Category: Services

Sunday 26th June – Morning Service

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Aaron

Character & Conduct

This morning’s worship was led by Aaron Davies-Whitfield who continued his study of Philippians, preaching from chapter 2 verses 14-16 – such a relevant scripture after what has happened in our nation.  The Word of God challenges us and changes us. Often the Word of God, which is ‘sharper than a two-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12), challenges us. It shows us things about us which do not line up with the Word of God. We must humble ourselves and acknowledges our shortcomings and confess. We need to repent and turn to someone we are in great need of, turning away from sin to Christ, asking for forgiveness and grace. The process of taking out sin in our lives is painful but necessary. This Word is a challenge to us all, it’s a good challenge.  Character is our reputation, conduct is our behaviour, and how we conduct ourselves. Paul is talking about a Christian character and conduct. He covers three areas:

  • Our relationship with God – This always comes first. Before we do wrong to anyone, we have first done wrong to God.
  • Our relationship with others
  • Ourselves

When Paul says, ‘Do all things’, this shows us that nothing is left out. God asks that our Christian life is one of affecting every area. We are born again, we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Our life is to be different in every single aspect.

‘Because it is written, be ye holy; for I am Holy’ (1 Peter 1:15-17). Paul here is talking to believers. Our holiness first comes with Salvation, it is not just about morals, it is about being the people of God. We are set apart. Because we are His people, we are to be different. We belong to Christ, so we have to live as the people of God.

Verse 15 – we are the sons and daughter of God. The pulpit is not a place of politics. It’s the place of God. Whatever our views of the Referendum we must not fight. The body of Christ goes far deeper than our political views. Whatever we voted, we must love one another. We are one body, inextricably bought with the blood of Christ, we all belong to the same Father. We must come together as a Church.  If the people of God cannot come together, how can we be an example to others?

There is a greater ‘in or out’. Are people in the Kingdom? There is a greater cross to put by your name – the cross of Jesus Christ. The gospel still carries on, it is the greatest need, the greatest light and the greatest message. It travels throughout divisions. It has travelled throughout history. This gospel must carry on. It should be the most important thing in a Christian life. Glorifying Christ is the greatest work, the gospel is the greatest campaign.

‘Do all things, without murmurings and disputings’. Our delight is to please God.  The children of Israel were on a journey and murmured. Don’t murmur to God, He loves us, He is the sovereign. Remember the character of God and let it change you.

Our conduct should be ‘Blameless and harmless’ to others. We need to be different and love one another, serve and help one another. This is the beauty of the church. Manifest His love, care and compassion.

‘Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you’ (Matt 5:44). We can be one thing in church and something different behind closed doors.  In your whole life, in your very thought life and deeds, in private places, strive towards the Saviour. Don’t settle for remaining to be the same people, strive to be more like Jesus, wanting to be more and more a holy people. Strive for a closer walk with God, this is the path to glory. We are to be ever more increasing in our life to Christ. There is always a need to confess our sins, to grow in grace. What is on the outside should be the same all the way through, displaying Jesus on the inside and outside.

‘Crooked and perverse generation’ – we live in a fallen corrupt world. It is dark, it is evil. As the Church, as the people of God, in a nation that is split down the middle, we need to be an example. We need our light to shine before men, to show the light in a very dark time. God knows we live in a dark, evil world and this is why He asks us to shine. We are the light, we are different, we are changed, and we are the people of God. Our love is for God not the world. Our desire is not for ourselves but for God. We need to shine. The church must set the example, we must hold first to the Bible – the light. It is the truth in the midst of corruption and lies, it is the testimony we are to hold. We need to practice what we preach otherwise we are empty. Let people see unity and love in us, see something different in us.

‘I may rejoice in the day of Christ.’ Live this life for Jesus, whatever the cost, whatever the price, whatever the mockery and scorn. Be a light shining continually in the storm, in calm, but always shinning for the Lord. Let this message change us.

Sunday Morning: 19th June 2016

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Gaius-june16.jpgOur worship was led by Gaius Douglas who preached from 2 Timothy chapter 3. Gaius challenged us by asking what we are doing for the Lord. Are we warning the people of the dangers? The God of eternity, who stepped into time and in the person of His Son died for our sins. Are you concerned for the people of Pembrokeshire, those heading for a lost eternity?

