SHARE Magazine July 2014 by The SHARE Magazine

Contents

by Homer Slack

Entering the p.

Kingdom

by Barbara Payne

Share Magazine July - August 2014

GOOD NEWS

O F T H E K I N G D OM 2

by Eve Clark

Bringing The Good News To All

SHARE Magazine July - August 2014

by C. Richard McCaw

King of Hearts

p. by Philip Clark

SEPPHORIS & Jesus the Builder

p. Reflections

18 JARGON BUSTER What do these mean?

16 THINK Shadow of the diver Author unknown 17

CREATIVE CORNER I am closer to you that you are to yourself by Lynda K. Smith

23 NOTE TO SELF by Angela Slack

24 THE STORY TELLER Stories that grip the very heart of you

About Us

SHARE MAGAZINE is a Christian quarterly that deals with challenging Christian topics that have been mostly ignored or left unanswered. The magazine includes written articles, poems and thoughts etc. Our online version (www. TheShareMagazine.com) has discussion panels at the end of each article where readers can continue discussions that can also show on their Facebook page. There are also links to Youtube where we sometimes place audio versions of our articles or links to related topics. If you would like to submit articles or get involved in any other way kindly contact us by using the form on our website at www.urspecial.co.uk/homerNangel July - August 2014 SHARE Magazine

Editorial Dear Readers, Thank you for getting this copy of SHARE entitled - THY KINGDOM COME...I am so excited to see what God is doing in these times, He is “building His Kingdom and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!” We have been blessed to have our writing team expand to include Barbara Payne, Eve Clark and Lynda K. Smith so lovely to have some girls on the team. Welcome ladies!

living a victorious and holy Christian life. So please read Entering the Kingdom by Homer Slack along with Eve Clarke‘s, Good News of the Kingdom.

Based on your feedback, we added a Glossary of terms – Jargon buster. We included terms used in this issue -Christian, born again, believer, spirit filled believer, servant of God, disciple of Jesus, Child of God and witnesses. In coming issues we will deal with: The Church/Ecclesia, The Roman Catholic Church, The bride of Christ, Evangelical, Fundamentalist, protestant, Rapture, Fivefold ministry Thank you for your support of our last (Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Prophet & issue ‘Still a Pig’. I believe we addressed Apostle), pagan, Gentile, Jew, and so some poignant topics that are quite on... controversial due to the fact that so much false teachings of pagan and demonic Our intent is for each article to become a origin has arisen over the last 2 millennia. reference document which you can retain There is a clarion call to the Christians or pass along to keep the multiplier effect worldwide to be like the Berean saints of changing lives by sharing the truth and ‘search out’ these matters because and changing lives one topic at a time. they are of eternal value. I believe we Phil Clark never disappoints in finding therefore have the responsibility to do archeological evidence that cements our our due diligence by checking out matters faith/throws a fresh perspective on Jesus and offering you our readers the benefit as our Master Builder. You will certainly of this effort. In this issue therefore: find Jesus the Builder quite interesting. We expanded on the article ‘How strong is your foundation?’ from the last issue by looking at what is the kingdom of God, who is its master builder and how do we become a citizen? We hope to look at kingdom lifestyle in later issues because so many of us struggle with 4

SHARE Magazine July - August 2014

We have included real life stories and will continue to feature these. Barbara Payne, whose feature article Encounter with Jesus is a very personal and moving testimony of the power of Prayer and faith in Jesus. C. Richard Mccaw’s testimony in King of hearts really hit home how much

we need the love of Jesus to transform our broken lives. We also welcome The Storyteller series of gripping true life tales.

and send them in. We love to hear from you and more over want to encourage the development of the creative gifts in you. Keep us in your prayers as we SHARE the truth that changes lives.

As usual, your Poems, reflections and thoughts are always welcome in our Creative Corner so take the leap of faith In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service, Love as always..

Angela Slack

@homerNangel

Editor and Co-founder SHARE Christian Magazine

Credits: Image on page 12 - 13 by: jDevaun - flickr.com/photos/34316967@N04 License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0 Image on page 17 by: See-ming Lee - flickr.com/photos/seeminglee License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 Background image of shattered glass on page 18 by: angestalt - flickr.com/photos/angestalt License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/ Image of tablet on back page advert by: Jared Earle - flickr.com/photos/jaredearle/ License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

July - August 2014 SHARE Magazine

Entering the Kingdom By Homer Slack

My family and I presently reside in the United Kingdom. We were not always citizens but, upon an invitation to work, left Jamaica the country of our birth, travelled thousands of miles and arrived at the airport here. Upon arrival all our paperwork was checked by the border agencies to see if we met the entry requirements. Among others these included the letter of invitation from an authentic agency and a visa, which is required for people travelling from my country. I would believe that all countries have entry requirements and border agencies that check each individual seeking entry and God’s kingdom, though spiritual, is no different. Yes, spiritual because God is The Supreme Spirit who reigns omnipotently and who moves omnisciently over all of His creation in Holiness. That is, He cannot tolerate sin/evil. So His laws are not our laws nor are HIS WAYS OUR WAYS. Therefore let us look at God’s two entry requirements into His Kingdom, repentance and spiritual rebirth.

