Knowing the Truth of the Gospel by Rev. T.R. Hanford

January 24, 2008 at 9:44 pm (Knowing the Truth)

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Rev. T. R. Hanford

Terry has been an Assemblies of God minister for over 50 years and is now retired from leadership of a church. He is an able preacher and teacher of God’s Word and has ministered regularly over the radio the Gospel of Christ. On this site he will be dealing and answering questions of importance relevant to Christians and non-Christians alike. I trust you will find the material a great help.

DOES GOD EXIST?

Quite often I have been asked How can I know God Exists? Show me God and then I’ll believe. Where is God anyway? Maybe you are like one of these sincere people. 

You see, as human beings we like to have things explained to us because we like to see the evidence. We like to touch and feel, but how can I explain someone who is a spirit? Who cannot be contained in the heavens, yet revealed Himself as the Lord Jesus Christ. Who lived for us, died and rose again nearly 2000 years ago, about whom one of his followers PETER said, “Whom having  not seen we love, in whom now we do not see Him, yet we believe. And we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory”. 

You see faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We all have a certain measure of faith. If it’s only in the driver of the bus or train that we get on. Probably we don’t even give a thought about this. He could be a heavy drinker, or perhaps he has stolen the vehicle for some crime, we never think so.  

It is by faith we understand who God is. By reading His Book, the Bible, we find out what God is like, His love and compassion that HE has for us and also His holiness and anger towards sin. 

Yet it is not only by FAITH that we see God, but He has shown Himself to all of us in His CREATION. The beauty of His creation .the wonders of nature, the very food we eat proves God exists. I find it hard to understand how some believe, that by a big explosion, the BIG BANG theory, which the world and all life on it, came into existence, that we originally, over millions of years ago turned into human beings, that we originally came from a pool of slime and eventually over millions of years, turned into human being. 

They then have the audacity to tell me believing in God requires tremendous faith - (Who are they trying to kid?) – The Bible affirms that “the fool has said in his heart, there is no God”.  I don’t think it is that people cannot believe in GOD, it is rather they ‘WILL NOT’. Have you ever stopped and marvelled at the body you live in? When was the last time you woke up and had to remind your heart to start beating or your wound to start healing? Have you considered the complexity of the human eye or brain which is far beyond the capabilities of any computer? 

The human body is truly amazing beyond our understanding. God has set guidelines for us to follow, principles and instructions to adhere to, and yet it is today as it was in the beginning, man is rebellious towards God. Friend, there is no doubt God exists, and one day we shall stand before HIM., FACE To FACE, ALONE and give an account of our life to Him.  

Here is a Word in the Bible to close with for your thought. Mankind today is described as ‘EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER BEING ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH’. Jesus said, ‘I am the way the Truth and the Life and no man comes to the Father (GOD) but by Me’. If you really want to know God then you must come to Christ and God will become real to you. 

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Great Stories collated by Rev. E. Anderson

January 24, 2008 at 9:38 pm (Great Stories)

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Rev. E. Anderson

THE POWER OF DETERMINATION

 The little country schoolhouse was heated by an old-fashioned, pot-burned coal stove. A little boy had the job of coming to school early each day to start the fire and warm the room before his teacher and his classmates arrived. 

One morning they arrived to find the schoolhouse engulfed in flames. They dragged the unconscious little boy out of the flaming building more dead than alive. He had major burns over the lower half of his body and was taken to the nearby county hospital. 

From his bed the dreadfully burned, semi-conscious little boy faintly heard the doctor talking to his mother. The doctor told his mother that her son would surely die-which was for the best, really-for the terrible fire had devastated the lower half of his body.

 But the brave boy didn’t want to die. He made up his mind that he would survive. Somehow, to the amazement of the physician, he did survive. When the mortal danger was past, he again heard the doctor and his mother speak­ing quietly. The mother was told that since the fire had destroyed so much flesh in the lower part of his body, it would almost be better if he had died, since he was doomed to be a lifetime cripple with no use at all of his lower limbs. 

Once more the brave boy made up his mind. He would not be a cripple. He would walk. But unfortunately from the waist down, he had no motor ability. His thin legs just dangled there, all but lifeless. 

Ultimately he was released from the hospital. Every day his mother would massage his little legs, but there was no feeling, no control, nothing. Yet his determination that he would walk was as strong as ever. 

When he wasn’t in bed, he was confined to a wheel-chair. One sunny day his mother wheeled him out into the yard to get some fresh air. This day, instead of sitting there he threw himself from the chair. He pulled himself across the grass, dragging his legs behind him. 

