedience in Small Things Luke 16:10 (NKJV)“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” Example: Rees restricted his food to simple meals in obedience to God. Cross expression: The practice of immediate obedience. E) Dependence vs Self-Reliance John 15:5 (NKJV)“…without Me you can do nothing.” Example: Rees lived without provision, relying fully on God. Cross expression: Dependence on God over his own ability. F) Love Through Sacrifice Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)“Bear one another’s burdens…” Example: Rees welcomed tramps into his home. Cross expression: Rees served sacrificially. G) Comfort and Ease Example: He accepted discomfort rather than ease. Cross expression: Rees choose obedience over comfort. H) Ownership and Rights Example: Rees treated everything as belonging to God. Cross expression: He lived in total surrender (stewardship). I) Relationships Example: Rees followed God even when relationships were often strained especially with his parents. Cross expression: He put Christ first always. J) Control of Outcomes Example: Rees obeyed God without seeing results. Cross expression: He operated in faith without sight. K) Consistency Over Time Example: Rees lived this out over years. Cross expression: Rees lived a daily cross-bearing. Amen Personal prayer In Part 3 we consider the key stages of how the self-life of Rees Howells was dealt with by taking up his cross daily.

One man's thoughts on various aspects of the Iran war by Guest Blogger Ian Atkin. Purim Is it significant that Israel and the USA attacked Iran on Saturday 28th February 2026? It might well be! Part 1, Shabbat Zichron 28.02.2026. Regarding Israel, it might be of significance that February 28th, 2026, was a day referred to as ‘Shabbat Zichron’, a Sabbath of Remembrance. A Shabbat celebrating the festival of Purim which specifically remembers a very important event in Jewish history. This historical event is detailed in the Hebrew Book of Esther, and a study of Esther reveals some amazing details which may have significance in relation to the Jewish celebration of Purim this year and the commencement of war on Iran by Israel and America. In Esther Chapter 9 verse 28 says: “These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants.” Purim has been celebrated since the times of Esther by the Jewish people to this very day! The purpose of the festival is primarily to ‘remember.’ To remember what? In the time that Esther lived a large Jewish Community lived in Persia and Media which was governed by King Xerxes. A man called Haman gained favour with King Xerxes and was promoted to a ‘seat of honour higher than that of all the other nobles.’ In Chapter 3 v 1 Haman is referred to as Haman the Agagite. Haman took a dislike to the Jews and said to king Xerxes in Chapter 3 verse 9: “If it please the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them.” Verse 10 say: “So the king took his signet ring and gave it to Haman, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.” Verse 13: “Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews.” There are some details of particular interest in these verses. Particularly, that Haman is identified as ‘the Agagite,’ as an enemy of the Jews, and that his goal is to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews. He is an evil leader, from Persia, who is aim is the annihilation of the Jewish people. It is important to note that Haman is an Agagite because the origins and the agenda of the Agagites is found in 1 Samuel Chapter 15:8 -9 in which King Agag is identified as King of the Amalekites. In Genesis chapter 36 verse 12 Amalek is identified as a son of Esau and in Exodus chapter 17 verse 8 – 15 the Amalekites are identified as enemies of the Israelites. The enmity is such that it leads to war between the Amalekites and Israelites. Significantly in Exodus 17:16 - ‘He (Moses) said ……… “The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” Most importantly we are informed that this war is a war of God against the Amalekites, it is a spiritual conflict, a conflict that will be continued generation after generation. The Scriptures show that this is indeed the case: From Esau and Moses’ generation to the generation of Samuel, God’s war with Amalek continued through King Agag, King of the Amalekites. And in Esther’s generation it is shown to continue through ‘Haman, the Agagite.’ Because the Book of Esther was being read on February the 28th 2026, on a Shabbat Zichron, a remembrance of Esther and Purim, can parallels be drawn between the ancient story of pur and the commencement of war on Persia/Iran in current times? Historically, an evil leader, Haman, arose in Persia who, through the drawing of lots. ‘pur,’ devised a plan to annihilate all Jews. In current times, an evil leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, arose in Iran whose aim is the annihilation of all Jews. In the historical account, it was at’ pur’im, that the enemies of the Jews were exposed and defeated. Could it be that this year’s remembrance and celebration of Purim, through Israel and America’s commencement of war on Iran, will result in the enemies of the Jews, once again, being exposed and defeated? If so, is it because: The Lord will be at war with the Amalekites from generation to generation! The Bible verses thus far referred to reveal the ancient origins and primary cause of the phenomena of antisemitism, hatred of the Jewish race, which began in antiquity and continues to this day. Antisemitism is a manifestation and expression, through human beings, of the evil spirit of Amalek whose primary aim is the (irrational) annihilation of the Jewish race. The spirit of Amalek is an opposing spirit to God and anything that is His. Because the Jewish people are God’s Chosen people and because Israel is The Promised Land by God to His Chosen people the spirit of enmity with God manifests in people through their enmity with Israel and the Jews. Such people are operating under the influence of the spirit of Amalek. The Biblical principal reveals that those who are against the Jewish people and /or Israel are against God. Haman’s wife Zeresh was well aware that to take such a position results in deadly consequences. This principle is clearly