NEW YEAR - SAME LIFE CHANGING MESSAGE!
Jesus Christ - the same yesterday and today and forever!
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Jesus Christ - the same yesterday and today and forever!
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2012 has been another year during which the word “crisis” has been heard many times. We have heard of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and droughts. There have also been uprisings and insurgencies and oppression all causing pain and anguish and here in the UK the prison population seems to rise at the same time as available resources are being cut thanks to that other crisis – the financial one!
But it has not all been bad news! During the year many prisoners have faced the reality of their past, responded to the gospel message, repented of their sins and handed their futures - whatever they may hold - over to Jesus. In Ethiopia it is reported that over 7,000 prisoners have joyfully come into this newness of life and many of them are enthusiastically studying the Bible. There have also been some memorable graduation ceremonies in a number of Ethiopian prisons as some of these prisoner students have achieved diploma level in their studies.
Here in the UK too, although the gospel opportunities are not as great as in Ethiopian prisons, it has been thrilling to see some of the wonderful change that Jesus makes.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
So, as we enter 2013 and wish each other “Happy New Year” – or for our Ethiopian friends “Melkam Addis Amet” - let us thank God that amid all the doom and gloom so often reported in the media, there is some amazing good news around. Jesus is still the same. God really does love us. There is hope! Yes – real hope!
This hope filled gospel message is good news for everybody but is maybe especially appreciated by the prisoner, the so called “hopeless case”, the person who nobody else wants to forgive and who often cannot even forgive themselves. Because the price has been paid in full by Jesus, this amazing totally undeserved life changing gift is absolutely free. It is also a gift to be shared with others!
In a strange kind of way, the shortage of much other good news might even help some to discover the genuine article and end up having an unexpected happy new year!
If you have a moment, take a look at - “Is Change Possible?”
O HAPPY DAY!
One of the favourite hymns, often requested by the men in Preston Prison when I was chaplain there, was written by P Doddridge who was born over 300 years ago - back in 1702. The men seemed to love its joyful certainty as well as the lively tune and used sometimes to go back onto the wings singing it! To remind you here are the first two verses and the chorus…………………….
O happy day! That fixed my choice
on Thee my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
and tell its rapture all abroad.
O happy day! O happy day!
when Jesus washed my sins away;
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day;
(hallelujah!)
O happy day! O happy day!
when Jesus washed my sins away.
‘Tis done, the great transaction’s done!
I am my Lord’s and He is mine!
He drew me, and I followed on,
charmed to confess the voice divine.
O happy day………………….
Although written such a long time ago, these words are still being proved to be true today – praise the Lord! It really is a thrill to see the difference Jesus makes.
May you know the Lord’s blessing and nearness during this coming year – whatever your circumstances may be.
But it has not all been bad news! During the year many prisoners have faced the reality of their past, responded to the gospel message, repented of their sins and handed their futures - whatever they may hold - over to Jesus. In Ethiopia it is reported that over 7,000 prisoners have joyfully come into this newness of life and many of them are enthusiastically studying the Bible. There have also been some memorable graduation ceremonies in a number of Ethiopian prisons as some of these prisoner students have achieved diploma level in their studies.
Here in the UK too, although the gospel opportunities are not as great as in Ethiopian prisons, it has been thrilling to see some of the wonderful change that Jesus makes.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
So, as we enter 2013 and wish each other “Happy New Year” – or for our Ethiopian friends “Melkam Addis Amet” - let us thank God that amid all the doom and gloom so often reported in the media, there is some amazing good news around. Jesus is still the same. God really does love us. There is hope! Yes – real hope!
This hope filled gospel message is good news for everybody but is maybe especially appreciated by the prisoner, the so called “hopeless case”, the person who nobody else wants to forgive and who often cannot even forgive themselves. Because the price has been paid in full by Jesus, this amazing totally undeserved life changing gift is absolutely free. It is also a gift to be shared with others!
In a strange kind of way, the shortage of much other good news might even help some to discover the genuine article and end up having an unexpected happy new year!
If you have a moment, take a look at - “Is Change Possible?”
O HAPPY DAY!
One of the favourite hymns, often requested by the men in Preston Prison when I was chaplain there, was written by P Doddridge who was born over 300 years ago - back in 1702. The men seemed to love its joyful certainty as well as the lively tune and used sometimes to go back onto the wings singing it! To remind you here are the first two verses and the chorus…………………….
O happy day! That fixed my choice
on Thee my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
and tell its rapture all abroad.
O happy day! O happy day!
when Jesus washed my sins away;
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day;
(hallelujah!)
O happy day! O happy day!
when Jesus washed my sins away.
‘Tis done, the great transaction’s done!
I am my Lord’s and He is mine!
He drew me, and I followed on,
charmed to confess the voice divine.
O happy day………………….
Although written such a long time ago, these words are still being proved to be true today – praise the Lord! It really is a thrill to see the difference Jesus makes.
May you know the Lord’s blessing and nearness during this coming year – whatever your circumstances may be.
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Acclamation, Betrayal, Crucifiction plus much much more.
Read some thoughts based on events that changed history which many will be remembering during March, April and May 2013
Read some thoughts based on events that changed history which many will be remembering during March, April and May 2013
