The door has opened...

As I write this, I’m 24 hours off leaving my home for 6 weeks, starting the long travel to eventually arrive in Camundambala, Angola. And to be honest, I can’t wait!

The last few months have dragged on as I’ve waited for confirmation of a visa, booked for and had jabs, found insurance and bought tools. Excitement has been swapped for nervousness and back again. I’ve tried to picture what it will look like, what the food will be like, how hot it will be and how much work we can do in the time. I’m helping Jonathan and Ruth Singleton in the building of a school and anything and everything else I can possibly fit in. I want to experience as much of life in Angola (and ultimately Africa), as I possibly can. 

The first reason why is because this trip has been a long time coming. It’s not the first time I’ve hoped to visit Africa to help. I’d tried 7 years ago to go, and the answer was “no”. I tried again 3 years ago to go to Zambia, and it was also “no”. Though it meant accepting God’s timing and will wasn’t matching mine, I was content. But now, all of the doors seem to have opened, and I’m standing on the very edge of my trip with a real sense of excitement and adventure, and feeling firmly grounded in the knowledge that this time, God has said “yes”. 

I’ve thought about the snakes, bugs, spiders and any other wildlife that will share the local vicinity with me. The language barrier (for anyone who isn’t trained up in the “Geordie” accent) and cultural differences. But most of all, the second reason for wanting to go for so long, is to hopefully through the experiences grow closer to my God. I don’t feel that in the western world I honestly pray for “daily bread” like the Lord encouraged His disciples to. I buy it. Sometimes I use cash, sometimes card. Because of our wealthy society, I feel as though it encourages an unthankful spirit. My hope is that I will learn true dependence, and my faith will deepen and ultimately my thankfulness will be genuine. When the trappings of materialism is removed, what’s left? When the bare essentials of life are all you have, does it make you happy? Can Jesus be all we need? And ultimately, just how real can God be? 

One thing I’ve learnt so far is how generous God’s people are, and how God uses them to meet His purposes. Thank you to everyone who has helped towards the costs, it’s certainly appreciated. 

I hope you’re interested to hear how I get on. Feel free to share your own experiences with me, particularly those who have left the western world and visited Africa. Feel free to get in touch as well to encourage me as I lie in the dark trying not to hear what’s outside the door! Ha ha. I’m not sure what I’ll learn, or who I’ll meet or what we’ll get up to.... but I honestly just can’t wait! 

In Him
Dan

When seeing isn't believing

It's been quite a while everyone, appreciate you checking back in...

Been reading John 12 tonight, and there's a verse which says...

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:”
John 12:37

Depressing eh? Even the miracles of Jesus couldn't convince some people to trust Him. I just can't get out my head the thought that so many of the people we have contact with in our Christian lives today are described by this verse. Should Jesus appear before them, where they were and perform a miracle in front of their very eyes, they wouldn't believe. Guess they'll never be won, so we should give up right?

How is it that so many people experienced Jesus and yet failed to follow him? Was it too difficult a lifestyle change, was his teaching too controversial or perhaps he didn't measure up to their expectations? After all, he was hardly the Roman-defeating, rebellion leading, captivity freeing deliverer they were hoping for was he. To some, he would only ever be "Jesus of Nazareth", or "the son of the Carpenter". Preconceived ideas clouded the mind and closed the eyes. Today, so many people are raised being taught in school that science has the answers, and that the Big Bang, evolution etc are fact. No amount of evidence, debate or conversation can change their way of thinking. Humanly speaking, their eyes are closed to the truth.

