Author: Penuel Baptist Roch

July 7th 2024: Andy Christofides

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To view this service, please click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5yvYLXH4oX0?si=A-Za9qI0ZNFIr–O

Romans 1:1-17: Personal Evangelism

Personal evangelism – making Christ known, the good news, the gospel. Paul uses the word ‘gospel’ 4 times in this passage. It is burning on his heart. The physical light he experienced gave spiritual light. ‘Euangelion’ is the Greek word which means ‘good message.’ Is there a better message than this! There is only one thing the world needs to hear – the gospel. Every word is inspired, but the gospel is the distilled essence; it’s not church government, loads of worship, what you wear – it is all about Jesus Christ and how you can be saved. Tell me, what do you believe?

Paul can write to the church at Corinth, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3). What is of the first importance to the church, to us as Christians?

Isaiah chapter 53 is the glorious technical height of the Old Testament. There are many things we think and believe, but what does an unbeliever need to know? Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised on the third day according to the scriptures. Jesus died for me. We need to confess and profess.

Who is Christ? Why is his death important to me? Maybe you have an unbelieving friend or relative on their deathbed. What are you going to say? John 3:16, John 14:6? Open up the Bible and explain.

Evangelism is making the good message known, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16). ‘Dunamis’ is the Greek word for power. Nobel calls it dynamite. It is spiritual dynamite. Dynamite by itself is quite harmless. It needs something to set it off. The gospel is just words – apart from God. The gospel is detonated by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the dynamite of God. It is not my dynamite. Tell it as it is.

Whose task is it to evangelise Pembrokeshire? People tend to think it is the church’s job. It is not; It is your job and my job. It is the task of each and every one of us. People say there are not many conversions and that it is the pastor’s fault. It is not. It is your fault, it is my fault. We have the dynamite. What are we doing with it? Are we laying the dynamite? It is no good praying for people if you are not speaking to people. Your job is to be a dynamite layer. You need to say something! We need to be faithful, but the consequences are left to God. We need to be obedient, to trust and obey, to lay the dynamite.

You may get to the position where you employ a church evangelist or a church worker, then sit back and say, ‘We don’t need to do that because we are employing a worker.’ Nonsense! It’s your job. It’s my job. If people aren’t being saved, why? You may take yourself off to another church. Why would you do that? Stay and declare and show gospel and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

People may say, ‘My children are not being saved in this church.’ It is not the youth leader’s job to save your children, it’s not the Sunday School teacher’s task. It’s your task to evangelise your children, first and foremost. I hope you can then trust them to Sunday School teachers, but that should supplement what is happening in the home.

When Paul write to the church in Ephesus he speaks about the gifts that Christ has poured out, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11), to equip the Saints for works of ministry. A pastor’s task is to feed the sheep so that they may be equipped to pastor and minister to others.

 The evangelist’s task is to equip the saints to be evangelists. Roger Carswell asks, ‘What must I do to be asked the question, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ We are all involved in this mighty work of making the gospel known. We have a task. It is limited in its time; it is only when we are here on earth.

What is the primary function of a local church? Some say we are here to worship God. Worship will not stop when you die, it will be perfected. There is no evangelism in heaven or in hell. Evangelism is our here and now go to point. We are called to make disciples of all nations. Evangelism is the keystone of the church. It only happens here on earth, not when we are dead.

“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 1:8). The people were called to be witness in Jerusalem – where they were. Begin where you are – but don’t finish there. God’s plan was always for the nations (Acts 8). Because of what happens in Acts 7, the gospel eventually reaches Roch, “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4).

Wherever the scattered believers went, they preached the Word. They were ordinary believers, like you and me, sharing and announcing the good news.

Personal evangelism is your task and mine. How do we go about it? It drives us to our knees. We are here to worship but our primary function is to be a witness to Him. Our task is to share this message with others. We are to live the life that backs up the gospel. Don’t be grumpy Christians. Why are we where we are? To be a witness, to live for him. Why am I here?

Jesus, the Name high over all,
in hell or earth or sky;
angels and mortals prostrate fall,
and devils fear and fly.
Jesus, the Name to sinners dear,
the Name to sinners giv’n;
it scatters all their guilty fear,
it turns their hell to heav’n.

Charles Wesley

You may say you can’t be a Wesley or a Billy Graham, but you and I can be an Albert MacMaken. On 1st November 1934, Albert MacMaken invited his 16-year-old friend to an evangelistic tent crusade led by Mordecai Ham. After a few nights on that evangelistic campaign, Billy Graham was converted – because he had been invited by Albert MacMaken, under the preaching of Mordecai Ham. I may not be a Billy Graham but I can be an Albert MacMaken.

Let me take you back a little but further. Edward Kimbell was a Sunday School teacher. In his Sunday School class was a young lad who showed no interest in the gospel, but Edward Kimbell prayed for this young man. He left the Sunday Scholl class unconverted and got a job in a shoe shop. Edward Kimbell still prayed for him and bought his shoes in that shoe shop and continued to witness and speak to DL Moody. DL Moody was converted.

Under DL Moody’s preaching in one crusade, there was a man you probably haven’t heard of – but he was a famous evangelist called Wilber Chapman. Wilber Chapman was converted under the preaching of DL Moody.

In a campaign led by Wilber Chapman, Mordecai Ham was converted. In a crusade led by Mordecai Ham, Billy Graham was converted.

As I preach in many churches, I ask was anybody here converted under Billy Graham. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was someone here this morning, or if someone here this morning knows of someone converted under Billy Graham. The story of Billy Graham goes all the way back to a faithful Sunday School teacher, Edward Kimbell, who continued to pray for DL Moody, even though he showed no real interest.

We can’t all be a Billy Graham, DL Moody or John Wesley, but we can be an Albert MacMaken.

Personal evangelism is something we’re all called to.

