The Elder's Corner
This page will be used to display the sermons full text and video where possible.
Sabbath Worship (December 27th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : N/A
Pastor Appiah spoke about the Christmas holidays and the day itself. He spoke about how he felt about it and what we as Christians should be doing over the festive period.
Communion Sabbath 20th 2014
Speaker : Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title : What if John 3:16 Where Not True?
Scripture Reading : John 3:16
Pastor observed that John 3:16 is a summary of the Bible. He spoke of Nicodemus questioning Christ in the night. Jesus said to him if he; Nicodemus called himself one of the teachers of Israel, how could he not know how to be saved.
He noted that theologians have analysed the verse into four sections:
- God’s Grace – for God so loved the World
- God’s Gift – that He gave His only begotten Son
- God’s Gospel – that whoever believes in Him
- God’s Glory – that they have eternal life
Pastor declared that this verse covers the beginning of the Bible to the coming of Christ. He questions what would happen to this world if this verse was not true? What he said wold be our faith as Christians if this passage where to be false? For God so loved the World, without His love there would be no salvation for mankind.
Pastor noted that without God’s love how could you define love? All the human expressions used to define love fails or pale before the love of God to fallen man. He noted some of the more famous human definitions of love and compared them to God’s love – they all came short.
If this verse wasn't true what would be your faith? This verse gives us hope God gave his only son for us. No loving relationship is complete without giving. What are you going to give to others? It is a matter of giving God gave is son. What are you giving? God is saying today that he is giving to you. This world would be in darkness without this verse’s hope. What God did with his son is the only hope for us.
Pastor noted that we need to keep Christ in our heart where it cannot be taken away from us. That John 3:16 gives us hope, hope for the future, hope for salvation, hope for Christ Second Coming.
You really do need to listen to Pastor Appiah's full sermon here:
Or watch Pastor here:
Sabbath Worship (December 13th 2014)
Speaker : Dr Herbert Griffith
Title : God Will Take Care Of You
Scripture Reading : Genesis 3:8 - 10
It seemed that the morning programme had a central theme of how to deal with fear. The mission story was about a little girl who had a fear of ghosts. She joined a Seventh-day Adventist school where she learnt that she can trust in God.
The children story also spoke about fears children have. The children then concluded the story with the song - I will not fear.
It is with this central thought in mind that Dr Griffith takes the stage and discusses the subject of fear, why we fear and what to do about it.
He began with his own fear of the dark. He then spoke of the fear felt by Adam and Eve on that dreadful day of sin when God came looking for them in the garden and they hid.
He surgically defined fear and the human responses that will be the result of it and then went on to offer every one hope that all fears can be overcome by faith and trust in God.
Watch or listen to the audio of this discourse on fear and understand that once you put your trust in God, God will take care of you.
Listen to the audio file here:
Updated December 21 2014
Sabbath Worship (November 29th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Eric Lawrence
Title : The Final Warning
Scripture Reading : Revelation 14:6 - 12
Pastor Eric Lawrence was the speaker of the day. His sermon was based on the preaching of the Three Angels message of Revelation 14.
He said that we has Seventh-day Adventist have been commissioned to preach the Three Angles message to the world. The final message of Christ’s Second coming. He noted that we need to understand this message for ourselves. We need to know it before we can preach it.
Listen to the sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (November 22th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Paul Liburd
Title : Family Life Day 2014
Scripture Reading : Psalms 1: 1 - 6
Pastor Liburd spoke of the importance of Psalms 1. He noted that it was a warning to heeding to temptations. He also said that it contained a formula to avoiding temptations.
He spoke of the three stages of temptation in regards to Psalms 1:
- Walk
- Stand
- You Sit
He gave a sermon that was practical, in a very calm voice. He later gave advice on how to maintain a marriage for the afternoon programme. What was well noted was his advice on showing appreciation to your spouse.
He said it was frequency that was the key, not twelve roses in a month, but one each month was the allegory he used.
Watch the video below:
Audio version only here:
Sabbath Worship (October 2014)
Speaker : Sister Iiene Johnson
Title : The Church
Scripture Reading : N/A
Posted and Edited by Marla Vickers
Harvest Day 11th October 2014
Posted and Edited by Marla Vickers
Elder Hazel first visit to Bilston new church
Posted and Edited by Marla Vickers
First Sabbath at New Church - September 6th 2014
The first Sabbath at the new Bilston SDA Church was a very special one. It could almost be said to be an opening day! There were people there with tears of joy for the day had finally come that Bilston Church has its own home.
There were over a hundred people present alone with two pastors - Pastor Appiah and Pastor Jackson (I like to call Pastor Jackson the Church Builder - he's the man you need when it comes to getting a new Church!).
There where some tearful eyes in the congregation of the Church. A day of joy and relief for many to see the congregation of Bilston SDA Church - made it! Acquiring a Church building of our own!
Sermon preached by Pastor Richard Jackson.
See the day's events here: First Day at New Church.
The Last Day at St Chads - August 30th
With some feeling the sadness of seeing the place for the last time and the excitment of leaving for a new place too, the day’s Sabbath activities began. In ones and twos, people came to worship for the last time has Bilston Church at the St Chads Community Centre.
See the pictures of the Last Day here. A video of the last sermon preached on the day by R. Scarlett can be seen there too. The Farewell presentation can also be found on this page too.
Updated 5 September 2014
Sabbath Worship (August 23th 2014)
Speaker : Clive Ferguson
Title : As In The Days Of Noah
Scripture Reading : TBA
Today’s sermon was delivered by Brother Clive Ferguson. His sermon illustrated a consistent social degradation of our society today using numerous statistical data along with current news and events. Wars, terrorism, crime, the deadly clash of social unrest in Ferguson, population growth, decline in world resources are just some of the facts and statistics he mentioned.
He spoke about a trip he made to Bartow County, Georgia USA. He went to Allatoonia Pass. This is a civil war memorial site, the Battle of Allatoona Pass. He described the beleaguered Union soldiers holding out against the surpior numbered Confederacy troops.
At the peak of the battle when it seemed all was lost to the dewingling Union garrison, a signal is received from General Sherman - "hold the fort, reinforcement is at hand." It is said that it could have been this factor that Confederacy army retreated.
He made comparisons of today with that of the days of Noah just prior to the flood; the social degradation, rappant crime, population growth are some of the events that are common in both ages. He said that such are the signs of the end of time is near. In all this gloom, hope is ever present he observed. He implores that we hold the faith, help is near, reinforcement is at hand.
Listen to the sermon here:
The hymn, Hold The Fort as written by P. P. Bliss was a theme for this sermon and can be found here.
Sabbath Worship (August 9th 2014)
Speaker : Pedro Antonius
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : Psalms 91:14-16
The Elder spoke about God’s presence not been where we (humanity) expect Him to be. He started off with the scripture reading of 1 Samuel 4:1 – 11. He invited all to listen to him reading the section of text and imagine the plight of the Israelite army before the victorious Philistine army. He noted the desperation of the Israelite Elders when they sent for the Ark of God.
Yet even this could not save them. It was a slaughter for the Israelite army with over 30,000 killed in the battle and the Ark of the Covenant loss to the enemy Philistine army.
The Elder asks the question where is God? He noted that this passage of scripture is relevant to all of us today. He noted that the Elders of Israel of the day tried to drag God into the battle by moving the Ark of God into their camp. Their faith was in the object he noted just like the idol worshippers of the Philistine army, they were no better.
Very often we carry God around but God is not there he noted. Where is God? He is where the Word is. Even as the Israelite army thought God was in the Ark of God. That was not where the Word is at that time, it was with His prophet Samuel. So that is the lesson for us today. God is where His Word is. It is time to stop carring an empty Ark around us and look to God Himself.
Listen to the sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (July 12th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Solomon
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : 1 Chronicles 4:10
Elder Solomon spoke about prayer and that the fervent prayer is heard by God. Listen to his sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (July 5th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Christopher
Title : When God Intervenes
Scripture Reading : Ecclesiastes 7:29
Pastor Christopher based his sermon on the story of the tower of Babel. He spoke of God’s love for fallen man and described God’s willingness to be merciful even when man is determined to follow his own way. He noted how God will intervene often in the strangest of ways to save us out of love and mercy.
He described how the people after the flood got together and began to build the Tower of Babel. He noted that this wasn’t the plan that God had for mankind. God intervened and this lead to the many languages that we have today, he observed.
He also noted that we too are building towers in our lives, towers that have nothing to do with God’s plan for our salvation. He asks that we simply abandon our towers and take up the name of the Lord. A name that he said that we can be proud of – The name of the Lord is a strong tower.
Sermon audio:
Sabbath Worship (June 28th 2014)
Speaker : Elder Clifford Sulumba
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : John 9 14 - 16
Elder Sulumbia is from our sister church, Wednesfield SDA Church. He came with his wife and one of their children to Bilston Church to share the Word of Christ for the Divine Hour.
His sermon was based on the actions of Jesus and the reactions of the Pharisees at the healing of the blind man. He spoke of our blindness to day in comparison to that of the blind man and that of the rulers of the day - the Phairsees. He spoke of the faith exhibed by the blind man and our lack of faith when we questioned Christ. In the end he said that the blind man is teaching us a lesson. Listen to the sermon in the Elder's Corner.
The sermon can be listened to here:
Sabbath Communion Service (June 24th 2014)
Speaker: Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title: N/A
Scripture Reading: John 6:1-14
Today is our Communion Service, hence the speaker for the divine hour is Pastor Appiah himself.
The sermon's background was based on the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish - the miracle of John Chapter 6.
Pastor based the sermon on the conflict between facts and faith. He spoke of the question Christ asked Philip on the feeding of the multitude. He noted that too often facts not faith is the order of the day. He said that it is time that we put our trust in God. We need just a little faith, even has Andrew's five barley loaves and two fish were able to feed the crowd - faith not facts was the order of the day.
Listen to the full sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (June 14th 2014)
Speaker : Ettah Gwabunda
Title : In the 21st Century Who is Your neighbour?
Scripture Reading : Luke 10:30 - 36
The speaker for the Hour was our very own Ettah. In a confident manner she spoke of the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30 – 36). She describes the situation that Jesus was in at the time of the telling of the parable.
She then spoke of the parable itself. She noted the significance of the story to us, our commitment to our neighbours, our community. She spoke of the plan of salvation and how necessary that we all do our part to ensure that our neighbour, the family that lives down the street hears the message of Christ’s love.
Click here to listen to the sermon:
Sabbath Worship (June 7th 2014)
Speaker : Elder J. Ncube
Title : Going Home
Scripture Reading : Luke 15:11 - 32
Home Coming Day began with Sabbath School already overflowing with visitors from far and near. Dark and threatening rain to come, the day had started, yet they came. The welcomes to Church and visitors promised great fellowship and good food to all.
The most precious of gems were the three non-Adventist visitors and those who were returning to the fold, who graced our fellowship and even stayed with us to the end of the day! Thank you for coming and making this day a very special one.
Let it be said that few can provide the spread of good food that was served on that day! Has many Jamaicans would say – “it was belly full” for all.
The spiritual meal was served by Elder J. Ncube, who spoke on the theme of the day – the Prodigal Son, (Luke 15). He focused his sermon on the need for man to worship God. He spoke of the bewilderment of academics and scientists to explain or understand the need to worship.
The Elder explained this need for all to hear. He said:
- We are created by God after His image
- We are given the Breath of God
- We were created to worship God.
He closed the sermon with an appeal for all who have been lost, Jesus is calling you today!
See the full sermon below:
The following pictures are loaded in a javascript and are displayed in one location in a side scrolling format. Should this not be the case, you need to enable the javascript in your browser.
Wolverhampton SDA Family Fun Day 2014
Sabbath Worship (June 1th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Solomon
Title : Wait Patiently On God
Scripture Reading : Jeremiah 29:11 & Revelation 3:20
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Revelation 3:20
New International Version (NIV)
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Pastor begins with the bible readings. He states that we are living in a fast world. We can't wait any time. We pray for God to do miracles for us quickly. He said that God knows what we think even before we actually do so.
We have forgotten to wait upon God. Waiting time is not wasted time he said. According to the world it is wasted, but the Bible says that by waiting we get blessings from the Lord. He read Romans 15:5. If God had no patience, we all would have perished a long time ago. We are to wait upon God patiently he said.
We all have things happening around us and we grow frustrated easily, but God is saying that we need wait patiently. When the time comes God will give us what we are waiting for. You want blessings from God, you have to wait.
John 11:5, 6 are read, the text are about Martha, her sister and Lazarus. They have a problem - Lazarus is sick. He describes how the sisters summons Jesus to come to Lazarus. He said that Jesus delayed going. Jesus continued his work. He said that God wanted the sisters to wait patiently on Jesus.
He said that people are moaning why Jesus didn't hurry to heal Lazarus. Jesus came after 4 days. Jesus is to the glory of God. He points out that the sickness was to glorify God. He said that when we are facing trouble we get dishearten. The Bible says that we are to wait patiently on Him and we will be blessed.
John 11:43 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. He said that Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus. Revelation 3:14, he said that Lazarus hadn't submitted his heart to Jesus. John 12:2 not until he did so, did he became one of the men sitting at the table with Jesus. He questioned that if you are waiting on Christ and haven't submitted your heart to him, what is the use?
John 12:9. Lazarus sickness was not for death, but for the glory of God. The people came not for Jesus, but to see Lazarus who was raised from the dead. So people had been seeing Jesus but it wasn't until they saw Lazarus that they believed. God can do miracle but He wants us to wait patiently on Him.
Isaiah 40:31. If you wait patiently on God, He is going to bless you. Wait upon Him Pastor said again. God is waiting to bless you, he said. Blessed are all they that wait upon Him. We all know how to run on this earth, will you wait for God?
Psalms 40:1 - 3. Here you see David waiting patiently on God. God has lifted David from that horrible pit but also put his feet upon a rock that shall not be moved. If you wait patiently on His soon coming you will be blessed. He said that we all know how to run. He ends his sermon with a simple story of a King searching for a successor. He ends with a prayer that we will all learn to wait patiently on God.
Sermon and Special song:
Sabbath Worship (May 24th 2014)
Speaker : Herbert Griffith
Title : What Have you shown them?
Scripture Reading : 2 Kings 20:13
2 Kings 20:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine olive oil—his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.
He begins by asking the question how many of us have had visitors in our homes. What do you do? He queried. Answers came in from the congregation: feed them, chat, play games, socialise, show them the house, etc. He said that he is happy that someone said that we show them our homes. He said that we take pride in showing people our possessions. He said that we all get excited doing so. The guests will normally leave feeling welcomed and that they can be friends with the hosts.
He noted that we can understand how King Hezekiah, King of Judah, felt when he received his royal visitors from Babylon; the need to show off his best to them. He said King Hezekiah was surprised that they came to visit him. He said the King showed them everything, no holding back. He observed that we like to show everything to our guests, even so did the King. He was overwhelmed by the type of visitors these people who came to see him. He said that they also bought the King gifts. He said that after they had gone the mood changed. The prophet of God came and questioned the King about the visitors.
The prophet asked who these men were and what did the King actually shows them. The Elder said that these are natural question to ask. The King declared everything nothing was spared in the Kingdom. The King expected the prophet Isaiah to be happy with his great show of hospitality.
No, that was not to be the case. Isaiah 2 kings 20:17-18. The prophet announced to the King that everything will be carried off into capacity to Babylon, even the King’s family. The Elder asked why was it that the King who was so nice to his visitors should now have the prophet of God declaring this doom on the King and his kingdom?
The problem wasn't what the King did but what he didn't do said the Elder. Many times we know the right thing to do and say and don't do it, because we want to blend in we fail to do the right thing. He spoke of two different types of characters. The King left out the most important thing to show his visitors - the God of Israel. He said the Babylonian worshipped the sun gods. They thought that the King was favoured by the gods, hence the visit to Judah.
The Assyria King was fighting all the nations around but when it came to Israel he thought that they wouldn’t be an easy fight. They wanted to invade Judah. He spoke of the letter sent to the King of Judah. He describes how King Hezekiah went to the Lord in prayer and was told not to be worried. The Babylonians came and where defeated. They tried another method. King Hezekiah became mortally ill, the Babylonians heard off it. The King survived by the power of the God of Israel. The news got to Babylon. The Elder said that they were plain nosy, they had go and see what had happened to the King of Judah. The King did not use the opportunity to tell them of God and His get power.
He said that the King could have showed them the spot where God had fought the battle for Judah or the room that he was sick in and God healed him. That is what the King failed to show them. What about us today the Elder asked. He pointed out the number of days that we have gone through of the year. Who have we spoken to about God? What have we shown to anyone that we are a child of the most High God? Our life style, is it one that shows that we are a child of God?
That is our first priority, to live what we preach he said. How many times has someone said that we are a Christian without you saying anything to them he asked. The people that see you every day; what have they seen? Have they seen Christ in you?
God wants you to come up higher. God wanted the King of Judah to be up there that people would see God through him. Each of us has the opportunity to meet people as his representative. What have you told them? What have you said to them? The Elder prays that his life style, body language will say Christ to all. He prayed that each one of us as we move on in life that we will become conscious of whom we are and others will see in our behaviour that we are children of the Most High God.
Clink here to listen to the sound clip:
Sabbath Worship (May 17th 2014)
Speaker : Anthony Banton
Title : Present and Great Truths
Scripture Reading : Hebrews 5:12
Our speaker for the Hour was Anthony Banton. His message for the day was more a study than a sermon as he stated, yet even so his words were indeed timely and throughout his time he reminded us that we all need to progress in God's Truths.
Using the words of Hebrews 5:12, he pointed out that as the remnant Church, holders and keepers of God's great Truths, we His people should not only be progressing in God's Truths, but also be teaching others as Paul did. He noted that we should not be labouring on the fundamental truths as new Christians, but be teachers of the much higher truths that points not only to the Cross of Jesus but to His ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary at this time. He observed that there are easy truths to understand and hard truths that require time, effort and diligent searching of God's Word. All this, we, the last true Church of God should be doing now, students and teachers of God's Word.
View the video presentation here:
Statements and quotations used in the presentation:
Thanks to Anthony for providing the resources above for our website.
The audio of the presentation only - Banton's wife performs the solo:
Sabbath Worship (May 10th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title : Two Ways To Lead, The Choice is Yours
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:13-14
New International Version (NIV)
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Pastor spoke of the Bible making use of analogies. He noted that Jesus made frequent use of this method of teaching. He went on to speak of the gates in the scripture reading, the narrow and the broad way. They both lead to some where he said. When the Bible talks of the broadway, it is the highway of life. It has a wide entrance, very convenient to enter. He said that you can carry so much with you. He noted that it is misleading and spiritual dark. He said that you will find yourself in the majority and the majority isn't always right.