However, what's encouraging is to realise that God is in the business of opening eyes. Even more encouraging, is that He uses us to do so. Paul was told

"I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Stand up! I have chosen you to be my servant and my witness—you will tell people the things that you have seen and the things that I will show you. This is why I have come to you today. I will keep you safe from your own people and also from the others. I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan and to God. Then their sins can be forgiven, and they can have a place with those people who have been made holy by believing in me.’”
Acts 26:15-18

The question isn't what do we say, or do to lead people to Christ; we don't know who will respond. The question is am I showing them and telling them the gospel? The rest God will do when He sees fit. Maybe that child of a Christian couple who has for many years sat emotionless in church, (and maybe even left church behind), suddenly realises they need Christ in adulthood. God opened their eyes! The neighbour or work colleague who is antagonist to Christianity, finally sees the love of Christ in us and in how we treat them. "God opened their eyes!" That religious person, trusting in themselves  and good works to gain acceptance from God, sees that Jesus is "THE Way, THE truth and THE life". God opened their eyes! Like the sower casting his seed in the field among the different types of ground, let's keep doing our bit, knowing that God will do his... despite what we may think, for our God said "I am the LORD, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me.”
Jeremiah 32:27

Thanks for reading; all comments, thoughts, questions and shares are welcome...

Building Work

“God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.”

As a church we’ve just started a course called “Discipleship Explored”. So far (Just had the second week out of eight) it has been extremely challenging. Reading the words of Paul to the Christians in Philippi who were suffering persecution, we noted how it’d be easy for him to be wallowing in self pity and self lothing. Yet he isn’t. He is more concerned about their welfare, their spiritual condition. Despite his chains, Paul is an enthusiastic, determined man, grounded in his own appreciation of God’s love and plans for his life. He was at peace that where he was, he was meant to be. Being able to pray with Joy from a prison cell while chained to a couple of Roman  soldiers isn’t the norm!

His great prayer for them was that their love would grow, and in turn their knowledge. This would ultimately allow them to be able to know right from wrong and make the decision that would glorify God. The verse above has been on my mind ever since, and I’m hoping it’s as encouraging for you as I’ve found it to be. The reminder that “God began doing a good work”. Not my own efforts, lest I should slacken off or give up if it got difficult. Also, God is doing a work in me which is unlike anyone else, and likewise the work he’s doing in you if you’re a Christian (Are you prepared?) is unique to you. God isn’t making robots which are all the same shape, size and with identical gifts and abilities. He’s making a family, a “Body” or a “Building”, with lots of unique parts that make up one harmonious object, all coming together to bring glory to God.

I’m guessing you’ve failed God since you were saved? Yeah, surprisingly me too! Not just a few times either, many occasions when sin prevailed and holiness lost. Did you notice that God “will continue it until it is finished”, or “perfect” as some bibles phrase it. God keeps building and building, allowing for the leaks, problems, stalling and back tracking that sin brings to our growth, knowing that ultimately one day the project will finally be finished, and at that moment, at God’s perfect time, we will be made complete in the image of Christ.

We’re all at different stages of the developments too, some are just at the foundation stage, newly saved and freely relying on our Rock. Some perhaps are further on down the line,  with many years of Christian living behind them meaning the building is nearing completion. Paul had reached that stage. Week two’s verse was “To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.”(Phil 1:21) He was ready to go, with nothing earthly to tie him, and his love for Christ to drive him.

Spiritually I feel that the building work has been delayed in my life recently, maybe even stopped. Hopefully this course will be a big help in once again creating the right conditions for work, and soon God can again continue building. How is the building work going for you? What’s stopping the work of God in your life? I’d love to know your thoughts or any comments you have, especially other verses perhaps which come to mind? Also, if you find this blog helpful, please feel free to Like, Share, and Retweet it. But especially to share your thoughts.

In Him

Dan

Divine Schedule

Our days and weeks are so tightly scheduled; we haven’t time for the unexpected.

In our society, we’re used to taking the initiative. Making sure we’re maximising our potential and multitasking our lives to the nearest minute. We can do everything instantly, using our smart phones to update, search, buy, speak and entertain us. When something unexpected comes along we usually don’t know how to cope. Our days and weeks are so tightly scheduled; we haven’t time for the unexpected.

