Behold I Come Quickly

As it was the last Sunday of the year I spoke from the concluding words of the Bible. (rev 22 v 6 - end).
In this passage we are reminded that Jesus is one day coming again. The word quick refers to the manner rather than the timing. But in between the 3 reminders we are comforted about the faithful and true sayings, we are exhorted to faithfulness and evangelism, we are warned not to add or take away from scripture.
The Bible finishes with Johns desire that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ might be with us. Surely this is what we need while we await his second coming.

Christmas Day 2010

The day so far

then

Work Christmas Dinner

,

First of a few nice dinners I expect -we have much to celebrate
thanks to the Jester at Ashwell.

COOOOOLLLD

Winter is nearly here!!!!

Source weather.co.uk

Tree Goes up

Tonight we put the tree up. It is said it was Martin Luther who had the first Christmas tree, although his was supposed to be upside down. My youngest would have tried that if we'd have let her.

Lights go on

Christmas must be on its way. After a week of lying snow, the thaw came and  we attended the turning on of the Towns Christmas lights.

In all the wrapping let us not forget who is the centre of the celebration

We will remember them

It was good to join with the British Legion, Cadets,youth organisations and the public for the act of remembrance this afternoon. My two oldest were parading, one given the honour of flag carring. There was a good turn out despite the dank day.
Gods word was read, prayers offered, and good hymns were sung.
The question is what have we done with the freedom that they have bought for us with their sacrifice?

Paul says in Galations 

"use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,

but by love serve one another."

La Tasca

As it was our wedding anniversary this week, and a baby sitter was available,  we went out to La Tasca in Milton Keynes. We had a variety of dishes including chicken, lamb, and rice and salads.Very nice and reasonable especially with a promotional voucher.

The restaurant is fairly basic but the service was good.

Giaus - 3 John

I preached this evening from 3 John. The greater part of the sermon was about Giaus. he was clearly a man who knew difficulties with health and wealth, and in the church with Diotrophes.  His main characteristic is his relationship to the truth. The truth is in him and he walks in the truth. We remembered that Jesus said he is the truth.
This produced 4 fruits - spiritual prosperity, a good testimony, faithfulness, and charity.
May we learn from his example.

Flight time

With my oldest two we spent an enjoyable couple of hours having a flight in a microlight over the Herts-Beds border. We could see various farmers hard at work harvesting, or preparing the ground or sowing for next years harvest.
We were reminded that this work goes on in the church throughout the year.  we also remember that despite all the hard work they and we are dependant upon our benevolent Heavenly Father.

New Pastor at Ramsey

 It was a pleasure to be present at the induction service of Jonathan Chell at Salem Baptist Ramsey, yesterday 

Over 150 people attended. After the formalities and laying on of hands Pastor Nigel Graham form Warboys, spoke from Isaiah 6 verses one to eight.
Pastor Graham reminded us of the need for the church to have a big vision of God, his Glory and his Greatness. He stressed the need for pastors and churches to be God centred, and said that churches primary function was to be God worshipers.The vision lead to guilt, grace and gratitude. This sermon is well worth listening to. I will try to get a copy of it or link as soon as possible.

The tea afterwards was the typical high standard grace baptist fayre. It was good to catch up with old friends, and to meet new people.
May our great God work mightly in Ramsey.

Holiday 2010 - True Brit Grit

The first Friday of our holiday was a day of mixed weather, that seemed to change about every 20 minutes.Not put off we set off on the 5 minutes walk to the beach and duly pitched our tent, and showed that true British holiday spirit, or stupidity. There were many times when we could have packed up and gone, but just as we were about to the precipitation stopped and the sun made a brief appearance.

Where was everybody else?? A private beech all to ourselves - albeit with changeable weather

Holiday 2010 - no 2 Sunday Report

Unusually this year we were away for 2 Sundays. On the first Sunday we went to Bethesda Calvinistic Methodist Church, Nr Saundersfoot. The message in the morning was from Ezekiel - he has spoken it and he will do it (EZK 36) ; The preacher, whose name escaped me set about to demonstrate how reliable and faithful God is and to encourage us to trust God for the future. Simple, effective memorable and gave you a sense of the worthiness and awe of God, and a ground for faith. The church runs a stall as a witness on Thursday in the New Hedges Market, which we were pleased to visit.