He said the Catholics are the largest Church in the world, but some only go to church once a year and members can do anything. On the broadway anything goes he said. The Bible says that you should enter by the Narrow Gate. If you call yourself a Christian and want to live your own life, you are on the broadway to destruction. It is dangerous to enter on the broadway, the joys that you experience hides the fact that you are lost. Many in the Adventist Church are thinking that they are safe but they are on the broadway.
The Narrow way does not give room to carry anything with you. You must leave everything behind so that you became lighter to enter. Peter said that we have to leave everything behind in order to follow Christ. You can hold someone hands to lead, you have to go yourself. You and you and you alone because the way is so narrow. When it comes to salvation, it is only you and your God.
Some time we put our trust in things that can't help us. Pastor spoke of things that we love that we have to leave behind us. He called them the sweethearts. You have to let it go. You need the Spirit of God to let them go. God wants His children to dress modestly. People must represent Christ. Your beauty should be in the heart. Your appearance should be with modesty, this is an issue with the Church today he said. He noted that you need the Spirit of Christ to overcome these sweet hearts.
He spoke of an experience with a member and her clothes. She found it very difficult to give up her obsession with clothes and jewellery. He had to council her to curb this excess.
There will come a time when the road becomes narrow and the sweetheart has to go. This is the strangle that we all have to go through he observed. There are relationships that will lead us to destruction. God has promised us that if you put your trusts in Him, He will help us. God wants us to say good bye to everything that gets between us and Him. Pride is one of these issues. No one wants to say sorry. Pride will lead to shipwreck marriages.
The only way to keep going is to keep Christ in the equation. Christ and Christ alone can help us. Only Christ can help us to overcome our human nature. We need to let our human nature go and only by Christ can we do so. If we understand the person we are following it will not become a burden he said.
He spoke of people who have followed Christ, the choices they had to make to follow Him. Moses, Peter and the thief on the cross where a few mentioned. Choices. Decisions, two way to lead. The choice is yours. Christ will not force you Pastor said.
Make the choice now he pleaded. Tomorrow is too late. Enjoy the Christian journey by making the right choice. Matthew 25:23. The reward to the faithful. Proverbs 14:12 Hebrews 4:7. There are two ways to lead the choice is yours. Are you willing to let that sweetheart go? The choice is yours. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 choice light that you and your descendants may live.
Are you choosing a blessing or curse? A promise to you and descendants. Choose life and take your generations to follow. That is what Christ is asking you today. Choose life and live.
Listen to the full sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (April 26th 2014)
Speaker : Mark Palmer
Title : Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere
Scripture Reading: The Acts 16: 22 - 34
Everyone will go through persecution he said. This is not the plan of God. While we have the chance to praise the Lord let us praise him. From the rising to the setting of the sun. Trust God despite what is happening in the world today.
What would you do if your house was broken into today he asked. He said he would worry about the information on himself, family pictures and stuff like that, but the things etc., DVD player, TV, and stuff can be recovered or replaced. Even so he would still praise the Lord.
He spoke about creation. Sixth day of creation and God is about to do something different. He just speaks the Word and things happened. Isaiah said the Word is spoken and something must happen. On the day God creates something different. He his playing in the mud. This day He is in the dirt.
God creates man. He demonstrates God doing this miraculous creation. He leaves the pulpit and is on the floor in front of the congregation, on his knee actually showing how God could have done this great act. He points out that God made man in His own image with His own Breath. He illustrates God giving man breath.
He says that man is like God, this animated and full of life - new baby. He continues to show what man is to do, give God praise. Praise is what we are here to do he says. The whole act of controversy between God and Satan is who gets your praise. Anyone here who is free from problems is in the wrong place he said. The Lord will always come through to those who are faithful to Him. Acts 16. Two men in a prison cell. Can you praise God when the rain is falling he asked. When rough time comes, it shows the type of a praise worshiper you are. He said he was made for one thing, to praise The Lord
To be a Christian you will always find yourself opposed. Paul and Silas healed a woman, cast out a demon from her and they are beaten by the town people and placed in jailed. God establish you, sets you on higher ground you will never move. He spoke of a job he was given it was God that gave him the job. When someone troubles you, it is God that they are picking on. Nothing is too hard for The Lord. He told the boss he can only go if The Lord told him to. He is given a last chance to work on Friday. He is a child of the King he said. The boss changed his mind. He was promoted after that. Many don’t realise that God is able to do more than you can think.
Listen to the full sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (April 19th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor S. Appiah
Title : He Touched Me
Scripture Reading : Mark 5:4-29,30-34
Pastor Appiah spoke of the woman with the issue of blood. Listen to his sermon here:
Pastor also had the children making a special prayer for all the children in the world, particularly for those and their parents who lost their lives in the sinking of the South Korean ferry this month.
Sabbath Worship (April 12th 2014)
Speaker : Pastor J Johnson
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13
Pastor spoke about Matthew 7:15-22, Galatians 5:22 concerning the fruits of the spirit. He notes that words without knowledge is just ...noise. He said that everybody has something to say, but is it sense or nonsense?
He made it plain that we are fighting for our lives, which means you cannot stand for nonsense. Otherwise it will be like the blind leading the blind.
He continued on the subject of the fruits of the spirit. He asked do we have love within us? Would you lay down your life for your brother or sister?
Let our words be few but profound. Don't say 'I love you', but you don't speak to people. Why tell them at a funeral? - it way too late to make any difference. If I dress the best, say the best prayer the longest prayer, sing the songs, etc, but have not love, it's nothing. Let's be like Christ in all we say and do.
Pastor gave some practical advise, keep it simple and keep it basic. But even when we do this,some don't want to hear it, he said. When you're telling the story of Jesus, let's be proud, tell it like we mean it when we preach the gospel.
Matthew 28: 19-20
If Jesus is within you, it means you that you have the fruits of the spirit in your heart. The message is simple - It's time to Practice what you preach. The end of time is nigh.
Last few words: 1 John 1:6. If we claim to be a part of Jesus, we must walk in the light, has Jesus is the light of this world. When we speak, it should be in the light of Jesus.
Sabbath Worship (April 5th 2014)
Speaker : Grace Walsh
Title : NEC Vision rebuilding People, Restoring Relationships and Inspiring Excellence
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1 - 12
A Poem was read by Dorothy McIntosh named The Key To Living is Giving by Helen Steiner Rice. It went well with the sermon so I am putting her for your reading pleasure.
A very favorite story of mine
is about two seas in Palestine.
One is a sparkling, sapphire jewel.
Its waters are clean, clear and cool.
Along its shores the children play,
and travelers seek it on their way.
And Nature gives so lavishly
her choicest gems to the Galilee.
But on to the south the Jordan flows
into a sea where nothing grows.
No splash of fish, no singing bird,
no children's laughter is ever heard.
The air hangs heavy all around
as Nature shuns this barren ground.
Both seas receive the Jordan's flow.
The water is just the same, we know.
But one of those seas, like liquid sun,
can warm the hearts of everyone.
While to the south the other sea
lays dead and dark and miserly.
It takes each drop the Jordan brings,
and to each drop it fiercely clings.
It hoards and holds the Jordan's waves
until, like shackled, captured slaves
the fresh, clear Jordan turns to salt,
and dies within the Dead Sea's vault.
But the Jordan flows on rapturously
as it enters and leaves the Galilee.
Every drop the Jordan gives
becomes a laughing wave that lives.
For the Galilee gives back each drop;
its waters flow and never stop.
And in this laughing, living sea
that takes and gives so generously,
we find the way to life, and living.
It's not in keeping, but in giving.
Yes, there are two Palestinian seas,
and mankind is fashioned after these!
We should all be rebuilding people, restoring relationships and inspiring excellence. People are broken people and we are here to help to build people, broken spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. We live in a broken world and full of broken people and we have a duty to our communities to help rebuild people. Restoring relationships, the people in relationships broken down, divorcing, going out, people fighting, killing each other – lack of forgiveness and God calls us to restore relationships. Everything we do for God should be done to our best, we do our best at work but God deserve our best and everything we do should be to the honour and glory of God. As a church we need to be working together, separately we would not be effective, having the same, one approach avoiding confusion among the people and engaging the communities. All working together, not a single department, or a one man band. It should be an orchestra where everything blends together.
In March 2013 all the world leaders of the General Conference of the SDA Church meet together. They wanted to study how Christ met with the people. The answer they came up with is that Christ mingled with the people. So they asked the question are we mingling with our communities. Christ engaged the people, he served them, ministered to their needs and won their confidence and then they followed him. Once you win the people’s confidence they will follow you. He didn’t start off by saying follow me, he did something for them and then they follow him. By following his methods we will have true success.
Slides for the sermon as a movie:
We have the three sets there. Socialise, most of us are friends with other SDA members. We need to meet people outside. Socialise mingle with the people and then sympathise, make attachments with them, serve them. Steps 1, 2, 3 will win the confidence of the people so that they will be able to follow us, it will lead to salvation of souls, but if we just start will follow me most of the time it will not work.
Once it reach salvation it doesn’t stop we have to keep socialising, we can’t say we have done enough now we can stop, because that is what we are here for, to mingle with the people. To connect with our communities really not to be isolated. Some of us are afraid to be contaminated by the world so we keep to ourselves. Jesus knows what you believe and you pray now you cannot be contaminated, we have to go out there, we should not be isolated.
One way we are finding that is very effective for us as a church is running the health expo. That is the best way of mingling with the people. All people have health issues and it is the easiest way of meeting people with needs. We have people suffering from so many conditions ranging from mental to physical health issues.
Looking at statistics from the department of health one in four people will be suffering from mental health issues even in the church. We need to be dealing with those issues. So everybody now this song:
We are His hands to touch the world around us,
We are His feet to go where He leads,
We are His love burning in the darkness,
We are His love shinning in the night.
The question you are to ask yourself is, are you his hands? Are you touching the world around you? Are you his feet in going where he is leading you? And are you shinning in the darkness? It is dark out there, you have the light, are you shinning as the light in the darkness? So we are his eyes to see the needs in others. We are his voice to tell of his return and we are his love burning in the darkness but we have to contextualise it, each individual here has to ask themselves am I really doing that?
In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel is told to preach to dry bones and they become alive. Now he is shown another picture, he is shown the temple and out of it is a river flowing. Ezekiel 47 says the temple face east, the temple in verses 1 to 12 is described and represents Jerusalem. He sees a river flowing out of the temple, we the river is going is the interesting part, it is going to the east. We look at the map, east of Jerusalem there is a desert and then the Dead Sea.
We all know why it is called the Dead Sea, nothing lives there and nothing alive there. It doesn’t give the passage that was read during the offering said that the Jordan River is alive and when it enters the Dead Sea it dies. Anything enters the Dead Sea dies. Ezekiel sees the river flowing from Jerusalem going through the desert and enters into the Dead Sea, but the Dead Sea doesn’t give anything.
So if you are coming to Church week after week, day after day but we are not giving, we are in danger of becoming like the Dead Sea. Jesus says he who believes in me out of these veins will flow rivers of living waters. If we are not sharing the message, if we are not touching the communities, we are as good as the Dead Sea, because the Dead Sea doesn’t give it only receives.
Ezekiel sees a different picture, he sees the river as it flowing the desert become alive. He sees the trees growing, nothing grows in a desert. When this rivers comes it says on that day living waters will flow, Zechariah 14:8
New International Version
On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter.
Then what happens when the river flows to the Dead Sea? Ezekiel sees as the river is flowing things begin to grow around the river. That temple represent the Church of God, it represents Bilston. Where ever the Church of God is, where ever the people of God are, people should become alive. People who are dead become alive, so our communities will become alive and things will start growing. Once the Holy Spirit is there he can't help but make things grow. So it says as the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, so he is measuring off and as Ezekiel sees he is walking, first of all the waters is at his ankles, ankle deep and then it is knee deep and he keeps measuring and as he keeps measuring the waters comes to his waist and it he keeps going measuring and then it is too deep to keep walking, it is a river that one could not cross it was too deep.
There is an illustration in this, that sometime we think we are a small church we can't do anything but in this version Ezekiel sees as the waters is flowing it is very shallow only up to the ankles. You can start a ministry in the Church it might not be very big, it can just be a small ministry it can be two or three people but as the holy spirit blesses you, you will find that your ministry will grow, because with God it is not about numbers even with few people a little ministry can grow if God's hand is in it.
So don't be frightened to start something. On your own you can start your own ministry in your own house, you can invite your neighbours, start something small don't wait for the whole church to start something that could take a long time. Each one who feels impressed can be doing something in their own little corner.
So you might start something small, just up to the ankles, but as the Holy Spirit blesses you, you will find that your ministry will grow. Most of the ministries we see around the world they started off very small, but as God blesses them they become a mighty river that no one can cross.
This reminds me of the Zambezi River, it starts in Zambia where it starts is very small. No tourist will pay so much money to see where it started from. They all go to the other side, but this river is the fourth longest river in Africa. (The 2,574-kilometre-long river (1,599 mi) rises in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, along the eastern border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe to Mozambique, where it crosses that country to empty into the Indian Ocean. - Wikipedia).
If you trace the river where it starts is very insignificant and then it becomes a mighty river where big animals such as hippos and crocodiles and others lives.
The most famous falls - the Victorian Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this small stream becomes the big Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is in Zambia and Zimbabwe. I have been getting in trouble saying that the best falls are in Zambia. Even though Zimbabwe has got some, the best pictures are on the Zambian side. So people, loads of tourist will go there every year just to see the Victorian Falls. In the native language they say it is the smoke that thunders because it is always thundering and you can see the rainbow, there is always a rainbow there.
This is where people go to see the Zambezi River, they never go to its source at the beginning. So if you start a ministry you might not get the claim people might not acknowledge you with anything. Someone else might get the claim but the most important thing is that you have started the ministry.
Verse 6 - 7:
he asked me son of man do you see this?
Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. So once where there was a desert, now trees are growing and things are sprouting.
8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, (the desert) where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea (this is the Dead Sea), the salty water there becomes fresh.
Imagine the salty waters in the Dead Sea, nothing grows there, you can't taste it, it is too salty but through the power of the Holy Spirit Ezekiel sees that when the river enters into the Dead Sea the water becomes fresh.
Sometimes we look at our communities as the Dead Sea, nothing will grow there. We look at the crime rate, we look at the drug problems, addictions and we just want to give up. People in the communities are dead and will not respond to the message. As most people say England is very hard place. People are hard, you can’t reach them. It is easier to do it in India or Africa where people come to the message in thousands, but England is very hard, but where the power of God is, where the Holy Spirit is, nothing is too hard, people will be converted and so just like that river that brings life to the Dead Sea, we as a people of God filled with the Holy Spirit can bring life to our communities.
Verse 9, Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.
Not something, everything will live. Would that not be fantastic in Bilston, where ever you go as a church people would live? Because God has touched their lives. And that is what we should be heading for we shouldn't be leaving people half dead or worse than we found them.
This reminds me of a story of a Monkey and a fish.
The Monkey is perched in a tree and it is watching the river. It can see the fish, the salmon always swims against the flow of the river. So the salmon is trying to jump but the water is pushing it back. It doesn't give up, it is trying to jump the water that is pushing it back.
The monkey thinks the fish needs help so he climbs down takes the fish out of the water and puts it on dry land. The fish is flapping and the monkey thinks oh it’s so happy, I have rescued it, but after flapping a few seconds it stops. It dries. The monkey is now confused, I helped this fish and now it is dead. The monkey did not understand the culture of this fish. The fish has to live in water. The salmon though is fighting against the current it is in its nature to do so.
Sometimes we go into our communities we think we are helping them but we are killing them off, leaving them worse off than when we had found them. So it needs integrity, it needs prayer when we reach the communities we are not trying to change them from [undecipherable] to make them worse than they are, we are supposed to be helping them, not leaving them half dead.
We see the Zambezi River where big creatures live, everything starves there. Where ever it goes, it carries fresh water people drink the water they use the water for many things. If you saw the beginning of the river you wouldn't think that it would support so much life.
So for the rest of the story, Ezekiel 47 verse 12 it says 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river." Every month they will bear because the waters from the Sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for the healing of the nations.
Where else do we read something like that? In Revelation. So there is another river in Revelation where it tells us about a tree bearing fruit every month. Now in our communities we have people looking for hope. People who are feeling like the Dead Sea. Everything is going bad for them.
This is the story of a man who had aspirations to go to university, a very intelligent young man. Sometimes we see homeless people and think they are all stupid people. Some of the homeless people are the most intelligent people, it is just circumstances that has changed against them. So we need to respect them. We shouldn't go there with a superior complex thinking we are better than them, they are homeless, and some of them are very intelligent people.
So he got into bad company at his university, started taking drugs, dropped out wherefore he was hoping for a degree next thing he was just looking for a place to put his head. There is a girl working in the city and there are so many people begging. She wondered who she will help, so she choose one person to help - this young man.
Every time she is going to work she would share a meal, lunch, giving him a sandwich and saying "God loves you" and go to work. At first, he would never look up, he didn't even know who was giving him the sandwich. But as weeks past she saw that he was expecting something, he was looking up, expectantly and she would come and say God loves you and then go on her way.
After one year he disappeared. She didn't know where he had gone. She wondered where he had gone. Several years past and then one day she met this young man. He asked if she remembered him, she said no. He said she fed him for one year and you told me God loves me. He said because you said God loves me surely he can do something for me. So he decided to return to university and get complete his studies and his now a big man in the city. He just came by to thank her.
So just a sandwich, sometimes you think you have to do big things to help people but even the small things can change people lives. So we shouldn't just be waiting to be doing big things. So here is John. He is dead. What can we do for him? Most of the time, nothing because it is too late. If we can catch people before they can reach that state then you can help them.
We can sing this song - rescue the perishing and we are not rescuing anybody. We just sing it because it sounds nice. Our actions should be rescuing people who are perishing. Now sometimes when we have people whose hearts have stopped the medics can revive them but that is just physical revival. What we want is spiritual revival. We don't mind people dying what we do think it doesn't mean you won’t die you will die, but it is better to die in the Lord than to die without the Lord. So when we promote programmes and things it doesn't mean people won’t die, they will die.
Every day we see 2,600 people dying. The Malaysian airliner that disappeared had over 200 people and it made headlines for a number of days. Yet when we look at the statistics, 2600 people are dying every day in this country from heart attacks and different things. That is equivalent to 10 jumbo jets crashing every day. That would be unacceptable and yet people are dying every day and it doesn't make headlines.