June 29th 2024: Dafydd Williams

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Mark 1:35 – 2:12 Jesus Forgives

Imagine being sent to prison; all you can see is bars and walls. One day, you are handed a document which says you are free to go. You see the signature; it belongs to a man who has come to visit you, but you don’t know him and wonder who he is. That is the sort of thing we see happening here in Mark 2 – free to go, your sins are forgiven.

In chapter one we see something of the identity of the Lord Jesus – who He is and how He came as saviour into the world. Jesus Christ is the one we need to get to know. Today, we’re going to see Jesus forgives.

Jesus speaks of forgiveness in a historical place called Capernaum. Everyone was squeezed into one home, ready to hear what Jesus had to say. Before this event, we see Jesus has healed many, doing incredible things. People want to see what Jesus will do next. But Jesus has other ideas. “And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” (Mark 1:38). Jesus is carrying out His Great Commission. He came to preach the word. We are here today to open the word – it is a priority for us, it was a priority for Jesus.  We should listen to what God has to say. We must listen and respond.

As Jesus preaches to the crowd, there is a great unchanging truth: everyone’s greatest need is the forgiveness of sins. Mark describes a group of friends who bring a paralysed man to Jesus Christ. They can’t get through the crowds but make a hole through the roof (v.4). To get to Jesus, they must lower the mat the man lies on. The friends have a great desire to see Jesus. Nothing will stop them. Imagine four determined men making an opening in the roof.

The obvious thing Jesus would do would be to heal him. But what comes next is a shock, “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5). The first thing Jesus does is say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ That is the priority of Jesus Christ – forgiveness is the greatest need any human has. It is greater than the very pressing need of the man being paralysed. Do you agree this man’s greatest need was forgiveness? Maybe you are thinking of other priorities? Bills which need to be paid or maybe hospital needs. These are very important but just as Jesus sees this man, He also sees you. Your greatest need is the forgiveness of sins.

There is no lack of compassion of Jesus. He sees beyond that to a deeper problem – the need for forgiveness. His compassion goes beyond physical needs. Our greatest need is our sin to be forgiven. Forgiveness fixes our greatest problem – sin, rebellion against God – which cuts us off from a holy God. Without forgiveness we remain under the judgement of God. Never ending condemnation. It is serious. This is why Jesus says, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Jesus knows this is what the man needs more than anything else.

You may give the appearance of being a Christian but deep down you know your sins aren’t forgiven. We can know forgiveness when we have faith (v5). Faith for these four friends wasn’t some knowledge they had about Jesus, but active belief that Jesus could do something for their heartfelt needs. Faith is actively trusting. That is what these friends do. They wanted Jesus to heal their friend. They believed He was their only hope. Their motive was the physical healing of their friend.

It is important to remember at the start of Jesus ministry, they didn’t see the cross. But we have the whole story. We can see specifically faith is in Jesus Christ, faith in Jesus dying for us. True faith is in the wonderful person of Jesus Christ. These men believed in Him. In seeing their faith, Jesus forgives sins.

Do you have your faith in Jesus Christ? It is a question we all need to answer. If you have never come to Jesus Christ before, you can come to Him humbly and ask Him to forgive you. Your greatest need will be dealt with. Are your sins forgiven? Your answer is an eternal one.

The second truth we see here is that Jesus has the authority to forgive (verses 6-12). It is one thing to realise we need to be forgiven, but we cannot solve the problem by ourselves. Jesus has the authority and power to forgive sins.

The Scribes were not happy with what Jesus said, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). They misunderstood who Jesus was, so He revealed His identity as one who has authority to forgive sins.

“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?” (Mark 2:9). This is not a trick question. On one level it is easy to say one thing but not to do it. Neither of these is easier to do and impossible for man to do. Jesus gives an answer to His own question, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the paralytic.” (Mark 2:10).

Here is the turning point. Jesus says He has all authority to forgive sins. To prove it, He says, “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (Mark 2:11). Jesus heals the man with His words. There were a lot of eyewitnesses who saw this amazing miracle. A man was physically healed. Such power was on display. Jesus shows His authority to reveal His identity. It is God Himself who has the authority to forgive sins.

Jesus has authority on earth. We can know forgiveness here and now. It Is achieved on the cross. His death means we can live. The saving work of Jesus Christ was finished at the cross. There is nothing we can add to what He has done. Everything needed has been done by Jesus Christ. You can have a wonderful assurance your sins are dealt with if you trust in Jesus Christ.

Maybe you are struggling with a family situation, school, or are a Christian questioning whether you are really saved. No matter how you are feeling, if you are a Christian, you have an eternity in heaven through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Does this leave you in awe and wonder, like the crowd? “And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:12). They were amazed. No one had ever seen anything like it before, or since. No one else has authority to forgive.

Jesus has victory over sickness and sin. He is God in flesh. This Jesus is who He claims to be – the man who is God. Our greatest need is the forgiveness of our sins. Come to Him in faith, humbly asking for forgiveness. You are all invited to respond to this Jesus. Do you know your sins are forgiven by Jesus? Jesus is the only one who can forgive you.

June 23rd 2024: Gaius Douglas

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Readings: Psalm 23 & John 10:1-17
Jesus, the true Shepherd, the Good Shepherd.

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known, wonderful psalms in scripture. This psalm is known in many languages and by many people. It is repeated by many. It is read at funerals of the saved and unsaved. It is repeated in difficult situations. Every man will have to give an account to God. When you repeat this Psalm you are repeating words of scripture and you are accountable for every word that you have spoken.

