church4u

We are at War. The battlefield is our minds. Psychological warfare captures hearts and minds by propaganda and disinformation. There’s a wide array of media platforms that manipulate how we think. The Marxist strategy is to take over cultural institutions and undermine family, marriage, and morality. Marxism is an anti-biblical ideology. “Cultural Marxism” erodes conservative values, beliefs and behaviours. They push abortion, identity politics, relativism, permissiveness and prostitution. They aim to ban parents from smacking their own children. We see a breakdown of Law and Order. Change agents want to control schools, eliminate censorship and standards of morality. They present homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity as normal. They deny that gender is binary, and God's design for life and marriage. Change agents want to “capture the culture”, and steer society away from Biblical morals. People in churches enjoy the same worldly ways; they speak like, dress like, and think like the world. People say: God just wants us to be happy. God doesn't care who we love. There's nothing sacred about our bodies. A baby is not a real person until it is viable. Some lives matter more than other lives. I have a right to decide whether I live or die. It’s a psychological warfare going on - an assault on biblical values. Our god-hating culture has gone ballistic. It’s a mass deception. God calls us to demolish and deconstruct such strongholds - to rewire our brain to God's way of thinking. God wants pride to bow down. The answer is the knowledge of God - the gospel. Let Christ captivate our thinking. God haters push hellish ideologies in schools and try to degrade and defile our culture, subverting everything virtuous and honourable. It takes about 20 years to move a generation through the education system. The indoctrination starts at kindy. Media manipulation is another stronghold. Misinformation, scare mongering. There's fake news, fake food, fake medicine, fake history, fake spirituality. You wonder why people hate the truth! Mass media are today's babysitters.We're in a battle for the mind. Beliefs and values are under attack. There is tolerance for everyone - except Christians. Truth is so-called “hate speech” – it is the new heresy or treason. If we dare to say something that's biblical they'll say, You're a racist, a bigot, a homophobe! Cultural Marxists use “the termite strategy” - the erosion of cultural institutions from the inside – it's a generational erosion of your children. It’s a subversion, a takeover. They want to intentionally “capture the culture” - to distract, deceive, and divide. They use “Weapons of Mass Distraction” by media. “Thought police” monitor people’s thinking, and “Thought crimes” are if you dare to think differently. “The Brave New World” is distracted by endless entertainment and drugs, and manipulated by a new world order state. “Humanism” is another ugly stronghold. It exalts man and dethrones God. It’s relativism – no moral standards, no “Final Authority”. We are bombarded with messagings: conform, obey, consume. It’s a war for the truth - a battle for your mind. Hollywood it's another stronghold - entertainment defiles and degrades. The Bible says, I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. Change agents are corrupting culture and rotting institutions. Perversion is celebrated. We need to guard our family from degenerate entertainment and culture. Society is largely brainwashed - it's a cultural revolution. Some have a debased, reprobate mind. The god of this world has blinded their minds. The enemy of our soul wants to control human minds. As the people of God, may we train our minds, to resist, and hide God's Word in our hearts. We've got to counteract falsehood with truth. Let’s counteract this degenerative cultural shift, with the truth of God. Let us build the godly stronghold of God's word into our thinking. Meditate on it. Sadly, many are biblically illiterate. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. We have need of courage. We need discernment. Truth matters. May we disconnect from the world's indoctrination. Be the Salt and Light – a testimony for God's glory. Let's renew our mind after God's way of thinking – and have the mind of Christ. Let's boycott some things. We don't want to pay to watch a film that trashes the name of our Lord or pushes godless ideas. Let's set our affection on things above. God's word can transform our thinking. We can be spiritually minded. The devil wants to play Mind Games. It's a psychological warfare. May we glorify God and bring every thought into captivity - under his mastery, his lordship. May our thoughts be captured by Christ. Let's counteract this culture, and demolish those strongholds. Stand for right, and righteousness and truth.

Mission accomplished: The finished work. A short communion message. There's only one person in history who will never leave behind any unfinished business. Consider the truth of "The finished work of the cross". John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. This was a cry of victory! Mission accomplished! Think of some of what Christ finished at the cross: My debt is cancelled. He paid for our salvation. He cancelled the record of debt of my sin that stood against me. He bore my sin in his own body on the tree. He broke the power of sin against me. He has taken it away. Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. He has paid the full redemption price for me, for you. It's been paid - paid in full. Cancelled. 1 Corinthians 6:20, ye are bought with a price. Payment has been made. I'm purchased. I've been bought with a price. He has made peace. He's made a complete work of peace. Colossians 1:20, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself… He extends generous terms of surrender such that we who were his enemies can know a sure peace, a full peace, a complete peace with God. He has released me from my judgment. He has granted me full pardon. As the judge he has authorised pardon. He has fulfilled the law, all of its ceremonies and sacrifices, all of the priesthood, all of the types and pictures that previewed his coming. He's finished with them. He has fulfilled the law. He has replaced my condemnation with his overflowing grace. He has declared my justification. Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: He has granted my full and free forgiveness. 1 John 4:10, Herein is love, not that we love God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. It means that he's removed the wrath of God from us. God's anger against us, for our sin. God has taken our sin and laid it on Christ. The iniquity or the guilt of us all. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He became a curse for us. Galatians 3:13, Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. The Lord Jesus was made a curse for us - that we would receive blessing. He bore the shame for us - that we can share his glory. He has undone the fall of Adam - the very curse - it is finished now. He has set us truly free. He has given us freedom. Galatians 5:1, Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. He has granted my adoption – for we who were once the children of the devil - he's made us children of God. He has granted your adoption. It's been declared, that you are his, and he is yours. He has granted my full citizenship in His eternal Kingdom, with the full privileges of a son of the most high God. Everything has been granted. It is finished. He has brought us to life. He tasted death for us. He has defeated death. The veil is torn wide open now. He has opened wide the way for my free access into the very presence of God Almighty. I am accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 2 18, For through him we have access by one Spirit unto the father. He has brought about reconciliation to fellowship with God. He has effected a great exchange - he's traded places with us. 2 Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. He has accomplished victory, and put the devil to open shame. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:57. The truth is that everything has been completed for your salvation. Will you trust the Lord today?