ow important is repentance? Repentance is a must, it is essential for salvation and no one will be allowed to cross the borders into the kingdom of God without it. The person who does not repent will be left out of the kingdom and all who are outside the kingdom will perish in unquenchable fire (Luke 3 & 13). The fact that the main theme of Jesus’ and John the Baptist’s message was repentance highlights its importance, see Matthew 3:1 & Matthew 4:17. The disciples also preached repentance Mark 6:12. Salvation begins with our rebirth but to be born again one must repent. Jesus laid it out to Nicodemus, John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born 6

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again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” What is repentance? Repentance means making a complete round about turn and heading off in the opposite direction to where we were first heading. Stopping in our tracks is good but not good enough, we must turn and walk away from where we were first heading, for it to qualify as repentance. Repentance is God’s gift of recognition, the opening of our eyes so we recognise that what we wallowed in was mud, what we lapped up was vomit and where we were heading was death. It is God’s opening up of our eyes to see that Jesus loves us, He is Lord and He alone can save us. We become so repulsed by what we were and so captivated

by who Jesus is that we turn away from the mud, vomit and death to Jesus our Lord who is now the focus of our love and affection, He has become our ‘pearl of great price’. According to Hebrews 6:1-3 there are some foundational things we ought to have a clear understanding of from the very outset of our Christianity. These doctrines should be firmly set beyond debate and doubt from the time of our spiritual infancy. Our infant bones, blood and brain should be formed and made strong from the nourishing of such truths. So now we should all know how repentance is essential for entry into the kingdom of God.

“

b) Jesus is indeed the Christ and our only hope of salvation... 5) ...we call upon Jesus out of desperation, this desperate call is likened to the call of a drowning person. 6) This call reflects an acknowledgement of our wretchedness and a recognition that we are drowning in our sins. It also reflects an acknowledgement of the Lordship of Jesus and that we recognize He is indeed the Christ and God’s promised salvation. 7) Jesus then snatches us from the brink of hell because His word says He saves those who call upon Him (Romans 10:13) and from that point our grateful hearts are changed reflecting a changed life, with changes in our daily activities, speech and attitude towards God and others (Luke 3:7-14). We are now born again (John 3:38), we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are children of God and citizens of His kingdom.

How important is repentance? Repentance is a must to enter the Kingdom of God

Spiritual birth: How spiritual things work can be explained through many analogies, one such analogy is reflected in how border agencies work but another very clear way of understanding how God’s kingdom works can be explained through the facts of natural birth. To enter into God’s kingdom one must be born twice, first as a natural human being, as we all are, but secondly as a spiritual being. Our first birth as human beings does not qualify us to enter, for entry we must be born again, “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) The process of spiritual birth (Romans 10 and Acts 2) 1) The Gospel is preached 2) The voice of God is heard through the message (the voice within the voice) 3) The heart is pierced and faith is generated by the Spirit of God 4) On realising through the gospel and the conviction of the Holy Spirit that: a) We are wretched sinners truly deserving death in hell

”

If you have experienced these steps and have been going through this process then you are in the throes of being perfected you are on the pathway of the righteous and it will be a life time of transformation with the Holy Spirit of Jesus helping you along the way; ensuring that you are growing up into the image of Jesus Christ and that the old you stays dead. Hallelujah what a saviour! He will never leave you or forsake you. He has promised to complete the work He has started in you by His indwelling Spirit and present you before The Father spotless IF we cooperate with Him and do not turn away from the Path in rebellion. If you have done a spiritual checkup and have found yourself wanting salvation cry out to Jesus and follow these steps to salvation. Contact us and let us know the results. God bless.

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ith Jesus !! Encounter w

I had only known Jesus a few short weeks and was very excited that God could love me, wash away my sin and give me a new life, I certainly needed it. On the outside I must have appeared very happy with two lovely boys and a handsome husband but no one knew the real me, not even my family. I had dark hidden secrets that had shaped my emotions, attitudes and way of life well into my thirties. I will never forget the night I surrendered my life to Jesus, He instantly became real to me even though I did not understand the full implication of what I had done or why I had to do it. It was in Radcliffe Tabernacle Lancashire and Dennis (my husband) and I had come on the invitation of his brother Mervyn. As a child I had been in the local choir in my hometown of Chesterton, Newcastle-UnderLyme in the Church of England, but I had never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ like this before. It was such a warm, happy and vibrant church and everyone seemed so full of joy. They sang about Jesus like they knew Him and the preacher, Jim Sweet, even cried when he talked about Jesus on the cross. This was all new to me. Even though I knew nothing of the bible I just knew everything he was saying about Jesus was true…there was an ‘inner witness’ that I later realised was the Holy Spirit witnessing to my spirit. I was enthralled but it was when Jim finally said ‘Jesus put two arms up for you, can’t you put one up for Him’? Well my arm shot in the air as if I had been pierced through and to my delight so had my husband’s. We became ‘Born Again’ the very same second. Well that was our first encounter with Jesus…fantastic, and I just knew that I knew that something special had happened to me. I also had an immediate assurance that I was heaven bound. All my past seemed to rush in front of me and I started to cry as I realised God’s love had reached out to even me. I was thirty two years old. This must be the greatest mysterious miracle that happens to all who will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning work upon the cross. Anyway we began to meet regularly at the Tabernacle even though it was fifteen miles away from where we lived at the time. We just loved the music,the word and listening to what God had done in peoples lives. During this time I began having dreadful pain in my face to the point that I could not eat properly and it was even painful to smile. After attending my doctors he pointed out that I had an arthritic jaw. Arthritis is rife in my family so it did not come as any surprise but I thought it might have been later in life. I was quite distraught about it as my job was in sales and marketing and smiling was a great part of the job. While in church one Sunday night Jim stopped the meeting as he ‘felt’ the Holy Spirit wanted to heal sick bodies, I had not witnessed

