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Copse Road Chapel Magazine May 2008
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Section 1 Contents
Grateful thanks once again to all who contributed to this edition of Copse Connect. It is hoped that all the articles will be a blessing and encouragement to us. If you would like to include a testimony in the next magazine, please put pen to paper and send it in.
Val Bryant
All music words have been copied by permission. CCL Licence No. 7407 *************************************************************
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The Mystery and Marvel of Calvary Hebrews 9v14
Notes of the sermon
preached by Pastor on Sunday morning, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Heb.9v14 One of my college lecturers urged: ‘Meditate on this verse all your life!’ It’s a profound verse, reaching depths unfathomable. Very suitable verse as we approach the communion table. What God did at Calvary is mysterious and marvelous. No-one can explain it fully, but these few lines of Scripture may help. The basic reason we fail to understand Calvary is that we fail to understand the sin problem. At Calvary God was dealing with the sin problem – a problem far, infinitely far, worse than we imagine. In the first half of the chapter, the writer has been describing the OT worship with its temple, priesthood and sacrifices. But these were not the reality – merely copies and shadows (8v5, 9v9). They were only external (9v13), and could not take away sin. They pointed to the reality that would take place on Calvary.
1. What was God doing? The simple answer is what He had planned from all eternity – the sacrifice of His Son for our sins. The text declares this staggering fact: each person of the Godhead was active at Calvary. There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God, three persons – not three gods! The first glimpse of this truth is in Gen.1v26-27: "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness… So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him…” However not until the NT does God reveal His triune nature clearly. At Jesus’ baptism Father, Son and Spirit are in evidence at the same moment: the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Lk.3v22. Calvary is the outworking of a binding agreement (covenant) within the Godhead in eternity past. Mystery of mysteries! Marvel of marvels! God of the covenant, changeless, eternal, Father, Son, Spirit in blessing agree; Thine be the glory, our weakness confessing, Triune Jehovah we rest upon Thee. a. The Father “Christ… offered Himself… to God” First and foremost Christ offered himself to God the Father – not to the world, nor the disciples. The Gospel is God-centred, not man-centred. All sin is against God! It’s God’s glory that has been tarnished, God’s creation that has been spoilt, God’s law that has been trampled on. Divine justice must be satisfied. At Calvary the Father was not a passive onlooker. He was pouring out His holy anger on His Son: “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. It was the LORD’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer… the LORD makes His life a guilt offering. Isaiah 53v6,10. Q: At Calvary, what was the Father doing? A: The Father was smiting the Son! Ø Don’t imagine Christianity is all about what you can get out of God – peace, joy, purpose, etc. These things may be the consequence, but at heart it’s about God – His justice, His mercy, His glory!
b. The Son “the blood of Christ, who… offered Himself without spot” Blood – not a subject for the squeamish! When blood is shed, death has occurred. The tense of “offered” implies once-for-all: “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.” (9v28). In the OT, the priest (active) brought a sacrifice (passive) to the altar. But at Calvary, Jesus was both priest and sacrifice! OT sacrifices could not take away sin (10v4) – how could an animal be our substitute when it did not even know what was happening? Yet Jesus went to the cross understanding fully what He was doing. OT priests were disqualified by their own sin. Yet Jesus was without sin. He was both sacrifice “without spot” and priest “without spot”. Q: At Calvary, what was the Son doing? A: The Son was submitting to the Father, and sacrificing Himself!
Ø There is no more altar, sacrifice or priest now. Christ’s work can never be added to, nor repeated.
c. The Spirit “through the eternal Spirit” Don’t imagine the Holy Spirit’s work began at Pentecost! He is “the eternal Spirit” active at the creation of the world (Gen.1v2). Jesus was conceived by the Spirit (Lk.1v35), and anointed by the Spirit: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” Acts 10v38. Christ = Messiah = Anointed One. It was the Spirit who led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. (Mt.4v1) It was the Spirit who strengthened and supported Him through His ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.” Lk.4v18. It was the Holy Spirit who strengthened and supported Him – at every point, in Gethsemane, at Calvary – even in the horror of God-forsaken darkness – so that He could cry “My God, My God…”. Q: At Calvary, what was the Spirit doing? A: The Spirit was sustaining and supporting the Son! Ø If you’ve never done so before, give thanks for these words: “through the eternal Spirit…”!
