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THE BASIS OF PAUL'S LETTER

Paul writes because he is sending the slave Onesimus back to bis master. Not only did he steal from Philemon (v18), but under Roman law his running away was punishable by death. Having found
his way to Rome, Onesimus obviously met Paul and became a Christian (v10).
Although still a slave, he returns as one who is very dear to Paul: his son (10). heart (12) and 'better than a slave, as a dear brother' (16).

• What changes can we thank God for in our own lives?
 

THE BASIS OF PAUL'S APPEAL

Paul will not force Philemon to have Onesimus back, as slaves had no rights in the Roman Empire rather he appeals on the basis of love (8), for he's aware of the quality of Philemon's faith and love, which has 'refreshed the hearts of the saints' (4-7). Making a wordplay on Onesimus' name, which in Greek means 'useful', he adds: Formerly be was useless to you, but now be has become useful both to you and me' (11).

•Are we known as somebody who is welcoming and forgiving of others, especially when they have made mistakes or wronged us?

We don't know for sure what happened to Onesimus, although when Ignatius writes to the church at Ephesus 50 years later, he mentions bishop Onesimus. This could just be the same person!
Here is evidence of God's grace at work, for 'Christianty is the power which can make bad men good' (J.Denney).

By PAUL HARDINGHAM
 

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A GOLDEN IMAGE

Nebuchadnezzar set up a 90 ft high golden statue, to which all his officials had to pay homage (2-6). He was a monarch who had rejected any previous experience of God in his life (see chapter 2).

* How does such independence towards God work itself out in the attitudes of those around us?
 

A TRUSTING TRIO

By contrast, even when faced with the blazing furnace, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to compromise their faith (12). Their total reliance lay in God's sovereign power: 'the God we serve
is able to save us, and he will rescue us... but even if he does not... we will not serve your gods or worship the image' (17-18).
Whether they would live or die, they were confident of being safe in God's hands.

* In what ways have we been called upon to exercise such faith ourselves?
 

A HUMBLED KING

God's power and presence were clearly seen in the burning furnace (27). When the men came through the fire unscathed,              |
Nebuchadnezzar was deeply humbled (28,29). Such a change of heart was caused by the sight of a fourth figure in the furnace. Here was living, undeniable proof of Nebuchadnezzar's error and folly!

*How can this story help us pray for our own national leaders?

For any who are committed to the structures, wealth and power of this present world, the presence of the kingdom of God calls for radical change. Jesus reminds us of this.
 

By Paul Hardingham
 
 

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A MATTER OF CURIOSITY

Jesus is tired and thirsty, and so he asks the woman for a drink (7). This alerts her curiosity: for Samaritans did not talk with Jews, and convention prevented men and women talking together in public. Jesus treats everybody with the same respect and concern.

• Who are the people we find difficult?
 

A SENSE OF NEED

Jesus gets straight to the heart of the woman's need by offering her 'living water' (10). Unlike many people today, she readily owns up to inner thirst (15). Her problems with men (17) indicate how she has been trying to enjoy God's gifts without acknowledging the Giver.

• In what ways do we live without reference to God?

A RESPONSE OF HEART

Everything changes when she realises who Jesus is. He is not simply a good teacher; he is God himself. He is able to tell her everything she ever did (39), and offer 'a spring of water welling up to eternal life' (14). The empty water jar left behind is a sign that she finally found what she was looking for.

• Do we find ourselves spiritually 'running on empty'? What can we do about this?

'Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.'
 

 by PAUL HARDINGHAM
 

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AN OFFER OF FREEDOM

This encounter took place at the Feast of Dedication, when the Jews celebrated the freedom won for them by Judas Maccabaeus in 164 BC.

Despite this, they were still living under the control of a Roman army of occupation. Jesus offers new life and freedom from all the fears and prejudices that controlled their lives (28).

* In what ways can it be hard to accept Jesus' offer of freedom?
 

AN OFFER OF RELATIONSHIP

The Jews accused Jesus of blas phemy, 'because you, a mere man, claim to be God' (33). As defence he points them to the evidence of his miracles (25), and words (27). He argues from Psalm 82, which talks about those commissioned to bring God's help and justice as ''gods''.