set out in Esther Chapter 6 verse 13b, were, referring to Haman. “…. His advisers and wife said to him ‘since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him – you will surely come to ruin’….” With Zeresh’s observation in focus, might the current war on Iran be regarded as a modern-day manifestation of the war of God against Amalek? Could it be that, like Haman, Ayatollah Khamenei started his own downfall when, 47 years ago, he chose to stand against the Jews by declaring ‘Death to Israel’. He came to ruin……on February 28th 2026……at the festival of ‘pur’, Purim? As it was for Haman, it was for Khamenei! The means by which Haman and Ayatollah Khamenei die proves to be interesting! We are told in Esther 7:9-10 that Haman died in his own home on his own gallows: “Then Herbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “gallows seventy feet high stand by Haman’s house. He had made it for Mordecai (Esther’s Jewish uncle), who spoke up to help the king.” The kind said, “Hang him on it.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided. It is interesting to observe that at Purim, February 28th, 2026, while a remembrance of Haman’s death was being remembered, that Ayatollah Khamani was executed. Khamenei died, just as Haman did, by the means he planned to kill the Jews. Haman by hanging and Ayatollah Khamani by ballistic missile! It could be said that the Ayatollah built gallows for himself and was hanged on them through his foreign policy, Death to Israel Death to America, in his own house, just as Haman was, on the Jewish festival of Purim. It is significant that Exodus Chapter 15 verses 2-3 say: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go and attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them.” Historically, God instructed the Israelites to totally destroy everything of the Amalekites. BUT they failed to do so. Saul continued this trend, Exodus 15:3, Exodus 15:7-9. Haman continued the trend. Ayatollah Khamenei continues the generational trend and so the pattern continues down through history. Therefore, the war of God against Amalek continues to this day. If the spirit of Amalek is the spirit which drives the Ayatollah’s Islamic agenda, we may deduce that Allah is a descendent of Amalek and Agag, if so, the current war on Iran by Israel and America, may be considered an outworking of God’s war against Amalek in this generation. Historically, from a Biblical perspective, God required that evil be violently defeated, e.g. Exodus 12:12, Exodus 14: 26-31. In the cosmic battle of good against evil, God requires the shedding of blood to defeat death, in order to obtain life: Exodus 12:7, Exodus 12:13, Mathew 26:28. In times of war, much blood is shed to defeat death by deadly regimes and death cults in order that the survivors of war gain life. Thus, blood defeats death. Part 2, The tribe of Benjamin, The colours White, Blue, Purple, Silver, and Gold. There are other interesting details in the Book of Esther which might have significance in relation to Israel and America’s current war on Iran. In Esther Chapter 2 verse 5 we are introduced to Mordecai, Esther’s uncle. “Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai.” In the account of King Saul, we are told in 1 Samuel verse 1-2: “There was a Benjamite, a man of standing ……. he had a son named Saul ….” From a Biblical perspective, a pattern emerges through which God specifically chooses men from the tribe of Benjamin to take on the Agagites and Amalekites. I am not sure of Benjamin Netanhayu’s tribal ancestry, but on the basis that he carries the name Benjamin as his first name, could he be God’s agent in this generation for the continuation of the Biblical pattern to use a Benjamite/Benjamin, to farther His war against the spirit of Amalek? If Benjamin Netanyahu succeeds in this war with Iran and its proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, he will thus take a step towards the destruction of the ancient influence and agenda of Amalek, the spirit behind the Islamic agenda to annihilate all Jews and destroy the State of Israel. If this is the case and if he achieves his aims, Mr. Netanyahu may be considered an instrument in God’s hand in His war against – Amalek! In the Book of Esther chapter 1 a description of a banquet held in the gardens of King Xerxes is given: verse 6 says. “The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars …….” In chapter 8 verse 15: “Mordecai left the king’s presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and purple robe of linen …….” In human experience and language, in religious texts, art, interpretation of dreams etc. colours, numbers and symbols are important as they often carry significant symbolic meaning. This is true throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. For example, in Esther Chapter 8 verses 6 and 15 references to purple, silver and gold are symbolic of royalty. Pillars are symbolic of strenghth. And white and blue are symbolic of divinity and heaven. Interestingly, in the king of Persia’s garden an edict was granted as follows: “The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children and to plunder the property of their enemies.” Esther 8:11. At this granting of this edict ‘hangings of white and blue linen were hung on the pillars. So, all the people in the kingdom of Persia and Media were celebrating the death of Haman and the victory won by the Benjamite Jew, Mordecai, for His people. On Saturday 28th February 2026 we saw on television and social media the people of Iran, ancient Persia, celebrating the death of the Ayatollah. The Iranians, as well as waving their own national flags were waving the blue and white flag of Israel. Could there be important symbolism portrayed in these actions, colours, and symbols? Could these be a divine sign to link the times and events of Purim in the days of Esther, Mordecai, and Hamam to the events of Purim this year? . an evil leader located in Persia/Iran, . died in his own house on his own gallows, . died at the hands of a Benjamite/Benjamin, . their deaths were celebrated with white and blue linen and the waving of the white and blue Israeli flag on the streets of ancient Persia and modern-day Iran. Might we be seeing a continuation of Biblical