The
early New Testament church members had four biblical reasons why they should
meet together. (Acts 2, v 42) The first was for teaching, (spiritual food.)
This consisted of Christ’s involvement in the history of Israel, Christ’s
creation of the universe, His salvation for the sinner, His commandments
for the individual and for a nations prosperity. The second was to increase
their relationship and appreciation of Christ through prayer and by readings
or songs from the Old Testament. The third was termed the breaking of bread
in remembrance of the sacrifice that Christ made for those who accept Him
as Lord and Saviour. The fourth, for fellowship, something often not considered
but of major biblical importance.
Spiritual food. In the late sixties, an old Baptist Church in Guildford was sold to the council as the land was required for development. A replacement Church was built near the river. The minister, David Pawson, then approaching 40, found after the new building opened for public services that very quickly it filled up with people and overflow rooms became necessary. Churches for many miles around started to complain that members of their congregations were now going to that particular church. The reason why so many people went there was because David was able to feed those who wanted spiritual food from the word of God. On one occasion, David said that prior to preaching a sermon, he read the chapter he intended preaching from at least thirty times and the chapters before and after many times as well.
David did not want to miss anything out of the chapter referred to in the sermon. He had the ability through consistent and prayerful reading to draw out his subject matter, to read between the lines, to seek an odd word here or there which made the Bible come to life to his generation. His greatest gift was to bring both the Old and New Testaments from history into the 20th Century. Through his type of teaching, he left the congregation with a closer relationship with the Lord and a greater desire to serve Him.
Without such spiritual food, people perish. This doesn’t mean they stop going to church, but it does mean if spiritual food is not availed, then they are liable to fall away from sound doctrine. If we are not walking the life of an obedient disciple, then we are not pleasing to Christ’s Heavenly Father and could be in danger of stepping out of our salvation through lack of knowledge and disobedience without even knowing it. (Matt. 7 v 21)
Relationship. (Proverbs 22 v 4) In every Godly family unit the relationship is of uppermost importance between them and their maker, also with each other. If there is no communication between husband, wife or children, then no one knows what the other is doing so confusion reigns. To some extent, the same happens in one’s prayer life. If we do not fully accept, pray and take our problems to the Lord, (Proverbs 16 v 3) then He must surely know we are lazy and lack faith in His abilities to help, as we now seem to think so little of Him. He steps out of the situation and He is not really under any obligation to be involved.
This happened so often in the Old Testament. When the people turned away from, ‘Christ of the Cross,’ (His sacrifice was yet to come,) they perished. The Lord has given all a free will, to accept and invite Him into situations or to reject or forget Him in the various situations that come our way as current leaders planning forward, in our aviation fellowships. Even our very thoughts as leaders of a local fellowship, need to be brought prayerfully before Christ for His approval, amendment and change if necessary. Wisdom (Proverbs 8 v 22) was the first thing Christ made. Wisdom is like a servant awaiting our call whose knowledge we can receive by asking for it. Wisdom’s stand is upon seven pillars, seven being the authority of God. We cannot be successful in our fellowships as leaders unless we receive supernatural wisdom for the tasks, which come our way.
It is so important that we have a daily quiet time together with the Lord, not just to speak to Him but to listen to as well. So many thoughts can come to mind, which often are helpful to us. (Proverbs 21 v 1.) Reading one’s Bible from cover to cover, perhaps a few chapters a day also helps one to obtain a better picture of God’s overall plan. Through such readings we are more able to detect our constant sin because the Bible is able to bring to notice our degrees of sin, stage by stage. Through this increasing knowledge we can repent, turn away, then obtain a greater blessing and discover more fully the way the Lord would have us go, often referred to as the straight and narrow road of obedience to eternal life. Christ of the cross, accepts ones sin then covers it so that it is never seen again, it is lost forever. However, it is a two-way transaction, in return, one needs to agree to His terms and accept His righteousness. If we don’t then we are stepping out of the Lord’s blessing and rescue plan.
