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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.

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Philemon has a message for us today, for relationships under pressure. Paul writes from Rome to Philemon, his dearly beloved and fellow labourer. The name, Philemon, means one who loves. Paul tells Philemon, I'm praying for you. He acknowledges his love and faith towards the Lord Jesus and towards God’s people. Paul notes the communication of his faith – koinonia – it also means fellowship or communion. Paul recognises his faith centered fellowship. Philemon was one who had refreshed the hearts (literally bowels) of his fellow brethren. His heart was for the heart of others – a heart of compassion. He wanted to bless others and see them refreshed and revived in their heart and in their walk with God. Paul urges Philemon, with the godly principle of love, about his servant, Onesimus. Onesimus had wronged Philemon, and run away from his responsibilities. Paul had met the man, who was now converted, a fellow believer in Christ. Paul exhorts Philemon about Onesimus, saying him who was become unprofitable is now profitable. The name, Onesimus, means profitable or useful. Paul urges Philemon that Onesimus is another brother in Christ now, by faith. He exhorts him to receive him in brotherly fellowship Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon, bearing this letter. He says, receive him, forgive him. The principle here is not to leave something like this unresolved. Paul wanted Philemon to resolve this broken relationship with grace. Paul could have selfishly kept Onesimus back in Rome as a helper in the gospel ministry but he wanted Philemon to have that opportunity to make things right. The letter to Philemon is about the power of forgiveness to overcome brokenness, and to bring reconciliation and restoration. God is able to heal and restore that which is broken. We can see the power of faith, the power of fellowship and the power of forgiveness. Paul asks Philemon to choose to forgive him and welcome him back - now as his brother in Christ. We can think of people in our lives who have wronged us and hurt us. It can be hard to forgive, but that is the right thing to do. Extend forgiveness. Don’t stay in unforgiveness. Do the gracious thing. Do the Christ-like thing. Think of the love and grace, and reconciliation of God towards us. That He should forgive such as we, who really have no deserving of it! God so loved us, even while we were yet enemies. Forgiveness is not always easy. It can be costly to forgive someone who has wronged us. But the cost of forgiveness is always worth it. Let go of resentment and bitterness. Don’t hold on to unforgiveness. There’s healing in forgiveness. Onesimus was a changed man through his encounter with Christ. Christ's redemptive work can restore relationships. It can bring healing, where there once was brokenness. Christ our redeemer can take that which is broken and damaged by sin - all the broken pieces of our lives - and make us brand new in Christ. Paul urges Philemon, if you’re in fellowship with me – in communion with me - then here's another brother that we should welcome into that fellowship. There's a special bond - of brotherly fellowship. Paul tells Philemon how Onesimus is now his brother in Christ. We're brothers together. The power of faith makes us a community, a fellowship. Paul writes to the offended, about the offender, as the peacemaker. Paul is in the middle, as a peacemaker - urging reconciliation. That's the heart of God - reconciliation – bringing the offended and the offender together. That's what Christ has done at the cross, as the one mediator between God and man. We're the offender – and He is the offended. Yet He reaches out to us, and by faith we can trust Him and be saved. Christ is The Peacemaker – and reconciliation is made possible because of the cross. Reconciliation is always worth it. When we reconcile with someone we restore those relationships and we bring healing to both parties. Both parties get a blessing when there's reconciliation. As the peacemaker, Paul says, if there's anything he owes you, charge it to me. Can we be like Paul, and help promote reconciliation between the offender and those offended? We have received God's grace because of the cross. We've received God’s great salvation, at no cost to ourselves. In grace He has given us so freely, by the blood of Christ shed for us. We are called to extend grace to others. How can we be like Christ to those who have wronged us? How can we heal the damaged relationships in our own lives? Can we let go of any grudges of the past? Let go of past offenses? Or are we going to hold things against others and stay stewing over them? Release that burden of unforgiveness. Give it to the Lord. Let go of grudges. Extend grace. It's liberating to let it go. May we recognise our own brokenness and need for redemption. The love of Christ effects such grace. We can live out His love and extend forgiveness to our broken world. His grace is sufficient.