principles and symbolic meaning in colours and flags in our times? Part 3, Red, White, Black and Green Horses and the Palestinian flag. While thinking of flags, colours, symbolic meaning and what these represent and the message they carry, we may consider the masses of Palestinian flags on our streets in Britain and in places throughout the world in recent times. Might there be any significant symbolic meaning in the red, white, black, and green flags carried by the Palestinians and pro-Palestinian groups around the globe? The colours of white, red, black, and green find significance in the Book of Revelation Chapter 6. For example, in verse 2 it says. “I looked, and there before me was a white horse……and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” Verse 4: “Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other…” Verse 5: “I looked, there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in its hands.” # Verse 8: “I looked and there before me was a green horse (note: the Greek word can be translated as pale, sallow or green. As the previous verses refer to the colours of horses, it is fair to conclude the translation should be ‘green’ rather than ‘pale’ e.g. as it is in the NIV and KJ versions). Its rider was named Death and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” The stated goal of Islam is to gain the world through conquest to establish a global Islamic caliphate, this is what Muslims believe in and hope for. They believe in religious conquest. While white can be a colour symbolic of purity, in some sources it is also used to symbolise deception. A study of ancient origins reveals that Allah originates from the ancient moon god, Satan. The Bible refers to false gods and forbids the worship of them. Allah is one of these. The teachings of Islam are therefore also false. A deception. Could this be what the white horse symbolises? While Muslims claim Islam to be a peaceful religion the primary aim of Islam is the annihilation of all Jews, the State of Israel and death to every infidel (non-Muslim) who will not convert to Islam. They plan to achieve this through conquest, Jihad. Red symbolically often represents blood. This can be positive, as in sacrificial blood to achieve redemption, or negative through blood shed in murder removing peace from those who experience it. Could the fiery red horse symbolise an Islamic attempt to impose a caliphate on the world? The Islamic agenda has gained much influence in modern society and by doing so, it could be said, holds the world on a pair of scales. Scales often symbolise power. In future where will the balance of power eventually be? Could the black horse symbolise a global balance of power that Islam is about to gain ? As Islamic Jihad is a death cult. Could this be what the green horse symbolises? Palestinians and pro-Palestinian supporters carry a flag which is white, red, black, and green. Could it be that these colours carry symbolic meaning relating to the cause, aims, and objectives of Jihad? Might the colours of the flag relate to the coloured horses in Revelation 6:2-8? The primary objective of the Palestinian people and the pro-Palestinian movement aligns with the agenda of Haman and Ayatollah Khamenei, i.e. enmity with the Jewish race and a primary goal to annihilate the Jews and State of Israel completely, enmity with God. We might therefore conclude that they operate under the spiritual influence of Amalek. If so, according to what we have read in the Bible, the war they fight is the war of God against Amalek. They are fighting against God. As with Haman and the Ayatollah, as per the Biblical pattern, this will be to their ruin, it will lead to their destruction. Considering the possibility that the symbolic meaning of the white, red, black and green horses in the Book of Revelation relate to the colours of the Palestinian and, therefore, symbolise Islam with its agenda of death to all Jews, annihilation of the State of Israel and death of all infidels i.e. non-Muslims, is it really a good cause to support while marching under the white, red, black and green Palestinian flag? Even if it is not a correct interpretation to equate the colours of the horses in Revelation with the colours of the Palestinian flag, do we want to walk under that flag in support of what it really symbolises – Islamic Jihad? The implications of aligning with the agendas of the Pro-Palestinian movement are serious. While claiming to march for peace, and, as their placards claim, ‘no to genocide,’ they are in truth calling for the genocide of the Jewish race. Their claims and message are a deception, and many nice, decent, well-meaning people, old and young, in western societies have fallen for it. We should choose to be properly informed about who we stand with and for what we march. Is this flag a symbolic warning to those who do not agree with this agenda to strongly oppose and stand against it? Numbers carry significant symbolic meaning in many traditions. It is 47 years since the Ayatollahs took up leadership in Iran. By establishing a hard-line Islamic Republic, they immediately imprisoned all Iranian citizens under an oppressive government thus robbing Iranians of all major freedoms and equal rights. Simultaneously, the Ayatollahs waged immediate war on Israel, stating its primary purpose and goal to be the annihilation of the State of Israel and all Jews. The Islamic government set up and funded the extreme Islamic proxies of Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen, while also supporting the Assad regime in Syria, it also became a close ally of Russia. While funding Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis with billions of dollars for military Jihad, the Islamic regime ensured a generation of Iranians were robbed and deprived of peace, stability, security and prosperity, public investment, and welfare. While their populations suffered the Ayatollahs and their proxies pursued their primary goal - the destruction of the State of Israel and death to all Jews. Declaring ‘Death to Israel,’ Iran’s war with Israel began on day 1 of the Ayatollahs rise to power 47 years ago. At the same time, the Islamic regime proclaimed, ‘Death to America.’ This has been their consistent mantra and foreign policy ever since. It thus declared war on Israel and the United States of America and consequently on all western democracies, on western values and beliefs. It is interesting, therefore, to note that in his second term of office, Donald Trump became the 47th president of the USA. Could there be a symbolic significance to the 47 years of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Donald Trump being the 47th US President? In the Book of Isaiah in Chapter 44 verse 29 and Chapter 45 verse 1-4 God speaks about Cyrus, the King of Persia who, despite not knowing or believing in God, is used by God to help the Jews. Isa 44:48 says: “who says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, ‘Let it be rebuilt’ and of my temple, ‘Let it’s foundations be laid.’ Chapter 45 v 1 -4, This is what the lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armour, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut. I will go before you and will level mountains, I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am The Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honour, though you do not acknowledge me. So Cyrus was not a Jew, but, as a Persian King, he defended the Jews. He is recognised and remembered in Persian/ Iranian history because he restored dignity, honoured faith, and broke the back of oppressive regimes. He liberated the Jewish people. King Cyrus is remembered, not as a tyrant, but as a deliverer. In relation to current times, many in Israel and Iran, and others too, are regarding Donald Trump as a modern-day Cyrus. They see parallels between Trump and Cyrus because, as a foreign leader, he is confronting an oppressive regime on behalf of the Jewish people, and the free world. The Biblical pattern shows that God raises up allies of Israel to protect and defend their people. In Biblical Prophetic books earthly conflicts are understood to reflect the reality of spiritual conflicts in the heavenly realms. In relation to the discussion in this document, the spiritual war of God against Amalek might currently be being played out in the earthly conflict between Israel, America, and Iran? The pattern repeats down through the generations with new players in place. In Samuels time Saul’s army fought against the Amalekites, in Esther’s time the Jewish community fought against Haman and his sons, in our time Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump are fighting against the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Could it be then, that Mr. Trump is an instrument in God’s hand to protect and fight for Israel and the Jews in our generation? A modern-day Cyrus? He is confronting the oppressive Islamic regime with the aim of honouring the Iranian people’s heritage and restoring it to them while helping Israel and the Jewish people too. While other western governments and elites continue negotiation, Trump, along with Israel, has confronted and attacked the ideology, belief system, and spirit behind the Islamic regime of Iran. Amalek in this generation! In January 2026 the Islamic clerics, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and their subordinates brutally murdered at least 50,000 of their own people on the streets of Iran. On the festival of Purim, the 28th of February 2026, millions of the Iranian people were dancing on the streets of Iran, waving American and Israeli flags along with their own flag, thanking Trump and Netanyahu for waging war on the Islamic regime. Celebrating because, in the minds of the Iranians, Islam in Iran might be in retreat. Many Iranians in the diaspora are openly saying they hate Islam and what it stands for. They want nothing to do with it and want an end to it. The Persian/Iranian people recognise that when a foreign leader confronts their oppressors and oppression and honours their true heritage that gratitude follows. King Cyrus understood this. President Trump understands this. The Israeli and American leadership have realised negotiations and diplomacy with the Islamic regime in Iran and their proxies in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen is a game played by the Ayatollahs to stall for time. Time which would allow Iran to create nuclear weapons of mass destruction to fire on modern democracies, starting with Israel then all western nations. On this basis, Israel and America are fighting a war on behalf of the world to prevent this eventuality. Instead of managing, through diplomatic means, the ongoing threat of a nuclear weaponised Iran with their stated goal of ‘Death to Israel’ ‘Death to America,’ Israel and America have decided to cease negotiations and militarily put an end to 47 years of Islamic Jihad imposed by the Iranian Regime since its inception. In effect, instead of appeasing the tyrannical evil of this regime, they are confronting it head on. They are doing so on behalf of the free world! Never-the-less, It is fair to say that both Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump are controversial characters. They are both disliked, even hated, distrusted, and severely criticised by many people. On the other hand, they have many followers who love, trust, and support them. Their characters have been questioned in relation to corruption and what their true motives are as political leaders. Despite all that, throughout the whole Bible, we see that God frequently chooses men and women with flawed characters and questionable reputations for His purposes. For example, Moses could not speak up, Jacob was a scoundrel, David was an adulterer and murderer, Rahab and Mary Magdalene were prostitutes, the disciples deserted and disowned Jesus when he needed them most etc. etc. never-the-less, God called and used them all. So despite the character flaws and questionable reputations of Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump, it may well be that God is using them as instruments in His hands to bring about His purposes in these days. Thinking again of the Book of Esther we see that God’s hand, though unnamed, is unmistakably at work. There are within its narrative a series of reversals: Haman rises but falls. Mordecai moves from obscurity to honour. A death sentence shifts to the giving of life. With the eyes of faith, we can see the sovereignty