So we should be asking ourselves why? The world health organisation states that 12 million people die every year from heart problems but half of them could be saved if better prevention programmes where in effect. What better preventive programme can you have than the chip programme?
In the bible it tells us how long we are expected to live, it is appointed to man 70 to 80 years. So we know that when we are reaching 70 to 90 years we "checking out." but when you die at 40 or 50 that is premature death. So what we are trying to do is to prevent premature death.
We don't want people to be dying before their time and that is way we do all these programmes to prevent them, to prolong their lives not just for the sake of prolonging it but has we prolong their lives they will get in touch with Jesus in order to save them. So even in the World Health Organisation monitoring heart attacks are preventable. Whether we believe it or not, it is not Seventh - day Adventist saying it, scientist are saying it. Heart attacks are preventable. 9 out of 10 heart attacks can be prevent, imagine ten people having an heart attack and 9 of them could have been helped, but who is going to help them? If we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing? We have all the information, we have all the equipment we need but we are not doing it. You know the life style changes we do can prevent some of these heart attacks we are the most studied people in the world right now there is a study of Seventh - day Adventist. They said why do these people live long? That is why they are studying us. To follow our principles you tend to live longer.
Let’s say that an average Seventh - day Adventist should be able to add 43 years to their lives. So instead of dying at 50 or 60 you can add 43 years more to your life to stop dying prematurely and if you become a vegetarian you can add 2 more years to your life. If you eat a handful of nuts every day you can add another two years to your life.
If you don't smoke you can add 10 years to your life. If you exercise regularly you can add four years more to your life. Exercise is so important they say people who are inactive or don't exercise you are as good as someone who smokes a pack a cigarette a day. Just been a vegetarian is not enough, it is a wholelistic package you have to be doing everything.
So exercise adds 4 years to our lives and then a healthy body you can add another 4 years to your life. Now this is very interesting to me. If you volunteer once a week you can add 7 years to work life. Volunteering is more than been a vegetarian, volunteering is more than eating a handful of nuts every day and volunteering is more than exercising every day.
People who retire and volunteering their services they tend to live longer than people who retire and stay at home. So doing volunteering work is not just been a Seventh-day Adventist. People in the world who do volunteering work will give their time are living 7 years longer than their counterparts.
The Church has community services, community services depend on volunteer services. Once a week just volunteering can add 7 years to your life. So what we are asking you is just find one hour per week to God's work. You volunteer to run a programme, to do chip, to do different things, just an hour. You think you are helping people, you are helping yourself.
The thing that adds more years to our life is attending Church, we found out that people who are attending church can add 14 years more to their lives. So church believing in god even when you are sick in hospital people who believe in god tend to recover much quicker much better because they have a much positive attitude.
So add all those numbers, you should get 43 years. If you don't do any of these things you are taking away years from your life. So god has given us a way of living longer but it is not to live longer to be selfish to live for our self it is to be doing things for other people. Jesus went about doing well not for himself just giving himself to other people and so he is our role model.
When you have a heart attack it is too late. So you need to prevent it prevention is better than having it and going through the recovery. You can recover but is it not much better to prevent it?
So what is the real problem with people you know when we are helping people in our communities we should ask what mind we have. What is there problem? is it that they are obese, addicted to smoking, depression, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of exercise they can't manage their anger, is that the real problems?
These are symptoms, these are not the problem because the real problem is in Ephesian 2: 1 - 3: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins - we too we were dead to our trespasses but he made us alive. 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - because people don't know any better they are dead in their trespasses they are disobedient and that how we also once conducted ourselves. We were just like that we can't despise the community because once we were like that and we are trying to reach out to them to say to them look I was once like this but now I am here and we are trying to pll them with us. — 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
So we were also the same but because god saved us we were dead we were devilish, disobedient depraved but because of the grace of god we are now different people.
So we say in revelation 22:1 - 2 :
"Then the angel[a] showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city;"
The lamb at the centre of the throne would be their Shepard who leads them to the spring of living waters we find these themes of living waters throughout the bible and god will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Isn’t that what we are looking forward to? That one day there will be no more cries, no more sorrow no more suffering no more death all those things that we are experiencing now will be over and so we look forward to that day.
This river of Ezekiel 47 you need to apply to your own church. This river is Bilston Church but is it a river that is flowing in the community? Is Bilston Church breathing life into the community? Is Bilston Church recharging people and making the desert spring forth with life? That is the measure of our success. If Bilston Church did not exists tomorrow would any one miss you in the community because of the good works you are doing? John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as[f] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
If nothing is flowing from us we might conceive of ourselves as the Dead Sea. It is only the Dead Sea that doesn't flow, rivers flow with life but only the Dead Sea does not flow with life. What we want to be is a flowing river. God is tender, Jesus says we will be flowing with the Holy Spirit, we will be touching people and so if we are not touching people and there is nothing happening we need to pray for the out pouring of the holy spirit that people will be touched that people will come up close and the truth will set them free and they will live.
Click the play button below to listen to Grace's sermon:
Sabbath Worship (March 29th 2014)
Speaker: Beulah A. Plunkett
Title: End Time Christians, End Time Church
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:10-14
This Sabbath the theme is Sabbath School Emphasis. Our speaker Sister Plunkett, is the Sabbath School Directory for the North England Conference of Seveth-day Adventist. Her message to the Church was laid out in a straight forward manner – we are end time Christians and as such, the end time Church. She said that now is the end time and we should be ready; not planning to be ready for Christ’s second coming.
She noted that there are two groups in the Church today, the wise and the foolish, the holy and unholy. She made reference to the parable of the ten virgins, she noted that they all had the word of the moment, yet five did not make it.
She spoke of her love for God and of the love we should all have. She observed the obstacles that sin places before us and said that these will all have to go if we are to be ready for God.
Sabbath Worship (March 15th 2014)
Speaker: First Elder R. Scarlett
Title: How To Overcome Temptation
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:12 - 17
1 Corinthians 10
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
The Elder said that temptation is not sin, it is yielding to temptation that is sin. Salvation is not a barrier to temptation. It is most likely Satan will attack Christians than unbelievers. He loves nothing better than to cause one of God’s children to fall into sin. Temptation can be overcome. It can be used to help us to grow. He said that in Hebrews 10; in your struggles against temptation, you have not yet resisted unto the shredding of your blood.
He said that he knows someone that shredded His blood while undergoing temptation – it was Jesus when he was in the garden of Gethsemane. When He had to face the temptation of giving up on your salvation. We are told that His sweat became blood, He was so distressed that angels had to rescue him.
When temptations arise, people respond in one of three ways:
The primary method is to give in. These people are not concerned with the consequences of their sin.
Others, struggling with their temptations daily, fighting the temptation in their own strength and fail. Why, because no one can overcome human nature alone. If we could defeat the power of sin on our own strength then there would be no need for the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us.
Lastly, there are those that overcome temptations by the power of Jesus Christ. He noted that this is possible, but you need to know how to do so.
Who is affected by temptation he asked, all are subject to temptation even Christ in his human form and He didn't sin. Everyone has an area of vulnerability to sin. It is not a sin to be tempted, Hebrews 4:15. Our greatest danger is to think we are above sinning. You are in serious trouble when you think that. When your pride can convince you that you cannot fall, you are headed for the deepest of falls.
Hebrews 4
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.
The source of temptation is where?
Many sins are common, do not think that your temptations are so great; that they are just like the ones we all face. They all come from the same source. He reads 1 John 2:16.
1 John 2
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
16 For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world.
He notes the three primary sources of temptations, as noted in 1 John 2:16:
- The World
- The Flesh
- The Devil
He then said that he will look at the three sources of temptations and how they attacks us. He begins with the World.
The World
In the Bible the World means a system or order. The Bible speaks of this system called the World and says it is evil, 1 John 2:15 and James 4:4. Believers may become so worldly that they fail to stand up for the Lord. We are to be different and distinct. We are not to allow the World to force us into its mould.
1 John 2
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[d] is not in them.
James 4
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
He notes that there was a time when you could tell a Seventh - day Adventist different from the rest of the World, by dress, speech and actions. Today it’s difficult to tell the difference. There as to be a difference. He notes that the Bible states that you are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, a special people. What makes us special is that we have taken the name of Christ. Christians mean people who copy Jesus. If you are copying Him, you still need more prayer because you need God to help you to keep you special. There has to be a difference when calling yourself a Christian.
He spoke of a lady shopping in a market one Friday, she went to a stall and wasn't pleased with the way she was treated. The words that came out of her month was appalling. Others around her where shocked at her poor behaviour and it could be heard said among them, “how can she call herself a Christian and a Seventh - day Adventist at that!”
This, the Elder said, tells him that not all Christians are the same. They call themselves “nominal Christians.” Christians by name only not by character and are taking Christ name in vain. The Bible said don’t let the World get you into its mould. We need to watch how to behave ourselves.
The Flesh
Every one of us from the most innocent child to the most spiritual adult has the inclination to sin. We inherited this from our first father Adam. We are not just sinners by the things we do, we are sinners because we were born in this world. That’s why we need Jesus, no one is good enough to be saved without Jesus Christ. All our, yours, my righteousness; my bible tells me is just like filthy rags. Our only hope of salvation is in Jesus Christ.
Every day a murder has to be committed. That murder has to be Self. Self is the greatest enemy we have to overcome. This enemy has to be killed each day. He or you cannot kill Self, but Jesus in you can.
The Devil
The flesh is our greatest problem and then we have the Devil. His main objective is to lead you into sin. He has all the ammunition to do that because he knows each of us even more than we know ourselves. Even though he cannot read the mind, he can read your looks. The seat of temptation is the home. Man is made in the image of the tribune God. Man is a tribune being, possessing body, soul and spirit. When you are tempted, you are tempted in one of these three areas. If we are going to overcome temptation, we need to understand this principle and to pay attention to these areas that are attacked.
First of all is the Soul, the Elder noted. The soul is used to describe the internal self. The soul is your mind, will and emotions. The World is the primary tempter of the Soul. The World will say to the Soul that you need more. The World appeals to the ego and pride. A worldly person is one who indulges in worldly pleasures.
The Elder uses Lot as an example of a worldly person. He notes, that Lot’s longing looks drew him closer to Sodom until he and his family are living in Sodom and it cost him is family. The Elder notes that you have to watch the Soul, consider what you are watching on the television, what you are thinking about, what prevents you reading your Bible. These are the things you need to think about. From the abundance of the heart the month speaks he said. You become what you think about. By thinking about holy things by the grace of God you will become holy. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
The Elder said that you should imagine in the mind that we have a picture of Jesus. If I am picturing Jesus in my mind constantly I am aspiring to become like Him, even though he fails Him so miserable, if his aspiration is to be like Him, he will, by His grace, be like Him one day. Remember, he did say that all our righteousness is like filthy rags. Jesus knows that and He knows what we can become.
The Elder said that he is happy to tell us that if you are aspiring to be like Jesus, He will and He can will help you and also there is hope for all of us. Jesus looks beyond our faults and sees our needs. The good work He has started in each of us, He is able to complete it. You cannot give up, you need to keep on trying, keep looking to Him and praying.
The Spirit
The Spirit is the primary area of satanic attack. If the Soul is our self-consciousness, then the spirit is our God consciousness. Our spirit is what sets us apart from the animals. It is by our spirit that we can know God. It is our spirit that allows us to worship and communicate with God. Satan hates this communion and places doubts in our minds to distract us. Satan places false doctrines to turn us from the truth.
The Elder noted how cunning Satan is and notes that discouragement is one of Satan’s most powerful tools. When Satan cannot get us any other way this is the tool he will use.
To overcome the flesh, we need flight and we also need perseverance. The key to defeating temptation is to flee from them the Bible says. Flee fornication; 1 Corinthians 10:14, flee idolatry; 2 Timothy 2:22.
1 Corinthians 10
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
2 Timothy 2
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Flee youthful lust, you cannot expose yourself to these temptations and expect to escape from them unshaven. The Elder spoke of Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife where Joseph fled the temptation. Yet even in this case Joseph didn’t escape trouble but ended in prison. When you are on the Lord’s side that enemy doubles his attack against you. Jesus can turn that adversity into a great accomplishment (Joseph becomes next to Pharaoh).
The Bible tells you to spend time with the Word of God. He said that time spent with Jesus is never lost. He also said that if all the books in the world were to be destroyed and left only the Bible and people would read it, there would not be so many problems in the world today.
The Elder said that Satan will attack you, Satan will say to you don’t pray today, just give up and join his side, don’t you see that religion thing is not working for you. That’s what Satan do, Satan is a liar from the beginning, right to the end. His death knell has been pronounced when Jesus rose from the grave that resurrection morning. When Jesus hang on the cross and said it is finished, Satan was finished. If you are making him a lion in your life it is your fault, when you have the Word of God to say flee from you.
The subduing of temptation
There are three words to remember when facing temptation. They are flight, faith and fight. To overcome the flesh we need flight. The key to defeating the temptation of flesh is to flee from them. He notes in 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 10. Flee youthful lust. The Elder spoke of Joseph’s experience. To overcome the World we need Faith, Faith that Jesus will take care of us when we willing give up our attachments to worldly things. If we love the World, we cannot love God. If you really desire victory over the World you must love Jesus more than the World.
He said that we need to love God more than we love our family members. He noted that not even his wife can save him. Only Jesus can save him. Jesus must take first place in his heart. He said that he loves Jesus more than anything else in the World and so he will do his best for Jesus because only the best is good enough for someone you love.
He said that we need to search our hearts. You can easily fool others but not Jesus, because He knows your very thoughts. Let us be honest and tell Jesus the temptations that burden you. He knows the very burden that you labour under. Tell Him, you don’t need to tell anyone else.
The Elder observed that there are some husbands that will share everything with their wives and spouses. Well, whoever wants to do that, good luck to them he said. He knows that there are things that he cannot tell his wife. For as much as she loves him, she will take it and curse him when they fall out.
But Jesus would not do that, that’s the friend he likes to have. The best friend to have is Jesus, you can tell Him anything in the strictest of confidence at any time. Ask for His help and He will help you. The Elder noted that Jesus wants to save him and save you. If the whole world is against him and God is on his side, he is alright! Fear not they who are able to kill the body, but fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell’s fire and that man is Jesus.
He is glad that he is a part of the family of God. He prays that God will keep him faithful. If he gets the whole world and lose his own soul, knowing what he knows now it would be better he had never been born.
To overcome the world we must fight. If we stand up and fight, Satan will flee. You cannot run away from Satan but you can drive him away from you. You must face him in the power of the shred blood of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t fear you but he trembles before the blood of the lamb. Therefore fight Satan and he will flee, 1 Peter 5:8.
In conclusion, he said he doesn’t know the temptation that you are facing but Jesus knows. However, he does know that if you are breathing, you are struggling to overcome sin. Our greatest resource to overcome temptation is a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there. Tell Him about every day.
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin. Each victory will help you some other to win. Fight manfully onwards, dark passions subdue, bring everything to Jesus, He will carry you through.
Jesus is able to keep you from falling and He is able to complete the work He has started in you. Keep on pressing on in Jesus. Pray for him and he will pray for you and in God’s grace we can make it.
Sabbath Worship - International Women's Day Of Prayer (March 8st 2014)
Speaker: Elder Clive Ferguson
Title: Women Of Faith
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-18,27-28
Elder Ferguson spoke on behalf of Grace Walsh. Elder choose to base his sermon on a woman of faith, hence the title, in recognition of the special occasion of the Sabbath – International Woman’s Day of Prayer. Today, he spoke of Hannah’s story, the wife of Elkanah, son of Jeroham.
He said that the Bible contains many stories, there are there for a purpose, to provide lessons for our Christian journey. He reads Romans 15:4.
Romans 15
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Things written in the past where written to teach, to encourage us, to give us hope, he said. He also read 1 Corinthians 10:11
1 Corinthians 10
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
11 [All] These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
He notes that these experiences of the Bible are relevant to us today for council so that we don’t make the same mistakes. He quotes is father: “the wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”
He observes that Hannah lived a very ordinary life has a Jewish woman, but in an extraordinary time in Israel history, at the close of the period of the Judges. She was a woman of faith, but she did not realise the part that she was to play in fulfilling Israel’s history – the mother of Samuel, the last Judge of Israel, one of the greatest characters of the Old Testament history.
He notes that in studying Hannah’s life, he discovered some important lessons for people of faith. He notes that her husband Elkanah is of the tribe of Levi. He was a godly man. He attended the Sanctuary annually at Shiloh with all of his family. He loved the Lord and his wife.
He noted that Hannah could not have children. He explained that men would marry other women for numerous reasons including selfishness and political alliances. He spoke of examples such as David and his wives, he spoke of Jacob been tricked into marring Leah, then Racheal. The main reason for numerous wives, he notes, was for having children – the need for labour and a pension plan for old age. This he notes was why Elkanah had a second wife. This was the continuation of Hannah’s problems, she couldn't have children and her husband is forced to take another wife that could. This woman, Peninnah had children and she teased Hannah, making her life a misery.
Peninnah would deliberately provoke her, making Hannah feel worthless as a woman. The Elder noted that women of faith experience problems. We should not be surprised; Satan is like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. He said that the closer you get to the Lord the devil will increase his effort to divert our attention from our relationship with God.
He observed that the taking of wives was common practice back then and was even done by leaders of God’s Church. Abraham had a second wife, Jacob had more than one wife, Gideon had more than seventy, and Solomon had thousands.
He said it was never God’s plan for having more than one wife. Genesis 2:24.
Genesis 2
New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
This is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
God’s purpose for marriage was always for one man and one woman. The principle on which God has designed marriage is love and complementary. That means the husband and wife should be suited for each other he points out.
Whenever we part from God’s ideal trouble is at the door. He said that today we try to rationalise that as long as its two people loving each other, two consenting adults, it’s ok. He said that God said no, one man, one woman, a relationship based, not on lust, not convenience, not on popular opinion but on God’s principle of love. Whenever we depart from God’s foundation we get trouble, and this is what happened in Hannah’s home he noted.
As a result, Hannah became distressed; she didn't even want to eat. Another problem is that Elkanah was insensitive to Hannah’s suffering. He noted that some time husbands don’t understand how their wives feel and think. He said that Elkanah thought he could just love her enough she would forget about not having children. The Elder noted that Elkanah failed to realise that if he had given Peninnah more attention, she would not had provoked Hannah the way she did. Hannah had a rival in her own home. The devil, note the Elder often makes use of the people closest to us to get to us, as is the case with Hannah and Peninnah.