We live in perilous times but it doesn’t matter where we are, God has His people everywhere. Yet there are those who say they believe in God but do not believe in the Word of God. True Christians stick to the Word of God, no matter what.

God has given us the greatest teacher of all, the Holy Spirit. Can you discern what is true and what is not? We need to be discerning. In the Scriptures we read about the hinderer. There is no mention of the ‘hinderer’ but we come across the word ‘resist’ –“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” There is a devil who is there to hinder us, to blind our eyes, to say there is no God. Satan sows the thoughts of confusion in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 4: 3-4 tells us there is spiritual blindness to those who are unsaved, even to those who are saved.

In our church today there are those who are masquerading as Christians. They are there to deceive, to falsely proclaim the Gospel. The devil masquerades as the angel of light. In 2 Corinthians chapter 11 verse 14 we read, “For Satan himself transforms himself unto an angel of light.” Arm yourselves with the mighty arm of God.

Exegesis allows the Word of God to lead you. However, there are those who call themselves ‘liberal’ Christians, those who dismantle the Word of God to make it socially acceptable to man, not God.

Isaiah chapter 59. When was the last time you quarrelled with God, when you questioned God? Psalm 121 tells us that God is listening to us, He will preserve us, He is concerned for us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to “Pray without ceasing.” The Lord has not stopped praying for us.

We live in perilous times, heed the Word of God. Be witnesses for God, tell others what God has done for you. When was the last time you told others what God has done for you? If you know Christ, tell others. Stand firm for Christ.

 

 

Sunday Morning Worship: 12th June 2016

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Ian-June16This morning’s service was led by Ian Middlemist who preached on Acts chapter 2 verses 37-38. Here Peter considers the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not preaching to the marginalised, he is preaching to those who have crucified Jesus (v 36). He speaks to them directly, telling them they have killed Jesus. He accuses them of being complicit in killing a man – the Saviour, the one whom God had accredited as being the Lord of all, the Prince of Life. There is an element that each one of us placed those nails into Jesus’ hands. We are guilt of sin.

Peter tells us that the response of the congregation before him was that they were ‘cut to the heart.’ We want a response every time the gospel is preached. We want it to move us, to have a deep work in our lives, in our hearts. The heart is the seat of our fundamental faith, our belief. The crowd before Peter were evidently effected. Cut to the heart – the stabbing of conviction. My guilt is being spoken of here. Peter’s sermon was to convince them that Jesus is Lord and that every one of us is born with spiritual blindness. We need to come out of that blindness. No man is able to do this, only God can.

The second part of this response was they asked what they must do. It is the right knee-jerk reaction. It is a question each one of us must ask. They knew their situation was desperate. We are empty and helpless. It is important we all come to that point. We are not a good person before a holy God. This has consequences. There must be punishment. Where do we turn? Praise God we have an answer! Verse 38 tell us,

                “Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is a command. It shows the world you are a new person in Jesus Christ, you are coming to Him for cleansing, trusting in Him alone for Salvation. He alone removes guilt. The good news is we are guilty but Jesus took the guilt, He took the condemnation we deserve. He died in agony on the cross, shed His precious blood so we are forgiven – forgiven for yesterday’s sins, today’s sins and tomorrow’s. Hallelujah! Have you repented? Are you trusting in Jesus?

Morning Worship: 5th June 2016

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Norman ReesWorship was led by Norman Rees of Bethany Free Church, Clarbeston Road, Haverfordwest, who preached Genesis chapter 32. Jacob was a problematic person who God used. In this passage Jacob has left home after stealing his brother’s birth-right and is now returning after twenty years away, expecting to face his brother’s wrath.

Jacob was blessed by God, who made a covenant with him. He had settled down and wanted for nothing at all. Now the Lord has told Jacob to return to Canaan, to the land of his kindred. This must have been a huge shock. He was very fearful, his life was now being turned upside-down. Sometimes our life is like that; everything is going smoothly then out of the blue something happens and we may ask, “Why Lord?” This is to make us realise we cannot be independent of God.

