Reflections from the Pews with June Davis
I would like to draw attention to the marvellous work being done by Regeneration NE. How they have reached out to people in the community of all different abilities and brought them together. They are now open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to cope with all the people who wish to take part in their Arts and crafts sessions. It has brought people together that would otherwise be left on their own. They now feel wanted and enjoy one another’s company and companionship. Long may their work continue.
The Seven Times Jesus said I AM
1) l am the bread of life. Jesus said this just after feeding the 5000. The teaching of Jesus was not just empty talk, he made a claim and substantiated it with action.
2) l am the light of the world. After healing a man born blind. Proving he is the light of the world.
3) l am the door. No-one can enter heaven by any other way, but than through Christ himself.
4) l am the good shepherd. In this Jesus is displays his great love and care. He is the one that protects his flock. Even to the point of death.
5) l am the resurrection and the life. Jesus made statement after raising Lazarus from the dead. Without him there is neither resurrection nor eternal life.
6) l am the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to God. Scripture says the very essence of God's word is truth.
7) l am the true vine. Emphasises the sustaining power of Christ. We are the branches and he the vine. A branch cannot bear fruit unless it is joined in union with the vine. Only those who are in Christ and receive their power from him produce fruit in the Christian life.
A further two metaphorical statements:
In reply to the pharisees Jesus says "l tell you the truth, before Abraham was born l am".
The last comes in the garden of Gethsemane when the mob came to arrest him. He asked who they sought. They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” He replied, " l am he". Then they drew back and fell to the ground, in simply saying "l am!" Applied God's covenant to himself, Jesus demonstrated his power over his foes, and that his surrender to them was completely voluntary. See John 10. Vs 17 - 18.
Hymn: I Come to the Garden Alone
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho' the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
Author: C. Austin Miles (1913)
Charles Austin Miles USA 1868-1946. Born at Lakehurst, NJ, he attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of PA. He became a pharmacist. He married Bertha H Haagen, and they had two sons: Charles and Russell. In 1892 he abandoned his pharmacy career and began writing gospel songs. At first, he furnished compositions to the Hall-Mack Publishing Company, but soon became editor and manager, where he worked for 37 years. He felt he was serving God better in the gospel song writing business, than as a pharmacist.
The Torah
The reading of the whole Torah which is read in linear fashion, weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays the sabbath, took three and a half years. Equal to the years of Our Lord Jesus’ mission. The Torah signifies the first five books of the bible (our Old Testament) also called the law or the Pentateuch in Christianity. These books are ascribed to Moses, recipient of the original revelation on Mount Sinai.