2. What does it mean? Our text gives two consequences that follow: a. shall cleanse “shall…cleanse your conscience from dead works” Every sin and stain purged. “Your conscience” – inward cleansing. “from dead works” – without Christ you are spiritually dead, and all you can do is “dead works”. All those good deeds, religious acts, rituals, gifts, efforts that you hoped would please God – are offensive to Him! Like putting ‘roadkill’ on the dinner-table for your guests – dead! Note the contrast between “dead works” and “the living God”. Ø If you have never looked to Jesus Christ and cried out to Him for forgiveness, then do so now – and don’t bring to Him any more sinful, dead works! Ø If you are a Christian already, and you fall into sin, don’t try to placate God with dead works! Rest in Christ’s completed work. The only ‘sacrifice’ He desires is a broken heart: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Ps.51v17. b. to serve “to serve the living God” You are saved to serve! (Not vice versa!) He saved you that you might serve Him. Ø If you think like the man who said: ‘I’m saved. So I can live as I like.’ - then you are not saved at all. Ø Serve Him… by holiness of life, by doing His work, by telling others about Jesus Christ. A final thought: if you are a Christian then that same Spirit, who so strengthened and supported Jesus Christ, lives in you and is at work in you.
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“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah
29 v11 (NIV) When I was asked if I would write an article for Copse Connect I initially thought, “what can I write about?”. I am sure that all Christians have a story to tell, especially how the Lord has had dealings with them over the years. I never cease to be amazed at how He has directed my life in sometimes the most unusual and unexpected ways. Before Keith and I came to worship at Copse, over 20 years ago, we had been members of St Andrews church in Clevedon, where we hosted a home bible study and prayer meeting. Our group leader was Alan Fish who worked for the Muller Homes for children at Cotham Park, Bristol. One evening at the end of the meeting I went to the kitchen to make drinks, followed by Alan, who told me there was a vacancy in the office at Muller House and wanted me to interview for the post. I explained to him I was happy in my current job and had no desire to move. Without my knowledge he had already arranged for me to attend an interview on the following Friday, and said that he would pick me up at 2 o’clock. What was I supposed to do? He came as promised, and on the way to Bristol told me that the vacancy was for a secretary to the Director, Mr Joe Cowan. I was horrified, and asked him to turn round and take me home. I was a clerk/typist and felt inadequate for the position. He said nothing and carried on driving. We arrived at Muller House, and I was shown around. I was aware of a wonderful sense of God’s presence and peace in the beautiful old building. I felt very nervous when I was introduced to Mr Cowan. He explained what my duties would be, and when I expressed concern that I would not be able to cope with the responsibility, he assured me that if God wanted me at Muller House, He would enable me to do the work. I pointed out to him that it would be difficult to get to Cotham Park without transport. “God will provide even for that” he said. He gave me no indication as to whether or not I was suitable for the post, and at the end of the interview I was told to go home and pray. That same evening at a church meeting, Keith was telling a friend who worked in the City Centre, what had happened, and he said he would gladly give me a lift each day. Where did he park his car? At Cotham Park of course, around the corner from Muller House. Alan suggested that I should write to Mr Cowan and tell him what had transpired. I received a letter of appointment two days later. The Lord was faithful, and enabled me to cope with every situation that arose. Mr Cowan and I had a very happy working relationship during the seven years I worked with him. He was a dear, kind, gentle man, and is now with the Lord he loved and served. Eventually Keith and I were called to serve the Lord at Tilsley House, Muller Home for the elderly in Weston-super-Mare. We were there for twelve years until our retirement in May 2001. But that’s another story! - Joan Richards (Thank you Joan for such an interesting testimony to the ways in which our God works in our lives in order to fulfil His plans for us.)
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News from Calix and Bea, Esztergom, Hungary
Here is some news from the last couple of weeks.
(2nd letter received 6th May)
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Lee Abbey – Estate Working Party 2008
As some of you will know I recently went to Lee Abbey, Devon (a Christian community in Lynton, Devon) to take part in a working party maintaining the estate. This year was my third working party at Lee Abbey, and it took place between Monday 31st March and Friday 4th April. Upon arrival I was greeted by many friendly faces, some familiar and some unknown to me at that point. After signing in and unpacking we enjoyed afternoon tea sat on a bench looking out toward Lee Bay. I was encouraged when I went for a cup of tea because the gentleman serving made the effort to call me by my name ‘Would you like tea Andrew?’ (We wear name badges at Lee Abbey!). On the first evening (Monday) the working team (including Mum, Dad and myself) were separated from the conference team and the tasks for the week were presented before us. The tasks varied in type and difficulty rating and had an ideal number of volunteers noted next to them, each task being represented by a member of the estate team. The Estate Manager, after showing us these tasks, said, “have a seat and think about what task you would like to have a go at, then come forward and sign up with the relevant person”. Not a split-second had passed before ALL of us (around 40 people) walked forward keenly to sign up for a job to do. I know we are all busy at Copse but I’m sure the officers would be most encouraged if this sort of thing happened when volunteers were requested in the notice sheet. Even if you think it is a tiny, unimportant work, if it’s the Lord’s work then it is essential! I remember our previous pastor Trevor teaching us a song ‘There’s a work for Jesus’, the last line of every verse and the chorus is ‘There’s a work for Jesus none but you can do.’ This is so true; you see it’s not just the high profile jobs in the church that count, for every little job, God has just the person… (is it you??). For full words to that aforementioned song, see the end of this article. On Tuesday after breakfast and morning worship, work began at 9am, we met at the farm barn to be split into our groups and be led to our working area. I had signed up for clearing forest paths and ivy. At first it looked like our job would be easy, the paths were clear and the trees free from ivy. The further we travelled down the path however, the more the paths needed to be cleared and the trees had ivy clinging to them!