David wrote this song when he was a shepherd and had sheep as a little boy. He loved them and cared for them. Samuel was sent to the House of Jesse to choose a king from that family. Jesse brought his strongest, fittest son but Samuel asked for another. David, the youngest, was on the hillside. Samuel asked for him. God says, ‘This is the one.’ When you compare David to David’s older brother in the King’s army, surely the oldest son would have been the one. But no – David, the one who cared for sheep, is chosen. This little boy stood before the strongest and mightiest God. By His Spirit, He allowed David to pen these words, ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’

Do you know this as a reality in your life? David knows his sheep, but he is taken to the Shepherd of the sheep. Sheep are very dependent on their shepherd. We live in Pembrokeshire, in Wales. There are more sheep than people. A shepherd is there to protect, to watch over and make sure that the sheep do not get into trouble. They depend on the shepherd to care for them. Now, David says, ‘My God is my Shepherd. He looks after me. He cares for me.’

In John chapter 10 Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd. What does it mean to be a Good Shepherd? ‘Good’ in Greek describes a noble, wholesome, beautiful person. The Good Shepherd is good inwardly and outwardly. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He is the only One who is good through and through, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus contrasts Himself with those who had to care for His sheep. The Pharisees had responsibility to keep the law and look after the sheep of His pasture – yet they were not doing this. The Pharisees were meant to protect but allowed the wolf to come in and take the sheep. Do you realise how privileged you are? If it wasn’t for the Lord, where would you be? If He wasn’t the Door, where would you and I be? He is the Door. Regardless of who comes, He will protect us, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9).

Do you come to the Lord? He wants to hold you in His arms. So often we are reluctant to come to Him, but He wants you to come close to Him. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). The thief does not come except to kill and destroy – referring to the Jewish leaders of the day. Instead of loving the people, they gave others the responsibility to look after them, but they stole from them (Malachi – the priests had responsibility for looking after God’s people).

Each of us has a responsibility for the person next to us, to care each other and to look after each other and feed each other. In Malachi, the people were told to bring unblemished sacrifices, but they brought blemished sacrifices. The priests accepted the corrupt offerings, but God rejected them. We have a responsibility to bring God sacrifices of praises that are pleasing to His sight. What have you brought to Him this morning?

We need to give Him the first place – that is the place that is His. We are set apart for His glory and praise. We are holy. God sees us as holy in Christ. What are you bringing to Him everyday? You and I have a responsibility that we do not lead others astray. Are you living in Him, walking in Him? Can others see this?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is saying to the religious leaders He is not like them. He is the Door. He will keep, He will guard, He will protect, He will uphold His sheep.

The hired hands ran away when the wolf came. As believers in Christ, we are held by His power. His everlasting arms hold us (Deuteronomy).

In John 10:17-18 we see Christ going to Calvary’s cross. Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. We see the depth of His love, the meek and lowly one who lays His life down for His sheep – defending us from the wolf, “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

He has the power to overcome. We have been singing, rejoicing, because of Him who has redeemed us by His precious blood. He is holding us and will never let us go. He is the Good Shepherd who loves us. He will not leave or forsake us. He loves us so much He is taking us to heaven.

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.

(Isaiah 43:1).

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. We are His.

June 9th 2024: Peace Choi

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Matthew 28: 16-20. Keep Fulfilling

The Great Commission is one of the most well-known passages in all the Bible. All missional organisations have this passage somewhere. Today, I have two questions: why and how?

Why? Why did Jesus come?
There are three verses in Matthew’s gospel which give us clear answers:
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Mattthew 1:21). This is what the Angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph before his wife, Mary, gave birth to a son.
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13).
“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus came to save sinners from their sins, to make us righteous before God. He came to make us right with God. He came to reconcile us to God. The purpose of Jesus’ coming was for you and me. He came for your salvation and for my salvation. He came to save us – not because we deserve it but because God loves us so much. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die.” (Romans 5:6-7). We were too powerless to save ourselves; we were ungodly.

We cannot stand before a holy God on our own. We were sinners, we don’t deserve to be saved or loved by God. But God lavished His love upon us through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to save everyone who would believe.

How? How to Jesus accomplish the Purpose of His coming?
“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:38-40).

The Scribes and Pharisees wanted to see a sign that Jesus would perform. But Jesus had already performed a miracle, but they wanted a sign from Jesus Himself. He answered, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” We see clearly here Jesus is referring to His death; the Son of Man will spend 3 days and three nights in the heart of the earth. He delivered His own resurrection.

“And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them,[a] “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.” (Matthew 16:1-4).

In chapter 15 Jesus did another miracle, feeding thousands of people. But people again wanted a sign – a miracle from heaven. We see that first they wanted a sign from Jesus, then a sign from heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven is the Kingdom of God. The Jewish leaders wanted to see a sign from God Himself. We have a detailed explanation in chapter 12, but not in chapter 16. Why? It has already been explained in chapter 12. Jesus accomplished salvation for you and me through His death and resurrection. Nobody can miss the point Jesus is making. He will save people who believe in Him through His death and resurrection. Jesus did a lot of signs and miracles. The only sign which Jesus would show would be His death and resurrection – which will save people. This is God’s way of salvation for you and me.

In Matthew chapter 4 Jesus was tempted by the devil. In the first temptation Satan declared, ‘If you are the Son of God make these stones into bread.’ But Jesus did not do that. He said no to that temptation because feeding people is important, but bread alone cannot save people. That is why he said no. The second temptation was for Jesus to jump down from the highest point of the temple. He could do it, but he said no. The third temptation was to worship the devil and Jesus said, ‘No way!’ Why? Worshipping Satan was not God’s way to save people from sins. No! No! No! These were not God’s ways.

Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39b). Jesus accepted. Whilst He was on the Cross many people passed by. Some said, ‘Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God, then we will believe you.’ He did not come down. If He Came down, there would be no salvation. He stayed there because coming down from the Cross was not God’s way of saving you and me. We need to say Hallelujah! His death was not the end of the story. He was raised from the dead, conquering sin and death. The power of death could not hold Him (Matthew 12:16). Romans 4:25 confirms the same truth. We live our Christian life to please and glorify God, that is the purpose of our life.