1 Samuel 1
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. 11 Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”
The Elder noted that a woman of faith knows the best solution to problems is prayer. He referrers to 1 Samuel where he notes a beautiful prayer made in the simplest of language spoken by Hannah to the Lord. He observes that it is a prayer of sincerity not pretentious. He said when praying all we need to do is open our hearts to the Lord as to a friend and that’s what Hannah did.
He paraphrases her prayer. He said that she simply spoke as it is, “Lord I need your help, I am going through tough times. Please help me.” He said that the Bible tells us that whenever God’s children calls out in faith, He will always hear and answers. Hannah felt impress to make a vow to the Lord in her prayer. The Elder wondered why Hannah would make such a vow, the thing she wanted the most – a son, she was willing to give up. Why? The Elder asks, he said he will discuss that in a moment.
He notes the other thing we learn about Hannah is that she persisted in prayer (verse 12). He said that so often we give up when we fail to get an immediate answer to our prayers, but women of faith know that prayer brings answers and that God hears the persistent prayer.
He reads verse 13; Hannah prayed in her heart, he notes that her heart and soul went into this prayer. She felt there was no one else to ask for help other than the Lord. When we pray like that, do you think a loving Father can fail to answer such petitions? God hears, He doesn't want to see His children suffer.
Hannah prayed this prayer with all her soul. She claimed the promises of God. He reads verse 18. Not only did she claim the promises, she prayed a prayer of faith. At its completion she no longer had any worries. That’s what faith is he said. He quotes “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When we take God at His Word, we can believe that there is an answer before we can even see the results of it.
He said just imagine how Hannah could have responded to the provocation of her rival. She could had been bitter or angry, asking questions as to why this had to happen to her, but we learn that it was the Lord that had closed her womb. God allows us to have difficulties in our lives. So that we can come through them as gold tried in fire. God wants to transform us, but He knows if there are never any problems or difficulties in our lives, we don’t rely on Him, we won’t trust Him. We would think that all our joys and successes are down to our own efforts. So God closed up Hannah’s womb.
This lead to her realising that the only solution could be found in God. So she made a vow to return her son to the Lord. What can we learn in this experience?
We learn that she prayed fervently, we need to pray fervently, he reads Colossians 4:2.
Colossians 4
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
In other words be persistent in prayer and at the same time give thanks even though you may not have seen the solution for the problem yet. The Bible says in everything give thanks because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. Even in the sufferings and problems we can give thanks because God has a solution that will bring us out of the problems that will make us better had we not gone through it.
Women of faith believe that prayer works. It is done because it can make a difference in life. 2 Chronicles 16:9 God rewards our faithfulness in prayer. The other thing that we learn is that we can have confidence in God because of his promises. He reads 1 John 5:14
1 John 5
New King James Version (NKJV)
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
So far he notes three things: Woman of faith have problems, they know that prayer is the solution and thirdly they will experience God’s blessing because they have faith. 1 Samuel 1:19 is read.
He noted that God had closed her womb and only God could open it. Sometimes we have problems and we can’t find solutions, could it be we are looking in the wrong place? Jesus says come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. That’s God’s promise, why strangle on when God is offering to take that heavy load from us?
God bless Hannah with a child and we can learn from Hannah’s experience that when we commit our problems to the Lord He will hear our prayers. We need to understand that God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we expect. Sometimes the things we ask for are not in harmony with His will. God knows that if he was to bless us with those things they wouldn't be a benefit to us. There is a statement in Ministry of Healing that God is too wise to give in to our requests. He always gives us what we need and not what we ask for or wants.
He notes that there is something else that is good about the way God blesses us when we have faith. He doesn't just give us what we need but more than what we need, Hannah (chapter 2) asked only for one son, but God blesses her with three more sons and two daughters.
He said the Bible says that God blesses us exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Ephesians 5. According to the power that works in us. That power is faith. When we exercise faith, it unlocks the store house of heaven and enables God to pour out His blessings.
Ephesians 3
New King James Version (NKJV)
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Hannah discovered that when you put your trust in God, commit your problems to God, He will hear and respond by blessings. Even though you may have to go through difficulties before you receive the blessings, God has an ultimate purpose in what He is doing. He quotes one of his favourite texts in the Bible – Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Another text read:
Romans 8
New King James Version (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
When we put our trust in the Lord we will experience God’s rich blessings in our life.
Spoke of Hannah’s vow to the Lord, giving up her son to the Lord. Woman of faith keep their promises. This is what Hannah did. 1 Samuel 1:22.
The Elder notes that giving her child up to the Lord must have been a hard thing to do. He ponders on what could have gone through her mind, the fact that she wanted this child so badly. Had she doubted and not given up the child she would have failed to cooperate with God’s plan not only for her but also for Israel. Had she been selfish and kept Samuel, maybe God’s promises would not have been realised through him. Sometimes we can see only what is in front of ours eyes, but God sees into the future. Whatever God does is always in our best long term interest in mind.
Hannah didn't keep her vow in a vacuum, she had to have had the support of her husband. He was in full cooperation with her to keep her vow. This is why it so important to choose marriage partners who are in tune with God’s promises. He fully supported his wife in doing God’s will.
The Elder pointed out that husbands have a unique responsibility to support their wives. He notes it is not subjection, but wives and husbands are to submit to each other, it’s a partnership of love. The relationship that Elkanah had with Hannah and that Christ desires to have with His Church models the relationship that He desires to have with us as individuals.
God doesn't want to overrule us in our individuality. He wants to work through us, to accomplish His purposes just as Elkanah did with his wife Hannah. So Hannah fulfilled her promise, giving up what she wanted most. In dedicating her son to God, she was dedicating her entire life to God, because Samuel’s life was from God. Hannah wasn't giving him up but returning him to God how had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place.
There is a lesson for us in this experience, everything the Bible tells us belongs to God, when God asks us to be faithful in tithes, offering, time and talents we shouldn't consider it has been difficult, every belongs to God, we are simply returning to God what He has blessed us with. Samuel might have been only three years old when he was weaned, such was Hannah’s faith and trust in God she knew that by been faithful to her vow he will be well cared for. She didn’t forget her child or give up on him, she continued to support him and visited her son each year. The Elder could imagine her praying on her knees day and night that her child will fulfil the expectations of the Lord.
The Elder asked the question are mothers praying for their children. Often they are seem doing the things that are contrary to God. They are chastised for doing them but that only stop them from doing it out of fear. The real deterrent is change by transformation by the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Hannah expressed her joy in praise. The Elder reads 1 Samuel 1:27, 28. He spoke of the amazing prayer of Chapter 2 of Hannah expressing her joy. He questioned us, do we give the Lord thanks when God blesses us. He said that Hannah prayed silently for her problem. In Chapter 2 prayer she wanted the world to know her joy.
He reads verse 1 and 2 of Chapter 2. He said that we live in an age of conveniences, we become reliant on these conveniences and forget our need to be reliant on the Rock of our salvation who is God. Only God is constant, the same today, yesterday, and forever.
Hannah could rejoice because she put her trust in a constant God. And we too can rejoice when we put our trust in Him. Hannah was tormented by her rival. When the Lord blessed her with a son she could now pray, verse 3. The Elder said that he believe she said this loud because she wanted Peninnah to hear.
The Elder reads 1 Samuel 2:4 – 8. The Psalmist says fret not thy self for evil doers, when people are persecuting us, we want to retaliate, but the Bible says no. Vengeance is mine said the Lord, let the Lord heap coals of fire on their heads by doing what is right. That’s how we should deal with those that want to afflict us. They will then see that God is a righteous Judge. He administers perfect judgement and justice, we have no need to fear because of what Satan may try to do in our life. God is in control. He is still sitting in on His throne. The eyes of the Lord are looking up and down in the earth, looking for those who have placed their confidence and faith in Him. When we place our faith in Him we can praise Him too. The Psalmist says Psalm 92, “It is a good thing to give thanks onto the Lord and sing praises to the Most High.” In another section, “Let the redeem of the Lord say so.” When the Lord has blessed you, don’t keep quiet, let the world know that we serve a God who is alive, He is interested in our life and He is working in our behalf. If we put our trust and our faith in Him we will be victorious.
In conclusion, the Elder points out the lessons of Hannah’s experience.
The first thing he notes is that women of faith, people of faith experience problems and difficulties. He said not to think because you have such problems God has forgotten you, in fact, realise that Satan wants to get you. You are doing something right hence the problems.
Second thing leant is that people of faith know that the solution to problems is prayer – God says the fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much.
The third thing leant is when we put our faith and confidence in God we will become recipients of His blessings. God says “no good thing will I withhold from them who place their trusts in me.” God wants to bless us but sometimes what God can do for us is limited by our lack of faith.
The fourth lesson learnt is that when we make a vow to the Lord we need to be faithful. God is faithful to us. In been faithful to the Lord we shouldn’t count the cost because God didn’t count the cost for us. He once heard someone said that God isn’t a God of pennies. When He blesses, it is abundantly. God gave the ultimate gift – His own life to save us. When we give we should not be grudging because God wants cheerful givers.
Lastly he said we learnt that people of faith know how to praise the Lord. They can praise the Lord because they experience the working of the Lord in their life. He believes, if we study the stories of the great men and women of Bible like Hannah, even the simple stories, we can learn great lessons that will bless and strengthen our Christians experiences. When we put into practise the examples they have shown us we too can praise the Lord like Hannah in 1 Samuel 2: 1- 2.
In closing he entreats all ladies to take some time out each day to seek the Lord in prayer. He said it will amaze and surprise you what the Lord will do for you.
Listen to the children's story and the full sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (March 1st 2014)
Speaker: Pastor S. Appiah
Title: Love One Another
Scripture: 1 John 2: 1 - 8
1 John 2 New International Version (NIV)
2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
The new members of Bilston SDA Church from last week baptism service at Wolverhampton Central Church prevented to the Church.
Today according to First Elder Scarlett is one of the best Sabbaths for many Seventh-Day Adventist believers, participation in the Holy Communion as handed down by Christ and His diciples.
Pastor speaks about love, love for one another. He states if you say you love God and hate your brother you are darkness. He notes that it is very easy for Christians to say that they love one another but fail to actually do so. He said that the Good News (of Christ’s Love) can be easily spread if we can just love one another. Sadly, that isn’t so and that alone can become a hindrance.
He shares an experience, one day a lady said to him that when she was out there in the world, people would show her love, why she asked can’t she find that love in the church? The truth is note Pastor that the Church may not be perfect, but it is the right place to be.
He points out that if we are able to demonstrate Christ like character, love becomes the fruit of that character. That is why the introductory part of the scripture reading said “if you love me, keep my commandments.” He said, keeping that one commandment means that you love God. If you love God you will love everyone else.
He questions how can you say you love God and hate your brother? How can you love someone you cannot see, yet hate the one you can see? How can you say that he asked?
He reads a quote from E. G. White, Review and Herald January 25th1887;
“If the world sees a perfect harmony existing in the church of God, it will be a powerful evidence to them in favor of the Christian religion. Dissensions, unhappy differences, and petty church-trials dishonor our Redeemer. All these may be avoided, if self is surrendered to God, and the followers of Jesus obey the voice of the church. Unbelief suggests that individual independence increases our importance; that it is weak to yield to the verdict of the church our own ideas of what is right and proper. But to cherish such feelings and views will only bring anarchy into the church and confusion to ourselves. Christ saw that unity and Christian fellowship were necessary to the cause of God; therefore he enjoins it upon his disciples. And the history of Christianity from that time until now proves conclusively that in union only there is strength. Let individual judgment submit to the authority of the church.”
Pastor went on to say that some time we let our individual views to become a hindrance to the unity of the Church, especially the style of worship and music used. He notes that all this has nothing to do with our soul salvation. This creates so much division in the Church that it stops us from doing what we are supposed to do, tell the Good News of Christ’s coming, instead of time wasted in arguments on worship style or music in Church. He agrees that worship experience is very important, but the priority should be on leading mankind to salvation.
He reads from John 17:20-23 and notes that it is very important that we love one another.
John 17
New International Version - UK
Jesus prays for all believers
20 ‘My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – 23 I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Pastor then stated that as Christ and His Father are one so does Christ expect us too to be one, so that when we are going out we are all singing from the same song book. Unity he noted does not necessarily mean uniformity, but it does mean we respect each other. He said we should learn today that as a Church family we should have that common understanding that we love one another and we care for one another. That is the message that is going to draw others to the Church, if we demonstrate to others that has Christ and the His Father are one so are we one and that love surpasses everything, he said.
Pastor said when you are able to care for someone, when they are in trouble, that is what God expects from us, show love to those in trouble. Show love to our brothers. He notes that sometimes there will be people at Church that a simple hello will show that you care. He encourages us to extend our Christian relationships outside the Church. A simple phone call, caring words can make a world of difference and takes the Christian relationship to a higher level. He spoke about how much better for him it would be if members would call and ask how he and his family are doing, of course he is happy to fulfil his pastoral obligations, but a caring call now and then would not be amiss.
There are many people in the congregation that need our loving care he said. Not just speaking to on Sabbath, but calling them in the week. Showing you care. You never can tell that that person has been having a terrible time at work and that phone call of yours may put a smile on the face. That is the love he is talking about, unity, caring for one another, supporting one another.
He reads Romans 12:4-13.
Romans 12
New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
Humble service in the body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.
He notes that we have all been given different gifts, so whatever may be your gifts, use it to unite the Church. To bring everybody on board and care for one another. He said the message Christ left for His Church is that we demonstrate love to one another, to care for one another. If we fail to do this in our life, then we are without love. The mission of Church he stated, is not just for this world, but to prepare a people for the second coming of Christ. So we are demonstrating this love with a mission in mind – preparing people for the second coming of Christ and ourselves also. And that is what God is admonishing us to do.
He continues to read Romans 12:12. He notes that if one person fails to do something that we should all team up and just do it. We should all work together. He spoke of Judas at the communion table. Had it been him and he knew Judas’ mind, (the planned betrayal) he would had sacked him! Yet Christ knowing all this, humbled himself and even washed Judas feet!
Pastor asks the question who am I? Who are we? That we cannot be humble enough, that we cannot forgive one another, that we cannot love one another. That is the message he wants to leave with you today. That has we dined with the Lord, we should invite the spirit of Christ to be in us so that we can be humble enough to the point that whatever may be our strength and weakness, whatever our differences, we can bring everything on board as we continue to fellowship together. Our objective is not just to spend eternity in Bilston Church, our objective is to prepare ourselves to be made whole to the point that when Christ comes, He can say these are the people that has been waiting for me, Pastor said.
He continues, I don’t want to lose out because of anybody. Do you want to lose out? No. He notes, we all want to get into the Kingdom. So that when we get there we can see each other. It would be an experience where we will share the joys and with the souls of this world together. That is why the hymn writer wrote when we all get to heaven.
On this note, Pastor Samuel Appiah ends the sermon for the Communion Service to begin.
Listen to the sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (February 22th 2014)
Speaker: Elder Fisher
Title: Hurdles Of Life
Scripture Reading: Hebrew 12:1,2
Visiting Elder from Wednesfield SDA Church was the speaker of the Hour at Bilston SDA Church.
He begins his sermon with an explanation that he is a simple man, with a simple message. He said he is only going to talk about what we are all going through, the hurdles of life.
One evening he comes home from work. His wife is busy with housework so he relaxes in front of the television, watching it. He notice that there is a horse race in progress and he begins to complain about it. His wife asks him why the complaining, his answer, the horses are jumping such high fences that they endanger the jockeys and they just might break their necks!
He notes that we are all in a race. We all have our own hurdles to get over. He makes reference to Hebrews 11 and noting that Paul wrote about the great men and women of faith. He then reads the scripture reading Hebrews 12:1, 2.
Hebrews 12
New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hurdles of life are all around us even in our very homes. Sometimes he notes, that these very hurdles can fall on us instead of we overcoming (jumping?) them.
He tells a story. He’s just in is twenty’s and had just joined the Church. There is a Church work programme and he joined in the work. At lunch time, all the people queue in the food lines to receive their lunch, the food is served to each person. It been a single queue, he believed that when it’s his turn he would be severed.
Well, that wasn’t the case. The lady serving, filled up the plate with food and instead of handing it to him, as was his right (well it seemed so, he was at the head of the queue and right in front of her!) called out to the man behind him and handed him the plate of food instead.
Well that man was like an elder in the Church he said. It could be, he reasoned, a case of showing respect to the adults as the man was as old as his own father. Yet even so, they all worked together, they were all in the same queue. This lady as put a hurdle in front of him to get over. This was an event that could had easily caused him to leave the Church over unfair treatment.
He notes that hurdles are everywhere and poses a problem for everybody. Even in marriage, he notes that people encounter hurdles and then separate and divorce. Death is another hurdle that we all have to deal with, robbing us of our loved ones.
He then talks about parents saving money for their own funeral expenses. Even so, it is becoming a common event that this very money as to be used to bury their own children instead. These are hurdles that we have to get over he said.
He goes on to speak about the first home in the Garden of Eden. He observes that God calls to Adam, Adam tries to hide from God. He paraphrases the conversation between God and Adam on the discovery of the first family disobedience. He notes that Adam never lied to God, in fact he spoke the very truth – “It’s the woman you gave me!” He states that Adam may not had lied, but he certainly passed the blame to Eve. The Elder pointed out that Adam, in this mood could had easily said – “The woman you gave me, you never made her good! A good wife wouldn’t had done this!”
He continues the summary of the Fall from Grace of the First Family from Eden. In your own house no one can tell you what you have to face there, the Elder noted. With smiling face you may welcome everyone you see at Church, but little or nothing do they know the suffering, hurt or pain you are experiencing in your very home, the hurdles that you are facing.
He tells of another experience. A certain lady with a large household would scold her children in a very high voice. Yet when the Pastor of her Church comes visiting, her voice would be well modulated. Once again, the Elder notes nobody knows the hurdles this poor lady has to overcome in her own home to be like this. Also the Pastor has no idea what these hurdles are this lady has to deal with.
He give another of his experiences. This time, his daughter and rest of the family is out of the home. The phone rings. He answers the phone. A young man is asking for his daughter. He said to the lad, “Why don’t you go and something with your life son?” He hangs up the phone.
It rings again ten minutes later. He picks it up. It’s the young man again asking for his daughter. He’s no longer in a good mood and responds in a rather irritated manner to the young man (ed – actually I couldn’t make out what the Elder was saying as the entire congregation had become very animated! But safe to say he conveyed that he was very irritated by this caller.)
The Elder noted that there were a number of calls after this. On the fifth call he as very much had it with this young man and was about to say something really horrible but something held him back. He calmed down and answered the phone. “Hello Brother Fisher this is Pastor…”
He notes amid the amused congregation, that the hurdles of life will happen in your very house, but you have to beg God to help you get over them. He notes that this may be amusing but we all face these hurdles.
