Category: Services

8th January 2017: Matthew Maxwell-Carr

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The Christian Teaching of Original Sin

matthew-maxwell-carr-january-17This is a fundamental Christian teaching, anyone who denies it is a heretic. If you don’t believe it, you empty the gospel of all of its power.

What is original sin?
Often Christians will say because Adam sinned we have a corrupt nature. It’s true – we have inherited a fallen nature. It’s why we find it easy to lose our temper, to be jealous. However, you need to go further back. Ultimately, because of what Adam did, we are all counted guilty for his sin before God. God sees the whole human race through Adam – worthy of eternal death. This is why we are still subject to death the moment we come into this world. The human race is counted worthy of death. But in Jesus Christ, God has chosen to view those who believe in Him as righteous, as Jesus Christ is, and not worthy of death but the riches of glory.

God only sees two men in the human race; all humanity hangs from the girdles of these two men – the first Adam or the second Adam. Forget about good works, works of righteousness which you have done. It is all of faith. The big question is whether you are of Adam or Christ.

Is this a teaching of Scripture?
‘But now, Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.’ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Some Corinthians were denying resurrection is possible. Paul says in verse 20, ‘One man brought death into the world, but Christ brought resurrection into the world.’ Are you in Adam or are you in Christ?

‘Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned – For until the law sin was in the world, but sin in not imputed when there is no law.’ (Romans 5:12-13). There was a law given to Adam in the Garden of Eden – don’t eat of the fruit or you shall surely die. From the time of Adam until Moses there were no other laws. Adam transgressed that law. Death reigned during that time. (Romans 5:14). Humanity was in big trouble. Humanity is still in trouble. But in Romans 5:15 we read of the free gift God offers the human race – the free gift of righteousness. When we stand before God all our sins are gone. Paul compares this to the trespass of Adam, he compares and contrasts what Adam and Christ have done. Many died through one man’s offence but God has now flooded people’s lives with grace. The free gift of the gospel came after many, many sins had happened. God sent His Son into this world to bring grace and justification. If you’re justified you are guilty of no crime, you are innocent. That’s how God wants to treat us in Jesus Christ, He wants to see us righteous because of what His Son has done. Enter into this by faith alone.

In verse 17 Paul says because of one man’s sin, through his one offence, death reigns. But in Jesus Christ we have salvation. If you receive that abundance of grace, you receive the gift of righteousness. We are all sinners by nature. Ultimately, we are all guilty of Adam’s sin. Jesus was sent into this world so we might have the gift of righteousness.

‘Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgement came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.’ (Romans 5:18). Judgement will come to all through one man’s offence. We were born into this world worthy of death. But how gracious God is. He chooses to see us fully righteous. If we enter into Jesus Christ, God won’t see all our sin because of the one righteous act of Jesus.  What was this? The giving of His life on the cross. Adam sinned because of a tree. Christ died on a tree, on the cross, in obedience to His Father. Jesus came into this world as the most astounding teacher, but ultimately He came to die, to undo what Adam did. All our sins are blotted out and we are justified. We are righteous because Christ is righteous. God takes it all out of our hands. The righteous act of Jesus Christ takes us into heaven if we believe in the Lord Jesus. Trust in Him, receive Him.

‘For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.’ (Romans 5:19). By one man’s disobedience many were breakers of God’s law. We came into this world, we didn’t choose to be guilt of Adam’s sin, but by God’s grace He sent Christ. It doesn’t depend on our works, what we do. Christ has done it all for us. Be saved! What a gracious set up! Believe in Jesus Christ and you will be reckoned to be fully righteous before God. By His mercy He saved us.

 ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.’ (Ephesians 2:9). You have to believe. Just get into Christ, look to Him, see Christ crucified for your sins.

 

New Year’s Day 2017: Ian Middlemist

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ianOur New Year’s Day service was led by Ian Middlemist, who preached from John Chapter 13:34- Chapter 14:27. Ian began asking us by saying, ‘Where are we going? Are we heading in the right direction?’. We’ve become very emotionally attached to our homes, which is quite normal, but have we become too attached to the things of this world. In John 14, the disciples were attached to earthly things. Jesus teaches them that he is going and wants them to come with him.

Ian raised three points:

  • Where are you coming from?
  • Do you want to go?
  • How are you going to get there?

 

Where are you going from?

In John 12:27 Jesus is troubled, He says: “Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” Jesus wasn’t asking for an escape route. He came to glorify God. On the night of all nights, when He needed comfort, He comforted His friends, the disciples, who were confused. His disciples had accepted Jesus, they loved Him, but then comes the total confusion of Jesus’ death. They didn’t want things to come to an end. Jesus tells them He is going to die. It’s very difficult to face change. Are you happy?

In John 14:6 Jesus says “I am the way.” Why must there be a way? Why can’t we just stay where we are? Why aren’t we there by nature? Why don’t people know God naturally? Some people may have looked at Christianity and thought it to be too stressful – turning your back on things you love. The Bible tells us a true and honest assessment of our condition; it is an unpleasant sight to behold – we are unclean and we live in a filthy world. We need to wake up to it, we need to be made clean.