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

The Lord Jesus tells of two builders - two foundations. All of us are like a builder, constructing our own house. In Matthew 7, the wise builder built upon a rock. The storms came, and that house stood firm. He took the effort to dig deep and establish a solid base. The foolish builder didn't bother about the foundation and built upon sand. When storms hit, the house fell with a great crash. Ultimately, it's a choice of two worldviews: Rock and Sand. We can either build our lives on the firm foundation of God's Word or the shifting sands of worldly values. A worldview is like a lens through which we see and interpret the world. It influences our beliefs, values, and actions. Our worldview is influenced by our personal beliefs and experiences. Sometimes, we adopt certain beliefs without critically evaluating their alignment with God's truth. The Bible is our guide for understanding reality, determining what is true, good, and important in life. By aligning our worldview with God's Word, we can build a solid foundation which will sustain us through life's trials. If we build our lives on the shifting sands of worldly values and self-centered desires, we will lack the deep-rooted faith that enables us to face life’s storms. A biblical worldview provides godly wisdom and the transformative power of God's grace. We can live with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment, knowing that we are firmly anchored in the unchanging and reliable truth of God. The Bible is centred on our Lord Jesus. It reveals the heart and mind of God, His plan for humanity, and the redemption found in Christ. Our worldview shapes how we approach life's key questions: Does God exist? How did everything begin? Who am I? Why am I here? Am I living a good life? What happens after I die? Humanism claims truth is relative, people make up their beliefs as they go along. Christian theism believes in objective truth. God desires His church not to conform to the world's standards but to influence the world positively. Understanding the times, like the men from the tribe of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32, empowers us to know - and do - God's will in our current context. The worldview of naturalism says we are products of random acts of nature, without any real purpose. It points to our lack of respect for nature as a problem and proposes saving the world through ecology and conservation. In contrast, in the Christian worldview, we are God's creation, made in His image, with a divine purpose. The root problem of the world is sin, and the solution lies in God's redemption through Christ. One day, He will restore creation to its perfect state. Embracing a biblical worldview allows us to build our lives on a solid foundation—the truth found in God's Word and the salvation in Christ. Proverbs 23:7 says, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he; our thoughts govern our actions, beliefs, convictions, and the life choices we make. There are only two main competing worldviews: the rock and the sand. The rock represents a biblical worldview, where God, purpose, and truth are central. The sand symbolises a non-Christian worldview, without a solid foundation, and leading to emptiness and hopelessness. The non-Christian worldview treats truth as subjective, God is disregarded, and morality is relative. The biblical worldview is centred on God, provides a solid foundation, and explains the truth about sin, suffering, and the purpose of life. It offers hope and salvation in Christ. A biblical worldview calls us to be holy and whole, knowing the Saviour, and finding completeness in Him. The Bible is inspired by God - it is a trustworthy source of truth that guides and explains life. A Biblical worldview embraces God’s truth, and submits to God's authority. When we build our lives on the Rock, we gain a wonderful relationship with God. As we recognise God as our Creator it brings clarity and meaning. Knowing that we are created in God's image allows us to understand our gender and human interactions properly. Marriage and family are sacred institutions, established by God from the beginning. On the Rock side, we know what sin is - the underlying cause of brokenness in our world, separating us from God and leading to moral decay. Conversely, the god-neglecting life - on the sand side - is without hope, direction, authority, and is essentially meaningless. There's no law, right, or wrong; it's all unclear. God created humanity in His image. We possess an eternal soul and spirit. God created male and female, revealing His intention for mankind – his design for biblical manhood and womanhood. God provides guidance on how men and women should live, by His moral standards. The ultimate purpose of our lives is to glorify God, and this should be the measure for all our decisions, actions, and choices. As we trust in God and build our lives on the Rock - His Word, we find a sure foundation, a firm footing, and a clear worldview. We can know Him personally.