Jesus was 30 when his earthly ministry started. Beginning at his baptism, he spent 3 years obeying his father God, leading his disciples, teaching the people and healing the sick. Nature and death would all bow to his miraculous power, and neither would prevent his work and mission. A stormy sea calmed. A friend raised to life. Rich taxmen completely changed. The incurable healed. John sums up what he achieved in 3 years by saying “There are many other things which Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not be big enough for what would be written.” - John 21 v 25. What could he achieve in 10 years? Or 20? Perhaps if he lived to 70 years old, what could those 40 years contain?

He was always fully aware of his Father’s plan and the Divine Schedule he was to uphold

So was the crucifixion of Jesus a derailment of his awesome life? Was it a waste of the potential life he could have lived? Were it the account of my life or yours, the answer would almost certainly be “Yes”. The passing into eternity of any young person is usually viewed with much sorrow at their unfulfilled potential. Jesus however, was in full control of his life. He was always fully aware of his Father’s plan and the Divine Schedule he was to uphold. Several times the enemies of Jesus tried to kill him, but each time the Lord could say “My time has not yet come” - John 7 v 8. However, One day, just before the Passover feast, as Jesus was leading his disciples towards Jerusalem, He would tell them “Look, we are going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be turned over to the leading priests and the teachers of the law, and they will say that he must die. They will give the Son of Man to the non-Jewish people to laugh at him and beat him with whips and crucify him. But on the third day, he will be raised to life again” – Matt 20 v 18-19

Throughout the Lord’s final hours; from his arrest, through his trial and onto his crucifixion, Jesus showed his complete control. Showing restraint as the soldiers arrested him. Submitting to Pilate's authority (While acknowledging it was only his because Heaven had given it to him) and even patiently enduring the sickening treatment at the hand of gentile soldiers (Suffering Saviour). Ultimately, the greatest display of his control over his life was the final minutes before his death. He, having saved the criminal on the neighboring cross, and sought his disciple John to care for his mother, and endured the full, unknown weight and punishment of sin for humanity, cried with a loud voice and bowed his head and died. Jesus had cried “It is finished” – John 19:30. Anyone else would have died and their head drop, but Jesus having finally finished the great work of salvation, “Bowed his head and died”. He knew the very moment, location, means but ultimately the purpose of his death. His Divine Schedule had for a little while finished; 3 days it would be left blank. But God gloriously raised him up from the dead, showing many people that he was alive again. 

Our lives are for the living now, a time to serve the Lord and to worship him in the world; but at anytime, maybe today, our schedules will be over. Whether we are alive or “dead in Christ” (1 Thess 4:16) when he returns, our work and labour will be over and we shall finally have rest. May we too submit to the Divine Schedule, going where and when our Lord calls, and seeking those who he has planned appointments with.

Yours in His name.

Dan

Matty Vasey

"To God be the Glory great things he has done"


Hi Everyone, so sorry that I haven't been posting regularly of late, life has been busy, and my writing waned somewhat, but I hope to try and post a bit more frequently in the new year.

Some of you may have seen on my facebook page that on 29th November, "Uncle Matty", a dear brother in the meeting where I go (Bethesda Gospel Hall) was called home to be with the Lord Jesus. The photo above was taken at his 100th birthday party last year. While clearing his flat, his daughter found a copy of his life story and also his Christian testimony. She very kindly asked that it be shared, so a few hundred printed copies were made and handed out at his funeral. Below is a copy of his testimony and his life growing up in Newcastle, England. This whole post is dedicated to him, one of the most gentle, kind and loving people you could wish to meet, and his packed out funeral was testament to the high regard in which he was held. Over to Matty for his life story......

"This is my Testimony of how I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ

Little Matty Vasey was born on 13 Nov 1913 at a place called Byker in Newcastle. I was born of working class parents. Sadly my mother died when I was 5 years old. She died of the deadly Spanish flu which was raging through Europe at the time. In 1918 more folk died of the epidemic than the number of soldiers killed in the First World War. My brother and I were then under the care of granny, my fathers mother.