As Jacob heads back he makes a plan of action. He sent messengers ahead who were met by Esau, who was coming to meet Jacob with 400 men. Jacob was greatly afraid. We can have distressing, perplexing news which can make us feel fearful. We become worried and concerned. Why is this happening? It is to strengthen our faith. It is easy to be a Christian when things are going well but then something happens to break the nest, to teach us to fly:

          “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led him.” (Deuteronomy 32:11)

God breaks the nest of people so they may know God. Gidoen, Moses and Paul were all fearful. God brings us problems to send us to Him in prayer. When there are ripples in your life, there is action in your life. Come to God and rejoice in Him. Jacob had problems and he went to God in prayer. He went to the God who had blest him and now who is trying him. God knows when to allow the devil to attack you and when to take the devil off your back. Come to God in prayer.

How do you come to God in prayer? We come to a God who welcomes us, who knows the unworthiness of His children, but there is one who makes us worthy. The Lord Jesus Christ came from heaven in order that He might redeem us from condemnation, from Hell. The wrath of the Holy Father was poured on His head. We can never imagine His suffering. His righteousness has been given to us if we repent and give our lives to Him. Jacob is honest in his prayer to God. God knows our troubles but He wants us to tell Him, to voice our concerns and needs.

The best part of intercession Jacob receives is that God’s Word has come to Him. He knows there is a purpose to what is happening to Him. He is bringing God’s Word back to Him:

          “Remember the Word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in affliction, for Your Word has given me life.”
                                                                                           Psalm 119:49-50

What is your comfort in affliction? Where do you go when trouble comes? Go to the Word of God, to God Himself. Be honest with the Lord, tell Him what is on your heart. Do not allow the things of this world to cloud your mind. We have the promises of God, don’t forget the Word of God. If a fear drives you to God thank Him for that fear. Jacob had a cloud of darkness but it burst into blessings. Wait on God. Are you content with what God has given you? Commit your situation to God. Things may be taken from us, but never our Salvation. We have a hope in heaven. Whatever we go through God does it for the best. Trust in His Word, take everything to Him in prayer. Faith without works is dead. Prayer, faith and working for God go together. God is a good God. Glorify Him wherever He takes us.

Morning Worship: Sunday 29th May 2016

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13313338_1706659629607399_676368890_oIt was lovely to welcome some of our regular summer visitors back as well as see some new faces. We had a truly blessed time with Hugh Michael of Pembroke Dock who preached from John 16, ‘Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit.’ In Old Testament times the Holy Spirit visited people and then left, it was not until the New Testament that the Holy Spirit came to stay. His work has many facets. In this portion of Scripture Jesus explained to the disciples the Holy Spirit would have a ministry to the world and to the church. If Jesus did not go away, the Holy Spirit would not come. The promise of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful thing.

The Holy Spirit will convict unbelievers of sin. We have all sinned and broken the greatest commandment. There is an unforgiveable sin – not to believe in Jesus Christ. If I have committed the greatest sin He is able to forgive me but if I do not believe in Him, where do I go for forgiveness? There is no place I can go. If I have not believed in Christ I have cut myself off from Jesus. There is no other Saviour for us. He died, arose, ascended and is coming again.

The Holy Spirit will tell us what we should do, to know the way of righteousness.

It is important now to prepare to meet God, to seek Him while He may be found. There is a day of judgement for the unconverted.

The Spirit of God has inspired the Bible, all Scripture is inspired by God. The Bible will lead us into truth, what is the right thing to do when we have decisions to make. The Holy Spirit shows us where truth lies, He will guide us.

One of the prerequisites of God revealing Himself to you is a willingness to do His Will. If you are willing to do His will, even if you do not know what it is, the Spirit of God will guide you. When you say, ‘Yes Lord,’ God’s Word in God’s Way will never lack God’s support.

The Holy Spirit of God takes the things of Christ and you feel it, it is revealed to you.

Sunday Morning 22nd May 2016

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Gareth Evans - May 16.jpgWorship was led by Gareth Evans of Port Talbot, who preached on Romans chapter 8 verses 18-27 – one of the most famous chapters in Scripture and one of the great theological chapters of the apostle Paul – from suffering to glory, from sin to holiness.

