John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army
Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Autumn 2024 NEWSLETTER
Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Assurance & Affliction.
Dear all, looking through 1 Thessalonians 1, I was struck by two words, assurance and affliction.
This little bunch of people received Paul’s word in full assurance by the power of the Holy Spirit.
They received the gospel message in such a way in verse 4 that these saints had been chosen by God. Would you not say that speaks of election. In verse 5 it was in the power and Holy Spirit and much assurance that the word came to them by that power producing conviction of sin, repentance and conversion. The Holy Spirit producing the full assurance of faith.In verse 6 you became followers of us and the Lord. The Holy Spirit had produced such a faith in these believers that in verse 9 they turned to God from their pagan idols. Back to verse 6 it says they received the word with affliction and joy. It’s not a combination that we can comprehend, affliction and joy.
To non-born again Christians it is impossible to experience joy and affliction together, sorrow is the opposite to joy. These new believer’s came under affliction, notice as soon as they believed.
Externally they were being persecuted and killed but internally the Holy Spirit gave them such a joy that they were independent of circumstances. If you read on past verse 6 you will see what the Lord did to this little bunch of peo-ple how the word of God spread. Please read!!
They were so changed that they became Paul’s little family. Ch 2 v7 Paul calls himself a mother to them, a father in v11 and v17 orphaned that’s how much Paul loved this band of believer’s.
The writer at this moment is experiencing his own external affliction having just received a hip replacement and if an-yone has had one they’ll know what I mean. But though externally things are uncomfortable I can experience joy on the inside through the Holy Spirit the same as that little first century church.
I was fully awake listening to the sawing, hammering, drilling, grinding, twice I could hear the surgeon say we were in a bit of trouble, so I was able to call for assistance and The Lord graciously answered.
We too have this blessed assurance and comfort that He’s always close. Please look at Isaiah 40 v11 a beautiful pic-ture of our loving Father.
Much love Mick
God holds our hand
I am writing this while on holiday on Exmoor. We have just been to a cafe which is half in Devon and half in Somerset and is Britain’s highest coastal roadside tearoom. It is in a very old building and called the Ramblers Rest. We sat at a table looking through the window over Exmoor, the sea to Wales. The couple who run it had New Testaments to give away and a cross on the wall with a poem underneath. It had such a peaceful atmosphere in there and being a sunny day the owner remarked on the beauty of God. We have been on Exmoor when the fog has suddenly rolled in and it can be quite frightening when you are walking or driving. It is good to know God holds our hand, walks beside us in whatever the situation. When you can see the beauty of what God has made which is all around us, or in the frightening situation when the fog rolls in or at times when things are not going well in our lives. Isaiah 41 v 13 says For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Every blessing, Heather.
Annual General Meeting
The date has been fixed for 11th October 2024 this will be held online using Google Meet.
If you wish to be included, please contact Roy Moul as detailed below on our newsletter footer.
Facing Life’s Challenges
We as believers have never been promised an easy ride through life, there are often challenges that
come our way and test us as to how we are walking in the faith. James says in his letter my brethren,
count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
nothing. James 1 vrs 1- 2 NKJV. The Apostle Peter says In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials that the genuineness of your faith, being
much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise,
honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1 vrs 6-7 NKJV. We can take great comfort that
the Lord is with us and will never forsake us and we can trust Him to keep His word.
May the Lord’s blessing be ours today and forevermore. Roy
Isaiah 12 – Hymn of Thanksgiving
A day is coming when people will sing
I praise you Lord! You were angry with me,
but now you comfort me and are angry no longer.
God is my saviour; I will trust him and not be afraid.
The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my saviour.
As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God’s people
Rejoice when he saves them”
A day is coming when people will sing, “Give thanks to
The Lord! Call for him to help you!
Tell all the nations what he has done!
Tell them how great he is!
Sing to the Lord because of the great things he has done.
Let the whole world hear the news.
Let everyone who lives in Zion shout and sing!
Israel’s holy God is great, and he lives among his people.”
God grants repentance
In Joshua 2, we read of two spies sent by Joshua, to spy out the land. Rahab told them that the occupants of the city had heard about God’s mighty acts, which begs the question, “Why didn’t they turn to the living God, who’s mighty acts they’d heard of ?” I believe scripture tells us in the New Testament that God, in His absolute and total Sovereignty, didn’t grant them repentance. God did grant Rahab repentance, and in His grace, granted us repentance. May we as fellow co workers with God, share the “Good news” with the lost, in the hope that God may grant repentance. Acts 11:18 KJV.
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 KJV.
25’ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Joshua 2:8-11 KJV.
8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; 9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.’ – God bless, Richard.
Thank you to all who support this outreach with prayer and finance, we could not do this without you.
Every blessing from the team & trustees.
We are a registered charity: Charity No. 1081578
We engage in different family activities like face painting, as well as to present a book stall and Christian tracts.