Our passage of scripture today is Matthew 2816-20. What do you think this passage is all about? It is about taking the message of salvation to the world – to boys and girls, women and men, Korean, Welsh, everyone. What is this all about? It is the application of the salvation achieved only by Jesus’ death and resurrection. That truth should be applied to people individually. It is the work of God, of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus came to save sinners from sin. He achieved this through His death and resurrection. In the Great Commission Jesus sent out His disciples into the world. “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18). This is part of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. Why did Jesus send His disciples into the world? For your salvation and my salvation, for His Disciples to deliver, to share and to proclaim the message of salvation to others who needs to be saved. If you don’t have that application yet, come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness of sins, for Him to be your Lord and saviour.

When Jesus called His disciples, He said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples. He speaks to us through His Word. He still speaks to us even today for the application of salvation. We are to proclaim the name of Jesus as the only true name of salvation. He is everything to those who believe in Him.

If we are in Christ, we are the most valuable people to God’s Kingdom. God chose you and called you to apply the salvation which Jesus achieved by His death and resurrection. He does not need us, but He wants to use us, to save people through you and me. If you keep quiet about Jesus Christ, then how can people in this area hear about Jesus? All Christians are most valuable to the Kingdom of God. Jesus wants to proclaim the same message of salvation in the 21st century through you and me. Isn’t it exciting! May all of us be used mightily to fulfil the purpose of Jesus’ coming – until we breathe our last or until He returns with power and glory.

June 2nd 2024: Children’s Anniversary Service Chris Jenkins

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“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10:13-15

I’ve borrowed this photograph from the wall next door. It’s a black and white photo showing the Sunday School here at Penuel long, long ago. How we would love to see so many children gather here each week to hear the good news about Jesus and His love for each one of us.

Today, we are looking at a scene from the Bible, in Mark chapter 10. In this story it was one of those busy days when people crowded around the Lord Jesus, asking Him questions. Jesus had been answering some very important questions. Sometimes He answered them from the Old Testament part of the Bible. Sometimes He answered them with His own words, which are also the Word of God.

The grown-up talk was suddenly interrupted by children’s voices. The disciples looked and saw them coming, running, skipping and jumping. Some of the grown-ups were carrying babies.

“Surely they were not coming to Jesus?” they thought. “We have been talking about such important matters. They must not interrupt.” Perhaps they even spoke to one another about it, saying, “We mustn’t allow those children to bother Him. He has had such a busy day. He won’t want to see children.”

The disciples quickly decided to do something about it. One may have said, “Stop right here, you must not bother Jesus. Jesus is too busy.” Another may have said. “He hasn’t time to be bothered with children. Take your babies away. You must go now.”

Quickly the Lord Jesus stepped out from the crowd. He spoke sharply to the disciples. “Let the children come to Me.” Jesus demanded. “Do not turn them away. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who come to Me, as they have come. Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child receives it shall not enter in.”

The Lord Jesus loves children, they are very, very important to Him. He wants you to come to Him. Of course, you cannot run to Him as these children did. You come to Him asking Him to forgive your sin and take charge of your life. He wants you to come, for He loves children very much. Indeed, when He died on the cross, He was dying for boys and girls as well as for grown-ups.

The disciples stood back. They watched as the Lord Jesus reached out toward the little ones. He picked them up in His loving arms.  Others crowed around Him. Mothers may have held out their babies close to him to touch them. What a welcome! Those children could see that Jesus, the Son of God, loved them. The disciples didn’t think they mattered, but the Lord Jesus did.

The joy of knowing Christ as our Saviour

Most of you know my love of playing sport, especially when I was younger. Rugby was my main sport and I used to train nearly every day, focused on the game on Saturday, to score the perfect try. When this happened there was an instant joy, but it faded over time.

But when you accept the Lord as your saviour there will be a joy that never fades. It is an everlasting joy. That is why it is so important to meet – to be reminded of this at Sunday services, Bible study and prayer meetings, Good News Clubs and chapel Youth Clubs. We can encourage, support and pray for each other. You too, can know that you are special to Him if you come to Him and trust Him as your Saviour. He says, “Let the children come to Me.” Will you accept this invitation?

The need of a Saviour

God created a perfect world for us to live in. However, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they brought sin into the world. Does anyone know what sin is?

Yes, that’s right – everything we think, say or do that breaks God’s law.

Each of us has sinned. Each of us is in need of a Saviour. Many people think doing good deeds is enough to get us into heaven. But heaven is God’s home. It is a perfect place and we are imperfect. There is now way we can get to heaven by being good and helping others. Of course, those things are important, but we need to know Jesus and accept Him as our Saviour.

So, how do sinful people have a relationship with a perfect, pure God and get to live one day in heave, a perfect place with no sin? Well, God had a rescue plan!

God the Father sent His only Son Jesus into this world. The Lord Jesus lived a sinless perfect life. He came to share the good news of the Kingdom of God with people. He then suffered and died on the cross of Calvary for our sins, taking the punishment we deserve. On the third day He rose again, conquering death. Later, He went back to heaven, where He now lives. All this is true, historical fact which you can read about in the Bible. Every word of the Bible is true.

Jesus came to bring light into the world, to save us from the darkness of sin. In John chapter 3, verse 16 Jesus says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Do you believe that?

I’m so glad Jesus said “whoever believes in Him.” That means He is speaking to me, and to you too. He loves everyone and wants everyone to have a special relationship with Him, to trust Him and put Him first in our lives.

This means that anybody who believe and trusts in God and turns away from their sin and repents, will be accepted by Jesus. They will be saved. John chapter 3 verse 17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Lasting joy can be yours if you know the Lord as your Saviour. If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour, as the light who shines in the darkness and takes away sin, you can know Him right now. After the service, you are welcome to ask any of the people who love coming to Penuel each week, and they would love to tell you more about Jesus.

May 26th 2024: Tom Baker

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Exodus 19:1-23, Revelation 5:11-14: Jesus, sat upon His throne.