He worked his way to the white picket fence bordering their lot With great effort, he raised himself up on the fence. Then, stake by stake, he began dragging himself along the fence, resolved that he would walk. He started to do this every day until he wore a smooth path all around the yard beside the fence. There was nothing he wanted more than to develop life in those legs. 

Ultimately through his daily massages, his iron persis­tence and his resolute determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk haltingly, then to walk by himself - and then-to run. 

He began to walk to school, then to run to school, to run for the sheer joy of running.

Later in college he made the track team. Still later in Madison Square Garden this young man who was not expected to survive, who would surely never walk, who could never hope to run-this determined young man, Dr. Glenn Cunningham, ran the world’s fastest mile!            Burt Dubin      

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God’s Thoughts and Ways compiled by Rev. E. Anderson

January 24, 2008 at 12:32 am (God's Thoughts/Ways)

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Rev. E. Anderson

These are but points to ponder that will initiate a greater comprehending of God’s mind and procedures. He desires that there should be a knowing of His sovereign plans and purposes so that life, ministry and service will be enriched and enhanced by His input. There is a revelation that His “thoughts and ways” are infinitely superior to ours – Isaiah 55:8, 9. We need to know and embrace them so that we might be able to achieve and succeed according to His desire and determinations. God bless you in your quest.

GOD’S THOUGHTS AND WAYS

 THE WAY OF FAITH

PREFACE: Luke 1-4. Luke writes from a heart of conviction because what he has to write is according to facts. He has been perfectly informed of the truth right from the start and throughout and so what is penned is historically correct and can be trusted.  ASSURANCE: Not only was he fully persuaded and assured, he desired that the receiver of this testimony, Theophilus, (lover of God), should also be full of assurance in reading of what was stated. He needed to grow in faith and this is one of the essential ways of the Lord. Divine faith comes by being receiving the revelation of truth that comes from God’s Word. Luke is an inspired messenger and recorder. MINISTRY: The angel Gabriel is very much involved with regard to the birth of these two important persons, John and Jesus. In His mission and ministry he comes not only with good tidings not only to two women, he has the task of seeking to impart assurance to them. There is no doubt, as far as he is concerned, that faith is a vital requisite with Go –  v 37.

      1.  THERE HAS TO BE THE REMOVAL OF FEAR - vv13, 30

Both to Zacharias and Mary there is addressing of their minds, hearts and spirits with the salutary greeting – “Fear not.” So often a person is gripped with a spirit of fear and this can be the means of hindering what God desires to do so it has to be dealt with. 

       2.  THERE PROCEEDS THE IMPARTATION OF THE PROPHETIC WORD - vv13,31

Gabriel is sent on a prophetic errand with the great news that there is to be the birth of a major prophet and the revelation of the long expected Messiah. Two extraordinary people that would be great and would make major impact not only their generation and subsequent ones – vv15, 32. What lives and ministries would be known!

       3.  THERE MUST BE THE READINESS TO BELIEVE FOR THE MIRACULOUS - vv20, 37 

Both people addressed were expected to respond in an attitude of faith. Unfortunately Zacharias is somewhat unsure and so is made to realize his unbelief and finds a temporary affliction placed on him – v20. Mary was ready to raise a question - v34 but is quick to respond to the assurance given.

       4.  THERE IS SURE TO BE THE MATTER OF CONFIRMATION - vv22-24,41-44

God has His ways and means of confirming the prophetic message He has given. One does not have to worry about how things are to be accomplished; such things are in His hand and outworking. John is not left wondering too long because Elisabeth becomes pregnant. She receives added confirmation through Mary and Mary receives confirmation through Elisabeth. 

     5.  THERE IS TO BE THE APPROPRIATE SEASON OF REALIZATION - vv20, 45  

As far as Gabriel is concerned, God will effect these events and experiences according to His timing. The bringing to pass is in His schedule of things. There is a providential arrangement that always operates in the accomplishment of the inspired prophetic word. God will never be proved a liar nor will He ever be embarrassed by anything He has promised. He has the wisdom and the wherewithal to bring into being no matter how incredible it may appear to the human mind. The miraculous conceptions would take place under His appointment.

      6.  THERE IS THE INEVITABLE JUBILATION - vv41, 46 

When God does things and when faith is present, it always consummates in the explosion and expression of divine rapture and joy. In no way is depression and gloom existent. It becomes apparent that these two holy women are blessed and full of divine delight and pleasure as to what is taking place through the ministry of faith. Faith leads to fact and the fact is both are pregnant through the word and power of God. The prospect for these two sons was enormous.