Breaking of Bread. The communion service is a service of remembrance of Christ and what He did for the individual, also a place for ones private sin assessment and repentance. The bread in the communion service is to remind us of His broken body. It is interesting to note that Christ was born in Bethlehem and Bethlehem’s name once meant, a place where bread is made. Christ refers to His body as being broken for us so when we break and eat the bread it is a reminder that through His dying on the cross, we might receive His spiritual healing on earth (sometimes also bodily healing) and eternal good health in heaven. The fruit juice or wine is to remind us of His blood, which came from wounds on the cross. It is hard to understand but His precious blood is our antidote for sin and as a small amount of oil will calm a rough sea, so a very small drop of Christ’s pure blood cells has the capability in a supernatural way of covering our sin.
Although some churches place great significance upon the nature of the bread and wine we need to consistently remind ourselves that this is a remembrance service and in this simple service of eating bread and the drinking of a fruit juice or wine we do so in remembrance of the sacrifice that Christ made for us. The type of bread we eat or contents of the drink, is not so significant. Due to so many people now dying from alcoholism then it is important that in the communion service we consider using fruit juice or even water rather than alcoholic wine. Regrettably, just one sip of alcohol can lead a reformed alcoholic back to drunkenness and ultimately to an earlier death. So, as leaders we must consider this issue prayerfully.
We should not do anything, which would lead another brother astray. The Lord left the ninety-nine sheep to seek the one lost. This principle should apply in cases where our dogmatic actions might cause someone else to stumble. It is far better to support a brother struggling to walk the righteous path than insist on alcoholic drinks for all, at a communion service of remembrance. Would water or fruit juice matter to the Lord in such circumstances? Both came from His body at the cross and water is the basic substance for such drinks.
Fellowships.One of the highlights for most of us within the aviation professions is the coming together for fellowship. Because we travel throughout the world or work shifts then we do not meet each other very often. When we do, there is a great deal of love and excitement and much to share.
AAACF Leaders must always make sure meetings start on time and finish a little earlier than needed so that those there have time to talk to each other before departing. Time for fellowship is biblical, something we need to consider as of major importance. Unfortunately, some of our lunchtime guest speakers have not understood this requirement. Does it matter? Yes, it can be the most important part of the meeting as some people have problems to share and others need time to pray for them. A lack of time for conversation can cause a person not to attend a particular fellowship again.
Fortunately, in AAACF, there is a great love for one another, often commented upon by guest speakers at Conferences. Love however, can only be truly demonstrated when we are willing to help another person both practically and prayerfully. It is not just simply saying “I’m fond of you, I think you are great” or “I like you, you are a blessing to me.” We are required to do good works acceptable to Christ, to be a blessing and care for each other as servants.
It is important however to be aware that a successful leader needs to seek a healthy relationship and honour his or her parents first. Long life is the promise if we do, and successful leadership normally requires time for growth. If we are parents, then we need to raise our children in the way in which is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ. We lead by example through our manner of fellowship both within the home and in the church. Without it, we become isolated and through separation we become lonely, and a lonely leader is not a successful leader.
Leaders should consider these four biblical requirements at their meetings. 1. Know your scriptures. 2. Feed the people through bible study. Encourage good relationships towards God and the individual. 3. Seek to be obedient to the biblical commandments and hold a communion service from time to time.’ 4. Allow time for friendships to develop at your meetings.
Leaders should also be sympathetic towards young Christians coming out of a sinful world into the family of Christ. It will take time for them to change. Many who have given us a hard time when young and bullish, through patience, have now grown to be people wonderfully used by the Lord. Remember to close meetings before time so that the Christian family have time to talk to each other. Christian leadership is not the same as worldly leadership. We in Christ are never in charge. Christ is the boss and we have orders to obey. Unless we obey, we are preaching a different gospel and leading people towards a different Jesus, the counterfeit Jesus as portrayed by Satan and mentioned as someone to be aware of in the Bible.