Do you want to go?

You can’t stay in the condition you live in. The penalty of sin will fall away to death itself, under God’s just judgement. Our lives are so short. We need to prepare to have a fixed abode in heaven. Jesus prepares his disciples for the glory to come.  You have to uproot. That is the call of the gospel. We need to understand the seriousness of our situation. Our homes are fading, but we are involved in a rescue effort. There is something awaiting everyone, greater than our present dwelling. Look upwards!

In John 11:48 we read of spiritual blindness. The Jews are all in a panic because they think Jesus will lead people astray, the Roman authorities will come and take their place and nation. They were fixed on their spot of land and didn’t want it taken away. Jesus says he is going to prepare a place for the disciples – their homes in heaven. Do you want to go there?  Heaven is the place where the Father dwells and He is the One we need to know and have His eternal safety and security. Jesus calls us out of the mess of our lives, and into our mansions in the sky. Look to Jesus, acknowledge there is a problem and place yourselves in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

How are you going to get there?

In some ways every human being is looking for heaven, but what they don’t realise is it’s all about God.  That’s when they have problems; they want God to serve them. Knowing God is glorious. Such low, sinful people as us, cannot reach the highest heaven. But God himself has made a way, Jesus is the way to reach God. Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. It was always His plan that he was going. He came to go. He had to go to the cross and then He would provide the means of cleansing. Jesus is the way. We place ourselves in His care. Let Him take you to God, to the mansions above. Let Him lead you into His presence. The disciples followed Jesus apart from one who rejected Christ. In Acts, we are told the believers were called the followers of the way. Can this be said of us?

 

Christmas Day 2016: Rev. Dr. Gareth Edwards

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isaiah-9-6Our Christmas morning service was led by Reverend Dr. Gareth Edwards of Hill Park Church, who preached from Isaiah 9. Gareth began by telling us that God has given us the main present – the Lord Himself. We are also told in Romans that God also gives every good gift.

The year of Isaiah 9 is around 735 B.C. Uzziah, King of Judah, had just died. There was a time of stability during his 12 year reign. We read in chapter 7 that Isaiah says a child will be born who will be Imannuel, ‘Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.’ (Isaiah 7:14). The two kings who the people dreaded would be wiped from the face of the earth. However, it was not all good news; an even greater enemy would come and destroy them – the Assyrians – the great super-power of the day. God’s message to Judah is that, because of sin, judgement will come at the hands of Sennacherib of Assyria. But Isaiah also speaks about a future day, the coming of another, Immanuel, who will bring salvation. This suffering servant will die for the salvation of His people. Here is chapter 9 Isaiah looks to the future, it’s the day when God will raise up the one who will be the Saviour, and all of the blessings that will come through Him. In Matthew 4 we read that the majority of His three year ministry is spent in Capernaum – a fulfilment of these very words from Isaiah, spoken many centuries before. This will be an invasion not of terror but now of grace and goodness, of the gospel.

Isaiah speaks of 5 blessings:

  • Light takes the place of darkness.

It is the light of hope. We know the light has come, the Saviour has come. We have the hope of eternal life in Him. Our future is better than our past. Everyday our future gets better, every day we experience more of the grace of Jesus Christ. It’s a step nearer. The best is yet to come.

  • Joy:

There will be no more gloom, it will give way to joy; the joy of being restored from the hands of the Assyrians. But Isaiah looks further to the future – the joy of Salvation of the Lord, that eternal life that comes with the Saviour’s birth.

  • The release from the burden of sin.

The message of forgiveness of sin, the message Jesus preached personally, brings release from bondage. The Saviour has come, the joy of salvation is our release from sin, is all because a ‘child is born, a son is given.’

  • Peace with God.

His name, Isaiah tells us, shall be, ‘Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end.’ (Isaiah 9:6). It’s a peace that passes all understanding. There is little peace in Syria today, or in Iraq, or in Pembrokeshire. People in Pembrokeshire don’t face the bloodbath of Syria, but they are oppressed by the cars of this world, but the materialism of this world. There is so little peace. They do not know the peace of God, they are in sin and have rebelled against Him. But a Saviour has come who has taken upon Himself the responsibility of the rebellion and offered Himself for the sacrifice of this sin, for those who take Him to be their Lord. All hostility has ended. They now receive the peace of God and know what it is to face an uncertain world, the anguish and difficulties, but on their own. They know that, ‘All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.’ (Romans 8:28). Through it all, God’s purpose is to bring glory to Him.