The Book of Obadiah unpacked. What lessons we can learn from this ancient book? An exposition of the message of this minor prophet. Very relevant to a world consumed with praising godless pride. Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, just 21 verses. Obadiah means: Worshipper or Servant of Yahweh. Edom was a prideful people. God rebukes pride. Obadiah issues God's message of justice, humility, and hope. God rebukes Edom for mistreating its neighbour, Judah. God's judgment is against Edom’s pride. Our world considers pride a virtue, but the Bible tells us the opposite. It tells, of Edom, “the pride of thine heart hath deceived thee.” Man's pride is destructive. The heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked. Pridefulness of the heart is a very serious sin. Pride blinds the hearts. It blinds people to their need of God. Edom proudly trusted in their might, their riches, their allies, their wisdom. Yet they did not trust in God. They were prideful in their self-will. They boasted, “Who shall bring me down?” Proverbs 16:5 says that everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. God will bring down the proud. They will fall. Pride is dangerous. People can get this high opinion of themselves – an intellectual superiority. Edom made a load of foolish decisions. Pride leads to downfall. God opposes the proud; God resisteth the proud but he giveth grace unto the humble. Interestingly, the sin of Sodom, among other things, was pride (Ezekiel 16:49). Edom also vainly trusted in its riches - its wealth. Materialism leads people to think they don’t need God; they've got it all. Edom were cousins to Israel, but they allied themselves with God's enemies; they trusted in men who actually turned against them. Edom joined in with the Babylonians - with God's enemies. When the children of Judah were suffering these Invaders came and caused destruction. Edom had selfishly stood by as a spectator and joined in the looting of Judah, and gloated over their suffering. Edom is a picture of pride, of the prideful. Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall. Edom suffered the judgment of God, as prophesied, and was destroyed in 70 AD. Edom’s judgment is a preview of the judgment that has yet to come on all nations. They will yet face the Day of the Lord. Obadaih teaches us three things about the LORD. 1. God is Judge We can know the gracious pardon of our judge, because of Calvary. The Day of the Lord will mean two things: the destruction of the wicked, and the deliverance of the righteous. The godless will see the cup of God’s wrath poured out at the Judgment. For them, it's a day of judgment and trembling. The righteous will be victorious and will know God's mercy. For us the Day of the Lord is a day of hope, of gladness and joy. 2. God is our Deliverer Upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance and there shall be Holiness… Our Lord has set us free; He's the Redeemer. He's promised deliverance for you. There shall be Victory upon Mount Zion. There shall be holiness. How we need to have the grace of God for His salvation and for His work of holiness. We can know it because of Mount Zion; Mount Calvary. The time is coming where God will deliver his people in the ultimate Deliverance; the end time Victory. He is our righteous judge. He is our gracious deliverer. Also, 3. God is King He's the king. His is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. The kingdom of God shall come. His ultimate Kingdom. He'll establish His kingdom, His dominion, His rulership - over all the Earth. And he shall reign for ever and ever. The pridefulness of Edom represents sinful man in his own fleshly, self-governing ways. It brings destruction and misery. There is a judgment day coming - the day of the Lord. For us, who are the saved, it's a day of rejoicing, it's a Day of Victory. The major lesson of this book is: God hates Pride. Rather, let us humble ourselves before God. Let's not be self-sufficient, trusting in ourselves. Let go of pride and self-deception. God promises deliverance and victory for His people. We can trust that God will bring about His purposes in our lives. Thy kingdom come! We have great hope, just days ahead again. Let go of pride, and humble yourself, and trust the Saviour. You can enter God's kingdom today if you haven't already. Our Lord offers pardon to such as we, unworthy though we be. He is a gracious King, full of compassion and full of grace. The King of glory. Yield to His rulership over your hearts by faith. And He shall reign for ever and ever!

Two men went to the temple pray. But only one was justified. Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 1. We can be Justified – BUT, NOT by works. There are two people in this Parable. Firstly, there’s the Pharisee - he is full of himself, full of the things that he has done for God. I thank thee, he says, that I am not an extortioner, I am not an adulterer, I am not a sinner. I thank thee, Oh God, that I fast, I tithe. Here is someone who is relying on his own strength, on his own merit, on his own goodness, to be right with God. The blood of our Lord was poured out for us. His body was crushed and was crucified. We are not in any way perfect. We cannot present ourselves with all our merit before God. No - we remember our sin, our filthiness, our transgressions, before the holy God. We can never be justified by works. 2. We CAN be justified through God's mercy Notice - the second man: the publican. He looked upon himself, and his unworthiness before God. Yet his faith is visible. He stands at a distance. He is standing afar off. He cannot even enter the temple. He is praying, but he knows that this is the holy place of God, and he is distancing himself. He says, Lord I am a sinner. I cannot enter into the threshold of the Holy, because You O Lord are a holy God, and I am filthy before you. He cannot even draw near to the holy of holies, because he knows his heart, that he had sinned before God. Notice also his posture - he would not lift up his eyes unto Heaven. He will not look upon God. He cannot even look upon God. He is truly ashamed of himself. Also, look at his agony. He is smiting his breast in agony. He is broken over his sin. He smote upon his breast, Lord, I am a sinful man. We see his agony, his repentance, his sorrow over sin. Notice, also, his prayer: God be merciful to me a sinner. He is asking for mercy; he is asking for that which he does not deserve at all. He is beseeching the God of Grace; the God of Mercy. He is appealing before the gracious Throne of God. As David cried out, in Psalm 51, when he had sinned. Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. Psalms 103:12-13 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children. As the words of our hymn goes: Mercy there was great and Grace was free. Pardon there was multiplied for me. There my burdened soul found Liberty. At Calvary. Here is true Liberty. True justification. Verse 14, I tell you this man went down to his house Justified. Clear of his sin. He has received pardon from our Lord. He is free from burden and guilt. What can wash away our sin? Nothing but the blood of Our Lord! Let us remember the goodness of God; His mercy to us; His pardon. As we commemorate communion, we remember our sinfulness, and we are reminded of the great goodness and grace and mercy of our Lord, who is full of mercy. He has Justified us through his blood.