Good and Evil. This is very basic yet few Christians realise its significance. Good will always be attacked by evil. If good resists then evil fails but if evil is not resisted immediately, then it will succeed in that particular situation.
Persecution. The early Church were forewarned of future dangers, persecution being one. The best known was the Lord’s warning concerning a future Roman attack upon Jerusalem. This took place about 70 AD. Fortunately, the Christians took notice of what the Lord said and when they saw the invading army gathering together, they escaped from the City before the attack took place. There will however, always be many types of persecution for the Christian as an individual and in a Christian nation so it is important that we learn to defend our Christian heritage and the blessings it brings. Satan’s life span is lengthened, if he is able to delay people from accepting Christ’s rescue plan. Life is never easy for a Christian leader if he or she is an obedient servant of Christ. However, through steadfastness, prayer and hard work there is victory.
Lukewarmness.There is a movement now coming into its own which insists on a tolerant attitude towards the biblical commandments. It’s really seeking an acceptance rather than making a stand against evil. However, any form of tolerance, a lazy easy going attitude, is the thin edge of the wedge. (Proverbs 18 v 9.) No Christian leader can afford to allow such a movement in his fellowship if he or she wishes to please Christ’s Heavenly Father. Such people do not fear the Lord (Proverbs 9 v 10) and claim that as God is love He will not punish those who consider themselves, to be heavenly bound, so as Christians they can do what they like. This is heresy. (Jude 1 v 3 & 4) When Christians became tolerant towards shops opening on a Sunday we lost, in twenty years or so the Sabbath day of rest. Tolerance towards homosexual practise has now opened up such biblical sinful activity that most parents are concerned at the anti Christ influence this is now having upon young people. Tolerance towards abortion has opened a door to what is considered by some, as state approved mass murder. How can the Lord bless such a nation whose leadership approves of such things?
The Lord is not open to tolerance, only obedience to His commandments, our repentance and then His mercy. We must not therefore, accept any form of watering down of Gods commandments at our meetings. If we do then we shall open a door to evil and will have lost the blessings of Christ whom we claim to serve. (Rev. 2 v 20-22) Fortunately Christ is willing to forgive every sin except one, rejection of the Holy Spirit, so for everybody, prayerful forgiveness is always available and waiting at our door.
Falling away from sound teaching. If we, the leaders, do not study the bible daily then we are open to error in the decisions we make. If we do not regularly pray, then our relationship with our Lord will suffer. If we are not prepared to meet Christ’s appointments each day as He brings them our way, then are we good reliable servants, which we are called to be? Of course not. We are now on the slippery slope to lukewarmness and if we continue on that broad road then our names might be removed from the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 3 v 5.)
Did you know, the associated Press Writer George Cornell said, “The giving to religious work was approximately fourteen times the amount spent on professional sport. The attendances in churches and other places of worship were fifty five times greater than the total attendance reported at all the professional sports leagues. Overall, religious services drew about thirteen times more people than sport events yet there are no full time religious reporters on any of the national daily newspapers.
Do you know how the Christian greeting should take place between men and women? A Christian kiss of greeting between male and female is a peck on the cheek only, not on the lips, nor should it be done in private, only in public preferably when husbands and wives and groups of people come together. One must never kiss someone from the opposite sex unless the invitation is there to do so. Anything else can become unholy. (DP.)
“Thank you for Newsline. We were facing a difficult situation and the Lord really spoke to us through it.”
Thanks Pieter and Debbie for hosting yet again the annual Aircrew Barbecue. The food and fellowship were excellent and the outdoor central heating system was unique!
Not having been employed within the aviation professions as aircrew (although many years ago I was occasionally an observer on test flights and did some flying in light aircraft) we entered into the barbecue party in some form of trepidation, anticipating I guess for someone to come up and say “What are you doing here?
