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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

After his death and resurrection, and before he ascended back to his Father, Jesus spent time with his followers, helping them to understand what the Old Testament Scriptures say about him and preparing them for the local and worldwide mission that would follow on from his having accomplished eternal redemption for all who believe.

Step by step, as the message of salvation was being spread and gatherings of believers established in many different places, the New Testament Scriptures came into existence. These were separate documents (that were later collected together), written for groups of people and individuals, and many copies were made of the individual manuscripts.

For example, the apostle John was a close eyewitness of the ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ and the Holy Spirit inspired him to provide a written account of conversations, events and miracles. And he states the objective: “... these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31 ESV).” It is clear that John was not only supplying an important historical record. He was also reaching out to those who did not yet believe in Christ, supplying them with a basis for faith. (See also 1 John 1:1-4.)

Luke was not an eyewitness, but he thoroughly researched the testimony of those who were, and he wrote an account for an individual named Theophilus, stating his purpose: “... so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught (Luke 1:4 NIV).”

Luke followed this up with a second researched account (Acts 1:1-2), covering what happened during the three decades after Jesus’ ascension. Before Jesus was lifted up, watched by his disciples, he told them that the Holy Spirit would enable them to spread the good news about him “... in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth (Acts 1:8 NET).” Luke covers the early years of that expansion in Acts. And he became a part of the history too, as a later companion of the apostle Paul, indicated by the change of vocabulary from “they” to “we”, commencing in Acts 16:10.

The gospel accounts and Acts provide the context for the rest of the New Testament correspondence. 

And the mission continues across the generations until Jesus returns.

It is clear that Jesus wants the proclamation of the gospel to be Holy Spirit-enabled and Bible-based (Luke 24:44-49). 

Notice how Philip the evangelist was able to share the gospel with an Ethiopian who was reading a passage from the Old Testament: “... beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus (Acts 8:35 NLT).” 

Look at the apostle Paul’s practice too (Acts 17:1-17; Romans 1:1-6 & 16:25-27) and his instruction to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:10-4:5). The apostle Peter puts Paul’s correspondence on equal standing with the Old Testament Scriptures (2 Peter 3:13-18).

In fact, the whole Bible is uniquely God-breathed and essential for our instruction. From Genesis to Revelation, both the Old Testament and the New Testament Scriptures. And they point us to Christ and our need of him.

If our understanding of the Bible is not centred on Jesus and his gospel we will drift and become engrossed with side issues or even weird theories.

Among those communities of christian believers that were established as a result of spreading the gospel, God gifted some with the Holy Spirit-enabled ability to faithfully expound the Scriptures, God’s Word. So that christians were (a) strengthened in their faith and (b) encouraged to build each other up for their life together as a church, as well as (c) being equipped for their daily interaction with others too. This is not the only ability given to believers by the Holy Spirit, then and now, but it is foundational. (See Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Acts 20:17-32, 1 Timothy 4:12-16 & Acts 18:24-28.)

The New Testament includes four compatible accounts of the gospel, written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As already stated, these were initially separate documents. They are also available today in separate printed form (as well as in editions of the full Bible). Handy to give one to someone who is not yet a christian, so that they can read the gospel for themselves. 

For everyone wanting to read the whole Bible, John's account is a good place to start. Followed by the Luke-Acts combination. Providing a foundation for then starting to read the whole Bible, step by step. For example, systematically reading (or listening to) a passage in both the Old Testament and the New Testament each day. 

God bless you. 

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To encourage the spread of the good news about Jesus Christ 

These two videos were recorded in February 2021 during the Covid pandemic. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

It would be good to look the following statements up in the Bible and to read the broad context. 

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 

John 14:6 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  

Acts 1:8 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

Acts 4:12 

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 

Acts 4:29-31 

[29] “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 

The above Bible references are from the ESV translation. 

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This short video was recorded close to our home in February 2021, during the COVID-pandemic, and uploaded onto YouTube. 

The message is in two parts with a pause in the middle. Simply keep on listening. 

