Author Archive: Jon

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Dear Jon

Good day!
My name is John Kayembe, the pastor the church called Assemblee Du Reveil Cape Town, where you preached on the 14th May.
It was a privilege to have welcome and heard your preaching in our congregation.
I have contacted you last time in Cape Town but unfortunately we could not meet due to busy schedules.
The church was very blessed with your teaching that we wish to continue the relationship.
I personally intend to be sowing your ministry of publishing the word of the God where i can, kindly give the Bank account details where I can be deposit the little money I can contribute with.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Stay blessed
John Kayembe Kasongo

DO YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH?

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Mister, do you love Jesus?

That story that we told just a few weeks ago about the man that got on the aeroplane and couldn’t find a seat except in the central rows where there were very few people. He went to a place where he could see there was a seat right next to a little girl. He didn’t know that this little girl was a Down Syndrome child. Any of us who know about Down Syndrome know that children who are born with Down Syndrome are usually very affectionate and very lovely children to be with. They love affection themselves and they’re always pouring affection out on other people. They’re easy children to enjoy; they’re very enjoyable little ones to have.
So, he sat down beside the little one and he was wanting to get some rest for his eyes.

He was a businessman and so he shut his eyes hoping to get some sleep within the few hours that he was crossing the country in this plane.
He thought this is wonderful to get peace and quiet at last.
And then there was a tug at his sleeve and a little voice said, “Mister!”
And he said, “Yes, dear, what is it?”
She said, “Do you brush your teeth?!”
So he smiled and said, “Yes dear, I do!”
She said, “That’s good because then they won’t go bad!”
He thought ‘OK, well, that’s it, I’ve answered her question.’ But after a little while, another tug at his sleeve and the little voice again: “Mister!”
He said, “Yes, dear what is it?”
She said, “Do you smoke?”
He said, “No dear, I don’t smoke.”
She said, “That’s good, because some people who smoke, die!”
So, he thought, ‘Well, we got over that one, what’s next?!’

He sat back and there was a long pause this time. And then another tug at his sleeve.
He said, “Yes dear, what is it?”
She said, “Mister, do you love Jesus?”
He said, “Yes dear, I do.”
She said, “That’s good, because then you can go to heaven!”
So he sat back and thought ‘Let’s hope that’s the end of all the questions.’
He relaxed and was just about to go off to sleep and was just getting quite drowsy when there was another tug at his sleeve. “Mister!”
“Yes dear, what is it?”
“Do you see that man over the other side of you? Ask him if he brushes his teeth!”
So, this man didn’t know what to do, he thought, ‘Well OK, I’ll just have to pass it on as from the child. I don’t want to disappoint this little thing, she is so trusting,’ so he asked him, “Do you brush your teeth?!”
And so he went through the list until he came to the question she had asked him, ‘Ask him if he loves Jesus?’
He said, “The little one wants to know, do you love Jesus?”
This man said “Well, I don’t know what that means.”
“I’ll ask you again, do you love Jesus?” The man felt trapped now because he himself was a Christian.
He said, “I don’t understand the question.”
He said, “Well, let me explain it to you.”
And that way he began to give him the Gospel. That got him to tell the story of Jesus when he wouldn’t have done it of his own accord but a little girl, who was considered to be a little bit less than normal, managed to produce from him a testimony for the Lord Jesus for the man that he was talking to on the other side.
Before the plane landed, he had come to the Lord Jesus and put his faith in the Saviour, all because of a little girl like that.

FAREWELL TO NEVILLE HOLMES

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– In Memory of Neville Holmes –

24 November 1938 – 27th August 2025

A chance sighting in 2019 of a couple in a local restaurant, who bowed their heads in prayer before commencing their meal, led to our introduction to Neville and Noreen Holmes, who had served the Lord faithfully for many years in Lebanon as Missionaries.

We spoke briefly outside the restaurant where Neville sang to us in Arabic after which we swapped details and parted company.
Little did we know what would ensue in our lives from that moment onwards.

A desire to have their life’s work in print for distribution far and wide was an abiding wish for both Neville and Noreen. My wife and I were richly blessed by each and every manuscript that flowed between us over many years of association with them.