They shall see his face. Revelation 22:1-5 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. We read of those who will see his face - the saints, the redeemed people of God, and of Him whom they will see – our Saviour. This is a vision of our permanent dwelling – it is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. John saw a pure river of Water of Life – there is an absence of sin and its effect. There is a river of unending streams, of abundant blessings and joy from our Lord. Also, we see the Tree of Life, and it brings forth fruits. And all the redeemed are welcome to enjoy the fruits of this tree - the joy and sweetness of eternal life. The leaves tell of the healing of the nations - there will be no sickness, no more curse. There is, in the midst of it all, is the throne of God – and he is reigning supreme and unrivalled. And we will serve him and worship him. He is the chief of blessings in heaven. This the joy of all Christians - to see, and behold, and commune with Jesus our Saviour. The saints of God have this joyful anticipation. Notice, the exclusivity of this vision - it was they that will see the face of God - it's not for everyone to see the face of our Lord. It is an exclusive event – only for those who belong to the Kingdom. Admission to this royal event is by invitation only. Only those who have trusted in God will be a citizen of Heaven. Some will not see the gracious countenance of our Lord, but will only see the face of God in judgment, as subjects of his wrath. For the meantime, our Lord graciously invites you. The door of God's mercy is yet wide open. Will you respond to the invitation from the King? Would you respond in faith and trust him now? Notice, also, the certainty of this vision - they SHALL see. It is sure. It is certain. We know that when he shall appear we shall be like him. For some, the love for this world turns their face away from this glorious vision. Sin, like a cataract, blinds them. Thank God, the great Physician of our soul has opened many eyes. There’s also the gaiety – the joyfulness here, of this wonderful vision. Every one who believes will be gathered together with the saints, from all across time, from all over the world. What a joyful gathering - to be with the Lord. Our Lord God will bring redemptive history to a close. The saints are anticipating this great event - as if seated in a theatre, as the curtain opens for the final act. We eagerly wait, anticipating to see the face of God. What joy and comfort and longing for all Christians to be with their Lord! To be at home with the Lord. This joy is forever – a communion and fellowship that is unceasing and sweet. Some of us may be going through many trials, but be encouraged, one day it will cease. We shall see his face. One day we will wake up in the arms of God. When we all see Jesus - what a day of rejoicing that will be! Notice, also, the one whom they will see - our Saviour. It will be such a sight – of glorious beauty. It will mesmerise us. We will see our King, reigning in glory - infinitely majestic – outshining all the wonders of this world. We expect to see the face of the one who has showered us with such infinite blessings, and showed us his mercies and goodness. It captivates our hearts that our Lord has loved us so. How marvelous, how wonderful! It is a sight of pure holiness that will not consume us. Moses asked one day, Lord, show me your Glory. He was told, thou canst not see my face, for there shall no man see me and live. Yet there is coming a day when you, his saints, shall see his face. Our Lord says, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. It will be a sight - to see his face - that admits us into an unending communion. To think, that he will be with us! We will enjoy an unending communion with our Lord, with no more threats of separation away from him. Nothing will sever our communion with him. It will be a sweet fellowship, forever. May our gaze be upon him. Look unto our Lord, the author and perfecter of our faith. The joy of all Christians is surely to see, and behold, and commune with him - Jesus, our Saviour.

AM Service of 31st July 2023

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

How we can get victory over sin and grow our faith? We are all under attack, and sometimes it can feel like we’re losing – we feel unworthy of salvation. Yet we can find in Christ an all-sufficient Saviour. A sufficient grace. We can know victory. Paul tells of his struggle with sin. He tells how he wants to do right but he ends up doing wrong. We all face a daily struggle. Salvation is by faith though God's grace. We can know the power of His grace that saves us, and He continues His gracious work, in our walk. He enables us to live the life, by His power within us, day by day. We can know His help and strength in our daily walk. By the renewing of our mind we can know victory over sin, as our mind is renewed after God's way of thinking. The Lord wants to fill our minds with truth. Galatians 5:16, Walk in the spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. He empowers us to resist temptation, and to live a life that glorifies God. We can be filled with the Spirit. When we feel weak and struggle, we can rely on God's strength, made perfect in our weakness. As we humble ourselves we can know and receive His grace. He will effect that that walk that is pleasing to Him. We can know His help to overcome, to resist temptation and find a way to escape. We can learn to discern the enemy’s schemes, and avoid temptation. When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife he fled; he ran for his life. God provides a way to escape. There's practical things we can do to set boundaries, to limit exposure to harmful media, to be careful about whose friendships we’re going to cultivate. Choose godly friendships. We can find strength for this battle. Learn to store His Word in your heart; Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee. Fellowship also helps – as we get around other people who love the Lord. We can encourage and be supportive. We can find an accountability – to share our challenges and ask for others to pray for us. The church can be a support network, a community, as we build discipleship relationships. To grow stronger we can cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit. These are the characteristics of the Spirit-filled life. This fruit will come out of the life that is in His will - as we abide in Christ, as His Spirit works in us. He will help us overcome sinful behaviours. We can know God's strength also by prayer. We can know a communion with our Lord. We can seek His guidance and find His strength to overcome temptation. In communion with our Lord we can deepen that relationship with Him. Praise helps us face that battle against sin. When Israel went out to war they sent Judah ahead of the army to sing praises. Praise brought a victory, as they trusted God. We can focus our own hearts on glorifying God, as we align our desires with His will. We can aim to do all things to the glory of God. To find victory we can let go of unforgiveness and bitterness. We can know God's grace is sufficient to flow out of our lives to others. Forgiveness can be a great source of strength. Your salvation is NOT dependent on your sin - it's dependent on His grace. We can know a growth. We can learn from our failures and keep growing in grace. If we stumble at times it doesn't mean we are not His. Our failures can be opportunities to experience God's grace, and trust Him more to help us stand. We can refresh our faith. Christ is an all-sufficient Saviour. God's grace is sufficient. As we discern His leading and guiding, we can yield to His promptings, to make decisions that honour Him, as we seek to lean more upon Him and trust Him, we can glorify God with our life. We can grow in grace. We can find God's peace - His strength and enabling. We can find abundant grace. His all-sufficient, saving grace. He says, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. As a born again believer, you've got a new identity. You are no longer defined by your old sins. We are defined by the righteousness of Christ. He will help you break free from sinful habits. The Lord says, Guard your heart… keep the heart, with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. We have an advocate an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Let us persevere in this gospel race. Let’s keep that eternal perspective. Hebrews 12:2 …Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… He is your strength – the battle is the Lord's. He has already won the battle. He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Trust in God's faithfulness - entrust yourself to His care. This is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith. You can know victory in your daily walk, as you follow Christ, as you depend on His grace. Know that God's grace is greater than all your sin. We can feel unworthy of Salvation. We have victory - and it's by faith. God's transforming work is the work of grace. By His grace we can know a daily, victorious Christian Life.