Jesus lived amongst us, died for us, rose on the third day, ascended to the right hand of the father, and now sits in glory. We behold our God, sat upon His throne. The first commandment is, ‘You shall have other gods before me.’ Moses is trying to show us how the whole universe fits together. God is. In Exodus chapter 20 we see how God, the world, Jesus Christ, and the universe all fit together. What is the universe made of? It is all physical stuff, matter, forces, organised into systems, galaxies and so on. Everything spins properly. Yes, that is true – but what about the stuff that is not seen but equally matters – of heart, soul, beauty, joy, justice, love. How do those things make sense?

What is the centre of the universe, both visible and invisible? You are a body and soul, visible and invisible. What is the centre of reality that makes sense of everything, a focal point we should centre around? Day by day we search for this meaning of life, but don’t seem to find it. We ask, ‘What is the meaning of all this?’ As we scramble around in the dark God, in His mercy, speaks and shows us that’s at the centre of reality is Jesus Christ, sat on the throne. Everything is under His rule. Everything makes sense when Jesus Christ is sat on the throne. That is what God told His people as they gathered at the bottom of Mount Sinai. It is the same today. Everything only makes sense when Jesus is centre and focus, when Jesus is looked to.

We see in Exodus the Lord sits enthroned in glory. The Israelites life makes sense when they look up to Him. Exodus speaks to the people, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2) LORD in capital letters, is the original name of God, Yahweh, Jehovah. God is telling them His name, introducing Himself personally. ‘Your’ God. There is something very precious about that. The people of God can say ‘He’ is my God. He is the one who saves them out of Egypt (v.2).

He is the LORD, the sovereign One, the covenant-keeping God, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (v.3). He is bundling everything together in this vast universe and placing it all before His people – but none of it compares to Him. Egypt was full of gods for everything – rivers, crops, sun, health and well-being. Central in the worship of Egypt were man-made gods which had human features. All man-made systems of worship always end up being man-centred.

Far too often, the people of Israel looked far too ‘Egyptian.’ God is calling them to a greater experience of worship. God tells them they were made for more than crops, health – they were made for God, to look upwards. What about you? What have you dedicated your life to? You are made for God. The Lord deliverers His people from those gods. The plagues were specifically shown to humiliate these gods. God uses these to deliver people to Himself. God reigns and no one can take His throne. What are your gods compared to the God? They are nothing. The universe, and how we work and function properly, works when we are turned towards Him. God is to be central in our hearts.

God is to be central in all the universe. He is to be central in our hearts. “You shall have no other gods before me.” (v.3). ‘Before me – ahead of me, greater than me. He has the only right to the throne of the universe. ‘Before me’ can also mean in front of me, in my presence. From the throne, as God looks out, He sees everything. He alone is God. Isaiah tells us repeatedly there is no one like the Lord; He alone created everything from nothing and sustains everything (Isaiah 45).

He is the righteous, just God, the only God who saves sinners. We are sinners. No one can take our sins away but the Lord (v.20). No one else has the right, the authority to do so. We are called to turn to Him and be saved. We are called to have our lives re-ordered around His throne. Our hearts are only ordered properly when He is centred, when He is our desire. We are to love Him with all our heart, but that is not our natural inclination. Our lives are disordered, a mess, because God is not central in it. We need our hearts to be turned to Him.

If your life is a mess and troubles you, the God who commands is the God who redeems. He rescued the Israelites out of Egypt tyranny. He can redeem you and bring you out of your other gods. He will keep you and change you. Take comfort in knowing though your life hasn’t been what it’s meant to be, there is a man whose life is exactly how it was meant to be. In all His life the centrality of God is everything. His life is a well-ordered life; everything is right about him.

How many times a day are you reminded of the sovereignty of God sat on his throne? For Jesus, it is constant. Jesus laid down His life so we can be forgiven of our sin, for failing to recognise the Lordship of God. Jesus is constantly reminded of the father’s glory. He died for sin. Then, by the power of H risen life, He can change our heart so we can love God. Putting your trust in Jesus means your life will be put right. Our hearts are to be centred on Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is not just to be centred in our hearts, but in the whole universe. God is present everywhere. He sees everything. Everything is before him, everything is in His sight. The whole universe combined cannot be compared to God. He tells us that we can now have Him. What a great, generous God. He will even give himself to us. No one else made everything and owns everything. No one else will or can give you His grace. No one else can treat you as fairly as God. No one else saves like Jesus saves. All of the universe declares that.

The destiny of the whole universe will be revealed; around His throne angels and every living thing and being will gather. He will reign forever and ever. And on that throne is Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain for sinners like us, so we can come to the throne, be washed and join in the praise of the whole universe. There, everything makes sense and fits together.

May 19th 2024: Evan Millership

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I Samuel chapter 17

I read a newspaper article about Francis Dymoke, the King’s champion, who died in December 2023. The ancient role of the King’s champion was to fight battles and single combat on the King’s behalf. Francis Dymoke was a fairly well-off, old accountant. He was not a man of fighting. The position of a king’s champion has become just a title. In the past, during a King’s coronation, the king’s champion would ride a white horse and raise a defiant cry to those who would deny the sovereign’s status. He would take part in single combat. That is what we see here in this passage of scripture. David versus Goliath.

This event is usually used as an image of a great underdog. This account of David and Goliath is historical fact. Some see it as Jesus conquering sin and death but that is not the complete picture. The original picture cannot mean what it can’t mean to the original readers. They’re reading it to remember how God saved the Israelites from the Philistines. It is an historical event. Read it as history and learn from it. Here we see:

  1. verses 1-19: The champion;
  2. verses 20-39: The challenge accepted;
  3. verses 40-58:   The conquest.