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A communion word. The scripture shows four things that Christ borrowed and one thing that he bought. The first thing that Christ borrowed was a place to be born. In Luke 2:7, she laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Mary and Joseph were unable to find lodging, so they had to use a manger as a makeshift crib for baby Jesus. The second thing that Christ borrowed was a donkey, in Matthew 21:7. This was during Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he rode on a borrowed donkey. The third thing that Christ borrowed was a room. In Luke 22:10-12, Christ and his disciples had to borrow a room to celebrate Passover. The fourth thing that Christ borrowed was a tomb. In Matthew 27:59-60, Joseph laid Christ's body in his own new tomb. The one thing that Christ bought was our salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20, You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Christ paid the ultimate price of his own life to purchase our salvation and bring us into a right relationship with God.

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Post-Traumatic Stress affects 2 of every 10 people. HEAR Doug Carragher, US author & presenter. Find healing and help. A must for survivors and frontline workers. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity. A conference on PTSD awareness and recovery right here in Adelaide. Finding healing and help. REGISTER your interest for further details: adcraig@ihug.com.au or SMS: 0417 016 160. #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #woundedspirits #caregivers #PTSDConference #healingjourney #WoundedSpirits #MentalHealthMatters #TraumaRecovery #HopeandHealing #SupportandEmpowerment #BreakingtheSilence #EndtheStigma #PTSDAwareness #MentalWellness #ResilienceandRecovery #StrengthinAdversity #CommunityofHealing #InspirationandEmpathy #ReclaimingLives #EmotionalWellbeing #TogetherWeHeal #MindBodyConnection #HolisticHealing #PTSDAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthSupport #RecoveryIsPossible #TraumaInformedCare #SelfCareMatters #BreakingBarriers #EmpoweringSurvivors #ResilientSpirits #CompassionateHealing #HealingTogether #UnderstandingTrauma #BuildingResilience #MentalHealthAdvocacy #TraumaTherapy #TransformingLives #StrengthInNumbers #SupportiveCommunity #MindfulnessMatters #EmpathyandUnderstanding #PTSDWarriors #PTSDRecovery #HopeAfterTrauma #BreakingChains #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourneyContinues #EmpoweredSurvivors #CopingWithPTSD #SupportingVeterans #HealingFromWithin #BuildingHealthyMinds #PTSDResources #TraumaSurvivor #MindBodyHealing #StrengthInHealing #OvercomingChallenges #CaringForMentalHealth #ResilienceInAction #TraumaEducation #WellnessMatters #InspireHope

August 2023 Conference: Biblical Answers to the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Suicidal ideation, depression, guilt/survivor’s guilt, moral injury, anger, and rape/military sexual trauma. Instructor: Doug Carragher, Th.D. President, Wounded Spirits Sergeant Major, US Army Retired Best Selling Author of— “Wounded Spirits—A Biblical Approach to the Effects of PTSD” For details and to register please contact: Andrew Craig - 0417 016 160 or adcraig@ihug.com.au