He spoke about raising children, giving them the best. Yet when it comes to going to Church, they find some excuse not to do. Once you are out, off they go, out to football or somewhere else – not Church, hurdles of life.
He notes that you are in your bed and the children could be somewhere else unbeknown to you. Worse, the next morning that child could be in the news – hospitalised due to an incident in the night. Hurdles of life he notes.
These are hurdles that we have to get over he said. The apostle Paul wrote “and by seeing the men of faith before us we are to overcome these hurdles by faith.” Jesus gave certain promises about overcomers.
Relation 2 and 3 – Jesus promises to these that overcome.
He reads Relation 2:7.
Revelation 2
New International Version (NIV)
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
He states clearly that if you don’t overcome you are not going to make it. “He that overcometh, he will I give to eat with me in the paradise of God” the Elder quoted. Verse 11.
Sabbath Worship (February 8th 2014)
Speaker: Elder Mark Langston
Title: Not 3 but 4
Scripture: Isaiah 43:2
The speaker of the hour today was Elder Mark Langston of Wolverhampton Central Church. His message of the hour was to warn the Church that we need to be prepared for the trials that are certain to come. He introduced the topic of Typology and used the incident of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the trials of the captive Israelites; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as types of our trials today.
He pointed out how Christ was there, even before the lads where placed in the fiery furnace, hence the title – not 3 but 4. He noted that preparation before the oncoming trials is vital and that we have Christ in our hearts and bodies before the major times of trouble is upon us. He explained that we need to overcome the trials of today with a thorough knowledge of God’s Word in our hearts so that the big trials will find us prepared – just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
He begins with the scripture reading Isaiah 43:2.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
He talks about the age that Isaiah’s book was written, about a 150 years before the fall of Babylon. He noted all promises of the Bible have other promises interwoven. He introduces the term typology and quotes Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10. He said that Jesus said as it was in the days of Noah so is it today - points to something in the pass to represent something bigger he explains.
It's vital that we understand the prophecies of the Bible he notes. He shows a slide on a quote of Louis Were page 254.
The local and the literal
Isiah’s use of the destruction of Babylon and the liberation of Israel by Cyrus to picture “the still greater redemption couched under it” is the normal way all the prophets have written. It was the custom of the prophets to employ local, literal, national events in a “double” application in picturing world-wide, spiritual events.”
The Certainty of the Third Angel’s Message, Louis Were, page 243
He started off with an overview of Daniel Chapter Two – King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation of the dream. He then spoke of Daniel Chapter Three. It turns out that this is the main scripture for this sermon as it is based on the actions of the main personalities of Daniel Chapter Three.
In Chapter 3 of Daniel are the three Hebrew boys; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego along with King Nebuchadnezzar and the secondary figures such as the soldiers, dignitaries of the King, captives including Israelites and the people of the King. The Elder noted all these characters of this major event.
He then spoke of the deliberate defamation of the names of the Israelite captives. He used the name change of Jacob to Israel as his example. Names represent character he notes. Chapter One of Daniel records the name change of the Israelites. This is a direct attack on the character of God's people has this is all that is going to Heaven, your character.
He went on speaking about the Image of King Nebuchadnezzar and the huge audience the King had in attendance, covering the entire spectrum of the civilisation of Babylon at the time. Then he gave a summary of the King’s dream, this lead to an explanation of the remnant church.
He said the King used all current media to create a mood of worship for this big event. He observed that the devil is doing that very same thing today. Spoke of his determined commitment to sin as a sinner and that is the very commitment he has today to serve God. Really bad people turn out to be really good when it comes to serving God, look at what happened to Saul he notes, the transformation of Sal to Paul the disciple of Christ is his example.
He continues with the story of the Hebrew boys and the King. He was very colloquial with his description of the events of Daniel Chapter Three. He describes the standoff between King Nebuchadnezzar and the three Hebrew boys. He then refers this confrontation to that of epic showdown of Elijah and the false prophets at Mount Carmel. He notes that God is using the three lads to prove that God is a loving God.
He also said that this standoff between God and false prophets and religions has been going on over our history.
He continues to describe the fire of the furnace used by the King. He said it was seven times hotter, noting the use of the number seven pointing to perfectness. He also said that this trial is a perfect opportunity to glorify God. The Elder observed that the very strong soldiers ordered to throw the captives into the furnace are killed by the great heat. On a marker board he draws an area around the fire were the solders are killed, he calls it the kill zone. Of great importance he notes there is no harm to the purposed victims of the furnace.
He then points out the King’s statement as a fourth man is seen in the furnace with the three lads –
"But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." (Daniel 3:25, ESV)
The Elder then observed a remarkable point often overlooked, the King went into the kill zone and asked the lads to get out of the furnace! The King should had died just like the very strong soldiers that had thrown the lads into the furnace. He didn’t, hence the Elder deduced, Christ kept the King alive for a divine purpose. This is the reason for the Elder’s strange title – four not three.
He pointed out that Christ was there from the very beginning, long before the lads where put into the fiery furnace, that Christ walked into the furnace with them. This is the point he emphasised on for some time. Christ was there before they went into the fire, before the trial of the image, before they become captives of the Babylonian invasion of Israel. They had Christ in their hearts even before all this happened to them. He said that the boys had already claimed the promises of Christ. We need to stand faithful even as the Hebrew boys did as our trials are coming upon us.
He said the boys had the Scriptures in their hearts, this is what kept them through their captivity in Babylon. He spoke of the memory banks technque. He said that we should make us of this method of memory recall to store the scriptures just like the Hebrew boys. That they had fortified their minds for the trials to come on the promises of the Scriptures.
So are we to do the same thing. He spoke of the end of time and what is to come. We need to prepare just like the boys for this time of trouble he said. He notes Revelation 18 and the Character of Christ. He noted that this character can be seen in the lads and that they were willing to die for the Word of God, willing to do so, so that King could be saved. Then he spoke of Moses doing the same thing, willing to die so that God’s people could be saved, referring to the incident with the golden calf. This kind of love is not natural for us he noted, it is external and it can only come from one source - God.
He observes that we love God because God first loved us:
1 John 4:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 We love because he first loved us.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Rome 5:8 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
God wants us to represent Him just as the three Hebrew boys did for God to King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian people. He points out that this is our test today, our trial in spiritual Babylon, to stand up for God. He said Christ walked into the fiery trial with those boys, they were prepared, even to die. He said that Jeremiah had prophesied that Babylon would conquer Judah.
"I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," declares the Lord, "and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. "But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt," declares the Lord, "and will make it desolate forever."
Jeremiah 25:9-12 (NIV)
He notes how Jeremiah had written that they should submit to the Babylonian captivity, those that didn't were killed. This is how boys where prepared, they studied the Word. The Elder said that we should submit ourselves to “it is written,” in context with the Scriptures. He spoke of the first test the lads had to overcome was diet. He referred to the trial of Adam and Eve: diet. Diet is still a subject of controversy today among God’s people he noted. You are what you eat the Elder said. He went on to say if you eat right you will understand the Bible better.
The boys were tested along the way. They passed these test that lead to the greater test, the fiery furnace. This is what is happening to God’s people today stated the Elder. A build-up of trials that will lead to the final trials of the last days. We, the Elder noted, need to feed more on the Word of Christ – embrace Christ today so that in the furnace of our day, Christ will already be with us.
He spoke of the woman with the issue of blood and her faith. That's the faith that we need to have and it was written in Malachi Christ will have healing in his wings. We need to stand in spiritual Babylon by claiming the promises of Christ’s Word. The faith of this woman and the Hebrew boys is where we are to be today. We are to study the Scripture and act on the promises just like these people did with faith that it will happen. Christ has to be with us now to enter into the fiery furnace of today.
Sabbath Worship (February 8th 2014)
Speaker: Elder Solomon Thommandru
Title: TBA
Scripture: Psalms 34
The Elder read Psalms 34:1 and spoke of David been a busy king.
34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
He questions how David can say that he praises God at all times? He says that we think we are too busy in our daily lives. He places a large emphasis on David's statement in the Psalms: he [David] will praise Him at all times. Elder said it's hard to practice doing this all times.
A Christian will travel in two different times: in happiness and in sadness he said. When happy, the true worshipper will find it easy to praise God. In sadness, the worshipper will hide from contact with the Church and will find it difficult to praise God. The true worshipper will praise the Lord at all times even when in trouble because he recognises God as the sustainer of all life and the redeemer of all our sins.
Why does God permit our troubles, to His children? the Elder asks. Is it because of our sins, or could it be our pride? We should go to God and ask for His forgiveness. He reads 1 Peter 1:6, 7.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Faith is more precious than gold he states. We are all like gold he said. He describes the beauty of gold. Even so, that shine or glitter will be gone after a time. To reacquire that beauty lost, it needs the attention of a goldsmith. The goldsmith will clean it, not with paper tissue and cotton swabs but with fire. The process of cleaning requires hard, harsh treatment. God uses temptations to purify us, just like the goldsmith works hard to restore the beauty of old tarnished gold jewellery said the Elder. We all have to go through temptations he said. It is a necessary process.
He spoke of Job and about the temptations that Job had to endure. He spoke of how Job praised the Lord in all he endured. He said that God allowed Job to be brought low, but Job based his faith on God and God raised him up even higher than before his troubles - a double portion of God's blessing.
God’s plan is always different from our plans stated the Elder. He said that our trials and temptations are only temporary. He went on to speak of Daniel’s trials, mentioning the incident of Daniel been put into the lion’s den to die in a very horrible and vicious manner (Daniel Chapter 6). God saved Daniel and he was raised up higher than ever before the testing of his faith in God.
He then spoke of another case, when Daniel’s friends; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow to the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel Chapter 3). The three lads were placed in a blazing furnace. God saved them too pointed out the Elder, because they praised God in their hearts. He said that these are all temporary temptations we are facing. Put your faith in God. We need to think that everything is for our own good. The temptations are our trials to bear he said.
He said that we question the reasons for the many trials and temptations that we face. He advise that we go to God and repent of our sins and praise God’s name. He then spoke of Abram, the father of faith and of all nations. He reads from Genesis 12:1.
He asked if God says to you, go somewhere that you don't know, what will you say? Some he noted will have many excuses not to. Yet Abram obeyed God. Abram went through a learning process, like you and himself Elder said. God told him to leave and Abram put all his trust in God and obeyed. We can learn from Abram. The Elder asked the question how many would put their faith in God and move when commanded to do so. He reads Genesis 17:1.
17 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
He pointed out the gap in age between the readings of Genesis 12:1 (Abram is 75 years old) and Genesis 17:1 (Abram is 99 years old). He noted that over this 24 years period that Abram still wanted to learn more of God. Abram continued to praise God. He noted how Abram listened and had faith that at his age he would have a son – at his age, 99 years old. Even so, Abram believed even when Sarah did not believe. Elder commented that if he had told his wife that, it would most likely not be received well. Abram kept his faith and God blessed him with a son, Isaac.
Genesis 22:1 – 13 is read by Elder. God appears to Abram. Elder noted that Abram agreed with God to sacrifice his only son on God’s command. Elder wondered how he would cope if it had been him. He spoke of the many questions that would go through his mind. He noted that Abram did not falter in his endeavour to fulfil God’s commandment. Up to the very moment of handling the knife above his son.
Elder asks the question how would we respond if God ask us to do such a thing. Abram loved his son so much but he was willing to forgo that love to obey God’s Word. He spoke of Isaac questioning Abram, where is the lamb? Then the father replied, God will provide. Elder admired and praised the courage and faith of Abram. He also admired the obedience of Isaac when Abram bound and laid him on the alter for sacrifice.
He continued describing this great test of faith of Abram. Elder said that God will allow us to be tempted, but God will provide a miracle for us, as Abram praised God in his heart so are we to do likewise – praise the Lord always. God will allow the temptation, but He will stop the temptation at the last moment, even provide a miracle at the last moment as He did for Abram and Isaac.
God has sent His only begotten son to die for you and himself, on the cross of Cavalry to save us from sin he said. Elder asks that we look upon Jesus and praise Him all the time. With God everything is possible he said. Put all faith and trust in God and He will do that miracle at the last moment.
Elder told the story of a Shepard with his son. They were with their sheep one day and the father came across train tracks for a high speed passenger train that were seriously damaged. It would cause the train to derail and result in serious loss of life. He asked his son to try and stop the train, to prevent this tragic catastrophe. The son obeyed. He tried waving to the train but that did nothing.
Fearing what was about to happen, the son bravely stepped onto the tracks and stood there. The oncoming train hit him, killing him instantly. The train driver realised that there was a collision and stopped the train, just in time, before the train could hit the damaged tracks. The train and its passengers are saved, but at the cost of a brave young boy’s life.
Elder noted that God had to sacrifice the life of His only son to save you and I from sin. Elder's closing words, he reads Psalms 34:1 again. This he said should be our admonition today, may the Lord God help us to be this witness in the days to come.
Listen to the full sermon.
Sabbath Worship (February 1st 2014)
Speaker: Pastor S. Appiah
Title: Playing With Fire
Scripture: Judges 16:1 to 25
Special Song before Pastor's sermon.
Pastor Appiah read the scripture reading and then spoke about the many decisions one has to make in life. He makes reference to the cost of these decisions, noting that there is always a cost involved. He noted that consequences can be far reaching and involve others as well as ourselves.
He said that before we can understand the story of Samson we must first read Judges Chapter 13 which gives the background on the life of Samson. He points out that only two other women were told of the birth of a son apart from Jesus – Isaac and John the Baptise. He spoke of the Angel's instruction of how Samson should grow, that the child’s life will be that of a nazirite.
Pastor then reads from Numbers Chapter 6. This scripture reading speaks of the life of a Nazirite, of how a child should grow once the vow is taken. Here, Pastor noted were the instructions given to the parents of Samson as laid down by Moses. Pastor points out that Samson was brought up in a Christian home, so to speak, in the fear of God.
Pastor then points to Judges Chapter 14. Here it is recorded that Samson sees a woman, a Philistine woman. He emphases Samson’s command to his parents – “Get her for me as a wife.” Pastor describes the bondage of Israel to the Philistines at this time. Here is a man demanding a woman of the enemy who is a man set aside for the service of God.
Pastor compares this behaviour to that of our children today. Children are making decisions of their own without parents’ consent for marriage. Samson parents tried to dissuade him from making this decision. He points out that you need to be careful who you marry, that the people you associate with have a greater influence on your life. Pastor states you should not be unequally yoked. Such decisions can have a far reaching consequences even affecting the children of such unions.
Pastor spoke of the story of Samson. He points out how sin can lead you out of the Church. One bad decision starts of a chain reaction of other bad decisions, such was Samson's life, he said. Pastor noted that Samson was playing with fire. Samson’s parents pleaded with him to take a woman of Judah, but he insisted on making his own decision. The Philistines are the rulers of Judah at this time and its enemy, yet Samson rather seeing their women than of his own people. He visited a prostitute of the Philistine, his enemies found out and surrounded the house, they tried to kill him. Samson killed them all. Samson was chosen to redeem Israel but he was playing with hell's fire, dancing with the enemy is how Pastor puts it. Samson then makes another bad choice when he went for another woman – Delilah.
Pastor noted that when the Philistine realised that Delilah was Samson’s next choice, they made a deal with her to find the source of Samson’s great strength. Pastor said the devil will use those close to you and in this case it was Samson's own wife. She was paid to deceive him. She tried to find his secret, yet Samson was still smiling with her even when she tried to get him killed. Pastor said that we as Christians are playing with hell fire. That place you should not go, a relationship that you know you should not be in, a job that will lead you astray, something that you know will not be good for you, but you insist that you want to do it anyway.
Each time she questioned him, she went closer to the truth. Pastor noted when she complained to Samson how he kept lying to her and yet say that he loved her. Pastor said that the devil is very conniving. Pastor said that she was been used by the devil and used the same strategy that the devil used on Adam and Eve.
Pastor spoke of talking of love. He spoke of a story of a school boy writing a love letter to his lover. He writes – I’ll do everything for you. At the end of the letter he writes – if it isn’t raining tonight I will come and visit you! He will do everything, but can’t walk in the rain. Pastor says when you are talking about love, you are playing with hell fire, in this case, sin. He noted that Samson was so in love that he could not resist anymore.
Women has the power Pastor said. The woman is in control he says. Pastor said that men must work with women. Completely different roles to play but they need to work together. The woman can even kill you. He said that Adam may not have had much say when Eve gave him the forbidden fruit to eat. How many husbands can say no to their wives?
Pastor said a wife can make or break a good Christian experience. Pastor said that a Professor noted that a stupid man should marry a wise woman, than a stupid woman to marry a wise man. Pastor said that in the home, a wise woman can turn things around, but a stupid woman, everything is gone! A good woman will take care of her husband is the sum of what Pastor continued to say. In his case, his wife.
Not so for Samson, Pastor noted. He choose a woman who did not fear God. Pastor said that when a woman nags you, you will suffer. Such was the case of Samson (death), hence the secret is revealed.
Pastor then list the sequence of bad decisions made by Samson. Sin, Pastor notes; can cause you to lose your conscience. Pastor warns that you should run away from sin to avoid been tempted. In Samson’s case he went deeper into sin. The devil can do that, make you fall deep into sin and makes you believe it's not sin anymore, sin, Pastor says becomes sweet. Pastor reads verse 20 which tells of Delilah’s last attempt to betray him and Samson's capture. Pastor placed heavy emphasis on it: “he did not know that the spirit of Lord had departed from him.”
20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.
Pastor observed how sad it is that Christians can go on with their lives and not know that the spirit of the Lord has departed from them. He continues reading the scripture; where Samson’s bondage is described. Of note, his eyes were blinded and he was chained. Pastor made these points:
Sin can makes us blind; spiritual blind and spiritual bounded. Sin can do that. We need to run for your life from sin.
Pastor said that Samson thought it was just a game. Until he found out the spirit of the Lord had left him. This is what the devil will do to you, Pastor said to the congregation. The devil will blind you, then he will bound you, then he will use you. Just like Samson – blinded, bounded and enslaved. Pastor says that the Hope in Christ will set us free.
In verse 25 Samson is ordered to perform for his enemies.
25 And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.
Pastor notes this degradation, from someone who was anointed by God to be a protector of God's people, who now is a performer because of sin. Pastor said that’s how far sin can lead you. He then reads verse 28,
28 And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
Pastor wants us to think of this verse. Ask God to remember you, no matter how far in sin you have fallen. “Oh Lord remember me.” Pastor asks how far you have gone in sin. Pray the prayer of Samson - oh Lord remember me!