Earlier in the chapter we see the work of the Holy Spirit, now the apostle wants to deal with where the Christian is going. He says our troubles are just for a while, but there are great things to come. One of the great assurances of the gospel is we are not under condemnation (v.8)  The end of the chapter gives us the assurance that sin has been conquered because of what Christ has done for us. There is nothing that can separate us from Him.

Why is there suffering from the day we are born until the day we die? From Eden we are under a curse. The giving of the Holy Spirit into our hearts is the first fruits of what is yet to come. Through the work of the Spirit we know nothing can separate us from the love of God. The suffering we have in this world is nothing compared to the future glory, our eternity. We must first suffer with Christ. Suffering is the condition in which we enter the final glory with Jesus Christ. The world is out of kilter due to sin, the whole of creation groans. We are here in the now, in the ready, in a state of suffering. But Paul says we are not to focus on the suffering because this is nothing compared to the glory that is to come, the glory we will be partakers of. We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption. We are yet to see the full fulfilment of this adoption. When Christ comes back we will be redeemed, our bodies will be like the body of Christ. We have this encouragement from Paul. Don’t worry or be anxious about our suffering, there is soon coming a time when we will be glorified with Christ.

We must have Christian perseverance. We must be willing to grow, to fight the good fight against sin. We are the people of God so we have to fight against the old nature. We have the first fruits of the Spirit within us, calling us to holiness, to Sanctification. We must persevere through the suffering, God has given us all we need. We must constantly examine ourselves. We are not to be anxious about our suffering, it is a sign that there is something greater to come.

The Spirit helps us in our weakness. Sometimes we don’t know what to pray for but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us. The groaning is a sense of longing for fulfilment of our salvation. The Spirit was sent to be our helper, the Spirit encourages us to walk with God. Though we live in a world that struggles with sin, we wait in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed – those who truly love Him with every fibre of their being. There is great liberation coming – but not all will be saved. There will come a day when it will be clear who are the sons of God, a day when God will judge.

Don’t be anxious. See our suffering from a different lens. Treat our suffering with godliness, calling for the help of the Holy Spirit to deal with it, asking God what He is teaching us. We are to persevere through difficulties. The Spirit helps us in our Christian walk so we can be those who reflect the glory of God.

Sunday Morning – 3rd April 2016

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andy-millership-3This morning’s worship was led by Andy Millership who preached from Jeremiah chapter 24.

God sends a vision to Jeremiah – a clear vision which is obvious what is going on. There are two baskets of figs, a basket of good figs and a basket of bad figs. The good figs represent those who were sent to Babylon. The bad ones were those who stayed at home. What is it that makes these baskets different from another?

The good figs are those who were sent into exile in Babylon. The hostages eventually turned back to God. They understood they had no strength in themselves, they understood the Covenant with God. God had set his heart upon His people. Just as clear as it is there was a movement towards God with the good figs, there was no change of heart in the bad figs. Zedekiah, the King, was only interested in promoting himself and living for the day. He and the people didn’t care about God and wanted nothing to do with them. They committed atrocities with in the name of false gods and prophets. Jeremiah was God’s man and had God’s Word.

Both baskets of figs were laid at the very gates of God. They were offerings. The good figs were the first fruits- the best of the harvest, only the very best for God. The people only gave their best for God. The bad figs gave no more than an afterthought to God, they kept the best for themselves and gave God the leftovers. Here we can see a clear similarity to Cain and Abel.

What basket are you? When God considers you, when He looks at you, what is it He sees? When you consider God, when you think about Him, what is it you think of? Do you think His demands of you are justified? Everything we have is already His. Do you obey Him and give Him the first fruits? Or is it once you have maximised your own pleasure, then perhaps you will nod in His direction; you will come on Sunday morning, but the rest of the week is yours? It takes a degree of uncomfortable honesty to answer that? If God is not getting enough from me, there is a question to be asked. What is it about God’s plans for you that could give you reason to abandon Him and jump into a basket of wrong figs?

Even when the people were in exile God provided for them. He would bring them home. He claims them as His own. When His Son was on the cross the earth groaned. He loves us just as much as He love His Son. He will bestow on us every blessing in the Heavenly realms.  He will do this today all because of His great love for us. Our inheritance that can never fade away is there for those who obey and follow God himself. What precisely about the here and now that is worth abandoning this for. The love of God is poured out for us, it will never end. We will one day be like Him in glory.