Esther, the woman who saved a nation shows us to take a risk, and do something for God. King Ahasuerus ruled over 127 provinces but he could not control his wife. Really he was a fool, vainly wasting money on banquets that went for months. He wanted to show off queen Vashti in his pride. He did not care about the indignity it was to her. When she refused the king deposed her and then he sought a new wife. Mordecai had brought up the orphan, Esther, his younger cousin, raising her as his own daughter. “The maid was fair and beautiful”. She became a contender to become the new queen. “And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight… he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen...” Mordecai overhears a plot to assassinate the king, and saved his life. It was recorded in the chronicles of the king. But he received no reward. Next we meet Haman, the wicked enemy of the people of God. The king “advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes… all the king's servants... bowed, and reverenced Haman... But Mordecai bowed not.” Haman was a man full of pride. He expected everyone to bow to him as if he were a god. But Mordecai would bow to no one but God Himself. Haman was enraged when Mordecai did not bow. He hatched a diabolical plan to destroy Mordecia and his people, the Jews. When Mordecai heard the news he put on sackcloth and ashes. “There was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing.” Word reached Esther. Mordecai appealed to her to plead with the king - but there was a huge risk here. Approaching the king unsummoned could mean her death. Mordecia urged her, “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther could choose her own comfort and safety, or risk her life for her people. This was Esther’s time. Esther’s destiny. Do we see God’s working in our own life? Can we embrace our God-given purpose and destiny? Esther chose to stand up for what was right. But first she wanted prayer: "fast ye for me". Let us rely on God's guidance and strength. She decided she would go in unto the king… “and if I perish, I perish”. Esther courageously risked her life and approached the king - to invite him and Haman to a banquet. What about us? Will we step out in faith and take action when we face tests? Esther “obtained favour in his sight”. Esther took a step of faith. God honoured her courage. Esther then invited the king and Haman to a banquet. Haman went forth that day "joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.” Enraged, he built a gallows to hang Mordecai on. By God’s providence, the king couldn’t sleep the next night. He went to the chronicles and read about the plot to take his life and discovered that it was Mordecai that had saved his life. He asked, “What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.” The king asked Haman, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Haman thought, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? So he devised an extravagant show of honour, thinking that he would receive it. It ended up that the king directed Haman to so honour Mordecai. So he took the royal apparel and the king’s horse, and “arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.” What a humiliation for Haman! Haman then gets ushered into the second banquet with Esther and the king. Esther reveals her heritage, and of the threat against her people. The king asks who has done this. Esther brings the charge against Haman: “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman...” Haman is then taken out in shame to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared to hang Mordecai. You reap what you sow. Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. The king issued a counter-decree that the Jews defend themselves against their enemies. The Jews are saved. Then king arrayed Mordecai in "royal apparel... and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple... 16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.” Esther shows us the importance of perseverance and faith. God cares for His people. His timing is perfect. We can trust Him. Mordecai instituted the celebration of Purim as a commemoration of their deliverance. Throughout the book of Esther we can see that God has His hand on every life. God can turn any situation around. We can trust God’s timing. Mordecai acted with conviction, courage, integrity, love, and servanthood. Esther showed humility, patience, reverence, self control, and boldness. She was ready to die in order to help her people.

A message from preacher Michael Orlino, exploring Matthew 1:1-17. This message is about unpacking the history that leads up to the gracious coming of the Saviour, and the wonder of his significant lineage, as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every word in your Bible is the inspired word of our Lord - and so it is profitable for godliness and training. We could easily skip over the genealogy section, not stopping to realise the importance of it and the fulfilment of God's prophetic plan. This message digs deep into the Word of God, and unfolds the powerful significance of the lineage of the Saviour back in time. Matthew 1:1-17 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; 10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Note how the graciousness of our Lord is shown and bestowed upon many people down through history, ultimately through the fulfillment of God's covenant, and then as embodied in the person our precious Saviour, Jesus Christ. The grace of our Lord is ever present - and will always always be there. The book of Matthew shows that Jesus Christ is the long awaited Messiah. This book is particularly written for the Jews. In Matthew 28:20 it goes much wider, though, as God's people are then commanded by our Lord to proclaim the gospel good news to the whole wide world. Jesus is portrayed as the king. Through his genealogy we can trace back his royal lineage. The majestic lineage of our Lord is of a kingly descent. He is the promised King, the long-awaited Messiah from the line of Judah. Notice: Grace emphasised through the covenants of Grace: Jesus Christ is both the son of David, and also, the son of Abraham. This one from eternity past entered time and history, in the incarnation. He who is God, truly God, became God-man. He has the ultimate power and sovereignty - yet became man. John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God… John 1:14 …the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ is truly son of David and also the true son of Abraham. Of David, it was said, 2 Samuel 7:12, …I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever… Our Lord has the legal right to the throne of Israel. He is the true king - the king of kings. He is reigning now - and he will reign forever and ever. Have you pledged your allegiance to the real king of the heavens and the earth? Our Lord is also called the son of Abraham. His father is Father Abraham. He belongs to the chosen people, the Israelites. God promised a covenant to Abraham …I will make of thee a great nation and I will bless thee and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing… in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed… So, we can see the grace of God - emphasised through the covenants. Secondly, we also see Grace exposed through history. The record shows God's gracious keeping of His people. We also note God's extraordinary use of ordinary people. God used ordinary people throughout history, men and women. Though ordinary, and sinners, yet God used them and worked through their lives, despite all their faults, and they brought Him glory. Thirdly, notice God’s Grace embodied through Jesus Christ. He is the Saviour. His name is Jesus. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Our Lord is also the Christ - the anointed one - the true Messiah. May you place your trust in Him.