May this recording be an encouragement for all followers of Jesus Christ. Wherever you live, whatever difficulties and trials you may be facing. Keep telling others the gospel, so that they too have the opportunity to believe in Jesus, God's Son. 

The video might be followed by a brief clip randomly chosen by YouTube's set-up and not by me. 

Psalm 23:1-6 NLT 

[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

[2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

[3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name.

[4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

[5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

[6] Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. 

John 14:1-6 ESV 

[1] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

[2] In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 

[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  

[4] And you know the way to where I am going.” 

[5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 

[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

John 1:29 NIV

... “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" 

Acts 1:7-8 NIV 

He said to them: “... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

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The Success of the Cross 

This audio message was recorded on 29th March 2013 at CCS Wales and is here presented in 3 video parts. 

The purpose of this audio presentation is:  

1. to encourage those who are already followers of Jesus Christ to be revived in our appreciation of what he has done for us, inspring the spreading of the gospel. 

2. to help those who are not yet Christians, but are nevertheless considering the message of the gospel, to cross the line from doubt to faith in God’s Son. 

Those who truly put their trust in Jesus Christ belong to God forever. 

More notes are here below. 

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Bible statements (ESV) referred to in the 3 video parts are the following: 

Isaiah 53: 5 

He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. 

2 Corinthians 5: 21 

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

Revelation 5: 9 

… you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation … 

Revelation 7: 9-10 

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 

John 20: 21 

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

John 1: 10-14 

Romans 8: 12-39 

Galatians 3: 8-29 

Titus 3: 3-7 

1 Peter 2: 9-10 

Revelation 21: 3-8 

Matthew 26: 26-27 

Mark 14: 22-24 

Luke 22: 19-20 

Acts 2: 37-42 

1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 

Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 

John 1: 29 

Luke 24: 1-53 

Acts 1: 1-11 

Romans 1: 8-17 

1 Corinthians 1: 18 - 2: 5 

1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 

1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 

Titus 2: 11-14 

1 John 1: 1-10 

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FOR FURTHER READING: Matthew 1:18-25; Mark 1:1-20; Luke 2:1-21; John 1:1-18 & 29; John 3:16-18 & 35-36; John 4:1-42; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 1:16-18; Romans 10:8-17.

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One Way ... Jesus 

If you are not a Christian yet I hope this video will help you put your trust in Jesus Christ. 

And if you are already a Jesus-follower this video might be a conversation-starter if you share its content with others. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24-25; Galatians 1:3-5; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 20:20-21; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; John 16:8; Acts 2:36-38, 16:30-31, 24:24-25; John 3:16-18; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.

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I write with the longing that Israelis, Palestinians and people from every ethnic background will turn to God through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

John 1: 29 

Galatians 1: 3-5 

Galatians 3: 27-29 

Revelation 7: 9-10 

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Prayer, the Holy Spirit and spreading the gospel 

When Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan and was praying, the Holy Spirit descended and remained upon him. And God spoke from heaven: "You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased." 

Jesus prepared himself through prayer. Travelling from place to place, preaching and miraculously helping people through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

When praying in Gethsemane ... before he was crucified and rose again to secure redemption for all who believe in him ... he encouraged three of his followers, Peter, James and John, to watch and pray while he was praying. They fell asleep. He persevered. And through the Holy Spirit he offered up himself without blemish to God as a sacrifice for our sins.

Before his ascension Jesus instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from heaven. He had already taught them about praying for the Holy Spirit.

Obeying his command his apostles, together with the women who followed him and also members of his immediate family ... a company of about 120, unitedly devoted themselves to pray. And when they were all together on the day of Pentecost they were all filled with the Spirit. A great crowd came to see what was happening. Peter explained to them what was taking place and he preached Christ to them, quoting from the Scriptures. Listening to Peter preaching about Christ, many repented, believed and were baptised. About 3000 were added to their company on that day. During those days they met together in the temple and their homes, as the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Later on, continuing to fulfil the commission Jesus had given them, Peter and John were arrested and questioned by the same hierarchy who had condemned Christ to death. When they were ordered not to speak anymore to others about Jesus, they answered that they couldn't stop speaking about him.