We were, greeted warmly. The warmth and love overwhelmed us, I don’t think I have ever been kissed by so many ladies before, or Hazel having received so many hugs and kisses from such handsome men. I suppose, being rather reserved, I find it hard to speak to people I don’t know so I would like to apologise to those I should have spoken to but did not do so. Perhaps, if we meet at the Conference weekend, we shall have more opportunity to say Hi! and get to know each other better. These annual barbecues are becoming a very special part of Christian life within the aviation professions and through Newsline I personally would like to thank Pieter and Debbie for the work input which was required to make such an afternoon and evening so successful.
There is a wonderful text in the Bible well known, I hope to all Christians. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2 v 17)There is no point in saying ‘I love Jesus’ if one is not prepared to work for Him, to be servants for Christ as Pieter and Debbie were to us and so enabled us to meet old friends and new with great food, spiritual and physical. Thank you both. (JB)
Cathy Wallbank sends her love and greetings to those who remember her and also her appreciation for the Newsline which she receives regularly from the office. Cathy was one of the two managers in charge of cabin crew when Pan Am was at London Heathrow and she had the responsibility of comforting the loved ones after the Lockerbie crash. Cathy is now taking a degree course in nursing and has sent a photograph of her son Derek, now 16. For those who remember her and would like to write, her address is: PO Box 565111, Pine Crest, FL 33256/5111, U.S.A.
To Merla Celestine, one of the leaders at LHR, who has now been appointed airport manager in the Caribbean. We are awaiting her new address and more information when she has settled in. All here send their love and prayerful support. We shall miss her at LHR.
To Mike Randall who was baptised on Sunday 16 July 2000.
Congratulations to Mark Hollingdale and Jacqueline Wall married on 10 June 2000 at St. Marks Church. Jacqueline is from Zimbabwe and is the second young Lady from that country, as far as we know, who has recently married a UK pilot. May we wish you both God’s blessing and peace as you adjust to married life and living in Britain.
There have been several marriages in the last few years that we have only discovered through recent requests for name changes on the mailing list. May we offer to you all our congratulations. Some had new arrivals recently, our congratulations to you all as well. May the Lord bless you and help you as you grow in a family unit.
The first, those who use and abuse the word Christian. When the followers of Christ were first called, ‘Christians,’ at Antioch, it was because of their life-style. No matter what the cost, even if it meant losing their lives, they would not worship any god other than the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was their desire to follow the teachings of Christ, whatever the cost.
Many consider ‘multi faith centres,’ buildings where all religions can meet together to worship their gods a good idea, but multi faith is not something new. The Israelites in the Old Testament also became involved in such a movement. It so angered the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ that He caused that great nation to divide into two kingdoms, then to be taken into captivity by other nations. Some historians in their speculations have suggested that Israel, (the ten tribes in the Northern kingdom,) later migrated Northwest into the Northern parts of Europe and the British Isles. The tribes of Judah with Levites and some Benjaminites stayed nearer to Israel for a time and returned when they could but with the instability and dangers experienced they had to settle in other nations as well but were able to keep their national identity and are now collectively referred to as Judah or Jews. After the ending of the 1939-1945 war, the tribe of Judah began to return again to their home land, given to them by the Lord in His promises to Abraham but those who migrated Northwest did not maintain their identity and history refers to them as the lost tribes of Israel. Only a tenth survived. (Isaiah 6 v 13) The God of Israel and of the Christian does not take disobedience to multi faith lightly.
Today we have multi faith centres on the airports, supported by governments, for use by all faiths. However this is not acceptable to theBible based Christian. Regrettably, there does not seem to be anyone in parliament who is prepared to say that biblically, this is an abomination and will bring God’s judgement upon such a nation as it did to the Israelis. Indeed God’s punishment is already at our door. (Deuteronomy Chapter 28) Such major decisions bring satan and his fallen angels, (who Christ made (Colossians 1 v 16) and due to their rebelliousness Christ banished them from heaven (Luke 10 v 18) to be worshipped by men equally in the same building, and on the same level as Christ who created the heavens and earth. One cannot serve or worship in a place where there are two masters in conflict, in this case satan and Christ. To be a Christian is to be a disciple, believing in Jesus and obeying His teachings. Anything else is a counterfeit.