The incredible insight Neville had of the Scriptures, especially through the eyes of the local culture, was amazing and inspiring. He was fluent in Arabic and as a result he was welcomed into the community where he was able to share his faith.

We also learned of Noreen’s astonishing gift for poetry, capturing everyday occurrences in life with breath-taking accuracy and weaving them into exquisite rhyme and verse which my wife and I read to each other over and over!!
They too went into print to be distributed far and wide.

To hear that Neville had been called home was met with great sadness mixed with great joy. Emotions which can only come from knowing Jesus Christ personally and understanding the life journey of a true believer.
Neville is now with his Saviour, enjoying the fruit of his labour.
Our thoughts and prayers are for those who mourn his passing, especially Noreen and the rest of the family.
It is difficult, sometimes to know what to say at times like this, especially when offering succour and comfort. We know how we felt when our parents passed on, so perhaps sharing a little of what we struggled with may be of some comfort to those who are left behind.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The moment you left us our hearts were split in two.
One side was filled with memories, the other side died with you.
We lie awake at night as we walk down memory lane with tears.
Remembering you is easy – We do it in our prayers.
But missing you is the heartache that never goes away.
Life goes on, and for now it is here to stay.
We miss the sound of your voice, and the many stories you shared.
The ring of your laughter mixed with amusement showed that you cared.
Even though our sadness is mixed with both joy and peace,
We know in our hearts that your happiness will now never cease.

~To those who mourn~

You can shed tears that he has gone
Or you can be joyful because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and wish that he’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all he has left.
Your heart may be empty because you can’t see him.
Or it can be full because of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
Remember him, remember them.
Cherish the memories and let them live on
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer
To those who will lend an ear.
Lastly, do what he’d want you to do,
Which is to keep your heart and mind on the Saviour every day,
Until it is your time to go home.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make His Face to shine on you and be Gracious to you.
May the Lord turn His Face toward you and give you peace.
Jon and Marcy Emerton

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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YOU HAVE HAD YOUR WAY!

Jesus is the great example of the Way of Holiness, the Way of God and it is in Him that God has placed all TRUTH.

So if you are looking for truth you will only find it in one Person: JESUS. Without the Word of God, you are NOT going to know the truth, ever!

Get the truth and you’ve got Christ; get Christ and you’ve got everything.

We need to put emphasis back in the Word of God, back where it belongs. God is going to honour those who honour Him and those who honour Him are those who give credence to His Word, who prize it and treasure it where it means everything to them.

There is the  story of two Christian coal miners who worked a shift pattern at the mine, day after day going deep into the bowels of the earth to mine coal. As their paths crossed each shift, they regularly called out to one another asking: “Where are you digging today, Brother?” “I’m digging in Romans 8,” came the reply. The next week he asked the same question: “Where are you digging today, Brother?” “I’m digging in Romans 8,” was the reply, to which the other said: “But you were digging there last week!” “Brother,” he said, “I’m sinking a shaft! There are no gems in this mine but there are so many gems where I’m digging!”

Many believers complain about blasphemy in today’s society. There is blasphemy on TV, in the movies, and many places of entertainment, it is everywhere. This belongs to the world, and I know that if I go to these places I will hear my Lord being mocked and His Holy Name being blasphemed so I will not go to these places. The places of entertainment are their entertainment, and I do not want to hear it. They can do it and remain responsible for it, but I don’t want any part of it. I am going to seek out the old ways because God tells us to do so, and when doing so, I must stand and look and then walk in them and then I’ll find rest for my soul (Jeremiah 6:16).

Revelation 22 speaks of a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street on either side of the river there was a Tree of Life.
Here God is separating life from death and light from darkness.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was in the Garden of Eden and God gave the commandment not to eat of that fruit and man disobeyed.

And that disobedience is in the blood line of Adam’s children.

I go to Calvary and I see a tree. I see a Man hanging on that tree and someone asks me if that is good, and I say:

  • Yes and no.
  • He asks: Why yes and no, why is it evil and yet good?
  • Calvary gives us the answer.
  • It exposes all the evil of man.
  • It brings out what is in his heart.
  • It reveals all its enmity, its hatred and mockery of everything that is Holy.
  • Calvary gives us the opposite.
  • It reveals God’s love for all of mankind (John 3:16).
  • Without which, we are all lost for Eternity!