After the Sanhedrin warned and threatened them they were released. Peter and John returned to their companions and together they prayed to God for his help. Asking for boldness to keep on proclaiming the gospel. And for God to perform miracles in Jesus' name, to confirm the message. In answer to their prayers the Holy Spirit enabled them all to continue their witness.

This blogpost is based on the following Bible references

Luke 3:21-22 & 4:14; John 1:29-34

Mark 1:35-39 & 14:32-42; Acts 10:36-43; Hebrews 5:7-10 & 9:14

Acts 1:3-15 & 2:1-47; Luke 11:5-13

Acts 4:1-31

For further reading

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Ephesians 6:10-20

Colossians 4:2-6

Acts 28:30-31

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My dad and God’s grace 

Please excuse me reminiscing a little. 

I’m convinced that God doesn’t want us to be caught in a time-warp. And that he wants us to move forward with the eyes of faith fixed on him. Nevertheless, there are past memories that are precious and instructive, helping us in our walk with Christ at the present time. 

My dad loved listening to these two old men singing. YouTube didn’t exist then. Dad listened via videotapes. Cutting-edge technology in those days! Here’s the link for you to listen: https://youtu.be/K2J0IOIEqyM  … You’ll find the lyrics in the description included with the film clip. 

The lyrics speak of what God has done through Christ his Son, when he took our place and suffered for our sins, before he rose again. So that through faith we can be forgiven, cleansed and increasingly transformed through God’s amazing love and mercy towards us. Saved from sin by his grace. 

The older my dad got, I saw him becoming stronger and stronger in our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of God shone through him more and more. His trust was in Jesus. And it continued to transform him. 

When dad was lying on his hospital bed, in a coma, I was with him. He sneezed twice and came out of the coma. Those were precious moments for my dad and me as we hugged and talked together. Not long after this he went home to be with his Saviour. 

I’m grateful to God that dad is with Jesus. 

I’m also grateful for contemporary songwriters who have grasped and been deeply moved by what the Bible says about salvation, composing music for this generation. Songs that express our worship to God, with thankful hearts, as the Holy Spirit strengthens our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ as we sing. 

Check this out 

1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV 

Sent by Paul to Timothy, his co-worker in the gospel: 

[12] I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Ephesians 5:1-20 NIV 

Sent by Paul to christian communities in Ephesus and probably throughout the Roman province of Asia: 

[1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [3] But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a person is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. [14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Acts 16:25 

Romans 5:1-2 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 

2 Corinthians 3:17-18  

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 

Ephesians 2:1-10 

Philippians 1:21-24 

Colossians 3:16-17 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 

2 Timothy 2:1-2 

Titus 2:11-14 

2 Peter 3:18 

1 John 3:1-3 

Jude 2-4 

Revelation 5:1-14 

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Tell about Jesus 

I’m a rhythm guitarist, though a bit rusty these days. Musically, my personal preference is for contemporary gospel/worship songs. Though I appreciate and love some of the old hymns too. 

The most important thing of course are the lyrics. Those songs that are God-glorifying, Jesus-focused and Spirit-anointed. The Spirit glorifies Christ and the Father is glorified in his Son. 

I knew this particular song when I was a child. And had forgotten it. Until recently, when the lyrics spontaneously came to mind. I became quite emotional: “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.” I’m now in my early 70s. 

This afternoon I found this link to the song online, combined with another song:  

https://youtu.be/AghsSvQ_2B8   

You’ll find the full text in the description. 

I’m not trying to promote nor demote an older style of music. It’s the lyrics that are precious. The music simply supports the message. 

Tell me about Jesus. Those historical, eternally important and life-changing facts about the Son of God, our Saviour. He's alive. 

Tell others about him too. Wherever you live or go across the globe. 