With all this ivy to remove, before we knew it, lunch was ready for us. After lunch (we only work mornings, which I could get used to!) we walked along the coast path to Lynton, it was very windy and all hats had to be held! In the evening the community members treated us to an international evening, a bit of everything including a testimony. Just enough time for a mug of hot chocolate and the day was over. On Wednesday morning the wind had died down and there was a light covering of mist. We had another morning of clearing steps, paths and removing ivy from trees. After mushroom soup for lunch the afternoon was free, there were organised events or one could just amuse oneself; I chose to revise for my exams!
Another great experience of Lee Abbey is talking to and sharing with believers I have never met before, those who know me will hardly believe that I would talk to people I don’t know. The first year I was quiet at Lee Abbey but this year I took the opportunity to speak with people, and if you bother to listen, you will find some fascinating people right in your own congregation! I wonder if the following sentence rings a bell with you: “Do you know that fellow who always sits in row 9, on the left…. you know with the yellow jacket, he’s quiet and quite tall. I have no idea what his name is or where he is from, do you?” If this is familiar then I urge you to pluck up the courage to go over and speak to those you don’t usually speak to or those you don’t know; it will be an encouragement for them and you! May God bless us all richly as we continue to get to know each other and share close fellowship with one another, and may this better equip us to serve God.
In Christ, Andy Roberts *************** There’s a work for Jesus
Work for
Jesus, day by day,
Elsie D. Yale, c.1912
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Quite a number of us can agree that grandchildren are a real blessing, and for Maurice and Ruth Hewlett two of their grandsons have recently given them an extra special joy. Joel and Jared have professed faith and were baptised on 4th May. Please continue to pray for Joel and Jared following their obedience to the Lord in baptism, and also for Maurice and Ruth and their daughter Sarah, and Adrian and the rest of the family. The testimonies of Jared and Joel follow: How I got saved – Jared (aged 8) “It is morning, I wake up and go to mum’s bedroom. I asked if I could pray too. Mum asked if I wanted to pray first. I said “yes”. In my prayer, I asked God to forgive me for my sins. Mum said that I had the biggest smile on my face afterwards. In the afternoon when Dad came home, I told him. I felt much better because I was saved. I got saved on the 2nd March 2005 aged 5 at 9am”.
The best day of my life – Joel (aged 9). “Five years ago on the 4th February, was the best day of my life! At seven o’clock at night I trusted Jesus as my Saviour. As soon as I asked Him into my heart I felt happy inside. It was on the way coming back from the building site with my Dad when this happened. I’m very glad that I came to know Jesus as my Saviour. Without God, life would be dull, and would have no purpose at all. Jesus Christ is the best friend I will ever have. I am glad that God the Son died on the cross at Calvary to save me and everyone else who trusts Him”.
