August 10, 2008

Morning Meeting

Hymn 245 – On that same night, Lord Jesus
Scriptures:
- isaiah 50:5 & 6
- Isaiah 52:13 – 53:5
- Psalm 22:1 – 21 — V6. “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” Think of it, the regal, holy, spotless, Lamb of God saying, “I am a worm.” v14a.“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint” This is a very significant fact in hanging on a cross. v.14b “my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.” This talks about the inward suffering of the Lord. As the soldiers sat there, they could see a body more mutilated than any other; but they couldn’t see the inward sufferings. We can read these words, but we cannot enter into the depth of all his sufferings.
Hymn 137 – O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head
Prayer
Scripture:
- Psalm 42:7
- Luke 24:44
- Lamentations 3:1
Hymn 20 app – “Stricken, smitten, and afflicted”
Breaking of Bread
Hymn 146 – We bless our Saviour’s name
Ministry: Luke 24:45 – 48
Prayer

Ministry — Norman Burgess

Turn again to Luke 24. Our brother read verse 44; let’s go on. V.45 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” What a blessing that must have been, as it is to us this morning as we read some of the same passages that Jesus discussed with these followers.V. 46 “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.” How necessary was the suffering and the Resurrection. They were the basis of it all, and now we can understand these passages. We can come into His presence as worshipers.

Children’s Meeting — Gordon Burgess

Hymn 230 – I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend

prayer

Last time, I talked about the rapture. We know that all those who are saved have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. When all Christians are taken to Heaven, the Holy Spirit will be taken with them. Then, only the unbelievers are left; without the influence of the Holy Spirit on the earth, it will become an increasingly evil place. Would you like to be here at that time?

In Revelation 6, we read about the seven seals of judgement that are released on the earth. Would you want to be here during that time? Then, half-way through the seven-year tribulation, there will be a war in Heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against Satan and his angels (Revelation 12:7 – 9). Satan will lose, and will be cast out of heaven and onto earth. The last three-and-a-half years will be called the great tribulation. Then, in Revelation 17, we read about a system in the world, called Babylon, that will be judged.

I want you to get an idea of what will go on during this time. We should be thankful that we will not have to go through it, but will be in Heaven at that time. Think of it this way: if you were engaged to someone you loved very much, and you knew the area that they were living in would go through a dangerous situation, would you leave him or her there? No, not if you loved them. It’s the same way with the Lord: He will take us to be with Him before the tribulation begins.

Reading Meeting — II Peter 2:4 – 10

That sentence (vv. 4 – 10) gives us three examples of God’s unsparing judgement. Why are these examples placed here? There are a number of reasons: firstly, many today maintain that God is love and would never send someone to Hell. But God is also light, and He must judge the ungodly. Secondly, we can learn that God will preserve the godly; those who do right will have His blessing.

It has been said that these three examples also show us three majors sins: the first is rebellion against God. The second is corruption and violence. The third is moral degradation.

The first example given here is that of angels, whom God had to cast into Hell. Then, Peter mentions Noah, who was perservered through a judgement on the whole world. Finally, we see the example of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Twice in the Bible we read about incidents where angels were cast out of Heaven. The first time is when Lucifer fell and took a host on angels with him. The second time is the time spoken about here; these angels were cast directly into Hell. They stepped outside of their God-given boundaries and had to suffer the consequences. It seems that this incident may have something to do with the Flood. We read about the “sons of God” in Genesis 6, and the sons of God are angels in scripture.

however, there was much evil on earth in Noah’s day; only eight persons were saved from the deluge. Noah was God’s man at that time: he had his walk, his word, and his work. He walked with God; he was a preacher of righteousness, and he built an ark. During the flood, there was a definite division between the godly and the ungodly. And yet, many years later, God again had to rebuke His very own people in Jeremiah. He judged Israel, too: they were taken captive. And if He would judge Israel, would He not judge His people today if necessary?

We have some interesting verses on Lot: by reading the account in Genesis, you would not think he was a righteous man. But he was in Sodom because of his desire for gain. He wasn’t a preacher of righteousness like Noah; in fact, his sons-in-law didn’t believe him when he came and warned them of impending danger.

V. 9 compares the godly and the unjust. We should be thankful to know the Lord as our Saviour, but we should also be thankful that He will preserve us. The Lord knows our hearts, and will deliver us from temptation. By the same token, He will reserve the unjust for judgement.

Hymn 30 – Passing onward, quickly onward,

Prayer