Consider the wounds of Christ. Isaiah 53:5, "...he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities... " Consider His profound suffering for our salvation. We will discuss these wounds using medical terminology. 1. The contused wound (a contusion) is a wound produced by a blunt object. A bruise caused by blunt trauma. Such a wound comes from being struck with a rod, as foretold in Micah 5:1. Contused wounds were inflicted on Him as He was mercilessly beaten before the cross (Matthew 27:29-30, John 18:22). Isaiah 53:5, "He was bruised for our iniquities." "Bruised" signifies the deep contusions and internal damage caused by the cruel scourging, emphasising the physical trauma Jesus endured. 2. The lacerated wound (a laceration) is produced by a tearing instrument. A tear in the skin or other tissue. Christ received such a wound from the scourging. The Roman scourge was a many-tailed lash, each thong tipped with metal or ivory, so that, in the hands of a cruel expert, the sufferer might truthfully say, “The ploughers ploughed upon my back. They made long their furrows” (Psalm 129: 3). The prophet cried - 750 years earlier - Isaiah 50:6, : “I gave My back to the smiters.” John 19:1, “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged Him.” If Jesus received 39 stripes in Pilate's Judgment Hall, that would have inflicted a total of 351 gashes on His lacerated back. If He received more than 39 stripes, the gashes would have been more. Eusebius records how many bled to death from scourging before being crucified. Not only was the back of the person scourged cut open in all directions, but even the eyes were torn out, the face and breast were torn open and often teeth knocked out. I quote, "All around were horrified to see them torn with the scourges that their very own veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles and sinews, and even their very bowels, were exposed." 3. The abrased wound (abrasion) is caused by some object rubbing or scraping against the skin. A scrape or scratch on the skin. Christ would have suffered this type of wound when He was forced to carry the cross upon His back. John 19:16-17. As Jesus was forced to carry His cross, we can imagine the abrasions and cuts caused by the rough timber digging into His already weakened and wounded body. 4. The penetrating wound is a deep wound caused by a sharp-pointed instrument. A wound that goes through the skin and into the underlying tissues. This happened to Jesus when they placed upon His head a crown of thorns, Matthew 27:29 and John 19:2. These wounds were deepened when they smote Him "on the head" with the reed, Matthew 27:30. This was done repeatedly. The Jerusalem thorn, from which that “victor’s crown” was platted, bore over 100 spikes, four inches long - sharp as a needle - which the soldiers pressed down upon His head. This caused numerous lacerations, both superficial and deep, penetrating the scalp and causing immense pain. Thorns speak of the original curse: "Cursed is the ground for thy sake..." "Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth unto thee..." (Genesis 3:17-18). Christ took the curse for us. 5. The perforating wound is one that pierces through the body at some point. A wound that goes through an organ or other body cavity. When Christ was crucified, they drove metal spikes through Him. This was prophesied in Psalm 22:16. Crucifixion was not practised as a means of capital punishment by the Jews, so the words must have puzzled even the writer of the Psalm. The prophetic question in Zechariah 13:6: “What are these wounds in Thine hands?” was ever before the Lord. 6. The Incised wound (incision) is a cut produced by a sharp-edged instrument. Our Lord suffered significant loss of blood. At the end his body received an incision wound when the Roman soldier thrust his spear into Christ's side to ensure that He was dead, John 19:34. There came forth "blood and water". This attests to the physical trauma endured by Jesus, as it punctured His thoracic cavity, resulting in the release of blood and a fluid called serous fluid from the pericardial sac. The pericardium is a closed sac encasing the heart and is lubricated by a small amount of fluid to facilitate the motion of the heart. Medical sources state: "The normal amount (of the pericardial fluid) is about a teaspoonful, but may increase to 100cc (24 teaspoonfuls) where the death agony is prolonged." The Lord bore wounds by mutilation. The plucking of His beard. Isaiah 50:6, I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. By "His Sore", his hurt, we are healed! He was "one sore" from head to toe. He suffered for us - to purchase our salvation. We have what our Lord went through to redeem us. His wounds show His sacrificial love for us. Our Lord bore the weight of our sins. He suffered so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. The great price of our redemption.