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this before and was in no way confident enough to go forward to the front for prayer. Anyway, a lady called Doris knew about my jaw and encouraged me to go out for prayer. I had read in the bible that Jesus healed people and I knew He was still alive having risen from the tomb but still there was that unworthiness in me that said I was not good enough for Jesus to do that for me, loving me would be more than enough. I did go forward and along with a few others I stood shaking with fear at what might happen. Jim anointed me with oil according to the word of God and I returned to my seat having felt embarrassed at having to walk back down the aisle with everyone looking at me, or so I thought. I really did not expect anything from God…WOW what a surprise I had in store. On the Wednesday Dennis asked me if I would like to have a ride out with him to Cheshire as he had some business to conduct. I love Cheshire and jumped at the opportunity. As with every good day out I needed some confectionery for the journey, I was very partial to a Mars Bar but had been unable to eat them since having arthritis in my jaw. I really fancied one this day so I thought to myself I’ll just suck the chocolate and it will probably last me through to Cheshire. I asked Dennis to stop at the shop and by this time I was really craving for the Mars Bar. As soon as I got it I opened it and it tasted delicious as I gently tried to suck it. Well after we drove a few minutes down the road I let out such a shriek that it startled my husband to the point of him slamming his brakes on. He asked what was wrong and I just stared him in the face whilst slapping my own face and blurting out ‘It’s gone its gone’. I had naturally started to bite and chew the Mars Bar without thinking and realised all the pain from my jaw had disappeared………………. Praise the Lord. I couldn’t wait to get to bible study to tell Jim. When I arrived at the bible study the following Wednesday I ran up to Jim, also slapping my face, exclaiming that Jesus had healed me, there was no other explanation in my mind and I give Jesus all the glory. As a young Christian this was a mighty act of God that caused my own faith to rise because not only did God love me but He had shown that love towards me as I dared to believe that He is alive and that He could. God met my faith. Oh by the way it never did return because in this and future healing testimonies I have come to know that WHEN GOD HEALS HE HEALS, you don’t have to hang on to it or be afraid of losing it or keep making positive affirmations. God said He would, He did, and that settles it. The testimonies, at bible study, that Wednesday night were from all who had responded to the call for prayer on the Sunday and we had all received healing from the Lord. There was great rejoicing. The lesson: • Jim heard the Holy Spirit speak to him to stop the meeting and ask those who were

sick to come out for prayer. • He moved in faith • When we heard the call from God through his servant we OBEYED in faith. • Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit at ALL times and see miracles happen

Where faith lives there is no room for doubt. Continued on page 20

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Share Magazine July - August 2014

Bringing The Good News To All

GOOD NEWS O F T H E K I N G D OM

By Eve Clark

n this issue of Share magazine we are looking at the Kingdom of God. In the New Testament we are told that Jesus came preaching the good news (gospel) of the Kingdom.

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. (good news)” (Mark 1:1415 NKJV)

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel (good news) of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23 NKJV)

The kingdom is “at hand” (nearby), we need to repent (stop going our way and go God’s way) and believe (trust in) in the good news.

We can be sure that if Jesus preached something it must be important. The other articles in this issue will help us to understand what the Kingdom of God, sometimes called the Kingdom of Heaven, is. Knowing how important it is to Jesus we should take a close look at ourselves and ask “Am I a part of this Kingdom Jesus talks about?” What did Jesus tell us about it?

SHARE Magazine July - August 2014

In fact the very first teaching Jesus gives us in the New Testament is about the Kingdom of Heaven:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV) So far, we have seen that The Kingdom of Heaven is good news, it is “at hand” which means it is close to us and that it’s a call to repentance. That means we agree with God that we have gone our own way and now decide to go His way. It is not simply saying we are sorry and doing nothing to change things.

Who are the poor in spirit? If we know we have failed to do what is right in the past and acknowledge it then we know we are “poor in spirit”! As we have seen from the verses in Mark’s Gospel, these people do not automatically receive the Kingdom. There is something that has to happen first. On the day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter put it this way:Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ” (Acts 2:38 NKJV) Here again we see the call to “Repent” (turn from our own way and go God’s way from now on). Really, this is the “acid test”. Many of us were led in a “sinner’s prayer” and told we were now Christians. That happened to me. Deep down, I knew that something was not right. I had told God I was sorry but no one explained that I needed to do things His way. I carried on just as I had before. It was not until I realised that Jesus is the King and should be in charge of my life that I can truly say I came into his kingdom. As King, Jesus has complete authority He makes the rules, not us. When we repent He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us do what is right. Think back over your life. Have you ever acknowledged that you have failed to meet God’s Holy standard? If so, did you decide to go his way rather than your own? Who is in control of your life right now? Is it Jesus? Is it you? However we have lived in the past, we can be sure that if we decide to follow God and trust Him at that moment we are in the Kingdom of God. We can know this because over and over again He tells us so in His word, the Bible.