The second week we went to Cardigan Baptist. 
In the morning the visiting preacher spoke to the children about the best book of all. However it seemed a bit incongruous that there were hardly any bibles in the church as the reading was projected onto the walls. I don't think that it was just my traditional upbringing that made that feel strange. I feel the bible needs to have its place, and be seen to have its place in the church and in the lives of believers.
It was a good message for the children.
The evening service was from Romans 7 and 8 - how to overcome sin..
The two most memorable points were the first Christ is victorious andthe final that we have the spirit dwelling in us. It was good to be reminded of these facts.


It is always good to meet fresh faces, and talk all be it for a relatively short time with those who are brothers and sisters in Christ. Holidays offer that opportunity.

Holiday 2010 - no1 Boat trip

Summer Holidays are drawing to a close. In July and August we spent  2 weeks in South wales and in no particular order I will post some thoughts

A Bay to remember. If in the Cardigan area well worth a trip. A fast boat ride ( a bit choppy getting out) to see seals dolphins, sea birds and sea caves. Guide was very informative and friendly. Children and especially Grandad thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Worth looking at

Excellent blog entry by Mostyn Roberts on the Gay Marriage.

looking for redemption

This Sunday was a trip to London. I preached in the morning, rather unseasonably from Luke 2 about Anna speaking of him (Jesus) to all that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem (v38).
We considered the character of Anna – devoted to God, before thinking of the nature of redemption, which is the act of buying back something that has been lost through the paying of a ransom.

We considered this redemption from the historical point of view in the passover lamb, and were reminded that Jesus gave his life a ransom for many.

It was important to stress the need to be looking for this redemption , and seeking we will find– else we will be eternal lost.

Anna spoke of him – and when it comes to redemption Jesus is the only redeemer. Hence she pointed those looking and expecting to Jesus.

There was no other good enough

to pay the price of sin

He only could unlock the gate

Of heaven and let us in

What to blog and when to blog

I haven't blogged for a while. It is not that my life has become quiet, in fact the opposite. However many of the recent events have in my opinion not been suitable material to expose to a wider audience. It has been a difficult few weeks.
I am surprised a the openness and frankness of some who inhabit this world. They open themselves like a book, exposing many thoughts and feelings. Perhaps I am too private an individual.
Then I wondered how much am I willing to expose to God. Of course I am aware that I can not hide anything from him. But how many of my sins am I willing to confess? How many of my cares and burdens am I willing to bring to the great caring burden barer. Peter tells us that he cares for you..oh but are we willing to trust him. He promises that we will find His strength in our weakness.
Maybe one day I will tell the story of recent days in future years. One thing I know is that his grace is sufficient for me.

Your Fathers good pleasure

On Sunday Morning I preached from Luke 12 v 32. Fear Not little Flock-it is the fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
This verse comes in an exhortation not to be anxious about the supply of our earthly needs. - your father knoweth you have need of these things (v30). Rather we are encouraged to get our priority right and seek the kingdom of God. It is to encourage in our seeking further that Jesus reassures us that God will give us the kingdom.More than this it is our heavenly fathers pleasure to do so.There is no grudging no necessity just his holy pleasure - a good pleasure. As an aged preacher commented recently God wants you in heaven infinitely more than you want to be there And if he gives us this ultimate gift so willingly and lovingly so he will do with lesser gifts. What a wounderful God we have.

Psalm  115:3  But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased

Election 2010 Observation 6

The result of the election and the subsequent fall out have been described as historic, new politics and progressive. There was the time of uncertainty before the government was formed, and there is a nervous anticipation of the future.

My final election observation is we should seek the peace of the land.

Jeremiah wrote to the captives in Babylon as follows.

  And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. Jeremiah 29v7

Election 2010 - Observation 5

Across the UK millions of people have been voting in schools halls and other venues. The system is not perfect, and is open to abuses. Many of those who win will be atheists, antichrists, immoral, and proud of it, and will use their position to oppose christianity.