CONCLUSION

 The New Testament commences on the note and way of faith. This is the revelation of how God works with and through people. The quicker we know the procedure of God on this front and respond to it positively, so we will become pregnant with God’s word and His expectations will be rich within us and will come to birth and fruition. What God is about is the production of great people that will believe for and do great things. Two ordinary people became enormously blessed and fulfilled. The Lord comes at seasonable moments in order to effect these things today.

There is little doubt that the times in which we live should be great days in the manifestation and ministration of incredible happenings. Into the womb of men’s minds and hearts the Lord would come by His Holy Spirit to communicate a living, dynamic word that will set in motion that which will have powerful impact upon Christendom and the world. The incidents recorded are to serve as a catalyst for much more. As there is a gracious waiting upon the Lord and a spiritual state created, there will be the inspired ministry of God and faith will take over. 

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News and Views edited by Rev. A. Hocking

January 24, 2008 at 12:22 am (News and Views)

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Rev. Barry Woodward

This is an up-date of the activities of Barry Woodward, the East Pennine Evangelist of Assemblies. It contains news of blessing over the past twelve months and the expectation for the days ahead. Read and pray for his life and ministry. 

ONCE AN ADDICT 

2007 was a great year which included many missions, “one off” speaking engagements and opportunities with the media, both secular and Christian. We also saw the launch of my autobiography “Once an Addict” which has sold 11,000 copies to date. Over 7,000 of these have been sent into prisons throughout the UK, which I will share more on later. It was great to finish the year in December by taking part in another interview at Premier Radio in London, this time with Jeff Lucas and Ruth Dearnley. 

Here is just one of the many stories from a mother who attended the Wakefield mission with her daughter in 2007:

TESTIMONY OF HEALING POWER

“On Sunday 18th November 2007, I brought my daughter Georgina forward for healing. Georgina is 10 years old and has suffered with severe ADHD since the age of 4… So when you started to pray for healing of people last Sunday morning, I brought Georgina forward… On Monday 19th November, Georgina woke up on her own, had a shower on her own, CLEANED HER TEETH on her own, without a fight, got dressed and was ready by      8 a.m. First Time EVER!! Georgina went to school and didn’t get into trouble and actually concentrated.”

AN EVEN BETTER YEAR - 2008 

2008 is looking to be an exciting year. Already my diary is full. Again we will be undertaking about 25 missions in churches throughout the UK and many “one off” outreach events some of which are linked to Hope 08. I will also be involved with conferences including Spring Harvest. Please pray that we will see even more people come to know Christ and that God will heal people physically and emotionally through the ministry of Proclaim Trust. 

PRISONS PROJECT 

Several months ago my publishers Authentic Media sent a sample chapter of my book to every prison in the UK giving them the opportunity to receive free copies from the Trust for every prisoner. Up to date we have already sent over 7,000 books out to prisons throughout the UK and we would like to thank all those who have supported this project to date. Without your support we could not do this. We have so many stories we could share as fruit from this work and here are just a couple of extracts from recent letters from prisoners who have read the book: “…

I am currently in Strangeways prison for domestic violence…my addiction is the demon drink, I am an alcoholic and it has taken over my life and got me into lots, lots and lots of trouble and in reading Barry’s book has hit me in a way I cannot explain and do not understand, but I no longer want to drink and want help in keeping me off the drink…” “…I have been in now over a week,…your book has really helped me, as soon as I put it down I didn’t feel as if I was rattling, I prayed the prayer you wrote on page 198 out loud…” 

We still have over 8,000 books ordered by prison chaplains that we have yet to raise the funds for. These prisons include: -         Dartmoor – 630 books requested x £1.50 per book = £945-         Greenock (Scotland) – 300 books requested x £1.50 per book = £450-         Peterborough – 900 books outstanding (1,000 requested) x £1.50 per book = £1,350 

HOPE 08 IN PRISONS TOUR 

As part of the Hope 08 initiative I will be touring around the UK speaking in various prisons. Many of the prisons that I will be visiting will have received the “Once an Addict” book in advance for every individual prisoner. I have already visited Aylesbury Young Offenders Institute on the 6th January 2008. Over 400 prisons at Aylesbury had received a copy of Once an Addict as a Christmas present from the prison and on the day I spoke 13 young offenders made a commitment to Christ.   

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