SERVICE JANUARY 2020
HYMN: YET ONCE AGAIN
Introduction: 01 Intro Yet Once Again (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Introduction: For the first service of 2020, we have the words of the hymn,Yet Once Again, the first verse of which reads
Yet once again, by God’s abundant mercy,
We join our song of thankfulness and praise;
Ever the light of our redeemer’s victory
Shineth before us in the world’s dark ways.
The hymn was written by Albert Orsborn, General of The Salvation Army (1946-1954)
Music : Henry Thomas Smart who gave up a career in the legal profession for one in music. Although largely self taught, he became proficient in organ playing and composition, and he was a music teacher and critic. He was an organist in a number of London churches He became completely blind at the age of fifty-two, but his remarkable memory enabled him to continue playing the organ. The tune is called ‘Pilgrims’.
Audio file 02 Yet once again (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Yet once again, by God’s abundant mercy
We join our song of thankfulness and praise;
Ever the light of our redeemer’s victory
Shineth before us in the world’s dark ways.
Refrain:
Jesus shall conquer, lift up the strain!
Evil shall perish and righteousness shall reign.
2
O for the time of Christ’s completed mission!
Throbs of its rapture reach us as we pray;
Gleams of its glory bursting on our vision
Speed us to labour, urge us on our way.
3
Stretch out thy hand, O God, and let the nations
Feel through thine host the thrill of life divine;
Grant us, we pray, still greater revelations,
Make of these days an everlasting sign.
PRAYER
Audio file 03 Prayer (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
O God, at the start of a new year, we pray for a world which needs you so much yet cares about you so little.
We think of so many areas of the world where there is strife caused by self- interest and greed. Wherever Christians can have access to those who make decisions which affect nations, we pray that they will be empowered in such a way that the leaders of the nations give heed to your commands, O God.
We ask for direction for scientists in the world of medical research and that there will be speedy relief from the diseases which are afflicting so many
We pray that your Church will more readily defend the Christian faith and will challenge those who seek to defame your Word.
We also pray for all Christians that we might have a continuing blessing of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
HYMN: ALL PEOPLE THAT ON EARTH DO DWELL
Introduction 04 Intro All people (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words-William Kethe, who died in 1594, was a Scottish clergyman who spent a great deal of time in exile for his faith. He helped translate the Geneva Bible in 1560
Tune-Old Hundreth was composed by a French composer of the Renaissance, Louis Bourgeois, who followed John Calvin to Geneva, in 1541.
Audio file: 05 All people (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.
2
The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.
3
O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
4
For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
5
To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.
MUSICAL MOMENTS
Introduction: 06 Intro Musical Moments (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Firstly, a soprano cornet solo ‘Tambourin’. Originally written for flute and piano, the piece was arranged for brass by Howard Davies of Australia.
The composer Francois Joseph Gossec was one of the leading figures of eighteenth century French music. Gossec was a versatile and prolific composer and in many ways his experiments presage the works of Haydn and Beethoven. His choral music is also significant; his Te Deum, for example (written for 300 instrumentalists and a choir of more than 1,000 singers), foreshadows the later works of Berlioz.
Secondly, for piano: Liebestraum are three piano pieces by Liszt originally conceived as songs after poems. The third piece is based upon a poem by Ferdinand Freiligrath about the depth of true mature love. It’s included in our service simply for the sheer beauty of music.
Then an upbeat spiritual, ‘Every time I feel the Spirit’
(a) BRASS: Tambourin 07 Tambourin (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
(b) PIANO: Liebestraume 08 Liebestraume (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
(c) CHORAL: EVERY TIME I FEEL THE SPIRIT 09 Every time I feel the Spirit (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Chorus
Every time I feel the spirit
Movin’ in my heart I will pray
Every time I feel the spirit
Movin’ in my heart I will pray
1
Up on the mountains my Lord spoke
Out of His mouth came fire and smoke
Looked all around me, it looked so fine
I asked the Lord could it be mine
2
The Jordan river is chilly and cold
It chills the body but not the soul
There aint but one train upon this track
It runs to heaven and then right back.
3
Oh, I have sorrow and I have woe
I have heartaches here below
But while God leads me I’ll never fear
For I know that He is near.