1.The Champion

The champion is introduced. The Philistines prepare for war, march across the border. Saul hears about this and gathers his men. More and more armour and tents. The Philistines set up a base camp on one mountain and the Israelites on another. There are thousands of them. They are a fairly equal force. They are lined up and ready, facing each other. Who will move first? Then, this big spear, taller than the rest, comes through the Philistines. Out strides a giant. 9 foot 9. Huge! To clothe him in armour would have cost a lot. He had been a warrior from his youth. He is ready. He wants a man to fight (v.8).

This has happened before; the Philistines and Israelites are grave enemies. The hundreds of thousands of Israelites were dismayed and terrified. They felt broken, having no hope. Fear in an army of 300,000 is contagious. Then we see David, the little shepherd boy. Here is a drama. David’s other brothers go to Saul; they are older. But David is a small shepherd boy. He is a youth, yet strong enough to later pick up Goliath’s sword. Here we have the arrogant versus the meek, the warrior versus the shepherd. For 40 days Goliath comes to the Israelites.

2. Challenge accepted.

Jesse had no idea his sons are terrified, hiding behind their shields, not fighting. David goes to them. It is morning. It’s hot. The sun is beating down on them. They sweat so much. They eat, they sleep, then do this over and over again. Imagine the grumbles. Whenever the Israelites saw Goliath they fled from him (v.24). Fear took hold of them.

David arrives and goes out to the battle lines. He hears Goliath’s challenge and speaks his mind, “And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v.26). What is the one word in that sentence that has not been mentioned so far? God. The Israelites are not thinking about God, about being His chosen people. David speaks his mind.

Saul calls David. He wants to see if he has a champion in David. He has no idea who he is, even though he is already in Saul’s service (chapter 16). Saul wants to know why David is saying this. David responds by saying he will go and fight. We see courage.

Why is David so different? Why does he have courage? The Israelites have forgotten God but David is courageous because he knows who God is. In verses 34-37 we see the true extent of David’s courage. He sees the threat and chases after it, “And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” (v.37).

If you were forced to do something, that is not courage. In David’s case he was willing to front pain and agony because he knows the Lord is with him. Every one of the Israelites was ruled by fear because they lacked faith. David was probably fearful but because God is with him, he goes anyway. He was willing to go despite everyone’s fear.

We want courage like this. What does courage look like to you on a day-to-day basis? C.S. Lewis declared, “Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.” Every single one of us, day by day, faces some kind of enemy. It is all too easy to say no on a day, a week, a month. Tell your kids stories of courage. This historical account shows God with His people. If you are His people, God goes with you.

There are fears we face as individuals and as a church, but God promises to go with us. Each day, you can wake up and know what’s coming could be awful; it could be colleagues criticising you, bullies in school, problems at home, worries about the war in Ukraine spreading west. Thing is outside of God’s hands. God is with us. Have confidence and do not let your fear rule you.

David puts on the armour he is given but says he cannot go in this as he is not used to it. He knows a battle will come and armour will help, but it is too big. He picks five small calmer smooth stones and went to face Goliath.

3.The Conquest.

Imagine Goliath facing the vast army of Israel, then he sees David in his tunic, staff in his hand and stones in the other. He mocks David. The conversation in verses 43 to 47 is the climax of the story – not the killing of Goliath. David says, “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (v.45). David declares that God has not defied Israel, Goliath has defied Israel. The whole world will know there is a God, including the Israelites. There is a God who protects His people. This is what the whole passage builds towards.

Goliath runs towards David, who runs towards him. David has a sling in his hand. He puts a stone in it. The sling goes faster and faster. The stone hurtles toward and sinks into the forehead of the enemy – while he was wearing a bronze helmet. It punches forward into the enemy. The ranks of Israelites are filled with slingers, yet it was David who stood up to the giant, who faced the enemy.

God triumphed and was glorified through David’s courage. What fears will you face tomorrow? God is with us. God knows your fears. If you don’t know Jesus and want to put yourself in the story, you are part of the Philistines. Because they didn’t trust in God they died. But Jesus died for you. You can trust in Him. Your fears will be conquered. He died on the cross that you might live.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1

Is that your truth?

May 12th 2024: Robert Strivens

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2 Peter 3:1-15: Godly living in the light of Christ’s return in glory and for judgement.

“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.  And count the patience of our Lord as salvation” (v.14-15a).

These verses are a summary of what Peter wants us to learn. We are waiting for these things, and as we wait and look forward, we need to be careful, found in Christ, living in such a way that is holy and godly.

This chapter is first of all telling us that this world will come to an end (v.14). Essentially, Peter wants people to think of the end of the age and the new heavens and new earth (v.13). That is where he wants us to look; when this world, as we know it, will come to an end, and a new heaven and a new earth will take its place.

This is a fairly general letter, comforting people because they are being scoffed at (vs.3-4). People still do this today. Peter was writing to give comfort and assurance. When people laugh at us and don’t believe what we say, as believers, it can be unsettling. People question why this world will come to an end as there is no sign of this. Many doubt if it is really going to happen. Peter addresses this feeling of being unsettled. He reminds us of two vital things:

  1. the past
  2. to look forward

1.The Past

Look back (vs. 5-6). We are reminded that things have not always been like this, as they are today. There has been a beginning of all things; God created all things by His word (Genesis 1). There was a time when there was nothing but God. He created this world out of nothing (Hebrews 3). Peter is saying things had a beginning. We must be clear and not be taken up by evolutionary thought. From the word of God there was creation of this universe. It will keep going until He brings it to an end (v.7).

Things continue as they are because God maintains them by His word (Hebrews 1, Psalm 102). Peter is saying things appear to go on with no sign of judgement. But look, this world is maintained by God. Furthermore, he points out that there has been a great worldwide catastrophe in the past (v.6). Why is he pointing to the Flood? Because you cannot assume things will go on. Look to the past – the judgement for people’s wickedness.

Things had a start, a beginning, there was this great catastrophe. Things don’t continue without interruption. People should not assume things have always been as they are. This world will come to an end. Look back, then look forward (v.4).