There are now homosexual ministers who refer to themselves as Christian homosexuals, but they are not following the teachings of their master, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom they claim to serve. The Bible states that a practising homosexual’s way of life is an abomination to Christ and His Heavenly Father.They have also stepped outside of the biblical limits for their salvation.
The second group are those who are not enthusiastic Christians. Yes, they go to church regularly. Yes, they do good works but they are not wholehearted to serve. Christ is not their top priority. To some extent, by neglect, they can often be saboteurs in the organisation they claim to be supporting, which is of course, the family of God. (Proverbs 29 v 25)
The third group are people who serve Christ and who are completely dedicated to Him whatever the cost. We know, for example that many became martyrs within our own land when they would not accept the tradition of the Church as it became in conflict with the authority of the bible. The acceptance and obedience to the bible commandments were far more important to them than church tradition or worshiping someone other than the God of Israel.
It’s not easy being a disciple of Christ but, through prayer and Christ’s help, we can do so thus setting an example which, if others follow, would benefit their families, friends and nation. Those of us who are now Christ’s followers were also once in deep sin. How wonderful to be able to repent, turn away and get to know Christ’s love and forgiveness, which is available to all. (SB.)
“Good morning I am the Lord, I shall be with you throughout the day, should you require me, call me, I can help you and I am always available. (Paraphrased)
The beginning of wisdom is to learn to fear and obey the God of heaven and earth. Our destiny is in His hands.
Jesus’ love is a wonderful thing to experience, but perfect love requires perfect discipline from the giver and receiver.
If the head of a pin was raised to the temperature of the centre of the sun then its heat would kill everything on earth within a thousand miles radius.
That the blood cells from Christ’s body on the cross in a supernatural way are sufficient in number to cover every person born on plant earth. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.
During the world flood, the tallest mountain was under at least 22 feet of water.
One may go through the motions of being a Christian but unless Christ’s Spirit flows through one then one is lost.
When the horse is stolen it is too late to lock the barn. (Ecclesiastes 10 v 11)
Don’t fail to correct your children. Punishment will keep them out of hell. (Proverbs 23 v 13 & 14)
That at the tower of Babel, God gave every extended family a language and sent them out to live in their own clans, tribes and eventually nations with their own boundaries.
Upon Christ’s return nations will be re-established.
Often leaders will betray their nation for money. The wrong use of money is the root of all evil.
That the blessings, which Christ gives need to be protected from the world.
There is a pit going down into the earthly fire at the centre of the earth called Hell.
Never worship another god, always turn away from evil and never have an idol in ones home. (Psalms 81 v 9)
“Good evening, I am the Lord who created the heavens and earth. I shall be with you throughout the night. I do not need your help but those you worked with today did. You missed the opportunities that I brought your way. You were so busy, if you had given me just a little of your time I would have done so much to help you. Sleep well I still love you. I am the Lord. (Paraphrased.)
For
details of Heathrow central area evening meetings phone Howard 0181 4012365
Aircrew
meetings please phone Chris Cowell at phone number 01276 470 9474 the office
or Pieter 01344 414514
For
Luton, please phone the AAACF office.
For
Stansted, contact James Anderson tel/fax 01279 871088
For
Manchester, contact Len Jones01618
645248 or D Brooks 01612 829145
AAACF
Office, Camberley, Surrey. An invitation to an open AAACF meetings for
all interested in support of this work, during Friday mornings. This consists
of, Prayer Meeting with discussion Bible study and Fellowship 10.45 to
11.45.