After a short while father married again and a stepmother was installed in our home, causing much hostility between gran, father and stepmother. My father was very bad tempered and the name of Christ was only used as a swear word, vows and bad language were flavour of the month. However, one ray of sunshine came out of the mist, as she insisted we should go to Sunday School and as she was of Presbyterian stock I started to attend Byker Presbyterian Church on Gordon Road off Raby Street, which was the backbone of Byker. Talking of Byker, I watched the scene of Parishes being burned down from Byker village about 2 miles away. The fireman wore brass helmets. I attended Sunday School and Church for some years but was never challenged to the lostness of my soul, I was just going through the motions. It was more of a sociability exercise than a spiritual one. They held concerts on Saturday nights and you could also play billiards, one young lady said; Matty there’s plenty of young girls here you know.

Our home life began to deteriorate with no parental control and without any love or care. My stepmother received 3 shillings per week for her and 4 boys, she had twin boys by my father. The front room was let out for 6 shillings a week. Incidentally father died with heart failure when I was 13 and after a while my stepmother married again, and he died after about 9 months of marriage so the future was bleak and uncertain.

The years rolled by and I started to work in a furniture factory. At the commencement of one job, my work mates suggested I should accompany them on a Saturday night to Gosforth Dog Track, which I found very exciting. There’s an old saying it only takes one step to take a journey of 1000 miles so I made my debut on a downward spiral. I started to bet on horses as well. I saw the Epsom Derby and the Greyhound Derby at the White City in London. I travelled a lot to racecourses all over the country, and yet at times I used to ask myself whist attending the dogs “what on earth am I doing here wasting my life and my money.” I was in fact ‘Going to the Dogs’.

The Second Great War came and I couldn’t enlist as I was only classed C3. My stepmother died and the twins both joined up and I found myself in digs with a work mate and his wife and daughter. I lived with Jock and Mrs. Mac for about 13 years.

Leaving this sordid background behind let us go on to Higher things.

In 1955 I was feeling the urge for something I couldn’t put into words, I took my first step in my search for something to lift me up, by going to the local library to look for something relating to the cross of Christ, as it was Easter time. Also, I felt the urge to go to some Church or Mission hall, and at odd times I would go to the Big Market where men preached the Gospel to a very large open air audience. Sometimes a young church group would take turns in reciting Bible verses and I used to gaze intently into their faces wondering what made them tick. I thought they were quite strange folk.

I started to go to Prudhoe Street Mission when it was situated in the town, and the Bainbridge Memorial Church on Heaton Road, 20 minutes from where I lived in Warwick Street. Whilst attending there I heard Joe Blinko, an associate preacher with Billy Graham, and I also heard Pastor Nic Moller, a German who was the only man to challenge Adolf Hitler about his evil ways, and how wrong he was.

I was beginning to show interest in the things of God, but I was still throwing good money after bad at the dogs. Observantly whist waiting at the bus stop one day, my eyes fell upon a short poster stuck on the lamp standard which was at the bus stop and it read. ‘We believe in Christ crucified, risen, and coming again’ I thought that was amazing. I found later that the poster belonged to Bethel Christian Fellowship, which was right opposite the lamp post in Barras Bridge.

From the preaching that I had listened to I had learned I was a sinner and that I had need of a Saviour.

I had listened to many preachers, but this particular Sunday morning I heard the Truth concerning Eternal Salvation, that morning I gratefully received the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and I had a profound peace, knowing that my sins were forgiven, to be remembered no more. For the scripture says in the first chapter of the gospel of John ‘For as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe in his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God’  I believe that no one else had a hand in this wonderful transaction, but it was between the almighty and myself. Shortly afterwards, I found fellowship with a lovely group of people called Bethel Christian Fellowship, (remember the poster) that met in an upper room at the top of some stairs in Barras Bridge for about ten years. There was a brother in their meeting called Jack Roy who preached in the open air. One day someone shouted out to Jack ‘Hi you’ve cracked man’ and Jack responded with ‘Well you’ve got to be cracked to let the light in’. About ten years later I became a member of Somervyl Chapel on Benton Estate.