All that man is, came out in what they did to my Glorious Saviour and Lord on that night.
They spat in His face. They beat Him with their fists. They pulled great chunks of His beard out.
The bones of His flesh were exposed from the beatings He received.
He was bruised all over, and He opened not His mouth.
They crowned Him with a crown of thorns.
It was their crown and they said: Let us take Him and make Him a King.

After He fed the multitude they said: “We want a King who can give us bread”.
But He passed through them and would not accept the crown they offered.
Why? Because the only crown they could ever make was the one made of thorns, and on the Cross was the only place He would accept that crown.

  • A crown made with their own hands.
  • A crown they had been weaving down through the ages.
  • A crown cultivated from the thorns of the ground that God had cursed at the Garden of Eden.

Sin upon sin is what man has produced, and is the only thing he can offer.
Jesus accepted it for you and for me, and when we hear those words uttered:

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do,” it should make our hearts melt in shame, repentance and thanksgiving.

Now we see why God has said: “His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts, for as the Heavens are higher than the earth so are His thoughts higher than our thoughts”.

God says: “Look – I want you to know this: You’ve had your way!”
“You came in with a tantrum as a little child and you demanded your own way, and you have grown up wanting and getting your own way.
At Calvary I’m bringing you the truth of your own way!”

If ever you are going to change from that way into My way, you WILL bow down with tears and repentance and acknowledge that it was your sins that did it.
It was your evil that did this! Jesus gives you the right to the Tree of Life which you could NEVER get from the Garden of Eden.

We would not be here without Christ. He is the Way, the Truth and the Light, but we have to choose because there is a place of darkness and a place of light. Today is a day of choice.

Which place will you choose? Which way will you choose?

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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Doors of the Bible

The most important message in the world by far, is found in the Bible.
It is called the Gospel which is wonderfully illustrated by walking through some very important Doors, all of which point to the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

The Door of the Ark
Go into the ark, you and all your household.
Genesis 7:11
The Bible tells us that in the days of Noah, man had become exceedingly wicked, and thought of evil continually. So God planned to flood the earth with water and wipe them out. He instructed Noah to build an ark with one door. When the time was right, God shut that door, leaving the wicked world outside of the Ark to perish, but those inside were rescued.
Jesus said, I am the door, if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. John 10:9

The Passover Door
The Blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the Blood, I will pass over you. Exodus 12:13
About a thousand years after the Flood, God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. They were told to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and to spread its blood on the frames around their doors. Doing so they were then spared from the tenth plague and would be protected from God’s judgment. Today we have a Perfect Substitute, Jesus Christ, called the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

The Temple’s Inner Doors
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:4
Nearly 500 years after Moses, King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem. It had two doors placed at the entrance to the inner sanctuary, which was the place of God’s Holy presence. Because sin is what separates us from God, only the ceremonially clean High Priest could enter these doors. This happened once a year on the Holy Day of Yom Kippur when the priest brought the blood of a sacrifice to cover the sins of the people. This was the only way that the Israelites could have their sins temporarily covered. It took the sacrifice of a goat or lamb and receive God’s mercy. All of this pointed one way! It pointed forward to the greatest sacrifice of all: Jesus offering Himself to God as a sacrifice for sin.

The Sheep’s Door
I am the good shepherd, The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11 Jesus said, I am the door of the sheep…. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:7, 9
In Biblical times, shepherds rested in the entryway of the sheepfold in order to protect them and keep them safe  from wild animals. A beautiful reference to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the Cross. He is able to save and protect those who come to Him in repentance.

 

The Cross
For our sake, God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the Righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
The Lord created a perfect world, in which He told Adam that the penalty for sin is death. Not just physical death, but spiritual death as well. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to take our punishment by dying as our substitute on the Cross of Calvary.
We broke God’s law, but Jesus paid our fine in full, so that He might bring us back to God. The Door to the Cross is swung wide open to all who would kneel and repent and seek forgiveness and invite Him into their lives.

The Tomb’s Door
“He is not here, He has risen”. Matthew 28:6 After being crucified, Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day, just as He had promised. The tomb’s door was rolled away.His resurrection confirmed that Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be – the Son of God.
This spectacular miracle demonstrated His power over sin and death, guaranteeing the hope of eternal life to all who repent of their sins and believe in Him.