We have more knowledge than at any other time in history. Knowledge is doubling every 12 hours, yet this doesn't mean the world has much wisdom. Prov 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom... We need discernment - not all information is true - we can't always trust the “fact checkers”. The Bible tells of wisdom - godly wisdom, which is from above, and so-called wisdom, from below – it is earthly, sensual, and devilish. When we consume a food product we check the nutrition information. What of the products we're feeding our minds with? Is it wholesome? Is it a product good for me, for my children? Do we exercise discernment? Will that entertainment produce spiritual malnourishment? Could it lead to backsliding? Could it be damaging to my spiritual life? Paul talks about godless philosophies and deceptions. Colossians 2:8, Beware lest anyone spoil you – take you captive - through philosophy and vain deceit… Godless philosophies hold people captive. Some would shut God out of their thoughts. Their foolish hearts are darkened. What the world counts as cool and smart is sometimes vain and empty. The media of our world is sick and rotten. The Bible says set your affection on Heaven, not Hollywood; set your affection on things above. This world treats modesty and purity as something they want to spoil and soil. Don't trash yourself, and dishonour your body. Don't believe the devil's lies. The world would say, just live for the moment; live recklessly, and loosely. The world says, dull the mind. The Bible says, Be sober. Drunkenness is a sin. How do we avoid it? The best policy: don't touch the stuff. You will never become a drunk if you don't drink. We have need of wisdom. What the world calls wisdom, God calls foolishness. This world denies absolute truth. It rejects God. Godless philosophies bring a spiritual emptiness. People sit, trance-like like, in front of the electronic mind altering devices that they call TVs. God is the ultimate source of truth and authority. Here is true wisdom: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding… The god of this world has blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Rather than the emptiness of humanism, we can know God's truth that sets people free. There is a godly wisdom which is from above. By the glorious gospel - God's truth - we can be saved. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. The Lord Jesus is the perfect expression of wisdom. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God… and it shall be given him. By God's wisdom we can know truth. Yè shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. We can know God's transforming power – the renewing of our minds – and find the wisdom we need to navigate life. This world follows “cultural relativism” - the idea that moral standards are subjective. They're culturally determined. Yet, for a Bible-believer, it's not about conforming to the culture, it's not about fitting in. We’ve got life-changing truth. God's truth is unchanging. There's no updated, revised version. The shifting culture of the world doesn't determine truth, God does. Modern media is constantly promoting ungodly philosophies and ideals. Movies feature witches, spells, magic, and spirits. Psalm 101:3 says, I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. Worldly media routinely portrays masculinity as toxic men are feminised, not manly. While women wear the pants. Everything is topsy-turvy. We are in a battle of worldviews. Learn not the way of the heathen. Love not the world. Godless philosophies deny God's existence. The world’s messaging is a conditioning, a constant stream of foolishness. We can know a sure source of Truth, unchanging truth, life-changing truth. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding… JC Ryle said, “A man who is born again does not use the world’s opinion as his standard of right and wrong”. The world's opinion of right and wrong changes from time to time. In our so-called Information Age we have dire need of wisdom. Timeless wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding. We can find true joy in knowing Him. Proverbs 3:13-14 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Let us make it our life mission, to seek Wisdom. Proverbs 2:1-5 …incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; … 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Rather than tune into the wavelength of the world may we choose that which would honour and please our Lord.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