FOR FURTHER READING:  

Matthew, Mark, Luke & John  

Matthew 1:18-2:12 

Mark 15:22-16:20 

Luke 2:1-38 

Luke 24:1-49 

John 14:6 

John 14:13 

John 16:5-15 

John 17:1-5 

Acts 16:25-34 

1 Corinthians 14:26 

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 

Ephesians 5:15-21 

Colossians 3:16-17 

Hebrews 13:8 

James 5:13 

1 Peter 4:7-11 

1 John 2:22-25 

Revelation 1:1-20 

And if there is someone reading this who has wandered away from the Lord, please come back home. 

Luke 15:1-32 

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THE GOSPEL AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 

The various abilities that are gifted in numerous ways to Spirit-filled Jesus-followers are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence. 

And in particular they confirm the gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Providing a demonstration of its truthfulness. 

This is why Jesus instructed his followers concerning the importance of being baptised with the Holy Spirit to equip them for the task of spreading the good news about him everywhere. 

This vital mission cannot be accomplished by human ingenuity. It can only be done by God working in and through us. 

The advancement of God’s kingdom locally and across the globe cannot be achieved through any individual’s natural resourcefulness nor by any nation’s military might. The spread of his kingdom into people’s hearts is connected to the proclamation of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, as individuals and groups of people respond and believe this message of God’s love and grace. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

Ezekiel 36:25-27 

Jeremiah 31:31-34 

Matthew 5:1-12 

Matthew 6:9-13 

Matthew 6:33 

Matthew 13:1-23 

Matthew 24:14 

Mark 16:15-20 

John 3:1-21 

Luke 24:1-53 

Acts 1:1-4:31 

Acts 16:9-40 

Acts 20:24-28 

Acts 28:16-31 

Romans 15:14-21 

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 

Ephesians 4:17-5:21 

Colossians 1:1-14 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 

Hebrews 2:1-4 

Hebrews 8:6-12 

Hebrews 12:18-29 

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“OF FIRST IMPORTANCE” 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ESV 

The primary message that everyone needs to hear is that Jesus died and rose again. Both the cross and resurrection are vital. You cannot separate them from each other. 

Everything written in the Old Testament points toward the necessity of the atonement. And as important as everything else is that is recorded about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the Gospel accounts, the climax is the fulfilment of the primary purpose for which his Father sent his Son into the world. 

Bearing the sin of the world, he suffered and died in our place. The resurrection confirms who Jesus is and it declares that the all sufficient sacrifice of himself, once for all time, fully achieved its purpose and is fully accepted by his Father. 

Now exalted on high, he intercedes for all who repent and believe in him. Fully committed to bring us into all that his work of redemption accomplished, as is unfolded in the rest of the New Testament. Eternal salvation and life in the Holy Spirit for all who belong to Christ. 

The whole world needs to hear this message of God’s amazing grace. To give all people the opportunity to believe. Especially those who have not heard it yet. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 

ROMANS 1:1-6 

ROMANS 16:25-27 

JOHN 17:1-26 

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17 

HEBREWS 10:1-25 

REVELATION 5:1-14 

 

The more we understand the depth of the love of God manifested in the Cross and Resurrection of Christ, the more we’ll understand GENESIS to REVELATION. 

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THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH GOD SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD 

Pontius Pilate was manipulated into having Jesus crucified. Whatever his reasons may have been he insisted that the accusation against him, positioned on the cross above his head, was stated clearly for all to understand: "Jesus of Nazareth the king of the Jews." Written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. 

Many of those who looked at the scene there on Golgotha (Calvary) mocked him, including religious leaders and soldiers. They challenged Jesus to make a demonstration by coming down from the cross, if he was indeed the Christ (Messiah), God’s Son. Jesus did not meet the general expectation of what the Messiah would be like. And the majority of the Sanhedrin considered him to be a threat to their ambitions and wanted rid of him. 

Conversation on Golgotha 

There were two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus on that hill just outside Jerusalem. Both of them joined in the scoffing directed against him. 