The Door to my Salvation
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20
Have you ever really studied the picture of this door? Note that Jesus is standing outside of the door, and knocking. Note that there is no door handle for Him to open the door. Also note that the light inside the house indicates that someone is home, therefore only the person inside can answer, open the door and allow Jesus in. The late hour, at night, is significant, because the hour is at hand when those who hear His knock should listen, open and receive Him as Saviour, before it is too late.

The Wide Gate and the Narrow Gate
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14

OUR CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – 2024

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As the delight of the approaching Christmas period spreads across the Western World, we are mindful of the words of Scripture which brought us the message of the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ so long ago.
There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Tradition says that Francis of Assisi created the very first Christmas nativity scene in AD 1223 after a trip to the Holy Land and Christ’s birthplace, and so began a new tradition that took root in many Western countries. We can see nativity scenes in schools, in front of churches and homes, even on street corners and shop windows, reminding us of what happened the night Jesus was born.
Believers are also reminded that it was Adam and Eve’s sin, that marred and broke their relationship with God, contaminating everyone to this day.
But God in His Mercy, sent His Son in human form “to seek and to save the lost”. To that end, Jesus Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem, and from that day on,

Christ’s birth is the real reason for the season!!

As we gather in December 2024 to celebrate the birth of Christ, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the countless blessings in our lives.
Blessings that we take for granted day after day.
Sadly there are many millions who look around at what is happening in the world today, and who feel anything but gratitude and are very afraid of the future.
However, the words spoken by the Angel to the Shepherds: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, have down through the centuries, brought many to ask questions: Was it for me? Was it for me that He came to earth? Was it for me that He died on the Cross?

The answer is a resounding Yes!

One theme running throughout the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation is the crimson thread of God’s plan of Salvation, which began with His birth and ended with His death on the Cross at Calvary. God has left no doubt that He Himself has come to earth through the virgin birth to pay the infinite penalty His own justice demands for sin, providing a just and eternal Salvation.
Let us therefore, stand upon God’s Word, proclaiming to all the world that a Saviour was born in Bethlehem, “the Lamb of God,” to bear away the sin of the world; that He died on the Cross for the sins of all; and that the gift of Eternal Life is offered freely to all who will receive it in childlike faith.
The suffering and pain of the Saviour ended with one Greek word which represents three words in English.

  • It is the greatest word uttered in an unparalleled moment of time.
  • It was a word uttered by the most elevated Person who ever trod this earth.
  • It declared the most superlative fact ever!
  • It’s utterance affected the greatest number of people who ever lived.
  • It brought the greatest blessing ever to the greatest multitude in Earth and Heaven.

The word was: tetelestai – (pronounced:  te tell is tie),

Of the last sayings of Christ on the Cross, none is more important than, “It is finished.”
Found only in the Gospel of John, the Greek word translated “it is finished” is tetelestai, an accounting term that means “paid in full.”
When Jesus uttered those words, He was declaring the debt owed by mankind was eliminated by His blood shed on the Cross and was paid in full.
It meant that man could find forgiveness for sin once for all!
In English it translates to “it is finished.” In the New Testament, it was said to be used on receipts in business meaning “debt paid in full.”
In a judicial context for court, it means “fully served.” In military context, Tetelestai means “battle won.” A word used for triumph and victory.
From Genesis to Malachi, there are over 300 specific prophecies detailing the coming of the Anointed One, all fulfilled by Jesus.
John the Baptist, would “prepare the way” for the Messiah. All prophecies of Jesus’ life, ministry, and death were fulfilled and finished at the Cross.

Was it for me He bowed His head?
Upon that Cross and freely shed
His precious blood—that crimson tide,
Was it for me the Saviour died?
It was for me, yes all for me!
O love of God, so great so free.
O wondrous love, I’ll shout and sing,
He died for me! My Lord and King.

Yes indeed, our debt was paid in full! There was Victory at the Cross!! The Battle was won!!
As we celebrate our Saviour’s birth in December, we remember with grateful hearts that He fulfilled God’s plan for redemption.
May we also be mindful of the blessings He brought when He was born and let us not be afraid to “boast in the Lord” as we enter the year 2025.
What lies ahead for us is in His Hands.