”For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 NKJV) Let us all take stock today and make sure we are in the Kingdom of God so that we may serve Him and live with Him forever. Confession means that we tell God. We talk with him daily. We pray about ever intimate thing. We get to know His ways and develop a sensitivity to His will and a passion for his presence. We fall in love with a God who first loved us enough to die for our sins when we surely didn’t deserve to be saved. Let us decide to do that today and every day because we are saved from past sins,being continually forgiven for (confessed) present sins and will be perfected when we see Him face to face when He returns to earth to establish the rule of His Kingdom. Accept this good news to be sure you are in His Kingdom. July - August 2014 SHARE Magazine

Created for intimacy Within the heart of every individual there is always a deep need for intimacy with another human being. The well-known song “No man is an island” well describes that need.

King of

By C. Richard McCaw

According to the Bible when God created Adam He put him in the Garden of Eden to be the caretaker and to give regular account of his activities therein. But He remarked, “It is not good for the man that he should be alone.” That passage is usually quoted at weddings to confirm the need a man has for a wife. Gen 2:18 However, the deeper truth is that every man is created to be a friend, companion or fellow worker in the great harvest field of the world, and to report to God about all he has accomplished. Perhaps that is why we read of God coming down to spend time with our first parents in Eden. The need for love must find its fulfilment firstly in loving the Lord our God with all of our hearts, but secondly in loving our neighbour as we love ourselves. It is an instinct created by God to be fulfilled in accordance with His divine will. Looking for intimate relationships in the wrong places In February 1996, when Elizabeth Taylor, 20th Century’s most famous movie star, appeared on the TV program, “The Nanny,” as the star of the show, Fran, the TV host stated that she would be meeting “Elizabeth Taylor-Hilton-Wilding-Todd-Fisher-BurtonBurton-Warner-Fortensky.” She had been married eight times to seven husbands. Liz Taylor’s empty search for “love” in human relationships Outside of her marriages she also had at least six romances, but soon discovered that human relationships could not satisfy the emptiness in her spirit.

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Taylor once commented on her quest for deeper relationships, “One of the few times I’ve ever been really happy in my life was when I was a kid before I started acting. With the other kids I’d make up games, play with dolls, pretend games...As I got more famous, after National Velvet, when I was 12, I still wanted to be part of their lives. I hated school, because it wasn’t school that I

of Hearts

alcohol addicts. She may have seen them when they first came in, with hopelessness written across their faces, and heard the emptiness portrayed in the way they spoke of their lives. She may have realized that, no matter what the problem, they were all searching somewhere to find love and attention. Many of us today get lost in the crowd, forgotten in the mass of working, tired, ‘striving for more,’ materialistic, humanity. However, everyone longs for deep personal relationships, and to be enveloped in what is popularly called ‘love.’ Most of us do not seek philosophical answers to theological questions, especially questions of the hereafter. In our confused, mixed-up world, broken relationships abound and everyone is seeking stability and assurance. Deep down if an individual does not find this ‘loverelationship,’ a god of some kind will be created to fill this vacuum, perhaps, some material thing, power or the prestige that comes with success. Personal choice Here now is how God filled that emptiness within me with Himself.

wanted,I wanted terribly to be with kids.” Creating our own god After marrying U. S. Senator, John Warner, from Virginia, she was very unhappy and depressed with her life in Washington and entered the Betty Ford Clinic. She may have sat by the beautiful lake or in its halls and met others who had become drug and

The Sunday night before my thirteenth birthday, I found something that filled the emptiness in my spirit. My mother had taken us to Bethany Gospel Hall, a branch of the Brethren church on Hagley Park Road. The church appeared to be packed with people from all over the city, who had arrived to hear Harold Wildish, a well-known English evangelist and Bible Teacher. Although ceiling fans were whirring, many were busily fanning. You could hear the shuffling of leaves as many turned the pages of their Bibles. At the end of the service the tall preacher with his large clear face and tiny moustache, invited anyone who wanted to be ‘saved’ to come forward. Continued on page 22

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SEPPHORIS

& JESUS THE BUILDER By Philip Clark

owadays everyone has heard of Nazareth, it’s the town Jesus grew up in. In fact Jesus is often called “Jesus of Nazareth”. Truth is though, in ancient times very few people knew anything about Nazareth. Outside of the Gospels no ancient text speaks about it. It seems to have been nothing more than a very small insignificant village in the middle of nowhere!

