Worship Services - PALM SUNDAY Sunday 5th April

ALL SERVICES AND MEETINGS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

For the latest message of encouragment visit this site each week for the link to the Pastor's Weekly Broadcast.

NEW Pastors Broadcast 5th April  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtbTzqTbYxA&t=5s 

 

 

 Happy Palm Sunday

This is theday the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it.
“Hosanna to theSon of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!” Luke21:9

When Jesus arrived into Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowds shouted “Hosanna”, the Pharisees didn’t like it and told Jesus to shut them up.  There are many “Pharisees” today who would tell us to shut up and be silent. But keeping our mouths shut only allows the enemy to have his way. (Just think about how Jesus has been silenced in the public arena and the resultant breakdown of marriage and family life as one example.)
Praise silences the enemy. That is why he doesn’t like it and doesn’t want you to praise.
In that same Palm Sunday narrative Jesus (you can read it all in Luke 21) Jesus quotes from Psalm 8:2

You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies. Strength rises up with the chorus of singing children. Thiskind of praise has the power to shut Satan’s mouth.
The Passion Translation
 
Jesus Himself is reminding us thateven the songs of “nursing infants” has the power to stop the enemy in histracks. Think for a moment at the power of your praise.
Indeed 2 Chronicles 20:22 also remindsus.
22 Now when they began to sing and topraise, the Lord setambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had comeagainst Judah; and they were defeated.
 
Psalm22:3 says “The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.”  When we praise we can’t but help focus onHim. When our eyes get upon Him, faith arises. With God on our side  nothing is impossible.
 
·        Please continue to pray for Boris Johnson and the governmentas they navigate the way through this emergency.
·        Pray for front line staff in hospitals and call 111 callcentres.
·        Pray for preachers of the Gospel as they receive a wideraudience on line, that the message of God’s love would be clear.
·        Pray for our own support ministry out of Café Place. Prayprotection over Ian Taylor and the team of helpers as they continue to deliveran increasing number of meals 7 days a week.
·        Declare that what the devil meant to harm God will turnaround for His glory, and that the church will be stronger and larger as aresult.
·        Pray for those in a self-isolating strict lockdown that inthose times of quietness they would have a revelation of Your goodness towardsthem. 

 

 

 

None of you will be unaware of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting all of us and the way we all carry on with life. Alas it has come to the point where Elim,along with all other denominations have instructed their churches that they should not meet on Sundays or midweek until further notice. This is a difficult measure where the choice has not been made by me but has been made for me.  BUT the opportunity now arises for us to do church in different ways.
 
There are a number of things I want to encourage you with:
 
1.   Stay Calm.
The world may be living in panic and fear but we have our Lord. We do not have to fear. Instead of listening or watching endless cycles of news which inform you of the latest death toll and horrors, remember the promises of God. Read Psalm 91 for example, personalise it and know God speaking to you. The antidote to fear is knowing God’s love for you. 1 John 4:18 reminds us that His perfect love casts out all fear. Take time to soak in God’s Word and know His peace. God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He’s not going to change His mind on this now.
 
2.   Stay Connected
I will be recording a message that will be published on YouTube each week. For those without access to the internet I will be making a DVD or USB stick available. (If you do not have a dvd player I have a few spare that can be used).  I encourage you to sit down and watch it with your family and be blessed together.
Make the most of chatting with each other and encouraging one another on the phone or social media, especially if you know members who are self isolating. Alert one another of specific needs and respond in the best way you can.
Make sure you share prayer requests with me, or words of encouragement you believe may be for the church, so that they can be included in the weekly broadcast.
 
3.   Be Considerate
Now is the opportunity for us to demonstrate the love and hope we have in Christ by considering those outside of the church who may be in need. Check with your neighbours and offer help where it is needed. Don’t just offer practical help,offer to pray for them too!
Café Plus’ operation will change as its focus will be on providing and delivering meals and supplies to those who are unable to get out. We are already delivering daily to a number of people and we are expecting this number to rise. Please alert me if you are aware of someone who needs this service.
  

Let faith replace fear, hope replace despair, and God’s love and blessing replace what the enemy is seeking to take away.