Regrettably
due to company closures, retirements, transfers and redundancies the Aberdeen,
Edinburgh and Glasgow fellowships have closed. We do need to prayerfully
re-establish these fellowships.
Please
pray for the AAACF Chapel room at Sumburgh, often used by the oil workers
many of whom have received Bibles and other Christian literature to read
from there. Also, please pray for the minister looking after this room
on our behalf and all overseas fellowships. Also, please pray for those
who are sick amongst us Grace, Anna, Val, Merla, Bill and others not named.
The conference and future outreach projects, fellowship leaders and the
Christian influence from the local fellowships.
Renat
Sayfulin is a Major in the Russian Air Force. He flies Ilyushin 78s from
an airbase 2 hours drive from St Petersburg.
A
member of the Communist party, Renat found himself increasingly disillusioned
with life and began to drink heavily. There was even a time when he began
to hate his wife and two young children.
As
the effects of ‘perestroika’ and ‘glasnost’ began to be felt he turned
towards the occult for answers to his questions but did not find them.
Then he was baptised into the Orthodox Church but, he said, ‘I saw no change
in my life.’ At that time his wife Svetlana (Sveta) met some members of
the Word of Life Church in Novgorod, and asked her husband if she might
go to church with them. He said no, but to his surprise he found himself
offering their flat as a meeting place for the church when
its members were conducting a mission to his air base later that year.
He
was struck by how friendly and pleasant these people were and went to a
church meeting. However, he did not want to go again, even though Sveta
was now attending the church with his permission. She was also praying
for him and he did agree to go to the Christmas service.
A
video of this service there shows everyone full of joy, except Renat, who
is sitting at the back looking miserable and uncomfortable. At the end,
Pastor Dimitri rose to his feet to invite anyone who did not know the Lord
to come forward and Renat said, ‘Before he had stopped speaking I was on
my feet, running to the front.’ The Lord has freed him from alcoholism,
restored his marriage and given him and Sveta another beautiful child.
All five of them now shine with the presence of the Lord and are growing
in their faith. Renat is the treasurer of his church of over 200 people.
The Sunday I joined the congregation Renat had brought his flight engineer
who is now a young Christian.
Renat
has flown into Pristina more than once to re-supply the Russian contingent
at KFOR. If you are there and Renat is inbound again, you may find yourself
enjoying fellowship with a Russian Major who speaks some English!
Prayer
can bring a loved one into the family of Christ’s love and grace, which
can change the most hardened of hearts and through acceptance of Christ
there comes so many benefits. The Christian outreach is so important to
all those in the aviation professions including those in the Airforce as
many will transfer over to civil aviation and then be able to carry on
with serving Christ in such AAACF ventures as Weston and Fairford outreach
weekends.
(Renat’s
story was written by Mark Hibbert-Hingston after a wonderful afternoon
that the two spent together in Novgorod in May this year.)
The
Lord had other thoughts however. I have never before seen so many mini
miracles take place in such perfect timing. If one ever doubted the Lord
existed then one would have soon found He existed at Weston that weekend.
We
were up at 0420 on Friday and arrived on site at 0715. When starting to
unpack the display boards Hazel said “I could do with a cup of tea.” Just
a few seconds later up came Jill from the catering van across the way and
asked if we would like a cup of tea. After putting up the AAACF display
we sat down for a rest, but after a short time and not having any visitors
we took a few aviation papers and stood outside the tent offering them
to passers by. We never stopped from then on. The first day was the quietest
but we still gave out 750 or so papers between us. James thankfully joined
us that evening and we were so pleased to see him. The Lord seemed to give
us all a supernatural strength that weekend. We had so much to do and achieved
our goals. Praise The Lord for allowing us to be there and to see Him working
with us.