  • The kingdom:

Isaiah speaks about a kingdom. The government will be upon the shoulders of the child. There is one empire that is eternal, the empire of God’s grace, in the person of Jesus Christ. This empire is an empire of justice and righteousness. The rule of the Lord Jesus Christ is a rule that is marked with infinite kindness, it is omnibenevolent – all good. He has come and He has conquered our lives and subdued us to His will. In righteousness He leads us and guides us. His loving kindness that fills us day after day in a harsh world, where there is little kindness; we experience His abounding benevolence, day after day.

‘For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.’ Praise God!

December 11th 2016: Norman Rees

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norman-rees-dec-2016Morning worship was led by Norman Rees, of Bethany Free Church, Clarbeston Road, who preached on 1 Timothy 1. Norman began by reminding us that Paul was a great servant of God who was mightily converted and greatly used. Paul met up with Timothy (Acts 16), a young man, and took him to be his servant and aide. He then had a responsibility as he was a ‘son in the faith.’ He left him in Ephesus to pastor the church. Paul encourages Timothy to cling on to the truth and not to listen to false teaching, but to stand up to those men. The law was given to the unrighteous, the living law is Jesus Christ. Only when we have an encounter with Jesus Christ and accept Him will the gift of God come to us. The law of God is to know that we cannot get to heaven by keeping anything. We are born in sin and we need something far greater than works. Paul says God changed him and Paul encourages Timothy to preach the Word of God to sinners, the lawless, who need the gospel. It is not just for people who attend chapel. The gospel is for sinners. Paul tells Timothy to preach the gospel which has revolutionised his life.

 ‘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.’ (1 Timothy 1:15). This is a faithful saying, it is not something that is unreliable. It is true and can be trusted because it comes from a true, reliable, faithful God. It is an indescribable gift – it can changes a murder to someone who loves Christ. Here are 9 words that form the basis of all scripture, ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ Christ came into the world as a helpless baby. Without Him this world does not make sense, existence is nothing without knowing God. You can have a happy life, but it’s a passing happiness, a vapour. Without God it makes no sense at all.

Saul of Tarsus was an enemy of God but God can change people. Christ is the promised seed of the very beginning, the anointed one of God, appointed to come into this world to save sinners. Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, who came from glory, a place where there is no sin, came into this world to a place which was despised by people – Nazareth. He was born in a stable, laid in a manger, the Son of God. It is mind blowing! He grew up with no sin in a wicked world. He came into a world ruled by Romans who knew how to bring the wrath of Rome down on those who would not toe the line. They had probably the worst form of execution – crucifixion. He came into a world where men writhed on crosses. He stayed in Palestine all His life yet the whole world knows about this man. He is God the Son, the one who created heaven and hell, the one who came into the world to save sinners. He knew what it was to be human, to be falsely accused, yet He is God. He came not just as a baby but as the Saviour of sinners. He just didn’t come as a pattern of good works but as someone who can change lives. Has He changed you? He bled to death for the punishment of my sin (Isaiah 53). He is the Messiah.

This Christmas, remember the coming of Christ. Repent and follow Him to be born again and have a new life.

‘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.’ (1 Timothy 1:15). The chief of sinners. We are all the chief of sinners. Christ died for us. As Christians, when we fail God and succumb to the evil ways of the devil, tell the devil, ‘Satan, I resist you in the name of the one who came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. He saved me, He has opened the way to heaven for me!’

December 4th 2016: Ian Middlemist

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Our morning worship was led by Ian Middlemist who preached from Matthew 11, verses 25-30, focusing on verse 28, ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’

We live in a society ruled by hurry and worry. This verse is a message of rest, it shows how to know the peace of Christ. ‘Come to me’ because nothing can hold the place reserved in our lives for Jesus Christ. The Lord extends an invitation to each of us. Why do we chase after so many things that can never satisfy, when Jesus Christ has urged us to come to Him? We come to Jesus with our exhaustion and restlessness. The exhaustion removes Christ from the picture. The supreme need in every life is not for pleasure or power but for meaning. The Lord Jesus invites us to Him. We discover our need in Jesus Christ. He promises rest for the restless, rest for our soul when life implodes upon us, when disappointments strike us. Turn to Christ afresh.

We see a great promise. There is one of the most profound examples of Jesus’ calling people to believe in Him. He says ‘Believe in me and put all your trust in me.’ What can we do to get people to turn to Christ? Men and women who have chosen to reject Christ will always do so, unless the power of Christ changes them. In verses 20-24 Jesus denounces them, He brings a stern tone and judgement. Then He turns His tone from one of judgement and urges them to turn to Him and trust Him. This message goes out to all mankind. He promises to give them rest. ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28). All men and women today are being offered this promise. This revelation wasn’t given to the wise and learned but to the weak and weary, to the burdened, to those who have a spiritual need. The rest is for the soul. Burdens become light in Jesus Christ, they are lifted at Calvary. The Lord will refresh the people (Jeremiah 31). There is a promise of future redemption. Jesus is saying He will give us rest. Listen to His promise and take it to heart.