Listen to the full sermon.
Sabbath Worship (January 25th 2014)
Speaker: Pastor S. Appiah
Title: When God’s People Pray
Scripture: Acts 12: 1 – 5
Pastor read the scripture reading which was based on Peter’s arrest by King Herod and his divine deliverance from prison. Pastor describe the conditions of Peter on his angelic escape from prison.
He spoke about King Herod’s persecution of Christ’s disciples. He said that Herod was happy to do this as it pleased the Jews who were against the Gospel and Christ. He said that Herod had a political agenda and this persecution was a means to an end. This drive to weed out the followers of Christ led to the arrest of Peter which happened on the eve of one of the largest celebrations of the Jewish calendar - the Passover. Herod is forced to put him in prison until the Passover celebration is completed and then kill him.
He said that while Peter was in prison the early Church was praying for him. Pastor placed large emphasis on this statement. He wished that this was something the Church of today would do this regularly for its members.
He spoke about how it seems that members are too quick to condemn, instead of praying for one another. He spoke of an incident where he was questioned about praying for someone and not been aware of that person’s background. He thanked God for looking at his future and not his past. He also said that some people are stuck in the past and cannot move on in the future. He always looks to the future, he said.
He goes on to describe the early Church and the persecution of the believers. The Church was in real danger of been destroyed. He spoke of the fragile condition of the early believer’s faith. He said that they were some that were panicking, worrying about the future of the early Church. Pastor compared this to the state of some in Bilston Church today, worrying too about the future.
Pastor made the point that at Christ’s birth, a similar disaster loomed with the slaying of hundreds of children by non-other than King Herod himself (a true villain – ed). Pastor noted that the best time to attack a movement is at its infancy (an idea that seemed very much that of King Herod, and he carried it out with deadly efficiency – ed).
Pastor thanked God that the early Church was praying for Peter. Pastor said that now is the time of prayer, know is when Bilston Church should be praying. He spoke of incidents that prayer will make a difference in our life, overcoming panicking, noting that God’s people must return to Him.
He spoke the Christians gathered at John Mark mother’s house. They are praying for Peter’s deliverance. That at that time the Angel of the Lord visited Peter in prison. Note the timing - on the night before his execution, on the night his brothers and sisters in faith are praying for him!
Pastor notes his amazement at the timing of the Angel. He spoke about the spirit of patience and of waiting. He said some expect immediate action to prayer requests and just cannot wait. He pointed out that the feast of the Passover is over seven days and Peter’s deliverance was on the last night, hence his brethren must have been praying for him for days and nights.
He said that the Angle of the Lord is waiting to help you too. Just why cannot you wait? The Angel is waiting for the right time to intervene. You need to be patient. God’s time is not our time. Pastor noted the chains falling away from Peter at his rescue. Pastor noted that many have chains today. Maybe not physical but spiritual chains. The Angel of the Lord is waiting to release all from the chains of bondage and sin today. You just need to pray he said.
Pastor spoke of Peter going to the house that his brethren were gathered, praying for him. Pastor noted that Peter had no problem finding the house because of his angelic guardian. Pastor noted that Peter could not get into the prayer room of his brethren. He was without the angel, on his own. Peter stood outside knocking on the door and could not get in. Pastor said that with the divine aid of the Lord human beings can do nothing of themselves.
Pastor noted that if we leave the presence of the Lord we are helpless. The Angel of the Lord will open doors for us, in places that they are actually closed. We need to allow the Lord to lead us. God will never give up. He spoke of the early Church getting together to pray for Peter’s release. He spoke of the little girl who answered the knocking at the door. He thought that they would have been up in joy at the answer of their prayers. Not so, the people were surprised that their prayer was granted. Pastor said that they lack faith that their prayers were answered. He applied that to the Church today. He said that the Church needs faith that God will answer.
Pastor challenges us to not underestimate God. He said that we need to move forward in 2014. God will be there for us. The devil will do things to prevent us, but we need the faith to go on. He said that when we decide to stand for the will of the Lord, the devil will throw his all at us. Pastor said that it will get hard, it will be difficult, but that's when the Lord said He will stand with us. He emphasise on the need to pray. Great things will happen when the Church prays for each other. He said the family that prays together, stays together.
He said to leave your enemies to God Pastor says. Prayer will not be answered if your heart is not right by God. He pointed out Peter’s brethren who prayed for his rescue over many days – look what happened for them, their prayers were answered.
He asked that the Church pray for love, love for one another, and pray that the Spirit of God will prevail in Bilston Church, that it will grow out into the Bilston community.
Listen to the full sermon.
Scripture Reading : Matthew 22: 1 - 14
Sermon Title: Are You Invited?
Speaker: Sister IIene Johnson
Sister Johnson bases her sermon on the Parable of the Wedding Feast found in Matthew 22. She states that the parable has a context in the life of ancient Israel. She points out that marriage is honourable and one of the important events of the creation week pastored by none other than God himself in the Garden of Eden.
She said that marriage has lost its sanctity; quoting Romans 1:21 – 32. She said that this isn’t what God had planned for us. She went on to speak of the Wedding Feast parable. She sounded excited at the very idea of been invited to a feast. She said that a wedding day is always remembered whether with regret or joy.
She pointed out that a wedding requires careful planning and this will happen well in advance of the actual event. A wedding in Israel would last for several days and invitations sent out and later messengers are used to send reminders too. Which was the case in the parable of Matthew 22. The King sent out his messengers and the intended guests treated the messengers badly, having little or no intentions to attend the feast.
The King was willing to forgive these rude would be guests. She pointed out that the King could have enforced his invitation, but he didn’t. She then said that God could have compelled man to accept the Gospel invitation but He didn’t. Man is given the choice to accept or decline the Gospel invitation.
So the King has a feast that needs guests. He sends out an open invitation to all – asking the public to come just as they are. She points out that this is a mixed group. She said that the parable implied a high level of urgency in the invitation and that the inducement used was highly effective to get these new guests to attend. She said that the Gospel never forces anyone to accept Christ. Jesus calls you just as you are. She points to Isaiah chapter 55 verse 1:
“1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
She emphasises on the term “come just has you are” then she continues the heavy emphasis on Revelation 22: 17
“17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
She states that the invitation is here for all of us to attend the Gospel feast. She referrers to the parable again, saying that this is how Israel (the parable’s first guest) treated Christ messengers and His invitation to accept the Gospel. They rejected the call. This she said lead to the great persecution of the followers of Christ by the Jewish nation. An action that sealed their rejection of God’s love and mercy.
The new guests that attended the feast were a mixed group, the motives questionable. There were those that were there for just the free meal while others had little respect for the King. She spoke of a tradition of guest been attired befitting the invitation as laid out by the host. Should one fail to meet the requirement, the guest would bring dishonour to the host and become a discordant note in the festivities of the banquet. Hence the King provided the guests their own wedding garment, by wearing this garment they showed their respect to the King.
Yet one man decided to flaunt the King’s costly gift and chose to wear his own attire, deciding to keep his own common garment to look different from all the other guests. The King came in to observe the banquet and see the type of guests that were in attendance. She wondered if the rude guest realised that the King would attend the feast. She noted that by failing to meet the requirement of the banquet – namely to accept the King’s costly garment, he thereby insulted the King.
When asked by the King how he got into the banquet attired the way his, she said he was speechless, self-condemned. The King had him thrown out of the banquet, the error of the guest was intentional. She said he had declined the King’s garment possibly considering his own far superior to the King’s.
She said like the guests of the parable we have nothing suitable of our own to wear. We can only be in the presence of God only in the perfect garment of Christ righteousness by virtue of His merits. She said by the King’s examination of the guests of the wedding feast, it is represented as the work of the Judgement. The guest of the Gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those that have their names written in the Book of Life but not all that make this profession are true disciples. She said that before the final reward is given, the judgement will determine the inheritance of the Righteous. This will happen before the Second Coming of Christ in the clouds of Heaven – Revelation 22:17
We are to trust Christ right now. The character of everyone’s work will be determined before He comes. It’s while man is alive here on earth that the investigative judgement takes place in the courts of Heaven.
She said that Jesus speaks of invited guest at the last day, He promises thou your sins be as red as crimson He will make them whiter than snow – Isaiah 1:18, 19. This is the white raiment Christians are counselled to buy – Revelation 3:18. She said that the Jews had the first call of the Gospel from the Prophets of Israel, as occurred with the first invitation in the parable. She noted the second invitation of the parable and referred to the call of John the Baptist and the ministry of Christ and His disciples in Luke 14:16-24.
She spoke of the rejection of the Jews and their persecution of Christ and His disciples. She said the second call of the parable was the third invitation to the Jewish nation by the disciples after the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven. The disciples were to work first in Jerusalem before spreading out into the world. She said that Israel failed to accept the invitation, hence Jesus told the disciples to go and preach the Gospel to the gentle nations, drawing a parallel with the third command of the King to the servants to invite guests from the public.
She said the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, the dinner feast is laid out. The man that went to the wedding feast without a wedding garment is represents many in the world and in the Church today. They profess to be Christians, who feels no need for a transformation of their character, hearers of the Word they come to the banquet. Yet they have not the robe of Christ Righteousness, they have never felt the true repentance of sin, trusting their own righteousness.
There is no garment that can replace Christ’s Righteousness, no fig leaf garment or fancy dress. Only Christ’s robe of Righteousness will be accepted. Men are excluded from heaven because of their own wrong choices.
Reference was made to the five foolish virgins and she went on to say that the Word of God to ancient Israel has a solemn warning to the Church and its leaders today. She asks the question if we will reject the warnings of God as the Jewish leaders rejected Christ. The result of Israel sins is before us she said. Will the Church of today take warning? The dinner is set, the invitation made, the costly garment provided for us. The days of probation is fast closing and the end is near – take heed least you be found without a wedding garment. The man of the parable was able to enter the court only by royal invitation, but he alone was responsible for been evicted from the feast. No man can save himself, but he can bring condemnation on himself. She notes many are called but few are chosen. Only a few will find themselves on the way to salvation whereas many travel the broadways that lead to destruction.
She spoke of a story and some boys walking with heavy backpacks and a lorry driver. The driver stopped and gave them a lift. While driving he noticed that they still had the backpacks on. He asks the boys to take them off. One said no, the driver was doing enough to help, the least they can do his to remain carrying the backpacks on their backs. They think that they were doing the driver a favour by carrying the backpack while in the lorry.
She questioned just how many of us are thinking like that when it comes to the gift of eternal life. Jesus gave us eternal life, but we still carry our own bags. She said that we get in the Church but never lay down our burdens of sin, guilt and uncertainty at the foot of the Cross. She makes it clear that the good news is that Christ gives us eternal life – today! She goes on to say that we uplift Christ by trusting Him right now.
She points out that we live in a society that sin is condone and glorified. We are living is a new dark age she state. There is no sense of sinfulness and consequently no indignation to repent. We can no more repent without the spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience than we can be pardon without Christ. She spoke of a need for respect for the House of God, which is lessen in today’s society. Many giving way to the sins of the world – eroding the respect that should be God’s.
Our hope is not in our selves, she said; it is in Christ. Our weakness is united in His strength, our ignorance to His wisdom and our frailty to His enduring might. We should not make self the centre, and indulged anxiety and fear as to whether we will be saved. The sinner that comes to Christ in faith is joined soul to soul with his redeemer.
Satan is not asleep, he is wide awake. He has had years to plan and implement them to counter God’s Word. The five foolish virgins thought that their work in the church without the true love of God was enough to secure a place in the kingdom. Sad will be the day when man will meet face to face with eternity. They will see their whole life and realise that the righteousness that was spurned was of the greatest value. Then will they see the true result of their choice.
Listen to the full sermon.
Scripture Reading : St Luke 2: 41 - 52
Title - He Lingered
Pastor began with the Scripture Reading from Luke. He began with an explanation of the occasion to the congregation. There are three main Jewish celebrations that are very important to the Jewish nation and as such required all Jews to attend:
- The Passover – Exodus 23:14 - 17
- The Feast of the Pentecost – Exodus 34:22 - 23
- The Feast of the Tabernacle – Deuteronomy 16:16
He said that every Jew should attend these functions. Yet due to distance, this was a problem. So a Jew would decide to attend at least one of these celebrations. The Feast of the Passover was the most popular of the three and had a higher attendance.
This was the feast that Joseph and his family attended. Joseph lived about 80 miles from Jerusalem and it took three days to travel on foot – the main means of travel. They travelled in large convoys that provided support for the travellers. Only men were required make these pilgrimage, hence Mary’s attendance displayed her devoutness in her Jewish belief.
Pastor said that the observance of the Passover began with the birth of the Hebrew nation, Exodus 12. Pastor spoke of the events that led up to the actual Passover. He said that we are here today not of anything good that we have done, but by God’s good grace. Pastor began talking about near accidents and dangers avoided which was due not because of any goodness within us, but because of the Angel of the Lord passing over us. He said that’s why he and we are here today, all because of the Grace of God.
He spoke of the age of Jesus in context of Luke chapter 2. Spoke of Jesus going on the trip at the age of 12. Spoke of the ages of Jesus. Luke notes the changes in the nouns used to refer to Jesus’s age. Pastor points them out: Child; boy Jesus; son Jesus and finally, just Jesus. A progression of age that leads to verse 52 where he is just Jesus – he is now ready for his ministry.
He spoke of how Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem with Jesus. That they were high in spirit when they left the temple without Jesus. He points out that many people leave Jesus at church. He uses this to explain the change of behaviour in many Christians today. The parents went a whole day without Jesus – walking about 27 miles! This shows that people can go on without Jesus, unaware his presence is not with them.
We do the same thing he says. What kind of parents are these he questions. He sounds astonished that they, the parents of Jesus Christ could ever leave him anywhere! He goes into personal experience of how this can be possible. He said that the problem is not that they lost him but where they lost him – right in church!
It shows, he points out that you can be in church and still lose Jesus! He says that it's possible to just move with the crowd. You can have a great fellowship experience and should you be questioned about the service, you can’t answer. Yet the service was so good. The Spirit did not have an impact on you as you were just following the crowd. Your heart was not right with God he said.
He challenges us today to focus on Jesus. Don't follow the crowd, make sure that your attention is on Jesus. He said that the Church is in danger of losing Jesus for three reasons:
- When the emphasis is on the event and not the experience. In the Old Testament the Passover was an experience, in the New Testament time it became an event, a requirement. The danger is that the Church today will become an event instead of a personal experience with God.
- Passover became an event hence people want to leave quickly, but when it was an experience for the people, they lingered with others. He said that people who see the Church as an event are quick to leave, but those who experience a relationship with God will linger. He said that this is one reason Joseph and Mary left but Jesus lingered and was left behind.
- The Church is in danger of losing Jesus when he is not the centre of attention. He spoke of two reasons: First is longevity, constant repetition of an action becomes formalism. He spoke of Jesus been the centre of attraction as a baby and then becoming less as he aged. That at the age of twelve it was assumed that he could just follow the crowd and require less attention. He spoke of married couples and their attraction span which lasted until marriage or just after. The centre of attention has changed. Jesus should be the centre of attention. The second point is location. Pastor spoke of Mary when she was pregnant. The focus at that time was all on the baby – Jesus. He said that this is the state that we should be in. That Christ is in you, your focus will be always on Christ. Christ in you – the centre of attention.
- The final point is that you can lose Jesus when you have unrealistic expectations. The parents left without Jesus, they assumed he was with them, an unrealistic expectations. Pastor stated that it was the parents that were lost, not Jesus. He said that the parents were amazed when they saw Jesus in the temple. They were amazed of not what they saw but who they saw. He said that we should be amazed when we see the face of Jesus. He asked the question – when last did you see Jesus of the congregation. He asks if you have had that encounter with Jesus.
He spoke of the question Mary asked Jesus, “Son what have you done?” Christ answered, “Did you know that I must be about my Father’s business.” Our father's business is about union, is about discipleship, and is about taking care of one another. He said I must be about my Father’s business. Pastor said that they were not happy of what they saw but who they saw. Pastor asked are you about your Father’s business today? Are you searching for Jesus? Pastor read verse 45. He spoke of the parents search for Jesus. Their decision to re-trace their steps to find him. He asks, are you searching for Jesus today? It's not too far to make a U-turn. Jesus is still at the same place waiting for you - in Church. Jesus is waiting, it is we who are lost and are all over the place. Make that U-turn, Jesus does not change. He is waiting, make that decision today. Turn your life round stopping dragging your feet, Pastor said. Why are you delaying to make that decision?
When Mary and Jesus found out that they had left Jesus they made the decision to go back and look for him. Over 26 miles to find their son, and increased the overall miles that they will have to make to return home, but they did it. Are you prepared to make the decision to turn back and find him? He is waiting for you in the same place. Why are you dragging your feet?
Listen to the full sermon.
Speaker: Dr Herbert Griffiths
Scripture Reading: Psalms 137:1-4
Psalm 137
King James Version (KJV)
1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Dr Herbert Griffiths read the scripture reading and then described the background of the Psalms. He spoke of a defeated people with cruel overseers. He read texts from Psalms 79. Once again he draws vivid picture of the utter destruction of Jerusalem. He spoke of the 900 miles a defeated people was forced marched into captivity. This is the state of mind that lead to the writing of Psalms 137.
He spoke of the captors demanding the captives to sing in a mocking manner. This is said was in mockery of a people most renowned for their singing abilities. Hence the words of the song itself he stated. He said it was a difficult thing for them to do. It would have been very difficult for him too. People enduring pain, sorrow and desolation will find it hard to sing in the midst of their calamities.
He spoke of the difficulties of the last year that many have endured. He knows where he is coming from. He spoke of is horrifying experience of nearly died, not once but twice. He spoke of this near death experience. He wasn't aware even aware of the immediate danger he was in at the time. On the second occasion it seemed as if death wanted to do a sudden removal of his life. The hospital's dedication saw to it that he survived. He said whatever the problems, God will see us through. In his case this is certainly true!
Romans 15:13 was read, the God of hope will fill you with hope and peace.
I Peter 5:7; God cares for us. Habbuk 3:17,18 was also read, saying that we can rejoice in the midst of our problems. He spoke of the many failures, of problems that we all go through. We should not allow them to take away our joy in The Lord. He said that he has seen many that let their worrying ruin their fate in God. We need, he states, to keep the fate in The Lord. In the midst of his near death experience he was singing to The Lord. He has had his problems, but he kept on singing to The Lord. Don't let the problems pull you down he said. Lamentations 3:22. This is why we should not let our worries control us. He wants us to think about our relationship with The Lord. Think, he says regardless of what we went through in 2013 on these three things:
- be dedicated in the way we live our life's
- commit to unity in the Family and the Church
- and stand together and support each other
This is how we are to live, what we all should be doing he said. We are to be Ambassadors for Christ. Self and emotions will lead us astray, but living for Christ will keep us true.