2 Chronicles 25:9 The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. How are we investing our lives? Do we trust the Lord? 2 chronicles 25 tells of King Amaziah. He did that which is right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. His life had started off well; he was seeking the Lord. But later in his life he worships false gods. As he prepares for the battle he gathers 300,000 soldiers together. But he wasn't satisfied – he wanted more. So he went to the king of Israel and hastily hires another 100,000 soldiers. Amaziah did not ask counsel of the Lord before hiring these men. A man of God came to him, saying, O King let not the army of Israel go with thee for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit with all the children of Ephraim. Proverbs 24:6 says, For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Israel at this time were given to idolatry - the Lord was not with them. As believers we are not to join up ourselves, and yoke ourselves, with unbelievers or ungodly organisations, no matter what benefits may come; because the Lord is not with them. We can't expect God to bless that. Ephesians 5:11 says to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Amaziah tells the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I gave to the army of Israel? The man of God answered, the Lord is able to give thee much more than this. If Amaziah sent away these hired soldiers then he would lose all this money. But the man of God tells him that “the Lord is able to give thee much more than this”. Before we invest into something let’s be sure it's the will of God, and inquire of the Lord if the investment we're making is right. Let us not be hasty when we make decisions, and not make decisions based on carnal reasons. That is a very worldly philosophy. As Christians we should focus on serving the Lord, and make decisions based on what is pleasing unto the Lord. Some Christians start out zealous for the things of God but later it peters out a little when they start taking interest in making money. It can be a job takes them away from church, from soul winning. Amaziah invested money in the wrong thing. But then the man of God said that the Lord is able to give thee much more than this. If we have made a mistake like this then let us walk away from such a bad investment. Focus on serving the Lord. Do not forsake the assembling ourselves together as a manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching. Christ is the head of the church, who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. He should be number one. The first factor in all the decisions that we make. It is better to have a more humble job where you're still able to serve God, and not to worry about the hundred talents of silver. Where God guides He will provide. How will we spend our time? In reading the Bible – or other things. Let us spend time in the Word of God and in prayer – and receive God’s wisdom and know good, Biblical counsel. Some would invest in the wrong types of clothing, or books, and lots of worldly things. God can help us to clean up our spiritual life. He can help us to get rid of anything that's not pleasing unto the Lord. Instead of making the wrong choice of fornication, rather honour the Lord and get married. The Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked In the area of giving, let us honour the Lord, as the first consideration. When we face decisions, let's choose wisley, even if living godly in Christ Jesus means that we face suffering and persecution. The reward for serving God is greater than whatever it costs. The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.

Would you like to have spiritual boldness? To live more boldly for Christ? Here's how. The church today seems to lack courage to do what God has called and enables us to do. We have much need of boldness as we see the enemies of God advancing on all fronts. We see much spiritual confusion and delusion. Dare to stand for Jesus. Take the road less travelled. Swim against the tide. Stand for truth in the wishy-washy relativism of today. Stand for the right even if you are a lone voice. As John the Baptist did. A voice crying in the wilderness. We may face suffering for Christ. Do not be deterred. We face a committed enemy. He is unrelenting. We must oppose him. The Lord tells Joshua, go, over this Jordan… I will not fail thee, I will not forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed (why?) - for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Be not afraid. Fear not. Be bold. We can overcome fear with faith. Consider the boldness of Noah. He laboured on for many years. He built the ark despite much opposition. David faced the giant with only a sling and a stone. He volunteered for the fight. he wasn’t conscripted. He wasn’t even in the army. Godly boldness is motivated by passion for Christ and His truth. Our source of courage is faith. We trust in the Lord. We can draw strength from Him. One of the keys is that we spend time with the Lord: Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. These were unschooled, ordinary people. Pray for boldness. In Acts 4:29, the believers prayed for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel. Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, Esther was another who showed great courage in the face of danger. How about us? Are we willing to step out of the comfort zone? You have a story to tell. Now more than ever we need to be confident in our faith. Be prepared to share your faith. All of us can be used of God to tell another soul. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth… We can have a godly conviction. The world is increasingly bold to market evil. Let’s face it. It’s a godless culture. An age of tolerance. We have dire need of truth-telling. Unbelieving fear will freeze us. But know that God has chosen you for a divine assignment. The courage that we have is what God has given us. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Your boldness will provoke others… Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Take small steps. It starts with the smallest of steps. Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Here’s where true strength and courage comes from. Know the power of faith. Do not be afraid to do right. This is when the courage will show. Do the godly thing. Be consistent. Don’t give up. Don’t give in to despair. You may face testing, rejection of men… Be willing to be brave, and face danger. You can be bold. Be bold in your home. Be a godly testimony to your family. Seek the glory of God above all else. Our foundation is strong. If we’re firmly planted in His Word. Know that: He will not fail you. Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Know that the Lord will sustain you. Joel 3:10 …let the weak say, I am strong. Our boldness is a God-confidence, rather than a self-confidence. Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. He is always there, standing by, at your side. You can call on His help at any time. Trust in the never-failing help of God. The boldness that we speak of is not an arrogance of our own flesh, generated by the power of pride or of our own self. But it is rather by the power of God’s Spirit.