An
overseas contact made at Fairford last year was now at Weston and introduced
us to his crew. We said very little about the Lord, as we did not want
to embarrass him. However, the Lord arranged for one of us take the three
pilots from their hotel to the air show. Words were not wasted and I think
we became friends. Just a few hours before departure our Christian friend
came running back very excited, the rest of the crew (four) had asked for
a bible each. These will be sent in their own language shortly.
Approximately
5000 Christian aviation papers, 750 Crossways, 30 videos, 7 Bibles, plus
a request for five in their own language by one of the crews, and other
literature was given out. Once people knew we were there, we had many visitors
who came to the tent to encourage us and some to be prayed for. The Sunday
Morning Service was well supported (8 traders) even though one of us almost
forgot it! Our thanks to James who joined Hazel and myself on Friday evening,
and to Brenda and John who came down on Saturday, which gave me more time
to talk to some of the crews. A big, ‘Thank you,’ also to those who prayed
for us. But, the biggest thanks of all must go to Jill, her husband Maurice
and team from the cafe van near by which supplied tea and food consistently
for our earthly bodies. May the Lord Bless you all for your very helpful
support. (JB)
He
very quickly grew into Christian maturity but one thing he wanted to do
stayed in his heart. He really wanted to meet that mighty man of God again
and thank him for his message that day. Soon the opportunity came. He found
where he lived and knocked on the door, but much to his surprise this,
what seemed to be a great and mighty man of God, who preached so powerfully
from the pulpit, was now small, humble, almost a pathetic man, who was
old and frail.
He
was shocked and disappointed but thanked him all the same and went away
sad of heart. He had anticipated seeing a well built man with a charming
personality, the man who seemed to preach so powerfully and led him to
Christ. Then, as he thought about it from time to time, he began to realise
it wasn’t the man that he should be looking at but rather the anointing
of God upon the man.
One
of the greatest problems we Christians have when we assess each other is
that we look at the worldly man or woman and quickly see their faults.
The defects we have, we see in others more so, but really, we should be
looking to see if the anointing of God is upon such a person. If it is
then we should honour that person as a man or woman who God has been able
to use for their love, dedication and reliability to Him. Sometimes ministers
serving Christ are often under attack by those who think they can do better,
are jealous, or would jump onto their successful ministry. Moses had the
same problem. God dealt with it. David, before becoming King, would not
go against Saul because he was a man anointed by the Lord in spite of all
his sin. We often forget that those who have a great ministry of blessing
receive it because sometime in their past life Christ had been allowed
to break them as a wide horse is fully broken and is then useful for service.
If we go against such people then in reality we are going against the Lord
who will be on their side.
A
company ferry pilot was delivering a new aircraft from the factory to its
purchaser. It was a night flight over woodland and hills in Canada. During
the flight the single engine failed and the pilot could only attempt to
glide the aircraft down, but in such a terrain he anticipated meeting his
Maker very quickly. He was a Christian and called out to the Lord for help.
Someone he could not see started to tell him what to do. Turn here, turn
there, fly between those two lights, pull up the nose.He
glided down and made a perfect landing on a quiet road. As he slowed down
he saw a motel on his right and ran the aircraft into the car park. Next
morning after a good night’s sleep and thankful prayers to the God who
came to his assistance, he took a few photos just to prove what had taken
place.
At
first it seemed an impossibility because once we have reached the watershed
of death, we are either going to be held in God’s prison for judgement
or find ourselves in David’s valley of peace and rest. (Psalm 23). I then
began to realise slowly, and perhaps prayerfully as one considers such
matters, that the greatest thing we can do for anyone who has died, and
now has the reality of eternal life or eternal imprisonment, is to pray
for their family and friends, those who were dear to them, and ask the
Lord for their salvation.