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I always believed that my day and job will be boring, and I still think it is. Straight away when I wake up in the morning, I am feeding my three ladies ???? Yep three ladies, my wife, my cat and my goldfish and they are all having a different diet, hard work. Afterwards time to go to work, I use my fairly new scooter the orange. Arriving at work 7.30am at Gorselands residential home on THE AVENUE, I have to make breakfast for even more ladies - 30 in total. They are just having cornflakes, porridge, weetabix and toast, quite posh. As the morning is going on -cleaning, keeping kitchen tidy, we are coming to lunch - what is on today? Cottage pie, I love this dish because I can put a lot of onion and garlic in it - SO FRENCH. After serving lunch I am going to check with the residents, and the first question is, “Did you like your food?” and they always answer, “It was horrible”, never mind. But I love my ladies to bits. Ok - afternoon a lot of cleaning is involved in the kitchen. I believe that a kitchen needs to be spotless, yeah I try. Tea time basic food - snails, frog legs etc……After a busy day 6.00pm, time to go home and when I am coming home, Joy has cooked me a lot of food (that’s a bit of change). In the evening - just relax watching 20 episodes of The Adventures of TINTIN, Great. This is my normal day. Now I would to tell you, that when I wake up in the morning, I thank GOD that I have a job, house, wife etc …. and I cannot complain about it because GOD has provided me with all these things, and GOD will always provide. Headchef - Clovis Rondet
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What the Bible teaches about…Christian Parenting by Roger Ellsworth Being a mother of 2 toddlers I don’t get as much time for reading as I used to (I used to devour books in the same way that I can devour chocolate!) but when I saw What the Bible teaches about…Christian Parenting I decided I needed to make the effort to read it. As a parent you are inundated with magazines and leaflets about the “best” way to parent in today’s society; dealing with bedtimes, food, discipline, and childcare options to name but a few. It can be very overwhelming, and advice is often inconsistent, so I wanted to go back to what the Bible said about parenting, and this book has been a great help. Firstly the structure of the book has meant that I have actually been able to complete it! It is fairly short, and the text has a lot of white space around it which makes it easy to read even if distracted by a couple of children. Each short chapter is based around a scripture passage, so the whole book is grounded in Scripture. I often used it for my devotional time as the theme and structure of the book lend themselves towards this very well. Secondly I have found this book helpful because it doesn’t tell me what time I should be putting my children to bed, or which nutritious food to feed them, or how much TV they should watch! Instead it took my focus back to God, and the reasons for His giving us the precious gift of children. The chapters follow a very logical order, starting with “Children are gifts from the Lord”, working through issues such as the Bible, prayer, church, and ending with “Godly parenting in ungodly times”. I won’t try to summarise the book as it is succinct enough in itself, but I will recommend it to everyone who has an interest in Godly parenting – and not just those of us in the midst of it, but those who seek to encourage and support us as we look to our Lord and God to help us raise our children in His way. This book will certainly help to move your focus back to God (as it can often get lost amongst nappies, healthy food, and exhausting activities)! What the Bible teaches about…Christian Parenting is available on the bookstall, or I have a copy that you can borrow (but I will need it back as I have a feeling I will need to remind myself of the truths in it again and again and again!)
Demelza Hilder
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We are very encouraged that the bookstall has continued to be used, and we pray that the literature that has been bought is used to glorify our Lord in both salvation and sanctification. If you haven’t yet been brave enough to browse the bookstall then please take a look – no-one will make you buy or read anything that you don’t want to! The bookstall has a fairly wide stock, and also includes a second-hand section. In addition to books remember there are also ranges of Bibles, Christian greeting cards, tracts, and evangelistic literature that can be used in your Christian witness and life. Obviously we are limited in what we can hold because of space, so if you have any questions or would like to order a particular title, or would like recommendations please don’t hesitate to speak to Pete or Demelza. And keep your eyes peeled for some more special offers in the future! If you have read a book that deserves a recommendation then let us know and we will endeavour to obtain it for the bookstall. The editors of Copse Connect are always on the lookout for helpful articles!
Peter and Demelza
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Find 19 Names of Bible Books in Puzzle
S M N H O J L E O J A R Z E B
G A T M W H E E E V E T P W I
N D R E O D G F L T S B E O A
I A R L E O N I I O A C A L G
K G Y M E F G Y H L N H C B G
A D A H B H C G T A O G E H A
E N E O T R O O M R S N D T H
S O J E E A Y R N I O O U U A
O D I M S S O F R C M R J O C
H O N E D F I E I H A T S M I
A S A A R E H N K N O S T E M
N Y Y E H T X T S R G T C K U
O A P A O I P A U L A A A U H
J W A M D B M O W R F M M L A
J A M E S U T I T R E T E P N
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A picture to colour for our younger
readers
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The activities run by the Church which are not weekly are listed here.
Sundays 3:15pm Cherry Orchard (old peoples’ home service) every other week
Thursdays 12:30pm Luncheon Club
Fridays 8pm Friday Fellowship (18+) every other week
Other events Elders’ and Deacons’ meetings held on Thursdays. *******************************************************
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Sunday 10:15am Prayer meeting 11 am Morning Service Crèche (under 3’s)
S- Club 1
6:30 pm Evening Service
Tuesday 7am Church officers’ prayer meeting 10:30am Parents and Toddlers Group
Wednesday 7:45 pm Bible study and prayer meeting (1st Wednesday in month evening Home groups)
Thursdays 2:00 pm 1st Thursday in month daytime Home groups
Friday
6:15pm Good News Club 7:45pm base ********************************************************
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