How much more does this point to Jesus as God's Son (34-6). His life and works are clear enough evidence of his unique relationship to his Father: the Father is in me, and I in the Father. (38).

* How can we develop the relationship that Jesus enjoyed with God, in which ' do what my Father does'(37)?

This passage lays down clearly the choice we face: either we reject Jesus' claim to be 'in the Father', or we believe that he is who he claimed to be (39,42). As C.S. Lewis expressed it, Jesus was either bad, mad or truly God.

by PAUL HARDINGHAM
 
 

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BREAD OF LIFE

We were created for relationships with God; without him there is something missing in our lives.
People try to fill this gap with various things e.g. money, possessions, drugs, work or leisure.

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry" ( 6:35). Jesus can satisfy our deepest hunger, by restoring us to a relationship with God

* How have we found this to be true for us?

BREAD FROM HEAVEN

Jesus likens himself to the manna. Israel ate in the wilderness: "the true bread from heaven" (6:32 & Exod. 16:4). This picture helps us to show how Jesus nourishes our lives:

* there was a fresh supply of manna available daily: Nothing God has prepared for us is stale. His Holy Spirit ensures that our Bible reading and prayer are fresh and relevant.

* they needed to gather fresh supplies each day: Being sustained in our relationship requires discipline; it doesn't happen by accident! We need to give space to God each day, so that we can hear what he is saying to us.

* each day required fresh supplies:
The manna did not keep overnight.
This is God's way of saying that we can't live on yesterday's nourishment: "Give us today our daily bread".

* What does this say about our own spiritual growth?

As Jesus said: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" ( Matt 4:4).

By PAUL HARDINGHAM
 
 

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'DEATH is the ultimate statistic one out of one dies * This is what Bertrand Russell said about the great taboo subject of death As we celebrate Easter again, it's good to remember Jesus' words 'I am the resurrection and the life He who believes in me will live, even though he dies' (John 11 25)

This is the basis of Christian assurance in the face of death Jesus' fnend Lazarus is dead He comes to console the grieving sisters Mary and Martha

MARTHA REVIVED

Martha was shattered by her brother's death, and Jesus' failure to save him 'If you had been here, my brother would not have died' ( 21) Being a busy practical person, she held the orthodox Jewish belief in resurrection However, Jesus sought to make the faith personal, by pointing to himself 'Do you believe this ?'' (v 26)

What is your own view of death ?
 

MARY REASSURED

Mary's different temperament left her at home being consoled by friends When Jesus found her weeping, he himself wept (v 35) This reminds us that Jesus fully understands, and cares about our sorrows and sadness.

How can we, help those who are facing loss in their own lives ?
 

LAZARUS RAISED

Even though dead for four days Lazarus was raised from death by Jesus (v 43) He demonstrates his power over the grave and the authenticity of his claim to be the 'Resurrection and the Life'' This was finally proved when Jesus rose from the dead himself

How can this story help somebody face up to death ?
 

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The cry of the desperate heart!

"Nobody knows the trouble I'm in!" Maybe you are trying to make ends meet because you are on the dole or other state benefits. You never win the lottery. The kids seem to get you down. You may be in work, but the job is boring! You just long for an escape. You long for satisfaction. Maybe you are trying to find this in drink, drugs, casual sex, TV & videos - just to mention a few possible ways in which you seek fulfilment. In spite of all your seeking, there seems to be no answer! JESUS CHRIST. God's Son gives an invitation:

1. Bring your trouble to Him! Look at His invitation:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (vs 28).
In Jesus we have one who understands our situation, whatever it is! An old "Negro Spiritual" goes - "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my trouble!
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows - but JESUS'"
 

2. Learn from Him!

Jesus just has so much on offer! He continues,
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle in heart and you will find rest for your souls" (vs 29).
"Yoke" means "to be secure in Him " First Jesus needs you to confess your sin (All wrong that offends God), and to turn from your sin. He will forgive! He paid the penalty of your sin on the Cross. If you will put your faith in Him, He will give you a new life. He will teach and encourage you.

3. Find fulfilment in Him!

Jesus concludes,
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (vs 30). I would testify to the fact that He has brought me through many trials and troubles in my own life. Only JESUS could bring me peace and fulfilment. He'll do the same for you! Just ask Him.
 