HYMN: TELL OUT MY SOUL
Introduction: 10 Intro Tell out my soul (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab) "Tell Out, My Soul" paraphrases the Magnificat,. The hymn was written Timothy Dudley-Smith in 1962. It is popularly sung to the tune Woodlands composed by Walter Greatorex in 1916.
Audio file 11 Tell out my soul (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
Tender to me the promise of his word;
In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.
2
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same;
His holy Name--the Lord, the Mighty One.
3
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
4
Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
To children's children and for evermore!
BIBLE READING
Matthew 14:1-12
Audio file 12 Matt 14:1-12 (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.
6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
HYMN : THINE BE THE GLORY
Introduction: 13 Intro Thine be the glory (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab) The hymn is usually associated with Easter but it’s a great hymn to sing anytime! It was written by the Swiss writer Edmond Budry (1854–1932) and set to the tune of the chorus "See, the Conqu'ring hero comes" from Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabaeus,
Audio file 14 Thine be the glory (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Thine be the glory,
Risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory
Thou o’er death hast won.
Angels in bright raiment
Rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave-clothes
Where Thy body lay.
Thine be the glory,
Risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory
Thou o’er death hast won!
2
Lo, Jesus meets us,
Risen from the tomb!
Lovingly He greets us,
Scatters fear and gloom.
Let the church with gladness
Hymns of triumph sing,
For her Lord now liveth,
Death hath lost its sting.
3
No more we doubt Thee,
Glorious Prince of life;
Life is naught without Thee:
Aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conquerors,
Through Thy deathless love;
Lead us in Thy triumph
To Thy home above.
GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS
Audio file 15 God's tithes (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Veil Ministries encourages the Biblical practice of tithing on the basis of Malachi 3:10
In the service today we give the opportunity to pause and consider our giving to whatever church or ministry God leads us to support.
HYMN JOYFUL, JOYFUL
Introduction: 16 Intro Joyful (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words: Henry Van Dyke in 1907 wrote this hymn while staying at the home of Harry A. Garfield at Williams College, Massachusetts. Van Dyke wrote: These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope. Music: Hymn to Joy, from the 9th Symphony of Beethoven.
Adio file 17 Joyful (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun
above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
2
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, centre of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.
3
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
4
Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.
POET’S CORNER: THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE
Audio file 18 Poem The blessing of obedience (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
There’s a blessing in obedience when ourselves we can forget,
When God’s plan is all important and all else we can reject;
When we serve with true abandon, keeping nothing in reserve,
We discover real fulfilment, more than ever we deserve.
When the extra mile is journeyed, though the challenge seems so great,
There’s a presence that reminds us we’re surrounded by God’s grace;
When we choose to do his bidding, even when we see no gain,
We’re enriched beyond all measure, far beyond all earthly fame.
When the seeds we’ve sown lie dormant ‘though we’ve tended them
with care
Are revitalized by Jesus, none other can compare;
When we bring our limitations to the God of might and power
There’s a never-ending blessing that gets better hour by hour.
He’s eternal, yet he’s present at the moment of our need,
He’s supernal and he listens when we come to intercede:
But obedience tells the master we are ready, should he choose,
When he needs a human helper, we are here for him to use.
(Malcolm Westwood)
HYMN: LOVE DIVINE
Introduction: 19 Intro Love Divine (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
This hymn by Charles Wesley with a theme of Christian perfection is generally reckoned to be among Wesley's finest. It appears in 1,328 of the North American hymnals.
Audio file 20 Love Divine (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1.
Love Divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
2.
Come, almighty to deliver,
Let us all thy grace receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve thee as thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,
Glory in thy perfect love.
3.
Finish then thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in thee,
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!
BIBLE READING
MATTHEW 14:13-21
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Audio file 21Matt 14:13-21 (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
JESUS, THE NAME HIGH OVER ALL
Introduction: 22 Intro Jesus the name (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
This hymn has long been a great favourite with Methodist people.
The facts which suggested the composition are recorded by Charles Wesley in his Journal of 6th August, 1744. Having been preaching in the small church at Laneast, in Cornwall, and condemning the drunken revels of the people, whilst urging them to repent and be converted, one in the congregation contradicted and blasphemed.