During the hours that passed by, these two men had the opportunity to contemplate the condition of their own hearts, even in the middle of their anguish. And they were also confronted by the unique suffering of Jesus and his response to everyone’s treatment of him. 
 

With a blinkered view of the ‘here and now’ and no concern about eternity, one of them continued to speak contemptuously to Jesus: "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." 

Clearly experiencing a change of heart, the other responded to his fellow-criminal’s words, saying: "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 

He continued, directing his words to our Saviour: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 

And Jesus said to him: "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." 

On the cross the Son of God was bearing the sins of the world. And his blood was poured out as the sacrifice that secures forgiveness for all who turn trustingly to him. 

Consider that conversation that took place on Golgotha, as it is recorded in the Bible (Luke 23:39-43). 

We have no record of what those criminals had done. But the words of the one who turned to Christ in faith reveal that the deeds that they had committed were of such a degree that he considered their own punishment, at the hands of the Romans, to be just and deserved. 

He had also become convinced that Jesus had done nothing wrong. And therefore the treatment Jesus had received, at the hand of the various authorities and the people, was totally unjust. 

His understanding would have been limited, influenced by the popular opinions of his own time. But something happened there on that day that transformed his thinking and resulted in him believing that Jesus was indeed the Christ (Messiah) … the King. A crucified King whose purpose would still be fully achieved. 

All this moved him in faith to ask Jesus to remember him at some future stage. Jesus’ response was however a declaration of abundant assurance, pledging to this new believer that on that very same day he would be with his Saviour in paradise. 

Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection was the reason he came into the world, bearing the punishment for our sins 

When God sent his Son into the world a virgin became miraculously and uniquely pregnant. An angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to the man she was engaged to and told him: "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21)." 

John the baptiser said about Jesus: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!" 

Prophetically Isaiah had declared: "Surely he has borne our griefs
        and carried our sorrows;
    yet we esteemed him stricken,
        smitten by God, and afflicted. 
    
    But he was pierced for our transgressions;
        he was crushed for our iniquities;
    upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
        and with his wounds we are healed. 
    
    All we like sheep have gone astray;
        we have turned — every one — to his own way;
    and the LORD has laid on him
        the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:4-6)." 

And as the time of his crucifixion approached Jesus said: "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour (John 12:27)." 

To indicate the way he was going to die he declared: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself (John 12:32)." 

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9-10)." 

"We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)." 

Eternal Life 

Those two criminals, as their death was approaching, were there next to Jesus as he was bearing not only the sins of his own ethnic people, but also the sins of the world. 

One of them, confessing that he was a sinner, turned to Christ in faith. And Jesus gave him eternal life. Kingdom life. 
 

Redemption & Atonement 

However deep a person has sunk into sin, forgiveness has been purchased by Christ for all who repent and believe in him. 

Wherever you live, whatever your station in life, whatever you have done, in spite of what your opinion of yourself has been up to this point in time, if you turn believing in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, God will forgive you too and you will be his forever. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

Matthew 1:18-25 

Matthew 26:1 - 28:20 

Mark 14:1 - 16:20 

Luke 1:1 - 2:21 

Luke 22:1 - 24:53 

John 1:1-51 

John 3:1-36 

John 18:1 - 21:25 

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With memories of the Queen 

God save the King 

And condolences for the whole family 

On Thursday my wife Barbara and I were returning to our home in Scotland, after a week with family in England and Wales. We were approaching Preston, where we would change trains to continue our journey to Glasgow, when my phone received the notification that Queen Elizabeth had died. 

Although aware that our much loved Queen was approaching this unavoidable point in her life, it still felt sudden. A moment that we will not forget. 

Especially those of us who live in the United Kingdom became immediately aware of the necessary speed of events that was unfolding as portrayed on our mobile devices and television screens. 

Memories come to mind, of seeing Queen Elizabeth close up, when her car drove through the Grote Markt in Ieper, Flanders Fields, Belgium. And of seeing Prince Charles’ car approaching the Manor House when Swansea was given city-status. 