I always thought of myself as a confirmed bachelor, but in 1958 when I was 44 years old, I met a Christian girl called Lily (34) and we were married at the Central Hall in the West End of Newcastle. We started off our married life with a home up Stanhope Street, and we had a son and a daughter, Kathleen and John. Sadly my wife passed away in 1997 with Alzheimer’s disease.

I am now worshipping at Bethesda Gospel Hall in Forest Hall and I love the Lord and I Love the Lords people. ‘To God be the Glory great things he has done.’"

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dan x

Hidden Years

Hi Everyone,

It’s been 81 days since my last post, and that seems too long. Perhaps some of you might think that it isn't long enough? Ha. I’m so grateful to everyone who has continued to read the various posts and leave comments on them, shared them with friends and generally just being an encouragement to me. It's been a busy few months for one reason or another, but hopefully it'll be a bit quieter for a while. Here's hoping. There have been a few times recently when I've felt burdened to write about a particular topic, only for it to disappear from memory the moment I've sat down to write it.

Why are so many of the year's of Jesus' life hidden from our view?

One thing I have thought a lot about recently is the hidden years of Jesus’ life. After a unique birth through the virgin Mary, and suffering the rejection of not only his own people, but his own Creation, we read that “The child grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him”. (Luke 2:40) Imagine what type of Child Jesus would have been? Perfect, honest, friendly, caring, loving, gentle, wise and purposeful. In contrast to his siblings, he was so very different! Each of them needed discipline, correcting, told off, grounded; but Jesus did no sin. There was no arguing, fighting, hating, lying, cheating, stealing, swearing with him. How could his brothers not notice he was so different? Why wouldn’t they believe on Him?

He already knew that in 21 years time he’d be nailed to a cross outside of this very city!

But after 12 quiet years, he suddenly appears back on the pages of scripture. He’s at the place where he always is that time of year; in Jerusalem, at the feast. On this occasion though, it would be different. This time, He wouldn't be with the travelling party as they returned home, he’d stay behind with the teachers of the law. His worried parents found him after 3 days and queried “Why have you dealt with us in this way? Behold, I and your father have sought you sorrowing” (Luke 2:48). Jesus however corrects their view of him, “Do you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”. This wasn't Joseph’s carpentry shop, but the work of His only father; God. His desire, even as a child, was to please God. He already knew that in 21 years time he’d be nailed to a cross outside of this very city. He’d bear the sin of the world to reconcile it to God. He’d offer himself a ransom for many. It’s no great surprise that Mary “Kept all these things in her heart” (v51). The next time we hear Mary speak, she’ll say “Whatever he tells you to do, do it!” (John 2:5). She had noticed he was different, and even the impossible was possible for him!

Finally, Luke writes “He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject onto them:”. How amazing to think that the eternal Son of God, the creator of all things, was subject to human parents. He went to a place which was noted as being extremely sinful, yet for 30 years he managed to remain untarnished, and unblemished by sin there. He walked a perfect walk, and lived a perfect life and “Increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (v52). Jesus learnt, and increased in wisdom. I would suggest to you that the subjection he showed to his parents helped him to be subject to the soldiers and captors later on. When they whipped, scourged, beat, spat and crucified him, he'd be quiet (Suffering Saviour). He would learn how to remain silent before mans accusations. How to be Just among the unjust, Perfect among imperfection, and Truth itself among falsehood.

"He has done all things well"

30 hidden years can be summed up with one heavenly declaration – “You are my beloved Son, In You I am well pleased!” (Luke 3:22). All that he was, and had done, and said, was perfect to God. I’d love to know more, and to hear more, but God in His wisdom has hidden it from view. All we know is that “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:37)

Have you any thoughts about the hidden years? Please share them in the comments below....