My fifth observation is that is a privilege to be able to vote which has been fought for and defended with blood, and is of the grace of God.

Let us remember those who risk their lives for such freedoms. Let us remember those who have no say in the selection of their governments. There may come a time when we lose this freedom.

Election 2010 - Observation 4

Nobody can doubt the energy and resolve that most candidates have put into this election campaign, even when they have very little chance of winning. They do very little else, devote all their time, and devote huge resources to persuade us to chose them

Peter tells us to "give diligence make our calling and election sure".

What effort and priority do we give to our eternal destiny?

Election 2010 - Observation 3

What ever moral climate is set by the next parliament we should maintain the standards set out in the Bible. Through the last 2000 years many Christians have had to live in hostile and persecuting climates.

Ephesians 4 vs 17 -20

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ;

Election 2010 - Observation 2

Less than 72 hours to go until the polls open - this is my second observation

Prayer is a must before during and after the election
1 Timothy 2 vs 1-3


I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Notice the scope of these prayers both in their content and in those prayed for. There is no qualification of good or evil, moral or immoral. Do we intercede for those in authority over us?

The final game

Sadly this was my eldest daughters last league match with the boys, as the FA rules mean that next season she will be too old to play with them. Again she played her heart out, and she had quite a few good touches and passes too. She hit the post late on, which was a real shame as a goal would be deserved.
She will really miss them next season, and they will miss her. She has improved immensely, and we and her coaches are extremely proud of her.
The game was a 3-1 loss, but it was a good game and a fair result.

Election 2010 - Observation 1

The 2010 election is now just days away and I thought I would make a few observations.

The first Observation  - What ever happens on May 6th/7th - the fundamentals don't change.

First Revelation 19 - "the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth"

Second Job 5:7 "man is born unto trouble - as the sparks fly upwards"

Third 1 Timothy 1:15  "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"

Fourth  Acts 16:31 "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"

Fifth John 14:13 "I will come again and receive you to myself"

While we have a right concern, we need to bare in mind things are more important and certain than who wins.

Providence Bible study - Suffering

Last Sunday afternoon we had our 3rd study on Providence. In this study I wanted to look at Gods purpose and providing in suffering. Suffering, disasters, wars etc are often citied as reason to be atheist. I tried to show that these are all in Gods purposes.After looking at the subject generally, we went on more specifically to look at the man born blind in John 9 and the death and resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. The man was born blind so that the works of God night be manifest in Him, and Lazarus to glorify the Son. What lives of purpose.

Occupy -till I come

This Sunday saw a trip to the delightful Shropshire hills, and an opportunity to preach at a small baptist church. In the afternoon I took the text from Luke 19 "Occupy till I come". I set out the context of the parable of the "Ten pounds and Ten servants". It comes just after the conversion of Zacchaeus and during Jesus continuing journey to Jerusalem, which his followers assumed was to set up his Kingdom in Jerusalem. In trying to prepare them for his going away he told this parable which foreshadowed the great commission.

The background to this instruction to be engaged in our Christian occupation is 1. The resources given to believers as set out by the ten pounds, 2. The citizens of that country hated the Lord and did not want him to rule over them. and 3. The Lord will return.
The servants were called to account, and so will all his servants be.

The empty tomb so full of assurance

He is not here he is risen. Words spoken as the bewildered women looked on, and the space, with just the neatly folded grave clothes. At the time they did not know what to make of it.
Yet here the empty tomb shows us that Jesus is risen indeed, and that because his tomb is empty, so shall the graves of all of his people be on the last great glorious day. There is no if or maybe, but divine certainty from the one who said I am the resurrection. Death swallowed up in victory.

A Sabbath of Rest

Jesus having finished the work of redemption, rested on the Sabbath day. How very like on the first Sabbath, where God saw that all he had done was very good and rested on the 7th Day.
The cry of "it is finished" from the cross showed he had paid the price, and now in satisfaction he rests.There he rests in the tomb awaiting the new week, when he would rise victorious and reveal himself to his disciples, before ascending again to his father where he is today representing his people. He will come again, when we shall enter with Jesus, into that Sabbath of Rest that remains to the people of God.How glorious.