We see a great invitation; the call is for people to come to Jesus. One must believe in Jesus and seek forgiveness and salvation from Him. Repentance is tied in with belief. Turn to Jesus, turn to His direction as you are a new creation. Genuine faith will find expression in learning from Jesus and taking His yoke. In Israel, trying to stick to the letter of the law was often called ‘the Yoke of the Law’. They were said to be taken upon themselves the yoke of the Kingdom. The call of Jesus is a more involved call, it’s a call for people to exchange yokes. The yoke of Jesus is light. A man trains a young ox by yoking it to an older ox, who will do all the work. When we accept Christ, He does all the work for us, He lifts and carries burdens for us. ‘Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.’ (Jeremiah 6:16)   

Christ’s invitation calls for a radical change. To come under the authority of Christ is to know peace for the soul. Jesus Christ alone brings true rest.

He offers a great incentive. Learn of Jesus Christ, let Him teach you, trust in Him. His teaching is described as gentle and humble. The people have to decide whether to remain as disciples of the Pharisees, rejecting Christ. But if they accept Christ, they come to know the Father and enter into everlasting rest. Sanctification is growing in Christ, to cease trying to find peace in the things of the world. The gospel says ‘stop’, there is nothing left to do, it has been done already. Stop self-help, trying to earn salvation. Stop. Rest brings freedom. The gospel declares we are free. The chains that once surrounded us have been broken by the Resurrection power. We are free indeed from the cares and burdens that rob us of peace and joy. Come to Jesus Christ and know peace and joy. It is finished! Freedom is yours.

Rest is fixed and settled. God’s rest is for eternity. The rest can never be taken away. You are free from uncertainties.

Rest is confident and trustful. God will perfect us. We know He will complete the good work He has begun in us.

Rest is leaning and depending on our heavenly Father, who supplies all our needs.

November 27th 2016:Aaron Davies-Whitfield

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aaron-nov-2016Our first Advent service of the year was taken by Aaron Davies-Whitfield who preached from Romans 8 in which he focused on two themes: God as Law Giver and God as Son Giver.

God as Law Giver: 

God is a God who has given law. From Genesis chapter 1 we read God gave laws, After creating the world He commanded Adam and Eve not to partake of the tree of knowledge, of good and evil. God has given laws and it is important for us to understand this. He is a God of righteousness. As creator, He can command, He can ask requirements and give consequences for breaking His commandments. The Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Apart from Genesis, they are filled with law. We first read of the Mosaic Law in Exodus 20. Immediately we think of the 10 commandments of law but there are 613 laws God gave to Moses and the children of Israel. It is important to realise, to have a vivid picture of the law then we will have a more vivid picture of Christ.

The law was given to Moses at Mount Sinai. The first problem we have, Exodus 19, is the people thought they could keep the law, the perfect righteous law. The people were told not to touch Mount Sinai or they would die. When God came down upon the mountain there was darkness and terror. Darkness conceals, it concealed God. We cannot approach God in all His splendour. The law does not reveal the glory of God, it conceals it. God began to give a covenant – an unchangeable, divinely imposed agreement. God was sharing His righteousness in this law. He also gave the law to show His righteousness and man’s unrighteousness. God set up the law of sacrifice so man could come nearer to God by the shedding of blood. The way to God is through blood. God established a priesthood but even the priests had to cleanse themselves. The sacrifice had to be continually kept.

In Isaiah we read even the sacrifices themselves were insufficient, ‘To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? Saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of goats.’ (Isaiah 1:11)

In Hebrews we also read that the blood of bulls and goats is not sufficient to cleanse us from our sin. The law shows us our unrighteousness. The law is weak because it can only teach men and women their transgressions, ‘Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.’ (Galations 3:19)

 ‘Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.’ (Romans 3:20). The law came to give the knowledge of sin.

By the law death came, for the wage of the law is death, ‘But the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away.’ (2 Corinthains 3:7).

By the law came cursing. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the books of the law to do them.’” (Galations 3:10)

‘Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.’ (Romans 3:19)

‘What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. (Romans 7:7)

‘Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.’ (Romans 7:12). God is perfectly righteous, His law is perfectly good. The problem is us. The law leaves us totally unrighteous, without hope. You can’t get to heaven by good works, church attendance, how much you pray or keeping the laws.

So why was the law given? To always and forever point people to their need of a Saviour, to see their sin and hopelessness and their need for a Saviour.

God the Son Giver:

‘For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.’ (John 1:17). The law was given ultimately for us to see Christ. The law cannot change a person’s heart, but God giving His Son. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.’ (Matthew 5:17).

At Mount Sinai there was trembling, fear and separation, if anyone touched Mount Sinai there was death. Yet Jesus’ very first sermon was given on a mountain and His first words were, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit: for there is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matthew 5:3). Christ gives blessings to all who look to Him in faith. Man, in sin, could now come to the Son of God because of grace. He reconciled people to Christ. Under Christ there is a new law written on the heart by the Holy Spirit. Christ is the perfect sacrifice. His death has covered all our sins – past, present and future. He is perfect, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

There is a disagreement of believes today of the relationship of the law to born again believers. I am convinced that through Christ we are totally free from the law. Some scholars divide the law into three parts: moral, ceremonial and judicial. But the Bible only refers to the law as a whole: 2 Corinthains 3:6, Romans 7:6.

