tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90833483832136040852024-03-14T17:36:21.840+00:00Grace and Truth OnlineCompanion site to www.graceandtruthonline.com which seeks to proclaim the Gospel of Christ online.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-56773850543752279342013-04-18T09:41:00.000+01:002013-04-18T09:41:05.552+01:00New Focus Conference 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">DATE: Friday 19<sup>th</sup>, Saturday
20<sup>th</sup> and Sunday 21<sup>st</sup> April 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">VENUE: <span class="A8"><span style="mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ebenezer Chapel, 21
Queen Street, Ossett, W. Yorks., WF5 8AS</span></span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Members of Ebenezer Chapel Ossett have kindly offered to
host this gathering which will be held at their church (shown above) in Ossett
town centre next door to the Christian Bookshop. Friends are warmly invited to
gather for a weekend of preaching and fellowship together.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Address: Ebenezer Chapel, 21 Queen Street, Ossett, W.
Yorks., WF5 8AS.<br />
Contacts: Norman Roe Tel: 01924 272645; Peter Meney Tel: 01833 650797.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Participants include: Don Fortner, George Ella, Allan
Jellett, Ian Potts, & Peter Meney.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Schedule & Start Times:</span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Friday 19th April</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 7.00pm Sermon: Peter Meney</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 8.00pm Sermon: Don Fortner</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Saturday 20th April</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 1.00pm Sermon: Don Fortner</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 2.00pm Lecture: George Ella</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 3.00pm Break for Tea & Coffee</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 3:30pm Sermon: Ian Potts</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 4:30pm Sermon: Allan Jellett</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 5:30pm Dinner</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 7.00pm Sermon: Don Fortner</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Sunday 21st April</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;"> 11.00am Pastor Norman Roe will conduct
Ebenezer Chapel morning worship as normal.</span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Conference
goers are welcome to attend and we hope many will avail themselves of the
opportunity to join the Lord’s people in worship.</span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In previous years these gatherings
have been a great opportunity for believers in free grace to congregate from
different parts of the country and meet like-minded friends. Part of the
purpose of hosting the meetings in different venues is to make it more
accessible for those who feel reluctant to make that initial journey, however,
we hope that as well as new visitors, those who have benefitted from the
preaching and fellowship in past years will join together again.</span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Visitors travelling from distance
probably need to consider obtaining accommodation for both Friday and Saturday
nights. Ossett town is very close to the M1 and situated between Dewsbury and
Wakefield. This means there are plenty of hotels within a few miles of the
church. In recent years a number of those attending have used Premier Inn and
found them good value. Here are a few possible options:</span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Premier
Inn Wakefield South - M1, Jct39 – tel: 0871 527 9118</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Denby Dale Road | Calder Park,
Wakefield WF4 3BB</span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Premier
Inn Wakefield City North</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Paragon Business Park, Herriot Way,
Wakefield WF1 2UJ </span><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">–
tel:</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">0871 527 9116</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Premier
Inn Wakefield Central</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Denby Dale Road | Thornes Park,
Wakefield WF2 8DY </span><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">–
tel:</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">0871 527 9114</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">Holiday
Inn Wakefield M1, Jct. 40</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Queens Drive, Ossett, Wakefield
WF5 </span><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">– tel: 0871 423 4876</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">BEST
WESTERN Hotel St Pierre</span></strong><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">733 Barnsley Road | Newmillerdam,
Wakefield WF2 6QG </span><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0cm;">–
tel: 0345 025 4358</span></strong></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There are numerous small private
hotels and B&Bs in the area, too. Prices begin at around £40 for a double
room per night. </span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Do consider coming to meet with together
and being a part of this year’s event. There is no charge for the conference
and meals will be provided. An opportunity will be available for those who are
able to help defray costs.</span></div>
<div class="basicparagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 14.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We particularly recommend those
attending to take advantage of one of the finest selections of new and
secondhand reformed books in the country today. Ossett Christian Bookshop next
door to Ebenezer Chapel will be open for browsing & buying on Friday and
Saturday of the conference weekend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Full details available here: <a href="http://go-newfocus.co.uk/resources/app/category/churches/article/new-focus-conference-2013-update">http://go-newfocus.co.uk/resources/app/category/churches/article/new-focus-conference-2013-update</a></span></div>
Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-3573385238984604572012-11-21T14:31:00.000+00:002012-11-21T14:32:12.126+00:00Facebook PageRegular visitors to Grace and Truth Online and this blog will have noticed that it hasn't been updated for a while. I apologise for this, but it is not down to inactivity on my part, simply a lack of activity 'here' (and some technical reasons which make it hard for me to update the original www.graceandtruthonline.com site).