of God at work behind the scenes. Throughout the Scriptures God chooses to work through ordinary people, who despite their character flaws and personal weaknesses, are willing to act in faith and obedience to Him. The Nicene Creed says: “You are the Almighty, the King of Creation, the One who rules and reigns over all things, both seen and unseen.” Interesting of note is that God rules and reigns over the unseen! That which we, with our human eyes cannot see! As well as over what we do see. So what is it we cannot see, what is unseen to us in the war with Israel, America, and Iran? Could it be the unseen war between the Lord and Amalek in this generation? Might it be that, behind the human conditions of war with all its controversies and horrors, God is working out His purposes in line with Biblical patterns, symbolic emblems, and His prophetic Word in these days? In the Book of Esther Chapter 9 verse 1b we are told: “On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned, and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” Verse 13b and 14: “…….. and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on gallows.” “So, the king commanded this to be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman.” An explanation for the consequences of Haman’s actions is summed up in verses 23 – 26: “For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman devised against the Jews should come back on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Therefore, these days were called Purim, from the word pur.” The tables were turned, the Jews won the advantage over their enemies – is it significant that Haman’s ten sons were also hanged, for being complicit in their father’s actions? Does this detail highlight that hatreds, character traits, issues etc. are often generational, and continue generation after generation after generation? For this reason, Haman the Agagite, operating out of the generational agenda and spirit of Amalek, and his sons had to be put to death. The Biblical principle within these details inform us that evil schemes, devised against the Jewish people, are turned back on the heads of those that exercise them. The tables turn and the Jews get the upper hand over those who hate them. With the death of the Supreme Leader of Iran and the appointment of his son to take his place in mind, it may well be that the son too will be killed. The other sons of the Islamic Republic, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis are, therefore, also required to be killed. The Biblical principle requires an end to the generational perpetuity of hatred of the Jews, this can only be achieved by declaring war on the enemies of the Jewish people. As distasteful as war is, and as horrifying as the death of populations in war times is, the battle is one of good against evil. The war on Iran at the moment, from this Biblical perspective, is God’s war against the generational spirit of Amalek. Israel and America have stated their realisation that diplomacy does not work in relation to the leaders of Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. No international cease fires, peace agreements UN Charters or anything else have achieved peace in the Middle East. Why? Because the primary agenda of Iran and it is proxies in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, Gaza and the West Bank is first and foremost the destruction of the State of Israel and murder of all Jews. Unfortunately, as believers in the goals of Islam promoted by Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, the ‘ordinary’ citizens governed by these groups, are killed in the conflicts initiated by them. As Muslims they believe in the Islamic goal to annihilate the Jewish entity and establish in its place an Islamic caliphate; they do not believe in or want a two-state solution. Diplomacy is seen by the Islamic Republic, and in the Muslim mindset, as weakness to be exploited. Diplomacy is their means of achieving delay in which nuclear weapons can be produced as a method of ultimately fulfilling their goal of “death to Israel” and “death to America,” literally. This is why, therefore, Israel and America, having started this war must finish it. The win, for Israelis, Americans, and Iranians (who do not support the Islamic Regime) will be the toppling of the Regime and Regime change in Iran. And the non-nuclearisation of Iran’s weapons. In January 2026 at least 50,000 Iranians were murdered on the streets of Iran on the instructions of the Supreme Leader. These Iranians and millions of others are calling for help from outside Iran to topple the regime in order to bring about regime change. Mr Netanyahu and Mr trump have indicated they will facilitate this. Iranians in the diaspora are openly saying they hate the regime and what it has done to its people during 47 years of tyrannical rule. Consequently, they are also saying they hate Islam, they are sick of Islam and are horrified by what it teaches, promotes, and does. They are calling for an end to it. They are asking western leaders to intervene. Both inside and outside of Iran, Iranians are thanking and praising Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump for their intervention. Despite the human cost, they are asking Israel and America to see the war through until regime change is achieved. But will this happen? Part 4, God’s Prophetic Word concerning Elam/Iran. Is there real hope for the Iranians for a new future? The greatest hope for Iran is outlined in the prophetic Word of God in Jeremiah Chapter 49 verse 34ff. In the Hebrew Scriptures Elam is the ancient name for what is now known as Iran. Verse 34 and 35 says: This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, early in the reign of Zedekkiah king of Judah: This is what the Lord Almighty says: “See I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might ….” Verses 37-39 “………. I will shatter Elam before their foes before those who seek their lives. I will bring disaster upon them, even my fierce anger, declares The Lord …. I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials, declares the Lord. Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come” declares the Lord. This prophecy tells us that at some point in time God will break the bow, military power, of Iran. In doing so, He will shatter them before their enemies this will be His judgement on Iran. BUT, having done so, God will then set His throne there and destroy Iran’s king and officials, He will take their place. When He does, He will restore the fortunes of and prosperity to the Iranian people. It could be that God is using Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump to bring into place the fulfilment of His Word. If so, He is breaking the military might, bow, of Iran through them. Once Iran is sufficiently shattered by the disaster of war, and the Islamic king and officials are sufficiently destroyed, God will take up His rule there. Regime change will take place! The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jacob who became Israel, will win the war against Amalek, the evil spirit behind Islam. Iran and Israel will then become allies, as they were in times gone by. Through His kingship and this allegiance, God will restore the fortunes of Iran. This is why, on the streets of Israel today, we hear Jews/Israelis expressing their longing for the Iranian people to be freed from the Islamic regime, so that they can become allies and friends. Then they can prosper together. This is why, through this war, Mr. Netanyahu aims to destroy the Iranian leadership, Hezbollah, and Hamas once and for all. If he does not, he knows, that as has happened in the past, Iran and its proxies will re-group, re-cover and re-arm and continue ad infinitum their primary purpose for being – ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America.’ After the events of October 7th, 2023, Netanyahu is determined, on behalf of his people, Israel, to put an end to the existential threat that Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas is and has always been to the Jewish State and to all Jews. If it is time for the fulfilment of God’s Word in Jeremiah 49, Israel and America will achieve the dismantling of Iran’s military capabilities (break the bow of Elam) and destroy their leadership (destroy their king and officials). A Godly rule will replace them and Iran will prosper. There will be peace between Iran, Israel, and America. If this happens, we will know that Netanyahu and Trump, despite their flaws and controversies, have been instruments in the hand of God for His purposes and for the fulfilment of His prophetic Word. If this outcome does not happen in these days, we may conclude the time is not yet, it will happen in future. Part 5. Conclusion, what should we do in the face of it all? What can we do? How should we respond to the war with Iran. Considering the meaning of the festival of Purim and what it remembers and celebrates, first and foremost we must surely be very careful where and with whom we choose to cast our ‘pur,’ our lot. If, like Haman, we cast our lot against the Jewish people we may as Haman’s wife and advisers said, “come to ruin.” Whatever we pitch against the Jews will be turned back on us; with Haman it was death by hanging, with Ayatollah Khamani it was death by ballistic missile! If this war is a representation of God’s war against Amalek in this generation and if Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump are God’s chosen instruments to defend His chosen people and Promised Land and set the Iranians free from decades of tyranny, then the battle is of good against evil. Most of us would choose to stand with good. The players in the battle for good against evil are always flawed men and women, usually with questionable characters. We may not like Mr. Netanyahu or Mr. Trump, however, if they win this war and the Iranian people are set free from the 47 year tyrannical reign of the Ayatollahs, the IRGC, the BIRJ and, if Islamic Jihad exercised through Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis ceases, the Israelis and Americans will be seen to have done a good thing! We all have a responsibility to be suitably informed in relation to this war, and we should seek out sources of information that are reliable and honest. This will enable us to choose wisely as to who and what we stand for. Be well informed to choose well. Many people say but I do not believe in God, I’m not religious, I don’t believe in all that stuff, I couldn’t care less about it, I don’t believe the Bible, I don’t care about the Arabs and the Jews, I’m not having anything to do with all that etc. etc. We are all free to choose, however, by default a neutral position pitches us on the side of evil, to stand for good requires conscious decision. With Purim in mind we must surely be very careful not to cast our ’pur,’ our lot, on the side of evil! Remembering the lessons of Purim, the unseen God reigns sovereign behind the scenes of human existence. The story of His chosen people, the Jewish people, is one of reversal, survival, redemption, and victory. If the commencement of the war with Iran, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Purim, has any spiritual significance, it will be Israel’s war to win, it will gain them freedom from existential nuclear threat and gain for Iranian citizens modernisation and democracy, freedom from a deluded, evil theocracy influenced by the evil spirit of Amalek. If the war ends with regime change God, through Netanyahu and Trump, will have fulfilled His prophetic Word and destroyed Elam/Iran’s king and officials. Final thoughts. This year, 2026, there are 30 days between the festival of Purim and festival of the Passover, and the beginning of Passover marks 30 days since the war on Iran began. There is a Jewish teaching from the 1800’s, The Bnei Yissaschar, which refers to a future war against Amalek, a war against Jew hating evil. A war that will begin on Purim and end, 30 days later, on Passover. In terms of divine symbolism in numeracy, 30 days x 24 hours = 720 hours and 720 equates to the gematria of “Amalek” (240) times 3: In Hebrew thought Amalek is to be fought in three ways, in thought, speech and action. Because this war began at Purim this year and Passover began 30 days later, could this be the time of fulfilment of this rabbinical prophecy? Could it be that the 30 days of war on Iran between Purim and Passover represent a searching, cleaning, and clearing out for