Charles Wesley asked, “Who is he that pleads for the devil?” As the reviler stood boldly forward, the preacher fearlessly exposed his character.
These circumstances are believed to have suggested the writing of this hymn.
Audio file 23 Jesus the name (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1.
Jesus, the name high over all,
In Hell or earth or sky;
Angels and men before him fall,
And devils fear and fly.
Chorus
We have no other argument,
We want no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that he died for me.
2.
Jesus, the name to sinners dear,
The name to sinners given;
He scatters all their guilty fear;
He turns their hell to Heaven.
3.
Jesus the prisoner's fetters breaks,
And bruises Satan's head;
Power into strengthless souls he speaks,
And life into the dead.
4.
O that the world would taste and see
The riches of his grace;
The arms of love that compass me
Would all mankind embrace.
5.
His glorious righteousness I show,
His saving truth proclaim;
'Tis all my business here below
To cry: Behold the Lamb!
6.
Happy, if with my latest breath
I may but gasp his name,
Preach him to all, and cry in death:
Behold, behold the Lamb!
BRASS ‘IN QUIET PASTURES’
Introduction 24 Intro In Quiet Pastures (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Composer: Ray Steadman-Allen.
These words of Will Brand are are featured in this band selection
Audio file 25 In Quiet Pastures (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1.
When from sin's dark hold thy love had won me,
And its wounds thy tender hands had healed,
As thy blest commands were laid upon me,
Growing light my growing need revealed.
Thus I sought the path of consecration
When to thee, dear Lord, my vows were given;
And the joy which came with full salvation
Winged my feet and filled my heart with Heaven.
Chorus
By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which thou didst shed for me,
While thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with thee.
2.
But my heart at times with care is crowded,
Oft I serve with weak, o'erladen hands,
And that early joy grows dim and clouded
As each day its heavy toll demands.
Have I ceased from walking close beside thee?
Have I grieved thee with an ill-kept vow?
In my heart of hearts have I denied thee?
Speak, dear Lord, O speak and tell me now.
3.
By the love that never ceased to hold me
In a bond nor life nor death shall break,
As thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I would plead fresh covenant to make.
From before thy face, each vow renewing,
Strong in heart, with purpose pure and deep,
I will go henceforth thy will pursuing,
With my Lord unbroken faith to keep.
VOCAL SOLO: MY HEAVENLY FATHER WATCHES OVER ME
Soloist: Sandra Entermann
Introduction 26 Intro My Heavenly Father (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
We are indebted to Sandra for her continued ministry here on Veil Ministries. Her vocal solos are such a rich blessing to us.
Audio file 27 My heavenly Father (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land or on the rolling sea;
For come what may, from day to day,
My heav'nly Father watches over me.
Refrain:
I trust in God, I know he cares for me,
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Though billows roll, he keeps my soul,
My heav'nly Father watches over me.
2
He makes the rose an object of his care,
He guides the eagle through the pathless air;
And surely he remembers me,
My heav'nly Father watches over me. [Refrain]
SERMON
Dr Malcolm Westwood
Audio file 28 Sermon (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Our Bible readings today have the contrast of Herod’s immoral family set up and the truthfulness of John the Baptist which was to cost him his life.
Let me just recap the situation which John felt he had to address.
Herod –or Herod Antipas as he is correctly known –was the son of Herod the Great who had left the areas of Galilee and Peraea.
He was married to a daughter of the king of Nabatean Arabs.
Herod had brother called Philip, a wealthy private individual who lived in Rome.
On a visit to Rome, Herod seduced his brother’s wife and persuaded her to leave Philip and become his wife. Herod firstly had to put away his own wife and by doing so, he broke two laws. He divorced his wife without cause and he married his sister in law which, under Jewish law was prohibited.
Without hesitation John rebuked him-a dangerous thing to do to an Eastern despot.
Then we have Herodias, a woman of loose morals and infidelity who had a distinctly vindictive streak and she hated John for daring to rebuke her. One can only be saddened that anyone could use their own daughter to get revenge. But Herodias obviously had no qualms about allowing her own daughter-who would possibly have been about 16 years old –to dance the suggestive dances of the dancing girls. For a royal princess this was truly a shameless thing.