However, here are two sites which have much more regular updates:
Firstly, the messages uploaded to FreeGraceRadio.com at:
<a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sortby=added&keyword=Ian%5EPotts&SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&AudioOnly=false">http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sortby=added&keyword=Ian%5EPotts&SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&AudioOnly=false</a>
And secondly, the Honiton Sovereign Grace Church Facebook page:
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Honiton-Sovereign-Grace-Church/230398673083">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Honiton-Sovereign-Grace-Church/230398673083</a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-3666839515207814842010-08-18T16:35:00.002+01:002011-02-02T20:25:40.548+00:00Grace & Truth AccommodationI thought I’d bring to your attention a new website which you may find of interest, called <a href="http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays">‘Grace & Truth Accommodation’</a>.<br /><br />As some may know, I work in computer software, and recently I’ve been developing a general holiday home rental website called Go2 Holidays (<a href="http://www.go2-holidays.com/">http://www.go2-holidays.com/</a> ). As a Christian I thought it would be nice to make use of the same technology to produce a similar website aimed specifically at listing Christian-run holiday homes and accommodation. We know a number of fellow Christians who have homes or B&Bs which they rent, and usually they advertise them in one or other of the well-known Christian magazines and papers, but we thought it might be useful to be able to have these on a website as a resource on which you can search and compare, view photographs of properties, check availability, and book (either by email or telephone etc). So, <a href="http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays/">Grace & Truth Accommodation </a>is the result. You can view the site here: <a href="http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays/">http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays/</a><br /><br />I hope the site proves useful to those of you seeking to find accommodation for when you are away. Also, if you are amongst those who happen to have a holiday home which you rent, or if you know a fellow Christian who does, then perhaps you or they might be interested in adding that property to the range listed on this site (it’s free by the way!). Full details of how to create an account and list properties is provided on the <a href="http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays/FAQ.aspx">FAQ</a> page at <a href="http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays/FAQ.aspx">http://www.go2-holidays.com/ChristianHolidays/FAQ.aspx</a>. In essence, for each property you simply need to enter details such as name, location, description, pricing and so on, and either provide a link to your own website, or provide email, telephone or postal address information in the description as a means of informing the user how to book.<br /><br />I trust, either as a user, or as a property owner, that you’ll find this new site of interest.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-85642348539065825182010-07-22T17:06:00.003+01:002010-07-22T17:07:39.309+01:00Sunday 25th July and Sunday 1st AugustPlease note that there will be no meetings in Awliscombe on the Sundays of 25th July and 1st August. Normal service to resume thereafter!<br /><br />In the meantime you may listen to recent messages at <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sortby=recent&keyword=Ian%5EPotts&SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&AudioOnly=false">http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sortby=recent&keyword=Ian%5EPotts&SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&AudioOnly=false</a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-25078716004911880482009-09-30T21:58:00.001+01:002009-11-19T11:36:14.035+00:00Awliscombe Sunday Morning MeetingsAs friends, and regular visitors to our websites, will know we have held meetings in Honiton in our home since 1999, and since September 2008 have also held meetings in the village hall in the nearby village of Awliscombe on Sunday mornings at 10:45am.<br /><br />With the Monday night meetings having gradually built up in number over the years to a regular group of between 8 and 12 usually being gathered, it was hoped at the commencement of Sunday mornings that a similar size group might, in due course, be gathered. However, despite occasional visitors, the Sunday mornings have continued to be very few in number in terms of who gather, and as such I do not feel that it can reasonably be described as a 'church' for the time being! So for now, I've revised the description on the Honiton SGC page and renamed the meetings as <em>'Honiton Sovereign Grace Meetings'.</em><br /><br />Though our Sunday meetings are tiny in number (and now fewer than when we began) we still thank the Lord for His goodness towards us over the past year as we have looked to Him to bless the preaching of His word, to His glory alone. Whilst we cannot tell what the future holds, we nevertheless know that it is Christ alone who builds His church, that He uses His gospel to build it, and that wherever He sends forth His word it <em>never</em> returns unto Him void.<br /><br />...And if you have a love for that gospel, or perhaps a desire to hear it for the first time, then we do of course extend a warm welcome to you to the meetings at Awliscombe.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-86900689444383204272009-09-24T17:02:00.002+01:002009-09-24T17:07:21.899+01:00Grace Hymns - Updated<p>Our <a href="http://gracehymns.wordpress.com/">Grace Hymns</a> website (which contains a collection of hymn tunes - as MIDI files - which we have used at <a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/honiton-sgc/">Honiton Sovereign Grace Church</a>, and also provides a 'map' matching hymns from 'Gadsby's' Hymnal to the various tunes provided) has had a bit of an update. Along with a number of new tunes, there is also now a complete set of mapping pages for the 1156 hymns in Gadsby's Hymnal. Not every hymn in each page is yet mapped, but the majority are. Obviously there is a long way to go in terms of providing an extensive range of tunes, and good mapping from hymns to tunes, but little by little the website is progressing.</p><p>Those interested in Gadsby's Hymns will also be very interested to hear that you can now download the hymnbook as a Word file from here: <a href="http://www.gospelstandard.org.uk/downloads.html" jquery1253808423107="8">Gospel Standard Trust Website – Downloads</a></p>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-61459497791843671332009-09-04T10:27:00.001+01:002009-09-04T10:28:21.762+01:00SE London 'Mephibosheth Church'For those residing in or around the Capital we would like to draw their attention to a small gathering of believers who meet in the South East London area.<br /><br />For a while now Lou Boden and Denis Burns and their respective families have been gathering each week to worship the Lord - often hearing messages on tape by Don Fortner.<br /><br />They describe their meeting as follows:<br /><br />"We are a tiny gathering of saved sinners who are limping through this wilderness together leaving upon our Beloved".<br /><br />If you would like to join with them, to hear the gospel and perhaps to encourage the brethren, then do contact them at:<br /><br />mephiboshethchurch@yahoo.co.uk<br /><br />Phone Lou Boden 07764 943 746<br /><br />Dennis Burns 0794 0456273Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-15972633345119373072009-07-15T09:21:00.001+01:002009-07-15T09:23:11.352+01:00Christ is All“In the gospel, in the preaching of the cross, in the faith once delivered unto the saints, in all that we preach… Christ is all. He is all. He is our message. He is in all we preach. He is all we preach. He is all. He is the only thing that we are sent to preach. There is no gospel without Christ. The gospel is Christ.”