The Spirit will teach us something the law could never do, it teaches us to look to Jesus. We are no longer to look within and condemn ourselves, we are to look to Christ. ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Grace is free to us but it cost the death of Christ. In Christ we are no longer under condemnation: 1 Timothy 1:9-19, Romans 3:21, Romans 7:6, Romans 10:4, 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:13, Hebrews 8, Colossians 2:14.

The law was good but grace in Christ is better. We do not have a licence to sin. ‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.’ (Romans 6). The law is written within our hearts, the Spirit of God teaches us to be more like Christ. Under Christ there is a new relationship. When we sin, we sin against the knowledge of this love. We are grieving the one who gave His life for us. When the adulterous woman was brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus did not condemn (John 8). We are no longer under condemnation.

God was us not to look back to Mount Sinai anymore, we are to look to Calvary. He doesn’t want to us look back to Mount Sinai, to the fear and trembling, but to look to the cross. In Galations chapter 5 we read of the fruits of the Spirit. These are manifested perfectly in Jesus Christ. We strive to be like Jesus. We still need to confess our sins and repent but we are no longer under law, we are under grace. God gave His Son and His Son saved man. The Old Testament shows us Jesus; when you read of the sacrifices you see Jesus. When you read the laws you see His perfect righteousness. Christ wants us to look to Him. It is not easy but you will find liberty. The commandments have gone, Salvation has come. God wants you looking at the perfect life and sacrifice of the Saviour. Paul says, ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Hebrews 12:2). Feel the liberty in your hearts. There is grace, truth and victory when we look unto Jesus. We follow the commands of the New Testament. There is a new law for us, the law of Christ. The law of the Spirit of life in Jesus has set us free from the law of death.

 

November 20th 2016: Ian Jones

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ian-jones-nov2016

This morning’s worship was led by Ian Jones from Carmarthen Evangelical Church, who preached from Genesis chapter 24, finding a wife for Isaac. This is the longest chapter in Genesis, longer than the chapter on creation, on the fall, on the judgement upon the earth of the flood. Why? Because it is never easy to find a wife! This is especially true for someone like Isaac. She could not be a Canaanite who would lead him astray, she had to be a woman of faith, a woman who believed in the one true God. Where would such a woman be found, when Abraham is the father of the faithful? Abraham speaks to one of his servants, to a man he trusts, to send him back to his family home. We may not know the servant’s name yet let us consider him an example of how we ought to be. He was:

a man of prayer,
a man of high expectations,
a man on a mission and
a man who was successful.

  • A Man of Prayer:

The servant had learned from Abraham how important it is to come to God in prayer. He knew Proverbs 3:6 before it had been written, ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.’ We can imagine him setting up camels to go on a journey, but before he did so he came to God in prayer. He didn’t just pray, he used his own initiative. He went to the city of Nahor, stopping at a well outside the city. There, the servant prayed, ‘O lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.’ (Genesis 24:12). He came to a place where he would expect to find a suitable woman for Isaac, someone who would be obedient to her family and show kindness and hospitality. He sought God in prayer for guidance. We need to pray and to put things into practice and use our initiative to go ahead. We can be reminded of Paul’s words, ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.’ (Philippians 4:6). The servant prayed to be led to the woman God had chosen for Isaac, the one who would be right in God’s eyes. It is a reminder of the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance to lead us, to direct us so His will, will prevail in our lives. Look to God first, always, then He will get the glory.

  • A man of high expectation:

Do we put a cap on our requests when we come to God in prayer? In Charles Dicken’s ‘Oliver Twist’ Oliver was the one who asked for more at a time when it was unheard of to ask for more. How do we view God? Is He able to do the impossible, to do far and beyond what we expect? This servant was a man who wanted clear guidance. He was like Elijah who looked for a woman who would feed him at the house of a woman who had no food in her home. Yet she was the woman God had chosen. Here, the servant wants to ask the woman not only to give him water but he also wants her to offer water for his camels. Camels drink a lot, up to 20 gallons of water per camel. No girl would offer to do this as it would require a few hours of labour. How could it happen? Yet this man had high expectations. Rebekah came. He ran over to her, asked her for a drink and after dinking the water she ran back to the well to feed his camels. This shows great kindness. The servant then asked if he could stay the night at her father’s house. Her response was yes. He knew right then that she was the one and immediately he praised God, ‘The man bowed his head and worshipped the LORD and said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.’’ (Genesis 32:26). How high are our expectations towards God? Do we know He can do the impossible?