So both Herod and his wife Herodias detested John.
Having given his word to Salome that she could have anything she wanted, Herod was so weak that even after discovering he would have to break the law to keep his promise to his daughter he was too scared of his wife to back down. He was a man who could take a firm stand on the wrong things-and on this occasion, it cost John his life.
(Herodias was in actual fact instrumental in Herod’s downfall. She desperately wanted to be a queen and persuaded Herod to go to Rome and ask the emperor Caligula for the title of King as he had designated Agrippa who had succeeded Philip, the tetrach of Trachonities and Ituraea.
On learning of Herod’s plans. Agrippa persuaded Caligula that Herod was intent on rebellion resulting in Caligula banishing Herod to Gaul for the rest of his life. Herod paid a heavy price for his seduction of Herodias!)
A family which was prepared to sanction the gruesome death of a man for speaking the truth and to give his head on a platter to a 16 year old girl for the satisfaction of her mother hardly bears thinking about.
So when Jesus came to prominence , the alarm bells must have sounded for Herod.
John was hugely popular with the people and as the Josephus, the Jewish historian wrote, Herod feared that John only had to say the word and the people would have openly rebelled against Herod.
Herod also feared John simply because he told the truth.
From this background we can see that John’s days were numbered. His bravery to speak the truth was extraordinary given his knowledge of the kind of man Herod was to say nothing of his immoral and scheming wife.
Could John have saved his life by preferring to keep quiet? It’s a temptation many people even today face. ‘Live and let live’ we often hear. ‘It’s not for us to say how anyone else should live.’ But how far are we expected to extend that? Failure to speak up against what is wrong will lead to the wrong becoming accepted. Once that happens, society will be less prepared to observe the differences between right and wrong.
It seems there is hardly a day goes by but we read in the newspaper of people being physically and mentally injured because of a breakdown in relationships , children are scarred for life and everyone blames everyone else. It’s not only politicians who are distrusted. Years gone by a man’s word was reckoned to be his bond. Sadly that is not true today in many cases. And no doubt you can quote many instances where truth has become a casualty over convenience.
We read and are aghast at the antics of Herod and his family which resulted in the death of a man who just told the truth.
If ever there was a need today for a return to the days of personal integrity and honour when lying and deceit is seen to be what it is, it must surely be in the age in which we live.
Let me move on for a moment to the second Bible reading which follows on : When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.
I think that is one of the most revealing sentences in the Bible. Go back to the time in heaven when Jesus agreed to come to earth to be our Saviour. There would have been no need of a Saviour had man not been sinful so Jesus well knew the extent of his task. But here it became personal. This had happened to his cousin, John. And Jesus had to withdraw for a while from the people he had actually come to save. Can we possibly understand the hurt
HYMN: NEVER GIVE UP
(By Fanny Crosby)
29 Never give up (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe;
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.
Refrain:
Never give up,
Never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart;
Trust in the Lord,
Trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.
2
What if thy burdens oppress thee;
What though thy life may be drear;
Look on the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear. [Refrain]
3
Never be sad or desponding,
There is a morrow for thee;
Soon thou shalt dwell in its brightness,
There with the Lord thou shalt be. [Refrain]
4
Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward. [Refrain]
BENEDICTION
30 Benediction (To hear the audio files please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
By the grace of God, the sacrifice of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit, may you be aware your Heavenly Father watches over you.
Amen
Introduction: 01 Intro Love Divine (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words: Charles Wesley. Music: Blaenwern by Williams Penfro Rowlands who was a schoolteacher, who served at the Morriston Tabernacle Congregational Church (1892-1927), and conducted the Morriston United Choral Society for many years.
Audio File 02 Love Divine (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling;
All thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.
2
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
3
Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
CHORAL: SPIRIT DIVINE
Introduction: 03 Intro Spirit Divine (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words and music by Brindley Boon
Audio File: 04 Spirit Divine (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1.
Spirit divine, come as of old
With healing in thy train;
Come, as thou did'st, to sanctify;
Let naught of sin remain.