All that may explain why archaeologists failed until very recently to find any remains of Nazareth from the time of Jesus. About 4 miles north of Nazareth lies a much more important city, Sepphoris. Sepphoris was rebuilt by Herod the Great’s son, Herod Antipas, as the capital of Galilee. This rebuilding was at the same time Jesus and his family lived in Nazareth. Jesus is often called a “Carpenter”, but the Greek word in the New Testament means much more than that. This Greek word means, “Craftsman”, it was used about builders. Craftsmen like this had to be skilled in all the techniques needed in building. That means Jesus would have not only worked with wood but may also be skilled in stone and brickwork. Today, many scholars think that the small village of Nazareth may have been founded to house the wandering craftsmen needed to construct 14

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Sepphoris, the new capital of Galilee. If so, we can imagine Jesus getting up early every morning to walk with his step-father, Joseph, the four to five miles to Sepphoris, where they were probably employed.

and most Bibles just put “Christ”, instead of translating the word. Because of this many people refer to Jesus as “Jesus Christ” or just plain “Christ”. In reality this term “Christ” or “Messiah” tells us something important about who Jesus is and Peter, when he said this, had come to recognise this too by divine revelation.

Now that puts a different light on the Jesus of the Gospels, doesn’t it? It shows us that when He spoke The word about building, “Christ” in He knew what Greek, and He was talk“Messiah” in ing about, beHebrew, means cause that was an “anointed is job for many This picture shows a small part of ancient Sepphoris today. Note how the one”. In the years. In fact, carts have caused ruts in the road – maybe some of these were made by a time of the Bible, Jesus spoke cart Jesus & Joseph pulled! if someone was about builders set apart to do and building quite a lot. One day he said to an important job they would be anointed with Peter, “on this rock I will build my assembly, and oil. This happened to Prophets, Priests and Kings. the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Mark 16:18) Yes, Jesus came to build someThis is what it means to recognise Jesus as “The thing and that was his Church – the Kingdom of Anointed, Son of God” – we recognise that God on earth. Jesus is not only the Son of God Himself but also

When Jesus said “on this rock I will build my assembly” what did he mean by “rock”? Well, the context shows us Jesus was talking about what Peter had just said, “(Jesus) You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mark 16:16) What Jesus was saying was that this Church, this Kingdom, he was building would be made up of people who recognised who he was – the Son of God, the Messiah promised for so long to Israel. Today, many Bible Translations don’t bother to translate the Greek word meaning “Messiah” (that’s “anointed” in Hebrew).It is “Christos”

“

Jesus came to build something and that was His Church – the Kingdom of God on earth

”

the One that God set apart to do something important. That important thing was to set up the Kingdom of God on earth and to make it possible for people everywhere to become part of that Kingdom. As a builder by trade Jesus used the language of his trade to communicate deep spiritual truths to all who would listen and believe. The first fundamental truth was that The Kingdom Of God was now being established on earth and Jesus had come to announce that Good news. Secondly, this Kingdom was

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not a physical one but a spiritual one where the city of God is being built within the hearts of men who would be formed into a household of faith, a seat of righteous rule, a government of Divine Justice where Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone upon whom the weight and the integrity of the building rests securing the reliability of the foundation. How fantastic to rest assured that our future rests on Christ’s

unquestionable character, undeniable and uncompromising love for us. In other articles in this month’s magazine you will find out how you can be part of the Kingdom of God. Do read them and make sure you belong to the kingdom of God today.

Think!

Shadow of the diver

Author unknown

young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend’s sermons, but he heard them often. One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body, was in the shape of a cross. The man felt a strange feeling, like someone was speaking to him. Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked God to come into his life.

As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained for repairs. THINK, how may times God has delivered you from sure harm without you even realising it. 16

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l am closer to you than you are to yourself. Sometimes it seems that we are nowhere Or that our past has failed,

That the meaning of our life Comes to no avail.

We dream we could have clone it better Why not some other way?

But always remember this my friend Who’s the author of your faith? Who began the work in you? Who is always near?

To forever lead you by the hand Who says to never fear?

And every step of trial you take He will guide all the way,

He said He would never leave you And be with you every day.

He feels your very hurt my friend He hears your every cry,

And tears that fall in sorrow His love will dry your eyes.

No closer love is there than this

Than the One who is forever true, So hear Him when He whispers “Believe that l love you.”

by Lynda K . Smith July - August 2014 SHARE Magazine

What Do These Mean?

“God”

” n i a g A n r o B “

agreed, ready probably . In As you have al perfect like God & ly ho t no e ar we down again and od G t le ve ha e fact, w there d “sin”. Because again; this is calle e cannot know God ,w d is sin in our lives at has not stoppe th ut B . ve lo is and H made us and He has God from loving h His know Him throug ow to us r fo ay w a kn hen we come to stop Son, Jesus. W e w s, is Son, Jesu n to God through H gi be rt of life and living our old so life with God at its of live a new sort e with to live a new lif centre. Starting Bible e th re is called in God at its cent r fo that n”. The reason ai ag n or “b g in ow be we come to kn n he w e, us ca is be it is like is Son, Jesus, God God through H ing made new by starting again, be Himself.