Speaker: Elder R. Scarlett
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:25-34
Brother Scarlett begins by welcoming everyone. He said that we are urged throughout the Bible to believe in Jesus and so be saved. He asked the question, what does it mean to be saved? He says that we can have the assurance that we can be saved by the promises given and he reads John 3:16 and other Bible texts, among them Acts 10:43. Believing in Jesus is critically important if one wants to be saved. What does it mean to believe? He asks. He said that the devil believes too and trembles, but he won't be saved. Many think that it's just a matter to believe, but that isn't the case. He says that we are here because we love Jesus. He doesn't agree it’s that simple - just believe and you are saved. We need to do something, it is Grace that saved us, not our works or efforts. Good works can't save us but Jesus’ grace saves us to do good works. Good intentions won't saves us either. The road to hell is paved with many good intentions, he states.
Many preach that all that is required, is to believe in Christ and you will receive all His blessings and you can live your own life. Not so. Believing in Jesus means accepting all that Jesus teaches. He spoke of the feeding of the five thousand. He spoke of Christ saying to his disciples to eat of his flesh and to drink of his blood. This the elder noted, was Christ speaking of the communion service. He said that people left Christ after this was said, it was just too hard to accept these conditions to follow Christ he said. He noted that people are choosing which part of the Bible to accept, but we need to accept all of it not just the easy parts that we can live with. That can fit into our busy lives.
He speaks of the Jews honouring only with their lips. Many are offering only lips service to God today, keeping the commandments of men. He notes even Seventh-day Adventist will find themselves not counted with the saved. He reads Romans 10:9.
Romans 10:9 King James Version (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
What's does it mean to believe in your heart he asks? He says that Baptism and the Commandments go together. He notes that he is going to church today because Jesus did it and Christ says that he should do it. He is in very good company. When asked why the majority isn't doing it, he says the majority isn't always right.
He notes Faith in three different ways
Historical Faith
He refers to the noble man story. John 4:47-53. John 4:47-53 New Living Translation (NLT) 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” 49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” 50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. 51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 53 Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus.
Historical faith. He went to see him. Jesus said go thy way your son lives. He goes expressing his faith. When he found the time the son was saved he had trusting faith.
Intellectual Faith
Believe that God exist and still be lost. He said atah we need to see ourselves as we are - no good in us. Filthy rags is our righteousness. Only Christ’s Righteousness can clean us.
Trusting/Saving Faith
Belief by faith, that we must believe that Christ can save us and do His will. And that's because we love Him. Love our enemies etc. that's the faith he has and that we have to trust God that He will do what is necessary to save us. Go to Him in simplify and trust and He will save us.
Are we following God as we should? Follow from the heart, we can't fool Him. He notes that we can fool others but not so with God. The Elder said that he wants to see Christ face to face. God knows our thoughts and even if these closest to us can't read our thoughts or mind, God can and He knows our most inner thoughts.
He spoke about the pain some are going thought. Pain that others can never know, but God knows. He will come and ease their sorrows and their pain will be no more. It doesn’t matter what others know or even think they know.
He ends with the question, are you saved? We can have the assurance that Jesus saves. He reads Timothy 4:6-8. He notes Paul's confidence. Paul knew who he believed. He had committed his life to Christ. We can have that assurance. He says that we are to surrender completely to Christ and trust Him to save us. When Jesus comes you will be able to look apon Him and say lord this is my God.
Go in peace and believe completely in Jesus Christ and you will have eternal life.
Visitor's Day Sabbath Worship December 22nd 2013
Pastor Lorance Johnson, President of the North England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Scripture Reading: Revelation 14:6 – 7
Title: The Joy of the Judgement
Pastor spoke of the rebuilding of the Church. He read Revelation 14:6, 7. He expressed the word fear. Fear here, he noted is reverence for God that leads to respect for God, not the dictionary definition. Respect at this time is at an all-time low. He reflects over the ages how respect has declined. It’s no longer the respect he knew as child. Quoting the media has been a major factor for this degradation. There is no fear (respect) of authority. He laboured on this point for a while and ended with the conclusion that this all leads to no fear (respect) for God. Revelation chapter 14 points that God is calling for everyone to return to Him. God is worthy of our respect and obedience. He calls for God’s People to run to God in fear, not to run away.
He then tells a true story of a lady driving home one night. She stopped at a patrol station for fuel and noted a lorry there too. She left the patrol station, eager to get home. On her way, she saw the headlights of a large vehicle approaching her at speed. She realised it was the lorry she had seen earlier. It quickly caught up with her, its headlights flashing at her but it would not pass. Pastor said that she quickly got irritated with the situation as this continued for a while. Her irratation quickly grew into anger. She moved over on the road to let the lorry pass. It did not. Instead, the lorry changed lane too and stayed right behind her! flashing its lights at her. She went back to the left lane, the lorry did the same, still flashing constantly its lights. Her anger now turned to fear.
She increased her speed. She was now desperate, driving dangerously, hoping to get off the road before she is killed. Lorry is flashing lights and honking its horns. She got off the main road on to a slip road, lorry was right behind her. Chasing her. She saw a patrol station up ahead. She stops there and fled into the station. The lorry stops too, out jumps the driver too and ran to her open car. He hauls out a man from the back seat! The lorry driver had seen the man sneaked into the back seat of the woman’s car while she at the last patrol station and gave chase to warn her of her danger.
God is in pursuit of the human race Pastor says. The Devil has stolen the human race from God. God is chasing us, says Pastor. The Devil is the man in our back seat. God is in pursuit to warn us of the danger we are in. Yet we are running away from Him (Genesis 3), very much like the woman of the story. Even so, this is very real as the entire Book of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation is a record of God in pursuit of Mankind. He laments on how God’s people flee from Him. Only a few recognise the voice of God, even when Christ died for fallen man, many chose to ignore the voice lovingly calling for them to return. Satan he says, has stolen his way into our lives. Ignorant of the fact that the One that pursues us, is actually the only One that can save us!
Satan misrepresents the character of God and makes us believe that God is a cross old man that can never be pleased! John 3: 16 makes this assertion null and void:
Ephesians 2:4 says God is rich in mercy. In the Old Testaments 32 times it talks about His loving kindness! Psalm 63:3 His Loving kindness is better than life! In Jeremiah 31:3 – I have loved thee with an everlasting love. Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee! Four times in the book of Daniel it is noted that God will one day remove all wrong and reward all good. Put differently, he states that the Court will sit in judgement and the Beast will be slain and the Kingdom will be given over to the Saints! God cares, Pastor says. There is no doubt that God is the Judge, the Bible says that God will judge the world but He will be using the man that was raised from the dead. Romans 14:10 – We shall all stand before the Judgement seat of God. In 2 Corinthians 5:10 – We must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ.
Pastor notes that by selecting Christ as our Judge, God has done a very beautiful thing; this Son of Man that was made as us, suffered like us, knows our every pain and sorrows, lived mortally on this earth. This Son of Man who also is the Son of God. He will be our Judge. Pastor states this is good news, as this Judge is also his friend, He knows him. God will stand by the Judgement of His Son. So the Judgement doesn't scare him. The Judge is his friend and He understands him. He is excited, he is expectant, that by faith and through sins confessed and forgiven he is promised deliverance in the Judgement. The joy of the Judgement is that wrongs will be set right. Pastor proudly proclaims because:
He lives (Christ), he can face tomorrow,
because He lives (Christ) , All fear is gone,
because he knows He (Christ) holds the future,
his life is worth the living, because He lives (Christ) .
Fellowship Sabbath Worship (December 8th)
The Speaker of the day is Pastor Jackson.
His sermon is based on Trust, Trust based on Christ’s Promises. He begins speaking to the congregation asking if they ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right. He spoke of Christ’s apostles feeling the same way. He covered the highs (Christ’s triumphant entrance in to Jerusalem) and the lows (the betrayal by Judas, the plotting priesthood and the Crucifixion).
All this Pastor said was in Christ’s thoughts when he comforted his disciplines with one of the greatest promises given to mankind – the immortal words of St. John 14:1 – 6.
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus is comforting us all now. We need to trust Christ and believe in His Promises, just like: Joseph, David, Jonah, Peter and John and many others.
He said Jesus is asking that we trust in him, that there are three levels of trust:
In His Presence – Trust in God
In His Promises – Trust in His Promises
In His Person – Trust His Person, You won’t go lost, He will lead you to His Father’s House.
Pastor spoke of the difficulty to trust in what can’t be seen. He said that Christ said He will come again. He recounts on promises made by God to His people been kept over time that extends hundreds of years. Jesus want all to be at His Father’s Home. Pastor spoke of the eastern custom were the children marry and return home with their new family. Jesus wants us all with him! He stressed on the word home been heaven.
Pastor said that we must trust in His person. Christ said that He is the way, no man goes to the Father but by Him. He is our guide, leader, and our friend. Trust in God. God his asking only one question today - do you trust Him?
Listen to the full sermon.
Topic: The Third Angel Message
Speaker: Elder Solomon
The Elder began his sermon by reminding everyone that the Third Angel’s message must be told to all of the world, irrespective of creed, religion and language. He had is son recite verses from Revelation 14 on the Three Angels. The lad was very brave and completed the task. He certainly made his dad proud of him along with his sister when they did the special song.
The Elder pointed out that the Third Angel’s message is only spoken off by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. This he said this is a very important message and affects the life of every member of the Church. He notes it is an honoured duty of each member to tell this message, even to every nation. This message he points out, everyone should listen to and decide for themselves who will they serve.
He said that in a time of fear, of natural and man-made disasters, that it is fear of God that we should have irrespective of the calamities around us. He warns of giving worship to the mark of the Beast. He states that all are to repent and give glory to God and heed the Third Angel’s message. He works through the three angels of Revelation 14, noting the significance of each angel. He asks the Church to exercise the power of choice, to choose wisely, not the mark of the beast but heed the Third Angel’s message.
Sabbath Worship (November 16th)
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:3, 4
Speaker: Clement Njika
Title: We Were Soldiers
Clement begins by speaking of his fascination of the military. He makes note of the Bible's many references to God’s people has soldiers. He makes reference to the Greek city state Sparta. He spoke of the custom of male children selected for the Spartan army from birth. He then made reference to the great controversy, the great battle of good and evil. He said that we are in this fight from conviction to Christ – just as a male Spartan child is to the city state army. The question is are you a good soldier? He quotes from Paul to support this. He speaks about the training of a solider, the enduring of hardship that is part of that training. Then he questions is the Christian army today ready for battle, for the hardship of the war that is currently on going? He spoke of Jacob's trouble. Is the Church today ready for its time of trouble? He spoke of the security parliament review with the UK security branches. An aspect of the review reviled that there has never been so many threats against the country as there was ever before. Resources and money is been poured into enhancing and securing the security of the country. Yet Christians who are caught up in the greatest warfare of humanity are taking it easy.
He spoke of a well known military strategy taught in every military academy around the world: know your enemy. This is from the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu and his military treatise – The Art of War. He questions just how many modern day Christians really know their enemy? He points out that a trained soldier is vigilant. This he says is what a Christian soldier should be doing – be vigilant at all times. He said that Christians are to be doing this, but there are those that do not even care. Without constant vigilance there can be now defence he says. This is what the military does and Christians are to be doing this too. He quotes Sister E G White and Revelation 12. Satan is a master deceiver, he is very skilful to temptation. He qutotes Sister E G White again – by neglecting prayer the devil will overcome us. He draws attention to Judges Chapter 7. This is about Gideon and his army. He points out how God selected the men for the army. The first screening of the 22,000 men resulted in 10,000 volunteers. Then the second screening, the water test. This resulted in 300 men. This he said was based on the solders’ vigilance. He said that this is an object lesson for the Church today. The devil is always ready to attack us. Only by constant vigilance and reliance on the Jesus will keep His Army from deception and temptation. Prayer and connection to Christ is the only shield, armour and weapon. He said that the devil is a supernatural been that man has no hope of beating him by human means, only by the power of Christ, the Lamb of God can mankind be victorious in the spiritual warfare of good and evil.
He said that it will appear the devil will have the upper hand at times but victory is assured in Christ. We must take the time out prepare our life for the spiritual warfare. Our spiritual live needs that training to stand against the devil. Christians today need to think beyond the life of this world. He reads Ephesians 6, the whole armour of good. To stand against the devil we need all the Armour of God. Christians have to be prepared to fight the battle, God has given the means to defeat the devil. The devil will use every opportunity to attack. Those attacks will increase as Christians find themselves in higher positions in the Church. He asks that all will be vigilant in God’s Army.
Sabbath Worship (October 26th)
Dr Herbert Griffiths takes the centre stage by making the statement that by Faith we should be looking up to Christ. He spoke of the Wolves supporters he saw on his way to church this morning boarding their coaches. He uses this scene as an analogy of what we has Christians should be doing - to follow Christ where ever he goes and support His Work. He points to Matthew Chapter 8 describing the (multitude) people that followed Christ. He illustrates the various types of people that would be found and comparing those types to today’s Church congregation. He particularly describes one type – an undesirable of the people of the time, the outcasts. In comparison, he spoke about an incident on the bus about a very smelly person that was on a bus he took. The passengers of the bus all sat in the rear of the bus, as far as they could clearly isolating this person. This was his example of an outcast of society today – the Leper of Matthew 8. He spoke of the other passengers, how some may have gotten off the bus before their actual destination. This type of behaviour, the treatment of outcasts, the undesirable of society today reflects badly on us as Christ followers.
He poses the question as to what are the reasons that people followed Christ. Was it just for the meal of the day? Or those following Christ are just similar to the Wolves supporters of today on their way to an away match? There could be many reasons he said, but what is most important is the reason of why you and I today are following Christ.
He went on to describe the horrible conditions the undesirable of Christ’s time had live with. The incredible restrictions and laws that physically separated these people from the rest of society; the rejects in body and mind. His focus on the Leper of Matthew 8. Using this poor outcast’s situation he draws parallels with the Church membership today. The desperate situation of the Leper forces him to cast aside the restrictions of his “type” to approach Jesus.
Dr Griffiths illustrates the disgust of the people around Christ, even the reactions of the disciples towards this Leper’s complete disregard of the rules governing his class and compares this with the behaviour of Christians today. It would be just as violent as those of the multitude in Christ’s day. He paints a picture of horror that people would experience if the Leper came into the Church today.
He spoke about the strength of the Leper’s belief that Christ could change him. He spoke about how our thoughts and beliefs can put people into moulds that are difficult to get out off. He said that Christians must rise above the circumstances, to seek Christ against all the restrictions that society can place God’s people in. He spoke of the desperation that the Leper must have had to break the mould set for him by the society of the day. That same level of desperation is what is needed for us to seek Christ. The restrictions and class boundaries of society will melt away in the presence of Christ. It's the Leper’s complete disregard to these rules of society, the desperation of his condition that gave him the strength to push ahead to see Christ. The sermon is clearly pointing out the implications of society's iron bound rules and how modern Christians are treating the undesirables in society today. It appears we may be no better than the multitude of Christ's day.
This man’s belief was so powerful that he went ahead to force himself into Christ presentence. This experience of been neglected of society was a great motivator for him. The Leper’s joy of his new found status could not keep him quite even though he was asked to say nothing about his healing. Many of Christians of today are in the Church, but they are on the outside. Many are saying that they are only sinners and cannot do any better and God understands. There are Christians that lack the desperation in their lives to make the commitment to follow Jesus. They just haven't reached that point in life that the Leper had most definitely reached.
He went on to make reference to the week of prayer that the Church has set. That it is important opportunity for us to meet and seek Christ in prayer - to follow Him. He wants to encourage everyone to see the need to follow Christ and stand with Him.
Dr Griffiths than broke up the congregation into a practical demonstration of prayer cells, to call on Christ to help the Church to see its condition and for the congregation to draw closer to the Cross of Calvary, even as the Leper; disregarding the restrictions of society and fought his way to Christ. Each cell prayed for each other in groups of twos; with someone not the usual prayer partner or acquaintance. On the prayer of the faithful came to the end of the Word for the Day.
Thank you Dr Herbert Griffiths. May God bless you and all who worship this day!