Trust you’re all well

In His name

Dan

Are you prepared? Part 2

In the last blog post, we looked at the warning God gave to King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20 v 1-3) "Are you prepared??". This first part looked at how a non-Christian might respond to news that their life was to soon come to an end. But how would a Christian respond? 

I think firstly, there would be a sense that we had unfinished business. There were places we'd still like to visit, people we'd want to see before we go, but ultimately there would be a lack of fear. Death contains no fear for those who are certain of their eternal home.

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord

When a person comes to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they gain something this world can't guarantee. Peace. 

Peace within, peace with God, peace of mind, peace about eternity. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) We have peace with God when we believe in Jesus His Son; His perfect life and sufficient sacrifice for sin. This peace is given to us the moment we believe through faith. Instantaneous, and eternal!

There is also the knowledge that a Christian has of where they will spend eternity. To know the destination makes the journey all the more bearable. "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Phil 3 v 20-21. A Christian already has a hope that they'll be in heaven because they're already citizens there. Waiting for a day when they will go there forever. 

But this takes us onto our next point. These bodies of ours, which sin, and age and eventually die, will one day be changed. We (Christians) will be given a new body, an incorruptible body, just like the The Lord Jesus. "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling." (2 Cor 5 v 1-2). Our earthly bodies are temporary and decay and are marked by sin, but there's a heavenly and permanent body to come. Just like a fish's body isn't suited for life on land, our current bodies aren't equipped for heaven, but one day all that will change. 

Finally, (and there are many more we could add), we will try to live a life that is pleasing to God. "Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Col 1:10) God wants us to live for Him all through our lives, not just in the easy times, or when we want. There is a future reward for all of the work we have done for Him, and while our work doesn't save us, it does bring rewards in heaven. I hope today you could honestly answer that you'd have the peace of God (through salvation), hope of a future home in heaven, corruptible bodies in the future to look forward to and are living lives which are pleasing to God; waiting to hear those words "Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over a lot. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt 25:21)

Yours in His name

Dan x

Are you prepared?

Hi Everyone. A post from a few years back...

"Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live."

What would you do if you were informed that you didn't have long left to live? Would you give up your job or leave college? Perhaps you would make an effort to visit family and friends that you hadn't seen for a while. I think I’d want to travel a bit more to see some of the places i’ve never managed to visit. Lots of people are starting to make ‘Bucket lists’ of things they want to do before they die, so maybe we’d try to complete that.

“In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly." (2 Kings 20:1-3)

King Hezekiah was informed that his current illness would ultimately be his last. He was going to die. He was given prior warning to “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live”.

Firstly, if you aren't a Christian, how would receiving this news make you feel? Would it make you think about life after death? Would you consider the existence of God more? Amos exclaimed “Prepare to meet your God!”. The bible clearly states that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1), and goes on to tell us that He ultimately made all good things. If this is true, while your parents ‘made’ you, ultimately the source of all life and existence comes from God, including YOU! This world has become hostile, rebellious and disobedient towards God, and many people have publicly claimed their lack of faith in Him. However, I’ve heard of atheists who have been fearful of death. Scared to pass into the next life. Unsure of the unknown. Their once strong belief that death is the end is often wavering when that death is looming close. That is because I believe, it is human nature to seek a higher power. We can try to fill that longing with family, friends, fun, employment and pleasures, but they can never provide lasting happiness. They need to be repeated, replaced or increased.

When Jesus (God’s son) was here on earth, he boldly claimed that “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to my Father except through me” (John 14:6). People can’t live their lives as they please and then expect to go to Heaven. God’s holiness could never allow it. He will judge and punish every person who dies without trusting in His son. Not because He is bad, but because He is Just! 

Any judge must punish the guilty and free the innocent. No one is 100% innocent in their life. No one can claim to have lived perfectly, and if we’re all guilty of at least failing God once in our lives, none of us could ever be good enough for heaven. We can’t rely on our good works and effort, as none of them give us any right standing in God’s eyes.