The first thing that we do, when we're born, is that we cry. King David shows us how to find joy, when we feel like crying. We can find joy, even when darkness overwhelms. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. David cried out from the depths of his despair. He had sunk deep down into a dreadful pit. He talks about this in Psalm 40:2: He brought me up also out of an horrible pit - out of the mirey clay - and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. David knew some deep sorrow and pain in his life, and he tells of his heart overwhelmed; Psalm 61:2, …from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I. David was going through some heavy stuff. If we are in some kind of a pit experience, we can know God's help - his healing for the soul. The Lord can lift you up. He can heal you of your deepest hurts. Psalm 34:17, …the righteous cry and the Lord …delivereth them out of all their troubles. When your heart is hurting, he's near to you. When trouble besets you, he's there for you. When you’re feeling low, you might not feel much like singing. Yet he can put a song In our heart. We read that weeping may last for a night. We can have those seasons of weeping and sorrow. Yet God says, Joy comes in the morning. Those nighttime tears will pass away. In Job we read, …God my maker, who giveth songs in the night. Even in the very darkest hour we can have a song. Night here is a symbol of affliction, of suffering. When Paul and Silas were in jail in Philippi, something holy and heavenly happened there, even behind their prison bars. They had been beaten up. They were hurting. But it didn't stop their praises. They probably didn't feel like praying, let alone praising. Here they were, beaten, bruised, chained. Yet, in Acts 16:25, we read, And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and they sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them. We can find praise, because it's God who gives songs in the night. Our true purpose is only found in him. He will turn our mourning into dancing, and gird us with gladness. What a transformation! The Lord can turn that mourning - that grief - that weeping - into joyful praise. We can know an everlasting joy. It's found in Christ. Romans 15:13, The God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. He fills us with that hope by the overflowing of his spirit and his power, and we can have a heart of praise, even though we feel like weeping. Joy comes – in the morning. We can always find joy in the Lord. Our Lord says, your sorrow is going to be turned into joy. Our Lord is that true source of joy. Even when you're going through the most difficult of times. Joy's going to come in the morning. Joy will come. There's a night season, yes, but the sunlight is coming. As sure as tomorrow's dawn, you can trust in your Lord, to fill you with joy and peace as you navigate life's challenges. There’s yet some nights to endure. Night times of disappointment, of illness, of grief, of loss, of anxiety. Yet the Lord gives a song. Joy is powerful. This abiding joy we can have comes from knowing Christ. It is eternal joy. Our weeping is only temporary. The sorrow, hurts and trials of life are only for a short time. Our light affliction is but for a moment. In Christ you have an eternal saviour; you have eternal life. You've got something that you can know is forever. The joy that comes in the morning is a rejoicing joy. It's a glad joy, a delightsome joy. This joy we can know gives us a heart of praise. There lies ahead for the believer, one day, one eternal day. There's a promise for the believer, there's a morning coming without trials. There's a joy beyond compare. A joy that this world cannot know. A joy that only Jesus can give. There's a new day on the horizon. A new day dawning. Trust Christ. Make today that day that you'll trust him. In Christ we can know a new life, a real joy. The joy of relationship with God, by faith. It says we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ - through faith in Jesus. May the Lord give you a song in your heart - even songs in the night. Even at midnight. That, even then, we can sing his praises. Even when we don't feel humanly like doing that. May you find this One who is the Healer of the Brokenhearted. That you may know the one who so truly cares, and loves you so. He gives songs in the night. Joy comes for you who trust in Him.

Psalm 103 tells of the God of mercy. Preacher Michael Orlino exposits Psalm 103. God’s mercy is plenteous in number, great in scope, and never ending in quality. Surely, he is a God full of Mercy. The Lord our God is never lacking in mercy. The Mercy of our Lord is: (1) Plenteous, Verse 8, (2) Great, Verse 11, and (3) Everlasting, Verse 17. Psalms 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and PLENTEOUS in mercy. Psalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so GREAT is his mercy toward them that fear him. Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from EVERLASTING to everlasting upon them that fear him... Surely, the Lord is full of Mercy. It speaks of his compassion. His mercy is plenteous. We think of his numerous blessings, the outpouring of his love and compassion towards us. It is overflowing, a lavish love towards us - like an overflowing, ever flowing well. As in Verse 2: Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits. God’s mercies are extended to us many times in our life. His mercies are abundant – they are fully sufficient fully sufficient, overflowing, in copious supply. They can never be exhausted. He continues to supply his mercy for you, every day of your life. His mercy is fully sufficient. God who is rich in mercy - with his great love he has loved us. We are like sheep grazing In the fullness of green grass that never ends. He supplies you with fresh nourishment from the Word of God, week in and week out. We can be fully nourished by his Word. His mercies are also numerous numerous – we think of the manifold mercies of God. His mercy is new every morning. Consider the many provisions that the Lord has given you - in your daily physical sustenance, in the greatness of his salvation, the daily guidance of the Spirit of God, and his daily encouragement. Count your many blessings… what God has done; your reward in Heaven… see what God has done. Let us thank the Lord for his daily mercies toward us; for his daily sustenance, his daily provision. Notice also, that his mercy is great. Verse 11, as the heaven is high above the earth so great is his mercy toward them that fear Him. So great is the mercy of our Lord - we cannot comprehend it. It is so deep that we cannot fathom it, so immense that we cannot measure it. The mercy of God is great in terms of its scope, its extent, and its efficacy. Consider the scope - the vastness of God's mercy. When we think of the enormity and seriousness of our sin, we note the forgiveness and pardon of God. He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. As the heaven is high above the earth, so great his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the East is from the West so far hath he removed our transgression from us. God knows your sin, yet he is compassionate - and he is able to save you to the uttermost. His mercy is greater than all your sin. Acknowledge your sin, and call upon our Lord. Fully trust him. As the ageing John Newton related, I know two things: I am a great sinner, but God is a greater saviour. Jonathan Edwards preached of God's Wrath. Amidst his warning of eternal punishment Edwards also preached grace. He proclaimed the mercy of God. The door of mercy is wide open and the Lord stands, calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners – to come to the Lord. His invitation is extended to you that he can hear his voice. He offers a sure remedy against sin; a pardon that is true; a compassion whereby he can fully remove our sin from us, and pardon all our debts. Our Lord cried out on the cross, tetelestai - It's all finished, it's all paid for. There is a sure remedy for our sins, a sure pardon. Because of God's sure mercies we have a great Saviour. God’s mercy is also Everlasting - in its dimension. Verse 17, But the mercy of the Lord is from Everlasting to Everlasting upon them that fear him. God's mercy is of infinite duration. God's mercy it is from eternity past to eternity future. Verses 14 to 16 say: He knows our frame, he remembers that we are as grass. Life is short; we are here now, but gone tomorrow. Yet the comfort for God's people is this that the mercy of the Lord transcends earthly life. It goes beyond, into eternity. His mercy is from Everlasting to Everlasting. His mercy is never ending in quality and it's also never ending in quantity. When we wake up in eternity the same God has been that has been compassionate to us will be the same God who will have compassion on us forever. His pardon is sure. We have a God that we can trust – he will never leave us nor forsake us. This world is not our home, we are just passing through. We are just pitching our tent. But one day we will be with him and on that day, in eternity we will see the mercies of our Lord. God's mercies are from Everlasting to Everlasting upon them that fear him.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