Israel, such as Jewish households do at Passover for which the house is made clean in preparation for the celebration of victory and redemption. The nation has searched, cleaned, and cleared out the enemy of the Iranian Regime and it is proxies in Gaza and Lebanon and thus dismantled, disempowered and destroyed much of the machinery of their ancient enemy Amalek? Could it be that that this battle will provide a victory for the Jewish people and, as with the first Passover, might this year’s Passover be a time of divine rescue, victory, freedom, and redemption? A rescue, victory, freedom, and redemption that will extend to the Iranian people and gain for them freedom from and victory over the evil stranglehold of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Regime and from the evil spirit of Amalek who is influence the regime operates out of? “I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. I will establish my throne in Elam and destroy it is king and officials. I will restore the fortunes of Elam.” Jeremiah Ch 49 v 34ff. We are living in critical times. Healthy societies do not support encourage or tolerate antisemitism. Societies that are rotting and decaying do. The spirit of Amalek/Islam and Nazism is currently horrifyingly rampant in the promotion of Jew hatred and anti-Zionism throughout the whole world. It aims to establish a global Islamic Caliphate (see Palestinian Media Watch). A totalitarian, evil, global government. To prevent this eventuality we all must defend our Judeo-Christian heritage, democratic rights, and freedoms. We must wake up to the reality of evil and resist and fight it. We must choose to speak up for and stand with the Jewish people against any form of antisemitism. We must seek out truth and refute the lies promoted by pro-Palestinian groups, woke agendas and media misinformation. We must speak up and stand up for ourselves, in honour and defence of what the last two generations of our families fought for in WW1 and WW2 - victory and freedom from the tyrannical evil regimes of Nazi Germany and Japan. If necessary, and if we can, we must be prepared to join our armed forces to fight another war of good against evil. Like or loathe Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump, this is what they are doing on our behalf. In the war on Iran and it is proxies they are eliminating the nuclear threat to Israel, America and the world, the ballistic missile capacity of Iran and the evil personified in the Ayatollahs of the Islamis Republic of Iran along with members of the IRGC and secret police. Our freedom to live a good, decent life in democratic freedom is being seriously challenged and threatened. We have serious choices to make! Who will we stand with? What will we stand for? ………………………………………………. 47 years ago The Islamic Republic of Iran announced its foreign policy to the world. “Death to Israel,” “Death to America.” Thus, it declared war. Iran’s aim to produce nuclear weapons is for the sole purpose of achieving these goals. Iran funds, trains and facilitates it is proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen to the tune of millions of dollars annually. Their primary goal is the annihilation of the State of Israel and murder of all Jews. This is at the expense of peace and prosperity for their own Iranian population. On October 7th, 2023, through Hamas, Iran inflicted the most brutal attack on the Jewish race since the holocaust. The Palestinian civilian population of Gaza joined Hamas in this attack. In effect, this was a declaration of war on Israel by Iran. When people accuse Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump of initiating an illegal war on Iran on February 28th, 2026, the above facts should be considered. While the world at large has said, since the end of WW2, ‘we must never allow another holocaust’, global support, post October 7th, 2023, has increased not for Israel but for the pro-Palestinian agenda which is driven and funded by the Iranian regime. While unmeasured criticism is heaped upon Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump no equivalent outrage is expressed towards the murderous, evil that is exercised by Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Islamic Regime in Iran against the Israelis. Why is there such widespread support for the status quo in Iran and for the pro-Palestinian cause, but extreme opposition to Israel? Is this the phenomena of ‘antisemitism’ in action? Antisemitism, hatred of the Jews and the call to annihilate Israel, finds its origins in antiquity, see Part1. It originates with the Amalekite people, who, influenced by the evil spiritual entity ‘Amalek’ were stirred up to hatred of the Jews and a desire to annihilate them. This irrational determination to exterminate the Jewish race has continued from generation to generation, from the times of the Amalekites to the times we live in today. Although spiritual in origin, this agenda finds expression through human beings. In ancient times, for example, through the Amalekites, the Agagites, Haman and his sons. And in modern times through the Nazis, The Islamic Regime in Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Palestinians. Radical Islam has been exercising its treacherous ideology intent on taking over the world in the name of Allah for centuries. Is the battle Mr. Netanyahu and the Israelis, and Mr. Trump and the Americans are fighting in the current war on Iran the world’s battle against Amalek and radical Islam? If so, while many may consider Netanyahu and Trump as the initiators of war and perpetrators of evil, it may well be that, if victorious, they will prove to be the lesser of two evils in comparison to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s regime and it’s despicable proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Could it be that, as the Nicene Creed and Exodus 17:16 say, Almighty God who rules and reigns over all things, seen and unseen, is fighting His battle in the heavenly realms against Amalek in this generation, with Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump as His agents in the human outworking of the battle? ……………………………………………….. Ian Atkin. 05.04.2026 Bachelor of Divinity (2:1) Hons. MSc. Critical Care Adult Nursing.