  • A man on a mission:

The servant was devoted to service. Before eating with Rebekah’s father he revealed why he was there. Rebekah’s brother and father agreed that Rebekah should return with the servant to be Isaac’s wife. Gifts are exchanged. It seems as if all is settled. Then, the next morning, the servant reveals he is returning to Abraham. This would have surprised Rebekah’s family. Having travelled about 300 miles, they would have expected the servant to stay a few days, especially as they would probably never see Rebekah again, so they would have wanted some time with her before she left. But the servant knew he had to return; a choice has been made whether Rebekah would go or not.

We are here for a purpose. We are only here for a short time to serve Him. We can easily be distracted and forget our purpose – to live for God and proclaim Him. We are to serve God and not get caught up in other things. The servant knew his purpose. Be engaged in the Lord’s service. Use the gifts you have been given.

  • A man who is successful:

The man who puts God first is successful. By the end of the chapter God blessed him in that when Rebekah was asked whether to go or not, she replied favourably. This is amazing! She had never seen the servant before, she had never seen Isaac, yet she is leaving everything to go with a complete stranger. She made her decision quickly. This speaks volumes about our salvation; we see here Isaac is likened to Christ and Rebekah is the bride of Isaac, the bride of Christ.

We can put ourselves in the position of Rebekah. Someone brings good news which needs to be accepted there and then. The offer of salvation comes and we have to make a choice there and then, leaving behind everything we had and knew. This requires the work of the Holy Spirit. When God is at work and people have been praying, things work out for God’s purpose. It’s miraculous! Our own salvation is utterly amazing! Christ is waiting for us, as Isaac waited for Rebekah. We are on that journey now and we will soon see Him in glory. Rebekah is the chosen one, as we are the chosen ones of God. Rebekah was not disappointed, everything was given to her. That’s how it will be with us, when we go home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, we will never be disappointed.

November 13th 2016: Paul Daniel

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Our service was taken by Paul Daniel of Bethal Evangelical Church, Clydach, who preached from Genesis chapter 11.

Paul began by saying we can be thankful for what God has done for us throughout history – for what He has done and where we are going. Paul told us about the Stanford University Prison experiment, in which volunteers took on the role of either prisoner or guard. At the start of the experiment all volunteers took on their expected roles but as the experiment continued it was observed that the ‘guards’ took on shocking roles. History repeats itself; US soldiers were caught carrying out similar torture. These illustrations show that through the generations people are just as bad as they were before.

In Genesis we have the account of the flood, when God looked at the world and all He could see was evil. He was so grieved He wanted to start again by flooding the world to get rid of the evil. He is a just God. Noah and his family were saved. After the flood he and his family were the only ones on the earth. The family grew. We read in chapter 10 that people were living in different places and had different languages (10:4-5, 10:20, 10:31). Yet in chapter 11 they are living together as one. What is going on? Chapter 10 and 11 are not in chronological order.

The bombshell is the people have been spread out into the world in clans, speaking different languages. The reason why this has happened is because God has judges them. The people sinned and God judged. The people have been given a fresh start but even when people have a fresh start they fall again. Sin has always been there since the beginning and will be there until the end.

Let’s have a look at what God sees, ‘And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built.’  (Genesis 11:5). He sees the sons of Adam – the same kind of people He saw in Genesis chapter 1.

  • God’s humour looking at the tiny efforts of humankind.

The people wanted to settle in a place called Shinar. They had bricks and tar rather than stone and mortar – sub-standard materials. They wanted to build a tower so high so they could make a name for themselves. It is the same today – people want to build high towers in cities to show their importance. God says,’ Let us go down to have a look,’ as He sees them attempting to build a tower to heaven. The audacity of the people! God, of course, can see what is going on, but the people’s attempts are so feeble. God does not condemn creativity, He has given us gifts to work and to be creative. But we are to give the glory to Him, not ourselves. Here, the people wanted to make a name for themselves. God looks at the tiny effects of humankind and He laughs. What are we building our lives on? They used second rate materials that would not last. What is the number one thing you want to live for? If it isn’t God, it won’t work.

  • God’s judgement – to limit what sin can do.

The people loved praise, they wanted people to see how great they were. They also wanted security. Together, as one people with one language they can accomplish something great, so they won’t be scattered over the face of the earth. ‘Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’ (Genesis 11:4). In Genesis 1 God told Adam and Eve to have children and fill the earth – not to make a name for themselves. Here, the people were disobedient to God so He scatters them and gives them different languages. They were altogether, of one mind, in unity. However. They were judged by God because they loved to praise themselves, to praise their own names and have their own security. They would do anything to protect their own security. History tells us this brings destruction. They were utterly selfish. God sends judgement. However, He sends mercy. He disperses them so they can’t carry out the destruction they might otherwise do.

The purpose of our churches is to go into all the earth and make disciples of every tongue and nation. ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ (Matthew 28:19). This church is for everyone – for all people.

  • God’s Salvation, despite our sin.

