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Miracles can, do and will happen!

Fifty years ago, a journalist from the ‘Jewish Observer’ wrote:

“Seven days ago we wrote that the Jewish people cannot rely on miracles. But  that has happened since then cannot be comprehended in any other terms”. This was referring to the now famous six day war in Israel.

Back then in 1967 Jewish people were remembering a different 50th anniversary, that of the Balfour declaration, which paved the way for the establishment of the state of lsrael in May 1948.

Many heroes from the 1948 era were still active in 1967 when against “massive odds” ‘little lsrael’ defeated the combined forces of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the P.L.O. taking back control of its ancient capital Jerusalem.

Israeli commanders launched a ‘blitzkrieg’ strategy to bring about an all-embracing victory… and yet the world in general seemed oblivious to the magnitude of what had taken place.

We believe that, although unknown to the Israelis, the angels of Almighty God had guided them to achieve such a victory.

We also believe that an even greater victory will be brought about very soon by the power of the coming king Jesus Christ who will totally eradicate ALL forces of evil while establishing an age of absolute justice, peace and equity here on earth.

Yes — we do believe in miracles. One happened in 1967 and a greater one is yet to come — “Watch out”.

Our Bible contains details of these things.

The Psalms and prophets show how the enemies of Israel are the enemies of God and how He has, does, and will preserve His people. (See in particular Psalm 2).

The ‘final conflict’ is extensively outlined in Zechariah chapters 10 and 12, Ezekiel chapter 38, Joel chapter 3 together with much in the book of Revelation.

The future rule of Jesus Christ is covered extensively in the Old Testament (see Isaiah chapters 2 and 11) and in the New Testament see Luke chapter 1 verses 30 to 33.

Many other passages of scripture could be cited in support of these life—saving issues.

If you fancy a daily Bible reading app there’s a great one here:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/daily-bible-readings/id536687049?mt=8

If you’re interested in knowing more how about God’s message, how about…

  • reading more of our blogs at http://ormskirkchristadelphians.org.uk/
  • asking us for a free Bible if you haven’t got one;
  • receiving a free home learning course to help you explore and learn to read the Bible effectively;
  • receiving a free monthly Bible magazine called ‘Glad Tidings’;
  • meeting up to read the Bible together?

If you would like any or all of the above just contact us by either

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Are you getting exasperated with our world leaders?

Events like Donald Trump being elected president in the USA and the aftermath of the BREXIT vote in the UK are causing confusion, disillusionment and anger. Even well-intentioned leaders seem incapable of implementing election promises. They are dogged by arguments, public protests and deliberate opposition from groups like senate or parliament. This frustrates their plans, delays actions and often causes compromise.

Our leaders do not have ultimate power. While in some ways this may be a good thing, it does not inspire us with confidence.
Leaders are also hampered by lack of knowledge. When making promises before taking office they don’t know all the facts and can’t make reliable predictions. They have “feet of clay”.
But Jesus said

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”

Matthew 28:18

The Bible teaches that one day soon God will send Jesus back to earth to set up his kingdom.  People ask:

“what will he do?”
“how will he do that?”

It is important to realise that Jesus will be like no other world leader. First of all, he is totally free from any corruption or self-interest. But also, uniquely, he is God’s Son and representative. Before his death, he knew what people were thinking. Now he is immortal like God, knowing everything. When he rules, he will have unlimited power. So no-one will be able to cause him to delay, compromise or cancel his policies. He will rule with total authority and power. Moreover, no-one will have any cause to complain that anything he does is unjust or unfair. Jesus Christ is the leader we need. Are you ready for him?

Check out the following passages which show the ABSOLUTE knowledge and power of God which He will give to His only begotten son and future world leader – JESUS CHRIST!

Psalm 139; Psalm 147; Isaiah 46 v 9-10; Jeremiah 32 verses 17-18; Ephesians 1 v 20-22

If you fancy a daily Bible reading app there’s a great one here:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/daily-bible-readings/id536687049?mt=8

If you’re interested in knowing more how about God’s message, how about…

  • reading more of our blogs at http://ormskirkchristadelphians.org.uk/
  • asking us for a free Bible if you haven’t got one;
  • receiving a free home learning course to help you explore and learn to read the Bible effectively;
  • receiving a free monthly Bible magazine called ‘Glad Tidings’;
  • meeting up to read the Bible together?

If you would like any or all of the above just contact us by either

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It was cold dark night when suddenly….

Booo!! ‘Spooky in the dark’ was always a favourite game amongst the kids at family get togethers when I was growing up. You close the curtains, turn out the lights, and hide. Then someone enters the dark room and tries to find everyone as their eyes adjust to the dark. It was hide and seek with the lights off; it felt intense, scary!

spooky-450795_1280

I do wonder whether we have a strange fascination with being scared. Whether it’s by watching a tense film or jumping out on people to shock them, feeling scared or shocked is perhaps appealing in a strange kind of way. Of course being afraid of the right things keeps us alive, it’s probably a good idea to be afraid of sharks, cliff edges, and [insert whatever you’re afraid of here]. But what about fear when there is seemingly nothing to be afraid of? Fear of the unknown? Fear of the dark?

The dark will be full of strange creatures, monsters and ghouls over the next few days as the UK and the US gear up for another Halloween. I’m left wondering what’s really at the heart of Halloween and what it’s all about. On one side it seems to be just another commercial success as Halloween becomes the the third biggest ‘event’ for retailers behind Christmas and Easter, with shoppers in the UK estimated to spend a staggering £400 million on Halloween items this year. Maybe it’s just another excuse for us to dress up, to have some fun, and for kids to demand sweets from strangers with veiled threats of ‘tricks’ to those who don’t cough up! But does it go deeper? And should we get involved?

There’s a decent litmus test to help us here in these words from Paul:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

I suppose the question to ask is whether or not Halloween is based on values such as truth, honesty, justice, purity, love, goodness? If it isn’t, should we spend our time ‘celebrating’ it?

I’m not entirely sure to what extent people who celebrate Halloween think they are really conversing with the dead, maybe in darker ages people were more genuinely concerned with connecting with ‘other worlds’. In ancient times God warned against paying attention to those who thought they could summon the dead:

“When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you…one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 18:9-13

In more modern times Paul again encouraged us to:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

So as we spend time thinking about Halloween, it’s origins and what it stands for, the darkness, fear and threat that comes with it, perhaps we should instead think of the light which Jesus spoke of:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Whatever your views are of Halloween, whatever enjoyment you get from playing ‘Spooky in the dark’, I’m comforted by the light of the Gospel, the light of Jesus, and the positive message he brings.

Can the dead come back to life? The Bible Says YES – but not yet!

Jesus rose from the dead and can never die again. Resurrection of those who believe in him is the true Christian hope. True followers of Jesus will live again – for ever – when he comes back to the earth. This is a far more uplifting and much more powerful than the things which don’t really go bump in the night.

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the  resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

I Corinthians 15:21-23 ESV translation

(This and other blogs can be found on the website of our sister church in Morecambe)