<br /><br />Based on twelve messages delivered at <a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/honiton-sgc/" jquery1247646030342="4">Honiton Sovereign Grace Church</a>, the new <a href="http://christisallinall.wordpress.com">'Christ is All'</a> website seeks to present Christ in His gospel through exposition of Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.<br /><br />The original audio messages are presented for each passage covered, transcripts of which, it is hoped, will eventually be included for each.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-46615761313544720472009-06-01T08:37:00.002+01:002009-06-01T08:39:00.922+01:00A Tribute to Jim GoughAt our conference in April we again had opportunity to share fellowship with our brother Jim Gough and his wife Eileen, whom we had first met in Honiton when Don Fortner came to preach for us back in 2007. Jim had appreciated Don’s ministry for some time and was involved that year, as with this, in arranging meetings for Don in the Wolverhampton/Dudley area. The Gough’s appreciation for the faithful preaching of the gospel was further demonstrated by the fact that this year they first travelled north to the New Focus conference in Egglesburn, before driving the Fortners back to Wolverhampton, and then following those meetings, driving them all the way down to Sidmouth for our own conference.<br /><br />Following the meetings in Sidmouth, however, Jim had to undergo heart surgery, following a period of poor health. Two days after the surgery the Lord was pleased to call Jim home. We heard of this with heavy hearts, being full of sorrow for Jim’s family and friends, whilst rejoicing with Jim himself who is now with the Lord he loves. We will miss his fellowship.<br /><br />When he heard about Jim, our brother Don Fortner wrote the following tribute:<br /><br /><strong>A Tribute to Jim Gough</strong><br />(1942 – 2009)<br /><br />Shelby and I met Jim and Eileen Gough two years ago in Wolverhampton, England. Our hearts were immediately welded together in the sweet fellowship of the gospel. The Lord took our friend home to Glory Friday night. Very few who read our bulletin will even know the name of this man; and you may be wondering why you are reading about him now. The reason is this: Our God teaches us to give “honour to whom honour” is due. Jim Gough is a cherished friend and was (while he lived on this earth) a faithful servant of God.<br /><br />Jim was an elder at West Park Evangelical Church in Wolverhampton; but that hardly tells the story of his service to Christ and his people. The West Park Church was formed when Jim, Eileen and a few others saw the need to establish a gospel witness in Wolverhampton. He was devoted to the cause of Christ, frequently preaching the gospel at West Park and in other area chapels. Just last week, he and I spent some time discussing one of his new projects: translating and publishing good books in various Indian dialects.<br /><br />Though my time with him was very limited, I never spent an hour in the company of Jim Gough that was not edifying and profitable to my soul. What higher compliment could one man give to another? Our mutual friend, Bro. Syd Buggins, wrote to me this morning, saying…<br /><br />“His whole conversation, especially during the last few years, was all of Christ. He could not pray or preach, but it was full of his Saviour. May we be able to say truly, ‘the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.’ ………… but O the loss!”<br /><br /><br />Jim and Eileen opened their home, their hearts and their lives to two strangers from America two years ago. They followed us all over England, insatiably absorbing every word preached. When we arrived in Egglesburn this year, we were delightfully surprised to learn that they had (along with Syd and Joan Buggins) rented a van to drive us from meeting to meeting, making it possible for the six of us to spend many hours together discussing the things of God.<br /><br />One of the last things we spoke of was the fact that so few who preach, preach Christ. Jim was a soft spoken man who hated conflict and went out of his way to avoid confrontation; but his heart was heavy as he spoke. Yet, he spoke with animated excitement as he encouraged me in the blessed work of the gospel. The very last thing he said to me, as we parted company one week ago was, “Bro. Don, be sure to thank your beloved congregation at home for sending you to preach Christ to us.” — Bless God, soon, we shall meet to part no more!<br /><br /><em>Don Fortner</em>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-90433678838189948742009-05-15T11:59:00.002+01:002009-05-15T12:03:06.216+01:00Grace HymnsI've begun to produce a new website which may be of interest to those who wish to find hymn tunes suitable for use with various hymns.<br /><br /><a href="http://gracehymns.wordpress.com/">Grace Hymns</a> collects together a number of hymn tunes (as MIDI files) which we have used at <a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/honiton-sgc/">Honiton Sovereign Grace Church</a>, and also provides a 'map' matching hymns from 'Gadsby's' Hymnal to the various tunes provided.<br /><br />I hope to expand on the list (of both hymns and tunes) as time allows, but this is a beginning.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-18448022093459107362009-03-19T10:04:00.001+00:002009-03-19T10:17:04.497+00:00Crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)When Christ died, His people died with Him. When He was buried, they were buried with Him. And when He rose, they rose in Him <em>(Galatians 2:20, Colossians 2:11-13).</em> When considering the death of Christ, this unity, this oneness with Christ is often forgotten – we often, as it were, stand at a distance. But do you see <em>yourself</em> crucified with Christ? Paul did. When he saw Christ crucified, he saw himself, his old man in Adam, slain with Him. <em>“For I am crucified with Christ”</em> he declares in Galatians 2:20. Were you?<br /><br />When we see this it will dispel much confusion regarding what happened at the cross. For confusion <em>does</em> arise from considering the believer and Christ as two who are separated – from viewing Christ and what happened to Him as ‘over there’, and the believer and what happens to him as ‘over here’. We’ll only really understand what happened at the cross when we realise that the believer and Christ were <em>united</em> at the cross, and not only in that union that stood between Christ and His people from all eternity, but also in the bringing of that people as they are in Adam - in the flesh - into union with Christ at the cross.<br /><br />It is what believers are in Adam which God judged in Christ when they were united to Him in death. He became what they are, as sinful, fallen sons of Adam, that God might judge them in Him. United with Christ He became what they are – sin. And it is because of the reality of this union that God the Father poured out his vengeful wrath upon His own Son – the One in whom He is well pleased – in order to judge and destroy that very sin, and all that was of the first man Adam, in His Son. And it is because of the reality of this union, that when that sin had been utterly destroyed, and there was no more sin to judge, and no more sins to pay for, and nothing was seen by the eye of justice but the perfect righteousness of God in Christ, that God’s people were, as a result, made to be the righteousness of God in Him <em>(2 Corinthians 5:21).</em> Why? Because they are in Him, and their old man in Adam <em>has</em> been destroyed, and <em>has</em> <em>died</em>, in Christ.