A serpent lifted up on a pole. What an unusual sight! It is a sign that speaks to us today. Preacher Peter Gregoric unpacks the significance of this mysterious sight. The serpent in the wilderness is a picture of Christ and his salvation made possible for sinners by his death on the cross. Jesus said, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,but have everlasting life. The Lord Jesus likens his death to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. He said, and I if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto me. This he said to signify what death he should die. In Numbers chapter 21 we read the story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. The Lord sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people and much people of Israel died. The people had to deal with the consequences of sin. Sin causes pain and heartache. Much people of Israel died - that's also a spiritual picture of sin and death. Moses prayed for the people and the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent and set it upon a pole and it shall come to pass it every one that is bitten when you looketh upon it shall live. It’s interesting how the Lord uses the picture of a snake - something representing the devil or something sinful or evil. It's showing how Jesus became sin for us who knew no sin. He took on that sin. Christ also hath once suffered for sins; the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh, but quickened in the spirit. It’s like he became a snake upon the pole. To look upon the serpent was the one way for them to be saved - to look at that serpent - which is a picture of Christ. That was the plan of salvation - just to look upon that serpent. We must look to Jesus as our saviour. We have his promise that when we look we'll live. We read, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Isaiah 45:2 says, Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else. John 5:24, Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life. Later we see, when King Hezekiah became king, he took the brazen serpent and he ended up destroying it because the children of Israel had begun using the serpent as idolatry - it had become an idolatrous image. This was not God's intention. God does not want us to worship objects or make over much of symbols and signs, because we can miss the whole point. What mattters is what this mysterious sight signifies. The message behind the symbol. The mystery of the serpent on the pole is that we can be saved by looking at our Saviour in faith, and trusting his gracious salvation that he has effected. The Lord wants us to see the spiritual significance of this symbol, and to place our trust in the Saviour for our salvation. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the son of man be lifted up that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

Join us for worship online. Let us know you are watching.