Good Friday

Good Friday is an interesting description to give to this day of particular remembrance of the crucifixion.Let us remember what happened. A truly  innocent man suffered a cruel death. Not the first and not the last time this would happen. Yet this punishment to death was just.
Let us never forget that Jesus suffered for sin. Let us never forget what sin is, and what the righteous punishment of it is. Let us never forget it was our sins that Jesus suffered for, as they were laid upon him.
The events of this day show the seriousness of offending God. On this day he forsook his only begotten Son, so that we might never be forsaken.
A good day - Jesus did all that was necessary for our salvation, leaving nothing for us to do. A good day - the righteousness of God completely satisfied, that we might have fellowship with him. A Good day and this is the message we should proclaim - seeking to know nothing among else, but Jesus Christ and him crucified.
The ultimate fulfillment of the Abraham's prophecy "God,himself, shall provide a lamb for the sacrifice".

The house of the LORD God

Last Sunday I preached from Davids sin in numbering the people (1 Chr 22). This was followed by the judgement of God upon the people. God in his mercy repented of the evil (not morally evil - but the awful consequence of sin) but David was shown the place of sacrifice, which was "accepted" by fire from heaven.The Oxen were the substitute for the people.
This surly points to Jesus Christ who is the fulfillment of all the Temple stood for, and our substitute, whom the wrath of God fell on, and which sacrifice was accepted. This is where God meets his people.

Eating out 2

http://blackhorseireland.com/
A pleasant surprise to be invited out to for a meal on Wednesday at short notice. After securing a baby sitter at short notice. A time to catch up with old friends and enjoy some Good food.
Service was good as was atmosphere.
Venison sausage in black pudding crisps to start, followed by T bone stake accompanied by the intriguingly named triple cooked chips. Highlight was the sweet - a raspberry soufflé which was absolutely scrummy.
Will return sometime God willing.

Power Cut

Yesterday evening we had a power cut for about 3hrs. This followed a short but fairly violent storm. As the outsid light went down we managed to find the candles and turned the years back in the living room. No computer, no TV, no memory on the phone, no boiler, and too dark for me to read. How we depend on electricity, but don't realise it most of the time! (I think that the more technical we get the more fragile our life styles become.)
Then its rather like our attitude to God. We only seem to notice when he withdraws his influence. Of course he is always near, but some times he is appears to have forsaken us. Then we realise our dependence on him. Oh that we might value His presence more.  - "I am with you even to the end of the world"

What manner of man is this?

I preached from the concluding verses of Mark 4 this Sunday morning. The disciples while obediently following Jesus command find themselves in the middle of a tremendous storm. It was so great that their boat was likely to be sunk. Jesus is asleep, his head on a pillow, standing in complete contrast to the panic among the disciples
This all was a test of their faith (which they failed - Jesus said they had no faith in this matter), which stands as an example of the seed falling into the rocky ground, in the parable of the sower at the beginning of the chapter.
After Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea, and the disciples - they ask this question what manner of man is this? I wounder if we have truly contemplated the answer to this question.
It is a wounder that Jesus is truly man as well as truly God - as he came to suffer in mans place as our substitute.

Pig Roast and Bonfire

After a busy week and a disappointing 6-1 loss at the Saturday football in the morning , it was good to go the Manor Farm in the afternoon for a get together, games, a pig roast and a fire with the 8-13s.
It was good to catch up with friends, meet their children and enjoy the food.
A match was sufficient to start the fire on a single piece of paper. In just a couple on minutes the whole pile of pallets, and garden waste was blazing away.- a reminder of James 3 v 5 -Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Esther - part 2 - God works his purposes out

 Sunday morning we looked at Esther 4,5,6 & 7. In this section we find that Haman who had hoped by hanging Mordecai what would happen to people who wouldn't honour him by hanging him from a 20 metre high gallows,ends up leading him through the city wearing the kings clothes riding the kings horse declaring that this is what happens to the man whom the king delights to honour! what a God we have. What encouragement for these times of Christianophobia! Haman is eventually hung on his own gallows.