<br /><br />Men may speak of imputation to describe such things. But such language can keep things ‘at a distance’. It keeps the believer and Christ apart at the cross. It, as it were, has the believer over here, and Christ over there, and it takes the believer’s <em>sins</em> and reckons <em>them</em> to be upon Christ, and He having died, it then takes His righteousness and accounts it to be the believer’s. But this is only half the story, for it falls far short of the full depths of the truth of substitution as set forth in the scriptures – it stops short of the reality of that mystical union between God’s people and Christ at the cross, of <em>them</em> being crucified with Christ, of <em>them</em> actually being <em>united</em> to Christ in His death, whilst in their old nature, in order that God might judge and destroy that very nature in His Son <em>(Colossians 2:11, Romans 6:6)</em> and deliver His people from both it and all its consequences, to deliver them from sin, and the consequence of sin – death <em>(Romans 5:12).</em><br /><br />Believer – when you understand the reality of how truly you were united with your Saviour at the cross, of how you <em>died</em> in Him, then, and only then, will you truly understand something of the depth of what He suffered, of what He did, for you as your substitute. All the pain, all the suffering, all the travail, all the anguish was <em>His</em> – but it was caused because <em>we</em> were <em>in</em> Him, our Substitute, in whom <em>WE</em> died… and in whom, <em>WE</em> rose again! Praise God!<br /><br /><em>“For I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”<br />Galatians 2:20</em>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-32553559281201855262009-01-20T17:33:00.001+00:002009-01-23T08:45:16.176+00:00The 2009 South West Sovereign Grace ConferenceOn Wednesday April 22nd and Thursday April 23rd 2009 we hope, in the will of the Lord, to host GraceAndTruthOnline.com’s <strong>2009 Sovereign Grace Conference</strong> at the Sidholme Hotel in Sidmouth, Devon.<br /><br />Following his visit to this area last year we are delighted to welcome back Pastor Don Fortner as our speaker and would like to invite all those who are able to come along and hear him on this special occasion.<br /><br />Don Fortner’s ministry has been a great blessing to us over the years, a ministry in which the Lord Jesus Christ is always exalted. We trust that others too will find encouragement in hearing this ministry in Devon. May Christ be glorified in the preaching of His Gospel.<br /><br />For the second year running our venue for the conference is the excellent <a href="http://www.sidholme.co.uk/">Sidholme Hotel</a> in Sidmouth Devon. This is situated about 30 minutes south of Honiton on the beautiful East Devon coastline. Not only will visitors be able to attend the meetings at the Conference, but for those who are travelling from afar and wish to make a break of it rooms are available at excellent rates at the hotel – this will also provide opportunity for fellowship with others staying at the hotel. Bookings can be made through the hotel website (<a href="http://www.sidholme.co.uk/">http://www.sidholme.co.uk</a>) or by telephone - 01395 515104 (Mention the Sovereign Grace Conference when booking). Alternatively there are of course a number of other good hotels and B+Bs throughout the East Devon area (a quick search on the internet should find some).<br /><br /><em>Please pencil the dates in your diaries! (April 22nd and 23rd, 2009)</em>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-89804700242585993702009-01-19T09:47:00.002+00:002009-01-19T09:49:04.635+00:00FreeGraceRadio.comThe messages preached at <a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/honiton-sovereign-grace-church-new-sunday-meetings/">Honiton Sovereign Grace Church</a> are now hosted on <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=freegraceradio">FreeGraceRadio.com</a>.<br /><br />With this being provided as part of the Sermon Audio website, this gives a number of advantages, including the ability to easily search for messages by title or scripture passage, sort them by date etc.<br /><br />To hear the latest messages simply visit <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&Keyword=Ian^Potts">our page on FreeGraceRadio.com</a>.<br /><br />...<br /><br /><em>The most recent message preached in </em><a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/honiton-sovereign-grace-church-new-sunday-meetings/"><em>Honiton Sovereign Grace Church </em></a><em>was yesterday, on Sunday 18th January 2009:<br /></em><br /><a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=118091613133"><em>“Grounded and Settled” Colossians 1:23 18-1-09 (Ian Potts)</em></a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-36872579522185626862008-12-23T13:06:00.004+00:002008-12-23T13:11:15.074+00:00The message behind ChristmasThis is that time of year when the world is reminded - should it hear above the noise of its general celebrations - that Christ, the Son of God, came into this world.<br /><br />But who is He? And why did He come? And where is He now?<br /><br />Listen to <a href="http://whereistruth.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/ian-potts-colossians-119-in-him-should-all-fulness-dwell-21-12-08.mp3">“In Him should all fulness dwell” Colossians 1:19</a> for some answers.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-23387349878275112512008-12-01T13:12:00.002+00:002008-12-01T13:16:56.404+00:00Free Grace Meetings in USARegular visitors to <a href="http://www.freegraceradio.com/">http://www.freegraceradio.com/</a> may wonder where the various churches listed are actually located. Indeed, if they have been given a hunger and thirst after righteousness, and a love for the truth of the gospel as preached on there, they may well wonder whether there is a meeting within travelling distance of them.<br /><br />Well, I recently wondered whether anyone had plotted the various meetings on a map... and in the end I decided to produce one. I hope the following may prove helpful to many:<br /><br /><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&om=1&msa=0&msid=104697107125091353220.00045c998a283681ee023&z=4">Map of 'Free Grace' meetings in the USA</a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-79290213689379355272008-10-06T11:10:00.002+01:002008-10-06T11:16:30.374+01:00Honiton Sovereign Grace ChurchHaving met for nine years to worship God through hearing the preaching of the gospel in Honiton, on 21st September 2008 we commenced public meetings in Awliscombe village hall on Sunday mornings.<br /><br />We extend a warm welcome to all in the area who wish to gather to worship God and hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br /><a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/honiton-sovereign-grace-church-new-sunday-meetings/">Full details of these meetings can be read here.</a><br /><br /><br /><em>At the first Sunday morning meeting of Honiton Sovereign Grace Church on 21st September we heard the following message preached.<br /></em><a href="http://whereistruth.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/ian-potts-psalm-122-i-was-glad-21-9-08.mp3"><em>“I was glad” Psalm 122:1 21-9-08 (Ian Potts)</em></a><br /><em></em><br /><em>A summary of the message on </em><a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/awliscombe-sunday-28th-september-2008/"><em>Lamentations 3:21 (Sunday 28th September) "The Lord will not cast off for ever" can be read here.</em></a><br /><em></em><br /><em>And the message delivered on Sunday 5th October was:</em><br /><a href="http://churchindevon.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/is-it-nothing-to-you-awliscombe-sunday-5th-october-2008/"><em>"Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" Lamentations 1:12</em></a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-67587711313961357622008-09-08T11:44:00.002+01:002008-09-08T11:47:22.613+01:00Christ - The Sun of RighteousnessThe book, 'Christ, the Sun of Righteousness', now has its own website. Similar in design to <a href="http://thegospelofgod.wordpress.com/">The Gospel of God </a>this new website presents each chapter of the book in an easily accessible and readable format online, grouped under various categories, along with search facilities.