JARGON

BUSTER

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God is the One Who made everything that is and keeps it all going. We know a lot about Him because He chose to tell us in the Bible. In this magazine we shall try to tell you more about God. But it is important for you to know some things straight away: God is Holy, perfect and loving. He is also not just an idea but real, in fact He has a Name, He tells us that Name in the Bible, it is “YHVH” (Yahweh), which means “I AM Who I AM” or “I will be Who I will be”.

“Christian”

A nickname given to them almost 2,000 years ago in a city called Antioch. Christian comes from Christ meaning “The anointed One” in Hebrew;someone having divine Power to accomplish mighty tasks. Jesus Christ gave this anointing to his disciples and so on. So people that have come to know God through His Son, Jesus, are often called “Christians”, because of their Christlike lifestyle and belief in Jesus.

Christians use lots of words and think everyone else knows what they mean. Truth is, a lot of the time we don’t even use these words the same way ourselves. Just what do those words mean really? The authors & contributors of this magazine believe the only way we can be sure of anything is to find out what God has to say about it. The only way we can find that out is from His Word, the Bible.

You see what we mean? Even in this introduction we’ve use terms and words many people may not understand or agree about! That’s why we’ve decided to include in every issue of this magazine something we’re calling the “Jargon Buster”. We hope you find it useful. If you find something you don’t agree with, please first check it out in the Bible; then, if you still disagree, please do contact us – we, like you, are learning all the time. There are lots of different words Christians use all the time. Because of this, we shall only be able to look at a few of them in each issue.

“Believer”

The Bible uses lots of terms to describe someone who has come to know God through His Son, Jesus – we have already looked at the term, “Christian”. Another term the Bible uses is, “Believer”. It tells us that, in coming to know God through His Son, Jesus, we put our trust in what God has done for us through Jesus and in all that God says & does. We Believe in HIM.

“Spirit Filled Believer”

The truth is, by ourselves, none of us can live the sort of life God wants us to live – holy & perfect. God makes it possible for a Believer to start to live in the way He wants for us by giving His Holy Spirit to us. Notice, the Holy Spirit in our lives is a gift from God. That means we have to ask Him for this gift and receive it through faith – that means we have to trust that God will give His Holy Spirit to us if we have come to know Him through His Son, Jesus, and we ask Him to do this for us. The reason God gives us His Holy Spirit like this is so that we start to live the sort of life He wants us to live, through trusting obedience. A Spirit Filled Believer is not holy & perfect like God but is a person who allows God to change the way they think and act; allowing Him to make them more and more holy & perfect each day of their lives.

“Servant of God”

Anyone who has come to know God through His Son, Jesus, should allow God to be in complete control of their life – all they do and are. That means they have allowed God to be their Master, their Lord – they have become servants of God by emulating Jesus in their lifestyle of humble service to humanity for Jesus sake. They do nothing for selfish ambition but all to Bring Honour to Jesus.

“Disciple”

Comes form the root word discipline and accordingly a disciple is one who submits himself to a master who will guide them along a path and exercise authority and discipline over them to bring to an approved standard of behaviour and character. A disciple of Jesus grows to master sin and exercise selfcontrol by submitting to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the conviction of the Holy Spirit in their life.

“Child of God “

Jehovah God is the Creator of everything that exists this world and the people in it. However because mans’ sin is so offensive to God He considers us enemies until we have made peace with Him by accepting the offer of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice to make peace with Him. When we do this we are saved from the death

penalty, the just punishment for our sins and also become Children Of God,joint heirs to the Kingdom of God and all the blessings.

“Witnesses”

Those are people who have first hand experience of an event or phenomenon who have evidence to offer that is reliable because they were there when it happened and can give an accurate account of things as they transpired. In modern courts like in ancient times a matter was decided by the corroboration of two or more witnesses. The apostles had first hand experiences of Jesus and wrote these down as testimonies for us. If you have experienced the love of God in your heart and know that Jesus is indeed living on the inside of you because you are experiencing this transformation of your character then you too are a witness among billions that Jesus Is alive today! (Not here speaking of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is a nonChristian religious group) Others to come in subsequent issues... The Church, Ecclesia, The Roman Catholic Church, The bride of Christ, Evangelical, Fundamentalist, Protestant, Rapture, Fivefold ministry (Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Prophet & Apostle), pagan, Gentile, Israelite and Jew.