People are the same whatever generation. Sin is there when we are born. In chapter 12 we read of the Lord appearing to Abram. God gave Abram a promise to make him great, to bless him and all the nations. ‘And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you name make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. (Genesis 12:2).

 Despite sin, God will do something wonderful – He will bless all the nations. That seed will one day become Jesus Christ who blesses all people. If you confess your sin, God will bless you.

God judges the love of praise and the love of security. You and I all go back to this one point in history. Jesus, who was the one who ought to have been praised and ought to have been secure, was the one who gave it all up, carried the cross and hung humiliated. He has made us secure. The very sins that you and I do are the sins He has paid the penalty for. In the words of the hymn of Charles Wesley,

“The veil is rent in Christ alone;
The living way to heaven is seen;
The middle wall is broken down,
And all mankind may enter in.”

The people were trying to climb to heaven but the only way to get to heaven is through Jesus. The wall, the barrier, is broken down. He is the one who welcomes us in to heaven.

October 23rd 2016: Ian Middlemist

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Our service and communion was led by Ian Middlemist who preached on 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, focusing on verse 9, ‘For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.’

Ian began by asking us, ‘Are you ready to stand before the judgement seat of Christ?’ He is coming again and we need to be prepared. This life is not all that there is, this life is passing – here but for a moment. We need to be ready for what is to be. There is an appointment to meet with the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge all men – Christian and those who are not Christians. Many assume there is nothing after this life, they agree with the mindless words of John Lennon, ‘Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try, no hell below us, above us only sky, imagine all the people living for today.’

The believers in Thessalonica were worried about those who had passed away – how would they fare? They were also wondering how would they, themselves fare on the great day. There are three things to note: to stay alert, to know salvation is in Jesus Christ, to encourage one another.

To stay alert (verses 1-8):
Some people hide away. Some believers thought if they could pinpoint the day Jesus would return again then they would be prepared. The first thing to note is that nobody knows the date or time when Jesus Christ will return again. Jesus told the apostles, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.’ (Acts 1:7).

Picture the scene of the thief in the night. The burglar never announces when he is going to burgle our houses, there is no text message, he comes unexpectedly. Second, we have a picture of sleep. Burglars generally come at night time; it’s dark – often the time when most evil is done. Shame is less of an issue at night. It is a time when most arguments take place in homes. It is a time when may feel safe and secure in their houses under their duvets – maybe after a few glasses of wine. People feel safe and secure but not ready, thinking about comfort, not safety. Switched off.

Are we ready for the coming of Jesus> Are you spiritually alert? The problem with those who do not know Christ is that they are in the dark, they will totally be shocked at His coming. They will be whisked away to everlasting punishment. They must wake up. We need to be alert ourselves. Those who do not know Christ need to walk in the light and anticipate His coming.

Salvation is ours (verses 9-10):
Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who knows our future. Everything is dependent on Christ who is looking at our life right now. On that great day it is heaven or hell – no second chances. Hell is likened to a prison, where the prisoners are in ‘chains of gloomy darkness.’ It’s an eternal prison. Verse 9 is all about salvation, ‘For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ What is salvation? We recognise that we need it, that we need to be saved. What does it mean to be saved? It is to be rescued. But what are we to be saved from? Our greatest need is salvation from the wrath of God. This is what Christ saves us from. On that day of judgement God will judge all people for those sins against Him. He will do this because He is holy and righteous. The law is a reflection of God’s character. He will be vindicated. He will judge. Your sins have caused a separation between you and God. It is God’s wrath we are to be concerned about above everything else. We need to be saved from it by faith in Christ. He is the one who brings salvation through His work on the cross. The gospel is Jesus died for sinners, was buried, rose again from the dead and HIs sacrifice turns away the wrath of God so we are appointed to the grace and smile of a holy God. We have great reasons to praise God for His great salvation.

Encourage one another (verse 11):
The apostle Paul says in verse 11, ‘encourage one another.’ This letter is one of great encouragement. We should take up our responsibility to encourage one another. We live in a tough world. It’s difficult, particularly for the believer. It’s easy to get hurt. Bereavement was an issue for the believers in Thessalonica. How comforting are the words of Joseph Scriven’s hymn:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Saviour, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

We need the encouragement of one another. We need the church. The world offers so much to a troubled people – escape through television, entertainment, drink and drugs, experiences that make you forget your pains. These are all temporary and damaging. We as Christians turn to these things as well. We can turn to professionals to help us, to counsellors, but for our personal salvation we are a body of people who are not to leave it to someone else. It is my responsibility to care for you. You belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. Encourage one another, build up one another. Let’s do that more and more.

Are you in the light or the dark? Are you alert to the coming of Christ? Where will you be on that great day? Encourage one another, especially when we are weak. Press on until He returns!

 

October 16th 2016: Thomas Kitchen

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Our guest speaker this morning was Thomas Kitchen of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Llandrindod Wells, who preached on 2 Samuel 22:47-51.