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Do you feel imprisoned ??

You look at your own personal situation and wish you could break out of it. A friend of mine noticed a butterfly trapped inside his kitchen window. Outside was the freedom it desired, but it was imprisoned by the glass. As he opened the window to free the butterfly. God said, "I am going to
use you to set people free." So for 20-years now, he has led a nationwide ministry offering help and counsel to people struggling with their sexuality and all the associated problems of abuse, rejection, fear, confusion, inferiority, etc. In the kitchen. God gave him a Bible verse, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36). My friend has seen many set free in Jesus.

Jesus is the way out!

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."(v.31). This is the first step. Believe the teaching of Jesus. Why do this? Because Jesus said that if you will hold to His teaching - "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (v.32). The truth of God's Word shows how our problems can be dealt with, if we are willing to accept His Word. Your problems may be due to circumstances or your personal sin. Whatever your need, Jesus is the answer! He is the OPEN DOOR from your personal prison (as the window was for the butterfly).

The freedom Jesus offers is life changing!

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." (v.34). But Jesus gave His life on the Cross to pay the price of your sin that you might go free, and be no longer a slave to sin. That is why He said, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (v.36). There is no depth of sin from which Jesus cannot save. No depth of human need that He cannot lovingly deal with in your life. He is about the business of making broken lives whole. Why not come to the Get Free Tent Event and find freedom in Jesus?
(The Get Free tent event was the Rochdale Town Mission held Summer 1997)
 

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The nation and the world was stunned!

I heard it on the 7 a.m. news on Sunday 31 August, "Diana, Princess of Wales is dead".
As the news of Diana's death unfolded, it evoked shock, personal grief and national mourning. People expressed their emotional response in many ways. Although most never met Diana, her death
brought a great sense of loss. I detected something else. People needed someone who loved and cared for them, as Diana had for those side-lined by society. I want to share briefly about Someone who does so always "Jesus Christ  who said "I am the good Shepherd." (John 10:11 & 14). In Psalm 23, we see this:"

THE GOOD SHEPHERD GOES BEFORE US.

The Psalm opens by saying, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." (vs.1-3a). In the difficulties, trials and disappointments of life, Jesus has been there before us. It is He alone who is able to lead us through, to restore us and to give us deep inner peace as we trust in Him. "He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (v.3b).

THE GOOD SHEPHERD WALKS BESIDE US.

These are tremendous words; "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and staff, they comfort me". (v'4). In times of sadness and bereavement, the promise is that the Good Shepherd is beside us!

THE GOOD SHEPHERD FOLLOWS BEHIND US.

He directs us into the place of deliverance and abundance. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil: my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (vs. 5-6). Will you not accept the offer of  The Good  Shepherd, to take you just as you are, to go before you, to walk beside you and come behind you into His provision and His eternal presence in Heaven. He alone is the way to Heaven.
 
 

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You may think that this is a peculiar title for a Bible Study! Who wants to know about the power of shame? Shame is something that we don't readily admit to. It has a powerful hold over people!

1. THE CORROSIVE POWER OF OUR SHAME!

Job was a man who was blameless and upright before God. No man went through greater affliction and testing than Job. Look at his response to his accusers; "If I am guilty - woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction." (Job 10:15). Whether we have done wrong things we are ashamed of, or whether it is shameful things done to us -
shame is an acid that strips us of our dignity and dissolves hope! It robs us of intimacy, wonder and joy. Shame is so painful that we react against it!
Children who have been abused often say nothing about it for years. The woman who has been raped finds it the most painful thing to relive in court. The corrosive power of shame is that it leaves us feeling rejected, dirty and despised.

2. THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF JESUS' SHAME!

The Bible says that Jesus "... made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:7-8), The perfect and sinless Son of God freely emptied Himself of glory and took upon Himself the limitations of humanity - but without sin. He did not cease to be God, but humbled Himself in becoming like us and bearing physical hunger, exhaustion, temptation, ridicule, rejection and shame!
God declared that the penalty of sin is death. Jesus paid this in full on the Cross - so that we might go free! He dealt with the consequences of sin, including shame, that we might find healing. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). In Jesus there is healing from your corrosive shame through His redemptive shame for you!
 