For the bad figs there is no future, God’s love is free. The exiles were sent away for what they have done. They had done nothing to earn God’s favour. What can we do to earn God’s favour? Nothing. He will show us mercy and grace if only we would offer Him the first fruits. He asks that we should, love, honour and obey Him today. It is not something we have to wait for. When we are called, just come to Him. Take hold of the free gift of Salvation, then His promises will be for you today and all eternity. He will make every provision for your soul. He will open the glories of Heaven for you. Take a fresh look at yourself. But more to the point, reconsider Him. Do you want God’s love for you?Everything He made He made for you. All He longs for is that you would return to Him, for He has such wonders for you if you will.

Good Friday – 25th March 16

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cross-671379_1920Our Good Friday morning service was led by Rev. Dr Gareth Edwards who preached from Mark 15:21-28.

The journey of Christ to the Cross was a unique journey, a solitary journey that only the Saviour could make as He carried the burden of our sin to Calvary. The Holy, innocent Lamb of God took away our sins.

Each condemned man carried the cross beam to his crucifixion, but evidently the Saviour was too weak so the soldiers compelled another to carry the cross for Him. Simon was clearly converted (Roman 16 v13) and this was a great turning point in his life. The Saviour was already at breaking point before He reached Golgotha, close to death (Mark 14 v34). In Gethsemane he was already laid down. He could not bear the weight of the cross because He was carrying the unimaginable burden of our sin on His shoulders. Such is the weight of our sin He struggles under His burden. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to make us aware of our sin, then the Holy Spirt points us to Calvary and we see it is the Saviour who has carried that burden to the cross. We have been set free from sin’s burden and its consequences.

The King identified with sinners; the piece of wood carried around His neck bore the crime. Jesus was accused of proclaiming Himself as being a King and rival to Caesar- a false accusation. He is a King, the King of Kings, and the eternal, omnipotent Lord of all. Yet, He was crucified amongst two thieves. The King of Kings died among common criminals, taking my place and yours. He completely identified with us. He was made to be sin although He knew no sin. In the eyes of the Father He was us, He bore our punishment, died our death. What unbelievable love is this? Such was His love He was prepared to be a Servant King; He submitted Himself to the undignified action of washing His disciples’ feet. He set aside His glory because He loves us so. We should be devoted to Him, the King of Kings, our Creator. Why is He devoted to us? Because He is determined to love us. On the cross He has travelled from the height of Glory to the depths of hell to bring you and I Salvation. We are to bow to Him, our Lord and Saviour. He identified so fully with us. But there is more . . .

We see how Christ consciously suffers. When they finally reach Golgotha, the soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh, which would have acted like a mild anaesthetic, but Jesus refused to take it – the one concession. He rejected any relief from pain so he continued to feel the agony as the cross was raised into position. He must suffer the full wrath of God. Our sin draws from God the full wrath, He cannot show even the slightest mercy. The only way we can have mercy is for God to show no mercy to Christ. How great was the suffering Christ bore for us – the pain, the torment, the torture. But much worse – the wrath of God breaking Christ’s body, causing Him the most excruciating agony of soul.  He takes every blow of God’s wrath, all to make sure we would not have to suffer, to make sure all our sins were paid for in full because He loves us so.

Not everybody was concerned about what was taking place as Jesus hung on the cross. The soldiers were just concerned about the one perk they had, casting lots to see who had the clothes of the crucified. Whist the Saviour of the world was making atonement for sin, they were only concerned with who would win the prize for the victim’s cloak. They did not see the King of Kings suffering for their sins. Today there are many people doing the same, so many who are unconcerned about Calvary. They are more concerned about making and spending money. They are oblivious to salvation. His death alone bough atonement for their sins. We look upon His death and see Him hanging there in our place and we say “Hallelujah, what a Saviour!” From condemnation He has set me free. We come to reign, we come amazed at His love, and we come to praise and worship Him. We ask that he would enable us to give our all for Him as He gave His all for us.

Morning Service: Sunday 13th March 2016

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                    alan davison-march16.jpg        psalm 86-11

Morning worship was led by Alan Davison of Carmarthen Evangelical Church. Alan preached from Psalm 86 verse 11, which he called “David’s blueprint of how to be a man of God.” Three points were raised, David wanted to be:

  • a man of letters
  • a man of action and
  • a man of devotion.