How to crucify the self-life with examples from the life of Rees Howells :Intercessor Luke 9:23 (NKJV)“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” 1. The Call to Discipleship Luke 9:23 (NKJV)“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Jesus calls for a reoriented life: deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him. 2. The Cost of the Cross Matthew 10:37–38 (NKJV)“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me... and he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Following Christ may cost relationships, comfort, and possessions. 3. The Daily Nature of the Cross Romans 12:1 (NKJV)“I beseech you therefore, brethren... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” The cross is a daily surrender, not a one-time event. 4. The Inner Meaning of the Cross Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...” The self-life is replaced by Christ living within. 5. The Misunderstanding of the Cross The cross is not inconvenience or random suffering—it is obedience to Christ at cost. 6. The Paradox of the Cross Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Losing your life for Christ leads to finding true life. 7. The Pattern of Christ Philippians 2:8–9 (NKJV)“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Christ’s pattern: humility, obedience, death, then glory. 8. Practical Application — The Cross in Practice with examples from the life of Rees Howells A short biography of Rees Howells Based on : Grubb, Norman. Rees Howells: Intercessor. Lutterworth Press, 1952. ISBN 978-1-61958-228-6. Free pdf download of book: https://www.thechoicedrivenlife.com/uploads/Rees%20Howells%20Intercessor.pdf Rees Howells’ story continues to inspire believers to pray with boldness, perseverance, and expectation, believing that God still moves through intercessors today. Rees Howells (1879–1950) was a Welsh coal miner turned missionary and intercessor whose life became a striking example of radical obedience to God. After a conversion experience and early exposure to faith missions, he sensed a call to total surrender, which led him into a series of costly acts of self-denial—giving away money, embracing dependence on God for provision, and yielding personal rights and ambitions. He served as a missionary in Africa, where he learned deeply practical lessons in faith and identification with others, before returning to Wales to help establish the Bible College of Wales. During the Second World War, he became especially known for a ministry of strategic intercession, believing that God led him and his community to pray through critical moments that affected the course of the war. His legacy lies not in public prominence but in demonstrating a life shaped by the cross marked by obedience, faith, and a sustained commitment to intercessory prayer. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 we consider the application of the cross to the self-life with specific examples from the life of Rees Howells.

By fasting Last time in Part 4 we looked at the Lord’s prayer and saw that we must forgive people who have done us wrong, otherwise we ourselves will not be forgiven. In this our 5th and final part we consider fasting. Generally fasting means going without food for a period of time for spiritual purposes. We can also fast from other things that give us personal pleasure such as watching television etc. Matthew 6:16 “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. v16-18 Motive is crucial here, if you outward appearance is to let people know you are fasting than there is no further reward from God. Like giving and praying, fasting is best kept secret and hidden from people. All forms of our self denial should be covert and not paraded before men but rather done directly before the gaze of our Lord. Matthew 9:14-17 Time to fast? 14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?" 15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. 17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." v15 Jesus the bridegroom was still with the disciples at this point of time. This was not the time for mourning and fasting but that time would come later. A good general guide as to when to fast is when you feel that the Bridegroom (Jesus) is absent or distant. v17 We need to be born again so that our new wineskin can accommodate the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Do you fast on a regular basis my brother, my sister? I must confess that I find fasting exceedingly difficult to do, so I tend to fast only when the chips are down, and I need clear direction from the Lord (please pray for me). Things to remember about fasting Our fasting does not move God Our fasting does not impress God Our fasting simply helps us put our flesh under so that we can hear what God is saying! Our fasted prayer may help us to do correct actions that may lead to a better witness for Jesus Christ. Amen Personal Prayer

By forgiving others In Part 3 we considered how we ought to pray as part of our storing up treasure in heaven. Today in Part 4 we consider the importance of our forgiveness to others. Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. v12 Forgiveness moves in cycles which means as we receive our forgiveness from the Lord so must we express that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us or our loved ones. The cycle stops when we refuse to forgive so we stop the flow of God's forgiveness to ourselves. Matthew 18:23-35 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[a] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt, and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged, went, and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” v26-35 In this parable we become the wicked servant whom, when the master has forgiven all our huge debts, yet we still refuse to forgive the comparatively small debt we are owed by our fellow human beings! God forgives us all our countless debts/sins. We must do the same for our fellow human beings and keep the cycle of blessing moving! Amen Personal Prayer

By praying In Part 2 we looked at how we should give to poor and saw that secrecy was vital and not to look for the approval of other people. Likewise today in Part 3 your prayers ought to be strictly between you and the Lord. You motive is crucial. Matthew 6:5-8 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. v5 If your intention when you pray is to be publicly noticed by man then you are a hypocrite. The praise of man is all you can expect. Pray in secret and store up treasure in heaven. v6 Your prayer should be done in private place away from the gaze of others. This is the kind of prayer Abba Father delights to reward. v7 God is not impressed by our babbling prayers like the unbelievers nor is he impressed by repetitive prayers because he heard you first time. v8 Abba Father knows exactly what you need, even if sometimes you don't. He already knows. Secret praying is seen by God. Public praying is seen by man. Like our giving, our praying seems to work best when offered in private not public. Behaving religiously in public does not impress God one bit! Amen Your personal prayer