<br /><br />See: <a href="http://thesunofrighteousness.wordpress.com/">Christ - The Sun of Righteousness</a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-9096476167999284382008-07-07T17:20:00.004+01:002008-07-07T17:35:58.614+01:00Why do the heathen rage?We live in days of great social change. Rapid change. Hardly a month seems to pass when some new law isn’t passed, or some movement appears to triumph in a further attempt to overthrow God’s order. In the last 50 years we’ve seen great changes in the fickle populace’s thinking regarding social and class order, the roles of the sexes, the place of marriage and the family in society, among many other things.<br /><br />The world hails such changes as a ‘social revolution’. It delights in its supposedly new-found freedom and liberty. It prides itself in seemingly having overthrown the shackles of traditional, ‘fundamentalist’ values. With glee a ‘new order’, full of tolerance and freedom is greeted whilst discrimination of any kind is decried. Yet, in bemused puzzlement, the same champions of freedom scratch their heads wondering why homes break up, crime increases, companies collapse, discontent reigns, and misery mounts and children on the streets take up knives to murder one another.<br /><br />Yet, undeterred, the wise leaders of our day, with increasing abandon, march on in their relentless attempts to break down every hurdle which stands in their way to social Utopia. And what really stands in their way? What hurdle proves the most irritating, the most vexing? Why, religion of course. And the Christian religion in general. And true Biblical Christianity in particular. With its clear declaration of Truth, and its absolute definitions of right and wrong, such a message is not only irritating, but an increasing source of rage and enmity to those who would seek to break its bands asunder. We live in days where opposition to the Truth has rarely been sounded louder. Those who despise the word and the truth of God seem to be playing a very loud tune all around us. And as their leaders play their pipes, millions of happy ‘children’, like bemused lemmings, gladly follow in their trail.<br /><br />Set against such a tidal wave of thinking, of ever-changing public opinion, is the apparent decline in numbers of those attending professing Christian places of worship. Those who do are either in the minority, gathered with but a few, or they are among those who would continue to meet in larger congregations but in order to maintain their numbers have set aside the truth of the Bible and constantly modify their message in order to adapt to the liberal thinking of the world around them. We read of so-called churches and denominations debating the un-debatable. They pose questions which should never have been asked, based upon premises which should never have been set. They ponder the question of women ‘priests’ and of homosexual ‘clergy’. They set ‘modernists’ against ‘traditonalists’. And they seek each and every way to finding a unity with other ‘faiths’…. But having set aside the word of God, and ceased to take its message seriously, the leaders of such churches then <em>wonder</em> why the world has long-ceased to take <em>them</em> seriously.<br /><br />Of course observing such changes can bring much grief to the hearts of those who love God and His word. To those who have been delivered from the darkness of this world, and the blindness of unbelief, from the depravity of the fallen heart of man, and the bondage of sin, to walk in a new and living way. Those who have been born again of God, having heard the Gospel of their salvation by Jesus Christ, knowing the forgiveness of sins, the hope of everlasting life and peace with God, those who now hate the evil in which they once indulged and love the righteousness of God as revealed in the Gospel. These will often grieve over the state of the professing church around them, and the folly of the nations in our day. For what foolishness is done in the name of Christ in the ‘churches’! And what little effect the testimony of such apostate churches seems to have in turning the tide of the times.<br /><br />Yet, whilst it may well appear that the wicked prosper on every side and the righteous man faileth…. The truth is anything but! God has an answer and His answer has never changed. Having granted the people freedom to turn aside to their own ways, having given them over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28), God patiently sits upon His throne and watches as the world moves according to His eternal decrees and purposes. As time rolls incessantly towards that great day of the Lord when He will judge the world in righteousness, towards that day <em>“when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” Romans 2:16</em>. That day, when, without respect to persons God will…<br /><br /><em>“Render to every man according to his deeds:<br />To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:<br />But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil” Romans 2:6-9<br /></em><br />Perhaps that day is not far off, perhaps it is many years away. But whether near, or whether far off, and whether the people continue to rage against the truth, or whether they receive the truth, the fact remains that nothing occurs in heaven or on earth which is outside of God’s will, not one of his purposes is thwarted, and not one of those for whom He gave His own Son as a sacrifice for sin in order to save them from death, and the deceits and delusions of this present world, will <em>ever</em> be lost. For God continues to declare the same glorious message of Salvation which He has done from the beginning of time. The message of Christ Crucified, the Gospel of God. The message of His grace towards sinners – <em>the power of God unto salvation.<br /></em><br />So, is there really a cause for the Christian to be discouraged or dismayed? Not at all – his <em>victory</em> is assured – <em>assured</em> – in Christ. For God <em>reigns</em> in righteousness by Jesus Christ over <em>all</em> His creation. May God give His people grace to <em>rest</em> in Him and His salvation. As we look upon our changing times and hear the empty cries and celebrations of those who vainly set their wills against God, rightly may we ask, with the words of the 2nd Psalm:<br /><br /><em>“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?<br /></em><br /><em>The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,<br />Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.<br /></em><br /><em>He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.<br /></em><br /><em>Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.<br />I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.<br /></em><br /><em>Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.<br />Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.<br /></em><br /><em>Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”</em>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-11555236703772190792008-07-01T13:09:00.003+01:002008-07-01T13:24:56.294+01:00Free Books!We are pleased to announce that our three publications (produced as printed books through "Grace and Truth Online Publications") are now available for free online as eBooks, courtesy of <a href="http://grace-ebooks.com/">Grace-eBooks </a>who have added them to their online collection.<br /><br />The full details of each book (as sent out by <a href="http://grace-ebooks.com/">Grace-eBooks</a>) is shown below.