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? e r u oC

Continued from page 9

I asked the Lord to teach me how to pray and through a book by Evelyn Christenson called ‘What happens when Women Pray’ I started to follow the teaching, it was incredible how the Lord used that book to teach me. That book changed my prayer life. There was nothing our God could not do. We witnessed daily for Jesus and saw many people come to Him, healed and baptised in the Spirit and this was NORMAL FOR US. Our children also would join us in prayer daily too, for as long as up to two hours together and I would spend every day at least two to three hours praying for God to change me and make me more Christ like. In Romans it states ‘Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God’ little did we realise that our faith was being built up as we enjoyed God’s word, the joy and challenges it brings to change our lives. Of course there were many trials and difficulties but we always found the solution in the bible. We didn’t always want to do it but we found whenever we obeyed in these difficult circumstances God brought us through. What I had not bargained for was the enemy of Jesus, Satan himself attacking us. We did not understand we were in a war and the Lord was preparing us for this. During this exciting time, I began experiencing some terrible nightmares and then one night I awoke and could not move. I tried to speak but nothing came out of my mouth. I tried to awaken Dennis but no sound was coming out of my mouth. I eventually made a noise and this awakened him. When he looked at me I could see from his face something was wrong. It felt as though my face was twisted and saliva was coming out of my mouth. With help from Den I came round wondering what had happened. All I could think of during this time was Jesus, I knew He was there and it was as if my body was rising to the ceiling towards a bright light. My brain was acutely aware of what was going on – I could hear and understand what Den was saying to me but I was unable to respond. Terror struck me! When I eventually came round I felt exhausted and helpless and could not move. This was the beginning of a horrific illness and it started to destroy me mentally, physically and emotionally. Jesus had graciously healed me of an arthritic jaw as a new Christian so I knew and had tasted of the goodness of God. All I had to do now was pray and He would heal me…wouldn’t He? These seizures were now happening two to three nights a week and I was afraid to go to sleep. I was also afraid to tell anyone. I heard well meaning Christians – from the pulpit –preaching that you must be in sin if you are suffering in sickness. I couldn’t believe it! This wasn’t the God I had read about. I examined my life and of course fell short, the bible says “We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3.23). So whenever there was an altar call in church I would be the first at the front. Daily in my own prayer life I would ask the Lord to heal me but nothing happened. I was reading God’s word at every opportunity as I became hungry to know the Jesus who had passionately saved my soul through the shedding of His precious Divine blood. We were seeing souls saved in our families and I was even laying hands on the sick, in faith, and Jesus healed them (James 5. 13-16) Eventually, we went to a doctor, privately, and after many tests I was diagnosed, with Nocturnal Epilepsy and Sleeping Paralysis of which, he said, was NO CURE. I was devastated and desperate. He prescribed some medication and for the first time in a long time I slept peacefully. This peacefulness was not without payment because after three short weeks I knew I had become addicted to the drugs and moreover the seizures returned. At £40 a time I could not afford 20

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to return to the doctor. I was now in a worse state than before having seizures and addicted to drugs that were having no positive results. I was still heavily into God’s word, praying and believing God would heal me and yet feeling I must not be a good enough Christian – not doing enough – not worthy enough for God to heal me of this, I became of a mind to take my own life because at thirty five I did not want to live the rest of my life in this state. I have always loved Jesus since becoming ’born again’. He introduced me to a life of faith, fun and future in Him and the longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows. I used to say to Dennis only if this is for the glory of God can I endure. This went on for five years. One Saturday night I had a terrible seizure and on the Sunday morning I was exhausted and wanted to stay in bed. Dennis would normally leave me to sleep it off but this morning he encouraged me to try to get up so we could go to church. He said it was the best place for me to be. We arrived late and sat at the back and towards the end of the meeting I sensed the Holy Spirit say to me “Ask the elders to lay hands on you.” In the other ear came a response “You’ve done that a few times but it hasn’t worked has it?” Well I know which one is in the word of God and it wasn’t that one. The bible says, “obedience is better than sacrifice” so after the meeting I asked Willie Hacking, a dear friend of Smith Wigglesworth, and a Godly saint to pray for me. People were busy coming and going and Mr. Hacking had no idea what was wrong with me, he didn’t need to, God knew. He prayed a simple prayer of faith and I went home. There were no flashing lights or clashes of thunder JUST FAITH. After all I had asked for prayer so many times why should this be any different. As the day moved on and bedtime approached I reached for my tablets when I heard a still small voice (not audible) say in my spirit, “trust me Barbara”. That’s the first time I remember God calling me by name and at that moment looking back I had a choice, yet again do I listen to God or carry on taking my medication. I decided to trust the Lord, if I died through one of these seizures I would win and if I lived I would win. From that day to this I stand as a testimony to the greatness of God and His healing power in the 21st century. I HAVE NEVER SUFFERED SINCE twenty years on. Once when I was sharing this testimony with someone I said it took five years for God to heal me and the Lord corrected me , in my spirit….”1000 years is but a day to the Lord I heard you the same day you cried out.” GOD ANSWERS prayer. Amen! THE LESSON: ·

Pray without ceasing, never doubting

Listen to God’s word alone

Never give up

Give God the glory always be willing to testify of His greatness

Perfect love casts out fear

CAUTION: ·

I only stopped taking medication because God had spoken to me personally. I do not advocate anyone stopping their medication without their doctor’s advice.

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Continued from page 13

King of Hearts

“You’ll receive a free booklet of John’s Gospel” he added. “Free booklet!” I thought. Since I was a keen reader, I went forward. Someone warmly greeted me with outstretched hand and told me, “Sit down here, son!” As I sat down on the front seat, Marion Wildish, the preacher’s wife, a plump English woman with an elegant church hat on her head, came and sat beside me. Whatever else she said must have flown through one ear and out the other. Only one thing remained with me. “Say this after me: I am His and He is mine!” “I am His and He is mine!” I repeated. The significance of those words stuck in my spirit like a nail well hammered in. I repeated them and suddenly the truth broke forcibly upon me that the God of the universe actually owned me, and I had a special relationship with Him as His very own friend. What a significant revelation and turning point! I was born again into the kingdom of God! Thank God for my mother, who did not send me, but took me to church to hear God’s Word.