The Half Day of Two Games

It is Saturday again so the morning is football.

Match 1.
My boys team recorded a good 9-0 win in the first round of the cup. Particularly pleasing as he was in goal. The first choice was away, the second ill, but he bravely stepped up to the plate. Two impressive saves, one from a deflection showed a performance that couldn't have been justified from the warm up! Well done

Match 2.
My eldest girls team away to the top of the league, and they got hammered 10-1. The scoreline was justified. Once again she ran her self to a stand still, and was justly voted her teams best player by the parents. Come on boys please put some effort in too.

Stiff Necked People

Having suffering from neck pains this week I am reminded of the Children of Israel who were described as a stiff necked people.

Ex 32:9  And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

A bit of discomfort - but perhaps a reminder of our spiritual position before God, and the need to be softened, and to concentrate on serving God rather than ourselves.

2 Ch 30:8  Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

Providence Bible Study No 1

This afternoon I started the first in the series of Bible Studies on Providence. It is quite a large subject, and covering a lot of issues. To help us give definition to the subject, we had a brief look at what confession,s catechisms, and theologians say about providence.
John Flavel says in his book -  The Mystery of Providence.

In nothing does providence shine forth more gloriously in this world than in ordering the occasions, instruments and means of conversion of the people of God… this O this is the most excellent benefit you ever receive from his hand.

It is a mistake to see any divorcing between providence and grace. We looked at Genesis 22 to highlight the central point of Providence as God Himself providing  the Lamb for the sacrifice, foreshaddowing Jesus

I hope it wasn't too heavy for a Sunday afternoon. Next time we hope to have a brief overview of the book of Esther to highlight Gods Hand at work.

Two Years On

Tomorrow is the second birthday of my youngest. Where have those two years gone? What have we done with them? Through them we have know Gods goodness and his mercy to us. We give thanks to Him for all he has done for us and for our beautiful if not a little mischievous daughter.
We do not know what the next two years may bring. But in the words of the hymn "Onward then and fear not children of the King"
We look to Him and in dependence for the future.

Esther - part 1 - God prepares

Preached Sunday Morning on Esther ( the first of two or three sermons). Esther is only one of two books where the Gods name is not mentioned. Yet his finger is clearly seen.
I titled the Sermon - "Now it came to pass..." which are the first words of the book.Probably not the most interesting sermon ever. I tried to set the scene by looking at the four main characters, - the Wicked King, The Beautiful girl, The faithful servant, and the self important Agigite. Then we looked at a few side issues like the the place of feasts and fasts, and respected cival government and what it means to submit to it.
I am looking forward to preaching next time on the exciting chapters 5,6 & 7.

A well deserved win

It was a pleasure to watch my daughter play this cold morning. After the kick off had been delayed to allow the pitch to thaw out, the first half was disappointing. Losing an early goal within minutes - was just the start of a very ordinary first half which finished 2-2
With the coach changing the formation in the second half, my daughter was placed in centre midfield where she ran her heart out, putting many of the boys to shame. Tackling and chasing, at the same time she was controlled and measured in possession and incisive with her passing.The final score was a 6-2 win. It was a shame she was unable to cap it all with a goal, narrowly shooting wide with her left foot.
Never mind Dad was really proud of you.

A meal out

For the first time in a while my wife and I went out for a meal at "The Fancott" A nice place just outside Toddington. Food was well cooked and the portions were well measured. The Belgium waffles with cream, ice cream and fudge source were especially tasty.
Not sure it did much for my figure.

Starting out

Blogging is a new experience to me. I have enjoyed reading other peoples offerings for a time now.


I have contemplated adding my ignorance to the blogesphere for a while. I don't really have distinct plans on what to blog about. I expect there will be some political comment, some family items, items highlighting material I have found elsewhere, and christian comment.  I hope you enjoy it. If you want to comment feel free. If I get things wrong, upset or offend it is not willingly -  please remember I am but a fallen man.


So here goes ...