Chorus
Come, great Spirit, come,
Make each heart thy home;
Enter every longing soul;
Come, great Spirit, come.
2.
Spirit divine, purge thou our hearts
Make us to understand
Thy blessed will concerning us,
And teach us love's command.
3.
Spirit divine, cleanse thou our souls
With pentecostal flood;
Breathe into us the life that shows
The Father-love of God.
PRAYER
05 Prayer (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Dear God, we are so grateful for your gift to us of the Holy Spirit. We cannot imagine how the first disciples must have felt when, before Jesus ascended into heaven, he entrusted to them their mission-to go and make disciples of all nations. Although they had witnessed the miracles of the resurrection and now the ascension, they must have looked at their own human ability, and wondered how they could accomplished what Jesus had commanded them to do. How grateful and relieved they must have been to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. So often we can identify with that feeling of inadequacy when we are confronted with situations which seem beyond our ability to resolve. Remind us, O God, that with your power within us, acting in your name, we need never fear any circumstance.
Teach us, we pray, that your gift of the Holy Spirit is not just for those in specialised ministry; rather is it for every believer in Jesus.
We pray for those churches which are struggling to survive. Their congregations are often so faithful in their efforts to minister but do so without the anointing of your Spirit. This Pentecost, we pray for a divine outpouring for those churches that your name will be glorified and their churches will be full of people wanting to know how they can be more effective in their ministry.
And for every Christian we pray for the continual blessing of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In the name of Jesus we pray these things. Amen
HYMN: BREATHE ON ME, BREATHE OF GOD
Introduction: 06 Intro Breathe on me (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words, Edwin Hatch who was an Anglican priest in the late 1800s.
Music ‘Trentham’ is by Robert Jackson, also in the 1800s, organist at St Peter’s Church Oldham for 46 years.
Audio File: 07 Breathe on me (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.
2
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.
3
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.
4
Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.
BRASS: THE HOLY WAR
Introduction 08 Intro The Holy war (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
‘The Holy War’ is a tone poem for Brass Bands by Ray Steadman-Allen in which he paints a musical picture between good and evil. Martin Luther’s great reformation chorale, ‘A mighty Fortress is Our God’ serves as the rallying point for ‘good’ forces. Musically, very cleverly, the composer illustrates that the devil cannot create. He can only destroy. This music is for the brass band lover, an epic composition.
Audio File: 09 The Holy war (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
CHORAL: IN HIS PRESENCE
Introduction: 10 Intro In his presence (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
A song which reminds us that today we stand on Holy Ground.
Audio File: 11 Into his presence (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS
12 God's tithes-1 (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
When we consider what God’s church and his work requires, our financial contribution may seem very inadequate but all that the Bible asks of us that we live on 9/10ths of our income and set aside 1/10th for God’s work.
And if we do that, we are promised something quite remarkable. Malachi 3:10…….
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
HYMN LORD WE BELIEVE TO US AND OURS
Introduction: 13 Intro We believe (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
This hymn was originally 12 verses long and was entitled ‘Hymn for the Day of Pentecost’. It had its first line ‘Rejoice, rejoice, ye fallen race’ and its theme the promise, power and indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
Audio file: 04 Lord, We Believe To Us And Ours (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Lord, we believe to us and ours
The apostolic promise given;
We wait the Pentecostal powers,
The Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.
2
To every one whom God shall call
The promise is securely made;
To you far off - he calls you all;
Believe the word which Christ hath said:
3
'The Holy Ghost, if I depart,
The Comforter, shall surely come,
Shall make the contrite sinner's heart
His loved, his everlasting home.'
4
Assembled here with one accord,
Calmly we wait the promised grace,
The purchase of our dying Lord:
Come, Holy Ghost, and fill the place.
5
If every one that asks may find,
If still thou dost on sinners fall,
Come as a mighty rushing wind;
Great grace be now upon us all.
6
Behold, to thee our souls aspire,
And languish thy descent to meet:
Kindle in each thy living fire,
And fix in every heart thy seat.
BIBLE READING
ACTS 2:1-13
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
15 Acts 2 (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongue as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
CHORAL: HEALING AT THE CROSS/THOU YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET
Introduction 16 Intr Healing at the cross (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
A simple presentation of the truths of the gospel.