2. Look forward.

See the promise of His coming (v.7), when Christ will return in judgement. The end of this world is coming. God is not slow to fulfil this promise (v.9). He gives an explanation, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (v.8). It is not some philosophical trick. It is a much more solid point. The Lord is patient (v.9). He is waiting. God is merciful and is waiting for all He has chosen to return to Him in repentance.

A time is coming when the Lord will return and judge the world. God is deliberately patient with sinful humanity. He is given opportunity for the church to give witness. He will return suddenly, without warning (v.10). This teaching is so clear in the Bible. We can’t work it out. Then, disaster will come for those who do not know the Lord (v.10). The world will come to an end – not by some man-made event, but by the act of God Himself. It is vital we grasp that.

What does that mean for a Christian today?

Our priorities for living.
 Peter draws conclusions for how we are to live today and every day (vs.12-13). A Christian is characterised by living a holy and godly life. This is the practical outworking of that doctrine. We know when God brings this universe to an end, we will have the home of righteousness. As we look forward to this great future, we should seek to live holy and godly lives. We are expecting to see the Lord in His glory, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will be an extraordinary experience – Christ returning in glory to judge the world, to usher in new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. This should affect how we live – not just in outward appearance but in heart.

If we are born again of the Holy Spirit, we should walk in Christ’s way, seeking to live lives of holiness and godliness, rooted in the soil of true repentance of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We should be trusting in what Christ has done on the cross. We contribute nothing at all. It all depends on Christ, who has successfully paid the price in full. That is the foundation. We seek, through the Holy Spirit, to live for Him.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” There is a great change in someone who repents. Peter says we are not perfect; we continue to sin and don’t live up to the standards of God. But we seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Sometimes, we backslide. Return to the saviour. Look to Him and ask Him to restore you. Remember what Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.” (Luke 12:37).

Peter says we are to be actively looking forward to the Lord’s return (v.12). This is not just knowing it is true, but waiting, thinking about it. Are we thinking about it? This should be the major event on our horizon – greater than marriage, greater than the birth of a child, greater than retirement. How often do you reflect on this glorious fact of Christ’s return, of this universe being destroyed and a far better version coming, a time when sin will be no more, when there will be no more lying, theft, deception, adultery, pride, murder. All terrible consequences will be gone. There will be no more famine, ill health, poverty, sadness. All will be abolished. It is not fantasy, it is reality. It is God’s promise.

Is that where your heart is set – the new heavens and the new earth? We enjoy this creation but we are looking for an even better day, when Christ returns in glory. Are you waiting and looking forward? “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” (v.14). At peace. We live in a world where there is anything but peace. Do you know the peace of Christ? In this time of waiting, it is a time of salvation, “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation” (v.15a). Seek to witness and testify that others may know the saviour in this day of grace.

May 5th 2024: Andy Pitt

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Psalm 107: The God who saves

I pray you can say, ‘The Lord has saved me.’ When I first came to Wales, I walked through the doors of Lonlas Mission in Swansea. On the way in, the man on the door asked me, ‘Are you saved?’ We come to worship a God who saves. Are you saved?

In this psalm, which was written following the Babylonian captivity, we see four groups of people and how God deals with His people. The four groups all have a problem, cry a prayer, God graciously makes provision and this all concludes with praise. There is a problem, prayer, promise and praise.

We are introduced to the first group in verse 4. They have nowhere to live. They find themselves in the desert, in the wilderness. What word springs into your mind when you hear of a wilderness? Dry. It can be an environment where everything is dry. Very little flourishes. A place of dryness is where there is little growth. If you are saved, you have a testimony of God’s saving grace in your life. If you are saved, praise God. But where are you today?

It is possible to be saved yet become spiritually dry. You can be in a place where you are not thriving. When we become dry spiritually, praying becomes hard. It becomes difficult. Reading and studying God’s word becomes hard. Our appetite for the things of God is not what it ought to be. You can say, ‘God has saved me, blessed by His Name,’ but you can be spiritually dry.

The apostle Paul says in his letters, ‘In Christ.’ You have been saved, redeemed, restored by Him. What do we do when we feel spiritually dry? We cry to God. When we find praying hard, pray scripture. Take a psalm, a portion of scripture and say, ‘Lord, this is really my prayer, my longing. This is me.’

In verse 10 we meet the second group who are in the dungeon. They feel bound, as if the freedom that they once enjoyed has gone. God has a word for all our needs and the trials and tribulations we experience. We are all addicts – this is not just referring to drugs and alcohol. We were designed to worship. Before we were saved, we were pursuing something to fill that gap. It might not be drink or drugs, it could be pursuing wealth, power, property – things we embrace and can become addicted to. But when we are saved, God breaks the bondage of sin.

We can be spiritually dry. Other things can replace the pre-eminence of Christ. It could be a person, or something else. Anything that takes the place of Christ is idolatry. There are often times in life when we want to know God’s Will, but when He speaks powerfully in His Word and it doesn’t match our hopes, we spurn the counsel of God.

In verse 17 we meet the third group of people, who are sick, facing death. We can be a Christian but be spiritually sick. This can lead to all sorts of problems. In this psalm, the people cry to God in their trouble (v.19). He delivers them; He pours lily water, by His Spirit, by His Word. He breaks those chains. He delivered them from their distress (v.20). The Lord provides. He continues to provide, even in our foolishness. He does not want us to sin, but He makes provision when we sin. There is a problem, followed by prayer, God’s provision, and praise from His people.

The fourth group of people we meet in verses 23 to 27. Maybe you were at your wits end this morning and no one knows. God knows. This group of people were labouring in the deep, tossed by the angry seas. In life we’re in a storm, going into a storm  or coming out of a storm. ‘With Christ in the vessel, I can smile in the storm.’ When the disciples were in a boat in a storm, Christ was asleep, His head on a pillow. His response to their cries was, ‘Do you still have no faith?’ He didn’t mean they had no faith; they were His disciples. He meant, ‘Why are you responding as if you have no faith?’