Now
I am disappointed when flowers are removed from an accident spot. It no
longer jogs my memory to pray for those left behind. I know if I were not
a Christian and my family seemed to be coming after death to the same prison
as myself, then I would want to do something about it. I would like them
to know that Heaven and Hell is real. But of course, we cannot come back
from the dead to forewarn our loved ones. However, we can while alive,
pray for the loved ones left behind after a tragedy, whether it is on the
roads or in the air. Flowers are a good reminder. Near Bristol where a
child died six years or more ago, there are still fresh flowers put on
the embankment nearby and so every time I pass by, I am reminded to pray
for the loved ones left behind and for their salvation. In such small ways
we can be so productive for the Lord.(JB)
This
book reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the
doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.
Its
doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and
its decisions are immutable.Read
it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be Holy.
It
contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer
you.
It
is given you in life, will be opened at the Judgement and be remembered
for ever.
It
involves highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour and condemn
all who trifle with its SACRED contents.
Owned,
it is riches; studied, it is wisdom; trusted, it is salvation; loved, it
is character and obeyed it is prayer.
At
the moment Chris is learning how the AAACF is run and acquainting himself
with such niceties as tax reclaim procedures and the complexities of our
mailing list; with the many entries and changes required. Inevitably, there
are some errors and several duplications. If you receive two (or maybe
even three) of everything, or our mailshots to you go to the wrong address
then do please let us know so that corrective action can be taken as soon
as possible.
For
the computer literate among you we have an e-mail address. It is aaacf@lineone.netSend
us aquick hello so we can make a
note of yours.If you access the
internet there is another site where you can learn about what’s going on
in the AAACF. This is run by Chris Jones, whom many of you know as the
chap behind the camera with those wonderful floodlit umbrellas at our annual
conference and various other events. His address is www.onedirection.comI
hope that in the future we will have our own dedicated site with a link
to the other site mentioned.If
anyone reading this would like to try their hand at designing and setting
up a site for us then do please contact Chris Cowell at the office.
Other
regulars at the office include Henry Shrimpton who as treasurer is responsible
for the day to day running of the accounts and Ann Kingcome who is looking
at ways to keep those of us who are retired informed about what is going
on and compiling items for prayer.
John
has faithfully served the AAACF since its beginnings some 30 years ago
and will shortly be stepping down as General Secretary after 27 years to
enjoy a well deserved retirement with Hazel but he will still remain a
trustee of the AAACF. Many are indebted to their kindness, care and love
as well as to John’s unswerving approach to the running of the AAACF.
Hopefully,
a smooth hand over will take place in November when the trustees will be
making a recommendation to the membership at the AGM that Chris Cowell
be appointed in John’s place.If
you want to be involved in that process then you will need to be at the
AGM which is to be held on Friday 3rd November during the Annual Conference
at the Slavanka Hotel near Christchurch.
Booking
forms have been sent out with this Newsline so complete one today to reserve
your place. Please note that Mark and Lynette Leitch who are co-ordinating
the bookings have recently moved, hence their address appears differently
on this form compared to the earlier issue. Do make sure you have their
new address and telephone number. Mark Leitch, 5 Goughs Lane, Bracknell,
Berkshire, RG12 2JR,
e-mail lynette@manyrooms.freeserve.com
phone 01344 489887
Who
ever lives and pleads for me.
My
name is graven on His hands,
My
name is written on His heart;
I
know that while in heaven He stands
No
tongue can bid me thence depart,
No
tongue can bid me thence depart.
When
Satan tempts me to despair,
And
tells me of the guilt within,
Upward
I look and see Him there
Who
made an end to all my sin.
Because
the sinless Saviour died,
My
sinful soul is counted free;
For
God the Just is satisfied
To
look on Him and pardon me,
To
look on Him and pardon me.
Behold
Him there!the risen Lamb,
My
perfect, spotless righteousness;
The
great unchangeable I AM,
The
King of glory and of grace!
One
with Himself I cannot die,
My
soul is purchased with His blood;
My
life is hid with Christ on high,
With
Christ, my Saviour and my God,
With
Christ, my Saviour and my God.
Charitie l Bancroft1841-1892