AUDIO FILE: 17 Healing at the cross (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
VOCAL AND BRASS: SHEKINA
Introduction 18 Intro Shekina (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Ken Downie is a brilliant composer and the brass band piece we present today is entitled ‘Shekinah’ which is translated as ‘the radiance of God’s presence in the midst of his people.’ It starts with the singing of the chorus ‘Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.’
AUDIO FILE:19 Shekinah (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
SERMON
Dr. Malcolm Westwood
20 Sermon (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
To those who have been Christians for some years the details of Pentecost will be well-known. So let me just recap that Pentecost means 50th or a week of weeks which is a significant period of time after the celebration of the Passover. The Passover being in April meaning that Pentecost came at the beginning of June when the weather was much better for travelling and therefore as many, if not more people, attended the celebration of Pentecost them the Passover.
Pentecost celebrated the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest and no doubt we have all heard sermons which have reminded us that the sowing and harvesting can be very much in keeping with what Jesus intended his followers to be involved in when he commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations.
And despite the author’s few words describing the coming of the Holy Spirit, the book of Acts of the Apostles has been entitled by many as, "The most exciting book ever written." Indeed, had Pentecost not taken place, the Church, as we know it today, would not exist.
The text does not identify the place in Jerusalem where the disciples were gathered. But wherever it was the whole place was suddenly was filled with sound like the blowing of a violent wind. So extraordinary was this, that Luke writes (without feeling the need to explain his reasoning) that this sound came from heaven. Obviously, he felt something extraordinary had happened. The original language is quite rightly translated, "When the day of Pentecost came..." But it can equally mean "As the day of Pentecost was being fulfilled" meaning that the day of Pentecost wasn't over in this single day but it was still going on.
It must have been a very difficult scene to describe. Whereas the sound ‘as of a violent wind’, we can to some extent understand, although it's suddenness might alert us to something incredibly unusual, the tongues like as of fire would be more difficult to describe. The Greek language says "tongues as of fire distributing themselves." That clearly says that the phenomenon is when what looked like fire came, it distributed itself so that a portion of it rested on each of those present. What an amazing sight that must have been.
We know from the Old Testament that fire, like wind, was symbolic of the divine presence. We read in Exodus chapter 19 verses 16 to 18 about Moses on Mount Sinai:
16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.
So we have two highly significant milestones, the first the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai and the second in Jerusalem at Pentecost to enable the church as we know it to be what God wants it to be.
In John 16:7 Jesus said "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I do not go away, the comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
Reading in Acts 2 what happened, the disciples could never be in any doubt that Jesus had fulfilled his promise to them!
The sound ‘as of a mighty rushing wind’ had brought people rushing to see what was happening. Acts 2:6 tells us, "when they heard the sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment". But it is reasonable to ask what happened to give the disciples the ability to speak in the language of those who were gathered. Allow me, please, to come back to that thought in a moment.
Before we think about that, let’s think about the ‘tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them’ and consider the words of Jesus In Acts 1:8, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.’
At the moment of the coming of the tongues of fire on the disciples ‘they began to speak in other tongues.’
May I suggest that we do not rush too quickly from this particular wording because it indicates the ‘fire’ descending and resting upon the head of each disciple. There is no way that they could see this on themselves although they could certainly see it on all the others.
Instantly, at that moment, the disciples were given the ability to speak in other languages. How wonderful that not only did God give that ability to the disciples but that as they saw the fire on other people, they must have realised something miraculous from God was happening.
Perhaps today, we hesitate to express what God is wanting to give to us because we don’t see other people celebrating what God wants to give to them!
Of course, on the day of Pentecost, the gift the Holy Spirit to which Luke refers is one of the power of persuasive preaching. The gift of speaking in other languages was so that the words they spoke carried such persuasive power that the listeners wanted to hear the message –which was, of course the gospel.
O how we ought to want that gift! Preachers and lay people alike, in public sermons and private conversations –to be able to speak about the gospel causing our listeners to hang on our every word-wanting to know more-even though we can guarantee there will always be some who will choose to ridicule and suggest we don’t know what we are talking about, just as they did on the day of Pentecost.