In Genesis chapter 26 there was a famine in the land …the Philistines had stopped the wells that Abraham had made, and had filled them with earth. We see that Isaac digged again the wells of water of Abraham his father. Wells in the Bible can be symbolic of things – of spiritual truths. In Genesis chapter 21 God provided Hagar, as she was about to die, a well of water - a picture of life. Genesis chapter 24 mentions wells in terms of an establishment - this city was built around this well. People built a city around a well - where they could live and survive and grow. Likewise, in Genesis 26, it tells of the well of the city of Beersheba. This city was established around this well. In John 4 we have the story of the woman at the well – and her encounter with the Lord, who tells her of the Living Water. John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. This well is used to picture salvation. Wells can also picture the Holy Spirit: John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. In Genesis 26, Isaac dug some wells, and he had to re-dig some wells that Abraham, his father, had made. Isaac had to re-dig some wells and re-fight some battles. We could relate this idea of wells to the fundamentals of the Christian life. We need strong foundations, spiritual fundamentals, in our Christian life. God wants us to spiritually dig some wells in our life. Digging wells takes hard work. We should apply ourselves to these important spiritual truths. An important well - one fundamental - is Salvation: to know the clear, simple gospel message: That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures and that all we have to do to be saved is to believe in him - and put our faith and trust in him. Salvation is a free gift that we receive. It is not trusting in your own works Another well – a fundamental – is witnessing. Our Lord Jesus commands us to go out and to preach the gospel. He said, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. It's God's will for us to to preach the gospel to others - be a witness to others. Another well that we need to dig, like Abraham, to establish ourself in the faith, is the well of the King James Bible. The importance of the Word of God. Our Lord Jesus says, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. God promises to keep - to preserve his Word. Another of those wells that we need is the well of Bible preaching. Being in church fellowship is very important for our spiritual growth - just to be around God's people. God's people are the people who I want to be friends with. There's so many blessings we gain in coming to church and being under Bible preaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. We need the preaching of the whole counsel of God. Another well is the family unit. It's pretty fundamental in the Bible. The Bible talks about how a man should leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh. God hates "putting away" (Malachi 2:16). God doesn't want people to divorce. Re-dig that well in your marriage. Another well is the well of holy living. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Live a godly life. Read your Bible, pray, and come to church - it says we ought to exercise ourselves rather unto godliness. Strive for that. The Bible says that the path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. God wants us to shine as his lights in the midst of a crooked world. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 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. Don't be a Philistine. They filled in the walls - they were actively fighting against God's people. They were opposing the work, rather than helping it. Rather, be an Isaac. Re-dig those spiritual wells that are neglected. Restore those spiritual truths, those fundamentals of our Christian life, those keys for spiritual growth: Salvation: the clear gospel Witnessing: Go preach the gospel The King James Bible - God's sure Word Bible preaching and fellowship The family unit Holy living.