To all our family and friends, who have supported us, prayed for us and helped us, we wish you a blessed Christmas as we wait for His return.

Our love to you all,

Jon and Marcy Emerton

 

PURPOSE – by Colin Tomlinson

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Genesis 11:4 – Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
Many nations are trying to make a name for themselves and have set about their aims, or purposes … and so we live with conflict.
This booklet looks at the unfolding of God’s purpose for the lives of men and women and so how we, ourselves, can be steered to, and involved in, God’s purpose on earth.

 

 

Product Details:
Author: Colin Tomlinson
Dimensions: A5 – 205 mm x 145 mm
Weight: approx. 38 gms
Pages: 18

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO?

Romans 12:1-21

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. KJV

Romans 12 is one of the clearest and most concise portions of Scripture that deals with how a Christian should act, how he should behave, how he should treat others and what his thoughts should dwell on. There are many believers who have trouble knowing what to do in their Christian lives. They have a burning desire to live for Christ but don’t know how to in this ever changing and sinful world. It is my prayer that these few thoughts will be of some help and encouragement to them.

There are 21 verses in this chapter, and I have taken the liberty of listing a few of the things we should or should not be doing together with a few comments of my own.

v1 – We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices acceptable to God. It is God who has transformed us and declared us righteous. The mercies that have been shown to us when all we were good for was condemnation, compel us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Total commitment is our reasonable service, because if Jesus died for me then the very least I can do for Him is live for Him.

v2 – Don’t be conformed to this world. The world hated Jesus so much they crucified Him. The world will have nothing to do with Him, so we should have nothing to do with the world. The world spoken of here is the system or the society man has invented in order to make him happy without God. Take God out of the picture and you are left with nothing. We should never forget that Christ died to deliver us from this world, so we should make it our business to be separated from it. We are to transform and renew our minds and we do this by feeding on His precious Word day by day and receiving guidance from God Himself. Make it a rule for yourself not, under any circumstances, to visit places where you know Jesus will be mocked and His Holy name used as a swear word, this also applies to TV programmes. Don’t watch them! Don’t read books with unsuitable content, you will continue to pollute and taint your mind if you do, and then you’ll wonder why God is not answering your prayers.

v3 – We are not to think of ourselves as superior to others, nor should we have puffed up ideas of importance. God has given every one of us gifts and we are to use them to bring glory to Him only.

v4-6 – We are to exercise our gifts accordingly. The human body is made up of lots of different parts each with its own unique purpose, so it is with the body of Christ. Believers have different roles to play, remembering that no gift is unnecessary. All gifts have their place just as believers do and we are to be responsible for using them as a good custodian.

v7 – Ministry and Teaching. These are gifts which are vital to the spread of the Gospel. Those who have the gift of ministry are servants and should seize opportunities to serve others, whereas teaching requires those who are able to explain the Scriptures to those in need. The number of servants is dwindling because most want to be served rather than to serve, which is the opposite of what God commands. Our example is Jesus, if ever there was someone who should have been served day and night, it was Him, and yet He humbled Himself and became a servant for us! We must not forget that there are many blessings to be had from serving others.

v8 – Encourage believers in the faith. This verse speaks of Exhortation which applies to those who are able to stir up believers. It is easy to become discouraged by modern-day living and those who can inspire others to press on toward greater blessings from Christ are needed. Other words used in this verse are diligence, showing mercy and cheerfulness, all of which are attributes of those who have been saved by the Love of Jesus and who wish for others to share in the joy of knowing the Saviour.

v10-11 – Be kind and affectionate to one another, putting others first rather than promoting ourselves.

v12 – We are to rejoice in hope. What a contrast to the rest of the world where there is no hope. We are to be patient and continue in prayer, which go together so well because often we do not receive answers to prayer when we would like them, in fact I know of people who have been praying for years and have not yet had an answer. Believers are not immune to trials and tribulations; it is the way we handle them that separates us from the rest of the world. Prayer brings power to our lives and peace to our hearts. Where else would you get that?

v13 – Here the subject of giving comes up. There are so many who need financial support. There are so many who need help, forgotten missionaries and older people who have watched their lifesavings dwindle. Who is going to help? If we as believers don’t, what hope is there? Thinking of others and not just of ourselves, is the lesson here.

v14-19 – We are to bless those who persecute and torment us. There are those who don’t like you or those you don’t get along with. How do you handle them? We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. The tendency to become jealous when others are happy must be stamped on good and hard, just as when they are hurting, we must never pass on by and leave them to their sorrows. We are to join in their joys and suffer with them who suffer. We are not to reward evil for evil or wrongdoing by another wrongdoing. It is easy to lash out to those who have wronged us. We are to live in peace with everyone.