Is that you – beginning to doubt the truthfulness of God’s Word? Our answer can be found in the words of the hymn writer,

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Fix your eyes on Jesus. He will never disappoint or turn His back on you. He will say, ‘Come closer.’ Sometimes, there is more theology in a ‘cwtch’ and tears then anything you can say. Jesus knows you. He is with you in the storm and says, ‘Come closer.’

The God who saves has provided for our sin through the death of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He can save you. He is building His Church.

If you are dry, He can provide living water. If you are in bondage, He can break the chains. If you are spiritually sick, He will come and bring restoration. If you are in a storm, He is with you. Don’t respond as if you have no faith. Trust in God. The God who saves provides for our problems, hears our prayers, provides for us, and calls on us to acknowledge His goodness.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 107:1

April 28th 2024: Sam Pritchard

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Philippians 4:1-7

Christianity engages your heart and mind. It is what we see in Philippians 4 – the reality and truth of who Jesus is changes our whole being. The power of Christ transforms us. Christianity changes us. In this passage of scripture we read the phrase, ‘In the Lord.’ I have four simple points for this. Christianity Engages all of us. We need to respond with heart and soul:

  1. Stand firm in the Lord.
    “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” (Philippians 4:1). Resist the issues, resist the lies, resist the sins of the world. Chapter 4 begins with ‘therefore.’ ‘Therefore’ what? Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21). Verse 1 is in light of that – the power of Jesus Christ, the Saviour who is coming again, who will renew our bodies, the Saviour who has accomplished all at the cross. Stand firm in this Saviour.

People often say Paul is a genius, but a little bit cold, someone who doesn’t engage with his emotions. This is absolutely false. Never let our minds be full of theology and our hearts empty. Paul longs for his brothers (v1). Because of what he knows about Jesus Christ, this has changed the way he thinks of other Christians. We should pray to see more of Jesus and become more like Jesus. Paul is filled with a great love for these people. Paul’s message to those he loves is to stand firm. We too are to stand firm – in work, in schools, in every situation.

There will be resistance to the gospel but stand firm in the gospel, stand firm in the Lord. When the waters of life are raging stand firm in the Lord, in His promises, in His truth, in what He has done. Be rooted in the Lord. Are you standing firm in the Lord?

  •  Agree in the Lord.
    “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.” (v.2). Paul says we, as Christians, should agree in the Lord. In verse 2 we read of two ladies who clearly had had a disagreement. Paul is aware of this. This disagreement among Christians has become well-known. It is dark and depressing when Christians bear bad witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul urges them to agree in the Lord.

Paul doesn’t take a side, or even address what they’re arguing about. He simply says, ‘Agree in the Lord.’ Reconcile with one another. Paul speaks to address this disunity. Paul is not saying everyone should think the same way or dress the same way. As Christians, we disagree with all sorts, such as what colour the church is painted, theology, baptism, the way the Lord is going to come again. These are secondary issues. We can have different opinions. Paul is seeking to remind these women that what unites them in Jesus Christ is greater than what divides us. Our desire is to be united in the truth of the gospel, in the reality of the deity of Christ. Present the gospel and live for Jesus Christ.

Paul continues to talk about these women, “Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have laboured side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” (v.3). Although the two women had had such a public disagreement in the church, they are faithful Christians. It shows me as a Christian, I can make mistakes. We can slip, stumble and have disagreements. It is a reminder for all of us to look within. These are not godless women but faithful servants of Jesus Christ, who are not perfect. We all fail. We can say the wrong thing, wish we had been softer in our language.

Paul mentions in verse 3 a man called Clement. Can you imagine what it would be like to be mentioned in the Bible? Have you been mentioned in a book? Clement has made it! But there is a better book Clement has been mentioned in, “Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” It doesn’t get better than that! If your name is in there, you are safe, you are kept, you are redeemed, part of His chosen people. Agree in the Lord because we are accepted in the Lord, because we are all in the same book of life.

  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (v4).

This is an incredibly famous verse. Did you know Christians can be joyful! For some Christians the joy is almost lost it is so deep. They have engaged their heads but not necessarily their heart. There is a joy in the Christian faith. When was the last time you rejoiced in the Lord, in who He is?

How are we to ‘rejoice always?’ Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He cried in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was not happy all the time but had joy in the Lord at all times. There is a clear difference. How can I rejoice in great grief? Remember the context Paul is writing in – he was probably in chains, writing to many Jews who had been scattered, who had been persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ. Yet to those people Paul says, ‘Rejoice always.’

If your joy comes from your job and you retire or lose your job, your joy is broken. Our joy is in something imperishable, rooted in the Lord. If your happinesses found in material things, you are in for a hard time. But if your source of joy stems from the fact that you are a child of the King, you have joy forever more. You will always have a rejoicing hope. Rejoice in the Lord because there is always something to praise God for.

  • “Guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (7b)

This is what we ought to do – to engage our heart and head. Both reason and intellect, and emotion must all be guarded. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v6). Nothing is too small or too big to bring to God. There is a difference in general anxieties in life and clinical anxiety. We, as Christians, worry so much about so little because we have forgotten how big God is. Magnify your view of Jesus Christ, in the light of who He is, in what hope we have. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v.7). Go to Him first, turn to Him in everything, whatever you are struggling with. Go to Jesus Christ and pray. You can pray to God about everything. You can request of God. That’s amazing! Turn to him. Pray to God and our God responds.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v.7). Because we are in Jesus Christ we can know and experience the peace of God. You can’t have peace from God if you are not trusting in Jesus. You can know the boundlessness of God’s peace. In the painful moments we can have peace with God. Come to Jesus and you will never have to worry how God sees you, you will never have to worry about what happens when you die. You can have peace. Jesus Christ will keep you safe. Our mind and heart is to be fixed on the Saviour. Do everything in the Lord.