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Do you feel condemned?

Many people do. Somehow they never seem to get things right and often end up hurting or offending people when they would never have wished to do so. Does this say something about your experience in life?
 

THE STRUGGLE WE FACE.

 The Apostle Paul, the great man of God that he was, says this,
"I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn I can't make myself do right. I want to but I can 't When I want to do good, I don 't; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway."(Rom 7:18-19).
Paul knew what it was to struggle like us. For all of us there is the conflict between good and bad. We so often get it wrong, leaving us feeling defeated!
 

THE REASON FOR OUR STRUGGLE.

This is what Paul discovered, and it is true of us; "Now if am doing what I don 't want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp.") (Rom 7:20), Paul had a relationship with the living God. He was being mightily used in the work of God's kingdom. Before Paul became a Christian, the devil  controlled Paul's life. When he came to Jesus Christ, Paul came under the Lordship of Jesus. The battle rages within him where the devil tries to re-assert his control of Paul. Instead of living in the new nature God has given him, the devil wants Paul back in the lower nature of sin! It is spiritual war!
 

WHO WILL FREE US FROM OUR SITUATION?

 Paul asks the question, "Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature?" (Rom 7:24). How many times have you asked, who can help me to get free from habits of a life-time? Who can free me from being 'a pain in the neck' to family and friends, and my strong will that makes me such a pain? I just feel condemned!
 

JESUS IS THE ANSWER!

 Note Paul's words; "Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free. So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus." (Rom 7:25 & 8:1). If you will give your life to Jesus Christ, He'll forgive your sin and give you new life. Jesus never promised that life will be easy - but by walking with Him, you can find the freedom that Paul found. The devil and people
will seek to condemn you. Jesus took your condemnation to the Cross. In Him there is "no condemnation"!! Will you trust Him?
 

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"France 98" is over! There will be many memories! That spectacular goal by Michael Owen and the sending off of David Beckham, amongst all the other memories of "France 98'". We are now in the 1998/99 Football Season. However, it was with the thought of goals that count that I was reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul. He wrote this; "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13-14).
 

1. THE LOSS OF EVERYTHING OF THE PAST!

As Paul wrote about his past, he listed his achievements, bis work for God. The problem was that his idea of serving God was not what God wanted. Paul at that time persecuted the Christians. That was until the risen Lord Jesus Christ met with him in a mighty way on the road to Damascus, and challenged him (see Acts 9). Paul was converted! He was set apart to preach the Gospel he previously opposed! That is why he wrote, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Phil 3:8). The only goal Paul scored in his past was an "own goal". Scoring against himself! How do you see your life. Are you scoring against yourself? You can never know victory in life this way!
 

2. THE PROMISED PRIZE FOR THE FUTURE!

The Hope of the Gospel of Christ is seen in Paul's words. The national teams in "France 98" had the prize of the "World Cup" before them. They had  to work hard, train hard, and be disciplined in their lifestyle! It had to be the way of hardship and suffering if they were to experience the victory! The Christian life is not easy - but the prize is available to all who come to Christ and remain faithful and obedient to Him. Paul wrote, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead." (Phil 3:10-11). Paul pressed on "towards the goal"!!  Jesus lovingly invites you to come to Him. The "goal" of Heaven can only be gained through Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for you.
 

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Have you arranged to meet someone at a certain time in a certain place but never made it? You missed a train or bus, got in a traffic jam or perhaps you were just not ready in time! Great emphasis is made in the Bible about being ready. We soon move into the season of Advent - the emphasis of which is preparing for Christ's coming - His second coming! This is declared in the Bible. It is declared in the ancient creeds of the Church. He who came the first time to Bethlehem, came to be our Saviour from sin through His sacrificial death on the Cross. Now the risen, ascended & reigning Christ will come as Judge.
 

1, THE COMING JUDGEMENT!

 Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." (vs.37-39). God gave warning through Noah, but the people ignored Noah, regarding him as a religious crackpot as he built this huge boat (450ft long x 75ft wide x 45ft high) at an inland site. Noah was obedient to God.
 