Job lost everything: his children, his wealth, his health. Yet Job never gave up his faith in God. He continued to trust God. Job is a story full of timeless wisdom, one of the most challenging books in the Bible. We can take heart from its pages. Job was counted a righteous man, yet he suffered greatly. He was a God-fearing man - he loved God. His faith was right, he was saved. Every day he consecrated his children with burnt offerings. He prayed for them. Job faced many storms and tragedies. Let's learn how Job handled his tough times. The Lord said unto satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? There is none like him in the earth; a perfect and an upright man. One that feareth God and shuns evil. Satan said, Doth Job fear God for naught? He was saying, Job's only got faith because of all the benefits. Satan asks permission to test Job. Satan is only allowed to do what God allows him to do. We're living in a world where pain happens, and when it does happen it can rock our faith and we can wonder what's going on – and where is God in our pain? Suffering is the universal experience - the real human experience. Job 14:1 says, Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. Even as God's children we still can face troubling times, sadness, bruising, and even deep heart pains. Deep wounds. Savage storms. In such times we can find that firm foundation of faith; that anchor that keeps the soul. Job faced trial after trial and loss after loss. He lost his material possessions and even his own beloved children. Job falls down in worship. He proclaims, The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Psalm 42:11, Why art thou cast down O my soul… hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance and my God. Job’s faith held steady as a rock. Job in his pain was in the very centre of God’s will. Brave the storm, by faith. Trust God, knowing that He is in full control. Even in his deep sorrow, his hurting, his mourning yet Job knew an unwavering trust and worship of God. We're in the palm of his hand. We can trust him, even when we can't understand what he's doing. Suffering doesn't stop our praise. We can yet know that God is good, and that he will never abandon us. Learn to trust – in God’s ultimate plan. Again, the Lord said unto satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job that there is none like him in the earth… still he holdeth fast his Integrity… Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. From head-to-toe Job was covered in boils. His whole body was a mass of sores. He was in agony. His wife tells him, Curse God and die. Job’s faith was unwavering. He refused to sin with his lips. Can we have the heart to help those who suffer? Give comfort and support? Job's friends turned up and sat with him. But their advice turned into accusations. They should have tried to comfort and pray for him - but instead they kept condemning and blaming him. Rather, may we be a helpful friend – one who can encourage others and help them find hope in God's promises. Our Lord can relate to the feelings of our infirmities. He's endured human suffering. He knows what pain is. He knows your pain. He truly understands. God is present and is listening for our cry. He’s the source of our healing and wholeness. God will bind up our wounds – he is the healer of the brokenhearted. Even if our hurting be the deepest heartbreak of life, Jesus has come to heal the brokenhearted. Job, even in the midst of his pain, could yet declare by faith his trust in God. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Job 19:25, For I know that my redeemer liveth… Jesus is alive. Job could say, But he knoweth the way that I take - when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. God is making Heavenly grade gold - pure gold - out of your life. God holds the universe in his hands - he hangeth the earth upon nothing… Know that the power of this one who holds the earth in space holds you. Your life is held in his very hands. He will hold you steady. We can find our strength in him and his promises as we navigate the trials of life. God's restoration of Job is a reminder that he is the God of Hope. We can trust God that he will enable. Exercise your faith so that you can grow. Suffering is a part of your exercising of your faith. God can bring beauty out of ashes. Don't lose heart when tough things happen. We can find hope and strength - the one who holds the earth in space holds us by his grace. Even in the valley, in the darkest of times. Though we be in the lowest pit - the deepest despair of life… we can exercise our faith. God is growing you, transforming you. Know the Redeemer - he'll carry you through the storms. He'll give you the hope and strength to endure. He holds us – his unfailing love and faithfulness sustains us. The testimony of Job came out of the test of Job.

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Ruth is a story of suffering and loss - and of God's love and grace. 1:1 …there was a famine in the land… A little family sets forth from Bethlehem to go and seek refuge in an enemy nation. But then Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi as a widow in a foreign land. Her two sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. but then her daughters-in-law are widowed as well. Naomi is left alone. No husband, no sons. Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab, where they could likely find new husbands and start anew. Orpah takes Naomi's advice, and kisses her goodbye, but Ruth clings to her mother-in-law. Ruth had come to trust in the God of Israel - and she refused to go back. Ruth is loyal to Naomi and her well-being and welfare. Ruth was selfless. Her character is one of devotion and faith. Despite the hardships they face, Ruth's loyalty and trust in God keep her going. This was a huge step of faith into the unknown - to go to a people who would see her as a foreigner - she faced poverty and no chance of finding a husband. Together they walk the 70 miles from Moab to Bethlehem, alone. As Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem, the town buzzes with their return. The name Naomi speaks of pleasantness, loveliness and delight. Naomi says, Call me Mara, meaning "bitter". Naomi’s life had fallen apart, she is grief stricken and in pain. Tragedy and heartbreak had brought her deep sorrow. The name of Ruth means ‘friend’. It’s good to have a friend, and to be a friend in a time of trouble. In chapter 2 we meet Boaz, a man of standing... a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth. He is a man of noble character and generosity. Barley harvest is about to begin. So Ruth heads out to the fields. Gleaning was a kind of welfare system that helped the poor. Ruth goes to gather leftover grain from the fields after the harvesters. The best Ruth can hope for is to come home with only about two handfuls of grain – enough grain to make them one small meal for the day. It’s a starvation diet. We see her humble and diligent spirit. She is an amazing worker. Despite her hardship, Ruth does not lose hope, but she actively seeks a way to provide for her and her mother-in-law. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field… and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz… Boaz was a close relative of Naomi's late husband. This was not coincidence but God's providence. Really, it was a divine appointment. God's unseen hand guides Ruth's steps, leading her to this field. Here is God's providential plan unfolding. We meet Boaz who is ‘Lord of the Harvest’. Boaz was a man of God. He acknowledged the Lord. He notices Ruth, and he asks about her. Ruth was meek and humble. She works hard from sunup to sundown. Boaz extends generosity and kindness to Ruth. He provides for her and he protects her. Ruth bowed herself to the ground before Boaz, showing her gratitude. She asked, "Why have I found grace in your sight?" Boaz saw how Ruth had chosen to be with God’s people. She’d left the idol worship of Moab and had put her trust in God. Boaz prays for Ruth: The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Upon learning of her loyalty to Naomi, Boaz shows her kindness and protection. Boaz instructs his workers to allow Ruth to glean without hindrance. He even instructs them to intentionally leave behind extra sheaves for her to gather. Naomi knows that Boaz is a close relative and a potential redeemer. He could be a potential husband for Ruth. Naomi instructs Ruth to approach him at the threshing floor. Naomi says, wear your best clothes… it showed Ruth’s time of mourning had ended. She was willing to remarry. Ruth presents herself at the feet of Boaz on the threshing floor to ask for his protection as her kinsman-redeemer. She risked being rejected and ridiculed. Yet she was followed Naomi’s counsel in the face of fear. Ruth said: I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. Ruth proposes marriage. Boaz recognises Ruth: Thou art a virtuous woman. He praises her as as a woman of strength, of noble character. Boaz went up to the gate… The city gate was where governance and legal matters took place. Boaz went to the gate of the city to conduct the business of redeeming Ruth. Ruth was bought with a price. This act of redemption is a powerful reminder of God's redeeming work in our own lives through Jesus Christ. Boaz married Ruth, and she conceived and bare a son: Obed. It means ‘Servant’. Ruth became an ancestor of David. Naomi became the Great Grandma to King David. Ruth was a woman of faith. She showed courage, faith, and trust. In Boaz we see his qualities of faith and kindness. The generous, compassionate heart of a godly man. Most importantly we see in Ruth's story the foreshadowing of a greater redemption to come. The great redeeming love of Christ.