The Observance of God’s Holy Sabbath
Elder Clive Ferguson after settling the Sabbath Question on October 12th 2013
Great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy. There was joy at the institution of the Sabbath. God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced “very good.” Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Though sin has entered the world to mar His perfect work, God still gives to us the Sabbath as a witness that One omnipotent, infinite in goodness and mercy, created all things. Our heavenly Father desires through the observance of the Sabbath to preserve among men a knowledge of Himself. He desires that the Sabbath shall direct our minds to Him as the true and living God, and that through knowing Him we may have life and peace. – {CCh 261.1}
When the Lord delivered His people Israel from Egypt and committed to them His law, He taught them that by the observance of the Sabbath they were to be distinguished from idolaters. It was this that made the distinction between those who acknowledge the sovereignty of God and those who refuse to accept Him as their Creator and King. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord said. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:17, 16. – {CCh 261.2}
As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes God’s people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. The Sabbath is a sign of the relationship existing between God and His people, a sign that they honor His law. It distinguishes between His loyal subjects and transgressors. – {CCh 261.3}
From the pillar of cloud Christ declared concerning the Sabbath: “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience. – {CCh 261.4}
To us as to Israel the Sabbath is given “for a perpetual covenant.” To those who reverence His holy day the Sabbath is a sign that God recognizes them as His chosen people. It is a pledge that He will fulfill to them His covenant. Every soul who accepts the sign of God’s government places himself under the divine, everlasting covenant. He fastens himself to the golden chain of obedience, every link of which is a promise. [471]Testimonies for the Church 6:349, 350 – {CCh 262.1}
Remember the Sabbath Day
At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said: “Remember.” He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8. – {CCh 262.2}
All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment. We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are to understand its spiritual bearing upon all the transactions of life. All who regard the Sabbath as a sign between them and God, showing that He is the God who sanctifies them, will represent the principles of His government. They will bring into daily practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily it will be their prayer that the sanctification of the Sabbath may rest upon them. Every day they will have the companionship of Christ and will exemplify the perfection of His character. Every day their light will shine forth to others in good works. – {CCh 262.3}
In all that pertains to the success of God’s work, the very first victories are to be won in the home life. Here the preparation for the Sabbath must begin. Throughout the week let parents remember that their home is to be a school in which their children shall be prepared for the courts above. Let their words be right words. No words which their children should not hear are to escape their lips. Let the spirit be kept free from irritation. Parents, during the week live as in the sight of a holy God, who has given you children to train for Him. Train for Him the little church in your home, that on the Sabbath all may be prepared to worship in the Lord’s sanctuary. Each morning and evening present your children to God as His blood-bought heritage. Teach them that it is their highest duty and privilege to love and serve God. – {CCh 262.4}
When the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed we shall be too weary to engage in His service. While preparation for the Sabbath is to be made all through the week, Friday is to be the special preparation day. Through Moses the Lord said to the children of Israel: “Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.” “And the people went about, and gathered it [the manna], and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it.” Exodus 16:23; Numbers 11:8. There was something to be done in preparing the heaven-sent bread for the children of Israel. The Lord told them that this work must be done on Friday, the preparation day. – {CCh 262.5}
On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. – {CCh 263.1}
We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time. Whenever it is possible, employers should give their workers the hours from Friday noon until the beginning of the Sabbath. Give them time for preparation, that they may welcome the Lord’s day with quietness of mind. By such a course you will suffer no loss even in temporal things. – {CCh 263.2}
There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit, “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. [472]Testimonies for the Church 6:353-356 – {CCh 263.3}
Nothing which will in the sight of Heaven be regarded as a violation of the holy Sabbath should be left unsaid or undone, to be said or done upon the Sabbath. God requires not only that we refrain from physical labor upon the Sabbath, but that the mind be disciplined to dwell upon sacred themes. The fourth commandment is virtually transgressed by conversing upon worldly things or by engaging in light and trifling conversation. Talking upon anything or everything which may come into the mind is speaking our own words. Every deviation from right brings us into bondage and condemnation. [473]Testimonies for the Church 2:703 – {CCh 263.4}
Sundown Worship
Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is given it by many professed Sabbathkeepers. The Lord has been greatly dishonored by those who have not kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, either in the letter or in the spirit. He calls for a reform in the observance of the Sabbath. – {CCh 263.5}
Before the setting of the sun let the members of the family assemble to read God’s word, to sing and pray. There is need of reform here, for many have been remiss. We need to confess to God and to one another. We should begin anew to make special arrangements that every member of the family may be prepared to honor the day which God has blessed and sanctified. – {CCh 264.1}
At family worship let the children take a part. Let all bring their Bibles and each read a verse or two. Then let some familiar hymn be sung, followed by prayer. For this, Christ has given a model. The Lord’s Prayer was not intended to be repeated merely as a form, but it is an illustration of what our prayers should be—simple, earnest, and comprehensive. In a simple petition tell the Lord your needs and express gratitude for His mercies. Thus you invite Jesus as a welcome guest into your home and heart. In the family long prayers concerning remote objects are not in place. They make the hour of prayer a weariness, when it should be regarded as a privilege and blessing. Make the season one of interest and joy. – {CCh 264.2}
As the sun goes down [at the close of the Sabbath], let the voice of prayer and the hymn of praise mark the close of the sacred hours and invite God’s presence through the cares of the week of labor. – {CCh 264.3}
It means eternal salvation to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord. God says: “Them that honor Me I will honor.” 1 Samuel 2:30. [474]Testimonies for the Church 6:353-359 – {CCh 264.4}
The Family’s Most Sacred Hours
The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they can. Left alone, the children soon be come restless and begin to play or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance. – {CCh 264.5}
In pleasant weather let parents walk with their children in the fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for the institution of the Sabbath. Describe to them God’s great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful. Every flower, every shrub, every tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. Everything upon which the eye rested was lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of the love of God. Every sound was music in harmony with the voice of God. Show that it was sin which marred God’s perfect work; that thorns and thistles, sorrow and pain and death, are all the result of disobedience to God. Bid them see how the earth, though marred with the curse of sin, still reveals God’s goodness. The green fields, the lofty trees, the glad sunshine, the clouds, the dew, the solemn stillness of the night, the glory of the starry heavens, and the moon in its beauty all bear witness of the Creator. Not a drop of rain falls, not a ray of light is shed on our unthankful world, but it testifies to the forbearance and love of God. – {CCh 264.6}
Tell them of the way of salvation; how “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Let the sweet story of Bethlehem be repeated. Present before the children Jesus, as a child obedient to His parents, as a youth faithful and industrious, helping to support the family. Thus you can teach them that the Saviour knows the trials, perplexities, and temptations, the hopes and joys, of the young, and that He can give them sympathy and help. From time to time read with them the interesting stories in Bible history. Question as to what they have learned in the Sabbath school, and study with them the next Sabbath’s lesson. [475]Testimonies for the Church 6:358, 359 – {CCh 265.1}
Upon the Sabbath there should be a solemn dedication of the family to God. The commandment includes all within our gates; all the inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business, and employ the sacred hours in devotion. Let all unite to honor God by cheerful service upon his holy day. [476]Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 218 – {CCh 265.2}
“O Come Let Us Worship the Lord”
Christ has said: “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. Wherever there are as many as two or three believers, let them meet together on the Sabbath to claim the Lord’s promise. – {CCh 265.3}
The little companies assembled to worship God on His holy day have a right to claim the rich blessing of Jehovah. They should believe that the Lord Jesus is an honored guest in their assemblies. Every true worshiper who keeps holy the Sabbath should claim the promise: “That ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Exodus 31:13. [477]Testimonies for the Church 6:360, 361 – {CCh 265.4}
The Sabbath was made for man, to be a blessing to him by calling his mind from secular labor to contemplate the goodness and glory of God. It is necessary that the people of God assemble to talk of Him, to interchange thoughts and ideas in regard to the truths contained in His word, and to devote a portion of time to appropriate prayer. But these seasons, even upon the Sabbath, should not be made tedious by their length and lack of interest. [478]Testimonies for the Church 2:583 – {CCh 265.5}
When the church is without a minister, someone should be appointed as leader of the meeting. But it is not necessary for him to preach a sermon or to occupy a large part of the time of service. A short, interesting Bible reading will often be of greater benefit than a sermon. And this can be followed by a meeting for prayer and testimony. – {CCh 265.6}
Everyone should feel that he has a part to act in making the Sabbath meetings interesting. You are not to come together simply as a matter of form, but for the interchange of thought, for the relation of your daily experiences, for the expression of thanksgiving, for the utterance of your sincere desire for divine enlightenment, that you may know God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Communing together in regard to Christ will strengthen the soul for life’s trials and conflicts. Never think that you can be Christians and yet withdraw yourselves within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great web of humanity, and the experience of each will be largely determined by the experience of his associates. [479]Testimonies for the Church 6:361, 362 – {CCh 265.7}
The Sabbath School
The object of Sabbath school work should be the ingathering of souls. The order of working may be faultless, the facilities all that could be desired; but if the children and youth are not brought to Christ, the school is a failure; for unless souls are drawn to Christ, they become more and more unimpressionable under the influence of a formal religion. The teacher should cooperate, as he knocks at the door of the heart of those who need help. If pupils respond to the pleading of the Spirit, and open the door of the heart, that Jesus may come in, He will open their understanding, that they may comprehend the things of God. The teacher’s work is simple work, but if it is done in the Spirit of Jesus, depth and efficiency will be added to it by the operation of the Spirit of God. – {CCh 266.1}
Parents, set apart a little time each day for the study of the Sabbath school lesson with your children. Give up the social visit if need be, rather than sacrifice the hour devoted to the precious lessons of sacred history. Parents, as well as children, will receive benefit from this study. Let the more important passages of Scripture connected with the lesson be committed to memory, not as a task, but as a privilege. Though at first the memory may be defective, it will gain strength by exercise, so that after a time you will delight thus to treasure up the precious words of truth. And the habit will prove a most valuable aid to religious growth.... – {CCh 266.2}
Observe system in the study of the Scriptures in your families. Neglect anything of a temporal nature; dispense with all unnecessary sewing and with needless provision for the table, but be sure that the soul is fed with the bread of life. It is impossible to estimate the good results of one hour or even half an hour each day devoted in a cheerful, social manner to the word of God. Make the Bible its own expositor, bringing together all that is said concerning a given subject at different times and under varied circumstances. Do not break up your home class for callers or visitors. If they come in during the exercise, invite them to take part in it. Let it be seen that you consider it more important to obtain a knowledge of God’s word than to secure the gains or pleasures of the world. In some [Sabbath] schools, I am sorry to say, the custom prevails of reading the lesson from the lesson sheet. This should not be. It need not be, if the time that is often needlessly and even sinfully employed, were given to the study of the Scriptures. There is no reason why Sabbath school lessons should be less perfectly learned by teachers or pupils than are the lessons of the day school. They should be better learned, as they treat of subjects infinitely more important. A neglect here is displeasing to God. – {CCh 266.3}
Those who teach in Sabbath school must have their hearts warmed and invigorated by the truth of God, being not hearers only, but also doers of the Word. They should be nourished in Christ as the branches are nourished in the vine. The dews of heavenly grace should fall upon them, that their hearts may be like precious plants, whose buds open and expand and give forth a grateful fragrance, as flowers in the garden of God. Teachers should be diligent students of the word of God, and ever reveal the fact that they are learning daily lessons in the school of Christ, and are able to communicate to others the light they have received from Him who is the Great Teacher, the Light of the world. In selecting officers from time to time, be sure that personal preferences do not rule, but place in positions of trust those whom you are convinced love and fear God, and who will make God their counselor. [480]Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 61, 41-43 – {CCh 267.1}
“It Is Lawful to Do Good on the Sabbath”
Both in the home and in the church a spirit of service is to be manifested. He who gave us six days for our temporal work has blessed and sanctified the seventh day and set it apart for Himself. On this day He will in a special manner bless all who consecrate themselves to His service. – {CCh 267.2}
All heaven is keeping the Sabbath, but not in a listless, do-nothing way. On this day every energy of the soul should be awake, for are we not to meet with God and with Christ our Saviour? We may behold Him by faith. He is longing to refresh and bless every soul. [481]Testimonies for the Church 6:361, 362 – {CCh 267.3}
Divine mercy has directed that the sick and suffering should be cared for; the labor required to make them comfortable is a work of necessity, and no violation of the Sabbath. But all unnecessary work should be avoided. Many carelessly put off till the beginning of the Sabbath little things that should have been done on the day of preparation. This should not be. Any work that is neglected until the commencement of holy time should remain undone until the Sabbath is past. [482]Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 217, 218 – {CCh 267.4}
While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not have every day. – {CCh 267.5}
If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day when it might be avoided. In harmony with the light which the Lord has given in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, we should be more careful about traveling on the boats or cars on this day. In these matters we should set a right example before our children and youth. In order to reach the churches that need our help, and to give them the message that God desires them to hear, it may be necessary for us to travel on the Sabbath; but so far as possible we should secure our tickets and make all necessary arrangements on some other day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible effort to plan so as to avoid reaching our destination on the Sabbath. – {CCh 267.6}
When compelled to travel on the Sabbath we should try to avoid the company of those who would draw our attention to worldly things. We should keep our minds stayed upon God and commune with Him. Whenever there is opportunity we should speak to others in regard to the truth. We should always be ready to relieve suffering and to help those in need. In such cases God desires that the knowledge and wisdom He has given us should be put to use. But we should not talk about matters of business or engage in any common, worldly conversation. At all times and in all places God requires us to prove our loyalty to Him by honoring the Sabbath. [483]Testimonies for the Church 6:357-360 – {CCh 268.1}
Attending School on Sabbath
Whoever obeys the fourth commandment will find that a separating line is drawn between him and the world. The Sabbath is a test, not a human requirement, but God’s test. It is that which will distinguish between those who serve God and those who serve him not; and upon this point will come the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. – {CCh 268.2}
Some of our people have sent their children to school on the Sabbath. They were not compelled to do this, but the school authorities objected to receiving the children unless they should attend six days. In some of these schools, pupils are not only instructed in the usual branches of study, but are taught to do various kinds of work; and here the children of professed commandment-keepers have been sent upon the Sabbath. Some parents have tried to justify their course by quoting the words of Christ, that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day. But the same reasoning would prove that men may labor on the Sabbath because they must earn bread for their children; and there is no limit, no boundary line, to show what should and what should not be done. – {CCh 268.3}
Our brethren cannot expect the approval of God while they place their children where it is impossible for them to obey the fourth commandment. They should endeavour to make some arrangement with the authorities whereby the children shall be excused from attendance at school upon the seventh day. If this fails, then their duty is plain, to obey God’s requirements at whatever cost. – {CCh 268.4}
Some will urge that the Lord is not so particular in his requirements; that it is not their duty to keep the Sabbath strictly at so great loss, or to place themselves where they will be brought in conflict with the laws of the land. But here is just where the test is coming, whether we will honor the law of God above the requirements of men. This is what will distinguish between those who honor God and those who dishonour him. Here is where we are to prove our loyalty. The history of God’s dealings with his people in all ages shows that he demands exact obedience. – {CCh 268.5}
If parents allow their children to receive an education with the world, and make the Sabbath a common day, then the seal of God cannot be placed upon them. They will be destroyed with the world; and will not their blood rest upon the parents? But if we faithfully teach our children God’s commandments, bring them into subjection to parental authority, and then by faith and prayer commit them to God, he will work with our efforts; for he has promised it. And when the overflowing scourge shall pass through the land, they with us may be hidden in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. [484]Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 215-217 – {CCh 269.1}
A Day of Rest From Worldly Pursuits
It is the grossest presumption for mortal man to venture upon a compromise with the Almighty in order to secure his own petty, temporal interests. It is as ruthless a violation of the law to occasionally use the Sabbath for secular business as to entirely reject it; for it is making the Lord’s commandments a matter of convenience. “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God,” is thundered from Sinai. No partial obedience, no divided interest, is accepted by Him who declares that the iniquities of the fathers shall be visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate Him, and that He will show mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments. It is not a small matter to rob a neighbor, and great is the stigma attached to one who is found guilty of such an act; yet he who would scorn to defraud his fellow man will without shame rob his heavenly Father of the time that He has blessed and set apart for a special purpose. [485]Testimonies for the Church 4:249, 250 – {CCh 269.2}
The words and thoughts should be guarded. Those who discuss business matters and lay plans on the Sabbath, are regarded of God as though they engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. [486]Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 218 – {CCh 269.3}
God has spoken, and He means that man shall obey. He does not inquire if it is convenient for him to do so. The Lord of life and glory did not consult His convenience or pleasure when He left His station of high command to become a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, accepting ignominy and death in order to deliver man from the consequence of his disobedience. Jesus died, not to save man in his sins, but from his sins. Man is to leave the error of his ways, to follow the example of Christ, to take up his cross and follow Him, denying self, and obeying God at any cost. – {CCh 269.4}
Circumstances will not justify anyone in working upon the Sabbath for the sake of worldly profit. If God excuses one man, He may excuse all. Why may not Brother L, who is a poor man, work upon the Sabbath to earn means for a livelihood when he might by so doing be better able to support his family? Why may not other brethren, or all of us, keep the Sabbath only when it is convenient to do so? The voice from Sinai makes answer: “Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:9, 10. – {CCh 270.1}
Your age does not excuse you from obeying the divine commands. Abraham was sorely tested in his old age. The words of the Lord seemed terrible and uncalled-for to the stricken old man, yet he never questioned their justice or hesitated in his obedience. He might have pleaded that he was old and feeble, and could not sacrifice the son who was the joy of his life. He might have reminded the Lord that this command conflicted with the promises that had been given in regard to this son. But the obedience of Abraham was without a murmur or a reproach. His trust in God was implicit. [487]Testimonies for the Church 4:250-253 – {CCh 270.2}
Ministers of Jesus should stand as reprovers to those who fail to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. They should kindly and solemnly reprove those who engage in worldly conversation upon the Sabbath and at the same time claim to be Sabbathkeepers. They should encourage devotion to God upon His holy day. – {CCh 270.3}
None should feel at liberty to spend sanctified time in an unprofitable manner. It is displeasing to God for Sabbathkeepers to sleep during much of the Sabbath. They dishonor their Creator in so doing, and, by their example, say that the six days are too precious for them to spend in resting. They must make money, although it be by robbing themselves of needed sleep, which they make up by sleeping away holy time. They then excuse themselves by saying: “The Sabbath was given for a day of rest. I will not deprive myself of rest to attend meeting, for I need rest.” Such make a wrong use of the sanctified day. They should, upon that day especially, interest their families in its observance and assemble at the house of prayer with the few or with the many, as the case may be. They should devote their time and energies to spiritual exercises, that the divine influence resting upon the Sabbath may attend them through the week. Of all the days in the week, none are so favorable for devotional thoughts and feelings as the Sabbath. [488]Testimonies for the Church 2:704 – {CCh 270.4}
Had the Sabbath always been sacredly observed, there could never have been an atheist or an idolater. The Sabbath institution, which originated in Eden, is as old as the world itself. It was observed by all the patriarchs, from creation down. During the bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were forced by their taskmasters to violate the Sabbath, and to a great extent they lost the knowledge of its sacredness. When the law was proclaimed at Sinai the very first words of the fourth commandment were, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”—showing that the Sabbath was not then instituted; we are pointed back for its origin to creation. In order to obliterate God from the minds of men, Satan aimed to tear down this great memorial. If men could be led to forget their Creator, they would make no effort to resist the power of evil, and Satan would be sure of his prey. [489]Patriarchs and Prophets, 336 – {CCh 270.5}
The Blessings of Sabbath Observance
All heaven was represented to me as beholding and watching upon the Sabbath those who acknowledge the claims of the fourth commandment and are observing the Sabbath. Angels were marking their interest in, and high regard for, this divine institution. Those who sanctified the Lord God in their hearts by a strictly devotional frame of mind, and who sought to improve the sacred hours in keeping the Sabbath to the best of their ability, and to honor God by calling the Sabbath a delight—these the angels were specially blessing with light and health, and special strength was given them. [490]Testimonies for the Church 2:704, 705 – {CCh 271.1}
Strict compliance with the requirements of Heaven brings temporal as well as spiritual blessings. [491]Prophets and Kings, 546 – {CCh 271.2}
“Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” “The sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of My covenant; even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer.” Isaiah 56:1, 2, 6, 7. [492]The Great Controversy, 451 – {CCh 271.3}
So long as the heavens and the earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as a sign of the Creator’s power. And when Eden shall bloom on earth again, God’s holy rest day will be honoured by all beneath the sun. “From one Sabbath to another” the inhabitants of the glorified new earth shall go up “to worship before Me, saith the Lord.” Matthew 5:18; Isaiah 66:23. [493]The Desire of Ages, 283 – {CCh 271.4}
Last update December 22 2014 20:57