 “Prepare to meet your God!”

Here’s where Jesus comes in: God loves you. He tells us many times in the bible how He acts out of love for people, despite knowing that most will never reciprocate that love. In John, we read the most (probably) famous bible verse in the world, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only much loved Son, that whoever believes in Him will never perish, but will have everlasting life” (John 3:16). If sin keeps us out of heaven, then removing that sin would allow us in? That’s what Jesus was saying: “I am the Way”; Not ‘A’ way, or the ‘best’ way, but ‘THE’ way! God, outside of Jerusalem, 2000 years ago punished His own son in a once and for all sacrifice for sin. This doesn't make everyone instantly innocent, but does mean that God will forgive anyone’s sin that trusts in Jesus. The moment we finally realise our guilt before God and confess it to Him (you aren't telling Him anything He doesn't already know), and believe that God punished Jesus for your sin, God removes the debt our sin has built up. Forever! 

Jesus made it possible for anyone to be saved, but only those who believe on him WILL be saved. 

Imagine if I left a large bag of money in London and promised it was for anyone to use to pay their household bills. The money is already there because I’ve done my part and paid, but you only get the benefit when you believe my promise and go and take the money. God has promised to save from eternal punishment because of their sin ANYONE who believes that Jesus is His son, and His death, burial and resurrection made it possible. 


If you found out you were to die soon, would you be prepared?

I haven’t got time to tell you the proofs of Jesus’ existence by secular archaeology and history etc (perhaps a blog post soon on this), but I believe wholeheartedly the bible when it tells us “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31). My next post will God willing look at how a Christian would respond to the same revelation that their death is imminent. 

I hope someone finds this helpful.

In His Name

Dan

Evangelism

I didn't plan to do another post for a few weeks, but this subject captured my imagination. This is the first blog post which I've written that is born out of a simple questionnaire. Sometimes I get curious, and on one particular day this week I was thinking about when people are saved and what influences it? Does evangelism work, and who does it work on and when? I asked the following two questions:

1) How old were you when you became a Christian?

2) Where were you when you got saved?

Before I look at the responses, and what they indicate to us, let me leave a little disclaimer. This is not a 100%, definitive questionnaire. It doesn't allow for the person's upbringing, background, location or in some case what type of church group/ camp etc they attended. There were 105 people who took part, and it was quite a diverse group of people, but It doesn't account for everyone.

The answers fell into 4 groups, people became Christian's when they were:

• Children (Aged 4 - 10) - 55%
• Teens (Aged 11 -18) - 29%
• Young Adults (Aged 19 - 30) - 8%
• Adults (Aged 31 - 99) - 9%

But I just want to look at the first two, Children and Teens.

The "children" section (which includes me) is by far the largest, with most children becoming Christians between 5 - 8 years old. Of the 58 people saved as children, 76% of them said they were saved at home. (19% of them said they were saved at a church event; either Sunday school or childrens meetings). What we can assume from these numbers is that hearing the gospel as a child is a great thing! Children as young as 4 became Christians, children I would suggest come from Christian homes who have seen, heard and believed Godly example of Christian parents.

I hope that encourages any current parents, future parents and Sunday school leaders! Parents, do you take your children to church? Do you allow them to go to Sunday school, youth groups and gospel meetings? Do you read and pray with them? I urge you to keep going, It really works! I myself was saved at a Childrens meeting at the age of 7. Most of the children heard the gospel at organised meetings, but it was interesting how many mentioned parents and grandparents who had influenced them towards salvation. Its vital that Christian parents (Which I'm not, but hope to God willing be one day) not only encourage children to attend gospel efforts, but provide a good example at home and create an environment that encourages a love for and understanding of the Saviour. Keep on going!

Paul wrote to Timothy and said "as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures,which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 3:14-15 NIV)

Children who are raised with bible stories, praying parents, childrens meetings and hearing the gospel are more likely to be saved.