2. THE TIME IS NOT KNOWN!

Jesus said this; ""Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (v.42). Despite people and cults declaring a date, and will do so all the more as we approach 2000, Jesus Himself said that only His Father God knows the date! Therefore -
 

3. ALWAYS BE READY!

Jesus said, "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (v.44). As surely as the judgement of the Flood happened, so Jesus will come again as Judge. This will determine whether you spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.
How can you be ready? Ask Jesus to be your Saviour from your sin. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24).
 

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How are you at mathematics? Some people are absolutely brilliant. Others struggle. Many these days are dependent on calculators to work out their sums. We never had such luxuries when 1 was at school. We did our maths the hard way! Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division were not too much of a problem for me, but algebraic equations certainly were! In Mark 6:30-44 we see God's mathematics. His mathematics defy human logic as through His Son, He works supernaturally! Jesus, is faced with the need to feed 5,000 men plus the women and children. They are all starving! He said to His disciples, "You give them something to eat." (v.37). All the food available was a little lads "Five loaves and two fish." (v.38).

Jesus directed that all the people sit down. He trusted His Father and "taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then be gave them to the disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all." (v.41). Here is the miracle -

1. As they DIVIDED. He MULTIPLIED their scanty provision
2- As they SUBTRACTED from it. He ADDED to it
3. As they DECREASED it by distributing. He INCREASED it for distributing

Jesus never gives in short measure to those who trust Him. "They all ate and were satisfied." (v.42). There was more than enough, as "the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish." (v.43). Our God is the great Giver!

Do you find life a real struggle? Things don't add up. You never feel satisfied. God in His great love, gave His Son that you might know forgiveness as He paid your debt your sin on the Cross, that you might find peace and security now, and hope for your eternal future. Jesus said, " I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10). Today, Jesus invites you to come to Him to know life - with His great plus!
 

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Jesus rose from the dead!

The greatest news the world ever heard - yet the vast majority of people dismiss it! Easter to most is just another holiday week-end. In a story Jesus told of a rich man and a beggar, the beggar went to Heaven while the rich man was tormented in Hell. The rich man wanted people to go and warn his brothers so that they would not join him in Hell. Abraham speaking from Heaven said to him, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." (see Luke 16:19-31). So today the preaching of the good news of the Gospel is still not listened to. However, why not consider Paul's words in 1.Corinthians 12:20-23.
 

• "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of  those who have fallen asleep." (v.20). In the preceding verses Paul speaks of all being lost and without hope. Now he states the certainty of Christ's resurrection! You see, Jesus Christ was raised to live for ever! He is the first-fruits of those believers who will live for ever with Him for all eternity.

 
• "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man." (v.21). Death came to the human race through the sin of Adam, the first man on Earth. However, life comes through another Man, Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that He is "Son of God" and "Son of Man".

 
• "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." (v.22). We are all inheritors of the sinful nature of Adam. That is why men and women find it natural to sin. and why the world today is such an  increasingly evil and violent place. Paul also wrote, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23). Jesus died the death we deserve for our sin and rose again that we might have new life and eternal life in and through Him.

 
• "But each in his own turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." (v.23). The choice of Heaven or Hell is yours. Because Jesus lives God offers you eternal life with Him when He returns. I would urge you to choose life.


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I meet many people whose lives are broken and meaningless.
Many have never ever felt really loved, but have only known hatred, cruelty and abuse.
They feel they don't belong! Life just rushes by with no security or hope for the future.
Is your life like that? Here is good news:-
 

1. GOD TOOK THE INITIATIVE - TO LOVE US

2. HE CAME TO SAVE US, NOT CONDEMN US

3. THE CALL TO BELIEVE AND TO BE SAVED

4. THE FINAL VERDICT ON YOUR LIFE

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Many people cannot understand that God is a Father who loves us. For some, their natural father was cruel and abusive. For others, their father showed no interest in them. Still others never knew who their father was. There are those who have good and loving father's. Whatever your experience, Jesus told the story of the lost son to tell you that God wants to be a loving Father to you.
 

1. THE SON WHO CHOSE TO LIVE A WILD LIFE

2. THE SON WHO HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

3. THE SON WELCOMED BY A LOVING FATHER

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