<br /><br />Of course, all three books are still also available in print for those who would prefer to read 'off-line'. They are priced 'at-cost' to make them as widely obtainabled as possible.... alas paper and ink doesn't come free! For more details see <a href="http://www.lulu.com/graceandtruth" target="_blank">Grace and Truth Online Publications</a><br />...........<br /><br />The Following Books/Authors<br /><br />Have Been Added or Updated<br /><br /><a href="http://grace-ebooks.com/library/index.php?dir=William%20Huntington/" target="_blank">The Fountain of Life<br />Collected Writings of William Huntington S.S.</a><br /><br />Produced, and Published by<br /><a href="http://www.lulu.com/graceandtruth" target="_blank">Grace and Truth Online Publications</a><br />Honiton, Devon, England<br /><br />This work largely comprises six addresses taken from the works of William Huntington.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://grace-ebooks.com/library/index.php?dir=Ian%20Potts/" target="_blank">Sovereign Grace<br />PAST AND PRESENT<br />Collected Sermons and Writings</a><br />Edited by Ian Potts<br />Produced and Published by<br /><a href="http://www.lulu.com/graceandtruth" target="_blank">Grace and Truth Online Publications</a><br />Honiton, Devon, England<br /><br />This work comprises sermons and articles by preachers of God's Gospel of Free and Sovereign Grace.<br /><br />Some of these writers lived and preached several hundred years ago. Some are here today, faithfully proclaiming the message which God has given them to preach - of God's grace towards sinners. The message preached hasn't changed, for the Gospel - and the One it concerns - hasn't changed. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and to day, and for ever.<br /><br />Authors of the works contained in this volume:<br />Sovereign Grace – From The Past<br />William Tiptaft<br />Tobias Crisp<br />William Huntington S.S.<br />J.C. Philpot<br />John Kershaw<br />Robert Murray M'Cheyne<br />James Bourne<br />Eli Ashdown<br />Francis Covell<br />John Vinall<br />John Warburton<br /><br />Sovereign Grace – From The Present<br /><br />Benjamin A. Ramsbottom<br />Don Fortner<br />Henry Mahan<br />Don Bell<br />Gary Shepard<br />Todd Nibert<br />Peter L. Meney<br />Tom Harding<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://grace-ebooks.com/library/index.php?dir=Ian%20Potts/" target="_blank">Christ, the Sun of Righteousness</a><br />By Ian Potts<br />Produced and Published by<br /><a href="http://www.lulu.com/graceandtruth" target="_blank">Grace and Truth Online Publications</a><br />Honiton, Devon, England<br /><br />This work largely comprises chapters based upon a number of articles which were originally published on the website “Grace and Truth Online.” A couple of the articles have also appeared in print in the pages of “New Focus” magazine.<br /><br />My intention in this volume is to set forth some pictures of Christ as He is revealed throughout the scriptures. The whole message of the Bible regards the person and the work of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. He is to be found on every page of Holy Writ. He is the sum and substance of God’s message to lost mankind, He is the One through whom God reconciles sinners to Himself, He is the One through whom God reveals Himself to man, He is the One in whom all the blessings of God to His people are revealed. The Gospel of God concerns His Son, Jesus Christ, and the message of the Bible is one of the Salvation of sinners through Christ, by Free and Sovereign Grace. Yes, Christ is God’s message to man, so when we read the scriptures we look for Him.<br />Ian Potts<br /><br />Thanks go to<br /><a href="http://www.lulu.com/graceandtruth">Grace and Truth Online Publications</a> for their gracious permission to post these eBook volumes.<br /><br />....<br /><br />Do you have a friend or know someone who would find Grace-eBooks.com useful?If so, please forward this email to them. To receive these updates, simply email your request to <a href="mailto:graceEbooks@gmail.com">graceEbooks@gmail.com</a>.<br />If you have an internet site, would you consider adding a link to Grace-eBooks.com? Having 'freely received' of our Lord's mercy and grace, our desire is to 'freely give.'<br /><br />If you would like to be notified of new postings,<br />Email us at <a href="mailto:GraceEbooks@gmail.com">GraceEbooks</a><br /><br />What Is An eBook?<br /><br />The term 'Ebook' simply means "electronic book", meant for viewing on your computer. Ebooks are usually in Adobe PDF format. All that is required to read an Ebook is a software program called Adobe Acrobat Reader, which will open PDF files. Ebooks in the PDF format are compatible with both the MAC and PC operating systems. Most computers already have the Adobe Acrobat reader software installed, but in the rare instance your computer may not have it, or if you need the latest version, you can download "Reader" for FREE at <a href="http://www.adobe.com/">http://www.adobe.com/</a>.<br /><br />Why Use An Ebook?<br /><br />With an Ebook, you can read books on your computer screen and zoom in on the text to make the words as big as you would like them to be to read comfortably! You can also go to any page or chapter in the book with just a few mouse clicks, even if the book has thousands of pages! You can also print out any or all pages you like at your convenience. All of the eBooks on this site allow you to copy and paste the text of the book into another computer file, instead of retyping by hand. These are just a few of the features and conveniences of having a book in electronic format.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-12249773994666857932008-06-24T10:55:00.001+01:002008-06-24T10:56:46.579+01:00The Body of MosesAt our last Monday meeting in Honiton we heard a message by Don Fortner on the error of Balaam, from the book of Jude.<br /><br />In reading Jude, a question was asked at the meeting about the meaning of 'the body of Moses' in verse 9. How encouraging then to come across the following message preached by Don Fortner on the Friday following, at the conference in Lantana. God's timing is always perfect.<br /><br />For the answer to the question, have a listen to <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62308231420">'Michael, Satan and the body of Moses' </a>(Jude 9) by Don Fortner.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-18135049076478359962008-06-10T16:51:00.007+01:002008-06-24T14:05:13.389+01:00Liverpool, Cambridge, Bournemouth, Egglesburn, Northampton, Welywn, Knebworth, Honiton, South London...What do these places have in common? Liverpool, Cambridge, Bournemouth, Egglesburn, Northampton, Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth, Honiton, South London...?<br /><br />Well, like much of our country today they are full of churches of one form of another. Baptists, Methodists, Anglicans, Catholics, Evangelicals, and Charismatics. Much religion, but little of the Gospel.<br /><br />Yet these places have something else far more encouraging in common. There are those in the area who have a love for the truth, a love for free grace, a love for that Gospel preached in the beginning, the <em>"faith which was once delivered unto the saints" Jude 1:3.</em><br /><br />Do you?<br /><br />Do you love the preaching of Christ in the Gospel? Do you love the fellowship of God's people in one company?<br /><br />If you do, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:ianpotts@graceandtruthonline.com">ianpotts@graceandtruthonline.com</a>. Perhaps there are those in your area who love the same Gospel you do.<br /><br />But whether we gather in a large company, or are but one or two, we thank God for that food which He grants His people - that Bread of Life given to us in His Gospel. Have a listen to that Gospel in the messages on <a href="http://whereistruth.wordpress.com/">Where is Truth?