May God help King Charles as he grieves the death of his mother and as he understandably feels the weight and the responsibility of being head of state of the UK and of the Commonwealth. 

And yes, God save the King. And members of the Royal Family who have not yet experienced the salvation that is available through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Saviour of the world. 

                Barbara and me with our sons 

FOR FURTHER READING 

Matthew 1: 18-25 

John 1: 1-34 

John 4: 39-42 

Acts 4: 1-31 

Philippians 2: 1-11 

1 Timothy 1: 12-17 

1 Timothy 2: 1-7 

Titus 3: 1-8 

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GOD’S KINGDOM 

Jesus was unjustly condemned to death by the highest religious-political-judicial echelon of his own people. Because they were under Roman rule the Sanhedrin delivered him over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, with the intention that he would have him crucified. 

Pilate concluded that Jesus wasn’t a military threat to Rome’s rule. And he knew that the Sanhedrin’s decision against him was motivated by jealousy. He tried to thwart their objective to do away with Jesus. But finally, for fear of what would reach the ears of Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Pilate succumbed to their manipulation and to their agents’ unscrupulous steering of public opinion. And, wanting to please the crowd that had gathered, he gave Jesus over to be crucified, with all the resulting cruelty and agony that Jesus suffered. 

During the conversation that had taken place between them, Pilate had asked Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews?” 

Jesus said to him: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” See John 18:33-37. 

If Christ’s kingdom was of this world, under those circumstances, his followers would have been galvanised for armed conflict. But God's gracious, loving and powerful reign in the hearts and lives of all who believe in his Son Jesus, has been secured, not by means of this world's military might, but by his Son’s suffering and death on the cross for our sins, followed by his resurrection and ascension. For Jews and Gentiles. 

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14 ESV). 

His dominion is everlasting. It will never pass away. And his kingdom will never be destroyed. 

Jesus will return! 

Until then his gospel needs to be proclaimed everywhere. See Matthew 24:14. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

Daniel 7:13-14 

Matthew 16:13-28; 26:1 - 28:20 

Mark 14:1 - 16:20 

Luke 1:26-35; 22:1 - 24:53 

John 17:1 - 21:25 

Acts 1:1 - 4:31; 8:12; 28:30-31 

Philippians 1:1 - 3:1 

1 Timothy 2:1-6 

1 Peter 2:1-25 

2 Peter 3:1-18 

Revelation 1:1-20; 11:15-18; 21:1 - 22:21 

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Praying in the Spirit 

Even during times of physical weakness and difficulties, when we don’t know how or what to pray for, God’s Spirit helps us. 

Initially we might not realise what is taking place, as we become aware of emotions, inexpressible groanings, deep within us. And then, because of our understanding of what the Bible teaches, it dawns on us that it’s the Holy Spirit interceding for us. Praying on our behalf. Praying according to the will of God. His objective is that everyone who belongs to God, everyone who has put their trust in his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour, becomes more and more like Jesus. 

There is another way in which the Holy Spirit aids us that is not dependent on our understanding. In unison with our spirit the Spirit gives us the words to speak in languages that are unknown to us personally. In fact, this grace-gift is expressed in various ways and circumstances. And it can become particularly liberating in prayer. 

As we trust him to help us in this way the Holy Spirit also enables us to pray with our understanding, in our own native language, in harmony with God’s will. 

The apostle Paul encouraged believers to always pray in the Spirit, in different ways, including with one’s understanding. He urged them to pray for fellow-Christians and also gave them prayer-points to enable them to intercede for him too in the middle of his trials. That he would be able to speak clearly and boldly about Jesus. His passion was that others would have the opportunity to hear a clear explanation of the good news about Christ, making it possible for them to believe and be saved. Even those who were causing him difficulties. 

May God help us to have the same passion. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

Acts 2:4 

Romans 8:16-39 

1 Corinthians 14:15 

Ephesians 6:18-20 

1 John 5:10-15 (Matthew 3:17)