Christ can be seen “in all the scriptures” in his different roles, as types and shadows. Let’s take a bird’s eye view of the Bible and we will see Jesus in every book of the Bible. Genesis: the promised Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3:15) Exodus: Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:21-27) Leviticus: High Priest (Leviticus 21:10) Numbers: Star and Sceptre (Numbers 24:17) Deuteronomy: Prophet Like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18) Joshua: Captain of the Host of the Lord (Joshua 5:13-15) Judges: Angel of the Lord (Judges 2:1-5) Ruth: Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 3:9-13) 1 Samuel: Anointed King (1 Samuel 2:10) 2 Samuel: Son of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13) 1 Kings: The Lord God of Israel (1 Kings 8:60) 2 Kings: The God of Israel (2 Kings 17:36) 1 Chronicles: The King's Son (1 Chronicles 17:11-14) 2 Chronicles: The Lord, the God of their Fathers (2 Chronicles 20:6) Ezra: The Lord, the God of Heaven (Ezra 1:2) Nehemiah: The Great and Awesome God (Nehemiah 1:5) Esther: The Advocate for His People (Esther 8:5) Job: My Redeemer (Job 19:25-27) Psalms: The Lord, My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1) Proverbs: Wisdom of God (Proverbs 8:22-31) Ecclesiastes: The Meaning of Life; The Preacher (Ecclesiastes 1:1) Song of Solomon: The Rose of Sharon, The Lily of the Valleys (Song of Solomon 2:1) Isaiah: Immanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6) and the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) Jeremiah: The Lord Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6) Lamentations: The Lord is Righteous (Lamentations 1:18) Ezekiel: Son of Man (Ezekiel 2:1-3) Daniel: The Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-14) and The Fourth Man in the fiery furnace Hosea: The Lord, the Living God (Hosea 1:10) Joel: The Hope of Israel (Joel 3:16-17) Amos: The Lord, the Restorer of Israel (Amos 9:11-15) Obadiah: The Deliverer (Obadiah 1:17-21) Jonah: The God of Second Chances (Jonah 2:1-10) Micah: The Ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2) Nahum: The Avenger of God's Elect (Nahum 1:1-7) Habakkuk: The Holy One (Habakkuk 1:12-13) Zephaniah: The King of Israel (Zephaniah 3:14-17) Haggai: The Desire of All Nations (Haggai 2:6-9) Zechariah: The Branch, the Stone (Zechariah 3:8, 6:12-13) Malachi: The Messenger of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1) The Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) Matthew: Son of David, Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1) Mark: The Son of God (Mark 1:1) Luke: Saviour (Luke 2:11) John: The Word, The Lamb of God (John 1:1, 1:29) Acts: The Prince of Life (Acts 3:15) Romans: The Lord of All (Romans 10:12) 1 Corinthians: The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45) 2 Corinthians: The God of All Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) Galatians: The Redeemer (Galatians 3:13) Ephesians: The Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22) Philippians: The Name Above Every Name (Philippians 2:9-11) Colossians: The Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15) 1 Thessalonians: The Coming Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) 2 Thessalonians: The Judge (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10) 1 Timothy: The Mediator between God and Man (1 Timothy 2:5) 2 Timothy: The Righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8) Titus: The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) Philemon: The Benefactor (Philemon 1:6) Hebrews: The Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) James: The Lord of Glory (James 2:1) 1 Peter: The Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) 2 Peter: The Morning Star (2 Peter 1:19) 1 John: The Word of Life (1 John 1:1) 2 John: The Son of the Father (2 John 1:3) 3 John: The Truth (3 John 1:1-4) Jude: The Only Wise God (Jude 1:24-25) Revelation: The Alpha and the Omega, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 1:8, 19:16)

The prophet Nahum brings a divine revelation of gloom - and coming judgment. His name means compassionate, or full of comfort. The wrath of God is against wicked Nineveh, a city known for its violence and oppression of God’s people. God is jealous. He wants your exclusive worship and loyalty. God is just; He will punish the guilty. Thankfully, God is patient. The Bible tells of judgment to come. We should prepare to meet God. Nahum tells of God’s gracious protection towards us, His people: 7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. The Lord is GOOD. In other words, He is loving, kind, and gracious. The Lord is a STRONG HOLD. It speaks of a fort, a defence, a strength. He offers assurance and safety and refuge. Notice, it says The LORD is good, a strong hold IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE… It’s saying you can trust Him. In your very worst of days. If we are in Christ we are safe. For you that place your trust in Him - you have a sure strong hold and fortress. 1. The Lord is Good 1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. God is faithful. God is good. We can know the goodness of God even when life is hard and we struggle. Psalms 33:5 …the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. God's goodness is evident in the wonder of His creation. He offers you salvation and peace in your soul. Psalms 34:8-10 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. We can know His salvation. His forgiveness. God is good, in all our situations of life. And we can surely thank Him for His goodness. Psalm 107:8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! God is good. Because… God is love. He is faithful. He keeps His promises. God is for us. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing. He is the God of all comfort. He is my rock. He is true. He is our Peace. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He loves us with an everlasting love. He redeems my life. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. I have been adopted as God’s child. I have eternal life. I have access by faith into this grace wherein I stand. I am accepted in the beloved. I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. He saves to the uttermost. He brought me up, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on the rock to stay. He has delivered me from the power of darkness. He has made us His own precious possession. I have redemption through His blood. He has purchased us with His own blood. 2. The Lord is a Strong Hold in the day of trouble It tells us here of our stronghold - our fortress - He gives protection to those who trust in Him. We can find our sure comfort and glad hope in this. In Him. Because… Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. A Refuge speaks of shelter, of protection from danger. I am saved by grace through faith. We are secure and safe, in His safekeeping. We are kept by the power of God. We are under His wings. He is our defence. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. He is a strong and mighty tower. Even in time of destruction and chaos, and loss, God’s people can know security and safety in God. Even when we face fears and stress. Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Faith is more powerful than any fear. Nothing can separate me from the love of God. He is a refuge for those who trust in Him. The choicest perfume comes from the bruising and crushing of rose petals. Sometimes we are at our best when life crushes us and we run to the refuge of a Holy God. In the midst of trials and tests, He is ever faithful. He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He will wipe away all tears. Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. His hand will wipe away every tear from your eyes. This one who loves you so. Surely, truly, the Lord is good. Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He is my refuge. In Him will I trust. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith! Come to the refuge. 3. The Lord knows them that trust in Him He knows you, through and through, and He still loves you. God will deliver His own people. We can find comfort in His protection. He promises it. Have you found refuge in God? Where will you turn in the day of trouble? Trust in the Lord today. Entrust your heart to Him.