Teens

Then, there are the teens. There were 30 people who became Christians in their teenage years. Again, 40% trusted the Lord while they were at home, but I'm fairly sure that the influence of church events (Which accounted for 20%), and camps (33%) lead to many of them being saved later on at home. 

Again, I encourage any parents to keep allowing/ urging your children to attend gospel work at church and go to gospel camps. Even teenagers who had heard the gospel since childhood came to trust the Lord in their teens. Hearing the gospel many times isn't a bad thing, and on any such occasion a person can be convicted to be saved. Keep on going!

KEEP ON GOING!

What about the rest? Here is a quick break down of the older people.

19-30 Year olds 8%

31-99 Year olds 9% (17 people in total)

Interestingly 59% of them were saved at church organised events. Do you have a bible course, coffee morning, gospel meeting, mother and toddlers? Adults, some even in their 30's (and one in his 60's!) are being saved. Keep on going!

While this post isn't particularly well written or presented, I hope it shows simply that God still saves. There is no formula, and no guarantees. We don't know when or if a person will be saved, but we do know that it's still possible! Have you a young child? Keep going! Are they teenagers now? Its not too late, keep going! Are they adults? Until the moment they die, they can still be saved.....Keep on going! Keep praying that God blesses our families, churches and countries with salvation.

What If you're reading this and you aren't a Christian? If you couldn't fill this questionnaire? Please take the time to read My Testimony (Why and how I became a Christian) and see the explaination there. If you weren't one of the people who sent me their answers, why not answer them in the comment box below? I'd love to hear your story! 

I hope this is an encouragement. - Dan Bilton

The Son

The following blog is not one of my creating. It is a fairly well known story that I have heard many times in my life. Whether or not it is true isn't known, but certainly the moral behind the story is one that stands the test of time. For your encouragement and conviction, I present to you "The Son".

The man who took the son gets everything!

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Monet, Van Gogh to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam war broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later and there was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. 

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence........ Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice angrily "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts.. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting?" Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?". "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!" 

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross of Calvary. God offered His perfect, sinless son Jesus to be a substitute for ungodly, sinful mankind. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" You see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. No money is required. No great acts of kindness or bravery. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved". God, through Jesus is able to remove a persons sins, offer them a home in Heaven and make them right with Him forever. There is no other way, only believe!

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only beloved son, that whoever believes in Him will never perish but have everlasting life” - John 3:16.

Now that’s real love. - Dan Bilton

Some points to comment on:

1) Do you know Jesus as your own personal Saviour?

2) If not, why wouldn't you want to believe in the man who died, was buried and rose again to make you right with God?

3) If you have, do you live in a way which displays that "I have the son, so I have everything I need?

Insomnia

There are few things worse in life than having sleepless nights. Knowing you need sleep and that your body is tired, but you're experiencing "Temporary Insomnia". The frustration of tossing and turning and getting nowhere. Sleep being the furthest possible thing from your mind. Lying wide awake with nothing but thoughts going round and round in your head. Perhaps it's worry, anxiety, fear, nerves, doubts, excitement or anticipation. Whatever it is, it seems to last forever. Every second, minute and hour seems to last a lifetime. 

As a Christian, we aren't exempt from those feelings and emotions. We still have nights of great sadness and worry. We possibly never admit publicly that we are struggling, however, what we also have is a God who knows and loves us. He knows our lives up to their very end, and He cares for us throughout them. Remember "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17 ESV). Also, we have a Saviour (Suffering Saviour) who loved us enough to die in our place. And inside each and every true born again Christian is the Holy Spirit, the God given comforter and guide to help us on our heavenward journey. The three members of the God-head all working together out of love for you. 

I don't know what keeps you up at night. Maybe its marriage or relationship problems, work responsibilities  Parental concerns, health issues, financial worries or exam stress. God always gives His people hope, wants them to have faith, teaches them patience. It will get better. He does know the outcome. He can be trusted. In all your problems remember that "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

Yours in Him
Dan