Psalm 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. By the grace of God we have NOT received what we deserve - punishment for sins - and yet we ARE given what we don't deserve - pardon through Jesus Christ. We are exhorted to praise the Lord: Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Let us not look upon ourselves - but rather gaze upon and marvel at the graciousness of our Lord. The Lord has done marvellous works for us. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, Rom 3:23. We are sinners before the presence of a holy and almighty God. Ezekiel 18:20 says, The soul that sinneth it shall die. Rom 6:23, For the wages of sin is death. Sin is so grave - so serious. It is an offense before the almighty God. He has the power to cast you into eternal hell. David cried, Psalm 51:4, Against you, you only I have sinned. Sin is frequent. Psalm 7:11 - God is angry with the wicked every day. We fail daily. We think of the obstinacy of our sin – how hard is our heart! Despite the full knowledge that we are what we are doing is actually against the law of God - sometimes our heart is hardened. Man can be stubborn in his sin. Given the gravity, frequency, and obstinacy of our sin against our Lord… Consider what then he could have done to us? We are due punishment. He could have punished us immediately, right here and right now. He could have poured his wrath on us, with the whole intensity of his power - yet he grants his mercies and grace. We can hear the gospel, before the presence of the holy God, and in the fellowship of the believers. Though undeserving, by the grace of our God we can hear the words of the Gospel - the good news that he has not been angry with us. Though undeserving, hell-deserving sinners, yet he gives Grace to us. Psalm 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. The almighty God chose to be merciful. He is a just God. Yet the punishment that we deserve has been poured out - not on us - but on Christ. If we are in him, if you believe him as your Saviour and Lord, truly he becomes the just and the justifier of all who believe in him. Consider: What the Lord HAS done for us. Rather than punishment, God has poured out his love towards us. He's showed his mercies to sinners like us. He opted to forgive - to withhold his wrath. He lavished us with Grace upon Grace. All this, despite knowing who we are, and how frequent we sin, and how gravely we sin, and how obsolete our heart is. Yet the Lord has showered his grace upon us. Lam. 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Our Lord has provided for our temporal needs - and our eternal needs. Psalm 103:10-12 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. If you are in Christ , the Lord has provided for your eternal needs - your salvation through Jesus Christ, your place in Heaven is sure. Our Lord is interceding for us. He has showered us with abundant blessings. We deserve punishment for our sins, and yet God has given us pardon, redemption, salvation. All this freely given to us by his grace. Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 1 Pet 3:18 For 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 by the Spirit. 2 Cor 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. Here is the Great Exchange! He took my sins and my sorrows, he made them his very own. He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone. How marvellous, how wonderful... is my Saviour's love - for you - for me. Are you part of that greatest Exchange in history? While we don't deserve pardon and forgiveness, yet we can come to Jesus Christ. May we be thankful to our Lord. It sums up up three Gs - Guilt - Grace – and Gratitude. Guilt, because you know how sinful you are before God. Grace, because of the Grace of Jesus Christ dying for you. Gratitude – is the response of our thankful heart to the Lord. What's your purpose of your life? Realise God's gracious offer and call upon Him. May our life be a life of gratitude and thankfulness, a life of contentment, and of service. Truly, he is our life.

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.

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