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According to the writer of the book of Hebrews, “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart!” (Heb 4:12) Once more I began to perceive that the God of the universe, who created all things, Who had also created me miraculously in my mother’s womb, was once again stepping into time to bring me out of darkness into His marvellous light. Today, all I can say is, “He is worthy, ceaseless praises to receive!” Like the angels in heaven I still fall on my knees, I still fall prostate before Him. In fact, sometimes like men of old, like the apostles and elders mentioned in the Revelation, I fall silent at His feet in worship before His throne, and sing, “I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You.” Then I will speak to my soul and sing, “O my soul, rejoice!” Then I will tell Him as I continue singing, “Take joy, my King, in what You hear. Let it be a sweet, sweet song, in Your ear!” Miracle of miracles, I had met the King of the universe, and connected to Him we had become the King of My Heart.

Note to Self

Share Mag

You are a thermostat

se the r u c ’t n o D you are darknessINE! H S . .. t h lig

NOT a thermometerAFFECT THE ATMOSPHERE!

Don’t hang on

Just because you know a lot; every-

body doesn’t need

to know –LISTEN

man’s

approval it’s fic and fleeting; o

kle

God’s approv

nly

secure.

al is

MORE!

A day without

learning something is a wasted day.

Postmen don’t te harass/interroga ey their recipients th deliver and depart unobtrusively.

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stories that grip the very heart of you COMING SOON TO A VENUE NEAR YOU

n my years growing up as a child I once lived with an uncle who had a farm store and used to raise chickens. The chickens we reared were bought as little chicks that were hatched earlier in that very day we purchased them. Sadly enough a few of these little chicks would die from the scorching heat on the journey from the wholesalers to our home where we reared these chickens. On arrival we would clear out the few dead ones before placing the live ones in their specially prepared cage. When removing the dead chicks I would take special care to find those among

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them that were not fully dead but were still barely alive and try to nurse them back to life. I was able to save some and these would be understood to be my chicks that I would take personal responsibility for rearing. I knew and loved my chicks; I named them and could pick them out even though the cage was filled with chickens that looked almost exactly alike with the same coloured feathers. There were different partitions in the cage to house different chickens. There was the section for ‘broiler chicks’ meaning they were specifically produced to be reared for food and there was a section for ‘layer chicks’ that were specifically kept alive for as long as possible to keep laying eggs. One day while doing my daily duty of caring for my beloved chicks, that were now growing beautifully, it dawned on me that they were housed in the broiler section of the cage. My chicks were not born to be kept alive. I had to do something quickly! I could not allow my chickens to be killed. Think, think, I saved them once I must be able to save them again. I decided I would speak to my uncle and ask if their lives could be spared. To my delight my uncle said they would not be killed with this batch, they would live on. My chicks now stood out a bit among the new arrivals to the cage. They were obviously older and heavier. All the others from their batch were now dead but my intervention caused my chicks to live on, but for how much longer? Soon it was time again for killing as this new batch was now ready. I again interceded on the behalf of my dear chicks but this time I was not successful. My uncle said they had to be killed with this batch as they were not designed to live long and would soon begin to deteriorate. It was also best to kill and eat them before they got old and their tender meat hardened. The day for my chicks to die came much too soon. These chicks that I once held tenderly in my hand, manually opening their mouths and watering them with drops from a soaked cotton and also manually

feeding them until they were revived were about to be killed. I couldn’t stay around to see it neither could I partake in eating their meet. I was devastated but had to face the facts, my chicks were broiler chicks. People like chickens are also divided into two categories. The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” All who are IN ADAM (those only being born the natural way) will die but those of us who are IN CHRIST (those born again by the Spirit of God – John 3:3-7) will be kept alive. We have eternal life through Jesus Christ. If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to turn to God now and be found in Christ that you may live. Romans 5:12 says, “Sin came into the world through one man, and his sin brought death with it.” (GN) Remember that in Adam are all those who will die but in Christ are all those who will live. Jesus loves us dearly but His father has put a rule in place “The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) So if we choose to remain in Adam with the sin nature, Jesus will have no choice but to turn away as we are lead to the fires of hell. Unlike my chicks we have a choice in this matter. Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

To book the story teller:

Email : index_us@yahoo.com Personal Mobile Number : ++7940 875-674 Office Phone Number : ++1472 485-408 Fax Number : ++1472 485-408

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First runner up in THE SENSATIONNEL BLACK BEAUTY HAIR AWARDS 2013

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Umojah Salon

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MyDevotions.today We have recently launched our new MyDevotions.today website that will bring you daily devotions that you can access via desk top computer, tablet or mobile phone while on the move. The daily thoughts cover a range of topics and will give you something to think about as you go about your daily activities. Isaiah 26:3 says, “you (the Lord) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” It is a good idea to seek the Lord first thing in the morning so you can begin your day with him. It seems as if David the man after God’s own heart used to do the same. He writes in Psalm 5:3 “My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to you, and I will look up.”Build your faith each morning, keep your mind on him and let his peace keep you all day.