God says: Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, not you, leave it to Me.

v20-21 – Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. As if to cement in our minds what God has told us in this chapter, these verses tell us to do what could only be considered impossible under normal circumstances.

  • If your enemy is hungry – feed him!
  • If your enemy is thirsty – give him something to drink!
  • Be not overcome with evil; instead overcome evil with good.

All men and women are sinners. Sin is what separates us from God. God has offered us a way of escape from the wrath to come by sending Jesus to die on the Cross. It was Jesus who took upon Himself the sins of the world so that we could be reconciled back to God, and whoever puts their complete trust in Him will be saved.

God expects all of us to live a righteous, clean and holy life that brings honour and glory to Him. Inward changes brought about by obedience to God will bring corresponding fruits, never the other way around. Whatever is true about your heart will show up in your actions.

Never forget that faithfulness in the little things brings greater blessings and greater tasks from God.

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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One of the best answers I’ve heard –

Question: You justify God for sending people to hell because He has provided salvation for them in Christ. But they won’t receive Him. That won’t do! Millions and probably billions will still spend eternity in hell…. God knew that. How could a good God create anyone who He knew would suffer eternally?

Response: God wants no one to go to hell. He has provided salvation for all in Christ:
whom He sent into the world that the world through Him might be saved… – John 3:17.
He is not willing that any should perish… – 2 Peter 3:9
But desires all men to be saved… – 1 Timothy 2:4.

Those in hell have only themselves to blame for rejecting the full forgiveness of sins and eternal life offered to all as a free gift of God’s grace through Christ’s payment of the penalty for their sins.

Why would God create those He knew would reject the gospel?

Why didn’t God, who knows all in advance, create only those who would believe the gospel and leave uncreated those who would reject Christ?

  • The human race can’t be so divided.
  • Those who reject Christ are the parents or children, cousins, aunts and uncles of those who believe.
  • Not to create unbelievers would also eliminate believers.

God did not back down from His desire to bless billions in His presence for eternity.
Nor did He go back on His Word and compromise His justice by unjustly forgiving those who rejected the salvation He freely provided.
There is no way to fault God for creating mankind.

He loves all and wants to bless all eternally.

It is worth remembering that every single person since creation, has a choice to make!
Scripture tells us that the gate is narrow for those who choose to follow and wide for those who choose not to follow.
Also worth remembering is the fact that man chose to extend the structural dimensions of their gate, despite Jesus opening His gate infinitely wide for all of mankind to enter.

OUR CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – 2023

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It is at this time of year that our thoughts dwell on our dear friends and family who are scattered all over the world. A whole year has passed by with another in front of us and as usual we ask, where has the time gone?
In a few days we celebrate the birth of our Saviour and soon after that, we will celebrate the New Year, whereupon we will have to get used to writing 2024 instead of 2023!

As I look back over this past year, memories come flooding back of wonderful people and wonderful friendships made. New life has brightened our lives as some families have expanded producing brothers and sisters, and grandchildren for us ‘oldies’ to learn ‘baby-speak’ all over again! A very precious and blessed time indeed!

No doubt we have all had to deal with pain and sorrow as some have lost loved ones and are coming to terms with the frailty of life in general.

World events which have taken place over the last 12 months are a definite indicator that our Lord’s return is very near. The Scriptures remind us that there is a ‘narrow way’ and a ‘broad way’ that people traverse during their lives, and pondering what is happening all around us, it is astonishing the number of people who have chosen the ‘broad way’, ignoring its perilous end.

It is our earnest prayer for everyone, that we hold fast to the faith, knowing that The Saviour is coming!