A man of letters:
David asks ‘Teach me your way, O Lord.” Even after becoming king, David’s troubles did not end. Amongst the difficulties David wanted to be taught. He wanted God to teach him His Way. Throughout his life David was offered advice from others, sometimes rejecting this because it was not in line with God’s will. In our own lives we feel pressure to do things, but knowing God has implications for our lives. The world urges us to look out for number one, to do what is convenient. David doesn’t do what is convenient. He wants to do God’s Will. He asks God to teach him His way, there is only one way. The Hebrew word for ‘teach’ is ‘yarah’. It indicates a way to go. It also describes the flight of an arrow or course of a river. God’s Word is precious and we should have a desire for it. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible.

A man of action:
David recognised the need to be a man of action, “I will walk in your truth.” We can learn from Scripture but we need to apply it. Satan knew scripture like the back of his hand. James 2 verses 14-17 reminds us of the importance of putting our faith into action. Romans 8 verse 28 is an example of how we need to come alongside people and put our faith into action. We need to apply the truth God puts into our lives. Scripture should guide how we live our lives. David wanted to live his life according to God’s truth. Scripture often uses the picture of ‘walking’ a Christian life.

A man of devotion:
David also wanted to be a man of devotion, “unite my heart to fear your name.” He goes on to say “I will give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart.” Our hearts are at the centre of our physical lives but in the same way our spiritual heart is the life blood of our spiritual lives. God should be involved in every aspect of our lives. He knows all of our struggles. As humans we don’t know what to do. We need to put aside our personal desires and seek God’s will. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In English the word ‘fear’ is a general word that is used in a negative context. In Hebrew, however, the word is le·yir·’ah and it carries the meaning of reverence. God is love. His is pure and glorious. This is part of the mystery of the Cross. Our sins had to be paid for, Jesus paid these for us.

In this verse David speaks of what he needs. He desires to know God, to be a man of letters, to know God’s Word. He wants to walk in God’s truth and become a man of action.  He wants to become fully committed, a man of devotion. This prayer is in the future tense. David’s desire is to submit his life to the will of God. John 14 verse 6 is a parallel to this. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.”

Sunday 7th February 16 – Morning Service

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Ian-Feb16Ian Middlemist, evangelist at Hill Park Church, Haverfordwest, took last Sunday’s service in which he preached on the final verses of Acts chapter 3. His sermon began by saying that too easily we give way to the culture around us. However, Peter says we are not to do this. Our God has a great plan – it’s about having an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ. Ian’s sermon raised three points:

Receiving Christ The Sent Christ and Restoring all things.

Christ must be received into heaven before He is sent. The author of life was killed – without Christ there is no life (Hebrews 1). He was murdered on a cross. But the wonderful truth is death could not hold Him. He is risen. Jesus then revealed Himself to His disciples. Later they saw Him ascend into heaven. Jesus told them to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. This was still not the end – the church grew and the name of Jesus Christ spread into the world. We are still waiting for more to come. Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of God. He sits. He has completed His work of Salvation. He sits as a perpetual reminder than sin has been dealt with. He sits because He is reigning. He is not simply the king of the church but He is king of the universe, the King of Kings. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him.

Christ sends His disciples and preachers into the world. They respond to His call to share the Gospel which is spoken with Holy Spirit authority. Peter quotes Moses (v. 22). Moses didn’t just speak about the coming of Christ, Moses was like Christ. The Israelite’s were crippled under the reign of pharaoh, not unlike the cripple at the gates. Peter draws our attention to the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one to give us hope – not Moses or anyone else. Too often we hear the voice of the community around us who want nothing to do with the future, with the second coming. They want to hear about now. Our purpose is not to reform society. Peter says it is to give the message of repentance. The people around us don’t need our help, they need the gospel. Christ has defeated death, sin and Satan. He has truly secured a victory.

Everything in history is leading up to when Jesus will be sent. The great event creation is moving towards. Is Jesus coming again – that’s the answer for this world. He will come ‘with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.’ (1 Thessalonians 4:16). He will come to restore all things. We are waiting for Christ, for His second coming. Jesus is coming very soon!