</a> and <a href="http://www.freegraceradio.com/">Free Grace Radio</a>, or have a listen to this message by Chris Cunningham:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=6108925100">'Children of the Free'</a> Galatians 4:21-31Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-80902864114450595072008-06-03T13:58:00.002+01:002008-06-03T14:00:40.040+01:00The Lord's Supper<em>"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. </em><br /><br /><em>After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." 1 Corinthians 11:23-26</em><br /><br />At last night's meeting in Honiton we remembered the death of our Lord Jesus Christ by partaking of the bread and the wine in the Lord's Supper.<br /><br />Before so doing we listened to the following message by Don Fortner which is highly recommended because of the truth it sets forth regarding what is pictured by the Lord's Supper: <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1125072112433">What's The Meaning of This?</a><br /><br />Paul instructs the Corinthian church on the correct approach to the Lord's Supper in chapter 11 of First Corinthians, the same chapter in which he also sets before us the glorious truth of the Headship of Christ over His church. Peter Ditzel has written a couple of very helpful articles on both subjects which he has on his website. They are:-<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wordofhisgrace.org/lordssupperelements1.html">The Elements of the Lord's Supper</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wordofhisgrace.org/headcovering1.html">The Headcovering</a>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-37500399410259490422008-05-21T14:16:00.003+01:002008-05-21T14:26:04.919+01:00"O GIVE thanks unto the LORD: for he is good"Having returned home briefly, only to have to re-enter hospital again last week, we rejoiced to hear that Pastor Don Fortner of Danville, Kentucky, has now returned home again, feeling much better than he has done for the last six weeks, since first being diagnosed with heart trouble.<br /><br />Following his return home, Pastor Fortner was even enabled to preach again both last <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=518081352536">Sunday</a> and on <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=520082255338">Tuesday</a>. We praise God for His goodness in bringing him through this recent set-back, and pray that he may now be back on the proper road to recovery.<br /><br />May the LORD be pleased to use our Brother in the coming days to once again, boldly <em>“declare the works of the LORD” (Psalm 118:16)</em> for the good of His people, for <em>“blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD”.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Repeated below is the content of a message sent out by Don Fortner as an update on his recent situation.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />Thank you for your notes. Please forgive my brevity and forgive me for sending this to you as a group, rather than writing personally to each of you, but after almost six weeks in the hospital I have several hundred pieces of correspondence that must be answered. Here is a brief, mater-of-fact synopsis of my recent illness. Please pass it along to any who are interested.<br /><br />April 6 (2:00 A.M.) checked into hospital.<br />April 9 discovered that I had a defective aorta valve from birth.<br />The defect had caused such calcification that I was getting less than 25 % blood flow through my heart. -- No other heart disease or damage except for slight blockage in one artery and damage to electrical impulses caused by the birth defect.<br />Received a pace-maker to get my heart's rhythm in control.<br />Came home and preached April 13, 15 and 20.<br />April 21 received a valve replacement.<br />April 23 reaction to medication shut down liver and kidneys, causing 5 days of horror.<br />May 9 returned home.<br />Attended services here May 11.<br />May 13 (6:30 A.M.) taken back to hospital by ambulance after loosing blood throughout the night.<br />After receiving 6 units of blood, it was discovered that the shock to my system from surgery caused me to develop ulcers. The coumadin caused one ulcer to bleed profusely.<br />Returned home Friday May 16, preached here on Sunday and plan to preach tonight.<br />Gaining strength daily.<br /><br />It appears that the Lord may yet have a work for me to do. Thank you, my friends, for your love and care, and for your continual intercessions before our Father's throne on my behalf. Shelby and I cannot adequately express our hearts' gratitude to our God for you.<br /><br />DonIan Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-75565084500572106662008-05-13T14:47:00.001+01:002008-05-13T14:53:48.006+01:00Whereas I was blind, now I seeTo the natural man reading the Bible, it can sometimes seem to be a mysterious and a confusing book, which to his mind appears to contain certain conflicts and contradictions. Such criticism is often made against the scriptures by those who approach it with simply their own, natural, intellect and understanding. Why, some may ask, are there two accounts of the creation in Genesis, and why are there differences between the accounts? Why also, do the four Gospels in the New Testament differ from one another? Why do some contain genealogies and others don’t? Why are events recorded in different orders? Why does one Gospel writer include things which the others omit?<br /><br />Having once been blind to the truth in God’s word, stumbling about around in it, confused by what I read, I can understand how such questions may be asked and how some passages can appear to be conflicting…. But when God opened my eyes and the Spirit of God became my teacher, what was once confused and contradictory to me began to make sense and become clear, and what I once may have considered to be merely historical accounts, I came to understand were actually presenting truth and were worded and arranged in such a manner as to specifically set forth that truth, and the One who is truth – Jesus Christ.The whole Bible is a book about Christ. It presents the truth about Christ, and for that reason it simply doesn’t fit into our ‘ideas’ of how things should be written. For example, we read the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and think that here are simply four different records by four writers of the same narratives. We treat them as four historical accounts, and as such can’t understand why there are differences between them, in terms of chronology etc. Any conflicts appear to be evidence of a lack of unity between the writers or perhaps failed memory on their part…… but when we come to see that the PURPOSE of these four Gospels, and the reason why God included four different Gospels in the Bible, is not to simply provide four historical accounts of the same things, with four accounts providing extra weight of evidence, but is in fact to present four different views of the same Person, to present Christ in four different aspects, THEN all the apparent differences begin to make sense. John’s Gospel for example is entirely different to the other three, in form, structure, content and presentation….. why? Because John presents Christ clearly as being the Son of God, and the whole Gospel is arranged and worded to present selected historical narrative in such a manner as to show Christ in that light. Likewise Matthew’s purpose is to present Christ as the Messiah, and is thus arranged to that end, beginning with a genealogy and so on (which John lacks). The genealogy in Luke differs from Matthew’s because of the very different presentation of Christ in Luke …. And so on, and so forth.