I have no doubt that the disciples spoke in the actual language of those who had gathered to see what was happening but I’m sure, too, that the gift of persuasive preaching is as available-and much needed- today. Indeed, we might draw a parallel between the Greek speaking world at Pentecost and the English speaking world in which many of us live today. O for the Holy Spirit’s gift on us all to preach convincingly!
Yes, there are other wonderful gifts we are assured the Holy Spirit will give as he deems them needed and essential.
I Corinthians 12:7-10 tells us:
7 The Holy Spirit is given to each of us in a special way. That is for the good of all. 8 To some people the Spirit gives a message of wisdom. To others the same Spirit gives a message of knowledge. 9 To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. 10 To others he gives the power to do miracles. To others he gives the ability to prophesy. To others he gives the ability to tell the spirits apart. To others he gives the ability to speak in different kinds of languages they had not known before. And to still others he gives the ability to explain what was said in those languages. 11 All the gifts are produced by one and the same Spirit. He gives gifts to each person, just as he decides.
But on the day of Pentecost, it’s Peter who proves the urgency to receive the gift which was so needed–that of preaching the gospel so people would accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Here was a former fisherman with no record of great learning but empowered by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, able to preach in such a way that on a single day 3,000 people were converted!
It was only after that sermon that we read in verses 42-43
‘they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles……….and (v.47 )…… ‘And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.’
And perhaps an equally valid point is that the words of Jesus-‘You will receive power’ didn’t add that it was optional! He had the expectation that every believer would naturally want what Jesus knew was essential for us to have that we could make disciples. And, on reflection, no doubt we’d agree with him!
If as believers we are confident that our words when we share the gospel will be power blessed, we can be equally confident that when we are directed to use the other gifts the Holy Spirit makes available to us, they will be just as productive.
The difficulty, I think, in why some many people do not receive what Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to give us is the human problem of how something external can change us internally!
So let’s be certain that we don’t have the gift of persuasive preaching by adopting positive thinking or by reading books about how to speak in public. Such things are interesting and no doubt can be helpful but they cannot substitute for the power Jesus speaks about anymore than reading a book about the techniques of healing will enable us to go into the hospitals and empty the wards!
Would you mind if I made an observation which might throw some light on why the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not received as readily as Jesus wants.
While there are welcome obvious exceptions, the Church in the West is in a time of numerical decline and the regular attenders are often those who have members of the church for many years, some even from childhood. Some of those have ministered faithfully and have blessed many by receiving and using the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But many have what we might describe as a ‘gradual experience’. Such an experience can develop people into lovely stalwarts of the Church who not necessarily have that moment of anointing by the Holy Spirit. They love their church. They are lovely people. And in their church it cannot be denied that there can be a welcoming environment and the services are enjoyable but the Holy Spirit is more a member of the congregation rather than the power giver.
No one has the right to say how the Holy Spirit will manifest himself and how an individual will react when he/she is anointed by him. But if the Day of Pentecost is remembered, the anointing is truly significant. Personally, I have been so blessed when I’ve been privileged to pray with someone willing to receive the anointing how it has had a marked effect on them. There is no doubt their service for God becomes different. What was not possible before then becomes not just possible but obviously ‘do-able’! There comes an awareness that there are ministries which before might have seemed out of the reach of the church personnel, now become a means of non Christians coming to know Jesus.
If the Holy Spirit gives the ability to do that, shouldn’t every Christian ask God for his anointing?
If you are one of the ‘Gradual experiencers’, I thank God for your loyalty, for your faithfulness and for the blessings from God that you are giving but having shared Pentecost today, if you feel the anointing is an experience God expects every believer to have, and you want to be obedient to God, can I ask that this is the time to receive it. You may feel it helpful to have someone pray with you for it. Naturally, that would need to be someone who themselves has been anointed. But you can ask God yourself. God is so willing to anoint you.
The Church’s mission depends on every believer receiving the anointing of God’s Holy Spirit.
CHORAL: IN HIS PRESENCE
21 In his presence (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
BENEDICTION
22 Benediction (To hear the audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
May the gift of the Holy Spirit equip and empower you to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
If you would like to comment on the service please e mail
mw@veilministries.org