WHEN I SEE HIM

Only faintly now I see Him, With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming, When His glory shall be seen,
What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain,
When the crooked ways are straightened, And the dark things made plain.
Face to face with Christ my Saviour, What a day that will be,
When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me.

We wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year.
Our love to you all.
Jon and Marcy

 

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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The I AM’s in the Gospel of John

  • I AM the Bread of life: John 6:35.
  • I AM the Light of the world: John 8:12.
  • I AM the Door: John 10:9.
  • I AM the Good Shepherd: John 10:11.
  • I AM the Resurrection and The Life. John 11:25.
  • I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 14:6.
  • I AM the True Vine: John 15:1.

Here we have Jesus telling us that He is the Bread of Life and that there is much more to living than eating.
If we hunger and thirst for the truth in this very untruthful world in which we live, we will find it in Jesus.
He is the only source of Truth there is. All other truths take second place to His wonderful message of Salvation.

He that comes to me shall never hunger: and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

God’s Word tells us that we are blessed if we hunger and thirst after Righteousness.

For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9

Are we longing to know the truth? Are we longing to know the Saviour?
Because if we are, then He will satisfy us.
Are we hungry for goodness?
Because if we are, then He will fill our soul with goodness.

The Bread: That we might be seen to be full.
The Light: To show us the way.
The Door: That we might enter.
The Good Shepherd: That we might know.
The Resurrection: That we might exit.
The Way, The Truth and The Life: That we might follow Him.
The Vine: That we might be fruitful.

  1. The Bread: To be full by our intake.
  2. The Vine: To be seen to be fruitful by our output.
  3. The Light: To show the right direction.
  4. The Way, Truth, Life: To secure the right destination.
  5. The Door: That we might enter into life.
  6. The Resurrection: That we might exit from death.
  7. The Good Shepherd: Who gave up His Life on which all our blessings rest.

As we see the days of the return of our Saviour closing in all around us, may we use the time remaining to speak to others who are not expecting Him. Perhaps He will return for us today!

CRUMBS

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Have you ever considered the depth of wisdom and knowledge of God? Have you ever thought how unsearchable His judgments and His ways are? Have you ever asked yourself if it is possible to know God? The Word of God demands that an acceptance of the truth be linked to a knowledge of the truth, and a knowledge of the truth linked to the practice of it. Sadly, the modern way of thinking is to put a Tag on a concept or idea, and then let man work it out for himself. Philosophy says: Think your way out. Politics says: Legislate your way out. Science says: Invent your way out. Industry says: Work your way out. Communism says: Revolutionise your way out. Fascism says: Bluff your way out. Militarism says: Fight your way out.

But Jesus says: I AM THE WAY OUT.

Product Details:
Author: Jon Emerton
Dimensions: A5 – 205 mm x 145 mm
Weight: approx. 265 gms
Pages: 188

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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Have you ever considered the depth of wisdom and knowledge of God?
Have you ever thought how unsearchable His judgments and His ways are?
Have you ever asked yourself if it is possible to know God?
The Word of God demands that an acceptance of the truth be linked to a knowledge of the truth, and a knowledge of the truth linked to the practice of it.

Sadly, the modern way of thinking is to put a Tag on a concept or idea, and then let man work it out for himself.

Philosophy says: Think your way out. Politics says: Legislate your way out. Science says: Invent your way out. Industry says: Work your way out. Communism says: Revolutionise your way out. Fascism says: Bluff your way out. Militarism says: Fight your way out.

But Jesus says: I AM THE WAY OUT.

INTO MY HANDS

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The story is told of Mr Joseph Robinson, an employee of the Limerick and Waterford Railway Company and his meeting with Mr Gladstone who was Chancellor of the Exchequer of Great Britain and Ireland (1852-1855). The meeting was to secure a loan for the completion of the railway. After the business was concluded, Mr Robinson stepped forward and asked Mr Gladstone if he would accept a tract, offering him one entitled:

The Books of the Bible

With characteristic promptness Mr Gladstone took the tract and hurriedly read it through. Taking Mr Robinson by the hand, he said: “Mr Robinson, this is remarkable. When you were at the door, Mrs Gladstone and I were reading the Bible and she said to me:
‘Is it not strange that with all the tracts that are written, there is not one to tell me in short compass what the Bible is about.’ And here you come and put a tract on this very subject into my hands. It is most remarkable. I thank you most gratefully for this tract.”

FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

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THE CROWN OF THORNS

There are two key issues concerning the CROWN OF THORNS which we would do well to focus our attention on:

No. 1 – The arrival of Jesus Christ.

His arrival is well documented in Scripture, where we are told that He was born of a virgin in an obscure stable that housed farm animals. Many have asked what He did in the early years leading up to His 30th birthday because in actual fact, not much is known.
We are, however, given some life-markers in Scripture which are very significant indeed.

Aside from the account of Jesus’ birth and infancy, there is only one account in the Bible about his boyhood.  That’s the time when at the age of 12, Jesus was in the temple courts of Jerusalem amazing His teachers with His knowledge of the Scriptures.  Luke 2:41-52

This account ends in an interesting way. God tells us that the boy Jesus did not remain in Jerusalem in the temple.  Instead He was obedient to His earthly parents and went back with them to His hometown of Nazareth. From age 12 to 30, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.”

That’s it. That’s all we’ve got in the Bible about what Jesus was doing for all those years. We might wish we had more, but it would seem that the Bible was not given to us so that we could know every detail of His life here on earth, but rather it was given to us that we might be “wise unto Salvation”, as Paul wrote – a short-hand way of saying the Bible tells us exactly what we ‘need’ to know about Jesus in order for us to believe in Him and be saved.

No.2 – The departure of Jesus Christ.

Events leading up to this is a subject of the deepest solemnity upon which we should meditate as we enter the common hall of Pilate the Roman Governor where the Lord Jesus Christ is taken down into the depths of shame and crowned with a crown of thorns.
Let us pause at the threshold of the doorway for a moment of meditation on the One brought down to the deepest shame.

  • Who is this Person who is set at naught in Pilate’s judgement hall?
  • Who is this Presented by Pilate saying, “behold the Man?”
  • Who is this Prisoner who has been subjected to the humiliation of mockery?

To help us in our meditation, we must remember the Excellency of His Person. We must remember the Glory of His Eternal Majesty. We must remember that He is God’s Incarnate Son. We must remember that He is the One who received a crown of thorns from man. We must consider His Power, the One who set the stars on their courses. He is the One who created all things who holds everything together with the Power of His Might.

As we cross the threshold of the door, our gaze is fixed on the Crown of Thorns.

There are seven things about this crown which demands our attention.

  1. The material of the crown – it was made of thorns.
  2. The making of the crown – they plaited the thorns and put it on His head.
  3. The misery of the crown – they took a reed and beat the thorns into His temples.
  4. The mockery of the crown – over and over they mocked Him.
  5. The meaning of the crown – the thorns speak of the curse and represent the world.
  6. The mystery of the crown – a fulfillment of prophecy, the most wonderful and most precious type of the Sacrifice of Jesus is when Abraham was commanded to offer up his only son Isaac on Mount Moriah, the same Mount as Mount Calvary.
  7. The message of the crown – is two-fold:  it speaks of dark punishment and glorious pardon.

To understand the connection between the first issue and the second issue, we need to turn to Genesis 3:17-19 –
v17 And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; v18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; v19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it you were taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

We must meditate further on what Abraham did:
He laid his only son on the altar and raised his knife.
Then came Divine intervention!
Abraham looked up and saw a Ram caught in a thorn bush.
He took his son off the altar and replaced him with the ram.
Here we see a perfect type of our Lord Jesus Christ.
No wonder the Saviour Himself could say –
v56 “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” v57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” v58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
v59 So they picked up stones to throw at Him. John 8:56-59

Man gave Jesus a cross and a crown made of thorns which came from the ground cursed by God. He rose from the dead, departed this earth and is now seated at the right hand of God.

The next time our Saviour’s feet touch the earth, it will be on the Mount of Olives.
When this happens, they will recognise Him as the One whom they put to death. They will mourn as one who mourns for an only child and they will grieve for Him as one grieves over a firstborn.
The significance of the thorns is unmistakable. They were part of the curse in the beginning and mockingly used by man at the end.
As we wait excitedly for our Saviour to take us out of this world, may we consider with gravity and seriousness the plight of those who will be left behind.