<br /><br />Now… I state all this because we’ll never understand the Bible until we recognise these things – that it is essentially presenting <em>truth</em>, the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, and is worded and arranged to that end. All the apparent differences we may discern between, for example, the four Gospels, are because of this purpose. The Bible is not a history book (but it does contain history). The Bible is not an ‘ethics’ book (but it does contain ethics). The Bible is not a ‘guide book’ (but it does contain guidance). No…. the Bible <em>is a book about Christ</em>, about truth. It is a spiritual book, and it is spiritually discerned. Its message, is essentially a ‘secret’, a ‘mystery’ which must be revealed. This is plainly stated in various places in the Bible. For example 1 Corinthians states:<br /><br /><em>“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” 1 Corinthians 1:18-21</em><br /><br />And…<br /><br /><em>“…My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: <strong>But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. </strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-16</em><br /><br />So the Bible itself makes it clear that we can’t understand its message unless the Spirit of God teaches us it, and that its message is ‘hidden wisdom’ in a mystery. It was hidden from me once, and a complete mystery to me… but when the Spirit of God opened it up I saw its meaning in Christ.<br /><br />Even Jesus Himself stated that He spoke in parables, not in order to make the truth simple to understand, but to keep the truth from those whom God was not pleased to show it unto. We read elsewhere, that <em>“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes”</em> – so unless God reveals these things to us, they will simply remain as confused, contradictory, mysteries. It is interesting that Jesus does not only say that these truths must be revealed but he actually thanks God that He has not revealed them unto the wise and prudent. God actively hides the truth from some and reveals it to others. Some have their eyes opened, and some remain blind.<br /><br />We can’t expect to convince anyone of the truth of the scriptures through natural reason. It can’t be done. We are born blind to the truth, and the Bible remains an incomprehensible jumble of words to us until someone takes our blindness away. Why? Because <em>“the world by wisdom knew not God”,</em> as quoted above. Some may reject the word of God, and cite the apparent mystery and confusion as their reason for unbelief, seeking to follow, perhaps the evidence of science, in which they vainly seek for truth. But the reality is that it isn’t their confusion which leads them to unbelief – the fact is they began in unbelief! It is man’s unbelief and spiritual blindness which prevents him from understanding the Bible aright. Man starts off not seeing the truth, being blind to it, and the more he studies the Bible, in his wisdom, the less it makes sense and the more he rejects it. We’re all the same – we just can’t comprehend it by our own wisdom – the Bible makes that very point! I was no different.<br /><br />We all begin blind….. but I thank God that he took my blindness away, and for that reason I am compelled, at the very least, to declare plainly to others that the Bible IS TRUE, that what it says of Christ is TRUE, and that the things it speaks of are realities. How do I know? <em>Because God took my blindness away and made me see!</em><br /><br />Now, my reader, I can’t take your blindness away. I can’t. I could try to answer any objection you might raise against the scriptures, but even if I presented rock-tight, sound, convincing arguments and reasons for the apparent ‘conflicts’ or mysteries which you may list, it wouldn't convince you or anyone else of the truth, unless God the Spirit took the truth and opened your eyes to see it. Just like talking to a blind man about the colours of the trees… you can talk all you like, but nothing makes sense. But give him sight and show him the trees however…. And he knows in an instant.<br /><br />However… I expect some reading this may well have heard all these things before, all this about blindness and the need of the Spirit to reveal truth….. and you probably will find it very frustrating and annoying, because it leaves us entirely dependant upon God taking our blindness away. If naturally we are blind to the truth, and we just can’t see it…. Then what can we do?<br /><br />Well… nothing. Nothing but ask God to give us sight! To give us understanding.But what if He doesn’t? What if God leaves us like Esau who sought for repentance but never found it? Repentance, metanoia, is really to do with a change of thinking, or understanding of the truth. Esau sought it but never found it. He was <em>“ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” 2 Timothy 3:7</em>. What if God leaves us like that? Blind…. Always studying, reading the Bible, reading books about religion…. But never seeing it as anything but confused, conflicting history, or fables?Is that fair…? Well… why not? What does God owe us? Why should he open our eyes? What have we ever done for Him? He gives us health, food, water… life itself, and what do we do with it? Indulge it upon our own desires, lusts, greed, ambition and selfish gain. At times we ask a few questions, at times we wonder if there is a God (as if creation itself doesn’t tell us that fact every day! Romans 1:20), and at times we wonder about religion…. But what is that in return to a God who has given us everything? We give Him nothing, yet seem to expect Him to give us everything.<br /><br />But thank God that He DOES give sight to the blind. Despite their rebellion and selfishness. Despite their pride in their own intellect and ability to search out the truth….. nevertheless…. Despite that He DOES heal the blind and give them sight. He did it for me… and all I can say, is like the blind man in John 9….<br /><br /><em>“Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”</em><br /><br />Will any of this convince others who are blind? No… not unless God the Spirit takes the truth of what is said and opens the eyes to see. But He has, and He does….<br /><br />Now consider a question we raised at the start. Why are the two accounts of Creation in Genesis different? Well, they are intentionally different. One is entirely figurative of Christ, the Second Man, the Last Adam, and as such contains no record of the fall of man. The second is the narrative in which man’s fall into sin is described. The differences are quite intentional and bring out many deep truths regarding Jesus Christ and His salvation of sinners. Given time one could expand much further, but would the answer alone convince a blind man? Only if the Spirit opened the eyes to see... For ultimately only the Spirit can open the eyes, and He does that through the preaching of the Gospel.<br /><br />What Gospel is that? ... Have a listen to <a href="http://gatomp3.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/jm_job9_2.mp3" target="_blank">How shall man be just with God?</a><br /><br /><em>“Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 2 Peter 1:15-17</em>Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083348383213604085.post-36882447843433613922008-04-30T14:03:00.003+01:002008-05-02T17:00:58.736+01:00The Gospel of God - In Portuguese (O Evangelho de Deus)Recently our friend and brother Luis Gomes has begun to translate articles from <a href="http://www.thegospelofgod.wordpress.com/">The Gospel of God</a> website into Portuguese. You may view the fruits of his labour at <a href="http://evangelhodedeus.wordpress.com/">O Evangelho de Deus</a>.<br /><br />We are very thankful to Luis for his help in producing this Portuguese version of <a href="http://www.thegospelofgod.wordpress.com/">The Gospel of God</a> and pray that the Lord will use this greatly in the proclamation of the Gospel amongst Portuguese speaking people throughout the world (not just Portugal, but Brazil also, amongst other places).<br /><br />The website and the translations are still in the early stages but are being steadily developed as time allows.Ian Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15535542375099006830noreply@blogger.com0