What do you think of when you think of a rock? Do you think of a beach and playing in rock pools or perhaps is your mind drawn to something more adventurous such as rock climbing, caves or volcanoes? Perhaps you think of the rocks at the bottom of the garden where beetles and worms hide? Whatever we think, we each have a preconception about the word ‘rock.’ Here, in 2 Samuel, the author speaks of God as a rock. Job 18 refers to the rock that shaped the world.

Rocks have many important uses. We say ‘God is our rock.’ We may say this to encourage one another when we are feeling low, we may say it to those who don’t know God as an encouragement to know Him. What does ‘God is our rock’ actually mean?

There are three reasons why God is called a rock in the Bible:

  • God is described as a rock because it is He who we are grounded upon. Salvation is the greatest blessing we have received. Because of Jesus’ blood we can now say, ‘On Jesus Christ, the solid rock, we stand.’

The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted. The rock of my salvation!’ (2 Samuel 22:47). This is a great assurance. Jesus has risen from the dead and is at the Father’s side and is praying and interceding for us. Because Jesus has saved us and bought us, He is our rock. He is the rock of my salvation. Not everyone can say that. The Parable of the wise man and the foolish man in Matthew 7 shows us two foundations: the rock and the sand. Jesus compares us to a wise man. What Jesus is saying is unbelievable. Even though He has done all the work and died for our sins, His Spirit now lives in us and we care called the wise men. He has brought us into the Kingdom. You cannot fall from grace if you are founded in the rock. His blessings will never fail.

Just because Jesus blesses us doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t bless Him. So often we overlook what He has done for us in our daily lives. But this passage tells us this is wrong. We are to praise Him more. He gives us the Spirit so we can praise Him. He never stops giving. We always have His salvation. Every day we are reminded in His Word what it cost. It is His blessings that will bring us safely home into glory. In Psalm 20 we read, ‘We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfil all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.’

  • The second reason God is referred to as a rock is because the rock lifts us onto higher ground. ‘He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; you have delivered me from the violent man.’ (2 Samuel 22:49) God has delivered us from the power of the world. We have been lifted up against those who are against us. The powers of the world still affect us, we can still panic and worry. We are still in a fallen world and the powers of Satan are still at work, but we can’t be seriously hurt in any way. Satan knows that once we are saved we are saved but he will still do his very best to make us think we are not on the rock of Jesus Christ. We may feel the waves can affect us but it’s not true; Jesus says in the Parable of the Wise man and the Foolish man that the waves, floods and winds come but the home did not fall because it was founded on the rock. Jesus didn’t promise His followers a pain free life. The pains and troubles will frequently use all of our strength to drag us away but God’s strength is stronger than the waters that try to wash us away.

Why do the world’s temptations and desires seem to grab us more often than they should? Because we are not holding on to the rock enough! We let go, curiosity takes over. Christ won’t let go of us but we choose to free ourselves, to have a glance at the waters below. Why do we do this? The ways of the world will only make us panic. When we do, we then have the audacity to cry out to God, ‘Why?’ This is why the world troubles us more than it should. We are to put on a new man, but the old man is still there; we miss those lusts, the old desires. In such times we need to cry out to Him first, not after. This is one of the great benefits of prayer; God can give us blessings to reject the sin before it happens. God is our rock because He has put us on higher ground. Reach even higher with the footholds of the scripture, reach out to the Holy Spirit, reach out in prayer.

  • Thirdly, a rock is immovable and dependable. God is the immovable rock that we can depend on. Our Lord Jesus Christ is deeper and more wholesome than anything the world can offer us. Isaiah 43:13 ‘Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it’ No-one can find a way around God, He is all powerful, all knowing, everywhere. Satan is the strongest of forces that opposes God but he shall be cast out forever from God’s sight. God is permanent and secure. He is not only a strong God but a dependable God. He is willing and able to answer prayer when we need guidance to get through a particular trial.

What does this all mean to me right now? What do we do with this doctrine? The answers lie in verses 50-51.

‘Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name.’ (2 Samuel 22:50). Don’t keep the goodness to yourselves! Use all the resources at your disposal to tell others how God can be their rock. Don’t be shy or reserved about talking about the gospel. We can also be lazy and try to do the minimum a Christian can do in their life. We detach ourselves from the world in the entirely wrong way. We should want to tell others about the gospel. It’s shameful if we don’t. We should continue to climb even higher. The closer we are to Him, the closer we are to expressing Him.

‘He is the tower of salvation to His king, and shows mercy to His anointed, to David and his descendants forevermore.’ (2 Samuel 22:51). God shows mercy to His anointed forevermore.

The hymn of John Wilbur Chapman reads:

Jesus! What a friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Saviour, makes me whole.

Chorus: Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Hallelujah! What a friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! What a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my strength, my victory wins.

Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
While the billows o’er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my comfort, helps my soul.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

He is your God. He is your rock. This reminds us of where we stand, how we stand and how long we will stand. God is never failing, never sinking or shifting. What a comfort that is to us!